Ethnobotanical Analysis of Cultivated and Indigenous Plants in Duhok Province in Iraq

The present study was conducted in the province of Duhok (Northern Iraq) between 2011-2012. The study attempted to determine the use of certain indigenous and cultivated plants in Duhok province in alternative medicine and place of these plants in systematics. Thus, 49 taxa in 27 genera and 46 species were identified. Two taxa belonged to Coniferophyta, one belonged to Pteridophyta and 46 belonged to Magnoliophyta dividions. It was determined that the family with the most numerous taxa in the region was Rosaceae with 5 taxa, followed by the Fabaceae and Lamiaceae family with 4 taxa and Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae and Poaceae family with 3 taxa each. Certain ethnobotanical features of the identified taxa, such as systematics, habitats, flowering times, local names and alternative uses in medicine were presented

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanol extract of Helianthemum salicifolium (Cistaceae)

Plants have been used by humans to treat diseases. Different plant species have been very successful in treating different diseases. Helianthemum salicifolium (L.) Mill. was used as a material in our study. The plant was extracted with ethanol (EtOH) in a Soxhlet apparatus. Then, the antioxidant (TAS) and oxidant status (TOS) of the plant extract were determined using Rel Assay kits. Their antimicrobial activities were tested against standard bacteria and fungus strains by the agar dilution method. As a result of the analysis, the TAS value of plant extract was determined as 9.490±0.195, TOS value as 14.839±0.253, and OSI value as 0.157±0.005. In this context, it was seen that the plant has important antioxidant potential. In addition, the plant extract was found to be effective against test microorganisms at 25-100 μg/mL extract concentrations. Also, the extract was found to be more effective against fungus strains (C. albicans, C. Glabrata, and C. krusei). As a result, it was determined that H. salicifolium could be a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial source

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanol extract of Helianthemum salicifolium (Cistaceae)

459-462Plants have been used by humans to treat diseases. Different plant species have been very successful in treating different diseases. Helianthemum salicifolium (L.) Mill. was used as a material in our study. The plant was extracted with ethanol (EtOH) in a Soxhlet apparatus. Then, the antioxidant (TAS) and oxidant status (TOS) of the plant extract were determined using Rel Assay kits. Their antimicrobial activities were tested against standard bacteria and fungus strains by the agar dilution method. As a result of the analysis, the TAS value of plant extract was determined as 9.490±0.195, TOS value as 14.839±0.253, and OSI value as 0.157±0.005. In this context, it was seen that the plant has important antioxidant potential. In addition, the plant extract was found to be effective against test microorganisms at 25-100 μg/mL extract concentrations. Also, the extract was found to be more effective against fungus strains (C. albicans, C. Glabrata, and C.krusei). As a result, it was determined that H. salicifolium could be a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial source

Analyses of training needs to improve job performance using model borich need assessment with theory of self-efficacy

This purpose of the study is to identify the training needs of Iraqi agricultural extension workers in three (3) provinces. The study includes a conceptual framework, analytical framework, description of the study area, sources and procedures for data collection. The statistical tools used for analyzing the data collected are descriptive analysis, ANOVA one way, T-test and Chi-square, correlation analysis, Multiple Linear Regressions and also used model Borich needs assessment for measurement training needs. The objective of the study is to examine the relationship between the Method Article Saleh et al.; ARJA, 3(3): xxx-xxx, 2017; Article no.ARJA.30708 2 training needs of respondents in agricultural extension work and social demographic factors. This study revealed a significant relationship between training needs and provinces (P-value = 0.029), marital status (P-value = 0.007), number of training courses attended (P-value = 0.149), location of work (P-value = 0.007), training (X2 P-value = 0.043) and experience. Conversely, the relationship between training needs and specialization, age, gender, education level, origin, background of the family and experience in farming were found to be insignificant. T-test and Chi-Square statistical analyses were used to analyze the relationship between training needs and gender, experience in farming, family background, origin, and training courses attended. ANOVA analysis was used to analyze the relationship between training needs and provinces, specialization, work location and marital status. In addition, correlation analysis was also used to determine the relationship between training needs and age, experience in agricultural extension, education level and a number of training courses attended

Training needs of agricultural extension agents using Borich needs assessment model

The objective of this study is to examine the training needs of agricultural extension workers in various provinces of Iraq. Validate them and develop a method of identification of training needs for agricultural extension agents. The data collected were analyzed by determination of the mean of the responses from the respondents and one-way of Variance (ANOVA). Using Borich need Assessment model for training needs, the questionnaire survey was adopted for a population of 300 professionals in clients, consultants, and contracting organizations. The majority of respondents were in all kinds of training needs were above the value of 3 meaning that all of them were strongly needed, the highest needed training was on the name of method with mean value 3.74, the moderate needed training was on use computer and ICT with mean = 3.26 and the lowest needed training was on the management with mean =3.15. The study revealed that the majority of respondents in the first categories in the age from 31 to 40 years 37.32%, experience from one to five years 40.94%, the number of training courses from 1 to 5 courses 39.86%, for the education level had a bachelor degree 71.74%, origin from the urban 80.80%, and attended training 81.16%, marital status 73.19%, the gender a male 63.77%, and specialization from agriculture department 71.38%. The results shows significant relationship with provinces, marital status, location of work, training, and the number of training courses. The Extension Agents agreed that they needed training in studies areas of their agriculture

Methods of financing waqf development in Singapore = أساليب تمويل تطوير األوقاف في سنغافورة

The Waqf sector in the Muslim world suffers in general from a state of negligence, and a lack of tactics and strategies in taking advantage of it, which results from cumulative and overlapping factors. This phenomenon invites for an investigation of successful Waqf experiences around the world, of which Singapore is the pioneer in it. The Waqf experience in Singapore is considered one of the most successful experiments at the Muslim world level, both in terms of the organization, and the investment. The sector has witnessed a remarkable development as effective modern methods and techniques were discovered. The study aims to reveal the reality of this experience, which includes the following Waqf funds: funds for mosques, funds for the handicapped, Quran memorization, as well as education, scientific research, innovation and others. However, the monetary Waqf has gained popularity in the sector, unlike the Waqf of immovable assets. Muslims in Singapore have realized the importance of the monetary Waqf and its role in collecting social savings, converting them into social capital, and developing the social capital market; to stimulate the merging between social security and social care, and to achieve the legitimate objectives of the Waqf and public interests. The Waqf administration in Singapore has used Sukuk to develop some of its endowments (Waqfs), therefore, the study will address how the Waqf in Singapore has benefited from this method in financing the development of endowments in both the construction project of a building on Beach Road 11, and a project to raise $ 35 million for the project to develop Waqf assets on Street Bencoolen. The researcher has employed both a case study as well as a descriptive analytical approach

COVID-19 Vaccination Among Diverse Population Groups in the Northern Governorates of Iraq

Objectives: The present study was carried out to investigate COVID-19 vaccination coverage among populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and host communities in northern Iraq and the related underlying factors.Methods: Through a cross-sectional study conducted in five governorates in April–May 2022, 4,564 individuals were surveyed. Data were collected through an adapted questionnaire designed to gather data on participants.Results: 4,564 subjects were included (59.55% were 19–45 years old; 54.51% male). 50.48% of the participants (51.49% of host communities, 48.83% of IDPs, and 45.87% of refugees) had been vaccinated with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. 40.84% of participants (42.28% of host communities, 35.75% of IDPs, and 36.14% of refugees) had been vaccinated by two doses, and 1.56% (1.65% of host communities, 0.93% of IDPs, and 1.46% of refugees) were vaccinated with three doses.Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors including age, gender, education, occupation, and nationality could affect vaccination coverage. Moreover, higher acceptance rate of vaccination is associated with belief in vaccine safety and effectiveness and trust in the ability of the vaccine to prevent complications

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Background: Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. // Methods: We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung's disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. // Findings: We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung's disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middle-income countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in low-income countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. // Interpretation: Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030