Background: Birth defects are the leading cause of both neonatal and post-neonatal deaths, as an estimated 240,000 neonates die in their first month of life worldwide each year. In Iraq, local studies have shown varying frequencies and types of congenital anomalies. Objectives: To provide new insight into the incidence and types of congenital anomalies and to explore their possible risk factors in Baghdad City. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, a total of 2007 neonates were enrolled from six hospitals in Baghdad during the period extending between September and December 2020. Hospital records and personal interviews were used for data collection. These data included the neonates' demographic and clinical characteristics, maternal, pregnancy, and immediate postnatal conditions. Description of the defects in those with birth defects was recorded from hospital records and as described by the parents. Statistical analysis was performed as required. Results: There were 64 (3.2%) neonates with birth defects, i.e., an incidence of 32/1000 total births (28/1000 live births); of them, 38 (59.4%) were males, 8 (12.5%) were stillborn, 43 (66.2%) were born with a cesarean section, the majority (87.5%) had maternal age between 20 and 40 years, and 35 (54.6%) had a low birth weight and were statistically significant. In addition, reduced fetal movement, prematurity, and not receiving tonics during pregnancy were also statistically significant. Among the 64 births with congenital anomalies, multiple congenital anomalies were the most common defects [26 (40.6%)]. An isolated defect was detected in 38 (57.8%) of them. The predominant system involved was the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) [12 (18.8%)] cases, followed by the central nervous system (CNS) with 11 (17.2%) cases, and the musculoskeletal system (MS) with 6 (9.4%) cases. Conclusion: The incidence of birth defects in Baghdad is close to global figures at 28/1000 live births with multiple congenital anomalies, gastro-intestinal, central nervous, and musculoskeletal systems defects being the most frequent, while cardiovascular, genitourinary, and skin defects being the least frequent. Possible risk factors included maternal age, drug intake, and not receiving tonics during pregnancy.
A monthly correlation between urban vegetation growth and potential evapotranspiration (PET) is needed for better knowledge of controlling water resources and organized irrigation processes. This study aims to explore their relationship within an urban area like Baghdad, using a linear regression model to derive a best-fit line drawn in a scatterplot on a monthly time scale. Based on two different monthly data sources: weather variables (e.g., air temperature, solar radiation, and relative humidity) and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery of 2 years, 2018 and 2021, this study presented the interannual variations of PET and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The choice of these ye
This study delves into the realm of advanced cooling techniques by examining the performance of a two-stage parallel flow indirect evaporative cooling system enhanced with aspen pads in the challenging climate of Baghdad. The objective was to achieve average air dry bulb temperatures (43 oC) below the ambient wet bulb temperatures (24.95 oC) with an average relative humidity of 23%, aiming for unparalleled cooling efficiency. The research experiment was carried out in the urban environment of Baghdad, characterized by high temperature conditions. The investigation focused on the potential of the two-stage parallel flow setup, combined with the cooling capability of aspen pads, to surpass the limitat
... Show MoreThe research shed light on the historic evolution of Baghdad through its long, expansive history. The starting point focuses on the geographic characteristics, and the nature of its habitation, prior to laying the circular plan of Baghdad. Then the research proceeds to cover the stage of building the round city of Baghdad. The research continue to cover the expansion and sequential growth across the banks of Tigris river.
A concentrated attention is devoted to analyses the morphological, geographical and above all the makeup of present day city of Baghdad, pinpointing the apathetic plans, decisions, and actions which completely disfigured the image, and tradition of the old city of Baghdad, behind the delusive slogans of “comprehens
Baghdad is considered the largest city in Iraq, with a population of approximately nine million people, according to the 2022 statistics. Due to this population increase, the city of Baghdad has experienced horizontal expansion rather than vertical expansion, resulting in a shortage of basic services, an increase in population migration, and a rise in prices. Therefore, our research focuses on shedding light on the patterns of population concentrations in the city of Baghdad and the nature of population distribution within it. We addressed the topic from various angles, starting with the population distribution among the city's districts and their density. Additionally, we explored the factors influencing population density in the province
... Show MoreThe problem of noise in the Baghdad airport has been examined in this study; and noise measurement and survey studies have been carried out at four high noise level (operation, training and development, quality system, and information and technology) zones located in this region. Noise exposure is a common hazard to workforce in general although at varying degrees depending on the occupation, as many workers are exposed for long periods of time to potentially hazardous noise. A questionnaire was completed by 122 workers during this study in order to determine the physical, physiological, and psycho-social impacts of the noise on workers and to specify what kind of measurements have been taken both by the employers and workers for protection
... Show MoreThe problem of noise in the Baghdad airport has been examined in this study; and noise measurement and survey studies have been carried out at four high noise level (operation, training and development, quality system, and information and technology) zones located in this region. Noise exposure is a common hazard to workforce in general although at varying degrees depending on the occupation, as many workers are exposed for long periods of time to potentially hazardous noise. A questionnaire was completed by 122 workers during this study in order to determine the physical, physiological, and psycho-social impacts of the noise on workers and to specify what kind of measurements have been taken both by the employers and workers for protection
... Show MoreUrban growth of cities is connected with three related problems, the first one, is the deterioration of the center, which is a mark for historical origin. The second is the emergence of city edge, which contradicts by the center. The third one is the rapid semi urbanism of the edge. Literature review showed that Baghdad historical center (Old Rusafa and Karkh) had grown in four morphological stages, during which main paths had been changed from those which were perpendicular to the river front to those parallel to it. Research problem is that “there is a knowledge gap about the direction and origin of paths within Baghdad old center, after its growth”. The first research hypothesis is, “the direction of paths within old Baghdad cen
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