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Personalized Few-Shot Federated Meta-Learning with Transfer Knowledge for Zero-Day Attack Detection in Resource-Constrained Wireless Sensor Security Under 6G THz Networks
Full text linkWireless sensor networks of IoT have very relevant security threats regarding zero-day attacks, new attacks, and no training patterns, which put conventional detection to the test. Not only does this pose a challenge to detection since there are few labeled samples once the zero-day attacks are detected (5–20), but also limited power and processing resources, in addition to privacy matters in decentralized settings. We present a state-of-the-art solution based on personalized federated meta-learning and few-shot learning. Our solutions combine federated learning (FL) for privacy-preserving decentralized training, model-agnostic meta-learning (MAML) for few-shot learning adaptation, and transfer learning (TL) for prior exposure to the attacks. We implement a lightweight model (12.79 KB) with a personalized layer, meaning that while the model is trained globally during federated training, each sensor node can also adapt to its specific local network features. We validate our solution on CICIDS2017, which includes four completely unknown zero-day attack types: Bot, DoS Slowloris, Heartbleed, and DoS GoldenEye. We achieve 64.04% accuracy and 77.93% F1-Score in the 20-shot scenario, 467% greater than the baseline (11.29% accuracy) while achieving 100% precision and size of the model (25–66 times smaller than the rest). Our results prove that the combination of FL, MAML, and TL is an effective solution for few-shot detection of zero-day attacks in real IoT networks, where conventional solutions cannot operate with such extreme limitations
Design and Implementation of a Hash-based Post-Quantum Digital Signature Scheme for Lightweight Applications
Full text linkThe rapid advancement of quantum computing poses a serious threat to classical digital signature algorithms such as RSA and ECDSA, which rely on mathematical problems vulnerable to quantum attacks. Hash-based digital signatures offer a strong post-quantum alternative due to their reliance on cryptographic hash functions and their resistance to both classical and quantum adversaries. This study evaluates the feasibility of hash-based signatures in lightweight and resource-constrained environments by implementing three representative schemes: Lamport One-Time Signatures (OTS), Winternitz One-Time Signatures (WOTS), and Merkle-WOTS. The analysis focuses on key performance factors relevant to constrained devices, including key size, signature size, signing time, and verification speed. Experimental results show that while Lamport OTS provides conceptual simplicity and WOTS offers improved efficiency, the Merkle-WOTS scheme delivers the most practical balance. It supports multiple signatures under a compact public key while maintaining moderate signature sizes and competitive performance. These findings indicate that Merkle-WOTS is a strong candidate for post-quantum authentication in IoT and other lightweight embedded systems
Harp Seal Optimization Algorithm Based on a Novel Selection–Combination Technique
Full text linkMetaheuristics are widely used to address optimization problems, but their efficacy varies considerably across different problem instances. This performance variability stems mainly from poor balance between exploration and exploitation. To address this limitation, this paper introduces the Harp seal (HaS) optimizer, inspired by the natural behaviors of HaSs. HaS consists of three procedures: novel selection-combination, migration, and pupping. The proposed work aims to efficiently solve a wider range of complex optimization problems. To validate the effectiveness of HaS, it was tested on 19 classical benchmarks, 10 CEC-2019 benchmarks, and a real-world application. The achieved results compared to well-known algorithms, including the genetic algorithm, multi-verse optimizer, and learner performance-based behavior. HaS outperformed or equaled other algorithms in 14 out of 19 classical benchmarks and 6 out of 10 CEC-2019 functions. It has shown robust capability across unimodal, multimodal, and composite benchmarks. The results demonstrate the proposed algorithm’s capacity for both exploration and exploitation. Moreover, the good trade-off between exploration and exploitation enhances the ability of the algorithm in optimizing large-scale optimization problems. Furthermore, statistical analysis verified the significance of the observed improvements. Overall, HaS offers robust and superior results that have outperformed existing state-of-the-art algorithms
Artificial Intelligence and Remote Sensing for Desertification in Iraq: Overcoming Traditional Monitoring Constraints
Full text linkDesertification is one of the most pressing environmental threats and socioeconomic issues facing Iraq, both as a result of aggravated weather and climatic conditions due to climate change and urban sprawl and as a consequence of unsustainable land use. Conventional methods of monitoring – like ground surveys and visual interpretation of satellite images – are costly and time-consuming and may not be able to monitor large-scale changes on a real-time basis. To overcome these limitations, this article 1 investigates the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), including its integration with remote sensing, in improving the detection, assessment, and prediction of land degradation. Exploiting data-driven models, AI enables rapid and reliable diagnoses toward better land management, in line with essential Sustainable Development Goals, such as food security, climate action, and biodiversity conservation. Major challenges hindering the application process in Iraq were also reported in this paper, including poor data infrastructure, lack of policy integration, and institution capacity. Finally, it suggests research directions to reinforce the AI monitoring system, to provide support for a more efficient response to desertification and sustainable development
Effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Educational Program on Ulcerative Colitis Patients' Knowledge and their lifestyle
Full text linkABSTRACT
Background
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects patients physically, psychologically, and socially. Nurse-led education has the potential to strengthen patient knowledge, encourage healthier behaviors, and support better disease management
Objective
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational program on knowledge, lifestyle modification, and self- management in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Methods
A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 152 patients selected from 300 outpatients attending the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani City between August 2024 and August 2025. Participants were allocated into an intervention group (n = 76) and a control group (n = 76). The intervention group received an 8–12-week nurse-led program focusing on lifestyle modification, diet, physical activity, symptom management, and medication adherence, while the control group received standard care. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 24.
Results
Participants had a mean age of 41.1 years, with most residing in urban or suburban areas. After minor withdrawals, each group included 75 participants. The intervention group’s mean knowledge score increased markedly from 17.53 to 87.41. Before the program, most participants had poor lifestyle practices; after the intervention, 78.7% reached a fair level and 20% achieved a good level, compared with 89.3% of the control group remaining poor (p = 0.000).
Conclusion
The nurse-led educational program substantially improved patient knowledge and lifestyle behaviors, highlighting its value as part of routine care
Ameliorative effect of Salicylic Acid on the Growth of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Seedling under Cadmium Stress
Full text linkWorldwide, Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is regarded as the most widely farmed vegetable. In Iraq, sewage water is used to irrigate lettuce that leading to health risks for consumers, particularly due to heavy metal contaminants, such as cadmium. This study was conducted as a factorial experiment in Taq-Taq city, Erbil, Iraq during the winter season 2021 to investigate the effects of soaking lettuce seeds in cadmium (Cd) (0, 10, 20, or 30mM) and salicylic acid (SA) (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8mM) on the germination and some seedling growth properties of this plant. Results show that soaking the seeds in distilled water led to a decrease in the percent of seeds germination compared to that soaked in Cd solutions, while exist of SA at moderate concentrations increase the germination percent. Most of the seedling growth characteristics exhibited a considerable increase with soaking seeds in Cd solution. SA in high concentration reduced significantly seeds germination and most of the seedling shoot and root characteristics, except the root length, which grew significantly. Most of the responses of Cd and SA were non-significant regarding chlorophyll a, b, and total carotenoids. This study concluded that soaking lettuce seeds in Cd up to 30mM and SA up to 4mM act as a stimulate hermetic effects on germination and subsequence growth of lettuce seedling, these findings confirm the increase growth and yield of lettuce irrigated by wastewater (including Cd) in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan region in spite of the increased health risks
Bioactive Potential of Nigella sativa (Black Seed): Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Activities Across Extraction Methods
No full textNigella sativa L. (black seed) is among the most commonly used medicinal plants and is well-known for its high content of bioactive ingredients and its various pharmacological activities. This work explores the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer properties of Nigella sativa seed extracts from various extraction methods: water (hydrodistillation and decoction), ethanolic and methanolic extractions, and cold press oil. The methanol FT ex-tracts had the highest TPC (2.93 mg GAE/g) and TFC (1.89 mg QE/g), and this was associated with the highest protective antioxidant efficacy in the FRAP, ABTS and DPPH tests. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the extracts were evaluated with clinically significant bacterial and fungal strains. Methanol and ethanol extracts showed the most inhibitory activity with 17 mm of inhibitory zone and water and oil extracts showed the low-er inhibitory activity. Cytotoxicity on PC-3 prostate cancer cells in vitro was also assessed by means of the MTT assay. The data obtained exhibited a significant concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability, where the methanol extract showed the greatest antiproliferative effects, reaching a percentage decrease in growth of 48.49% at the highest tested concentration. These results indicate that the choice of solvents has a substantial effect on the extraction yield and bioactivities of Nigella sativa. The better activities of methanol and ethanol extracts demonstrate the potential of them as a natural source for the development of antioxidants, antimicrobials, and anticancer that can be employed in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and therapeutic products.
KEY WORDS: Nigella sativa, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, anti-cancer potential and extraction methods
Small Dam Design and Construction for Sustainable Water Resources Management: A Comprehensive Review
Full text linkSmall dams are crucial in water resource management, particularly in regions with water scarcity and climate unpredictability. Despite their cost-effectiveness, the construction of small dams often lacks engineering standards, which raises concerns about their long-term stability and safety. This study reviews the design, construction, stability, and protection of small dams, emphasizing the importance of proper site selection, geological and hydrological studies, and advanced methodologies, such as Geographic Information Systems and multi-criteria decision-making approaches in dam evaluation. Furthermore, the study highlights the significance of detailed planning, material selection, and quality construction to ensure dam longevity. It also discusses the role of modern tools, such as HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, and GeoStudio in assessing flood risks, seepage, and stability. Inadequate design, particularly in the face of extreme weather events, can lead to dam failures, emphasizing the need for comprehensive planning and rigorous assessments. Through an analysis of various studies and case examples, this paper aims to provide insights into sustainable small dam construction and water resources management practices that ensure their effectiveness and resilience in addressing water scarcity challenges
Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge and Competence in Managing Preeclampsia at Maternity Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani city
Full text linkBackground: Preeclampsia is one of the most commonly reported complications during pregnancy, affecting approximately 2–15% of all pregnancies. It is characterized by the onset of hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation, accompanied by proteinuria, generalized edema, or evidence of organ dysfunction. This condition poses a serious threat to both maternal and fetal health, significantly increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “the number of pregnant women with high blood pressure has been increasing, with cases doubling from 1.8% in 2008 to 3.7% in 2021” reported in the United States. Risk factors for preeclampsia included race, advanced maternal age, obesity, null parity, multifetal pregnancy, and co-existing medical disorders. Managing preeclampsia is important because it can lead to complications for both the mother and baby. Aim: This study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge and competence in managing preeclampsia at the Maternity Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani City. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Maternity Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani city, Iraq, from January 5, 2024, to June 13, 2024. The study included 25 nurses working in the emergency care unit and labor room of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. A questionnaire format was created according to the aim of the study and delivered by a team of five experts, consisting of two parts. Part one: The sociodemographic characteristics of the nurses, and the second part assessed their knowledge and practices regarding the management of preeclampsia data were collected through a structured face-to-face questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24. Results: The majority of nurses were over 35 years old, with a mean age of 36 (standard deviation = 12.86). In terms of education, most nurses held a diploma (48%), and 64% were married. Around 56% of nurses reported participating in workshops or programs related to preeclampsia in the obstetrics field. When asked to define eclampsia, 80% of the nurses answered correctly, and the same percentage correctly identified the best anticonvulsant for managing preeclampsia. Overall, the nurses demonstrated a fair level of knowledge in managing preeclampsia. No significant association was found between age and knowledge level, suggesting age did not influence knowledge or competency in managing preeclampsia. Conclusion and Recommendations: Based on the study’s findings, the nurses demonstrated a fair level of knowledge in managing preeclampsia, especially in treatment and prevention. To improve patient care and reduce maternal and fetal risks, addressing the gaps in nurses’ knowledge through regular training courses and educational programs is essential. These efforts will enhance their qualifications and ensure better care for women with preeclampsia
Demographic and Clinical Profile of Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy in the Teaching Hospital for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Sulaymaniyah City, Kurdistan/Iraq: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study on Diagnostic Yield and Histopathological Findings (2022–2024)
No full textColonoscopy serves as the primary diagnostic modality, screening, and therapeutic instrument for a wide range of pathologies of the rectum, colon, and terminal ileum. The aim of this study is to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and histological parameters of the records of patients who underwent colonoscopy at the Teaching Hospital for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Sulaymaniyah City. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study that included the hospital records of all the patients who had undergone colonoscopy from 2022 to 2024 in the Teaching Hospital for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Sulaymaniyah City. The study involved 933 patients, with a mean age of 46.6 years. The diagnostic yield of colonoscopy was 62.43%, with colorectal polyps being seen 17.04% of the time and ulcer lesions being inconclusive 5.03% of the time. Internal hemorrhoids were 11.78%. The odds ratio for colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) was 9.86 for ages >50 years and 0.14 for females. Age ≥50 years was associated with a higher chance of adenocarcinoma compared to those <50 years, but the confidence interval is wide owing to limited adenocarcinoma incidence (n = 27). The study shows colonoscopy is most used for gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel habits, and chronic abdominal pain, with underutilization in developed countries and lower patient age in Kurdish-inhabited area