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Vitamin D deficiency is a prevalent health issue among children, with potential consequences for bone health and overall well-being. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a pediatric population and identify associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 children (aged 1-10 years) recruited from medical laboratories in Gharyan City, Libya, between January 2022 and June 2024. Participants were categorized based on their vitamin D levels (deficient, insufficient, adequate, or optimal). Demographic data (age, gender) and vitamin D levels were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and two-way ANOVA. Approximately half of the study participants (49.75%) exhibited vitamin D deficiency. Females had a slightly higher prevalence of deficiency (27.5%) compared to males (22.25%). Significant differences in vitamin D levels were observed across age groups. Infants under 12 months had higher levels compared to older children (36-72 months). While gender was not a significant predictor of vitamin D deficiency in our study, previous research has suggested potential gender-related disparities. The findings of this study highlight the concerning prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children in the region. Age appears to be a significant factor influencing vitamin D status, with younger children being more susceptible to deficiency. While gender may not be a major determinant in this population. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in our study underscores the importance of promoting sun exposure, dietary intake of vitamin D-rich foods, and supplementation strategies to address this public health issue. Further research is needed to explore the underlying factors contributing to vitamin D deficiency in children

Since the Alhamada area is known for its rangelands and most of its inhabitants raise animals, especially sheep and goats, this study was conducted by collecting samples randomly from six herds of sheep distributed randomly from the specific areas of Qurayat and Ghadames This study was aimed to determine the prevalance of Eimeria, which causes coccidian in sheep's and study the effects of many factors such as age, sex, and the breeding system, it is the first study conducted in the Hamada area on this parasite, using microscopic examination, 54 samples of sheep and goat feces were examined, of different ages and of both sexes in the month of May 2022. The result showed that the infection rate was 28% in sheep and 43% in goats. It was noted that there were no significant differences for age in the infection rate, as the highest infection rate was in the age group (>2) years (39%), while the lowest infection rate was in the age group of (1-2) years (7%), it was also shown that there is no significant difference for gender on the infection rate, as the infection rate in males was (22%) and females (48%). The results showed a slight difference in the infection rate between the open and closed breeding systems in the Hamada region, with the closed system averaging 25% compared to 20% in the open system. Clinical signs also appeared on some of the infected animals, including diarrhea, general weakness, and some of them showed plucking of wool/hair.

The study aimed to present the first record of insect families in Farwa Island. Farwa Island is the largest and most important island in Libya; located in Northern west part of Libya in the Mediterranean, its insect fauna is poorly studied. Short time intensive collection of insect samples was conducted in four areas (mouth of the valley, bay of containers, center of the Island, and Ras-Attalgha) in February, March and April 2021. Different methods were used for insect collection, sorting, preservation and later identification to the lowest taxonomic level and verification. 9 orders, 31 families, 40 genera and 58 insect species were collected in the study; the center of the Island had the highest numerical density and diversity of insect fauna due to its diverse vegetation compared to other areas. Diverse suitable habitats and absent insect control measures provided suitable environmental conditions for insects breeding, feeding and hiding from enemies. This study constitutes the first comprehensive survey of insect fauna on Farwa Island and adds significant value to the ongoing assessment of insect diversity in Libya. A long-term study has to be conducted to investigate detailed information about the abundance and diversity of insects and other arthropods on Farwa Island.

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Heavy metals can be released from cooking stewpots into food, causing food contamination and posing a risk to human health. This research study investigated the release of heavy metals into food from stewpot cookers used in Gharyan, Libya. As well as, investigating the effect of scratches, acidic food, and storage on the concentrations of those metals. Eight new and used cooking stewpots (with scratches) made of: (Tefal, stainless steel, copper and aluminum) were collected, and then fresh tomato juice was cooked in these stewpots and left in the refrigerator for six days, the samples were digested and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) to measure the concentration of the heavy metals: (cadmium, lead, iron, copper and zinc). Results showed that cadmium and lead concentrations were less than the detection limit of the AAS instrument, except for one sample (old Tefal stewpot with scratches), in which the lead concentration was (0.046ppm). The concentration of iron, copper and zinc in the samples was less than the maximum limit allowed by WHO/FAO; except for one sample in which the iron concentration exceeded that value (old copper pot with scratches) and its value was (2.892ppm). The results of the descriptive statistical analysis showed that the average concentration of iron (0.493 ppm) was higher than that of zinc and copper (0.054 ppm), (0.016 ppm), respectively. In addition, the rate of leakage of those elements from old (scratched) cookware was higher than that from the new ones made from the same material, and the concentration of these elements increases significantly when these stewpots contain scratches, since that increases the rate of leakage of those metals, especially in acidic food such as tomatoes.

Abstract

Seven male specimens (one immature and six adults) of a rare species of Loureedia jerbae (El-Hennawy, 2005), are recorded for the first time in Libya, representing the first record of this species outside of Tunisia. Illustrations and a description are provided. Only the most recent adult of the specimens captured in October/November of 2019 to 2022 was examined, identified and described. Although Libya has one of the least recorded spider species in the Mediterranean region, it is promising to reveal more undiscovered and undocumented species through extensive research in this large country