.

Abstract 

Dental caries is a widespread infectious disease influenced by bacterial activity, dietary factors, and host 

susceptibility. Community water fluoridation has been a key public health measure for caries prevention, 

particularly in children. The optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water (0.7 mg/L) balances caries 

reduction with minimal fluorosis risk. This study assessed fluoride levels in drinking water and their 

correlation with dental caries in primary school children in Gharyan, Libya. A cross-sectional study was 

conducted on 350 children (aged 7–10 years) from urban and rural schools in Gharyan. Water samples from 

five stores and one groundwater source were analyzed for fluoride concentration using an ion-selective 

electrode. Dental caries was assessed using the dmft/DMFT index. Fluoride levels in water stores were 

negligible (0.0–0.1 mg/L), while unfiltered groundwater exhibited high concentrations (6.0–7.0 mg/L), 

exceeding WHO guidelines (1.5 mg/L). The low fluoride availability in most drinking sources suggests 

limited caries-preventive effects from water fluoridation in this region. The study highlights insufficient 

fluoride exposure in Gharyan’s public water supply, potentially contributing to higher caries prevalence. 

Further research is needed to evaluate alternative fluoride delivery methods and assess groundwater safety 

to optimize oral health outcomes.

Keywords. Fluoride Concentration, Drinking Water, Dental Caries, Primary School.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to explore EFL teachers’ perceptions of the 21st-century PD program in six primary schools in Al Jabal Al Gharbi district. 31 teachers participated in the study. The mixed-research approach was used to conduct the research. A structured questionnaire and a semi-structured interview were used to gather the data. The results revealed that participants acquired several teaching skills, such as new techniques for teaching vocabulary, speaking, and listening language skills, from the 21st-century PD program. Furthermore, the participants reported positive changes in their students’ outcomes, including improved speaking, listening and vocabulary. The findings also revealed some complications in implementing the PD program, including a lack of resources and administrative support at some schools.

This research investigated the challenges medical university students encounter in learning

technical vocabulary. A quantitative research approach was adopted. 61 first-year medical

students at the University of Gharyan participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was

used to gather the data. The findings revealed that medical university students encounter

several challenges in medical vocabulary learning, including pronunciation, spelling, meaning and use. The results also indicated that medical university students struggle to recall some

medical terms, which could be attributed to cognitive overload. The researchers suggest

revaluating the current English medical programs at the Faculties of Medicine in Libya.

Teaching vocabulary in context, highlighting the grammatical categories of words, drawing

distinctions between synonyms through examples, and training students on using medical

words through interactive activities could enhance the current English medical programs.

SUMMARY This research documents the initial finding of Chloris pycnothrix Trin., frequently referred to as spiderweb chloris, in Libya, particularly from the Ariggiba region close to Sabha city. This grass, originating from tropical and subtropical regions, is versatile and may become invasive. It was recognized via morphological examination during field surveys in 2023–2024, with samples stored in a herbarium. The species flourishes in alluvial plains as well as in disturbed habitats like road shoulders. It can be mistaken for Chloris virgata, although they differ in some important morphological aspects. It was previously believed that only one species of Chloris existed in Libya. This study provides a revision and an identification key for them in the context of Libyan flora. The tolerant nature of C. pycnothrix to drought, combined with its ability to colonize poorly maintained land, makes its potential introduction—most likely through anthropogenic means—alarming ecologically and emphasizes the need for management strategies to contain its spread and monitor its impact.