Abstract

This research was conducted in the refrigerated units of the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tripoli, to evaluate tomato fruits (Solanum esculentum L.) of the Davista variety in terms of their thermal requirements and their effect on the storage period during the spring season of 2014-2015. Fruits were selected from three maturity stages: mature green, breaker, and fully ripe red. They were stored at three temperatures (0, 5, and 10°C) in perforated polyethylene bags (with 0, 32, and 64 pores). The results showed that storing tomato fruits at all three maturity stages at 0°C led to chilling injury and loss of marketable value, with green fruits being more sensitive to 0°C than breaker and red ripe fruits. Storage at 5°C caused damage to fruits of two maturity stages (green and breaker), while red ripe fruits were not affected by chilling injury and did not lose their market value. Fruits at all maturity stages retained their marketable value when stored at 10°C. Fruit coloring failed or decreased as the storage temperature decreased. Fruits stored at 10°C acquired the characteristic variety color within two weeks of storage. The results indicated that placing fruits in polyethylene bags had no effect, as all fruits colored within the same period. The moisture content of uncovered stored fruits decreased compared to fruits stored in polyethylene bags. Thus, it can be said that all treated fruits reached natural maturity within 13 days of storage, as Total Soluble Solids (TSS) increased and acidity decreased, which is a good indicator of tomato fruit ripening, while vitamin C decreased due to its easy breakdown and use in fruit respiration during storage.

Abstract

A survey was conducted to detect viruses infecting potato crops in the spring and autumn seasons during 2009 and 2010 in the western region of Libya. 787 random samples were collected from both seasons across 32 sites in six different regions. Samples were tested using Double Antibody Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (DAS-ELISA) to detect infection with Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato virus X (PVX), Potato virus M (PVM), Potato virus S (PVS), and Potato virus A (PVA). 221 samples tested positive for PVY in the 2009 season, with infection rates of 18.64% and 73.14% in the spring and autumn seasons, respectively. Two samples tested positive for PVX in the spring season. 75 samples tested positive for PVY in the 2010 season, with rates of 13.3% and 36% in the spring and autumn seasons, respectively. The study showed no infection with PVM, PVA, or PVS. The results indicated a higher infection rate in the autumn season compared to the spring season in both agricultural years, as well as a decrease in the infection rate in the 2010 season compared to 2009. The main symptoms on indicator plants for PVY were studied using four varieties of tobacco plants; symptoms varied between mosaic, leaf deformation, plant stunting, and vein clearing. This is considered the first record of Potato virus Y (PVY) on potato crops in Libya.

Abstract

This study investigates the allele frequencies of 15 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci in a sample of the Libyan population. DNA samples were collected from unrelated individuals and genotyped using standard PCR-based methods. The results provide a comprehensive database of STR polymorphisms, which can be used for forensic identification, paternity testing, and population genetics studies. The observed allele frequencies and statistical parameters (such as heterozygosity, power of discrimination, and probability of exclusion) are reported and compared with other populations. This data is crucial for establishing a reliable national DNA database and for understanding the genetic structure of the Libyan population.

Abstract

This paper employs Bayesian statistical methods to model and predict the complex interactions between water resources and land use in Libya, a country facing significant environmental and planning challenges. The model integrates various data sources to assess current trends and project future scenarios under different policy and climate conditions. The results highlight critical pressure points and offer probabilistic predictions for sustainable resource management. This approach provides a robust framework for decision-makers to evaluate the long-term implications of land-use and water management policies in an uncertain environment.

Abstract

This research explores the properties and solutions of quadratic polynomials where the coefficients are considered modulo n, for various integers n. The study investigates the number of roots, their properties, and the conditions for solvability in modular arithmetic. Theoretical analysis is combined with computational examples to illustrate the findings. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of polynomial equations in modular rings, which have applications in number theory, cryptography, and computer science.

Abstract

Thin films have been deposited by plasma polymerization onto 304L stainlesssteel and glass substrates using pulsed microwave Plasma Enhanced Chemical VaporDeposition (PECVD) with urebenzene (C6H6) as precursor gas. The chemicalstructure andsurface properties (wettability) of the deposited thin fims werecharacterized by FourierTransform Infrared (FTIR) spetroscopy and the WaterContact Angle (WCA) measured using an ptical tensiometer respectively. The effectsof working pressure addeposition time on the chemical structure and surfacewettability of the deposited thin films were studied. The results of the FTIR analysisshowed that the structure of the film prepared frombenzene changed inwhich theC≡C absorption bands became more prominent on decreasing the working pressure. The characteristic absorption peaks of benzene film were presented more prominentlyin the sample prepared with the longer deposition time. All the treated samplesregistered reducedWCA below 90, their hydrophilic surfaces became morewettable. The deposition time had the greatest influence on the CA measured. It was observed that wettability can be adjusted by the plasma parameters, enabling the production of coatings with properties suitable for specific practical applications.