ABSTRACT

Background: The seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection were examined among high-risk groups in

Gharyan, Libya—a semi-arid region with limited prior data. Aim: Given the severe health risks of toxoplasmosis in

immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women, and the scarcity of studies from western Libya, this research aimed to

address a key knowledge gap while comparing results with those from humid coastal cities.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to March 2023, involving 45 blood donors, 40

hemodialysis patients, and 146 pregnant women. A validated questionnaire was administered, and an

electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) was used to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG/IgM antibodies.

Results: Results revealed an overall higher seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients (40.0%), followed by pregnant women

(24.7%), and then blood donors (15.6%). Active (IgM+) infections were rare. Significant risk factors among pregnant women

included consumption of unwashed vegetables, undercooked meat, cat ownership, and rural residence (Adjusted Odds Ratio

aOR=3.42, aOR=3.15, aOR=2.87, aOR=2.05, respectively). No statistically significant difference in seroprevalence was

observed among pregnant women between 2022 (26.2%) and 2023 (23.5%) (P = 0.68).

Conclusion: A lower seroprevalence was observed in Gharyan municipality compared to coastal Libyan cities, indicating the

influence of the dry climate. The study recommends routine first-trimester screening for pregnant women (especially aged 25–

30 years), mandatory pre-dialysis testing for hemodialysis patients, and targeted food safety education focusing on vegetable

washing and thorough meat cooking.

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, Seroprevalence, , Pregnant Women, Blood Donors s

This paper presents a comparative performance 

analysis of Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) optical fiber and Free Space Optics (FSO) communication systems. A simulation-based optical communication system was designed, incorporating transmitters and receivers to achieve efficient data transmission among several locations, including Tripoli central post office, Gharyan post office, and Gharyan University linked to its affiliated faculties. The study involved collecting fundamental system parameters, developing a theoretical model, and implementing it using OptiSystem 7.0. Using the same operational parameters, network performance was assessed based on key indicators such as signal quality, bit error rate (BER) and Q-factor. In addition, the FSO system was evaluated under two different environmental scenarios: Ideal weather conditions and Atmospheric turbulence conditions, reflecting the typical climatic characteristics of Gharyan city, 

where the city is frequently experiences windy atmospheric conditions. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed systems are capable of efficient data transmission, enhancing the effectiveness of optical communications in the region. Both Optical Fiber and FSO networks achieved satisfactory performance; however, FSO showed superior performance in some metrics under ideal weather conditions. Some faculties had short links (≤ 2 km) that did not require precise point-to-point alignment, while others required accurate point-to-point links. In contrast, the findings indicate that FSO can serve as an effective and competitive alternative to optical fiber in environments with suitable climatic conditions, particularly when reducing deployment cost and installation time is a priority, while providing a scalable and sustainable solution to meet future communication requirements. 

This study presents a taxonomic note on Fagonia isotricha Murb.

(Zygophyllaceae), a species recorded in Libya and currently treated as a taxonomic

synonym of Zygophyllum mayanum. Global taxonomic databases, such as those

curated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and World Flora Online, recognize this

taxon as part of the Libyan flora under its currently accepted nomenclature.

This study provides field-based and morphological documentation of populations

observed in the Ariggiba region (southern Libya), and discusses their taxonomic

placement within the Fagonia–Zygophyllum complex. Herbarium specimens were

collected, examined, and deposited, supporting the occurrence of this taxon in the

Libyan flora.

Abstract:

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a major concern in vital sectors such as the energy sector, especially in countries where law enforcement and safety practices are still developing. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) implemented at the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL), in light of international standards and global best practices. The research adopted a quantitative and qualitative analytical methodology by analyzing secondary data related to injuries and accidents during the period (2012-2014), in addition to analyzing a field questionnaire that included a sample of workers. The results showed a significant weakness in the application of occupational health and safety management systems, as the percentage of injuries resulting from safety instruction violations reached 36% in 2012, 20% in 2013, and 27% in 2014. The study also revealed the absence of effective supervision, lack of training, and insufficient personal protective equipment. The study concludes with the necessity of adopting an Integrated Occupational Health and Safety Strategy that includes planning, implementation, review, and continuous improvement, emphasizing the importance of training, awareness, and the presence of effective supervisory systems such as ISO 45001. It is important for the company to implement a specific occupational health and safety system, which may be designed by the company or based on international systems.

Keywords: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), General Electricity Company of Libya, Work Injuries, Integrated Safety Management.