The Albahit Journal of Applied Sciences (eISSN: 2708-8936) and (pISSN: 2708-244X) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the College of Technical Sciences - Bani Walid. Located in Bani Walid, Libya, AJAS is a comprehensive scientific journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research across various disciplines within applied sciences, basic sciences, and technology. The journal publishes 4 issues annually, aiming to contribute significantly to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
College of Technical Sciences, Bani Walid
Influence of Ecological Conditions on the Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Thymelaea hirsuta Extracts from Two Tunisian Regions
Thymelaea hirsuta is a medicinal plant widely distributed in North Africa and traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the phenolic composition and antioxidant potential of methanolic extracts obtained from the aerial parts of T. hirsuta collected from two ecologically distinct regions of Tunisia: Medenine (arid climate) and Mahdia (semi-arid climate). Plant materials were subjected to solvent extraction, and the resulting extracts were analyzed for total polyphenol and flavonoid contents using spectrophotometric methods. Antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro using DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to characterize the phenolic profiles of the extracts. The results revealed significant variations in phenolic and flavonoid contents depending on both the extraction method and the geographical origin of the plant material. Crude extracts exhibited higher concentrations of bioactive compounds compared with extracts obtained from dry powder. The crude extract from Mahdia showed the highest total polyphenol and flavonoid levels, whereas the Medenine extract displayed greater diversity in phenolic composition. All extracts demonstrated antioxidant activity, although their reducing power was lower than that of ascorbic acid. Notably, extracts from dry powder exhibited stronger radical scavenging capacity in the DPPH assay. HPLC analysis revealed complex phenolic profiles with numerous detectable compounds, confirming that the antioxidant activity is likely due to synergistic effects among multiple constituents. Environmental stress associated with arid conditions appears to enhance the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Overall, T. hirsuta represents a promising natural source of phenolic antioxidants with potential applications in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food industries.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Entropy-Guided Adaptive PID Control for Nonlinear Benchmark
This paper proposes an entropy-guided adaptive PID control approach for nonlinear benchmark systems operating under disturbances and parametric uncertainties. Unlike conventional adaptive PID methods that rely solely on instantaneous tracking error, the proposed strategy employs an online entropy measure to quantify the degree of dynamical irregularity in the system response. The entropy information is used to continuously adjust the proportional, integral, and derivative gains in a bounded and smooth manner. A Lyapunov-based stability analysis is developed to guarantee uniform boundedness of all closed-loop signals and asymptotic convergence of the tracking error. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is demonstrated through numerical simulations on standard nonlinear benchmark models, showing improved transient performance and enhanced robustness compared to classical PID and conventional adaptive PID controllers [1], [6], [8].
A Study of the Concentration of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Tripoli Port
Marine oil pollution is considered one of the most dangerous and common types of pollution. Problems associated with it have appeared since its discovery and have extended to include all stages of production, transportation, refining, manufacturing, storage, marketing, and even the disposal of used products. The continuous increase in each of these activities has led to an increase in the amount of oil pollutants in the waters of beaches, seas, and oceans. It has been proven that the waters of the seas and oceans are exposed to pollution with millions of tons of oil annually, especially since most factories and refineries are located along the coasts. This research focused on the concentration rate of petroleum hydrocarbons inside the Tripoli Port basin and its surroundings, where specific locations inside the port were selected, particularly the active docks which experience high ship traffic. Samples were taken from the selected sites according to standard procedures and then analyzed at the Oil Research Center. The results showed that the petroleum hydrocarbon concentration values were below the maximum allowed limit according to international standards, specifically as mentioned in Annex I of the MARPOL Convention, which stipulates that the maximum allowed concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in the marine environment is 15 parts per million (ppm), equivalent to 0.15 mg/L.
The Impact of Commercial Desalination Processes on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Drinking Water in the Al-Asabaˊa Municipality
Water is regarded as the most essential biological compound for the survival of living organisms, as it plays a fundamental role in numerous biological processes, including the conversion of food into energy and the removal of toxins and metabolic waste. Additionally, water serves as an effective medium for the transport of contaminants both within and outside the human body. This study was conducted to evaluate the drinking water produced by water treatment units in the Asabi‘a municipality and to assess its suitability for human consumption during the period from October 2023 to February 2024. The objective was to determine the impact of commercial desalination methods on drinking water quality and to assess its compliance with human health requirements by examining its physical and chemical characteristics, estimating the concentrations of selected ions, and comparing the results with established reference standards. A total of 12 water samples were collected prior to desalination and 12 treated drinking water samples were collected from commercial desalination units distributed throughout the Asabi‘a municipality. Physical and chemical parameters were measured, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS). The concentrations of selected ions were also determined using a computerized UV spectrophotometer. The results indicated that the pH values of the pre-treatment water samples were within the acceptable range, whereas the post-treatment samples exhibited pH levels below both national and international permissible limits. Total dissolved solids were low in most samples, and electrical conductivity values were also below local and international standards. Furthermore, the concentrations of nitrate and sulfate ions were low and did not meet the required specifications.
Morphological and Chemical Diversity of Artemisia Herba Alba in Jabal Al-Akhdar of Libya
This study investigated the morphological and phytochemical variability of Artemisia herba-alba across three ecologically distinct populations in Jabal Al-Akhdar, Libya. The results demonstrated marked population-level differences primarily driven by elevation, grazing intensity, and localized environmental conditions.Plants collected from Ras El-Hilal exhibited the strongest vegetative performance, recording the highest shoot perimeter (94.5 cm) and the greatest total, fresh, and dry biomass. Conversely, the El-Maslaqoun site, characterized by severe overgrazing, displayed a substantial reduction in growth parameters, with the shoot perimeter decreasing significantly to 16.3 cm and the total plant weight declining sharply from 143.7 g (Ras El-Hilal) to 35.1 g. Consistent trends were observed for root length, shoot length, and overall plant height, with the Ras El-Hilal and El-Mashel populations consistently showing superior performance compared to El-Maslaqoun.The phytochemical composition also varied significantly across the populations. Total phenolic content ranged from 115.5 to 124.8 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram dry matter, while total flavonoid content spanned 78.1 to 94.8 mg catechin equivalents per gram. Notably, the highest levels of both phenolics and flavonoids were recorded in the El-Maslaqoun population, despite its diminished vegetative growth. This finding suggests that environmental stress may effectively stimulate the accumulation of these secondary metabolites. Furthermore, a moderate positive correlation (R2 = 0.4669) was observed between total phenols and total flavonoids, indicating a coordinated biochemical response to ecological pressures.These findings highlight the substantial ecological plasticity of A. herba-alba and clearly demonstrate the influence of environmental gradients on both morphological traits and phytochemical richness. These insights are crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and optimizing the sustainable utilization of this medicinally important species.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Design, Simulation and Implementation of Beverages Vending Machine Using Arduino
The world today witnesses the most significant development and progress in various fields especially in electronics and artificial intelligence. Therefore, the role of the human element decreases daily and looking for ways can achieve our needs and tasks faster, more efficient, less efforts etc,. becomes increased. A vending machine has intelligent behavior characteristics as they dispense different items with no need for human intervention. This paper presents a prototype automatic vending machine with numerous inputs. and outputs. It was simulated using PROTEUS software and controlled by Arduino Mega2560. It is a coin vending machine since all transactions were done using coins throng coin acceptor. It accepts 250 Dirhams for 165 ml juice and 500 Dirhams for 330 ml cans of Pepsi, Marinda or Seven up. It is monitored by LCD and provided with GSM shield for connectivity between the machine and an owner.
Oscillation Criteria for Second-Order Neutral Delay Differential Equations with Heterogeneous Deviating Arguments and Distributed Kernels.
This paper develops new oscillation criteria for second-order neutral delay differential equations with sign-changing coefficients, heterogeneous delays, and distributed kernels. Using a Riccati transformation and auxiliary analytical tools, two general oscillation theorems are established and validated through precise numerical simulations. Results confirm that oscillations persist under complex conditions, offering broad applicability in control systems, biological modeling, and neural networks.
A study on the incomplete road linking the city of Murzug and Traghen: Case study Idlim area road
This study aims to analyze the multiple impacts resulting from the incomplete maintenance of the road linking the cities of Murzuq and Traghan, with a specific focus on the 2.8 km section located in the Idlim area. This road represents a vital corridor for the movement of people, goods, and services, and serves as a fundamental element in supporting the economic and social development of the region. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical methodology based on field surveys and a questionnaire directed to road users. A total of 238 questionnaires were administered to a representative sample of the local community, in addition to reviewing official data related to road accidents and transportation costs. The results reveal that the absence of regular maintenance leads to an increase in accident rates, higher mechanical failures, elevated transportation costs, and delays in vital services such as emergency response and supply delivery. Furthermore, the lack of maintenance significantly reduces the operational lifespan of the infrastructure. The findings also indicate that the impacts extend beyond economic consequences to include social, psychological, and developmental dimensions that hinder stability in the region. The study recommends establishing a comprehensive maintenance program for Idlim Road, conducting periodic preventive maintenance along the entire route between the two cities, allocating stable budgets, and implementing advanced monitoring systems to prevent road deterioration and ensure sustainable development. The study further emphasizes the importance of early detection technologies to maintain road safety and support continuous development.
Advancements in Photovoltaic Cell Technology: Principles, Performance, and Manufacturing Potential in Libya
Photovoltaic (PV) cells are critical components of renewable energy systems, converting solar energy directly into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. This manuscript provides a comprehensive exploration of the working principles, material properties, and performance characteristics of photovoltaic cells. Beginning with the fundamental physics of the photovoltaic effect, we discuss the operational mechanisms of various PV cell types, including silicon-based, thin-film, and emerging technologies. Key performance characteristics such as efficiency, open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, fill factor, and spectral response are analyzed, alongside factors influencing performance, including material properties, temperature, and irradiance. The manuscript also addresses advancements in PV technology and challenges in improving efficiency and scalability, offering insights into the future of solar energy.
Sectoral and Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Libya (1990–2020)
Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are the primary drivers of global warming, which in turn accelerates climate change. This study aims to analyze the evolution of greenhouse gas emissions in Libya from 1990 to 2020, focusing on sectoral distribution (energy, industry, waste, agriculture) and the contribution of major gases (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O). The results reveal that the energy sector is the dominant source of emissions, accounting for over 90% of the total, with carbon dioxide (97.63%) being the most prevalent gas. Annual growth rates of emissions in Libya were found to be lower than the regional and global averages, with a stabilization or slight decline in emissions during the last period (2011–2020) due to economic and political challenges. The study recommends adopting sustainable policies, including transitioning to renewable energy, improving fossil fuel efficiency, enhancing waste management, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and establishing a national emissions monitoring system. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of regional and international cooperation to leverage global climate finance and initiatives.
A Comparative Analysis of Note-Taking Methods and Their Impact on the Academic Performance of Electrical Engineering Students in Higher Technical Education
This study aims to analyze the impact of various note-taking methods on the academic achievement of students in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the College of Technical Sciences – Derna and the College of Engineering Technologies – Quba. The note-taking methods examined include: traditional paper-based note-taking, digital note-taking using electronic devices, and real-time note-taking during lectures without subsequent review. The research adopts a quantitative comparative approach by distributing questionnaires to a sample of students from both colleges, alongside an analysis of their academic performance in relation to the note-taking method employed. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with several faculty members to gain insights into the pedagogical implications of these methods. Findings reveal statistically significant differences in academic achievement based on the note-taking strategy used. Students who utilized traditional paper-based note-taking demonstrated superior long-term comprehension and retention. In contrast, digital note-taking proved effective in organizing information and facilitating quick access. Note-taking during lectures without later review showed the least positive impact on academic performance. The study recommends raising students’ awareness about the importance of selecting the most appropriate note-taking method according to the nature of the subject matter. It also encourages the adoption of a blended approach to enhance understanding and memory retention, while considering individual differences in learning styles.
Calculation displacement Vibration of Circular Membranes and Insulated Circular Disk Temperature by Using Bessel Functions
This study investigates the mathematical formulation and physical applications of the Bessel differential equation in analyzing the displacement of vibrating circular membranes and the temperature distribution in insulated circular disks. The Bessel equation, a second-order linear differential equation with variable coefficients, naturally emerges in problems exhibiting cylindrical or radial symmetry in applied mathematics and engineering. The research begins by deriving the Bessel equation using the Frobenius series method and then explores the Bessel functions of the first and second kinds, emphasizing their orthogonality, oscillatory nature, and significance in modeling wave and heat phenomena. To solve practical problems involving circular geometry, the study employs the Fourier–Bessel series expansion, which extends classical Fourier analysis to circular domains. This method enables the determination of the membrane’s displacement as a function of radial position and time, as well as the calculation of temperature variations within a circular disk subjected to thermal insulation. Through separation of variables, both the wave equation and the heat equation are reduced to Bessel-type forms, whose solutions satisfy the required boundary and initial conditions. The findings demonstrate that the Bessel function framework provides accurate analytical solutions to complex two-dimensional physical problems. These solutions are highly relevant to fields such as mechanical vibration analysis, thermal engineering, acoustics, and electromagnetic modeling, where cylindrical symmetry plays a critical role in predicting physical behavior.
The Impact of Formation Water Salinity on the Formation Resistivity Factor
The objective of this study is to develop a new empirical correlation to determine the formation resistivity factor (Fr) as a function of porosity, similar to approaches adopted in previous research. In addition, the study examines the effect of formation-water salinity on the resistivity factor. Core samples from three different oil fields in Libya’s Sirte Basin were selected for analysis. A portion of the laboratory measurements was conducted at the Libyan Petroleum Institute (LPI) in Tripoli, Libya. Several empirical correlations were formulated to quantify the influence of salinity on the formation resistivity factor. Among these, the best-fit correlation demonstrated the highest correlation coefficient, providing the most accurate representation of salinity’s impact on Fr.
Effect of sheep manure compost, sulfur and irrigation water quality on soil electrical conductivity (EC, ds/m) of maize plant
The main objective of the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of of sheep manure compost, sulfur and irrigation water quality on soil electrical conductivity (EC, ds/m) of maize plant. The study was carried out in a pot experiment at A farm in the Al-Fatih area, north of the City of Derna. The soil sample used in this study was a calcareous soil (typiccalciorthids), sheep manure compost was applied at a rate of 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12% by weight to the soil. Sulfur was applied to the soil at a rate of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4% by weight. Two types of water were Tap water and drainage water. The tested plant was Maize (Zeya, L.) and it was cultivated for 60days from sowing. The irrigation with drainage water has a significant effect on increasing soil electrical conductivity (EC). The electrical conductivity (EC), increased significantly with increasing the rate application of sheep manure compost and sulfur while the pH was decrease.
Wireless Routing Using Automata Theory and Formal Language
In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), routing is still a major problem that affects network longevity, energy consumption, and data transmission efficiency. The explicit modeling of cluster head (CH) and gateway assignments to successfully balance efficiency and adaptability has received relatively little attention, despite the fact that the majority of current research focuses on either network coverage optimization or adaptive routing path optimization. The current study fills this gap by presenting a novel routing architecture based on finite automata theory that is intended to dynamically manage gateway assignments and CH in clustered WSNs. The suggested system makes use of deterministic and non-deterministic finite automata (DFA and NFA) to enable energy-conscious, adaptive reactions to variations in resource availability and network structure. Comprehensive simulations and comparative analyses against existing Cellular Automata (CA) and Learning Automata (LA) methods demonstrate superior scalability, reduced complexity, and enhanced network lifetime. By integrating theoretical automata insights with practical routing requirements, this study provides a strong foundation for future large-scale WSN management.
Optimize tilted angle of PV panel subjected to Tripoli microclimate condition
To design an efficient photovoltaic (PV) system, one of the key factors to consider is solar insolation energy. Insolation energy depends on several factors such as local geography, incident radiation, latitude, time of day, and time of year. These parameters directly affect the energy output of the PV modules and will be analyzed in this study. However, due to the variation in solar insolation (incident solar radiation), the energy output of the PV panels also fluctuates. Consequently, the amount of energy delivered from the PV panels to the load varies as well. Therefore, it is essential to study the optimum solar energy levels over time to ensure an appropriate and efficient PV system design. In this work, the solar radiation profile and the energy demand of a typical household load under Tripoli’s microclimatic conditions will be analyzed to determine the appropriate PV system size. Furthermore, the optimal tilt angle of the PV panels will be optimized to maximize the possible annual energy yield from the PV array
Assessment of Photosynthetic Pigments and Nutrient Content in Malva parviflora Exposed to Heavy Metal
The present work aimed to study the Photosynthetic Pigments and Nutrient Content in Malva parviflora Exposed to Heavy Metals to Malva parviflora population, One hundred and fifty one stands (10m X 10m) were surveyed in late autumn to early spring (2014-2015 and 2015-2016). The present results reviled that Malva parviflora It is clear from the study that Malva parviflora plants have high elasticity to grow in diverse habitat and rich in plant diversity and is a resource for many plant species of environmental, economic and medical importance, The results showed that the morphological and physiological features of M. parviflora were reduced in the polluted areas. were Statistical analysis indicated high significant variations in Chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids of M. parviflora in different habitats .It can be seen that highest Chlorophyll a was recorded in Agriculture road sites , whil The concentrations of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids sugar in M. parviflora reduced in polluted regions. also The Results showed of Nutrients content of Malvaparviflora Root that (N) and (P) , (K) significantly differed from habitat . Nitrogen recorded their highest contents in Desert road sites , but the highest content of P were recorded in Two habite Salt marshes and Agricultural road sites , followed K in Railway .
Digital Twin-Integrated Predictive Control for Intelligent Manufacturing Systems: A Simulation and AI Approach
Digital twins have emerged as vital tools for intelligent manufacturing, offering real-time virtual replicas of physical systems. By integrating predictive control, especially model predictive control (MPC), with digital twins, manufacturing processes can be dynamically optimized for quality, efficiency, and resilience. In this paper, we propose a simulation-based framework that combines digital-twin models with MPC and AI-driven analytics for a CNC machining process. The digital twin continuously synchronizes with machine sensors and uses AI models to forecast equipment behavior. MPC uses the twin’s model to compute optimal control actions that maintain process targets and preempt defects. We demonstrate through simulation that the integrated system can reduce response latency, improve setpoint tracking, and enable proactive adjustments. For example, compared to a conventional PID controller, the MPC yields smoother control inputs and a 20% reduction in predicted quality defects. The AI components (e.g. neural networks) enhance the twin’s prediction accuracy by learning from historical data.
Design of a Portable Programmable Function Generator Using PIC18F4520 Microcontroller
This study presents the design and implementation of a portable programmable function generator (PPFG) using the PIC18F4520 microcontroller, developed and simulated through Proteus Design Suite before hardware realization. The primary goal of the project was to construct a low-cost and flexible waveform generator capable of producing multiple signal types, including sine, square, triangular, sawtooth, and pulse waveforms. The circuit design incorporated key components such as the MCP4921 digital-to-analog converter (DAC), CA3140 operational amplifier, and ICL7660 voltage converter to ensure accurate waveform generation and stable bipolar/unipolar outputs. Through simulation and practical testing, the system demonstrated excellent waveform accuracy, adjustable amplitude and frequency, and reliable performance comparable to commercial laboratory instruments. The proposed PPFG serves as an educational and experimental tool for engineering students and laboratories, providing a cost-effective alternative to conventional function generators. The results confirm that the integration of microcontroller-based control and analog interfacing can achieve high-quality signal synthesis suitable for both instructional and research applications.
Urban Planning and Design of the Road Network in Derna City after Reconstruction
This research aims to analyze the extent to which the new reconstruction projects in Derna comply with international standards and global case studies, as well as to evaluate the efficiency of connectivity between the two banks of Wadi Derna in terms of traffic flow and safety. The study also seeks to enhance the design and planning of roads and bridges in post-disaster contexts, with a focus on urban resilience, environmental sustainability, and the integration of smart technologies. The core research question centers on: How can smart technologies be utilized in the planning and design of roads and bridges after a disaster to ensure sustainable and resilient infrastructure against future floods, while integrating the watercourse within urban planning? The study adopts the descriptive approach to scientifically describe the studied phenomenon in line with the research objectives, and the analytical approach to assess the recently implemented road and bridge plans along the valley. The research concludes with a set of findings and recommendations.
Isolation, identification, and antibiotic sensitivity testing of bacterial species causing urinary tract infection in different zones of Libya's Brega city region
The present study aims to investigate the distribution of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs) among different age groups in Brega, Libya. A total of 500 mid-stream urine (MSU) samples were collected from both "inpatients and outpatients at Brega Qarawi Hospital" (Zone III), the Family Clinic (Zone I), and the Industrial Clinic (Zone I). Participants included 285 males and 215 females, with ages ranging from 15 to 65 years. Findings revealed that the overall prevalence of UTIs in Brega was approximately 45%, with a slightly higher occurrence among males (46%) compared to females (44%). Adults represented the most affected group (72.4%), "followed by the elderly (16.4%)" and adolescents (11.1%). Outpatients accounted for the majority of cases (62.2%), while inpatients represented 37.7%. Regarding bacterial etiology, "Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen, responsible for nearly half of the infections" (49.7%). Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified in 20.8% and 10.2% of the cases, respectively. Gram-positive bacteria were less frequently detected, with Staphylococcus aureus accounting for 5.3% and Staphylococcus saprophyticus for 2.6%.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated that Imipenem (IMI) demonstrated the highest efficacy among the antibiotics evaluated in this study.
High-Temperature Superconductors: Their Physical Properties and Technological Applications
Superconductivity is a unique physical phenomenon discovered over a century ago. Generally, it can be characterized by three essential properties, which are zero resistance, perfect diamagnetism, and microscopic quantum phenomenon (that known as the BCS theory). However, materials that have such as these significant properties when subjected to temperature below a critical temperature (Tc) become superconductor's materials. As a result, these advantages open up opportunities in front of researches and scientists to better understanding the mysteries that behind them. Furthermore, high-temperature super-conductors (abbreviated as HTS) play an important role in many applications and technologic fields. Therefore, it uses liquid nitrogen (LN) when cooling a sample, giving it a specified curial temperature compared to conventional superconductors that use liquid helium (LHe) in cooling. From this perceptive, began to use these materials in most disciples and modern development technologies. Indeed, the critical temperature of superconducting materials has been increasing progressively but still not approaching to the room temperature, which is still as a dream not achieving yet, because the high cost and needs refrigerators for their applications compared with traditional conductors. This paper is focusing on the history of high-temperature superconductors and also highlights the behavior of superconducting materials, their fundamental characteristics, and applications in nanotechnology.
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Increasing Tax Revenues in Libya During the Period 2014–2024: An Analytical Study
This study examines the impact of digital transformation on tax revenue growth in Libya (2014–2024). Using a descriptive-analytical approach and official data from Libyan financial institutions, the research found a strong positive relationship between digitalization and the sharp rise in tax revenues, especially between 2022 and 2024. Digital tools helped expand the tax base, reduce evasion, and improve collection efficiency. Despite this progress, tax revenues still represent a small share of total income due to oil dependence. The study concludes that digital transformation is a key driver for fiscal sustainability and economic diversification in Libya.
Effect of sheep manure compost, sulfur and irrigation water quali+ty on soil Na, Ca and Mg content (C mol/Kg soil) of maize plant
This investigation is to study the effect of two types of irrigation water using the sheep manure compost, and sulfur as soil amendments on some soil properties, and elemental content of Maize plant. The study was carried out in a pot experiment at A farm in the Al-Fataih area, north of the City of Derna . The soil sample used in this study was a calcareous soil (typic calciorthids), sheep manure compost was applied at a rates of 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12% by weight to the soil. Sulfur was applied to the soil at a rate of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4% by weight. Two types of water was Tap water and drainage water .The tested plant was Maize (Zeya, L.) and it was cultivated for 60days from sowing. The irrigation with drainage water has a significant effect on increasing soil (Na, Ca and Mg. soluble anions than with the irrigation with tap water.the soluble cations (Na, Ca and Mg) increased significantly with increasing the rate application of sheep manure compost. The two way interaction effects of sheep manure compost by sulfur on. Ca, Na, Mg. were highly significant over the types of irrigation waters. Also, the interaction effects between sheep manure compost and water quality on the tested soil properties were significantly positive Only EC, and Ca differences associated with the interaction of sulfur by irrigation water quality were significant. The three way interaction effects of sheep manure compost, sulfur and irrigation water quality on the tested soil properties were significant for, Ca, Na and not significant for soil Mg.
Effect of Water Cooling on Photovoltaic Performance and Efficiency
Photovoltaic (PV) panels exhibit reduced electrical performance as their surface temperature rises due to direct solar radiation, mainly in hot climates. This study experimentally evaluates the effectiveness of continuous water cooling applied to the back surface of a 50 W polycrystalline PV module in Benghazi, Libya. Measurements of solar irradiance, module surface temperature, open-circuit voltage (Voc), current (I), and maximum power (Pmax) were recorded at 10-minute intervals during peak solar hours under two conditions: without cooling (control) and with continuous water circulation. The water cooling reduced the module temperature by an average of approximately 3 °C, which resulted in a measurable increase in Voc and current. Consequently, the maximum power output increased by about 8% and the overall module efficiency improved by roughly 7% compared to the uncooled condition. The findings indicate that simple water-cooling systems can be a low-cost and effective method to mitigate thermal losses and enhance PV performance in hot regions. Recommendations include testing the approach across different PV technologies and assessing sustainability when water resources are limited.
Determinants of Bank Credit Restrictions in Rural Areas - An Applied Study of the Central Region of Libya
The high level of risk in rural areas and the lack of information infrastructure suggest that rural credit markets in developing countries are likely to experience structural dysfunction. As a result, the majority of farmers, herders, and rural residents face binding credit constraints. Although there is a general perception that rural financial markets perform poorly, relatively little empirical evidence exists regarding the factors driving such conditions and the impact of credit constraints on agricultural productivity. The primary objective of this study is to examine whether households in the Libyan study area face credit constraints, using a direct elicitation approach based on a structured questionnaire survey. A randomly selected sample was drawn from the study area, which was divided into three regions. Households were classified as either constrained or unconstrained, and a binary probability model (Probit Model) was applied to test the sociol-economic characteristics of rural households. The analysis identifies whether credit constraints stem from loan quantity, interest rates, or other sociol-economic variables. The methodological approach combines observable outcomes with qualitative survey questions, relying on primary data collected through a field survey in the central region of Libya, stretching from Abu Qurayn in the west to Bin Jawad in the east, and also including the Al-Jufrah area in south-central Libya. Findings from the Probit model indicate that more than 55% of Libyan households in the study area are unable to access credit from formal banks or obtain financial facilities from any other source. The most significant barriers to accessing banking credit services were the existence of interest (riba), lack of collateral, and low income. For farmers in particular, farm size, soil quality, and access to a permanent water source were determining factors. The availability of a permanent water source increased the likelihood of obtaining loans from banks. Conversely, the refusal to apply for loans involving interest rates strongly discouraged participation in credit services, as the prohibition of interest was the most direct factor limiting households’ willingness to apply for such services, despite their acute need. Furthermore, the study found a correlation between household heads engaged in livestock rearing, their level of education, and the ownership of other assets, which increased the probability of applying for credit services from various banks.
sociol-economic characteristics of households
Numerical Analysis of the Heat Diffusion Equation Using the Laplace Transform and the Finite-Difference Method
This study presents a numerical and analytical investigation of the one-dimensional heat diffusion equation using two distinct mathematical approaches: the Laplace Transform and the Finite Difference Method (FDM). The primary objective is to compare the accuracy and efficiency of both methods in solving heat transfer problems. The Laplace Transform was applied to obtain an analytical formulation of the equation, while the Finite Difference Method was employed to approximate the numerical solution by discretizing the spatial and temporal domains into uniform intervals and applying finite difference operators to compute temperature variations. The results obtained from numerical simulations and graphical analyses were used to evaluate the performance of both approaches. The findings revealed a strong agreement between the analytical and numerical results, indicating that the Finite Difference Method provides accurate and stable approximations when the stability condition is satisfied, whereas the Laplace Transform yields highly precise analytical solutions but requires more complex symbolic manipulation. The study concludes that the choice of method depends largely on the nature of the problem and its boundary conditions. Furthermore, it recommends developing a hybrid approach that combines the Laplace Transform for the temporal component with the Finite Difference analysis in space to enhance efficiency and accuracy in multidimensional heat diffusion problems with complex boundary conditions.
Determination of Residual Stress Redistribution of 2024T351 Aluminum Alloy by Vickers Indentation Test
This study investigated the evolution of microhardness, fracture toughness, and residual stress in a 2024-T351 aluminum alloy under cyclic loading after various shot peening treatments. A modified Vickers indentation instrument, coupled with three different indentation models, was used to measure these properties. The experiments were conducted using variable amplitude tests on samples subjected to three different shot peening intensities: 4-6A, 6-8A, and 8-10A. The samples were tested under cyclic loading at two applied stress levels, 170 MPa and 280 MPa, for 1, 2, 10, 1000, and 10,000 cycles. Experimental results show that microhardness was reduced by 34% for samples treated with an 8-10A shot peening intensity after 10,000 cycles under a -280 MPa load. The reduction in microhardness is attributed to the relaxation of residual stress, with the rate of reduction being influenced by the material's percentage of cold work.
The impact of mechanical workshop layout on risk reduction and improving operational efficiency
In this study, the purpose is to examine how mechanical workshop layout planning affects the workshop efficiency and occupational hazard reduction in automotive maintenance workshops. The study is a descriptive-analytical study that uses structured field observations and semi-structured interviews as the main data collection methods. Ten workshops on the road to the city of Zawiya were used as a sample. The results of the research demonstrate a definite correlation between the quality of the work organization planning (distribution of working places, structure of movement or transportation ways, functional division of labor) and the promotion of the working conditions and work efficiency. Nevertheless, the analysis also reveals weaknesses in the practice of safety requirements, especially regarding emergency evacuation routes, and the availability of emergency equipment. The research suggests the implementation of the functional oriented planning models using the principles of industrial engineering, and combining it with the operative safety systems. It also requires the integration of the continuous improvement practices and the periodic assessment of the internal workshop design. These results show that context-related design standards of mechanical workshops should be implemented, which will include the consideration of the operational efficiency alongside the safety of the workers