As part of the Fourth Scientific Conference for Postgraduate Studies, the student research presentation sessions continued. One session featured a presentation by Master’s student Sarah Fakhr Al-Din Hamid, supervised by Asst. Prof. Dr. Fatima Karim Khudair, on her research titled: “The Effect of Foliar Spraying with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on the Growth, Chemical Content, and Active Ingredients of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) under Different Levels of Salt Stress.”

The research aimed to study the response of chamomile plants to foliar spraying with iron oxide nanoparticles and its effect on the plant’s morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. It also analyzed individual and paired interactions to determine the optimal treatment for improved growth and yield under varying levels of salt stress. Furthermore, the study analyzed the chemical composition of the plant’s active ingredients, given their potential medicinal significance.

On the practical side, the experiment involved planting chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) seeds in 30 cm diameter plastic pots containing 15 kg of sandy soil. This took place on October 15, 2025, at the nursery of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala Governorate – Al-Hafiz Street.

This research is part of scientific efforts aimed at developing modern agricultural methods using nanotechnology, contributing to addressing environmental challenges and improving the quality of crops of medicinal and economic importance.

Asst. Lect. Maryam Khaniab Karim, a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics, received her PhD from the University of Babylon for her dissertation entitled: “A New Type of Topological Proximity Space While Given Different Types of Densities in That Space Using the Grill Concept.”

(A new type of topological proximity space with different types of densities in that space using the grill concept).

The study aimed to construct a new topological space based on the binary relationship (symmetric difference) and its relationship to the grill concept. It also explored two types of topological concepts: one based on open sets and the other on focal sets, clarifying their main characteristics and the conditions required to achieve certain properties. The concept of proximity was linked to this new topological space through the study of nested sets, as well as the study of fuzzy spaces and their connection to the topics addressed in this research.

The Assistant Dean for Scientific Affairs (Asst. Prof. Dr. Ghassan Adnan Qahtan) participated as a member of the doctoral dissertation defense committee for student Maryam Khaniab Karim from the Department of Mathematics, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Babylon.

This participation comes within the framework of scientific cooperation between Iraqi universities and aims to strengthen academic communication and the exchange of expertise between educational institutions. Congratulations to the student on successfully passing her defense. The University of Babylon also appreciates the scientific efforts exerted by the faculty member for his support and effective contribution to this academic achievement, wishing him continued success in his academic and scientific career.

The Chemistry Department at the College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Karbala, discussed a master’s thesis entitled “Spectroscopic Estimation of Divalent Nickel, Copper, and Cobalt Ions in Aqueous Solutions Using a Novel Schiff-Azo Base Reagent Derived from Para-Aminophenol.”

Submitted by: Muntadhar Adnan Rahman
Supervised by: Professor Dr. Munir Abdul-Ali Abbas

The study aimed to prepare and accurately characterize a novel Schiff-Azo base reagent using spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, FT-IR, 1H-NMR) and various physical measurements. The goal was to utilize this reagent in the spectroscopic determination of trace amounts of metal ions. The work included determining the optimal analytical conditions for complex formation, identifying concentrations compliant with Beer-Lambert’s law, verifying the accuracy and consistency of the analytical method, and calculating the stability constants (Kst) and standard thermodynamic functions (ΔG°, ΔH°, ΔS°).

The study concluded that a new reagent was prepared using Schiff’s rule and nitrogen coupling under easy conditions and with a high yield. UV-Vis spectra demonstrated that it forms colored complexes with Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Co²⁺, exhibiting peaks higher than those of the reagent itself. This makes it suitable for spectroscopic determination in minute quantities, using a simple, rapid, sensitive, and selective method with good compatibility and a wide range conforming to Beer-Lambert’s law after optimal conditions are established. The stability constants indicated the stability of the complexes, and the thermodynamic functions (ΔG°) and (ΔH°) had negative values, indicating the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the reaction.

The study recommended further research to explore the potential use of the prepared reagent in determining other ions in different media by forming colored complexes that can be utilized in spectroscopic determination, particularly in the fields of medicine and pharmaceuticals. It also recommended its application in studying the extraction of transition metal ions such as Ni²⁺ and Cu²⁺. The CO₂⁺ was analyzed using the cloud point extraction (CPE) method due to its high sensitivity and selectivity. This analytical method is applicable in diverse practical applications for elements with which the reagent reacts, such as industrial water, soil, pharmaceuticals, food products, and others.

The student received a distinction.

The Department of Life Sciences held practical discussion sessions for PhD students in the research phase, supervised by Professor Dr. Israa Nasser Ghulam.

The sessions included detailed presentations of student research projects, including a session by PhD student Hussein Ali Dili Al-Mankoushi entitled “A Morphological and Molecular Study of Some Fungi Isolated from Organic Fertilizers and an Evaluation of Their Efficiency in Producing Certain Enzymes.”

A morphological and molecular study of some fungi isolated from organic fertilizers and an evaluation of their efficiency in producing certain enzymes.

The study aimed to identify decomposing fungal species and evaluate their efficiency in producing vital enzymes such as cellulase, protease, amylase, and lipase. The results showed the superiority of the Aspergillus and Penicillium species in enzyme production, especially Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus.

PCR and ITS techniques were also used to accurately identify the isolates and compare them genetically with global strains in the NCBI GenBank database. The fungal extracts demonstrated high inhibitory activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli.

The study concluded that these fungi have the potential to be utilized as economical sources for the production of enzymes and antibiotics in industrial and food applications.

The Department of Biology at the College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Kerbala, discussed a doctoral dissertation entitled: “Molecular Diagnosis and Characterization of Candida Species and Their Response to a Green Nanoparticle Extract.”

The dissertation was presented by student Wafaa Sadiq Hussein Mohammed Al-Nasrawi, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ban Taha Mohammed (first supervisor) and Dr. Adnan Abdul Jalil Lahouf (second supervisor).

The study aimed to identify the Candida species causing oral candidiasis in children and the elderly, and to develop environmentally friendly nano-extracts to inhibit Candida growth in the mouths of immunocompromised individuals or those with incomplete immune systems, using nano-transformation methods to limit Candida growth.

The study concluded that different types of Candida were isolated from the mouths of children and the elderly, with greater diversity in the elderly group, although Candida albicans remained the dominant species in both groups. Some isolates from the children’s group showed general sensitivity to most tested antibiotics, while phenotypic variation was observed among isolates of the same species. For example, some isolates exhibited resistance to capsulugen, amphotericin B, and flucytosin.

The study recommended expanding similar research to other fungi in cases of oral candidiasis to reduce their virulence. It also recommended investigating the genes responsible for antibiotic resistance in other Candida species, studying and analyzing the whole genome of other Candida species to determine their genetic characteristics, and isolating the active compounds from the harmal plant and testing their effectiveness against Candida and other pathogens.

The student received an excellent.

The Department of Life Sciences at the College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Karbala, discussed a Master’s thesis entitled “An Immunological, Biochemical, and Hematological Study of a Sample of Patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.”

The thesis was presented by student Taghreed Abdul Wahab Saleh, under the supervision of Professor Dr. Kawthar Abdul Hussein Mahdi.

The study aimed to evaluate several immunological variables, including measuring the levels of certain cellular and chemokinetic processes. It also assessed the levels of oxidants and measured certain hematological parameters, comparing them to control groups and other dermatological diseases.

The study concluded that the Th2 immune response is dominant in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis, promoting chronic inflammation and reducing the effectiveness of cellular immunity. Furthermore, the study found lower levels of oxidative stress, such as MDA, in cutaneous leishmaniasis compared to other dermatological diseases, suggesting defensive mechanisms of the parasite. Limited hematological changes were observed, primarily a decrease in white blood cell and neutrophil counts, with minor differences in platelet count, but no significant impact on red blood cell count.

The study recommended longitudinal studies to confirm the efficacy of markers such as GSH and IL-18 in the early diagnosis and clinical follow-up of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.

The study also recommended developing novel therapies that enhance the Th1 immune response to counteract Th2 dominance and improve recovery from infection.

It further recommended integrating immunological and oxidative markers into clinical treatment protocols to improve health outcomes and reduce complications.

The student received a distinction.

The Department of Life Sciences at the College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Karbala, discussed a doctoral dissertation entitled “Molecular Diagnosis of Some Dermatophytes and Investigating the Antifungal Effect of Some Plant Extracts and Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) Nano-Extract on Them.”

The dissertation was presented by student Marwa Hussein Abdul-Sada, under the supervision of Professor Dr. Ban Taha Mohammed (first supervisor) and Dr. Adnan Abdul-Jalil Lahouf (second supervisor).

The study aimed to diagnose and characterize some dermatophytes at the molecular level, evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of selected plant extracts, compare them with commonly used antifungal agents, and compare their effect with zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared using the green method.

The study concluded that females were more frequently affected by fungal skin infections than males, with tinea corporis being the most common clinical condition, accounting for 23.01% of cases in females and 14.28% in males. The study also found that the 21-30 age group was the most susceptible to tinea, with 40 samples analyzed.

The study recommended further research using beetroot extract to treat microbial and parasitic infections in laboratory animals. It also recommended studies using various plant extracts to inhibit the growth of fungi on dermatophytes, as well as immunological and histological studies of patients with fungal skin infections.

The student received a distinction.

Prof. Dr. Mohammed Nazim Bahjat, from the Chemistry Department, chaired the master’s thesis defense committee for student Amir Alaa Al-Zaid, also from the Chemistry Department at the University of Babylon.

This participation comes within the framework of scientific cooperation between Iraqi universities and aims to strengthen academic communication and the exchange of expertise between educational institutions. Congratulations to the student on successfully passing the defense. The University of Babylon also appreciates the scientific efforts exerted by the faculty member for her support and effective contribution to this academic achievement, wishing her continued success in her academic and scientific career.

Evaluation of Biochemical Parameters (C-peptide, Insulin, Insulin Resistance, Liver Function Tests, and Complete Blood Count) in Diabetic Patients

The Chemistry Department at the College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Kerbala, discussed a Master’s thesis entitled: “Evaluation of Biochemical Parameters (C-peptide, Insulin, Insulin Resistance, Liver Function Tests, and Complete Blood Count) in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Fatty Liver Disease.”

The thesis was presented by student Muammal Abdul-Jabbar Muhammad Hussein, under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Rehab Jassim Muhammad (first supervisor) and Asst. Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Aziz Muhammad (second supervisor).

The study aimed to evaluate biomarkers such as C-peptide, insulin resistance, liver function, and blood count in diabetic patients with fatty liver disease. It also sought to compare the first and second stages of the disease, determine the impact of diabetes on these variables, and identify the correlations between the biomarkers.

The study concluded that patients exhibited severe metabolic disturbances and significant insulin resistance, with markedly elevated liver enzymes, particularly in advanced and alcoholic cases. The results demonstrated a systemic inflammatory response and clear hematological changes directly linked to fat accumulation within liver cells and impaired organ function.

The study recommended routine screening of diabetic patients for early detection of fatty liver disease, emphasizing lifestyle modifications through dietary regulation and increased physical activity. Complete abstinence from alcohol is essential to prevent further liver damage, along with regular monitoring of lipid levels and blood parameters.

The student received an excellent grade.