This paper presents a comparative performance 

analysis of Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) optical fiber and Free Space Optics (FSO) communication systems. A simulation-based optical communication system was designed, incorporating transmitters and receivers to achieve efficient data transmission among several locations, including Tripoli central post office, Gharyan post office, and Gharyan University linked to its affiliated faculties. The study involved collecting fundamental system parameters, developing a theoretical model, and implementing it using OptiSystem 7.0. Using the same operational parameters, network performance was assessed based on key indicators such as signal quality, bit error rate (BER) and Q-factor. In addition, the FSO system was evaluated under two different environmental scenarios: Ideal weather conditions and Atmospheric turbulence conditions, reflecting the typical climatic characteristics of Gharyan city, 

where the city is frequently experiences windy atmospheric conditions. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed systems are capable of efficient data transmission, enhancing the effectiveness of optical communications in the region. Both Optical Fiber and FSO networks achieved satisfactory performance; however, FSO showed superior performance in some metrics under ideal weather conditions. Some faculties had short links (≤ 2 km) that did not require precise point-to-point alignment, while others required accurate point-to-point links. In contrast, the findings indicate that FSO can serve as an effective and competitive alternative to optical fiber in environments with suitable climatic conditions, particularly when reducing deployment cost and installation time is a priority, while providing a scalable and sustainable solution to meet future communication requirements. 

ABSTRACT

Background: The seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection were examined among high-risk groups in

Gharyan, Libya—a semi-arid region with limited prior data. Aim: Given the severe health risks of toxoplasmosis in

immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women, and the scarcity of studies from western Libya, this research aimed to

address a key knowledge gap while comparing results with those from humid coastal cities.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to March 2023, involving 45 blood donors, 40

hemodialysis patients, and 146 pregnant women. A validated questionnaire was administered, and an

electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) was used to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG/IgM antibodies.

Results: Results revealed an overall higher seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients (40.0%), followed by pregnant women

(24.7%), and then blood donors (15.6%). Active (IgM+) infections were rare. Significant risk factors among pregnant women

included consumption of unwashed vegetables, undercooked meat, cat ownership, and rural residence (Adjusted Odds Ratio

aOR=3.42, aOR=3.15, aOR=2.87, aOR=2.05, respectively). No statistically significant difference in seroprevalence was

observed among pregnant women between 2022 (26.2%) and 2023 (23.5%) (P = 0.68).

Conclusion: A lower seroprevalence was observed in Gharyan municipality compared to coastal Libyan cities, indicating the

influence of the dry climate. The study recommends routine first-trimester screening for pregnant women (especially aged 25–

30 years), mandatory pre-dialysis testing for hemodialysis patients, and targeted food safety education focusing on vegetable

washing and thorough meat cooking.

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, Seroprevalence, , Pregnant Women, Blood Donors s