University of Basrah

A novel chemical, 5,6-dihydro pyrimidin-2(1H)-thione (compound A), is synthesized and characterized using several analytical techniques including FTIR, ¹H NMR, ¹³CNMR, and mass spectroscopies. The compound’s structure has been determined. The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of the compound are analyzed by subjecting it to visible continuous wave (cw), low power laser beams and observing the effects through the Z-scan and diffraction patterns. The initial approach yielded a nonlinear refractive index (NLRI) of 0.21 × 10⁻⁷ cm²/W, while the following method yielded an NLRI of 3.925 × 10⁻⁷ cm²/W. Each optical switching utilizes two laser beams: one beam controlled at a wavelength of 532 nm and another beam controlling at a wavelength of 473 nm.

In this article, design and nonlinear optical (NLO) response studies of a new synthesized hybrid molecule (HM 6) containing 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole and indole moieties are introduced. The spatial structure of the target hybrid is analytically determined using ¹HNMR, ¹³CNMR, FT-IR, UV–vis., and Mass spectra. Efficiency of the fully optimized geometry of the synthesized HM (6) is elucidated via energy gap (EHOMO-ELUMO), potential ionization, and electron affinity. The small energy gap leads to efficient NLO response. The cooperation of 1, 3, 4-oxadiazol moiety as a good acceptor and indole as a good donor in the HM (6) enhances long π-conjugation system, led to large hyperpolarizability (β = 2.79 × 10⁻²⁸ esu). Density functional theory and TD-DFT-assisted calculations proved high potential intramolecular charge transfer and effective β value verify NLO activities. The NLO activities of the HM (6) are examined under the excitation with 473 nm, single transverse, low power laser beam via diffraction patterns (DPs), and Z-scan techniques. As high as 5.49 × 10⁻¹¹ m²/W of nonlinear refractive index due to the DPs technique has been obtained. Both the nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption coefficient are estimated via the standard Z-scan methods. The all-optical switching, both static and dynamic, prove to occur in the HM (6) using two visible laser beams.

For the purpose of determining the characteristics of the Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside chloride (COGC) dye, both an FT-IR spectrometer and a UV–Visible spect rometer were employed through the process. At a wavelength of 473 nm, a diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser with an adjustable wavelength was used to quantify the thermally induced optical nonlinearity of the dye in a solvent composed of dimethylformamide. For the purpose of measuring the optical response, the Z-scan technique was utilised. The dye showed negative and large nonlinear index of refraction values, with high nonlinear absorption coefficients. The nonlinear index of refraction (${n}_{2}$) and nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) of the COGC/PMMA film were measured to be 110.55 × 10⁷cm²/W and 136.35 × 10–3 cm/W. Thermal lens technique was used to investigate thermo-optical properties and ${n}_{2}$. The optical limiter capabilities of the COGC dye are being investigated as a potential use.

The generalized gradient approximation of density functional theory was employed to evaluate the electrical, magnetic, and optical characteristics of the zinc-blende VTe compound in bulk and monolayer phases. The phonon calculation and the strain results are also investigated in the current study for both bulk and monolayer VTe compound. The electrical measurements revealed that the electric fields have an extensive influence on the monolayer, a remarkable outcome on the size of the energy gap, and there is a significant influence on the maganic properties of the VTe compound. This material also displays half metallicity in the bulk phase, and the lattice constant is found to be 8.54 Å at equilibrium. In the monolayer case, the energy gap is found to be 0.36 eV at the equilibrium lattice constant of 12.1 Å. According to the phonon calculations, this compound is dynamically stable in the two cases (bulk & monolayer VTe compound). The VTe compound maintains the half-metallic property once they convert it to monolyer. The half-metallic property can still be preserved for strong strains. The optical characteristics, along with the remarkable electrical and magnetic properties, enhance the capability of utilizing VTe compound in optoelectronic devices and the upcoming spintronic applications.

Basrah Governorate is one of the economically important governorates in southern Iraq, as it represents the headquarters of international oil companies. However, it is severely polluted, particularly with petroleum chemicals and hydrocarbons. The purpose of this paper was to assess the environmental state of a few selected sites within the Basrah Governorate and to provide a baseline for managing urban soil pollution and reducing potential environmental hazards. The study gathered roadside dust samples from six sites in the Basrah Governorate: Al-Garma, Sa,ad Square, Al-Tanumah, Al-Shuaiba, Al-Faw, and Al-Zubair. Heavy metal concentrations were measured (nickel, lead, cadmium, and chromium) in these soils; the contamination factor (CF) was calculated, and the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) was then computed to evaluate the soil contamination and link the pollution by heavy metals to potential sources. The results indicated that the nickel, lead, cadmium, and chlorine concentrations are higher than the usual limit in Al-Shuaiba area because of its closeness to oil wells and places of extraction. Additionally, it was discovered that Al-Zubair and Al-Shuaiba have significant cadmium pollution using the contamination factor. The results also show that the geoaccumulation index indicates that there has been severe lead, chromium, and nickel accumulation in all studied locations as a result of the area's rapid and uncontrolled urban development.

Ion-imprinted polymers (IIPs) selectively extract target metal ions using ion-matched functional cavities, which can capture the target metal ion among other interfering metal ions with similar physical and chemical properties. This work developed polymers containing memory sites for cadmium ions for extraction from aqueous solutions using ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) technology. The ability of chitosan to bind to target cadmium (II) ions was enhanced by modifying it to carboxymethyl chitosan and using the latter as the polymer matrix, acetic acid solution as the porogen solvent, and glutaraldehyde as the cross-linking agent. The analytical efficiency of IIP adsorption of cadmium ions in aqueous solutions was studied, and the selectivity of the IIP for cadmium ions in a mixture of heavy metal ions was studied. Crosslinking was performed in the presence of cadmium ions for IIPs and in the absence of cadmium ions for non-imprinted polymers (NIPs). IIPs offer advantages such as ease of preparation, consistent hole size, polymer structure stability, environmental stability, and strong presentability. Infrared spectroscopy was utilized to evaluate carboxymethyl chitosan, IIP, and NIP, and X-ray diffraction was employed to investigate the crystalline properties. The polymers were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to characterize the surface properties of the IIP. The effect of time and pH on sample loading was investigated. IIP has excellent loading capacity for cadmium ions and high selectivity for Cd2+ when other competing ions such as Pb2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ are present. Chitosan and NIP were non-selective.

Background Prunus dulcis possesses various beneficial qualities, including liver-protective, cardio metabolic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anxiety-reducing properties. Furthermore, the oil is a fantastic moisturizing cream for hair and skin, to it can help prevent stretch marks and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy damage. These biological applications highlight the importance of developing nanotechnology applications for P. dulcis almond oils. Materials and methods In this study, essential oils derived from the fruit of the almond tree ( P. dulcis ) were employed as reducing agents for producing silver nanofibers (AgNFs). Synthesized AgNFs were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The biological activities of (AgNFs) were examined. Results The current study showed the absorption of synthesized (AgNFs) at 415 nm. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the nanofibers average diameter varied from 200 nm to 10 nm. The biological activities of (AgNFs) were evaluated using minimum inhibitor concentration, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ), and flow cytometry tests. The cell cycle test of (AgNFs) showed it arrested with S-phase of two types of human cancer cells (HepG2 liver cancer cells and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells). Conclusion These antibacterial and anticancer properties of AgNFs highlight the increased medicinal value of essential oils when coupled with AgNFs produced from almond essential oil.

Renewable energy (RE) sources are in high demand due to their eco-friendliness and sustainability. Wind is an alternative energy source that can be captured using a wind turbine (WT). Wind turbines (WTs) are classified into two types: Horizontal axis (HAWT) and Vertical axis (VAWT). Large-scale WTs typically use a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) system as their gearbox system, which is highly efficient. However, it is difficult and expensive. Meanwhile, most small-scale WTs available in the market use a single-speed gearing system, which indicates no gear ratios are altered, thereby decreasing the energy efficiency and causing gear failure. They realise that critical WT components, such as the gearbox parts, require constant monitoring. These components require significant repair and maintenance. A fixed-speed WT generator is directly associated with the electrical grid, and it has various limitations, including its inability to control reactive power or grid voltage. This study proposes an AGS for VAWTs to enhance energy capture. The design of the VAWT gear-and-clutch system was conceived, manufactured, and analysed in this study. The gear-and-clutch system was established with the gear-and-clutch formula. The system was then built in SolidWorks and manufactured using a 3D printer for VAWT. A crucial component in the design of HAWTs is the gearbox system, which serves the essential function of stepping up the low rotational speed of the turbine blades to a higher speed suitable for electricity generation by the generator. The researchers altered the gear ratios, and the number of gears was increased to 2. The gear consists of centrifugal clutch that helps to change the automatic gears. The wind speed (WS) received was initially increased until the VAWT began to spin (20 m/s), then decreased to 0 m/s. The ability of the VAWT to efficiently harvest energy was determined by contrasting the amount of power and voltage that it outputted when it was and was not fitted with an AGS. The results suggest that VAWTs equipped with an AGS and centrifugal clutch are more reliable and efficient. More specifically, the AGS reduced the WS required to make the VAWT spin by 7 m/s (to 13 m/s) and it was able to continue spinning even after the WS decreased. The power and voltage outputs further demonstrated that it could harvest energy with maximal efficiency while losing minimal energy.

Organic dyes, due to their persistence and toxicity, represent a significant environmental challenge. This study focuses on the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes using CuAl2O4 nanoparticles, synthesized through the co-precipitation method, under visible light irradiation. The synthesized nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to determine their chemical, structural, and crystalline properties. The optical properties of the nanoparticles, particularly their ability to absorb light, were also investigated, highlighting their importance in enhancing photocatalytic performance. Methyl Violet dye was selected as a model pollutant to assess the photocatalytic efficiency of these nanoparticles. The results showed that the CuAl2O4 nanoparticles degraded about 72.49% of Methyl Violet in 120 min under UV and visible light, with the high efficiency attributed to the generation of electron-hole pairs and reactive oxygen species, including superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals. These active agents are critical in the degradation process. The findings demonstrate the potential of CuAl2O4 nanoparticles as nontoxic and highly effective photocatalysts for environmental remediation, offering a promising solution for treating wastewater contaminated with hazardous organic dyes. This study enhances the understanding of the photocatalytic behavior of CuAl2O4 nanoparticles and emphasizes their potential in reducing environmental pollution through efficient degradation of harmful compounds.

Background and Aim: Coxiella burnetii is a highly contagious zoonotic bacterial micro-organism. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of C. burnetii in dogs using serological and molecular methods. Furthermore, a sequencing analysis of C. burnetii dog isolates was conducted. Materials and Methods: A total of 172 dogs, including 93 pet dogs, 21 police dogs, 38 guardian dogs, and 20 stray dogs, were selected. Venous blood was drained from the dogs and examined serologically by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and molecularly by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for C. burnetii. A sequencing analysis of C. burnetii dog isolates was conducted. Results: The overall prevalence of C. burnetii was 16.86%, accounting for 55% in stray dogs, 9.68% in pet dogs, 19.05% in police dogs, and 13.16% in guardian dogs. Strong positive sera were observed in stray dogs (4.84 ± 0.29), whereas weak sera were observed in pet dogs (3.22 ± 0.18). PCR analysis revealed 6.4% positive dogs, accounting for 1.08%, 4.76%, 2.63%, and 40% in pet, police, guardian, and stray dogs, respectively. Phylogenetic tree analysis of local C. burnetii isolates revealed a total rate of similarity and mutations/changes between 95.47% and 100% and 0.059%, respectively. Subsequently, the local isolates were significantly similar to Chinese hedgehog, Iraqi camel, and Colombian human C. burnetii National Center for Biotechnology Information-GenBank isolates. Conclusion: This is the first study on prevalence of C. burnetii in dogs in Iraq. To prevent transmission of C. burnetii to humans, the role of dogs or other domestic and wild animals as sources of infection must be investigated extensively. In addition, the prevalence of C. burnetii in other Iraqi regions should be surveyed using the most sensitive and specific diagnostic assays, such as ELISA and PCR. Keywords: canine zoonotic diseases, Coxiellosis, polymerase chain reaction, Q-fever, sequencing analysis.

The objective of this work is to study the intricate dynamics of nonlinear periodic coupled systems, introducing a novel approach based on the proportional fractional generalized derivative. We establish and rigorously derive sufficient conditions for the existence, uniqueness, and stability of solutions for these systems. This ensures the mathematical validity of the systems, making them reliable for simulations, predictions, and control design. This represents a significant advancement in the field of fractional-order systems. Our analysis utilizes the Banach contraction mapping principle and the Leray-Schauder alternative to ensure the well-posedness of the system. We present a detailed mathematical analysis to discuss the stability outcomes, making the results accessible and readily applicable to a wide range of problems. Furthermore, to showcase the versatility and practical implications of our approach, we present a concrete example. This demonstration highlights the novelty and impact of our research, underscoring the power of the Caputo generalized proportional fractional derivative-based periodic coupled system.

Lead is a hazardous heavy metal. It has serious health effects due to its unique physical and chemical properties. Lead poisoning can induce inflammatory signaling pathways and oxidative stress. This course decreases resistance to diseases and infections. This study investigates the risks of occupational exposure to Lead in petroleum industry workers and its effect on the increase of high-sensitivity reactive protein (hs-CRP), which indicates an increased risk of heart disease. The study also investigated the antagonistic relationship between Lead and Selenium, as the latter is an important component of the antioxidant defense system. The study included two groups of males: the first group included ninety individuals working in oil well sites in Basrah, and the second group included ninety individuals who were not exposed. The results indicate high levels of toxic Lead, P ≥ 0.0001, and a significant increase in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), P ≥ 0.0001, in the worker’s serum compared to the control group. In addition, there was a decrease in Selenium levels (P ≥ 0.001) in the worker’s blood compared with the control group. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was measured using a device (Finecare Plus, FS-112/FS-113/FS-205, Wondfo, China). Lead and Selenium levels were determined using an ICP-OES device (HORIBA Scientific, JY2000, France). Explaining the mechanism of lead toxicity

The rapid thermal evaporation method was employed to prepare cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanostructured thin films with varying thicknesses on glass and FTO substrates. The films were characterized for their structural, optical, and electrochemical properties. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed inhomogeneous surfaces with particle sizes ranging from 18 to 46 nm. The photocatalytic performance of the CdSe films was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light, with varying pH values, achieving a degradation efficiency of 100% at pH 10 after 180 min. Photocurrent density measurements demonstrated the films’ ability to sense visible light. We performed a cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurement and analyzed the CV curves of the CdSe nanostructured thin film electrodes. It clearly shows that the CV curves had a rectangular shape, which suggests that EDLC behavior was present and non-faradaic capacitance was the main type. The photoconversion efficiency measured is 1.4858 at a bias voltage of 0.66 V under illuminated conditions. Nonlinear optical properties were conducted for CdSe nanostructured thin films.

First-principles calculations are used within the framework of density functional theory to investigate the electronic, structural, magnetic and optical properties of Potassium Nitride (KN) in the bulk and monolayer states. This compound is dynamically stable according to phonon calculations. The results show that the energy gap decreases from the bulk to the monolayer. The equilibrium lattice constant increases when changing from bulk to monolayer, and the half-metallic (HM) character remains preserved in that case. According to the Slater–Pauling statute (Zt-4), the total magnetic moment equals 2 µB per unit cell. The electric field and biaxial strain affect the monolayer's electronic and magnetic characteristics were investigated. The magnitude of the spin-up channel concerning the energy gap changes under the biaxial strain. In particular, it decreases under tensile strain and increases under compression strain. Given that the values of magnetic moments remain unchanged, the HM property can be preserved for significant strains. When the electric field reaches -0.6 V/nm, the half-metallic property of this compound will be destroyed. It affects the energy gap and eliminates the HM trait since the magnetic moment of the K grew significantly greater than the moment of the N, and the N played a significant role in the realization of the half-metallic characteristic.

A concrete slab is one of the main structural members in buildings, considered the most prominent member consuming concrete. Structural engineers are challenged to work on the new trend introduced using different slabs. One-way ribbed slabs are commonly used in construction due to their efficiency in spanning long distances while maintaining a low overall depth and giving the least possible number of columns. The main limitation of slab design in the construction of a reinforced concrete structure is the span between columns; a greater span between columns necessitates more supported beams or increased slab thickness; these requirements lead to an increase in the structure weight due to other concrete and steel which make the structure more costly. On the other hand, any increase in the structure's self-weight limits the horizontal slab's span, increases the structure's stress, and raises the inertia forces that must be resisted. Lightweight aggregate concrete has been effectively utilized for structural applications for a long time. The density of lightweight concrete (LWC) is sometimes more essential than its strength in structural applications. The dead load is reduced for structural design and foundations when the density is lower for the same strength level. Reinforced concrete ribbed slabs have become increasingly popular in industry construction as an alternative to solid slabs in building structures. The incorporation of steel fibers facilitates flexural softening, which takes longer than sudden brittle failure, indicating its ability to increase energy absorption and improve crack behavior. Designing structures requires materials with higher strength-to-weight ratios. Ribs and LWCs are two leading sustainable assets. The world is moving toward sustainability by reducing the amount of concrete used and the overall weight of the unit. Studies have shown that the drop in compressive strength was about 4.85-65.55%. The structural performance of lightweight fiber-reinforced concrete slabs is influenced by the concrete mix ratio, fiber type and content, reinforcement detail, and rib geometry. The study provides valuable insights into the properties and performance of key effects on the structural behavior of fiber-reinforced LWC-ribbed slabs. It provides recommendations for future research and advancement of sustainable building methods.

This study explores honeybee as a food source through chemical analysis of pupa and adult stages of honeybee drones and workers (Apis mellifera L.). The findings reveal that drones exhibited higher protein and fat content, while workers have the highest carbohydrate levels. Additionally, seventeen amino acids and nine minerals were identified, with drones in the adult stage having elevated levels of fifteen amino acids, notably glutamic acid at 7.97 g/100 g. Moreover, 24 fatty acids were discovered, with oleic acid being most abundant in drones (55.96% in adult, 44.14% in pupa). Furthermore, potassium and sodium were the dominant minerals in both drone and worker samples; however, adult drone had higher concentrations of potassium, iron, copper, and phosphorus than the other samples. Also, nine phenolic compounds were identified, which exhibited the highest concentration in the adult drone sample (20095.72 μg/100 g). Importantly, the adult drone sample demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects on breast and colorectal cancer cells (MCF7 and HCT116), inhibiting them at rates of 98.1% and 81.5%, respectively. These results emphasize the nutritional potential of honeybees (especially adult drones) as a functional food, rich in amino acids, fatty acids and possessing antioxidant and anticancer properties.

Background: Cutaneous warts are epidermal proliferations caused by human papillomavirus. There are a variety of treatment options for warts with different success rates. Intralesional vitamin D3 injection is an innovative treatment option for warts, and several studies have examined its efficacy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the two modalities of vitamin D3 in wart treatment. Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of topical vitamin D3 derivative (calcipotriol) and intralesional vitamin D3 in the treatment of warts. Patients and Methods: This is an open-label, therapeutic, comparative, clinical study involving 56 patients with warts. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups (n = 28). Group A was treated with topical calcipotriol ointment (0.005%) twice daily for a period of 8 weeks, while Group B was treated with intralesional injection of 0.2–0.3 mL of vitamin D3 (300,000 I.U. per ampule) for 4 sessions (2 weeks apart). The patients were followed every 2 weeks during treatment and then 3 months after the last visit. Results: The percentage of patients who showed a complete response in Group A was higher than that of Group B (95% vs. 59%). Furthermore, 9 patients out of 13 (69.2%) who showed a complete response in Group B required a period of 8 weeks, while only 2 patients out of 21 (9.5%) in Group A required the same period. In addition, side effects were more in Group B. Moreover, no recurrence was observed in Group A, while in Group B, it was seen in 2 (11%) patients. Conclusions: Both topical and intralesional vitamin D3 are effective in the treatment of warts, with topical vitamin D3 having better efficacy, faster, less side effects, and less risk of recurrence.

Stone fruits and their processed products are highly valued for their flavor, aroma, rich nutritional contents, and various health benefits. While large quantities of stone fruits are produced globally, significant losses occur due to improper handling and storage from production to consumption. This review focuses on the application of advanced non-thermal treatment techniques for whole fresh stone fruits and their processed products. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the factors contributing to spoilage, along with the mechanisms, applications, and limitations of non-thermal techniques in reducing spoilage. Compared to traditional preservation methods, such as the use of artificial food additives, chemicals, thermal treatments, and low-temperature storage, these novel techniques demonstrate better results in minimizing spoilage. Moreover, non-thermal techniques are most sustainable and eco-friendly, as they reduce energy consumption, minimize chemical use, and generate less waste than traditional methods.