This study investigates the levels of gaseous and particulate pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, CO, and CO₂) emitted during charcoal-grilling activities in five selected restaurants in the Al-Karkh district of Baghdad, with a focus on their environmental and health implications. Developing countries, including Iraq, face severe pollution-related challenges exacerbated by inefficient combustion processes inherent to traditional cooking practices. Restaurants that rely on charcoal grilling are a significant source of both indoor and outdoor air pollution, posing acute and chronic health risks to workers and patrons. This research documented measured amounts of pollutants released from burning coal using two types of particulate matter (PM2.5; PM10) by checking each sample for the amount present during specific times (both day and night) over nine workdays in December 2024. Data indicate that very often, PM2.5 and PM10 measurements are substantially greater than the 24-hour guideline values set by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) -- especially on evening peak hours, with maximums of 211 µg/m³ and 212.8 µg/m³, respectively. Carbon dioxide levels were found to be well over 900 parts per million (ppm) at most of the sites checked, indicating very poor air quality from insufficient ventilation, and carbon monoxide (CO) levels were consistently over 35 ppm and as high as 83.0 ppm at night - which can lead to headaches, dizziness, problems with thinking/working, and if exposed to this for an extended time, heart disease. Temperature and relative humidity were both found to be in a thermally good zone; however, relative humidity was found to be 60 percent or more, which adds to increased health problems associated with the pollutants from burning coal, due to a much higher risk of growth of microorganisms. The researchers believe that there is a critical need to put in place effective pollution control measures; that high-efficiency exhaust systems need to be put in place; and there should be a collaborative effort by governmental bodies and restaurant owners to develop strong, enforceable policies for regulating emissions from burning coal and protecting public health in the food-service sector of Baghdad.
Asthma is one of the most common chronic, non-communicable diseases affecting children worldwide. The estimated prevalence of pediatric asthma in Iraq is 15.8%. Physiologic, inflammatory and structural factors contribute to the development of asthma. Assessment and monitoring of asthma control can be done by a validated children asthma control test (CACT). Management of asthma must address three components which are an appropriate management plan, the most appropriate medication if necessary, and the use of safe and effective medication. The management plan should consider patient counseling and education about the definition of asthma, signs, and symptoms, the pathophysiology of asthma, common triggers for asthma and how can avoid them,
... Show MoreThe effects of nutrients and physical conditions on phytase production were investigated with a recently isolated strain of Aspergillus tubingensis SKA under solid state fermentation on wheat bran. The nutrient factors investigated included carbon source, nitrogen source, phosphate source and concentration, metal ions (salts) and the physical parameters investigated included inoculum size, pH, temperature and fermentation duration. Our investigations revealed that optimal productivity of phytase was achieved using wheat bran supplemented with: 1.5% glucose. 0.5% (NH4)2SO4, 0.1% sodium phytate. Additionally, optimal physical conditions were 1 × 105 spore/g substrate, initial pH of 5.0, temperature of fermentation 30˚C and fermentation dura
... Show MoreBackground: Suppression of quorum sensing (QS) that regulates many virulence factors, including antimicrobial resistance, in bacteria may subject the pathogenic microbes to the harmful consequences of the antibiotics, increasing their susceptibility to such drugs. Aim: The current study aimed to make an aqueous crude extract from the soil Proteus mirabilis isolate with the use of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique for its analysis, and then, study the impact of the extract on clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: Preparation of crude extracts from P. mirabilis (both organic and aqueous), which were then analyzed by GC-MS to detect the bioactive ingredients. Furthermore, the extract’s capability to i
... Show MoreAbstract The current research aims to identify the most prominent beliefs about coronavirus of Baghdad University students, as well as to identify the prominent beliefs toward coronavirus of male and female students. To achieve the research objectives, a questionnaire of (15) items was administered to a sample of (600) male and female students collected from ten different colleges at the university of Baghdad. The findings of the research illustrated that item (8) took priority as students believe there is a misleading about coronavirus spreading by governments, item (2) which indicated that coronavirus is man-made took level two, followed by item (10), it proposes that coronavirus emerged from the American military base in china. Additiona
... Show MoreThe banking sector is currently facing great challenges resulting from intense competition in the financial environment, and this is what makes the supreme audit bodies and the Central Bank audit as the highest supervisory authority on banks in order to achieve profit and not be exposed to loss, and this requires identifying the banking strengths and risks that constitute points Weakness that affects the future performance and the life of the bank, which requires special supervisory care, and from this point of view, the research aims to use the CAMELS model as a control tool in banks, through the use of its six indicators: capital adequacy, asset quality, management quality, profits, liquidity And sensitivity to market risks, th
... Show MoreObjectives: This study aims to assess and compare the micro-shear bond strength (μSBS) of a novel resin-modified glass-ionomer luting cement functionalized with a methacrylate co-monomer containing a phosphoric acid group, 30 wt% 2-(methacryloxy) ethyl phosphate (2-MEP), with different substrates (dentin, enamel, zirconia, and base metal alloy). This assessment is conducted in comparison with conventional resin-modified glass ionomer cement and self-adhesive resin cement. Materials and methods: In this in vitro study, ninety-six specimens were prepared and categorized into four groups: enamel (A), dentin (B), zirconia (C), and base metal alloys (D). Enamel (E) and dentin (D) specimens were obtained from 30 human maxillary first premolars e
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