Abstract

In recent years, we have observed a widespread deficiency in essential nutrients, most notably vitamin D, B12, and calcium, across all age groups. This has led to an increase in chronic diseases and mortality rates among adults. Consequently, we have investigated the causes of these deficiencies and sought to develop preventative, therapeutic, and awareness-raising strategies to mitigate this phenomenon and reduce the prevalence of these nutrient deficiencies among adults. The results showed that vitamin D deficiency was the most common (~58.1%) in both sexes, specifically (56.25 %) in males and (59.26%) in females. This was followed by calcium deficiency (48.96%) in males and (54.81%) in females, and vitamin B12 deficiency (16.5%) in males and (11.01%) in females. This study involved collecting random samples of vitamin D, B12, and calcium test results from routine health records of medical laboratories in Gharyan and its suburbs for 704 adults aged between 40 and 80 years, and estimating the prevalence of these vitamin deficiencies. A general paper questionnaire was administered to 100 adults to identify their financial and social status, the most common chronic diseases they suffer from, the types of vitamins they are deficient in, and the methods used to treat this deficiency, 55% of participants reported using dietary supplements. Then we selected 7 adults who had a severe vitamin deficiency under study, and we carried out therapeutic and nutritional interventions and introduced a separate dietary regimen consisting of dried figs and olive oil. These cases were followed up for a period of 3 to 4 months, and the rate of increase in these vitamins and the percentage of all cases were recorded. We found that the greatest improvement was observed in the case that relied on the use of dried figs and olive oil. The results showed a significant increase in both vitamin D and B12 levels. We also noted that the elevated iron stores (ferritin) in the blood results were associated with increased vitamin D levels. In addition, most cases that relied on supplements, injections, or tablets showed a significant increase in vitamin D levels. Keywords: Vitamin D Deficiency, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Calcium Deficiency, Dried Figs, Olive oil

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. 

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a widely utilized polymer in pharmaceutical formulations, nanocomposites, biomedical devices, and membrane fabrication. Despite numerous thermogravimetric studies, detailed mechanistic insight into its volatile degradation products remains limited. This study aims to investigate the thermal decomposition mechanism of PVP using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TG–FTIR) under inert and oxidative atmospheres. Degradation stages, evolved gaseous species, and structural transformations were systematically analyzed between 30–800 °C. Results are expected to reveal multi-step degradation involving dehydration, pyrrolidone ring opening, backbone scission, and carbonaceous residue formation. Identification of CO₂, CO, amide fragments, vinylpyrrolidone monomers, and nitrogen-containing volatiles will clarify the degradation pathway. The study provides mechanistic confirmation complementary to kinetic models and enhances predictive understanding of PVP behavior during sterilization, extrusion, pyrolysis, and composite processing.