Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a widely used water-soluble polymer with applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, adhesives, and medical devices. Despite its versatility, the thermal stability of PVP remains a concern during processing and high-temperature applications, where degradation can compromise performance and safety. This study aimed to investigate the kinetic parameters of PVP thermal degradation using isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) over a temperature range of 30–800 °C. PVP samples were analyzed under a nitrogen atmosphere, and weight loss was recorded over time. Kinetic parameters, including activation energy (Ea) and pre-exponential factor (A), were determined, and molecular weight changes were evaluated via gel permeation chromatography. Results indicated multi-stage degradation with increasing Ea at higher temperatures, consistent with backbone scission and pyrrolidone ring decomposition. Molecular weight decreased progressively, and polydispersity increased, reflecting chain fragmentation. The study provides accurate isothermal kinetic data, contributing to better prediction of PVP behavior under thermal stress and guiding the design of thermally stable formulations

Abstract

Global research still reveals a critical gap in breast cancer (BC) awareness. This study was performed during educational activities in Gharyan governorate in Libya during 2013 as a cross sectional survey assessing BC and breast self-examination (BSE) awareness, BSE practice and attitudes toward BSE in school and collegiate female students and teachers targeted 1027 participants and revealed 97.4% awareness of BC, 42.3% awareness of BSE, 13.4% practice of BSE and only 3.2% regular practice of BSE. Among those who were aware about BC, 97.7% were interested to know, 94.2% exhibited the will to know and excel BSE, 88.0% exhibited the will to educate BSE and 85.9% exhibited the will to participate in BC awareness activities. The first three attitudes seem to be driven by awareness about BC. Anyhow, education and awareness of BSE were found independent predictors for the will to learn and excel the practice of BSE, working woman status was an independent predictor for the proactivity in educating others while having an affected family member was the independent predictor for the will in participation in taskforces. The selective targeting of the proactive groups in the future may enhance the program and save resources.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP; poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)) is a versatile water-soluble polymer widely used in pharmaceuticals, coatings, and nanocomposites due to its solubility, biocompatibility, and film-forming properties. Despite its extensive applications, systematic kinetic data describing its thermal degradation remain limited. In this study, non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of PVP was performed under nitrogen and air atmospheres at heating rates of 5, 10, 20, and 40 °C min⁻¹. Thermal profiles revealed three degradation stages: moisture loss (30–150 °C), main-chain scission and depolymerization (150–450 °C), and carbonaceous residue formation (>450 °C), with the principal decomposition peak at 370–410 °C. Activation energies (Eₐ) determined using Kissinger, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) methods ranged from 179 to 186 kJ mol⁻¹ and were validated using the Coats–Redfern model-fitting approach. Reaction orders (n ≈ 1.1–1.3) indicate random chain scission as the dominant mechanism. The resulting kinetic dataset provides reliable insight into PVP thermal stability and supports optimization of processing, recycling, and composite fabrication.

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.

Abstract:

This study assesses the implementation level of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) based on ISO 45001:2018 at Brega Oil Marketing Company (BOMC), Libya. A quantitative descriptive methodology was employed using a structured questionnaire derived from ISO 45001 clauses. Data were collected from 60 employees across four operational sites and analyzed using descriptive statistics in IBM SPSS. The results indicate partial compliance with ISO 45001 requirements (mean ≈ 3.82). Strong performance was observed in safety awareness and employee satisfaction, whereas weaknesses were identified in planning, hazard identification, and performance evaluation processes. The study recommends strengthening risk-based planning and internal auditing mechanisms to improve system effectiveness and ensure continual improvement.

Keywords: Occupational Health and Safety, ISO 45001, Gap Analysis, Oil and Gas Industry, Brega Oil Marketing Company. 

Abstract

Vocabulary acquisition is a cornerstone of foreign language development, yet traditional instructional methods often fail to engage young learners or support long-term retention. This study investigates the effectiveness of using songs as a pedagogical tool for teaching English vocabulary to young English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Employing a quasi-experimental quantitative design, the research compares the vocabulary acquisition of a group of primary school students (aged 6–10) instructed through songs with a control group receiving conventional instruction. Data were collected through pre- and post-tests, classroom observations and teacher feedback. The findings reveal that the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in vocabulary retention and recall compared to the control group. Furthermore, students in the song-based group exhibited higher levels of motivation, engagement and improved pronunciation. The study concludes that integrating songs into EFL instruction creates an interactive, stimulating and low-anxiety learning environment, making it a highly effective strategy for enhancing vocabulary acquisition among young learners.

Keywords: vocabulary acquisition, songs, young EFL learners, music-based instruction, vocabulary retention