Areas Of Libya Research Articles

Thermoeconomic Assessments of Green Hydrogen Production Via PV&PEM Electrolyzer:

The study aims to estimate the amount and cost of hydrogen and oxygen that can be produced in the Al-Jufra region (Libya) using photovoltaic panels (PV). The electricity generated by PV is used to power the proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. Through the study, the thermal efficiency of the system is calculated, as well as the factors affecting it. The amount of solar radiation that the region receives during the year is also determined, amounting to 81.72 kW/year m2, with a duration of 3421 daylight hours. With this radiation value, it is possible to produce 1272 and 636 mol/year m2 of hydrogen and oxygen, respectively, at an estimated cost of $1.42 per mole. Thermodynamic analysis of PV cells and electrolyzer shows that the electrical efficiency and exergy efficiency of PV cells are 4.8% and 5%, respectively, and vary according to the radiation intensity. The exergy and energy efficiency of the analyzer remained constant at 48% and 39%, respectively, according to the aforementioned arrangement. The decrease in the efficiency of PV energy efficiency affects the overall efficiency of the system and does not exceed 3% in ideal conditions. In addition, the expected cost in 2030 is estimated and found to be 5.77% lower than its current price. Comparing the amount and price of production in the Al-Jufra area with other areas in Libya, it becomes clear that the city of Al-Kufra has a 20% higher annual production amount.

Evaluation the Effects of Chia Supplementation on Basisa Functional Properties

Bassissa is one of the traditional Arabian foods and characterized by high nutritional value and health benefits. However, its preparation procedures could negatively influence its nutritional components. Accordingly, the objectives of this research was to supplement bassissa with chia powder by 5 and 10% and evaluate its effects on bassissa nutritional and sensory attributes. Three types of bassissa were prepared according to their original areas in Libya. Then, dietary fiber, omega 6, omega 3, bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, riboflavin, thiamine and pyridoxine), minerals and sensory properties of bassissa samples were measured. The results indicated that addition of chia by 5 or 10% to all bassissa samples significantly increased total dietary fiber. Furthermore, adding chia by 5 or 10% caused a significant (p ˂ 0.05) elevation in the content of ascorbic acid, riboflavin, thiamine and pyridoxine. Moreover, chia-fortified bassissa significantly recorded higher values of the studied minerals and omega 3 and 6. The sensory properties of chia-fortified samples had higher grades compared to the controls. Chia powder can be used as a functional ingredient and as an improver of the sensory and nutritional properties of bassissa.

The propaganda of Italian colonial imperialism in Africa through postage stamps (1903–1941)

AbstractItaly had a colonial empire in Africa in the areas of Libya and East Africa during the first half of the 20th century. The postage stamps issued for these areas served as instruments of propaganda for that empire. This paper uses the method of quantitative content analysis to determine which themes and ideological messages appear on the postage stamps of the Italian African colonies. The results show that, although more than half of them have an attitude of respect for the life of the indigenous population or the civilizational benefit of the colonial government, with the purpose of expressing the benevolence of its power, almost a quarter reflect attitudes of domination, especially in East Africa. Overall, an image of exoticism emerges that reinforces the idea of the Italian nation as a new empire that aimed to show itself to the world as such, especially starting in the 1930s.

Dental Fluorosis and Its Associated Factors Amongst Libyan Schoolchildren

BackgroundLittle is known about dental fluorosis (DF) in Benghazi, Libya, where the public water supply is naturally fluoridated. ObjectiveThe study aims to investigate the distribution of DF and its related risk factors and impact on oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the association between DF and caries amongst Libyan school children. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out amongst 12-year-old schoolchildren in the city of Benghazi. Dean's and decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMF) indices were used to assess the severity of DF and dental caries. In addition, a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and behavioural information and OHRQoL using the Child Oral Health Impact Profile–Short Version 19 (COHIP-SF19). ResultsOut of 1125 children who participated in the study, 15%, 7.8%, 2.2%, and 0.4% of participants were coded as having questionable, mild, moderate, and severe DF, respectively. Children enrolled in private schools were less likely to have DF (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.83; P = .007). Moderate-severe DF was associated with more decayed surfaces and DMF scores and low scores for COHIP-SF19 and its socioemotional well-being subscale. ConclusionsThe data demonstrate that rates of DF are relatively low in naturally fluoridated areas in Libya. DF amongst Libyan schoolchildren was associated with social disparities, higher caries rates, and negative impacts on OHRQoL.

Scrapie in Eastern Libya: Case Report in Sheep

Here we report neuropathological features of scrapie cases detected between 2018 and 2022.
 Fourteen cases of sheep older than 2 years from several areas in Libya with neurological clinical signs resembling those with Scrapie were submitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Omar Al-Mukhtar University / Al-Beida. Postmortem examinations were performed on all animals after euthanasia. Samples from different organs were submitted for histopathological examination. Routine Hematoxylin and Eosin stain (HE) was used.
 Nine cases showed neuronal vacuolation that is characteristic of Scrapie in sheep. Two cases were suspected for Scrapie and need more advanced methods such as Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to confirm the diagnosis. The other three cases were diagnosed with Rabies, Listeria, and Echinococcus granulosus.

Analysis of the Transition of an Explosive Cyclone to a Mediterranean Tropical-like Cyclone

This study investigates the dynamics of the development phases of a Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone (medicane) in the southern Ionian Sea, on 28 September 2018 that caused high impact phenomena in the central and eastern Mediterranean, focusing on the transition from explosive cyclone to medicane. The symmetry and the warm core structure of the system have been demonstrated via phase space diagrams determining three phases of the system development that are then supported on a dynamical basis. During the first phase of the system, baroclinic instability triggered the formation of the explosive cyclone, when strong upper-level PV anomalies at the dynamic tropopause level moved towards a pre-existed area of enhanced low-level baroclinicity over the coastal areas of Libya along with positive SST anomalies. The surface frontal structure was enhanced under the influence of the upper-level dynamic processes. During the second phase when the medicane formed, low-level diabatic processes determined the evolution of the surface cyclone, without any significant support from baroclinic processes in the upper troposphere. The distortion of the low-level baroclinicity and the frontal structure began after the initial weakening of the upper-level dynamics. During the third phase, the system remained barotropic, being affected by similar mechanisms as in the second phase but with lower intensity. The transition mechanism is not only the result of the seclusion of warm air in the cyclone core but, mainly, the continuation of an explosive cyclone or an intense cyclone when the occlusion began to form.

Development of Soil Suitability Ratings Index for Crops in the North – East of Libya Using Geographic Information System

Agriculture production faces a great challenge for the coming decades which is the food security for the ever-increasing world’s populations. The key role in sustainable agriculture production can be played by sustainable soil uses and management. Land evaluation for specific purpose is an important tool for land use planning. A number of land evaluation techniques have been developed to assess land for different uses. The parametric approach is one that combines various soil and site properties (parameters) that are believed to influence yield using mathematical formula. The Storie Index Rating was an early attempt at quantitative land evaluation and an example of parametric approach. The system has been widely applied around the world, for example, It has been used in California, mainly for irrigated soils (Kudrat and Saha, 1993). In addition, it was adapted in Libya. The Libyan modified index rating takes into account local conditions to determine the properties included. Local experiences were used to classify the soil suitability (Mahmoud, 1995). The rating was taking into account eleven soil properties to produce an overall rating. This paper modified the productivity rating and produce computerized model which uses spreadsheet model for suitability analysis and integrates the results in geographic information system (GIS) environment. The results show that Barley is the most suitable crop with 42 % of the area is very high suitable and about 18 % is not suitable for barley. Whereas maize is about 29 % is high suitable in that soils of the study area, and less than 25 % is not suitable. GIS allow modelling, running a range of soil use scenarios and data manipulate so that the optimal soil use can be identified to achieve sustainable development. In addition, it allows the comparison between different crops to select the most appropriate to local conditions and development goals. This paper is part of series research papers which uses concepts developed and applied in different area of Libya.

Determinants of Urban Residential Water Demand in Libya

This article analyzes the effect of several economic, environmental and social determinants for the per capita demand for water in Libya. Besides prices, income and population size, the article reflects the impact of urban population size, the temperature, summer temperature, and precipitation. The article also explores why the current per capita residential water demand in the urban areas is about more than in the other areas in Libya. In this study, the econometric model based on E-views method, instrumental-variable procedures, the ARDL model and the demand equation are applied. The co-integration analysis has shown a significant positive effect of temperature on water demand over the short and long term with partial flexibility of long-term temperature (5.44). Also, there is a positive relationship between rainfall and water demand in the long term and its less impact in the short term. There is a significant positive relationship between urban population and water demand. The greater urban population is greater the water demand and vice versa, partial flexibility of the urban population in the long term is at 0.23. On the other hand, there is a significant negative effect of income on water demand. Therefore, water demand is inflexible to changes in income. The study demonstrated that there is a negative effect on water price in relation to water demand. The estimated long-term variable of water value is 220.98, indicates that if the water price increases by 100%, the demand for water will go down by 221%.

Occurrence, characterization, and antibiogram of Staphylococcus aureus in meat, meat products, and some seafood from Libyan retail markets.

Aim:The aim of the current investigation was to screen the presence of Staphylococci spp., especially S. aureus in meat, meat products of different animal species, and some seafood sold in some retail markets in Libya using cultural and molecular techniques, and to study their antibiotics resistance profiles.Materials and Methods:A total of 139 samples from red meat, meat products, and seafood were collected from many areas in Libya. Enumeration and isolation of Staphylococci spp. and S. aureus by normal cultural methods followed by molecular identification using molecular techniques by bacterial DNA extraction and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA.Results:Out of 139 samples, 112 (80.6%) were contaminated with different species of Staphylococci based on cultural characteristics of Staphylococci on Baird-Parker medium, for which S. aureus was detected in only 32 samples (23%). However, only six out of 18 (33.3%) isolates sent for sequencing were confirmed to be S. aureus using the molecular technique. The six identified isolates of S. aureus were tested for antimicrobial resistance against 24 most commonly used antibiotics. All isolates were resistant to only two antibiotics (cefotaxime and clindamycin). Among these six isolates, only one confirmed to be Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.Conclusion:Results of this study suggest that food of animal origin could be a source of S. aureus with antimicrobial resistance characteristics that can be spread through the food chain, and raise the importance of these results for public health.

Determination of natural radioactivity and radiological hazards in soil samples: Alhadba and Abuscabh agriculture projects in Libya

In this study, the radioactivity concentrations of the natural radioactive nuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K were measured in 26 surface soil samples of two areas of Libya. The soil samples were collected from two different agricultural lands in northwest Libya. The measurements of the activity concentration of selected radionuclides in soil samples were effectuated by gamma-ray spectrometry using hyper-pure germanium detector. The radiological hazard parameters: absorbed gamma dose rate, annual effective dose and the excess lifetime cancer risk were also determined to assess the radiation hazards caused by ionizing radiation emitted from the selected radionuclides on the population working and living in the selected regions. The levels of natural radioactivity of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the two areas were found to be below the internationally recommended level. On the other hand, these results indicated that there are no significant radiological impacts to the population because the values of radiological parameters are less than the international recommended limit. This indicates that the soils considered were safe for use in agriculture and do not pose any significant radiological hazards for human population.

Radiological impact assessment of nuclear weapon depots in Valley Rwagh, Libya

ABSTRACTActivity levels of the natural (238U, 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K) and artificial (137Cs) radionuclides in surface soil samples collected from different areas of Libya, especially the southern and central provinces, including Valley Rwagh, which is in a mountainous region in Al-Jufra Oasis amid the Libyan desert, 600 km southeast of Tripoli, and in which there are stores of various weapons, were determined using a gamma-ray spectrometer with a HPGe detector. The average activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K were measured as 87 ± 11, 202 ± 36, 121 ± 19, and 73 ± 3 Bq kg–1, respectively. The activity levels of artificial radionuclide 137Cs measured in soil samples were below the detection limit. The average concentrations of radon in soil and air were estimated as 103 kBq m–3 and 327 Bq m–3, respectively. The average values of outdoor absorbed gamma dose rate and the corresponding annual effective dose rate from external exposure, annual effective dose rate from inhalation of radon, and lifetime cancer risk estimated for assessing the radiological impacts caused by ionizing radiation emitted from these radionuclides on the population in the region were found to be 165 nGy h–1, 203 μSv y–1, 3096 μSv y–1, and 7 × 10–4, respectively.

Nutritional Status of School Children in Tripoli City, Libya 2012

This investigation aimed to assess the nutritional status & the prevalence of obesity among school children in Tripoli, Libya. 94 children were chosen randomly from primary private schools in central Tripoli. A structured questionnaire was done, then administered to mothers to get demographic data. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), and Body Fat Percentile (BFP)). Each mother was asked to complete 24 hour recall on three days for every child. Blood biochemical parameters of children (hemoglobin, minerals & vitamins) were estimated. About 90% of children took over their requirements of fat and carbohydrates. Most of the children did not get their requirements from vitamin D according to 24 h recall. One third of children were stunted (H/A average 133.78cm). About 50% of children were over-weighted or obese according to anthropometric measurement. The values of serum hemoglobin, and vitamin B12 levels were normal in all children. On the contrary, 66% of school students had low concentrations (<10 ng/ml) of vitamin D. Fat intake of the majority of children (90.4%) was high. However, 78.8% of them consumed potato chips (p= 0.027). More than half of obese children (21.3%) got daily expenses of two LYD or more (p= 0.05) (relationship between pocket money and BMI). A positive correlation (r = 0.222; P < 0.005) was noted between pocket money and body fat percentile. A highly significant correlation (r = 0.332; P < 0.001) was observed between body fat percentile and arm circumference. This study found a prevalence of over-weight, obesity, stunting and deficiency of vitamin D among primary school children in Tripoli, Libya. Similar studies are needed to do in the future in different areas in Libya.

Small ruminant contribution in meat production in Libya.

AbsrtactSheep and goats are considered the important agriculture activity overall grazing areas in Libya, since natural range represent the important parts of feed and forages for those animals. Barbary sheep and local goats breeds proved their potentiality through ability to withstand the adverse conditions such as drought, sub - maintenance feeding, heat stress, disease and poor management. Libyan Barbary sheep represents the dominant Libyan sheep breed (95%) in which their population is 6.5 million heads raised for meat and wool production. Local goats (Mahali) represents more than 90% of the number of goats in Libya (1.5-2.0 million). Sheep and goat flocks were spread overall the country specially the coast. Extensive production system was the main system used at semi-arid grazing area and mountain. Statistics showed that sheep and goat contribution of meat production during 1998-2009 ranged from 67-80.5%. It looks that Libya does not reach self-sufficient of meat production from small ruminants though the wide spread of these animals. It has recognized that production deficiency percentages from sheep and goats meat ranged from 49 % to 55% during the same period.

Oestrus ovis larval infestation among sheep and goats of Green Mountain areas in Libya

Heads of sheep (n=180) and goats (n=120) slaughtered at four regions (Labraq, Shahat, Elbeida, and Masa) of Green Mountain areas in Libya were investigated for the presence of larvae of Oestrus ovis. The animals were divided into sex and age groups. The heads were cut along longitudinal and sagittal axes, and the larvae (L1, L2, and L3) were collected. The infestation rate was significantly higher in sheep (51.66%; n=93/180) as compared to goats (28.33%; n=34/120). In sheep, the rate was higher during May (100%), while in goat, it was higher during August (70%). The incidence of L1 peaked in April (90%) for sheep and October (100%) for goats, while L2 reached to maximum in May for sheep (26.95%) and goats (75%). L3 reached to peak in February (50%) for sheep, and June (25%) for goats. Mean intensity of larval burden was higher in sheep than goat, reaching to peak in June (9.1 larvae/head) for sheep and March (3.5 larvae/head) for goats. The infestation rate was significantly higher in males than females. The older animals were mostly affected as compared to younger animals. Highest infestation rate was recorded in Masa (45.83%), and the lowest rate was found in Labraq (40.27%). In conclusion, these findings may be used in designing the control strategies of myiasis in Libya.

Prevalence of Hydatid Cysts in Slaughtered Animals from Different Areas of Libya

The present study reports on the infection rates of hydatid cysts in both sexes and different age groups of sheep, camels and cattle from government abattoirs in different parts of Libya. An infection rate of 10.06% was recovered among 32,971 all ruminants (sheep, camels and cattle). Out 25314 of sheep, 2659 (10.52%) were infected. Out 7496 of camels, 940 (12.54%) were infected. Out 161 of cattle, 17 (10.56%) were infected. As regards to the infected organs, liver was seen to be the most commonly infected organ in sheep and cattle (46.03%; 52.94%, respectively), but in camels, it was the lung (55.21%). The fertility rates of hydatid cysts were 80% in sheep, 84% in camels and 0% in cattle. In sheep, the fertility rate of liver hydatid cysts was higher than that in other organs (53.85%), but in camels, the fertility rate in the lung was higher than that of other infected organs (66.7%). Thus, the incidence of echinococcosis in slaughtered livestock is noticeably high and denotes some hazards in control measures in Libyan abattoirs.

Risk Factors Associated with Impaction Colic in Horses at North Western Area of Libya

Colic is a serious clinical condition affecting the welfare and survival of horses at the studs worldwide. However little is known about the incidence or risk factors associated with this condition among different horse groups or populations in Libya. In this work, we assessed the risk factors associated with impaction colic in horses in western part of Libya. Diagnosis was based on clinical findings and rectal examination. A questionnaire was constructed to assess the risk factors. Data analysis was performed by logistic regression analysis. Eighty-three horses were showing signs of impaction colic. Final multivariate logistic regression model showed that there was a significant association between the occurrence of impaction colic and previous exposure to colic (p < 0.5 ; OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 7.5-8.9 ), Dental diseases (p < 0.05 ; OR: 3.2 95% CI:1.1-9.5), racing (p < 0.5 ; OR: 4.2 95% CI: 3.9-4.5 ), and breed (d < 0.05; OR: 86.9; 95% CI:2.3-3.2. The results of the present study indicate that managemental risk factors are the major risks for impaction colic in race horses. Identification of risk factors may assist the clinician to construct effective preventive measures.

Studies on the Protoscoleces and Hooks of Echinococcus Granulosus from Libya by Scanning Electron Microscope

Introduction: Protoscolex and hook morphology had been used to identify different strains of Echinococcus granulosus. Method: In the present study, hydatid sand was isolated from infected organs such as liver, lung and spleen from slaughtered animals in several abattoirs in the selected study areas in Libya. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to describe the outer surface of the Protoscoleces and the hooks. Result: SEM pictures showed different morphological characters of the outer surface of the different parts of the same protoscolex. Also, the buds on the outer surface of brood capsule, and showed some differences between the large and small hooks. These findings appeared the that there was a correlation with significant statistical difference between the measurements of large as well as small hooks from the same organs of each host as well as between different hosts. Conclusion: Finally, it was difficult to determine whether these cases are not real distortions in the morphology of E. granulosus. They possibly could be caused by mutation or related to a special strain of E.granulosus. Thus, the findings of the present study would suggest that there is a need to consider relationships between the different characters of hooks with different strains of E.granulosus.

Aerosol characterization at the Saharan AERONET site Tamanrasset

Abstract. More than 2 years of columnar atmospheric aerosol measurements (2006–2009) at the Tamanrasset site (22.79° N, 5.53° E, 1377 m a.s.l.), in the heart of the Sahara, are analysed. Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) level 2.0 data were used. The KCICLO (K is the name of a constant and ciclo means cycle in Spanish) method was applied to a part of the level 1.5 data series to improve the quality of the results. The annual variability of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and Ångström exponent (AE) has been found to be strongly linked to the convective boundary layer (CBL) thermodynamic features. The dry-cool season (autumn and winter) is characterized by a shallow CBL and very low mean turbidity (AOD ~ 0.09 at 440 nm, AE ~ 0.62). The wet-hot season (spring and summer) is dominated by high turbidity of coarse dust particles (AE ~ 0.28, AOD ~ 0.39 at 440 nm) and a deep CBL. The aerosol-type characterization shows desert mineral dust as the prevailing aerosol. Both pure Saharan dust and very clear sky conditions are observed depending on the season. However, several case studies indicate an anthropogenic fine mode contribution from the industrial areas in Libya and Algeria. The concentration weighted trajectory (CWT) source apportionment method was used to identify potential sources of air masses arriving at Tamanrasset at several heights for each season. Microphysical and optical properties and precipitable water vapour were also investigated.

Prevalence of Hydatid Cysts in Slaughtered Animals from Different Areas of Libya

Prevalence of Hydatid Cysts in Slaughtered Animals from Different Areas of Libya

Sustainable Integrated Water Resources Management for Energy Production and Food Security in Libya

Abstract Paper is designed to present an overview of sustainable integrated water resources management at global, regional, national and local level for enhanced energy production and food security in Libya. It demonstrates that how actions, accords, and commitments by institute industry interaction (3Is) initiative with special reference to water resource efficiency for enhanced energy production & food security are being debated by using awareness and preparedness for environmental emergencies at local level (APELL) along with numerous both Libyan and UNEP priority initiatives and programs. Based on case studies to recognize some of the most common problems experienced in Sustainable Integrated Water Resource Management (SWIM) planning for enhanced energy production technologies & food security and developing options for overcoming them a set of recommendations on how to enhance institutional and legal reforms for its implementation at the national/local levels are briefly outlined. Finally it shows that how lessons learnt and best practices technologies especially from UN agencies are assisting to promote water resource efficiency to achieve energy & food security of case study areas in Libya for its wider application in both developed and developing countries.