African Journal of Advanced Pure and Applied Sciences (AJAPAS)

Does a behavioural bias affect personality traits and investors' sentiments? : Smart PLS Model

Adel K. Khalleefah, Ahmed E. Aljedek, Tarek M. Ghomeed — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the influence of behavioral biases on personality traits and investors' sentiments, focusing on overconfidence, disposition effect, anchoring, representativeness, mental accounting, emotional bias, and herding biases. Data from 753 respondents across Gujarat's municipal corporation cities were analyzed using a Smart PLS model and structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings indicate that these biases significantly impact investors' sentiments, with some biases, like overconfidence and disposition effect, negatively affecting sentiments, while others, like mental accounting and emotional bias, have a positive impact. Additionally, personality traits such as extraversion and openness positively influence sentiments, whereas neuroticism has a negative effect. Limitations include the sample size and reliance on self-reported data, and the study's originality lies in its exploration of these relationships comprehensively. Practical implications suggest investors, advisors, and policymakers can benefit from understanding these dynamics to make more informed investment decisions and promote financial literacy. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of how biases and personality traits shape investors' sentiments, aiding in the development of strategies to mitigate irrational decision-making in financial markets.

The Effect of the Ionosphere on Ground-to-Satellite Communication Signals

Marai M. Abousetta, Ahdoud M. Issa — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The ionosphere is a dynamic plasma layer in Earth’s upper atmosphere that significantly influences communication between ground stations and satellites. This study investigates the interaction of electromagnetic waves with ionospheric plasma, focusing on key parameters affecting plasma properties and signal propagation. Using the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method, simulations were conducted to analyze wave propagation, absorption, and dispersion through the ionosphere. Results indicate that Total Electron Content (TEC) decreases with increasing microwave frequency. Higher-frequency waves exhibit greater transmission coefficients, enabling penetration through the ionosphere, whereas lower-frequency signals experience significant attenuation—particularly in the D-layer during daylight hours. Effective collision frequency diminishes with altitude due to reduced atmospheric density, directly impacting signal reflection and absorption. TEC peaks at midday due to solar ionization and declines nocturnally, consistent with electron density fluctuations in the ionospheric layers. Analyses of group delay and frequency effects further reveal time-dependent signal propagation characteristics. These findings are critical for optimizing satellite communication, navigation systems, and remote sensing technologies reliant on microwave transmission through the ionosphere.

Assessment of internal parasite infection in horses from various farm types in the western area of Libya

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study was carried out in 2023 (from April to October) in the western area of Libya. Horses from individual and horse racing stables with varying housing, feeding, and field care methods (including Arabian and Thoroughbred horses) had their feces sampled. 450 horses were analyzed (380 mares, 15 geldings, and 55 stallions).

Among the 300 horses from individual farms, 143 (47.6%) had protozoan infections, and 111 (37%) had gastrointestinal parasite infections. Thirty-one (20.6%) and 29 (19.3%) of the 150 horses from racing farms had protozoan infections and gastrointestinal parasite infections, respectively.

Most horses from individual farms and racing farms were infected with the gastrointestinal parasite Moniezia spp. and the protozoan cryptosporidium parvum.

The total number of horses from individual farms free of infection from gastrointestinal parasites was 189 (63%), and horses free of infection from racing farms were 121 (80.6%). While free from protozoa in individual farms 157 (52.3%) and from racing farms 119 (79.3%).

In some horses, eggs of Trichostongyliode spp. Parascaris equorum, and tapeworm of Anoplocephala spp., were found in the individual, and racing farms.

The horses from both individual and racing farms were infected with other protozoa: Blantidum coli, Entamoeba coli, Eimeria spp.

Individual farms had a higher number of infected horses than the horse racing stable farms.

Estimation of Vitamin C Concentration in Commercially Available Fruit Juices from Various Countries Using Iodine Titration

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study quantified vitamin C (ascorbic acid) concentrations in six commercially available fruit juices from Libya, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Turkey using iodine titration. Samples included single-fruit and mixed juices: Basil, Zain (cocktail), Rauch (Libya), Mizo (Saudi Arabia), Biko (Lebanon), and Daren (Turkey; orange). Results revealed significant variability, with Daren orange juice containing the highest concentration (138.45 mg/200 ml). The findings highlight the influence of juice type, regional fortification practices, and processing on vitamin C content, underscoring the need for standardized labeling to inform consumer choices.

تحليل تأثيرات الحقول المغناطيسية على المواد فائقة التوصيل

عتيقة إبراهيم عمار ارحومه — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

تُعدّ المواد فائقة التوصيل من المواد الفريدة التي تتميز بقدرتها على نقل الكهرباء دون مقاومة عند تبريدها إلى درجات حرارة منخفضة. ومع ذلك، لا تزال تأثيرات الحقول المغناطيسية على هذه المواد محور اهتمام كبير في دراسات فيزياء المواد. فعند تطبيق مجال مغناطيسي على مادة فائقة التوصيل، تظهر ظاهرة تُعرف بـ "تأثير مايسنر"، حيث يتم طرد المجال المغناطيسي من داخل المادة، مما يحافظ على حالتها الفائقة التوصيل.

لكن في المقابل، يمكن للمجالات المغناطيسية العالية أن تؤدي إلى دخول المادة في "حالة الدوامة"، وهي حالة فوضوية تؤثر فيها الحقول المغناطيسية على البنية الدقيقة للمادة، مما يهدد استقرار خاصية التوصيل الفائق. وعندما يتجاوز المجال المغناطيسي حدًا معينًا يُعرف بـ "الحد الحرج"، تفقد المادة قدرتها على التوصيل الفائق وتعود إلى حالتها الطبيعية.

تؤثر هذه الحقول أيضًا على درجة حرارة الإنتقال (T_c)، وهي النقطة التي تبدأ فيها المادة بإظهار خصائص التوصيل الفائق. إن فهم هذه التأثيرات ضروري لتطوير التطبيقات العملية للمواد فائقة التوصيل، سواء في الحوسبة الكمومية أو في الأجهزة الطبية مثل التصوير بالرنين المغناطيسي. وتُسهم دراسة هذه الظواهر في تحسين كفاءة استخدام هذه المواد وفتح آفاق جديدة لتطوير تقنيات متقدمة في مجالات علمية وصناعية متعددة.

Generalizations of harmonic starlike functions defined by new generalized derivative operator with respect to symmetric points

Anessa Oshah — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this paper, we define the operator D_(λ_1,λ_2,l,d)^(m,q,s) [α_i,β_j], and applying this operator to the harmonic function. Using this operator we introduce a new class of complex-valued harmonic functions with respect to symmetric points. We obtain coefficient bounds, extreme points, distortion bounds, convex combinations, and inclusion results and closure under an integral operator for this family of harmonic univalent functions.

تصميم وتصنيع ملحق لنقل الحركة لتوليد الطاقـة الكهربائية من الجرار الزراعي (مولد PTO)

علي أبوراس, عبد الرؤوف القطعي, محمد الرويمي, معمر احميد, علي الرتيمي — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

تهدف هذه الدراسة الى تعزيز الاستفادة من الجرارات الزراعية واستخدامها في توليد الطاقة الكهربائية في المناطق التي يصعب فيها الحصول على الطاقة الكهربائية من الشبكة العامة للكهرباء. وعلى هذا الأساس تركز موضوع هذه الدراسة على تصميم وتصنيع ملحق على جرار زراعي نوع MF 240 لتوليد الطاقة الكهربائية بخامات محلية وبتكاليف منخفضة. ومن هذا المنطلق تم تصميم ملحق يعتمد على قدرة وسرعات عمود اخراج الطاقة من الجرار الزراعي. وبعد اختبار سرعة دوران عمود إخراج الطاقة، صُمم صندوق التروس لرفع سرعة عمود إخراج الطاقة وهي السرعة اللازمة لتشغيل ملف توليد الكهرباء.

بعد التصميم الذي أستخدم فيه برنامج SolidWorks، تم تصنيع الملحق وهو صندوق التروس مع ملحقاته وتركيبه مع ملف توليد الكهرباء وذلك في هيكل واحد. أُجريت عدة تجارب وتعديلات عملية، استطاع شخص واحد لعدة مرات من فك وتركب الملحق على الجرار بكل سهولة. كما تم تشغيل الجرار بالملحق بشكل مبدئي وبدون تشغيل المولد أي بدون أحمال كهربائية مع متابعة أجهزة القياس ومؤشرات الفولتية والتردد والحرارة لفترات طويلة. نتج عن ذلك أن كل الأجزاء الميكانيكية للملحق تعمل بشكل طبيعي. أُجريت التجارب العملية لتشغيل المولد بعد عمل جيد للأجزاء الميكانيكية وذلك بتوصيل الأحمال الكهربائية التي تجاوزت 35 امبير لفترة 4 ساعات متواصلة في ظروف مختلفة وفي أجواء صيفية وأماكن زارعيه وصناعية. نتج عن ذلك توليد وإنتاج للكهرباء بكفاءة عالية، وأيضًا كان مستوى صوت الأجزاء الميكانيكية مقبولاً. إن هذا الإنجاز العلمي سيكون له بالغ الأثر في القطاعات الصناعية والزراعية التي تواجه صعوبة الحصول على التيار الكهربائي مباشرةً من الشبكة العامة للكهرباء أو تلك التي تعاني من انقطاع متكرر للكهرباء.

Techniques for reducing numerical error in the calculation of numerical integration: a comparative study

Salima Khalifa Ahmed, Tahani Zadan Mohammed — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Numerical integration is one of the most important tools in scientific, engineering, and mathematical applications to reduce the rate of numerical error, which makes the results inaccurate and thus affects the efficiency of these applications. This study aims to review previous literature and extract the most important results for comparison between them and to know the factors that affect numerical integration methods, whether the type of function, the type of application, the size of the function, the number of points of the function, the extent of the function’s spacing, the flexibility and accuracy of calculations, and the ease of use and stability of numerical integration methods. Such as Gaussian integration methods, adaptive integration methods, Simpson methods, and Newton-Curtis Rolle Monte Carlo methods. Through a methodology, more methodologies were adopted, such as the descriptive methodology in describing integration methods and the factors affecting them, and the quantitative methodology in collecting data from previous studies and drawing conclusions related to the factors affecting numerical integration methods in terms of efficiency, accuracy, flexibility and stability, and evaluating these results and the factors affecting them by reviewing more than 100 studies. Related to the topic, using comparative methodology to compare the results of those studies and analytical methodology to analyze and evaluate the results. The results indicated that for the total weight, adaptive integration ranked first with a rate of 87%, followed by the Simpson-Role method with 85%, then Gauthian integration with a rate of 84%, then integration with 82%, and Newton-Curtz-Rolle method with 85%.

Cooling with renewables: strategies for a green and efficient future

Muustafa Abdalla Othmam, Ail Dhaw Muftah Aljadi, Ahmed Saleh Ibrahim Mohamed — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The global demand for cooling is rising rapidly due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change. Conventional cooling systems, which rely heavily on fossil fuels, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and energy inefficiency. This paper explores the potential of renewable energy sources to revolutionize the cooling sector, offering sustainable and efficient alternatives. By examining technologies such as solar-powered cooling, geothermal cooling, and bio-inspired designs, this study highlights strategies for integrating renewables into cooling systems. The paper also discusses policy frameworks, economic considerations, and future research directions to accelerate the adoption of green cooling solutions. The findings emphasize the urgent need for a transition to renewable-based cooling to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure energy security.

تضمين متطلبات الاستدامة لتحسين جودة البيئة الداخلية في المستشفيات: دراسة تطبيقية لمستشفى صبراتة التعليمي

محمد الصغير الفرجاني, ربيعة خليفة علي الغرياني — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

في ظل الأهمية المتزايدة للاستدامة وتأثيرها على جودة البيئة الداخلية، يسعى هذا البحث إلى معالجة الفجوة بين الوعي والتطبيق في تصميم المستشفيات. يهدف هذا البحث إلى استكشاف إمكانية تضمين متطلبات الاستدامة كحل لتحسين جودة البيئة الداخلية في المستشفيات، مما ينعكس إيجابًا على صحة المرضى والعاملين على حد سواء. ولتحقيق هذا الهدف، تم اختيار مستشفى صبراتة التعليمي كدراسة حالة. استخدم البحث المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، وتم جمع البيانات من خلال استبيان وُزع على عينة من العاملين في المستشفى (أطباء، ممرضين، وإداريين). كشفت النتائج عن وجود فجوة بين الوعي بأهمية الاستدامة والممارسات الفعلية في تصميم المستشفى، حيث لم يتم تفعيل استخدام تقنيات توفير الطاقة، ومصادر الطاقة المتجددة، والمواد الصديقة للبيئة بالقدر الكافي. كما أشارت النتائج إلى تباين في كفاءة الفراغات الداخلية، وتحديات في تحقيق التكامل بين الأبعاد البيئية والاجتماعية والاقتصادية. أوصت الدراسة بتبني نهج تصميم شامل يراعي متطلبات الاستدامة في جميع مراحل التصميم والتشغيل، مع التركيز على توفير بيئة داخلية صحية ومريحة، والاستفادة من تقنيات مبتكرة، وتوعية المستخدمين بأهمية الممارسات المستدامة لضمان تحقيق أهداف الرعاية الصحية والبيئية على حد سواء.

Super Convergent Finite Beam Element for Torsional Vibration of Open Thin-Walled Vlasov Beam under Torsional Excitations

Alqasim M. Kamour, Mohammed A. Hjaji, Hasan M. Nagiar — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A highly accurate finite beam element is developed for the steady state torsional-warping dynamic analysis of open thin-walled doubly symmetric Vlasov beams subjected to various harmonic torsional and warping moments. The governing dynamic equation and associated boundary conditions for torsional-warping response is derived through Hamilton variational principle. The formulation is based on Vlasov beam theory and incorporates both warping deformation and warping inertia effects. From the resulting torsional equation, the closed form solution is exactly obtained. A set of shape functions developed based on the exact solution of the field torsional equation is utilized to formulate the finite beam element. The two-noded beam element, with four degrees of freedom per element, effectively captures the quasi-static and steady-state torsional responses of open thin-walled doubly symmetric beams under harmonic torsional excitations. Additionally, it is used to extract the natural torsional frequencies and mode-shapes from the steady state dynamic response. The results obtained from the finite-element formulation are evaluated and verified by comparing them with well-established finite-element solutions and exact solutions available in the literature. The present beam element validity is demonstrated through several numerical examples, with results exhibiting excellent agreement with exact solutions available in the literature and Abaqus and Galerkin finite element models, achieved at a significantly reduced computational and modeling cost.

Histological Analysis of Immune Tissues: Insights into Structure, Function, and Disease Mechanisms

Muhammad Akram, Mufida Ahmed Nagi, Ali Husayn Alhadad, Hamza Khalifa Ibrahim — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Histological analysis of immunological tissues can provide a full description of cell composition, morphology, and functional organization of lymphoid organs such as the spleen, lymph nodes, thymus, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). By immune cell type identification, research on tissue structure, and pathological change identification, the technique can be employed in immunological response studies, inflammation, and diseases such as autoimmune diseases, infections, and cancer. Broader recognition of particular immune markers through the use of staining techniques such as immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry make it easier to understand cellular interactions along with the immunological microenvironment.

تقييم تأثير ريش الانعطاف على فقدان الضغط في أكواع مجاري الهواء: دراسة تجريبية ومحاكاة باستخدام ASHRAE Duct Fitting Database

صالح عبد القادر صالح, ناصر فضل الله فرج, نعيم علي فضل الله — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

تُعد مشكلة فقدان الضغط في مجاري الهواء تحديًا رئيسيًا يؤثر على كفاءة أنظمة التهوية والتكييف، حيث يؤدي إلى زيادة استهلاك الطاقة وانخفاض الأداء العام. هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى تحليل تأثير إضافة ريش الانعطاف على فقدان الضغط في أكواع مجاري الهواء بزاوية 90 درجة، باستخدام منهجية تجمع بين النمذجة العددية (CFD) والتجارب العملية. ركز البحث على تحليل سلوك تدفق الهواء داخل الكوع، حيث أظهرت النتائج أن الانعطافات الحادة تُحدث اضطرابات هوائية (Turbulent Flow) تزيد من فقدان الضغط بشكل ملحوظ. تم تصميم منظومة تجريبية لقياس فقدان الضغط مع وبدون ريش الانعطاف، بالتوازي مع محاكاة رقمية باستخدام برنامج ANSYS Fluent، ومقارنة النتائج مع معاملات الفقد في قاعدة بيانات ASHRAE لتركيبات القنوات.

أظهرت النتائج أن استخدام ريش الانعطاف قلل فقدان الضغط بنسبة تصل إلى 40 % مقارنة بالكوع بدون ريش، وذلك بسبب تحسين انسيابية الهواء وتقليل مناطق التدفق العكسي والمناطق ذات السرعات العالية غير المتوازنة. كما أكدت المحاكاة العددية تطابقًا كبيرًا مع البيانات التجريبية، مع وجود اختلافات طفيفة (أقل من 10%) عن توقعات قاعدة بيانات ASHRAE. توصلت الدراسة إلى أن التصميم الأمثل لريش الانعطاف (من حيث الشكل، والعدد، وزاوية التركيب) يلعب دورًا حاسمًا في تقليل الاضطرابات الهوائية، مما يحسن كفاءة النظام بنسبة 15-20% ويخفض استهلاك الطاقة. بناءً على هذه النتائج، توصي الدراسة بضرورة تضمين ريش الانعطاف في تصميم الأكواع ذات الزوايا الحادة، خاصة في الأنظمة الكبيرة، مع مراعاة المعايير الواردة في أدلة ASHRAE لتحقيق التوازن بين التكلفة والأداء.

Impact of nutritional supplements on kidney function in bodybuilders: a cross-sectional study

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The use of dietary supplements among bodybuilders has become increasingly prevalent, as individuals seek to enhance their athletic performance and achieve optimal muscle hypertrophy. Although these supplements may offer performance benefits, there is growing concern about their potential adverse effects on kidney function, particularly because the kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste products and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. This study aims to investigate the impact of common dietary supplements on kidney function parameters in bodybuilders. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving 100 male bodybuilders aged 16 to 40 years. Participants were categorized into two groups: 50 individuals who used supplements and 50 who did not. Demographic data and supplement usage information were collected. Venous blood samples were drawn to assess kidney function markers, including serum urea, creatinine, sodium (Na), and potassium (K) levels. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Statistical significance was evaluated using independent t-tests and Pearson correlation analysis. Participants who used supplements showed significantly higher levels of urea (35.02 mg/dL vs. 29.06 mg/dL, p=0.001) and creatinine (1.08 mg/dL vs. 0.976 mg/dL, p=0.002) compared to non-users. Additionally, sodium levels were lower in supplement users (140.54 mmol/L) compared to non-users (141.65 mmol/L), with this difference being statistically significant (p=0.020). No significant difference was found in potassium levels between the two groups (p=0.584). A weak positive correlation was observed between the duration of supplement use and the levels of urea, creatinine, and potassium, while a slight negative correlation was noted with sodium. However, none of these correlations reached statistical significance. The study highlights a potential association between the use of common dietary supplements and altered kidney function markers in bodybuilders. The findings suggest that prolonged or excessive use of these supplements may contribute to renal stress or dysfunction. Therefore, it is advisable for bodybuilders and healthcare professionals to exercise caution regarding supplement use and to monitor renal function periodically.

Optimizing Job Shop Scheduling with Alternative Routes: A Metaheuristic Approach

Abdalla Omar Dagroum Ali, Houssein M A Elaswad, Abulgasem Jabuda — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Job shop scheduling with alternative routes (JSS-AR) presents a critical optimization challenge in modern manufacturing, where jobs can follow multiple paths through machines to enhance flexibility. This study addresses the NP-hard problem of minimizing makespan in JSS-AR by evaluating genetic algorithms (GA), simulated annealing (SA), ant colony optimization (ACO), and a novel hybrid GA-ACO. Computational experiments on benchmark instances demonstrate that the hybrid GA-ACO achieves the lowest makespan (4.1% deviation from theoretical bounds) by synergizing ACO’s exploratory routing decisions with GA’s refinement. SA offers rapid solutions for time-sensitive scenarios, while ACO excels in large-scale problems. The findings provide actionable guidelines for improving production efficiency and resource utilization in dynamic manufacturing environments.

The Prevalence of Hyperuricemia as a Predictive Risk Factor for Gout in Tarhuna City, Libya

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

his study investigated the prevalence of hyperuricemia as a predictive risk factor for gout in Tarhuna City, Libya, by analyzing serum uric acid levels across different ages and genders. A retrospective analysis of 1,482 individuals (575 males, 906 females) from multiple medical laboratories between January 2023 and January 2024 was conducted. Results showed uric acid levels increased with age, especially among those aged 76–95 years, with males exhibiting significantly higher mean levels (5.84 mg/dL) than females (4.87 mg/dL). The gender difference is attributed to hormonal factors such as estrogen promoting uric acid excretion in females, as well as physiological and lifestyle differences. The "ALzahra" laboratory was the most commonly used facility, likely due to better accessibility or service quality. The study recommends raising public awareness of hyperuricemia risks, particularly for older adults and males, and improving healthcare services for early detection and management.

Calculation of Safety Setback (Rs) For High Pressure Natural Gas Pipeline (Hazard Distances)

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to analyze the required safety setback distance around high-pressure natural gas pipelines and assess the associated hazards. These pipelines run through Misurata City, supplying natural gas to the iron and steel company. The research focuses on essential safety regulations that companies must adhere to, considering the influence of pipeline diameter and internal operating pressure. Additionally, the study examines the role of safety valves in reducing internal pressure and mitigating potential risks. It defines critical safety distances, indicating that exceeding a specific radius (Rs) ensures safety, whereas certain hazardous zones require restricted access, with firefighters supported by water pumps for emergency response. Based on the findings, the study recommends increasing the minimum safety setback from 100 meters to 370 meters and raising public awareness about the potential dangers for residents living near these gas pipelines.

A study of the relationship between transformational leadership and time management efficiency. Analysis from Libyan construction companies

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Transformational leadership is essential to the effectiveness of construction projects in Libya, as it improves time management in challenging political and economic circumstances. Hence, this study aims to explore how time management and other relevant aspects of building projects in Libya are affected by transformational leadership styles. To accomplish this objective, this research employed a quantitative method, gathering information from managers and industry experts in Libya's construction industry utilizing a structured questionnaire. This survey analyzed 260 questionnaires. The data evaluation indicated that transformational leadership styles have a positive and significant influence on project management efficiency and time management in Libya's building industry. The outcomes illustrate the crucial relevance of implementing transformational leadership approaches that would enhance the overall success of the project and drive success in the dynamic Libyan construction sector.

A study of the relationship between the incidence of congenital hyperbilirubinemia and specific physiological criteria in a sample of births from sanatoriums and Bani Waleed General Hospital

Manal Abdalraheem Saleh — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Jaundice is a prevalent condition encountered by newborns during the first week of life. It is particularly common among those born preterm and is regarded as a natural phenomenon that occurs in over 55% of newborns, typically resolving gradually. This study aims to identify the incidence of elevated bile substances and examine their association with factors such as the sex of the fetus and the type of lactation in newborns in the city of Bani Waleed. The investigation involved 150 newborns from specialized medical facilities, including Bani Waleed Hospital, Avicenna Sanatorium, and Al-Yaqeen Laboratory. Conducted between July and September 2023, data were collected from mothers using a disease-related questionnaire, followed by laboratory tests to assess bilirubin levels in the newborns' blood. Results indicated that 67% of children with hyperbilirubinemia exhibited bilirubin levels averaging 6.747 ± 4.1433 mg/dL. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum bilirubin levels in newborns with neonatal jaundice who were reliant on artificial feeding and those with a blood group incompatible with that of their mothers. Notably, the Rh factor distribution revealed that 59% of mothers were Rh-negative and 41% Rh-positive, while 68% of newborns were Rh-negative and 32% Rh-positive. This discrepancy poses a significant risk for fetal hemolysis.

Biodiversity and Chemical Composition Study of Shells in Mollusks from The Intertidal Zone of Apollonia, Susah Shores, Libya Using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectroscopy

Nsreen I. H. Mohamed, Amani Fitori, Esam M. K. Buzaid — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research investigates the biodiversity and elemental composition of mollusk shells—specifically gastropods and bivalves—collected from the intertidal zone of Apollonia, Susah Shores, Libya. Shell samples (n = 456) were gathered between November 2019 and February 2020, and species identification was performed using standard taxonomic keys. Ten molluscan families were recorded, with Patellidae, Trochidae, Conidae, and Muricidae being the most prevalent. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed that calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) was the predominant shell constituent, accounting for 93.33% to 97.88% of the composition. Minor amounts of silica (SiO₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), and iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) were also present, suggesting both environmental influence and physiological processes in shell development. These findings contribute to the understanding of molluscan shell formation in coastal ecosystems and offer a foundation for further studies on their ecological roles and potential industrial utilization.