ARO-THE SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF KOYA UNIVERSITY
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High-resolution biostratigraphic zonation across the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) boundary from the Sulaymaniyah area, Kurdistan Region, Northeastern Iraq
Full text linkThe present study interprets the high resolution of the biostratigraphy across the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) boundary from Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, and north-east Iraq, based on planktic foraminifera. The Dartw section was selected for this study, within the High Folded Zone. The biozone contact consists of lithostratigraphic resemblance and is represented by the upper part of the Tanjero Formation (late Maastrichtian) with the overlying Kolosh Formation (Danian). Four late Maastrichtian planktic foraminiferal biozones have been recorded from the Tanjero Formation: Racemiguembelina fructicosa Interval Zone (CF4), Pseudoguembelina hariaensis Concurrent Range Zone (CF3),Pseudoguembelina palpebra Partial Range Zone (CF2), and Plummerita hantkeninoides Total Range Zone (CF1), while three Danian planktic foraminiferal biozones and two subzones have been recorded from the Kolosh Formation: (Guembelitria cretacea (P0) Interval Zone, Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina (Pα) Total Range Zone, and Parasubbotina pseudobulloides (P1) Partial-Range Zone (Globoanomalina archaeocompressa (P1a) Partial Range Subzone, and Subbotina triloculinoides (P1b) Interval Subzone). High biostratigraphic resolution indicates a complete K/Pg transition with no hiatus at the studied section in the Sulaymaniyah area. The ranges of the species recognized in this study are given. Correlations with other sections in Iraq and other parts of the world, including the typeMaastrichtian and Danian areas, are discussed and represented in correlation charts, together with the ranges of the important Upper Maastrichtian and Paleocene species
Assessing E-Government Effectiveness: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Full text linkIn this study, we address the pressing need to improve e-government services by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of document management practices within the Ministry of Higher Education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Employing structural equation modeling and regression modeling techniques, we assess the effectiveness of key variables using the six factors (digitalization, utility, reliability, efficiency, user satisfaction, and accessibility) under the e-government assessment model. Our findings reveal that user satisfaction and ease of access are pivotal for the success of e-government services, with digitization and efficiency significantly impacting operational effectiveness. Furthermore, it also concerns that without improving the overall user satisfaction, the level of acceptance and use of e-government remains low. High user satisfaction can make a lot of difference in overall engagement besides improving service delivery among organizations. Through insights specific to the Kurdistan Region, we underscore the importance of balancing technical infrastructure with user experience. Our proposed six-factor model offers valuable guidance for policymakers and practitioners globally, aiming to enhance e-government services
Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem-Solving Using Apiary Organizational-Based Optimization Algorithm
Full text linkFlexible job shop scheduling problem (FJSSP) is a complex and challenging problem that plays a crucial role in industrial and manufacturing production. FJSSP is an expansion of the standard job shop scheduling problem (JSSP). One of FJSSP’s objectives that the manufacturing system competing for is minimizing the makespan. This paper uses a new nature-inspired metaheuristic optimization algorithm called the Apiary Organizational-Based Optimization algorithm (AOOA) to solve the FJSSP. This Algorithm simulates the organizational behavior of honeybees inside the apiary and translates their activities and vital processes during their lifecycle into phases that can solve such NP-hard problems. Two benchmark datasets, Brandimarte and Hurink, with 10 MK instances and 24 (edata, rdata, and vdata) instances respectively, were used to demonstrate the ability of AOOA to solve FJSSP. Moreover, the results of AOOA were compared with a set of state-of-the-art algorithms and statistically measured using the paired samples t-test and p-value, RPD, and group-based superiority statistical analysis to test its performance. AOOA outperformed Elitism GA, Enhanced GA, Improved GA, and MOGWO in solving all 10 MK instances and HICSA in solving 9 MK instances out of 10. Moreover, AOOA overcame CS, CS-BNG, CS-ILF, CHA, and MCA in solving 24, 12, 12, 23, and 24 instances of edata, rdata, and vdata, respectively. AOOA proved its robustness, showing promising outcomes
Microstrip Passive Components for Energy Harvesting and 5G Applications: A Comprehensive Review
Full text linkThis review paper provides a comprehensive overview of microstrip passive components for energy harvesting and 5G applications. The paper covers the structure, fabrication and performance of various microstrip passive components such as filters, couplers, diplexers and triplexers. The size and performance of several 5G and energy harvester microstrip passive devices are compared and discussed. The review highlights the importance of these components in enabling efficient energy harvesting and high-speed communication in 5G networks. Additionally, the paper discusses the latest advancements in microstrip technology and identifies key research challenges and future directions in this field. Overall, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers working on microstrip passive components for energy harvesting and 5G applications
Fungal Population Analysis of Hydrocarbons Contaminated Soil: Samples from Taq-taq Oil Field in Koya City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Full text linkPetroleum is often regarded as one of the environmental hazards that pose the greatest threat to human health. After radiation, petroleum and all of its byproducts and wastes are considered to have the second-worst effect on the environment. Demonstrating fungal microbiomes that flourish on soil heavily polluted by petroleum and moderately contaminated soil samples, comparing them with uncontaminated soil samples from Taq-taq (TTOPCO) through metagenomic analysis through sequencing of the 18S-V4 region. Metagenomic analysis is conducted using high-throughput sequencing technology, targeting 18 subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid amplicons through the Illumina-HiSeq platform. In general, an increase in fungal community richness and diversity is reported in soil contaminated with petroleum. This is determined by counting the number of operational taxonomic units, performing principal coordinate analysis, and calculating α (Chao1 and Shannon indices) and ß diversity. The composition of microbial communities is significantly altered by crude oil exposure. At the phylum level, there are considerable transitions between groups B and C for Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, Olpidiomycota, Zoopagomycota, Cryptomycota, and Mucoromycota. In examining Group D relative to Group C, there are significant differences in Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, Olpidiomycota, and Cryptomycota. This study is an important first step in determining and understanding the fungal population of soil extensively contaminated with crude oils of the Taq-taq/Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Helicobacter pylori Infection Associated with Type 2 Diabetes: A Case–Control Study
Full text linkHelicobacter pylori (Hp) is a spiral Gram-negative bacterium that causes gastritis and peptic ulcers. It has been identified as a risk factor for gastric cancer and has become a significant global health burden. This is further complicated by being associated with increasing the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The study aimed to evaluate the possible associations between Hp infection and T2D, as well as its impact on glycated hemoglobin. A 1:1 matching case–control study is conducted on 548 individuals with T2D as cases and 548 controls, and a 14C-urea breath test is used to determine the presence of Hp infection. All diabetic subjects are tested for glycated hemoglobin, and binary logistic regression analysis is used to evaluate the associations between Hp infection and T2D. The prevalence of Hp infection is higher among cases (58.94%) than control subjects (38.69%) (p < 0.001). A significant association is observed between Hp infection and T2D according to logistic regression analysis (OR = 2.275; 95% CI: 1.786-2.898; p < 0.001), and there is a significant association (p = 0.022) between glycated hemoglobin levels and Hp infection. Individuals infected with Hp had a higher-level glycated hemoglobin (7.84 ± 1.797) than Hp-negative individuals (p < 0.001). Hp infection is associated with elevated glycated hemoglobin levels. Type 2 diabetes is considered a risk factor for developing Hp infection
A Novel Digital Audio Encryption Algorithm Using Three Hyperchaotic Rabinovich System Generators
Full text linkImproved speech encryption is needed for digital voice communications. Data security requires advanced encryption against cyberattacks. Traditional encryption may not be able to handle advanced threats or large datasets. This study uses chaotic system features to create a secure and adaptive digital audio encryption algorithm and enhances public audio encryption. Three hyperchaotic systems allow digital audio signal randomized encryption. The first system generates chaotic random integer numbers as keys, the second selects non-sequential indices to increase unpredictability, and the third randomly samples the digital audio signal and encrypts it through XOR operations with a selected key, making it harder for intruders to learn the encryption pattern. The proposed system uses Diffie-Hellman key exchange for key agreement. We have tested and proven the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The encrypted audio signals, achieving a Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) of around −20 dB, exhibit high distortion, spectral complexity, very low correlation (round to zero), high entropy, and minimal time delay compared to other articles, making them resistant to decryption attempts by attackers. The system has a large key space of 1345 bits, and its randomized nature and extensive key space protect sensitive audio data in public communication channels, even with minor changes to hyper-chaos generators. The proposed algorithm represents a significant advancement in the field of digital audio encryption. The researchers have utilized chaotic systems to create a strong and flexible encryption system. This algorithm is suitable for military and medical communications that require a high level of audio data security
The Most Common Characteristics of Fragile Video Watermarking: A Review
Full text linkThe progress of network and multimedia technologies has been phenomenal during the previous two decades. Unauthorized users will be able to copy, retransmit, modify reproduction, and upload the contents more easily as a result of this innovation. Malicious attackers are quite concerned about the development and widespread use of digital video. Digital watermarking technology gives solutions to the aforementioned problems. Watermarking methods can alleviate these issues by embedding a secret watermark in the original host data, allowing the genuine user or file owner to identify any manipulation. In this study, lots of papers have been analyzed and studied carefully, in the period 2011–2022. The historical basis of the subject should not be forgotten so studying old research will give a clear idea of the topic. To aid future researchers in this subject, we give a review of fragile watermarking approaches and some related papers presented in recent years. This paper presents a comparison of many relevant works in this field based on some of the outcomes and improvements gained in these studies, which focuses on the common characteristics that increase the effect of watermarking techniques such as invisibility, tamper detection, recovery, and security
 
The Overshot Gate as a Flow-Measuring Device
Full text linkThe overshot gate is a commonly used adjustable overflow weir for regulating the upstream water level in open channels. The amount of gate movement is proportional to the water level change. However, to effectively manage the water flow, it is also important for operators to accurately measure the flow rate in the channel. This study examines an overshot gate installed at the end of a laboratory flume to estimate the flow rate under various free flow conditions. This study investigates different gate angles ranging from 9.6° to 90° to evaluate their impact on the flow properties and the discharge coefficient. The analysis of the results indicates that the maximum flow rate values can be achieved with gate inclinations from 15.5° to 47.2° with relatively lower head; the inclined alignment of the gate decreases the effective gate height which consequently increases the gate efficiency. The use of the overshot gate is advantageous over the normal gate when channel depth is limited and higher discharge is required at relatively lower head. In this study, at the highest gate inclinations, the water surface is significantly stable having the lowest values of the approach Froude number. In addition, the head to gate height ratio decreases with raising the gate due to the reduced vertical contraction of the channel. Finally, this paper proposes an empirical equation for estimating the discharge coefficient based on the gate inclination, which demonstrates good accuracy in the specified range
Investigating and Studying the Modifications of Nano and Micro-sized Amorphous Materials Under the Influence of a High Energy Radiation
No full textThis research explored the behavior of glass when bombarded by high-energy radiation, especially electron beams inside transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Six types of glasses are investigated under e-beam. The work is conducted using three types of TEMs of energies of 120, 200, and 300 keV. The findings show that these microscopies have a significant impact on the glass, as various observations were documented. Using a wide electron beam, morphology changes combined with bubble formation are observed in the glass. These changes are rounding and smoothening of glass edges and surfaces. In addition, the findings show that there is no material loss due to irradiation as confirmed by the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results also show that high silica glass is very sensitive, while high boron glass is found to be less sensitive to irradiation. Using a smaller size electron beam, on the other hand, resulted in the fabrication of a nanoring/nanocrater in glass. The possible applications of this research can be in the protection and packaging of three-dimensional electronic equipment and nanoscale pattern formation through roughening of the external glass contour through phase separation and the opposite through local changing of a part of the glass through the pseudo-melting and the stability of loaded and un-loaded glasses to the irradiation. Furthermore, by generating a nanoring or a nanocrater through e-beam, the lithography process is successfully performed, as the effect of the electron beam is solely at the irradiation region, while the regions outside the e-beam remain unaffecte