Developing three-dimensional groundwater flow modeling for the Erbil Basin using Groundwater Modeling System (GMS)

This study presents the development of a comprehensive three-dimensional groundwater flow model for the Erbil Basin utilizing the Groundwater Modeling System(GMS).The Erbil Basin,situated in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq,is a vital water resource area facing increasing water demands and environ-mental challenges.The three-dimensional nature of the groundwater flow system is crucial for accurately understanding and managing water resources in the basin.The modeling process involved data collection,geological and hydrogeological characterization,conceptual model development,and numerical simulation using GMS software MODFLOW 2000 package.Various parameters such as hydraulic conductivity,recharge rates,and boundary conditions were integrated into the model to represent the complex hydrogeo-logical conditions of the basin.Model calibration was performed by comparing simulated groundwater levels with observed data from monitoring wells across the basin,using the automatic calibration method of automated Parameter Estimation(PEST).Pilot points were applied to adjust the hydraulic conductivity in the model area spatially.Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the influence of key parameters on model predictions and to identify areas of uncertainty.The developed three-dimensional groundwater flow model provides valuable insights into the dynamics of groundwater flow,recharge-discharge mechanisms,and potential impacts of future scenarios such as climate change and water resource management strategies.It serves as a useful tool for decision-makers,water resource managers,and researchers to evaluate differ-ent management scenarios and formulate sustainable groundwater management policies for the Erbil Basin.In conclusion,this study demonstrates the effectiveness of using GMS for developing three-dimensional groundwater flow models in complex hydrogeological settings like the Erbil Basin,contributing to improved understanding and management of groundwater resources in the region.

Groundwater vulnerability assessment using a GIS-based DRASTIC method in the Erbil Dumpsite area (Kani Qirzhala), Central Erbil Basin, North Iraq

Groundwater vulnerability assessment is a crucial step in the efficient management of groundwater resources,especially in areas with intensive anthropogenic activities and groundwater pollution.In the present study,the DRASTIC method was applied using Geographic Information System(GIS)to delineate groundwater vulnerability zones in the Erbil Dumpsite area,Central Erbil Basin,North Iraq.Results showed that the area was classified into four vulnerability classes:Very low(16.97%),low(27.67%),moderate(36.55%)and high(18.81%).The southern,south-eastern and northern parts of the study area exhibited the highest vulnerability potential,while the central-northern,northern and north-western regions displayed the lowest vulnerability potential.Moreover,results of the single-parameter sensitivity analysis indicated that amongst the seven DRASTIC parameters,the unsaturated zone and the aquifer media were the most influencing parameters.In conclustion,the correlation of 25 nitrate concentration values with the final vulnerability map,assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient,yielded a satisfactory result of R=0.72.

Flood Hazards in Erbil City Kurdistan Region Iraq, 2021: A Case Study

Erbil city is constructed in a flat plain with moderate gradient increasing northwards, the plain is dissected by tens of ephemeral wadis. The maximum elevation in the high lands NE of Erbil city is 1062 m (a.s.l.), whereas the elevation of the center of Erbil city is 420 m (a.s.l.). The average gradient from the highest part to the center of the city is 2.15%, increasing towards northeast to reach 4.79%. The mean annual rainfall is 365 mm, while the average monthly rainfall is about 24.42 mm. The site of the city is mainly covered by alluvial fan sediments. Towards northeast, however, the exposures of the Bia Hassan Formation, which consists of alternation of conglomerate and claystone cover considerable areas (82 km2) and form the high lands NE of Erbil city. The exposed rocks are thick claystone alternating with coarse conglomerate. Two very heavy torrential rain events have caused flash floods in Erbil city on 30th October and 17th December 2021. The rainfall intensities were 52 mm/day and 60 mm/day, respectively, causing destructive floods. The most affected areas were Zirin (north of Erbil) and Dara Too (northeast of Erbil), respectively, with very heavy property damages and tens of fatalities. The main reasons for the floods were the partially constructed embankments of the 150 m ring-road, and the urban development within large and wide drainage basins. Different climate data were used for the purpose of this article, with field checks.

Radon Dosimetry in Erbil City Hospitals

The aim of the study was to compare radon concentrations and effective dose equivalent in state hospitals inside the Erbil city having different periods of building. Effective doses were estimated in different floors of the five selected hospitals by using the （CR-39） solid state nuclear track detectors with the guide of 1CRP Publication 66. The hanged dosimeters were left for about 60 days and after etching the radon concentration, annual effective dose and effective dose equivalents were calculated. Annual effective doses were estimated as 〈 1 mSv, so the results reveal the present concentrations to be below the standard values in the studied hospitals. Therefore, no healthy risks concerning the radon activities are existing in the hospital staff and patients in these hospitals.

Performance assessment of buildings via post-occupancy evaluation： A case study of the building of the architecture and software engineering departments in Salahaddin University-Erbil, Iraq

Buildings are established to meet the needs and desires of users. The purpose of a building is defeated if its users are not satisfied by the overall buildingl performance. This study determines whether the users of the building of the architectural and software engineering departments at Salahaddin University-Erbil are satisfied with overall performance attributes. Assessment using users as a benchmark shows that the potentiat for improving the performance of a building is tremendous. This paper develops a post-occupancy evaluation （POE） framework that integrates building performance attributes for university buildings and facilities in the Iraqi Kurdistan region based on users＇ satisfaction. The objectives were to identify the concept of POE in relation to building performance, to determine the performance level of an existing building, and to determine correlation between building performance and users＇ satisfaction level. Results showed that 88% of building performance attributes is highly correlated with users＇ satisfaction. The compelling correlational results confirmed the relevance of POE as a building performance tool. The thrust of the findings indicates that the indicators and variables used in assessing the level of building performance are significant in determining levels of users＇ satisfaction in university buildings and facilities.

Can politically oriented interventions in built heritage contribute to its authenticity?Erbil Citadel's Babylonian Gate as a case study

Today,the concept of built heritage authenticity is a projection screen for conficting demands and thus a'contested field'.Short-sighted readings started to drag the concept behind different il-considered treatises,in which some heritage aspects loosely outweighed other aspects.Archaeological perspectives that tend to freeze heritage structures in time,such as those that are privileged upon other contemporary socio-cultural issues,while political takes also overshadowed other epistemological prospects,and vice versa.Repercussions have made inclusion of what is regarded as inevitable changes'within the built context problematic as to the re-interpretation and thus assessment of its authenticity.Despite their possible momentary threat to the latter,these changes may add to the cultural value of the context over time,granting new potential that may instead boost its authenticity.This paper investigates the potential continuity of Erbil Citadel's Babylonian Gate as an inevitable change within the site's built context by studying the Gate's controversial political impacts on the context's authenticity.This study affirms that authenticity is a transcendental value of an open-ended progressive nature,which cannot be reduced to a specific period or properties within the historical chronology of built heritage.Hence,authenticity should be approached as a meaningful existential issue,while revelation of its essence and thus its dimension entails precise scrutiny of both the tangibles and intangibles of the context.However,to be part of its authenticity,any change in the context should be adaptable and possibly incorporated as a new value within its cultural strata,thus enabling progressive support for site authenticity.

Impact of primary percutaneous coronary intervention on ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients:A comprehensive analysis

BACKGROUND Myocardial infarction,particularly ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI),is a key global mortality cause.Our study investigated predictors of mortality in 96 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention at Erbil Cardiac Center.Multiple factors were identified influencing in-hospital mortality.Significantly,time from symptom onset to hospital arrival emerged as a decisive factor.Consequently,our study hypothesis is:"Reducing time from symptom onset to hospital arrival significantly improves STEMI prognosis."AIM To determine the key factors influencing mortality rates in STEMI patients.METHODS We studied 96 consecutive STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI)at the Erbil Cardiac Center.Their clinical histories were compiled,and coronary evaluations were performed via angiography on admission.Data included comorbid conditions,onset of cardiogenic shock,complications during PPCI,and more.Post-discharge,one-month follow-up assessments were completed.Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.RESULTS Our results unearthed several significant findings.The in-hospital and 30-d mortality rates among the 96 STEMI patients were 11.2%and 2.3%respectively.On the investigation of independent predictors of in-hospital mortality,we identified atypical presentation,onset of cardiogenic shock,presence of chronic kidney disease,Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grades 0/1/2,triple vessel disease,ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation,coronary dissection,and the no-reflow phenomenon.Specifically,the recorded average time from symptom onset to hospital arrival amongst patients who did not survive was significantly longer(6.92±3.86 h)compared to those who survived(3.61±1.67 h),P<0.001.These findings underscore the critical role of timely intervention in improving the survival outcomes of STEMI patients.CONCLUSION Our results affirm that early hospital arrival after symptom onset significantly improves survival rates in STEMI patients,highlighting the critical need for prompt intervention.

Lyme Disease in Iraq： First Detection of IgM Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in Human Sera

The sera of 180 human samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi using the ELISA （enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay） technique. Out of 180 sero-samples, 46 （25.55%） were positive. Females of the age range 18-35 years had the highest rate of sero-positive samples 14 （38.88%）, while the highest percentage of sero-negative samples was found in males of the age range 50-80 years. The other sero-positive samples were： 6 （26.08%）, 6 （25%） and 3 （11.53%） in males of ages between 18-35, 35-50 and 50-80 years, respectively, and 11 （29.72%） and 6 （17.64%） in females in the age ranges 35-50 and 50-80 years, respectively. The mean concentration of Anti- B. burgdorferi antibody was higher （16.7 U/mL） when compared with mean concentration of normal value （5.5 U/mL）, P 〈 0.001.

Repercussions of Singularity of Site Authorities in Making Heritage Conservation Decisions:Evidence from Iraq

Different global assertions have recently been made prohibiting the mono approach of decision-makers in formulating heritage conservation policies,due to many unfavourable touristic and political implications.The mono approach has led to exploitation of some sites’cultural standing as well as condoning a veritable remedy of some of their social and urban aspects,and thus threatening these sites with exclusion from the World Heritage List.This paper investigates the approach of some local Iraqi experiences of conservation,aiming at revealing some of the more painful repercussions of the singularity of site authorities in planning for built heritage future,which may draw a plan for the site away from its heritage potential.Some local cases are reviewed here,such as Erbil Citadel,setting them as examples that may add more facts to the global experience of heritage conservation in this regard.The paper concludes that the site authorities are also liable to drift as a result of some ramifications that impede setting a deep-sighted strategy,and thus may stray far from delivering the far-reaching aims.Accordingly,the monaural authority approach may need to be synthesised with some of the site’s locally-based views through an overlapped integral loop of interactions between them,which may support the conservation policy-formulation with diverse contributions.