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This paper proposes a novel robust blind color image watermarking technique that combines entropy analysis, lifting wavelet transform (LWT), QR factorization, and discrete cosine transform (DCT) for copyright protection. The RGB components of the color image are first separated, and the R component is then subjected to the 2-level LWT. Following DCT is applied to the 2-level LWT's high-frequency sub-band, the DCT coefficients are separated into 4x4 non-overlapping blocks. Each chosen block is then subjected to QR factorization, and the watermark is embedded in the first row and first column element of the upper triangular matrix. Numerous simulated tests show that the presented scheme is highly imperceptible and robust to attacks. The presented watermarking scheme performs better than the others in terms of invisibility, according to comparisons with comparable schemes.

SUMMARY This research documents the initial finding of Chloris pycnothrix Trin., frequently referred to as spiderweb chloris, in Libya, particularly from the Ariggiba region close to Sabha city. This grass, originating from tropical and subtropical regions, is versatile and may become invasive. It was recognized via morphological examination during field surveys in 2023–2024, with samples stored in a herbarium. The species flourishes in alluvial plains as well as in disturbed habitats like road shoulders. It can be mistaken for Chloris virgata, although they differ in some important morphological aspects. It was previously believed that only one species of Chloris existed in Libya. This study provides a revision and an identification key for them in the context of Libyan flora. The tolerant nature of C. pycnothrix to drought, combined with its ability to colonize poorly maintained land, makes its potential introduction—most likely through anthropogenic means—alarming ecologically and emphasizes the need for management strategies to contain its spread and monitor its impact. 

ABSTRACT

Argemone ochroleuca Sweet, Brit. Fl. Gard. Ser.1 3(2): pl. 242 (1828) of the family Papaveraceae is reported here for the first time from Libya. This species is native to Mexico. Flowering specimens of A. ochroleuca were collected from the region Ariggiba (26°35’11.8”N 13°29’24.8”E), 110 km southwest of the city of Sabha, which lies about 700 km south of Tripoli. It is presented with updated nomenclature, taxonomic description, geographical distribution, key to genera, location in Libya, and colour photographs taken in the field. The voucher specimens are deposited in the Herbarium of Botany Department (ULT), University of Tripoli, Libya.

Abstract. The cosmopolitan or banded garden spider, Argiope trifasciata (Forskål, 1775), the lobed spider, A. lobata (Pallas, 1772) and the MENA lobed spider, A. sector (Forsskål, 1776) are reported, figured and described for the first time in Gharyan city, northwestern of Libya, based on adult female specimens gathered from different plants:- amaranth, haloxylon, prickly saltwort, retama, safflower, vetches, across various sites in the city. Unpublished reports of Argiope species were recorded in 1934 along the Libyan coast.

Abstract 

Dental caries is a widespread infectious disease influenced by bacterial activity, dietary factors, and host 

susceptibility. Community water fluoridation has been a key public health measure for caries prevention, 

particularly in children. The optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water (0.7 mg/L) balances caries 

reduction with minimal fluorosis risk. This study assessed fluoride levels in drinking water and their 

correlation with dental caries in primary school children in Gharyan, Libya. A cross-sectional study was 

conducted on 350 children (aged 7–10 years) from urban and rural schools in Gharyan. Water samples from 

five stores and one groundwater source were analyzed for fluoride concentration using an ion-selective 

electrode. Dental caries was assessed using the dmft/DMFT index. Fluoride levels in water stores were 

negligible (0.0–0.1 mg/L), while unfiltered groundwater exhibited high concentrations (6.0–7.0 mg/L), 

exceeding WHO guidelines (1.5 mg/L). The low fluoride availability in most drinking sources suggests 

limited caries-preventive effects from water fluoridation in this region. The study highlights insufficient 

fluoride exposure in Gharyan’s public water supply, potentially contributing to higher caries prevalence. 

Further research is needed to evaluate alternative fluoride delivery methods and assess groundwater safety 

to optimize oral health outcomes.

Keywords. Fluoride Concentration, Drinking Water, Dental Caries, Primary School.

مؤخرًا برزت عدة تساؤلات حول طبيعة علاقة الذكاء الاصطناعي بالذكاء البشري، فالهدف من هذه الدراسة هو مناقشة فرضية أن العلاقة بين الذكاءين يجب أن تُبنى على التكامل لا على التنافس. واعتمدت الدراسة على المنهج الوصفي التحليلي من خلال مراجعة الأدبيات الحديثة التي تناولت الإمكانات التكاملية بينهما.. كما واوصت الدراسة بتبني اطار تعاوني تشاركي (الذكاء التشاركي) والذي يعزز التفاعل الايجابي بين الانسان والآلة..

Abstract: Vitamin D deficiency is a public health concern affecting many individuals as it is highly prevalent in

all parts of the world. Recent studies have reported an association of vitamin D deficiency with cardiometabolic

alterations such as dyslipidemia. The study aimed to evaluate vitamin D and lipid profile levels among the Libyan

adult population and investigate the correlation of vitamin D deficiency with the alteration of lipid profile levels.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Janzour Hospital among 193 subjects (107 males and 86 females) whose

ages ranged between 20 and 50 years over three months from Sept to Dec 2023. Vitamin D, cholesterol,

triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein levels were estimated. The total mean vitamin

D levels were 8.31±4.74, 23.83±2.78, and 42.67±7.95 ng/dl for deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency,

respectively. The findings revealed significant alterations in cholesterol (increase), triglyceride (increase), LDLcholesterol

(increase), and HDL-cholesterol (decrease) among subjects who had vitamin D deficiency or

insufficiency as compared to subjects having vitamin D sufficiency. Vitamin D levels were negatively correlated

with cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol, and they were positively associated with HDL cholesterol.

The incidence of dyslipidemia is higher in the vitamin D deficiency group than in the insufficiency and sufficiency

groups. It is essential to frequently monitor lipid profiles among vitamin D-deficient individuals to avoid

subsequent disorders or damages associated with the alterations of lipid profile patterns.

Energy drinks are widely consumed by teenagers and young adults to enhance focus and energy.

However, excessive consumption may lead to negative health effects, especially when they contain

preservatives like sodium benzoate. In this study, the concentration of sodium benzoate was

determined in four imported energy drink samples available in Asb'ah markets. The analysis was

conducted using a UV spectrophotometric method, which proved to be both simple and accurate. The

concentration of sodium benzoate in the samples ranged from 1361 to 1424.55 mg/L. The results

indicated that all tested samples contained sodium benzoate levels within the upper safety limits

established by the FDA