- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.038
An efficient method for producing tetraploid garlic through oryzalin immersion of shoots derived from embryogenic cultures
- Mar 12, 2026
- South African Journal of Botany
- Ika Roostika + 10 more +10
Publications from 2021 to 2026
Showing 10 of 233 papers
An efficient method for producing tetraploid garlic through oryzalin immersion of shoots derived from embryogenic cultures
Engenharia de prompt na educação matemática: revisão integrativa da literatura
A incorporação da inteligência artificial generativa no campo educacional tem produzido transformações relevantes nas práticas pedagógicas, particularmente no ensino de matemática, historicamente marcado pela centralidade de procedimentos formais e pela exatidão algorítmica. Nesse cenário, a capacidade de formular problemas de maneira clara, estruturada e logicamente consistente passa a ocupar posição estratégica no processo formativo, deslocando o foco da mera obtenção de respostas automatizadas para a qualidade da interação cognitiva com sistemas inteligentes. Este artigo objetiva discutir a engenharia de prompt como competência fundamental na educação matemática contemporânea, compreendendo-a como manifestação de uma nova retórica matemática que integra linguagem, raciocínio lógico, metacognição e responsabilidade ética. Metodologicamente, realizou-se revisão integrativa da literatura, com recorte temporal entre 2023 e 2025, contemplando produções científicas acerca do uso pedagógico da IA generativa em contextos matemáticos. Os achados indicam que interações iterativas e orientadas por princípios de human-in-the-loop favorecem engajamento cognitivo, autorregulação e compreensão conceitual. Em contrapartida, usos acríticos e delegativos podem comprometer a autonomia intelectual. Conclui-se que a engenharia de prompt constitui competência formativa complexa, com potencial para reconfigurar práticas de ensino, avaliação e aprendizagem matemática.
Read moreMicroencapsulation of <i>Chrysophyllum cainito</i> Fruit Extract by Freeze-Drying, Characterization, and Evaluation of Its Antioxidant and Antiglycation Properties, as Well as the Production of Functional Jelly
Chrysophyllum cainito L. (star apple), a Sapotaceae species native to Central and South America, produces purple fruits that are rich in bioactive compounds. This study aimed to microencapsulate C. cainito fruit extract (CcCE) by freeze-drying and evaluate its application in jelly production. Microencapsulation was effective, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), yielding microcapsules with good solubility, pH stability, and release efficiency. The CcCE showed strong antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, TBARS, NO, and ORAC) and inhibited ribose-induced BSA glycation. Incorporating microencapsulated CcCE into jelly maintained its physicochemical and nutritional properties while enriching it with antioxidant and antiglycation compounds. These findings highlight the potential of CcCE microcapsules as an innovative ingredient for functional foods, contributing to the health promotion and prevention of oxidative and glycation-related diseases.
Read more"Exploring the Structure of Space: A Study on Topology and Its Applications"
WIP: Enhancing Design Patterns Learning Through Gamification
This work in progress research-to-practice paper describes our study aiming to contribute to the improvement of teaching practices in Software Engineering, by providing an engaging and effective approach to support teaching Design Patterns. Design Patterns have become essential elements, widely recognized as effective solutions for recurring problems in software development. The adoption of these patterns contributes to the creation of more efficient, modular, and maintainable software, making them an essential topic in Computer Science education. However, mastering these concepts requires deep understanding and practical application, which poses a significant challenge in the learning process for students. To address this issue, we propose an innovative approach to support teaching Design Patterns, outlining our project aimed at developing a gamified educational tool to support the understanding of these concepts. Several phases of the implementation have already been completed, preliminary validation tests have already begun to assess its effectiveness, which allowed adjustments to the planning of the next development phases, ensuring greater alignment with educational needs and pedagogical approaches, suggesting that its adoption could bring concrete benefits to Design Pattern education.
Read moreSAT-194 The use of aromatase inhibitors for idiopathic short stature
Disclosure: Y.D. Moura: None. M.F. Fernandes Martins: None. B.G. Garcia: None. S. Bertolini: None. G.U. Durão: None. K.C. Queiroz Barreto: None. L. Oliveira Risso da Costa: None. A. Cardoso Rodrigues: None. R. Rodrigues Barroso de Souza: None. L.F. Siqueira Ribeiro: None. V. Cândido Bianqui: None. A. Carvalho de Oliveira Guilherme: None.INTRODUCTION Idiopathic short stature (ISS), as defined by the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, refers to a height more than 2 standard deviations (SD) below the mean for age, sex, and population, with no apparent organic causes, normal body proportions, and adequate nutrition. According to Pfizer, major risk factors include familial short stature (FSS) and constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP). Clinical signs involve height below the average for age and sex and a predicted final height lower than that of the parents. Diagnosis is based on exclusion criteria, requiring laboratory tests and imaging for bone assessment. Among therapeutic approaches, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have emerged as an option for boys with ISS. These drugs inhibit the conversion of androgens to estrogens, delaying epiphyseal maturation and extending bone growth. AI use can increase adult height without compromising bone health or pubertal development. Compared to GnRH analogs, which induce temporary hypogonadism, AIs offer a better safety profile, allowing normal pubertal progression. Thus, they represent a promising strategy to optimize growth in this population. METHODOLOGY A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus to identify studies on AI use in the treatment of ISS in children and adolescents. Included studies comprised randomized clinical trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews published in the last 5 to 10 years in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. Inclusion criteria covered studies evaluating final height, growth velocity, bone maturation, and adverse effects. Research with a high risk of bias or insufficient samples was excluded. RESULTS Studies indicate that AI use, alone or combined with growth hormone (GH), can enhance final height potential and lean body mass with a favorable safety profile. The inhibition of estrogen biosynthesis prolongs longitudinal growth due to its role in bone maturation and epiphyseal closure. Vitamin D deficiency, commonly observed in ISS patients, exacerbates bone fragility, increasing fracture risk. Calcitriol supplementation has shown improvements in bone parameters and reductions in elevated PTH levels. However, improper vitamin D use may lead to complications such as vascular calcification and hyperphosphatemia. Strict monitoring of calcium, phosphorus, and PTH levels is essential to prevent adverse effects. CONCLUSIONISS diagnosis requires excluding other pathologies. AIs have proven effective in delaying bone maturation and promoting growth without impairing pubertal development. However, individualized treatment and careful monitoring of bone parameters are crucial to optimizing outcomes and ensuring long-term safety. Treatment with vitamin C must be strictly controlled, as excess can lead to complications, therefore, new studies are necessary to prove its effectiveness.Presentation: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Read moreSCREEN TIME AND DIETARY QUALITY AMONG NURSING STUDENTS AT THE COLLEGE OF NURSING (FEMALE), BADIN
Introduction: Increased screen time is a common trend among nursing students due to academic and social demands. However, its influence on dietary quality remains unclear and understudied. Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between screen time and dietary quality among nursing students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 140 nursing students. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire using Google Forms. The College of Nursing, Female, Badin, was selected as the research design. Data analysis was performed by using Fisher’s Exact Test to examine the association between screen time and dietary quality. Results: Most participants reported high screen time and moderate dietary quality. However, Fisher’s Exact Test indicated no statistically significant association between screen time and dietary quality (p = 0.282). Conclusion: The results revealed no statistically significant relationship between the two variables. Although high screen time and moderate dietary quality were common among participants, the lack of a significant association suggests that screen time alone may not be a primary factor influencing dietary habits in this population.
Read moreRelationship of Homesickness with Self-Esteem and Academic Performance among Hostellers Students
Background: Homesickness is a common emotional challenge faced by students living in hostels, often impacting their self-esteem and academic performance. While hostel life promotes independence and growth, it can also introduce psychological stressors that affect students’ overall well-being. Objective: To assess the association between homesickness, self-esteem, and academic performance among female hosteller students at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro. Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 306 female students residing in hostels at LUMHS. Data were collected using standardized tools, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Utrecht Homesickness Scale (UHS), and Academic Performance Scale (APS), along with students’ CGPA records. Non-parametric statistical tests, including Spearman’s rho, were used due to the non-normal distribution of the data. Results: The majority of participants (50.32%) reported moderate levels of homesickness, while 55.88% had higher self-esteem and 71.56% exhibited excellent academic performance based on CGPA. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed a moderate positive correlation between self-esteem and academic performance (rs = .312, p = .001), a moderate negative correlation between homesickness and academic performance (rs = –.298, p = .002), and a moderate negative correlation between homesickness and self-esteem (rs = –.361, p = .000). All results were statistically significant at p < .01. Conclusion: The study concluded that higher self-esteem is associated with better academic performance, while greater homesickness is linked to lower self-esteem and academic achievement. These findings highlight the importance of emotional support systems, counseling services, and peer mentorship programs to promote psychological adjustment and academic success among hostel-residing students.
Read moreRole of FIA in Combating Human Smuggling at Pak-Afghan Border, Torkham
Human smuggling refers to illegal cross of international border by an individual or group of individuals by violating immigration law of one or more countries/states, travelling alone/in groups or through human smugglers (organized criminal groups) and with their own consent/will, on payment of a certain amount to smuggler mutually agreed upon. Such illegal cross of borders is also called irregular migration or migrant smuggling. The person facilitating the said process is called “smuggler” and the effected persons are called victim. The smuggling of migrants is truly a global concern, with a large number of countries affected by it as origin, transit or destination points. Profit seeking criminals smuggle migrants across borders and between continents for the sake of monetary benefit by facilitating the intentional illegal crossover of victims, based on certain reason/back ground of victims, like political unrest in certain territories, natural disasters, sectarian and ethnic issues and for search of a better life abroad. The land route crossing points between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly Torkham in KPK is an old crossing point for pedestrian movement. The enforcement of passport/visa regime in the year 2015 has changed the traditional mode (without passport/visa) of crossover into a formal movement. With such legal restriction, the movement without documents or without fulfillment of terms & conditions for entry into Pakistan and exit from Pakistan is of course illegal act and constitute the offence of human or migrant smuggling. This research is aimed to understand the role of Federal Investigation Agency in combating Human Smuggling at Pak-Afghan Border, Torkham land route, District: Khyber, KPK. This research will assist FIA to ascertain the causes of human smuggling at Torkham land route and to suggest some preventive measure, in order to curb the menace of human smuggling.
Read moreNormalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as an indicator of bio-remediation efficiency in crude oil-impacted soils in Ogoni-land: A case study of Eleme local government area, Rivers State, Nigeria
Eleme, a sub-region of Ogoni-land in Rivers State, Nigeria, has experienced decades of severe environmental degradation due to crude oil contamination, resulting in ecosystem disruption and reduced vegetation health. In line with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), this study assesses the ecological impact and bio-remediation efficiency of four remediated sites; Nkeleoken-Alode (LOT 04), Elelenwo Manifold-Akpajo (LOT 46 and LOT 56), and Ajeokpori Well 3-Okuluebu (LOT 54), under Phase I of the UNEP Ogoni-land Environmental Restoration Project. The study employed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis to evaluate vegetation health and restoration trends across four historical epochs: 1994 (pre-contamination baseline), 2004 and 2014 (periods of high contamination), and 2024 (post-remediation). Satellite-derived NDVI data were processed using Landsat imagery (30 m resolution), and NDVI changes were analyzed to quantify vegetation vigor, variance, and ecosystem recovery. Results showed that NDVI values decreased sharply between 1994 and 2014, reaching negative thresholds in some LOTs, indicating severe ecological degradation due to crude oil pollution. For example, LOT 46 recorded an NDVI decline from 0.434 (1994) to –0.020 (2014), a 104.6% drop in vegetation vigor, Post-remediation in 2024, all LOTs demonstrated positive NDVI recovery, with LOT 54 rising from –0.0875 (2004) to 0.1275 (2024), representing a 164% increase, highlighting effective remediation outcomes. LOTs treated with bio-augmentation products such as Micro SOLUTION® and KEEN® exhibited stronger vegetation rebound than others, suggesting the effectiveness of tailored remediation strategies. The study finds that vegetation health improved significantly post-remediation, with gradual increases in NDVI values across sites indicating partial ecosystem restoration and enhanced vegetation vigor. However, residual hydrocarbon stress persists in some areas, warranting continued site-specific interventions. This research contributes valuable empirical evidence on the use of NDVI as a cost-effective monitoring tool for post-bioremediation assessment in crude oil-impacted regions. It underscores the need for integrated, location-specific bio-remediation and restoration strategies to enhance long-term ecological resilience in Ogoni-land and similar environments globally.
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