This study investigates the innovative integration of Portland limestone cement (PLC) and date palm ash (DPA) in preplaced aggregate concrete (PAC) grouts, addressing the urgent need for sustainable construction materials with a lower carbon footprint. With the construction industry contributing significantly to global CO2 emissions, utilizing agricultural by-products like DPA offers an eco-friendly alternative while mitigating waste disposal challenges. The research evaluates single, binary, and ternary binders incorporating supplementary cementitious materials such as silica fume (SF) and metakaolin to optimize PAC's mechanical properties. Findings reveal that binary grouts with PLC and 10% SF achieved the highest compressive strength (68.3 MPa), outperforming traditional mixtures by 40%. Microstructural analysis confirmed that DPA enhances matrix density and reduces pore size, contributing to improved durability. Recommendations include further exploration of DPA's role in reducing cement content and promoting resource efficiency. The findings highlight PLC and DPA as viable components for greener construction, advancing PAC's potential as a sustainable concrete for structural applications.

Abstract

Numerous studies have explored the potential connection between ABO blood groups and the risk of developing specific illnesses in the literature. This study aimed to examine the distribution of ABO blood and rhesus (Rh) groups among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) at the Endocrinology and Diabetes Center in Al-Zintan City, Libya. This cross-sectional study took place from October to December 2022, involving 144 blood samples (99 from diabetic patients and 45 from non-diabetic individuals aged 15 to 85 years). Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained from the Endocrinology and Diabetes Center in Al-Zintan, where all laboratory work and statistical analysis using SPSS were conducted. Of the diabetic patients, 46% were male and 53% were female. The test results showed no association between ABO and Rh blood groups in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Among diabetics, the O blood group was most prevalent at 49%, followed by A (34%), B (11%), and AB (5%). Rh+ was more common (n=88) than Rh- (n=11), with no significant difference (p=0.733). Gender distribution also showed no significant difference (p>0.05). The O blood group was more common in females (55.10%) than males (44.90%), and the B blood group was found more often in females (72.73%) than in males (27.27%). This research shows no significant relationship between ABO and Rh blood types and diabetes mellitus occurrence among patients at the endocrinology and diabetes center in Al-Zintan City. Blood group variations do not influence diabetes prevalence or characteristics in this population.

Abstract

This research investigates how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is incorporated at the Higher Institute of Science and Technology Badr, with a specific focus on faculty opinions and encounters. The study included a survey of 20 faculty members, along with semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. The results show a mostly favourable outlook on ICT, as 75% of participants acknowledge its advantages for education. Nevertheless, there are on-going notable obstacles, such as out-dated infrastructure (40%), inadequate training (47%), and reluctance to embrace change (20%). Although 53% of faculty feel ready to integrate ICT, only 20% claim to be highly prepared. The research emphasizes the need for thorough faculty training programs and technology assistance to improve digital skills and successful ICT incorporation. In addition, it is crucial to align ICT projects with organizational goals in order to overcome obstacles and create a supportive atmosphere for integrating technology. The findings from this study help in comprehending the challenges of integrating ICT in higher education, offering beneficial suggestions for improving teaching standards with the use of technology.

Keywords: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Faculty member perspective, Quality of teaching.

Abstract:

Tobacco is one of the sources that may introduce several heavy metals into the bodies of positive and negative smokers, leading to harmful effects on smokers’ bodies. Because a major number of Libyan populations are smoking different brands of cigarettes alongside raw tobacco leaves which may affect our citizens’ health, accordingly 10 cigarette brands comprising Bon International, Gold Mexico Original, Camel Yellow, D&G, Milano London, Milano, Oris Fliter. Karelia Ligts, Yes and Libyan brand named Ryadi, and another sample of raw tobacco leaves (LRT) planted locally were collected randomly from local shops distributed in Alassaba municipality with aims to determine the total concentration of Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) and calculate the health risk related to the presence of these metals in the most consumed tobacco. The obtained results showed that all collected tobacco samples contained various levels of Cd, Co, Cu Pb and Zn (mg/kg) ranged from 0.38 ± 0.07 to 0.84 ± 0.01, 0.33 ± 0.04 to 0.5 ± 0.07, 15.29 ± 0.88 to 18.75 ± 0.72, 0.42 ± 0.04 to 1.04 ± 0.11 and 14.33 ± 0.33 to 32.45 ± 2.09, respectively. The mean levels of Co, Cu and Zn were within the allowable levels set by the World Health Organization (WHO), whereas Pb and Cd levels were above the acceptable levels. The calculated harm quotient (HQ) of target metals were greater than 1 representing extreme health risk due to the presence of Cd, Cu Pb and Zn in studied tobacco, nevertheless, the HQ of Co were lower than 1 presenting minimal health risk to the smokers. In conclusion, there is a need to emphasize the regulation of the import and tread of tobacco and monitor the content of heavy metals in tobacco to reduce the health effects of these cigarette brands.    

Keywords: Cigarette brands, Heavy metals, Health risk, Smoking, Tobacco.

Abstract

In this paper, I discuss how artificial intelligence has become central to the formulation of ethical policies concerning data privacy. With the advancement of technology, customers’ privacy and information security concerns have come into focus and require stringent measures for the usage of data. This paper aims to analyze how AI improves data protection mechanisms for security risks pertaining to personally identifiable information while advocating for the transparency of handling personal information. Drawing evidence from the current global issues involving data privacy, the practical use of AI in cyber defense, and the social issues arising from AI technologies, this paper establishes that while developing ethical frameworks, there exists the need to continuously assess and update the ethical standards. Finally, the study confirms how AI should be incorporated within the context of data privacy to build confidence and ensure better accountability in the growing data era.