This study presents an assessment of the feasibility of implementing a hybrid renewable energy-based electric vehicle (EV) charging station at a residential building in Tripoli, Libya. Utilizing the advanced capabilities of HOMER Grid software, the research evaluates multiple scenarios involving combinations of solar and wind energy sources integrated with energy storage and the utility grid. This analysis provides a novel approach to enhancing urban energy systems with renewable technologies in a region traditionally reliant on fossil fuels. Key contributions of this study include the demonstration of an innovative integration strategy that combines solar and wind power with battery storage to ensure a reliable and efficient energy supply for EV charging. Furthermore, the study addresses the practical implications for local energy policy, suggesting that such hybrid systems can significantly enhance energy security and support sustainable urban development. The authors studied five scenarios using HOMER. The results reveals that the annual total costs and payback periods are as follows: for Scenario 1 (wind/utility grid), the expenditure totals US $1,554,416 and payback period of 4.8/5.8 years; for Scenario 2 (solar/wind/Utility grid), the amount is US $1,554,506 and payback period of 4.8/5.8 years; and for Scenario 3 (solar/wind/storage/utility grid), it escalates slightly to US $1,554,731, all predicated on the utility grid tariffs and payback period of 4.8/5.8 years. Furthermore, in Scenario 4 (solar/utility grid), the annual total cost is significantly reduced to US $30,589 and a payback period of 8.1/14.3 years, while Scenario 5 (solar/storage/utility grid 

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

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.