Libyan Journal of Science &Technology

Morphological measurements of a short-toed eagle chick (Circuaeus Gallicus) during the nesting period

2026-08-09T17:10:21+00:00

This study, conducted in the Wadi Al-Naqa reserve in the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar region of eastern Libya, monitored the morphological development of a short-toed eagle chick over five consecutive breeding seasons (2020-2024 AD). Measurements of length, width, weight, claw length, and leg length were taken using a measuring tape and an electronic scale during the nesting period and were analyzed statistically. The results revealed that the chick's growth increased significantly after 45 days post-hatching, with maximum average measurements reaching 31cm (length), 24 cm (width), 1.7 kg (weight), 2.7 cm (claw length), and 19cm (leg length). The greatest annual increase in length, width, weight, and leg length occurred in 2021, while the largest increase in claw length was recorded in 2024. A strong positive correlation was identified among all morphological characteristics. These findings provide a detailed analysis of the growth and developmental trajectory of a short-toed eagle chick.

Reconnaissance of Karstic Dolines in the Area Between Benina-Al-Abyar, NE Libya.

2026-08-09T17:30:57+00:00

Karst features are widespread, yet many remain insufficiently documented despite their scientific and environmental importance. The present study focuses on the area between Al-Abyar and Benina villages in Cyrenaica, where large-scale dolines have developed within the Upper Miocene Wadi Al Qattarah Formation. Field surveys and morphometric analyses revealed sixteen representative dolines distributed across two geomorphic levels: the coastal fluvial plain and the first plateau of Al Jabal al Akhdar. These dolines vary in size, morphology, and genesis, ranging from solutional depressions to collapse and alluvial dolines. Their formation is interpreted in relation to tectonic evolution, groundwater circulation, surface runoff dynamics, and lithological variability. The study highlights how structural discontinuities and lithological heterogeneity have controlled doline development, while human activities such as agriculture, groundwater extraction, and infrastructure expansion have contributed to their enlargement and reactivation. This anthropogenic influence increases the hazard potential of dolines, posing risks to land use and settlement stability. By integrating petrographic analysis, GIS mapping, and morphometric characterization, the research provides new insights into karst evolution in Cyrenaica and establishes a baseline for future comparative studies with other doline fields in Al Jabal al Akhdar. Ultimately, the findings emphasize the need for conservation strategies to protect these natural karst systems, not only for their geomorphological and hydrogeological significance but also for their potential value in geotourism and sustainable regional development.

Determination of Radioactivity Levels and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk in Soil Samples at the Environment at Al-Mishal, Libya, using Gamma-ray Spectrometry

2026-08-09T17:51:50+00:00

Eight soil samples collected from Al-Meshal, Libya, have been investigated. Concentrations of radionuclides in the samples were determined by a gamma-ray spectrometer using a NaI(Tl) detector with a specially designed shield. The contents of ²³⁸U and ²³²Th are high in the samples, and the content of ⁴⁰K is higher than the permissible level. The absorbed dose rate ranged from 99.91 to 160.92nGy/h. External and internal hazard indices were also determined. The Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) values for all samples were found to be much higher than the permissible level of 0.29

Reworked Oligo-Miocene Corals from North-eastern Libya

2026-08-09T18:02:26+00:00

The sedimentary successions of northeastern Libya preserve diverse coral assemblages that provide valuable insights into Oligocene–Miocene marine environments along the southern margin of the Tethys Ocean. The Middle to Upper Oligocene Al Abraq Formation of Wadi Derna, the meandroid coral Meandrina subcircularis, an ex-situ coral, occurs in non-reefal skeletal limestones deposited in a shoal–channel complex. Its highly sinuous, uniserial valleys and well-developed paliform lobes indicate morphological adaptations to fluctuating hydrodynamic regimes and episodic sediment influx. Elsewhere, a massive colony of the reef-building coral Porites solida was recovered ex-situ from Wadi El Zeitun near Tobruk, representing material reworked from the Middle Miocene Al Jaghboub Formation. The specimen, characterized by compact, radially septate corallites and a dome-shaped colony form, reflects deposition in high-energy, shallow marine reefal settings. Both occurrences exhibit evidence of storm-related reworking. highlighting the role of episodic high-energy events in the transport and redistribution of coral material across carbonate platforms. Together, these findings provide a framework for reconstructing Oligocene–Miocene palaeoecological conditions in Cyrenaica and emphasize the importance of coral taphonomy for interpreting depositional dynamics, tectonic influences, and the broader paleogeographic evolution of the southern Tethyan margin

Adaptive Strategies of Staphylococcus Species Isolated from Clinical and Healthcare En-vironments

2026-08-09T18:13:48+00:00

Background and Aim: Staphylococcus species, Gram-positive cocci, are implicated in both nosocomial and commensal infections, attributed to biofilm formation on medical device surfaces and contaminated areas, often aggravated by insufficient cleaning practices. This study investigates biofilm formation, methicillin resistance, and the impact of Arabic gum extraction on Staphylococcus species in healthcare settings, offering epidemiological insights for infection prevention and control strategies. Patients and Methods: Staphylococcus spp. Were isolated from healthcare workers and outpatients, involving samples from skin, nasal, urine, and hospital environment sources. The isolates were identified by standard phenotypic methods, including colony characteristics, Gram staining, catalase, and coagulase tests. Antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm formation tests were conducted, and data were analyzed using Excel and Minitab Info. Results: - The findings indicate that 29.7% of Staphylococcus spp. are coagulase-negative, while 70.29% are coagulase-positive. Biofilm formation varied among the isolates, with coagulase-positive strains showing stronger biofilm production than coagulase-negative strains. Methicillin resistance was observed in healthcare workers, outpatients, and hospital environments. However, aqueous Arabic Gum extract demonstrated no impact on resistant strains, and 43% revealed biofilm formation. Conclusion: Furthermore, the study reveals that Staphylococcus spp. isolates from hospital surfaces, urine, and nasal sources exhibit higher methicillin resistance, with coagulase-negative Staphylococcus displaying lower biofilm formation. The study utilized a consistent concentration of Arabic Gum, and its effect on resistant strains remains uncertain.

Epidemiological Characterisation and Molecular Identification of Dermatophyte Infec-tions Isolated from Outpatient Clinics of The Dermatology Department at Zliten Medi-cal Center, Libya

2026-08-10T15:34:05+00:00

Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungus causing superficial infections of skin, nail and hair. In recent decades, the prevalence has internationally increased, affecting about 25% of populations in different countries around the World. The aim of this study was to identify different species of dermatophytes causing dermatophytosis in patients infected with fungal skin infections using morphological, microscopic, and molecular diagnostic methods with use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques. In this study a total of 100 clinical samples from skin, hair, and nails were collected from patients attending Zliten Medical Center over the period of time from 01.01.2022 until 30.5.2022. Samples were examined microscopically using Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) 10%-20% and cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA), Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), and Dermatophyte Test Medium (DTM). Fungal isolates from positive Cultures were further investigated with PCR. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Only 22% of total samples show positivity for KOH. A 12 species were identified, with Trichophyton violaceum (25%) and Microsporum canis (20%) being the most common, followed by Trichophyton tonsurans (10%) and several less frequent species. It is worth noting, that Microsporum canis was more frequently affecting children under 11 years old und occurred more frequently in People having domestic animals. Molecular confirmation using real-time PCR (ITS1–S4 primers) showed 80% PCR positivity among culture isolates. Eight species were fully PCR-confirmed, while others showed variable detection rates. Overall, PCR has confirmed that T. violaceum and M. canis were the predominant dermatophytes in this study. The importance of this study lies in its emphasizing of the effectiveness and feasibility of using molecular identification technology for the accurate identification and early diagnosis of dermatophyte infections.

Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Fresh Fruit Juices Sold in Benghazi, Libya

2026-08-10T15:43:44+00:00

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health threat, particularly in ready-to-consume foods produced under informal urban conditions. Fresh fruit juices may serve as reservoirs and transmission vehicles for multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, posing a significant potential risk to community health. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 fresh strawberry and mango juice samples, randomly collected from 16 cafés in Benghazi, Libya. Bacterial identification was performed using standard techniques described in Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and MDR prevalence were assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method according to CLSI M100, 31^st edition (2021), against 11 commonly used antibiotics: amoxicillin, amikacin, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, imipenem, oxacillin, cefixime, cephalexin, doxycycline, cefuroxime, and sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim. The evaluation of bacterial contamination revealed that 110(94.02%) isolates were Gram-negative, comprising 95 (86.4%) Enterobacteriaceae and 15(13.6%) non-Enterobacteriaceae, whereas 7(5.98%) isolates were Gram-positive bacteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that Gram-negative isolates exhibited high resistance to amoxicillin–clavulanate (61%), oxacillin (61%), and clarithromycin (50%), complete susceptibility to doxycycline (0%) and ciprofloxacin (0%), and moderate resistance to cephalosporins (10–12%). Enterobacteriaceae displayed similar resistance patterns, with 61% resistant to amoxicillin–clavulanate, 61% to oxacillin, and 50.5% to clarithromycin. Non-Enterobacteriaceae showed 20% resistance to imipenem and amikacin, while remaining fully susceptible to ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim. Gram-positive bacteria exhibited complete resistance to ciprofloxacin (100%), high resistance to clarithromycin (100%) and amoxicillin–clavulanate (57%), moderate resistance to cephalosporins (36%), and full susceptibility to doxycycline (0%). MDR prevalence and mean MAR indices were calculated for each group: Gram-positive bacteria exhibited 100% MDR with a mean MAR of 0.45; Gram-negative isolates showed 87.3% MDR with a mean MAR of 0.29; Enterobacteriaceae had 89% MDR with a mean MAR of 0.27; and non-Enterobacteriaceae displayed 100% MDR with a mean MAR of 0.55. Several isolates corresponded to WHO Critical Priority Pathogens, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and non-Enterobacteriaceae, ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, and methicillin-resistant Gram-positive bacteria (MRSA). These findings indicate that fresh juices in urban informal settings may act as reservoirs and transmission vehicles for MDR bacteria. The results emphasize the urgent need for improved food hygiene, routine microbiological surveillance, and One Health interventions to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens in the community.

Geochemical Assessment of the Air Quality Index for Urban Areas (Case Study of Ben-ghazi, Al Byada, Zliten and Tripoli Cities).

2026-08-10T15:50:20+00:00

One of the biggest environmental issues in cities is air pollution. Over 80% of urban dwellers are thought to be exposed to air pollution levels above the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limits. This work aims to compare the air quality index (AQI) with the WHO 2014 guideline during 2024 and to determine the sources of air pollution in the study areas, as well as to compare carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in Libya with global emissions. The AirVisual Outdoor monitors were used in this work to measure AQI, PM_2.5 PM₁₀ and CO₂, The finding revealed the AQI in Benghazi city during the February period was unhealthy for sensitive groups (level 3) and in April period was unhealthy (level 4), in Al Byada city was moderate throughout all periods (level 2), the air quality in Zliten city from January to May period was unhealthy for sensitive groups (level 3) and in the air quality in Tripoli city during February period was unhealthy for sensitive groups (level 3). Zliten city is considered the most polluted city due to the lack of infrastructure and afforestation in the city. Based on PM_2.5/PM₁₀ ratios, the natural source and coarse particles of pollution were more prevalent in the studied areas. The concentration of CO₂ in Libya was approximately 441 ppm, while the global average reached about 444 ppm, indicating that the distribution of CO₂ in the atmosphere is nearly uniform worldwide.

Similarity-Based Uncertainty Modeling in Liver Disease Diagnosis

2026-08-10T16:00:05+00:00

This study presents a systematic comparison of three frameworks for modeling uncertainty: fuzzy sets, intuitionistic fuzzy sets, and neutrosophic sets, and their ability to represent ambiguity and uncertainty. It employs an analytical review of the literature, focusing on the characteristics of each framework and its key algebraic operations.

Similarity measures of the three frameworks are then examined and applied to real clinical data of the most important liver enzymes (AST, ALT, bilirubin) for seven patients. The results indicate that classical sets are unable to deal with ambiguity, while fuzzy sets allow for partial assessment of membership. Intuitionistic fuzzy sets distinguish between membership and non-membership, whereas neutrosophic sets represent three independent components (truth, indeterminacy and falsity), enhancing their ability to assess incomplete and contradictory uncertainty. Applying similarity measures demonstrates how each framework presents the degree of convergence of patient data with each other and with reference measures. The weighted average allows for comprehensive assessment of patient health status. Therefore, similarity measures serve as important elements in clarifying the scientific differences between the three theories, explaining how each framework measures information proximity differently and its ability to represent components. Results indicate that neutrosophic similarity provides the most precise distinction in borderline or ambiguous cases, enhancing medical decision-making accuracy.