OJS University of Karbala
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Determinants of Lending Behavior: Empirical Evidence from Iraqi Private Banks
This explanation investigates the determinants of lending behavior of 18 commercial banks listed in the Iraq Stock Exchange between a period of 2014-2023. The research’s goal is to identify the most important things that affect how banks perform, the choices of banks to lend loans and examining how different factors affect the way banks give out loans in an economy that’s affected by war, violence or political conflict. The researchers are using statistical methods or way to measure the relationship between two variables and simple regression techniques to look into the relationship between lending behavior (measured in loans and advances) and three key determinants carefully and in detail. The three ley determinants are: liquidity ratio, bank size and deposit ratio. The detailed examination is based on well-known and trusted theories that are already accepted, including credit market theory, loan pricing theory and money creation theory.
The findings reveal that while all independent variables result in research that are reliable and not random variation using statistical tests with the relationships with lending behavior, the connection is relatively weak with the model explaining only 3% of difference in lending pattern. Reverse to theoretical expectations, liquidity ratio shows a bad connection with loans and advances, while deposits ratio shows positive a linkage with loan activity. The study says that classical determinants of loan activity may not fully explain Iraqi banking industry behavior, mainly because of the unstable of the political situation and economy. The research delivers key insights into banking behavior in emerging economies under external pressure and suggests that unique regional problems require more detailed approaches to banking analysis and regulation
Impact of Employee Training and Development on the Quality Management System: A Case Study of Dukan Oil Refinery in Iraqi Kurdistan
The purpose of this study is to understand the role and impact of employee training and skills development processes on quality management systems. The study was conducted on the Dukan oil refinery in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The descriptive analysis method was used to analyze and critique the data and describe the relationship of variables. Questionnaire forms were used to collect data which consisted of 112 forms. The study population consisted of 80 employees of Dukan oil refinery, who responded to the forms with a completed form. SPSS 26 statistics was used for data analysis and results. The results include having a direct and significant correlation between employee training and development and quality management systems. The variable relationships of employee training and development also had a positive impact on the quality management system. Finally, several important recommendations are presented to solve some of the management problems, especially the implementation of research findings in the Kurdistan Region. For the first time, these two variables are combined in a study at the Dukan oil refinery in the Kurdistan Region
Determination of Behavioral Pain Responses During Invasive Nursing Interventions in Unconscious Patients
Background: Pain assessment is the first and the most important step in nursing management and has a direct effect on patient’s outcomes. Unconscious patients are often unable to communicate, which make difficulties in pain assessment and management. This study aims to investigate the effect of selected invasive nursing interventions on behavioral pain responses in unconscious patients. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out from 26th September 2024, to 28th May 2025, in the intensive care units at Imam Al-Hussein Medical City and Imam Al-Hassan Al-Mujtaba Teaching Hospital in Holy Kerbala City. A purposive sample consist of 80 unconscious intubated critically ill patients .The data were analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package of Social Sciences Version 26.
Results: The results revealed sever to moderate degree of pain during procedures, mainly endotracheal suctioning (the mean BPS score: 8.7 ± 1.7), with more than one-half (52.5%) of patients suffering from moderate pain and 37.5% from severe pain.
Conclusion: During their stay in the intensive care unit, the unconscious patients on mechanical ventilation were silently experiencing a comparatively high amount of discomfort (p-value= 0.000) during all three procedures
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Gestational Hypertension Among Pregnant Women in Iraq
Background: Gestational hypertension is one of the most prevalent pregnancy-related complications and poses significant risks to maternal and fatal health. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of gestational hypertension in Iraqi pregnant women and to examine potential risk factors for its occurrence.
Materials and Methods: This case-control research comprised 200 pregnant women in total (114 with normal blood pressure and 86 with gestational hypertension). During their prenatal clinic appointments, eligible participants were recruited using a non-random (convenience) sampling technique. Blood pressure and BMI were evaluated, and a systematic questionnaire was used to gather medical and personal information. With a significance level of p < 0.05, descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, the t-test, and binary logistic regression were used in the analysis of the data using SPSS.
Results: Gestational hypertension was identified in 43% of the study population, which is a relatively high rate that highlights the critical importance of treating this illness in basic healthcare programs. Significant correlations between prenatal hypertension and a number of characteristics, such as maternal age, gestational age, BMI, parity, and a family history of hypertension, were found by statistical analysis. However, there was no significant correlation found between the condition and characteristics like educational attainment, history of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, area of living (rural versus urban), or usage of hormonal contraceptives.
Conclusion: The results imply that obesity are important modifiable factors that contribute to the development of gestational hypertension. Thus, the study highlights the importance of prompt treatment interventions, frequent medical follow-up, and health education as effective preventive measures, especially for high-risk women. The study suggests that in order to improve generalizability and gain a deeper understanding of the factors impacting this condition in pregnant women, larger, more representative samples from different parts of Iraq should be used in future research
Rabies virus : A Comprehensive Review of its History, Epidemiology, Physiopathology, Clinical Manifestations, and Prevention Strategies: Rabies virus : A Comprehensive Review of its History, Epidemiology, Physiopathology, Clinical Manifestations, and Prevention Strategies
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system of both humans and animals. The causative agent belongs to the family of Rhabdoviridae and is most commonly transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, such as dogs, cats, foxes, and bats, via bites or scratches. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare but may occur under specific circumstances. The disease manifests in two clinical forms: the furious form, characterized by aggression, excessive salivation, and hydrophobia, and the dumb [paralytic] form, where paralysis gradually develops. Transmission occurs primarily through bites or open wounds exposed to infected saliva and, less commonly, via contact with mucous membranes during handling of infected animals. Diagnosis in advanced stages relies on clinical signs, but definitive confirmation is achieved through post-mortem examination of brain tissue. Laboratory testing can also be performed on saliva or other tissue samples. Currently, there is no effective treatment once clinical symptoms appear, making prevention through vaccination the most effective strategy. Mass vaccination campaigns for animals are crucial in controlling rabies, particularly in rural areas, alongside public education programs to raise awareness about the risks of contact with potentially infected animals. The purpose of studying rabies in humans and animals is to emphasize the importance of understanding its transmission, pathogenesis, and preventive measures, given that rabies remains a fatal viral disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans
Correlation Between Serum Uric Acid, Vitamin D and HbA1c and the Occurrence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a global hormonal disorder affect a considerable number of women annually. It is marked by hyperandrogenemia, which is an increase in the production of testosterone in the ovaries, and insulin resistance.
Objectives: The study aimed to determine the interaction between blood level of uric acid, vitamin D, and HbA1C in individuals with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Materials and Methods: The study utilized patient data from a medical center in Karbala. The data (levels of uric acid, vitamin D, and HbA1C) were collected from medical records for 30 randomly selected female patients diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome. These patients\u27 ages ranged from 18 to 42 years. The data were collected and analyzed statistically by using GRAPH PAD PRISM software.
Results: findings of this study indicate that women diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome had elevated levels of uric acid in their bloodstream (SUA) in comparison to women who do not have polycystic ovary syndrome. The incidence of hyperuricemia in female diagnosed with (PCOS) was significantly high (P value 0.01) compared to normal range. Vitamin D was also significantly more than normal (p value 0.01) while HbA1C was not significantly difference (p value 0.054)
Conclusion: Our findings indicate that women diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome exhibit elevated amounts of vitamin D in their bloodstream, even in patient with normal or overweight. Elevated testosterone levels could potentially enhance vitamin D storage. The findings demonstrated slight non-significant rise in HbA1c levels in relation to body mass index. The findings revealed an increase in uric acid levels in relation to body mass index
Enhancing the Solubility of Class II Drug Via Nanosuspension: A Review
Poor aqueous solubility remains a significant challenge in drug development, particularly for biopharmaceutics classification system, a promising approach to enhance solubility and dissolution by reducing particle size and increasing surface area. This review explores the formulation and evaluation of nanosuspensions as an effective strategy to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Various techniques, including top-down and bottom-up methods, contribute to nanosuspension preparation, with high- pressure homogenization and media milling being the most widely used. Selection of stabilizers plays a crucial role in preventing aggregation and ensuring long-term stability. Characterization parameters such as particle size, zeta potential, drug content, and in vitro dissolution provide critical insights in to nanosuspension performance. Recent advancements in nanosuspension technology enable enhanced therapeutic efficacy, reduced dosing frequency, and improved patient compliance. Applications extend to oral, parenteral, and ophthalmic drug delivery, offering versatility in pharmaceutical formulations. Challenges related to physical stability, scalability, and regulatory considerations require further investigation to facilitate commercialization. Future research focuses on optimizing formulation techniques, exploring novel stabilizers, and integrating advanced analytical tools for better characterization. Nanosuspensions continue to demonstrate potential in overcoming solubility limitations and enhancing drug absorption, making them a valuable approach in pharmaceutical development
Frequency of Relapse in Nephrotic Syndrome Children Treated with Prednisolone
Background: Relapsing-remitting idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is a childhood disorder that presents with a 20-30% lifetime occurrence rate of a single episode, while the remaining individuals experience relapses.
Objective: Investigate the correlation between demographic and biochemical factors and the occurrence of relapses in children who are responsive to prednisolone.
Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted at the Kerbala Teaching Hospital for Children in Iraq, spanning from August 1st to November 2023. There was a correlation between relapse and factors such as gender, age, albumin serum level, total cholesterol level and proteinuria.
Results: Out of the 80 children diagnosed with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome, 15 (18.8%) didn\u27t experience any relapses, 44 (55%) had infrequent relapses and 21 (26.2%) had frequent relapses. The patients\u27 ages ranged from one to sixteen years. The male population accounted for 54% of the total, and the female population accounted for 26%. There were no significant differences in age, gender and blood cholesterol levels between the different groups (p values 0.224, 0.488 & 0.319, respectively). A strong positive relationship was found between low levels of serum albumin, proteinuria and recurring relapses (with p-values of 0.016 and 0.042, respectively).
Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between relapses and reduced levels of serum albumin and proteinuria
Assessment of Some Biochemical Parameters, Neutrophil Gelatinase Lipocalin, And Kidney Injury Molecule-1 in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), often referred to as diabetic nephropathy (DN), is a microvascular complication of diabetes that may progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), a condition associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The principal etiological factors contributing to the development of DKD include glomerulocapillary angiopathy and prolonged duration of diabetes, both of which are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) as early biochemical markers of DKD by determining their sensitivity and specificity in Iraqi patients with T2DM.
This cross-sectional study included 170 participants divided into three groups: Group I consisted of 50 healthy control subjects with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m²; Group II included 60 patients with T2DM and chronic kidney disease (CKD); and Group III comprised 60 patients with T2DM without CKD. All participants underwent fasting blood sampling for the assessment of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum electrolytes, NGAL, and KIM-1.
The results demonstrated that patients with DKD had significantly elevated levels of urea, creatinine, HbA1c, and FBS, along with highly significant alterations in serum electrolytes, particularly calcium and phosphorus. Serum levels of NGAL and KIM-1 were significantly higher in the DKD group, with a strong positive correlation observed between the two biomarkers. Serum NGAL and KIM-1 levels increased progressively from the control group (168.68 ± 3.63 ng/mL; 79.39 ± 3.06 pg/mL) to diabetic patients without CKD (352.52 ± 6.56 ng/mL; 104.47 ± 1.88 pg/mL), and were highest in diabetic patients with CKD (935.50 ± 36.51 ng/mL; 309.15 ± 12.97 pg/mL). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a cutoff value of >421.76 ng/mL for NGAL and >134.91 pg/mL for KIM-1.
Conclusion: Serum NGAL and KIM-1 levels, in combination with eGFR and other renal function parameters indicative of declining kidney function, may be considered reliable early biomarkers for the detection of diabetic kidney disease
The Association of Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance in Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from Otitis Media in Najaf Governorate
Background: antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear and the tympanic membrane that often ensues upper respiratory tract infection it is causes a spectrum of diseases If inadequately treated, it results in numerous severe problems. The aim of the study was to Assess biofilm formation using the microtiter plate method and establish presence. ica operon genes that encoded of biofilm production in some strains of Staphylococcus aureus and the correlation between biofilm formation and antibiotics resistance.Patients and methods: Out of 130 otitis media isolates, we get 40 isolates of staphylococcus aureus and identified by using conventional technique then, confirming by Vitek 2compact system technique. then performed an antibiotic susceptibility test by using the automated identification usingVITEK2® compact system [BioMérieux, France], Following that, we used the microtiter plate method [MTP] to demonstrate the isolates\u27 capacity to formation of biofilm. Following that, we carried out an identified to ica operons [A,B,C and D that encoding biofilm formation by using polymer chain reaction [PCR].Results: after analysis of results all isolates resistance to beta lactam at varying resistance to another antibiotics and as a following: fusidic acid [80%], tobramycin [62.5%], tetracycline [45%], erythromycin [42.5%],gentamycin [42.5%], clindamycin [37.5%] and Rifampicin [35%] respectively .while all of isolates able to formation of biofilm and difference rates as a following [27.5% ]as a strong isolates and [72 .5% ] as a moderate isolates respectively, The molecular analysis of the ica operon found that ica A was detected in 6[15%] isolates, ica B in 3 [7.5%] isolates, and ica D in 19 isolates [47.5%]. Furthermore, 6 isolates [15%] harbored and 2 [5%] isolates ica A and ica Band D, respectively. All isolate of S.aureus which taken from otitis media patients by physicians of Ear, Nose and Tonsillitis.Conclusion: All isolates appearance high resistance to antibiotic that consider at serious health problem to individuals and populations, The findings indicated a correlation between treatment resistance and the existence of biofilm, It lowers the rate of healing or response to treatment and makes treatment more challenging and The low level of ica operon [A,B,C and D] in current study and non-correlation of biofilm formation but, entrance to detect typing of biofilm