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.

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

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.

This paper explores the role of fuzzy logic in the assessment of student performance in local high school, Badr, Libya, positing that it offers a more flexible and accurate alternative to traditional categorization methods of academic achievement. Conventional assessment tools, such as standardized test scores and GPAs, often yield a distorted and overly simplistic view of student performance. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, this study compares the performance, attendance, and self-reported satisfaction of students assessed through fuzzy logic with those evaluated by traditional methods. The results demonstrate that students assessed using fuzzy logic achieved higher average scores and expressed greater satisfaction with the assessment process. Additionally, educators employing fuzzy logic provided more detailed and constructive feedback, enriching the learning experience. Thus, this research indicates that fuzzy logic can effectively mitigate the shortcomings of traditional assessment methods, enhancing the recognition of diverse student abilities. The findings advocate for the integration of fuzzy logic in educational assessment practices to promote inclusivity and improved learning outcomes.

A B S T R A C T

The current study aimed to the production and partial purification of a cold-active lipase by some fungi isolated from the olive oil processing wastes in Al-Gabal Al-Gharby, Libya. 31 fungal species from 12 genera were isolated. F. solani was the most prevalent comprising 94% of total Fusarium and 28.7% of total fungi, 102 fungal isolates were tested for their lipolytic activity on lipase production agar medium at 10 and 20°C. The most active isolates were Alternaria (2 isolates), Fusarium, and Penicillium (1isolate for each one). Molecular identification of the most active four isolates was carried out by their sequencing (ITS). The four powerful fungal strains' production of cold-active lipase was maximized by optimizing some nutritional and environmental factors. F. solani AUMC 16063 was able to produce the maximum amount of lipase activity (46.66U/mL/min) with specific activity (202.8U/mg), utilizing ammonium sulphate as a nitrogen source after 8 days of incubation at pH 3.0 and 15°C. However, at same condition after 6 days when yeast extract was employed as a nitrogen source, the generated cold-active lipase displayed the highest specific activity of (1550U/mg) and lipase activity (36.74U/ml/min). This is the first study in which the production, partial purification, maximized and characterization of a cold-active lipase enzyme by Fusarium solani.

Keywords: cold active enzymes, Lipase, Fusarium solani, lipolytic activity, specific activity.

The current study aimed to the production and partial purification of a cold-active lipase by som fungi isolated from the olive oil processing wastes in Al-Gabal Al-Gharby, Libya. 31 fungal species from 12 genera were isolated. F. solani was the most prevalent comprising 94% of total Fusarium and 28.7% of total fungi, 102 fungal isolates were tested for their lipolytic activity on lipase production agar medium at 10 and 20°C. The most active isolates were Alternaria (2 isolates), Fusarium, and Penicillium (1isolate for each one). Molecular identification of the most active four isolates was carried out by their sequencing (ITS). The four powerful fungal strains' production of cold-active lipase was maximized by optimizing some nutritional and environmental factors. F. solani AUMC 16063 was able to produce the maximum amount of lipase activity (46.66U/mL/min) with specific activity (202.8U/mg), utilizing ammonium sulphate as a nitrogen source after 8 days of incubation at pH 3.0 and 15°C. However, at same condition after 6 days when yeast extract was employed as a nitrogen source, the generated cold-active lipase displayed the highest specific activity of (1550U/mg) and lipase activity (36.74U/ml/min). This is the first study in which the production, partial purification, maximized and characterization of a cold-active lipase enzyme by Fusarium solani. Keywords: cold active enzymes, Lipase, Fusarium solani, lipolytic activity, specific activity. 

AbstractIn this paper, the focus is on software development methodologies, specifically XP and RAD, in terms of fast-track software development while maintaining quality. It also addresses the high requirements for rapid and effective software development and how some organizations and companies utilize Agile, which supports and encourages flexibility, teamwork, and effective customer relationship management. Initially, the paper discusses the historical evolution of the Waterfall Model and its transformation from its traditional form to the Agile Framework. Subsequently, it highlights the XP and RAD methodologies, providing an overview of both, along with their important stages, benefits, and challenges, focusing on aspects such as pair programming, design and testing, and defining and analyzing prototyping and iteration processes. The comparison illustrates the similarities in terms of strengths and weaknesses and their significance concerning fast-track software development. The paper also references several projects where these methodologies were applied and discusses potential outcomes. It recommends that the optimal and most suitable methodology choice depends on several key factors, such as user participation, gradual development, and teamwork, while considering the trends of fast-track software development in the futureKeywords:XP, RAD, Agile Development, Fast-Track Development, TDD, Prototyping, Iterative Development.