University of Benghazi

Research supports using recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) as an economical and eco-friendly substitute for natural aggregates (NA) in concrete. However, RCA's higher water absorption reduces its engineering performance compared to NA. To address this, pretreatment methods like thermal, mechanical, and chemical processes have been proposed. This study specifically tested the effect of metakaolin - cement coated recycled aggregates on the compressive and tensile strength of concrete where RCA replaced 10-20 mm natural coarse aggregate at levels of 0, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 100% (by weight). Results showed that while RCA addition generally reduces concrete strength, coating the aggregates mitigates this effect. Notably, concrete with 100% coated RCA showed compressive and tensile strength improvements of approximately 7.5% and 7.7%, respectively, compared to concrete with 100% untreated RCA.

ABSTRACT Background Increased research attention has recently been given to the topic of programming education, due to its significance in promoting students' critical thinking, complex problem‐solving, creativity, and communication skills—commonly known as the ‘4Cs’. In particular, collaborative programming has been recognised as a promising instructional approach to promote students' cognitive competencies in programming education. However, simply offering students opportunities to collaborate will not necessarily improve their 4Cs. Thus, the potential of ChatGPT has been considered to address the drawbacks of conventional collaborative programming and to improve students' cognitive capabilities. Objective To ascertain whether ChatGPT is a viable instructional tool in collaborative programming, this study proposes the ChatGPT‐CIDI (Clarify, Ideate, Develop and Implement) learning model. Methods A quasi‐experimental method was implemented, wherein 61 students from two 12th‐grade classes participated. One class (Group One) ( n = 28, M age = 17.25) was assigned to individual‐based collaboration using the ChatGPT‐CIDI model, while the second class (Group Two) ( n = 33, M age = 17.61) undertook team‐based collaboration using the same model. Results and Conclusion The empirical results demonstrated that this approach significantly improved students' critical thinking in Group One (individual‐based), compared to Group Two (team‐based). However, neither group experienced significant improvement in their complex problem‐solving, creativity, or communication skills. This study concludes with implications for research and practice, while also indicating the research limitations to determine future research directions.

Background: In Libya, pharmacy education has traditionally followed a product-focused model, emphasizing pharmaceutical sciences and dispensing, with limited changes over the past decades despite evolving healthcare needs. The global shift towards patient-centered pharmacy practice has led to adoption of clinically oriented Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs in many countries, including recent curricular reforms in Libya. This study explores pharmacy students' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) and PharmD programs at Assalam International University (AIU) to inform ongoing educational development responsive to regional demands. Study Design: The study is a cross-sectional survey involved 60 pharmacy students. Place and Duration of Study: from the 2nd to 8th semesters at AIU during the 2024-2025 academic year. Methodology: Using a validated self-administered questionnaire, the study assessed students' understanding of program curricula, professional outlook, and future career ambitions. Descriptive statistics summarized students’ responses. Results: The students were generally aware of both BPharm and PharmD programs, showing strong preference for the patient-centered PharmD model aligned with modern healthcare roles. While confidence in clinical skills gained through the BPharm was moderate, students recognized the PharmD program as better suited for emerging pharmacy practice demands. Interest was high in postgraduate clinical pharmacy training. Conclusion: The study concludes that pharmacy education at AIU is progressing towards a patient-centered, clinically focused PharmD framework, reflecting global trends. To bridge gaps in practical competence and enhance education quality, recommendations include increased experiential learning, national accreditation enforcement, faculty development, and expansion of postgraduate training pathways. These reforms aim to elevate pharmacy education and practice standards in Libya, ultimately benefiting healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

The SIR model with unspecified parameters is a significant concern for researchers in the fields of epidemiology and the medical treatment of sick individuals. In this paper, an effective strategy based on the variational homotopy perturbation method, the Yang transform, and the multi-step approach, known as the Multi-step Yang transform variational homotopy perturbation method (MSYTVHPM), is used to solve the fractional order SIR epidemic model. The fractional derivative is defined in the Caputo sense. Using the multi-step Yang transform variational homotopy perturbation approach, we may achieve an analytic solution to the SIR model in the form of a convergent power series. We apply the suggested method to the fractional SIR model and compare the outcomes with those obtained using the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method to demonstrate its effectiveness. The graphical results show that the multi-step Yang transform variational homotopy perturbation method can be considered as an alternative technique for solving many real-life problems involving differential equations of any order.

This study examines the performance of dual-frequency static Precise Point Positioning (PPP) as a function of observation time using three of the most used free online services, namely: the Canadian Spatial Reference System Precise Point Positioning (CSRS-PPP), PPP-WIZARD, and the Automatic Precise Positioning Service (APPS). The comparison has been conducted under open-sky desert conditions, where multipath effects are negligible, and under two processing scenarios: GPS-only and GPS+GLONASS in case of CSRS-PPP & PPP-WIZARD, and GPS-alone in case of APPS. Dual-frequency GNSS data has been collected from ten spatially well-distributed stations across Libya, each observed continuously for 24 hours. Static PPP solutions have been generated for fixing intervals beginning at 1 hour and incrementally increasing to 24 hours. The coordinates of these reference points, provided and approved by Libyan Survey Authority, have been used as the reference for evaluating the accuracy and stability of all time-based solutions. In terms of comparing GPS + GLONASS with GPS-alone, the results of PPP-CSRS & PPP-WIZARD services show that even under optimal open-sky conditions, where multipath is virtually absent and the number of satellite is adequate, utilizing GLONASS observations alongside GPS leads to notable improvements in solution reliability, robustness and overall positioning stability throughout the fixing intervals. These benefits are particularly clear during the first several hours, when PPP solutions are most sensitive to satellite geometry and convergence behavior. This can be shown significantly in the first hour, where the absolute errors in Easting (E), Northing (N), Height (H), 2 Dimensions (2D), and 3 Dimensions (3D) are reduced with GPS+GLONASS by (0.2, 2.2, 3, 1.8 and 2.22 cm) & (6, 6.5, 11, 9, and 13 cm) for PPP-CSRS & PPP-WIZARD, respectively. In addition, although the enhancement in mean absolute positional accuracy becomes marginal for longer observation periods, the multi-constellation configuration significantly reduces the occurrence of outliers and decreases the dispersion of coordinate residuals across all components and the 3D quality obtained via one-hour static dual-frequency PPP with GPS+GLONASS can be reached after 3 to 4 hours fixing time using GPS-alone. As for comparing the performance of the three free online services together, CSRS-PPP ranks first and second, as it has provided the most accurate results and the fastest convergency time, with 3D absolute error of nearly 2 cm & 5 cm for GPS+GLONASS and GPS-alone solutions, respectively after only one hour fixing time. The quality of these two solutions increases with time, reaching the level of less than 1 cm after 6 and 10 hours using multi constellations and GPS-alone, respectively. PPP-WIZARD comes third and fourth, with comparable 3D quality of 7 cm for GPS+GLONASS and acceptable 3D quality of 20 cm for GPS-alone after one hour fixing time. The results show that the quality of the two PPP-WIZARD solutions may not be able to reach the level of 1 cm even after 24 hours observation period. The APPS GPS-alone solution comes last in term of the 3D quality of the first fixing hour with accuracy of 45 cm, but the performance improves quickly comparing to PPP-WIZARD GPS-alone solution and almost matches that of PPP-WIZARD GPS+GLONASS for long period before reaching the level of 1 cm after nearly 20 hours of fixing time. Overall, the findings confirm that multi-constellation GNSS integration is a critical factor in enhancing static PPP performance, particularly for applications requiring high accuracy over short observation periods. Among the investigated services, CSRS-PPP is identified as the most reliable and efficient solution, while PPP-WIZARD and APPS remain viable alternatives for longer observation durations.

The construction industry is under increasing pressure to reduce cement consumption and associated CO2 emissions while managing the growing generation of industrial by-products. Granite stone powder (GSP), produced in large quantities during aggregate crushing operations, is commonly treated as waste despite its potential application in cementitious systems. This study evaluates the feasibility of using GSP as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in cement mortars, benchmarked against fly ash (FA). Cement mortars were prepared with 0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) using GSP and, for comparison, identical replacement levels of FA. Fresh behaviour, physical properties, mechanical performance, and microstructural characteristics were evaluated using flow tests, isothermal calorimetry, SEM, and XRF. FA and GSP exhibited distinct effects on mortar performance. FA improved workability at higher replacement levels, with flow diameter increasing by 2% above the control at 25% replacement, whereas GSP progressively reduced flowability by approximately 33% at 25% replacement due to its angular particle shape and higher surface area. Hydration analysis showed that both SCMs reduced early hydration intensity compared to the control; however, GSP consistently exhibited higher peak heat-flow values than FA, indicating stronger early-age hydration supported by physical filler and nucleation effects. At 28 days, the 10% GSP mixture achieved 30 MPa, retaining about 94% of the control strength (32 MPa), while FA mixtures showed strength reductions exceeding 23% at comparable replacement levels. Granite stone powder is most effective at low replacement levels (10%), where it promotes early hydration, improves matrix densification, and preserves compressive strength, demonstrating its suitability as a low-carbon supplementary cementitious material in cement-based construction.

Human resource management (HRM) enables making sustainable organisational performance a reality for today›s dynamic business environment. HR practice alignment and organisational strategy have been among the biggest forces driving innovation, employee engagement, and competitive success. This article presents an overview of the history of HRM from administrative work to being an organisational strategy partner and its contribution to organisational performance. Based on extensive literature review and some recent theory such as Resource-Based View (RBV) and Human Capital Theory, in this study an analysis has been presented on how strategic HR practices such as talent management, performance management, employee development, and diversity management have influence on employee›s performance along with organisational performance. The study also addresses the role of leadership, organisational culture, technology such as artificial intelligence, in trying to conceptualise HR effectiveness. For organisational leaders and HR practitioners in best practice and trends in world-class companies, implications of the study are noted. The study reiterates the importance of strategic HRM and alignment of firm strategy in response to changing labour markets and generating long-term value. Research implications are developed to build strategic competencies of HR functions, and suggestions are given for future research..

Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) is commonly used to identify frailty risk and predict poor outcomes. Frailty and sepsis are associated with poor outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the association between HFRS, risk of sepsis and poor health outcomes across all adult ages. A retrospective cohort study analysed data from Queen Alexandra Hospital, a major acute hospital in the UK, covering the period from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019. It included patients aged 16 and older. The Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) was used to identify patients at risk of frailty. The Suspicion of Sepsis (SOS) codes and the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) were used to identify patients at risk of sepsis. Logistic Regression with interaction models were developed to examine the associations between HFRS, risk of sepsis and poor outcomes (length of stay and in-hospital mortality) across all adult ages. Patients with higher frailty risk and sepsis-risk-positive groups had longer length of stay and higher risk of in-hospital mortality compared to the sepsis-risk-negative groups. Interaction between intermediate or high frailty risk and sepsis-risk-positive (SOS codes present, NEWS≥7, and SOS codes present with NEWS≥7 groups) was significant for all periods of length of stay and all periods of in-hospital mortality (P < 0.001). Moreover, sepsis-risk-positive groups had a greater impact on the predictive power of HFRS to predict long LOS and in-hospital mortality compared to the sepsis-risk-negative groups. This study concluded that there is a strong association between risk of frailty (identified with HFRS), risk of sepsis, and poor outcomes in urgently hospitalised adults of all ages.

Anthemis maritima, endemic to Libya, holds promise for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and wound-healing activities. This work aims to explore the phytoconstituents present in methanolic extracts of Anthemis maritima aerial parts using LC-ESI-MS and assess their in vitro cytotoxic, anti-migratory, and antibacterial activities. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of 44 compounds, representing 11.77% of total peaks in the LC-chromatogram, including flavonoids, coumarins, sterols, and phenolic acids. Among the identified compounds, flavonoids represented 11.58%, of which 5,3’-dihydroxy-6,7,4’-trimethoxyflavone, cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, astragalin, and kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside were the most abundant flavonoids in the plant extract. Cytotoxic assay showed marked activity of A. maritima extract, especially at a dose of 100 µg/mL, against A549 and Hep-2 cancer cell lines (IC50s = 49.49 and 67.93 µg/mL, respectively), while weaker activity was observed against HepG2 (IC50=107.95 µg/mL). Anti-migratory effects against A549, Hep-2, and HepG2 cancer cells were evaluated using a sub-cytotoxic dose of 50 µg/mL, with A549 and Hep-2 showing reduced rates of cell migration after 96 h of treatment (0.00535 and 0.00462 mm/hr, respectively), while HepG2 showed reduced rates in a 48-hour experiment (0.0062 mm/hr), which indicates that the extract decreases cancer metastasis. The plant extract exhibited antimicrobial efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, showing significant activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC, 1.6 µg/mL) in comparison to levofloxacin (MIC, 0.93 µg/mL). The selected compounds, identified via LC-ESI-MS, were subjected to docking studies to assess the binding scores and modes of these compounds compared to a reference standard. The study found that compounds such as cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside, and astragalin showed superior binding scores with the S. aureus gyrase-DNA complex compared to the reference ligand, indicating their potential as robust antibacterial agents. Anthemis maritima exhibits promising anti-migratory and antimicrobial properties. The promising microbial inhibition and in silico binding interactions of the plant constituents suggested that Anthemis maritima could be developed further for therapeutic use against resistant bacterial strains.