Abstract— This study examines the current state of conformity assessment (CA) in Libya, with a specific focus on the cement manufacturing sector as a case study. Conformity assessment, encompassing testing, inspection, certification, and accreditation, plays a critical role in ensuring product quality, safety, and market access. Libya faces challenges in implementing effective CA practices, hindering its economic diversification. This research evaluates stakeholder awareness, infrastructure adequacy, legal/institutional frameworks, and alignment with international standards using a mixed-methods approach. A stakeholder survey (N=54) and qualitative analysis of Libyan legal and regulatory documents were employed. Key findings reveal nominal CA awareness (82.69%), yet practical implementation gaps exist due to inadequate infrastructure (18.8% of respondents citing this as an obstacle), weak enforcement (18.8%), and limited technical expertise. The cement sector showed low Quality Management Systems (QMS) adoption (48%) and inconsistent adherence to the Libyan Portland Cement Standard LNS 340:2009. While support for aligning with international standards is strong (average rating 4.04/5), obstacles like lack of awareness (31.1%) and technical expertise (30.2%) impede progress. The study proposes actionable recommendations to strengthen Libya’s CA system, including developing a unified national framework, investing in accredited laboratories, and promoting collaboration.

Keywords— Conformity Assessment, Cement Industry, Libya, Quality Standards, Economic Diversification, Stakeholder Awareness.

Abstract Micro-hardness is a fundamental property of prosthodontic restorative materials, as it affects their resistance to surface deformation, wear, and long-term clinical performance. This study aimed to compare the Vickers micro-hardness of three widely used CAD/CAM materials: lithium disilicate, monolithic zirconia, and multilayered zirconia. A total of 30 specimens (N = 30) were fabricated, with 10 samples allocated to each material group. Lithium disilicate specimens were prepared as rectangular plates (18 × 15 × 1 mm), whereas zirconia specimens—both monolithic and multilayered—were fabricated as discs (10 mm in diameter and 1.5 mm in thickness) following standardized CAD/CAM milling and sintering protocols. Vickers micro-hardness testing was conducted using a digital micro-hardness tester under material-specific conditions: a load of 1 kg and a dwell time of 10 s for lithium disilicate, and a load of 500 g with a 20 s dwell time for zirconia. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. Significant differences in micro-hardness were identified among the three materials (p < 0.001). Monolithic zirconia demonstrated the highest mean hardness (680 ± 19 HV), followed by multilayered zirconia (623 ± 47 HV), while lithium disilicate exhibited the lowest values (553 ± 32 HV). Post-hoc analysis confirmed that all pairwise comparisons were statistically significant. The findings indicate that monolithic zirconia possesses superior micro-hardness compared to multilayered zirconia and lithium disilicate, supporting its suitability for high-stress clinical applications. Multilayered zirconia offers a balance between mechanical performance and esthetics, whereas lithium disilicate remains optimal for highly esthetic anterior restorations. These results provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance for selecting CAD/CAM materials in fixed prosthodontic rehabilitation. 

Fracture toughness is a critical mechanical property influencing the clinical durability of prosthodontic materials, especially those used in high-stress posterior regions. Differences in composition, microstructure, and fabrication technologies can significantly affect resistance to crack propagation. This experimental study evaluated the fracture toughness of three prosthodontic material groups (n = 10 each). Standardized samples were prepared and tested using the Vickers indentation technique under controlled laboratory conditions. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each group, and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine significant differences among the groups. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted using Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test. Statistically significant differences in fracture toughness were observed among the three groups (p < 0.001). Group II demonstrated the highest mean fracture toughness (5.39 ± 0.34 MPa·m^1/2), followed by Group III (4.34 ± 0.36 MPa·m1/2). Group I recorded the lowest mean value (2.82 ± 0.56 MPa·m1/2). Tukey’s post-hoc analysis confirmed that all pairwise comparisons were significant (p < 0.001), indicating that each material group exhibited distinct mechanical performance profiles. The findings show that the fracture toughness of prosthodontic materials vary significantly depending on their composition and manufacturing technology. Materials in Group II outperformed the other groups, suggesting greater suitability for clinical situations where high resistance to fracture is required. Further studies incorporating additional mechanical tests and long-term clinical evaluation are recommended to validate these results under functional oral conditions. 

Abstract:Abstract

Digital image processing is increasingly being used in a variety of industries, including food processing, medical science, particle technology, cement, and powder manufacturing. Medical image processing is a discipline in medical science that involves the use of technology to take images of the human body's interior in the least invasive way possible. As medical and biological sciences advance, imaging has become a more important discipline. One of the most useful programs is ImageJ, a public-domain Java image processing program inspired by NIH Image for the Macintosh. In this study, we demonstrated some, but not all, applications of ImageJ in the medical field and for medical and biological students that can be easily implemented in their institutions.  One of these applications was bacterial cell counting, in which a microscopic image of gram-stained bacterial cells was captured using a student's smartphone, treated with ImageJ, and the bacterial cells were easily counted automatically using ImageJ. The second application of ImageJ in this review was to calculate the antimicrobial zone of inhibition. We calculated the percentage of the inhibition zone for three different amoxicillin antibiotic brands using very simple steps. The third application of ImageJ was to analyze a CT scan brain images, and we were able to define the hemorrhage location. Finally, we demonstrated that this free software can estimate protein-protein colocalization. This technique is useful in many cell biological and physiological studies to demonstrate the relationship between pairs of biomolecules. In another example of co-localization, the researchers confirmed the SyGCaM2-mCherry sensor's presynaptic localization to hippocampal synapses, where it was co-localized with a bassoon (a presynaptic protein) in the stratum radiatum of area CA1. In general, ImageJ is a very useful, free program that can be used easily by specialized people and the beginner medical students.

In this paper, we consider the Bayesian estimation of the parameters and reliability function for a Cosine inverse log compound Rayleigh distribution under squared error and squared logarithmic loss functions. We use Lindley’s approximation to compute the Bayesian estimates. This method is evaluated using mean square error through simulation study with varying sample size.

The healthcare system in Libya faces significant challenges due to political instability, fragmented infrastructure, and inconsistent medical practices. Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) serve as essential tools for standardising care, ensuring evidence- based treatment, and optimising healthcare resources. In Libya, the lack of structured guidelines has contributed to disparities in disease management, affecting patient outcomes and overall healthcare efficiency. This commentary explores the critical need for CPGs in Libya, highlighting their potential to improve healthcare delivery, minimise variability in treatment, and enhance patient safety. While implementation poses challenges, including centralisation, limited research capacity, and resource constraints, integrating CPGs through a phased implementation framework could be a transformative step toward a more resilient and equitable healthcare system. By fostering collaboration among policymakers, healthcare professionals, and international organisations, Libya can lay the foundation for a systematic approach to disease management, ultimately improving the quality of care for its population. Healthcare reform in Libya is urgently needed, and strategic investments in CPG development and dissemination could drive the necessary transformation in Libyan healthcare.