Investigating the Use of Combined Hydrogen, Heat and Power System for Omar AL-Mukhtar University Campus

This paper investigates the use of a combined hydrogen, heat, and power (CHHP) system for Omar Al-Mukhtar University campus using local resources. Based on previous local resource assessment studies, the hydrogen team of Omar AL-Mukhtar University (OMU) selected the fuelcell energy DFC4000TM unit. This study shows that the CHHP system can provide electricity to power the university campus, thermal energy for heating the anaerobic digester, and hydrogen for transportation, back-up power and other needs. Consequently, using the alternative fuels and renewable energy resources for OMU campus can lower fossil fuel consumption and, therefore, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

Impact of Seawater Irrigation on seed germination and seedling growth of Ten Bread Wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)Genotypes

Objective:Seawater leakage in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar East Libya's coastal areas is one of the most biggest obstacles to farmers obtaining a highly productive crop.As a result,the experiment was conducted in a laboratory to find out the impact of irrigation with seawater on the salt tolerance of Acsad Bread wheat genotypes.Method:Ten genotypes(1398,1492,1514,1522,1524,1536,1538,1544,1550,and 1562),obtained from the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands Acsad,were used in the study,10 seeds of each genotype with three repetitions were germinated under four seawater concentrations(10,20,30 and 40%).Results:The results showed that there were highly significant(P≤0.05)differences in the genotypes’response to all salinity concentrations,Which led to decreasing germination percentage,delaying the average germination time,and decreasing radical/plumule length and seedling fresh/dry weight compared with a control.As noted genotypes(1524,1522 and 1514)were able to germinate in all concentrations of seawater,and gave the best average for all the studied traits.Also,the study indicated that a concentration of seawater of 40%was the most toxic for all wheat genotypes.The results of this study categorize the wheat genotypes into tolerant genotypes(1524,1522 and 1514),moderate tolerant(1492,1536),and sensitive(1398,1538,1544,1550 and 1562).Conclusion:The results concluded that the possibility of wheat crops agriculture into tolerant in Libyan coastal locations in which seawater concentration did not exceed 30%.

Diversity, Ecology, and Environmental Significance of Foraminifera in Al Hamama and Susah Coastal Regions, Northeastern Libya: Insights from Holocene Sediments

This research initiative, conducted along the coastal zones of Al Hamama and Susah in northeastern Libya, aimed to enhance our understanding of Holocene benthic foraminifera assemblages and the paleoenvironmental parameters in the region. We meticulously gathered five sediment samples to analyze the composition of foraminifera populations within the unconsolidated sedimentary deposits adjacent to these locations. We successfully identified nine distinct benthic foraminifera species, including Amphistegina lobifera, Eliphidium crispum, Sigmoilinita tenuis, Sorites orbiculus, Stomatorbina concentrica, Peneroplis planatus, Pseudotriloculina rotunda, Pyrgoella sphaera, and Triloculina schreberiana. Notably, Eliphidium crispum and Amphistegina lobifera emerged as the most prevalent species. These foraminifera species exhibited distinct ecological preferences, shedding light on paleoenvironmental conditions and climatic fluctuations during the Quaternary Period in the Susah and Al Hamama coastal regions. The presence of Orbulina universa, a planktonic foraminifera species, further enriched our understanding of the paleoenvironment by providing insights into specific water depths and temperature ranges. This research significantly contributes to paleoceanography and environmental reconstruction, highlighting the invaluable use of foraminifera as proxies for exploring past environmental changes. Additionally, the study investigated the impacts of anthropogenic influences on benthic ecosystems in the Al Hamama and Susah coastal areas. These influences included reworked foraminifera specimens and the effects of karst formations, acid rain, and eutrophication. Notably, human-induced factors have visibly affected biogenic fauna and ecosystem dynamics in the study area. Consequently, this research provides valuable insights into paleoenvironmental conditions and ecological dynamics within the Susah and Al Hamama coastal regions, emphasizing the crucial role of foraminifera in reconstructing historical environmental fluctuations.

Porosity Effects on Interlaminar Fracture Behavior in Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials have become materials of choice for manufacturing application due to their high specific stiffness, strength and fatigue life, low density and thermal expansion coefficient. However, there are some types of defects such as porosity that form during the manufacturing processes of composites and alter their mechanical behavior and material properties. In his study, hand lay-up was conducted to fabricate samples of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites with three different vacuum levels in order to vary porosity content. Nondestructive evaluation, destructive techniques and mechanical testing were conducted. Nondestructive evaluation results showed the trend in percentages of porosity through-thickness. Serial sectioning images revealed significant details about the composite’s internal structure such as the volume, morphology and distribution of porosity. Mechanical testing results showed that porosity led to a decrease in both Mode I static interlaminar fracture toughness and Mode I cyclic strain energy release rate fatigue life. The fractographic micrographs showed that porosity content increased as the vacuum decreased, and it drew a relationship between fracture mechanisms and mechanical properties of the composite under different modes of loading as a result of the porosity effects. Finally, in order to accurately quantify porosity percentages included in the samples of different vacuum levels, a comparison was made between the parameters and percentages resulted from the nondestructive evaluation and mechanical testing and the features resulted from fractography and serial sectioning.

Hybrid Power Generation by Using Solar and Wind Energy: Case Study

Energy is critical to the economic growth and social development of any country. Indigenous energy resources need to be developed to the optimum level to minimize dependence on imported fuels, subject to resolving economic, environmental and social constraints. This led to an increase in research and development as well as investments in the renewable energy industry in search of ways to meet the energy demand and to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels. Wind and solar energy are becoming popular owing to the abundance, availability and ease of harnessing the energy for electrical power generation. This paper focuses on an integrated hybrid renewable energy system consisting of wind and solar energies. Many parts of Libya have the potential for the development of economic power generation, so maps locations were used to identify where both wind and solar potentials are high. The focal point of this paper is to describe and evaluate a wind-solar hybrid power generation system for a selected location. Grid-tied power generation systems make use of solar PV or wind turbines to produce electricity and supply the load by connecting to the grid. In this study, the HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable) computer modeling software was used to model the power system, its physical behavior and its life cycle cost. Computer modeling software was used to model the power system, its physical behavior and its life cycle cost. The hybrid power system was designed for a building at the University of Al-Marj (MARJU). Through the use of simulations, the installation of ten 100-kW wind turbines and 150-KW solar PV was evaluated.

Influence of Tillage Practices on Soil Physical Properties and Growth and Yield of Maize in Jabal al Akhdar, Libya

Different tillage practices are used for maize cropping in Libya. Yet, the effects of these practices on soil physical properties and maize growth and yield are not known. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different tillage practices on soil physical properties and maize growth and yield in Libya. A field experiment was conducted in 2009 and repeated in 2010 using three tillage practices (conventional tillage (CT), ridge tillage (RT) and zero tillage (ZT)). Data about soil physical properties (penetration resistance (PR), bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks)) across soil depths, maize growth components (plant height, number of leaves, leaf area index and dry root weight) at 60, 75 and 125 days after planting, and maize yield (grain and stover) at harvest were collected and statistically analyzed in both years. To evaluate the effects of the tillage practices economically, the tillage operation cost and production cost were calculated. The results showed that at the surface layer (0 - 20 cm), CT had lower PR and lower BD, but higher TP and Ks compared to RT and ZT. At 20 - 40 cm and 40 - 60 cm depths, the lower PR and PD and higher TP and Ks were under ZT and RT compared to CT. All maize growth parameters at different times were highest for CT followed by RT and lowest for ZT. The CT practice presented the highest grain and stover yield followed by RT and ZT. However, harvest index was higher where ZT was applied. While tillage operation costs were the highest for CT followed by RT and ZT, the production costs were the highest for ZT followed by RT and CT. In general, the CT practice produced higher maize growth and yield, lower production cost, and higher tillage operation cost than those are planted using RT and ZT practices.

The Hydrogen Energy Potential of Solid Waste: A Case Study of Misrata City

This study presents an overview on solid waste that can be used as a source of bioenergy in Misrata including municipal solid waste (MSW), industrial solid waste (ISW), and healthcare solid waste (HSW) as biomass sources. The management of solid waste and valorization is based on an understanding of MSW’s and HSW’s composition and physicochemical characteristics. Of MSW’s, the results show that organic matter represents 59% of waste, followed by paper-cardboard 12%, miscellaneous 10%, plastic 8%, metals 7% and glass 4%. While HSW comprised of 72% general healthcare waste (non-risk) and 28% hazardous waste. The average general waste composition was: 38% organic, 24% plastics, and 20% paper. The potential of hydrogen energy produced from biogas in Misrata including MSW, and other organic feedstock such as food and kitchen waste, animal wastes, clover and reeds, wheat residues, barley residues, HSW and sewage waste as biomass sources. The total potential hydrogen output is estimated to be around 10,265 tons per year.

The Relativistic Mechanic Theory of the String

In this article, a novel speculative method is used to derive the relativistic mechanic that governs the motion of the vibrating string within the compactified-dimensions spacetime. This mechanic claims that the relativistic mechanic of the special relativity should be only valid for the motion within the familiar four-dimensional spacetime. However, our novel mechanic is valid for the motion within the compactified-dimensions spacetime predicted by the string theory. The equations of this new mechanic show that the vibrating string can move within the compactified dimensions in a speed that is faster than light. It is also shown that this new relativistic mechanic goes to the classical Newtonian mechanic whenever the speed of the vibrating string is much less than the speed of light. Since the proposed mechanic does not prohibit the existence faster than light motion, it may uncover some of the mysteries regarding the string theory, such as the existence of tachyon and time travel. The main goal of this paper is to show that the motion within the compactified-dimensions spacetime obeys a different relativistic mechanic that will provide a startling and revolutionary perspective on the universe and answer some of the fundamental questions posed in the modern physics.

Experimental Study of Biogas Production from Cow Dung as an Alternative for Fossil Fuels

To treat the problem of fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions, biogas is considered a potential source of clean renewable energy. The aim of the work is to analyze the amount of biogas and ph from cow dung when an anaerobic digester operates in the mesophilic mode. In this study is presented the experimental investigation of biogas production from cow dung as an alternative energy resource. This is work using an 18 Liters capacity plastic as prototype biogas plant, plant to inspect the anaerobic digestion in producing biogas. The digester was batch operated and daily gas produced from the plant was observed for 30 days. The digester was fed within the ratio of 1:1 of dung to water respectively. The operating temperatures of the digester were maintained within mesophilic conditions. The Biogas production from cow dung fluctuates from the first day to the thirtieth day between 0 and 340 ml. The pH of cow dung is gradual reduction within the retention period.

Side Effects of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine among Libyan Young Adults: Observational Study

Purpose: Since the mRNA technology used to manufacture Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is new, it is still difficult to predict its consequences. However, many young people, especially in developing countries, think that they are less susceptible to severe infection with the Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Therefore, they do not prefer to take the COVID-19 vaccines. Accordingly, studies in this aspect are necessary to increase people’s awareness of the acceptance of vaccination, especially for the youth. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on healthy young adults of both sexes. Participants (n = 81) were received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. A paper questionnaire was prepared, the survey asks about the side effects related to receiving the Vaccine. All participants completed the questionnaire twice, once after the first dose and again after the second dose. Data were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: The most common side effects were Muscle pain, Tiredness, Headache, and Fever. Less common side effects were Chills, Fainted, Breathlessness, and Coughing. Rare side effects include nausea and vomiting, Diarrhea, Anaphylactic Reaction, and Swollen Lymph Nodes. Side effects that are strongly associated with females are Headache, and Joint pain, for males, Anaphylactic reaction. The study revealed a significant difference between the number of females (96.5%) and males (85%) who suffered from the side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (P = 0.033). Conclusion: Most of the side effects reported in our study were consistent with Pfizer’s fact sheet for recipients and caregivers. Through our follow-up to the participants in the study, we noticed that the reported side effects were not too bad, and they were able to carry out their daily activities, so we recommend taking the vaccine, especially for young people.

Study the Relationship between the Nicotine and Lipid Profile with Some Hematology Parameters in Serum of Smoker and Non-Smoker Blood Samples

The effect of cigarette smoking on lipid profile and CBC (Complete Blood Count) of blood was investigated in this study. Spectrophotometric methods were used to estimate the amounts of nicotine, cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL-cholesterol. The findings revealed that cigarette smokers and the duration of smoking had significantly higher levels of nicotine and cholesterol when compared to non-smokers. The data also revealed differences in the contents of hematological parameters between smokers’ and non-smokers’ blood samples, with high counts of WBC, MCHC, HGB, and PLT clearly visible in the smokers’ samples. However, there was no discernible effect on RBC, MCV, or MCH counts in the trial. Smoker samples had high PLT values (243.8 ± 84.26), while non-smoker samples had lower PLT values (229.3 ± 30.07 on average).

Disubstituted piperazine analogues of trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine and methylenedioxybenzylpiperazine: analytical differentiation and serotonin receptor binding studies

A series of N,N-disubstituted piperazines were synthesized containing the structural elements of both methylenedioxybenzylpiperazine (MDBP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP)in a single molecule.These six potential designer drug molecules having a regioisomeric relationship were compared in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS),gas chromatography-infrared spectroscopy and serotonin receptor affinity studies.These compounds were separated by capillary gas chromatography on an Rxi(R)-17Sil MS stationary phase film and the elution order appears to be determined by the position of aromatic ring substitution.The majority of electron ionization mass spectral fragment ions occur via processes initiated by one of the two nitrogen atoms of the piperazine ring.The major electron ionization mass spectrometry (El-MS) fragment ions observed in all six of these regioisomeric substances occur at m/z =364,229,163 and 135.The relative intensity of the various fragment ions is also equivalent in each of the six El-MS spectra.The vapour phase infrared spectra provide a number of absorption bands to differentiate among the six individual compounds on this regioisomeric set.Thus,the mass spectra place these compounds into a single group and the vapour phase infrared spectra differentiate among the six regioisomeric possibilities.All of the TFMPP-MDBP regioisomers displayed significant binding to 5-HT2B receptors and in contrast to 3-TFMPP,most of these TFMPP-MDBP isomers did not show significant binding at 5-HT1 receptor subtypes.Only the 3-TFMPP-3,4-MDBP (Compound 5) isomer displayed affinity comparable to 3-TFMPP at 5-HT1A receptors (Ki =188 nmol/L).

Chemical constituents and anti-tuberculosis activity of ink extracts of cuttlefish, Sepiella inermis

Objective:To study the chemical constituents and the anti-tuberculosis activity of methanol and chloroform ink extracts of Sepiella inermis.Methods:Pulverized ink powder was extracted separately with chloroform and methanol.Chemical analysis was carried out by UV-VIS spectrophotometer,FT-IR and GC-MS.Crude extracts were tested in vitro for their activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis using Lowenstein Jensen(L-J)medium.Activity in L-J medium was assessed by mean reduction in number of colonies on extract containing bottles as compared to extract free controls.Results:GC-MS of methanol extract revealed four compounds viz.hexadecanoic acid,9,12-octadecadienoic acid,9-octadecenoic acid and octadecanoic acid.The chloroform extract containing fourteen compounds.The methanol extract exhibited anti-tuberculosis activity in L-J medium at 64μg/mL with the observed inhibition of 14 CFU.Chloroform extract displayed a weak activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Conclusions:This investigation showed the methanol extract exhibited significant activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis than chloroform extract.Since ink of sepia is available abundantly as a waste material,further studies aimed at isolation and efficacy of active substances pave the way for new anti-tuberculosis drugs.