This study combines palynological, ecological, and molecular techniques to elucidate the taxonomic relationships within the complex genus Centaurea. By analysing quantitative parameters such as P, E, P/E ratio, colpus length, exine thickness, and ornamentation from SEM studies, we investigated pollen morphology across five species-C. behen, C. regia, C. iberica, C. virgata, and C. solstitialis-collected along a climatic gradient in Iraq, Iran, and Turkey. The findings indicate significant ecotypic variation strongly associated with local environmental conditions. Iranian populations, adapted to dry conditions, exhibit thicker exines and longer colpi, suggesting enhanced desiccation resistance. Turkish populations tend to have thinner exines and longer grains, likely optimised for temperate pollination environments. Iraqi populations show intermediate pollen traits, reflecting their role as transitional ecotypes in semi-arid regions. These results highlight how environmental adaptation shapes reproductive morphology and offer a basis for integrative taxonomy, leveraging adaptive traits to refine species delimitation and clarify phylogenetic relationships within Centaurea.
This paper provides an identification key to the species of Orthetrum Newman, 1833 (Odonata, Libellulidae), including six species that were collected from different localities in Iraq.
The species of O. anceps (Schneider, 1845) is registered as a new record in Iraq; the most important characters which are used in diagnostic key are included
The rapid development of telemedicine services and the requirements for exchanging medical information between physicians, consultants, and health institutions have made the protection of patients’ information an important priority for any future e-health system. The protection of medical information, including the cover (i.e. medical image), has a specificity that slightly differs from the requirements for protecting other information. It is necessary to preserve the cover greatly due to its importance on the reception side as medical staff use this information to provide a diagnosis to save a patient's life. If the cover is tampered with, this leads to failure in achieving the goal of telemedicine. Therefore, this work provides an in
... Show MoreReishi Mushroom, Ganoderma, is considered one of important wood-decaying medicinal mushrooms. This study aimed to identify three samples of this genus in Mosul city in February and April 2019. Three species of Ganoderma were collected from three various trees including Eucalyptus, Morus, and Olea (olive) in Mosul City, Northern Iraq. Their identifications and their DNA sequences were genetically identified by using PCR techniques according to detect nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Results exhibited the finding of Ganoderma resinaceum, Ganoderma applanatum, and Ganoderma sp. This study is first attempt to identify Reishi Mushroom by molecular methods in Iraq. Thus, the current study is considered new good d
... Show MoreTwelve species of Tubuliferous thrips, of the family Phlaeothripidae had been reported from Iraq. Two of these were reported previously, Haplothrips cerealis Priesner, by El-Haidari and Daoud 1971 and Haplothrips tritici kurdjumov by Al-Ali 1977 and the rest were recorded for the first time: these are Haplothrips hukkineni Priesner; Haplothrips subtilissimus (Haliday); Haplothrips reuteri Karny; Haplothrips jasonis Priesner; Haplothrips sallloumensis Priesner; Haplothrips pharao Priesner; Phlaeothrips sycomri Priesner; Karnyothrips flavipus (Jones); Karnyothrips melaleucus (Bagnall); Dolicholepta micrurus (Bagnall). Number of insec
... Show MoreEimeriosis is a major problem affecting ruminants worldwide. The disease is primarily caused by Eimeria species, which are specialized for each host and grow in the small and large intestine of animals. The losses due to subclinical infections (especially weight loss) and clinical disease (diarrhea) make the species of this genus a very significant economic concern. Therefore, this study was conducted in some areas of Wasit Province. A total of 180 fecal samples from goats, of both sexes and covering different age groups and months, were collected. All fecal samples were examined microscopically, and 75 positive fecal samples were taken for molecular examination and further analyzed using conventional PCR, sequencing and phylogeneti
... Show MoreBackground: Preterm infants face significant health challenges due to the underdevelopment of their organ systems. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is considered a stressful environment, which can disrupt self-regulation and maturation. Developmental supportive care strategies have been shown to enhance neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates by mimicking intrauterine conditions, reducing stress, and providing appropriate sensory stimulation. Nursing interventions, particularly developmental care, are essential in improving neonatal health, with nurses playing a pivotal role in implementing these strategies. Aim: This article aimed to provide a comprehensive narrative synthesis of recent research on the impact of development
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