Headline: Academic Excellence Continues: Asst. Prof. Dr. Myaser Khaleel Ibrahim Publishes Research Trio in Elsevier and Springer Nature Journals

Subtitle:

Three milestone scientific investigations in Green Catalysis, Urban Environmental Health Risk, and Chemometric LC–MS Optimization published in high-impact international journals indexed in Web of Science and Scopus.

College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences

In continuation of the distinguished academic trajectory and scientific research achievements at the University of Duhok, Asst. Prof. Dr. Myaser Khaleel Ibrahim, a faculty member at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, achieved a new scholarly milestone by publishing three high-caliber research articles in July and August 2026 in premier international journals indexed in Web of Science (Clarivate) and Scopus, published by Elsevier and Springer Nature.

Key Highlights of the Published Research:

1.UoZ‑8–Catalyzed Synthesis of an Azo‑Chalcone with Microwave Acceleration: Structure Confirmation, DFT Descriptors, and PASS‑Predicted Bioactivity

Journal: ChemistrySelect (Wiley-VCH / Elsevier & Scopus-indexed)

Metrics: Journal Impact Factor (JIF): 2.3 | CiteScore: 3.0 | Ranked Q3 in both Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus.

Publication Date: July 14, 2026 | DOI: 10.1002/slct.74416

Summary & Significance: This study presents an eco-friendly green protocol for synthesizing and characterizing novel azochalcone dyes via microwave acceleration utilizing the heterogeneous UoZ-8 catalyst. Supported by advanced spectroscopy (NMR, FTIR) and quantum Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, PASS biological modeling revealed promising bioactivity as photosensitizers and DNA-binding agents for biomedical applications. The work represents a fruitful collaboration among the University of Duhok, Koya University, and the University of Zakho.

2.Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Airborne Dust from Zakho City, Iraq

Journal: Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health (Springer Nature)

Metrics: Journal Impact Factor (JIF): 3.1 | Ranked Q2 in Scopus & Q3 in Web of Science (WoS) | Vol. 19, Art. 181.

Publication Date: August 07, 2026 | DOI: 10.1007/s11869-026-02075-5

Authors: Berivan Hadi Mahdi, Dilsouz Dakhil Hassan, Myasar Kh. Ibrahim, Dalshad Azeez Darwesh, Jasim M. Rajab, Ali M. Al-Salihi & Hwee San Lim.

Summary & Significance: A vital environmental toxicology investigation evaluating heavy metal concentrations (including Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Zn) in airborne dust across Zakho City. Applying US EPA non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk indices, the study benchmarked chronic health impacts on children and adults, supplying actionable data for environmental policy and urban air quality management. It reflects collaboration among the University of Duhok, University of Zakho, Mustansiriyah University, and University Sains Malaysia (USM).

3.LC–MS-Guided CCD Optimization and Spectroscopic Assignment of Regioisomeric Azo Dyes BAO and BAM with TD-DFT-Supported Optical Behavior

Journal: Research on Chemical Intermediates (Springer Nature)

Metrics: Journal Impact Factor (JIF): 3.3 | Ranked Q2 in Web of Science (WoS) and Q2 in Scopus.

Publication Date: August 18, 2026 | DOI: 10.1007/s11164-026-06088-8

Summary & Significance: Utilizes Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS) coupled with Central Composite Design (CCD) under Response Surface Methodology to achieve optimal synthetic yields and definitive structural differentiation of regioisomeric azo dyes (BAO and BAM). Time-Dependent DFT (TD-DFT) quantum simulations decoded the photophysical optical transitions, opening high-precision applications in optical sensors and industrial materials.

Institutional Impact & Deanship Congratulations:

The Deanship of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences extends its warmest congratulations to Asst. Prof. Dr. Myaser Khaleel Ibrahim and all collaborating researchers for this sustained scientific achievement. These publications reinforce the university's research standing, support sustainable development, and strengthen the international academic presence of the Kurdistan Region's universities.

CAES Information Services Office, September 13, 2026

Reported by: Sipal Mohammed Taher Yousif, Bilnd Jalal H. Hambi.