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Relato e análise da atividade de Extensão Universitária “Produção sustentável de alimentos: você conhece?"
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Silvério, Gabriel; Forti, Victor Augusto; https://lattes.cnpq.br/5742976162363922; Penha, Alessandra dos Santos; https://lattes.cnpq.br/9799774247477252; https://lattes.cnpq.br/7694155770738928
We invited high school students and teachers from schools in the city of Araras for technical visits to the Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA) of the Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Araras campus, aiming to stimulate reflections on the roles of public universities, agricultural sciences, and biological conservation in sustainable food production in Brazil within the context of agroecology. These experiences are of utmost importance in seeking a greater connection between the public and the functioning of the university, particularly in the scope of food production, natural resource management and conservation, and the promotion of more equitable social relations. We organized five guided visits to the CCA facilities, all conducted in August 2023. We named this activity: "Sustainable food production: do you know? Open university to high school students". To achieve this, we contacted four public schools in the city of Araras, aiming to engage students in the second and third years of high school (approximately 15 to 17 years old). During the visits, we presented research works on sustainable food production and agroecology conducted by some CCA study groups in an organized and sequential manner, alongside their coordinating professors and undergraduate students who were part of the teams. The activity involved approximately 200 students and teachers across the five visits. During the visit, we collected participants' impressions of the activity on post-it notes, which were later transferred to a digital spreadsheet, which were transformed into word clouds to facilitate the interpretation of these impressions. The results showed that the activity had an impact, but the impressions were still influenced by concepts brought from their individual experiences.
Análise de falhas em materiais poliméricos com aplicação de técnicas analíticas
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Silva, Otávio Augusto Marini da; Urban, Roberta Cerasi ; https://lattes.cnpq.br/7313670290572985; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6328-6972
This study investigates the failure analysis of polymeric materials using analytical techniques and presenting case studies that demonstrate these applications. Initially, fundamental concepts about polymers and the main factors influencing the occurrence of failures in these materials are introduced. Subsequently, the analytical techniques FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM XRD, and GC-MS are discussed, addressing their application in polymer characterization and the identification of mechanical, thermal, and chemical failures. The research follows a literature review approach, complemented by case studies developed at Afinko. The results show that the combination of these techniques enables the identification of contamination, degradation, structural variations, and the influence of factors such as the manufacturing history and operating conditions of the components. It is concluded that the integrated analysis of these methodologies is essential for effective failure investigation, enabling quality control and the prevention of new issues while contributing to the development of more reliable polymeric materials.
Coletividade, subjetividades e diferenças: a participação política das pessoas com deficiência na universidade pública
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Pereira, Antônio Polli Mendes; Cabral, Leonardo Santos Amâncio; https://lattes.cnpq.br/5306031040506357; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3520-3687; https://lattes.cnpq.br/4656198360267995
This theoretical essay aims to reflect, through the lens of Hannah Arendt and Michel Foucault, on the political participation of people with disabilities in public universities as subjective and collective actors participating in political arenas of debate. The study considers disability not as an innate and immutable concept, but as the result of a complex discursive process involving multiple groups, interests and dialectics that bring into play the participation of people with disabilities in various social contexts. In this approach, we sought to understand how the advance of modernity and its scientific rationalization contributed to the emergence of the category that, with a strong influence from the medical field, we now call disability. It begins with a presentation of the English social movement Disability Studies, which took place in the 1960s and 1970s and contributed to shifting the conception of disability from biomedical principles to a political and social approach. It concludes with contemporary discussions about the public university and its political and cultural aspects for the participation of people with disabilities.
Estabelecimento e caracterização morfológica de esferoides derivados da linhagem celular de hepatocarcinoma humano (Hep-G2)
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Barrios, Nathália Liz; Castro, Cynthia Aparecida de; https://lattes.cnpq.br/4608878460951651; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2675-8069; Leite, Celisnolia Morais; ttp://lattes.cnpq.br/9638881050186865; https://lattes.cnpq.br/6544859161789627
Cell culture in the 3D model morphologically and physiologically mimics the conditions found in vivo, making the results obtained from therapies regarding toxicity, resistance, and barriers more reliable. Additionally, 3D culture emerges as a promising tool to help reduce the use of animals in scientific research. In this context, using the liquid overlay methodology, we tested the formation of spheroids from human hepatocarcinoma cells (HepG-2). This methodology proved promising when 1% agarose was used as a non-adhesive substrate, as it led to the formation of compact and well-organized spheroids, with diameters ranging from 300 to 141 μm. Moreover, this method was found to be easy to handle and cost-effective. Due to the particular morphological organization of spheroids, conventional cell viability assays used for monolayer cultures were unsuitable for this purpose, requiring adaptations to other spheroid characterization methods, such as histological techniques. Regarding the ability to uptake nanoparticles, the spheroids showed promising results, with nanoparticle internalization observed under all tested cell density conditions and spheroid age. However, a more detailed characterization, especially of the spheroid core, must be conducted to establish and standardize a reproducible protocol for spheroid formation, including for cell lines other than HepG-2. So, this study contributed to advancing the modeling of in vitro systems that better represent the tumor microenvironment, offering a platform that, with further characterization, could be promising for drug screening and toxicological testing.
Efeitos entre autoconceito e atitudes em relação à estatística e ao pensamento probabilístico e correlacional: um estudo em alunos do ensino médio no interior de São Paulo
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Pineda, Kevin José Goenaga ; Veraszto, Estéfano Vizconde ; https://lattes.cnpq.br/6253673132956358; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4029-4803; https://lattes.cnpq.br/5843323846565727; https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8738-1489
The literature shows that a significant proportion of students do not adequately understand the fundamental concepts of probability and correlation in statistics. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between statistical self-concept, attitudes towards statistics and probabilistic and correlational thinking schemes in secondary school students. A cross-sectional predictive design was adopted, with the participation of 760 students (370 females), assessed using the Logical Thinking Test (TOLT), the Survey of Attitudes towards Statistics (SATS) and two ad hoc questionnaires on self-concept. After an exploratory review of the variables to ensure the adequacy of the statistical analyses, the results indicated acceptable levels of attitudes and self-concept towards statistics, but unsatisfactory performance in the probabilistic and correlational aspects. Attitudes were found to have a positive influence on statistical self-concept in both sexes. However, among male students, a negative effect of attitudes towards statistics on correlational thinking was identified. These findings reinforce the importance of pedagogical strategies that address students' self-concept and attitudes in order to improve statistical teaching and learning.
Brincar na prática assistencial de técnicos de enfermagem em unidade pediátrica hospitalar
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Petruccelli, Gabriele; Maia, Edmara Bazoni Soares; https://lattes.cnpq.br/5862714117697608; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2996-6936; Wernet, Monika; https://lattes.cnpq.br/6056127658896265; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1194-3261; https://lattes.cnpq.br/3714701063177131; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1415-5172
Article 1. Petruccelli G, Wernet M, Silveira AO, Maia EBS. Play in the care practices of nursing technicians with hospitalized children. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2025;46:e20240348. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2025.20240348.pt Objective: to understand the use of play in the care practices of licensed practical nurses with hospitalized children. Method: this is a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study, based on the Symbolic Interactionism theoretical-methodological framework, developed in a pediatric inpatient unit of a university hospital located in the countryside of São Paulo. Data was collected from August to October 2023 using non-participant observation. The study included 25 licensed practical nurses working in the unit in question. Data analysis was based on reflective thematic analysis. Results: play was primarily used to facilitate the execution of procedures. It was evident that participants did not link and integrate this resource into their care practices. Furthermore, the toy library was not understood as a space associated with licensed practical nurses. The themes “Play in care practices” and “Interactions with the hospital toy library” detail the professional practices observed. Conclusion: the use of play in licensed practical nurses’ care practices was reinforced by the symbolism that play is not feasible during pediatric hospitalization and that using the toy library is not part of its scope, which determined the limited incorporation of this resource. Furthermore, the importance of play activities was not recognized by the participants. Article 2. Petruccelli G, Wernet M, Silveira AO, Maia EBS, Almeida CL, Loureiro FM. Nursing technicians’ perceptions about the use of play and playfulness in professional practices. Article accepted for publication in the Rev Esc Enferm USP on 08 de abril de 2025. Objective: to understand nursing technicians’ perceptions in a pediatric inpatient unit regarding the use of play and playfulness in their professional practices. Method: an exploratory study with a qualitative approach, supported by the Symbolic Interactionism theoretical framework, developed in a pediatric unit of a university hospital in the countryside of São Paulo. Data collection took place from March to December 2024, through semi-structured interviews, with 14 participants. Reflective thematic analysis supported data assessment. Results: the topics “Purposes of adopting play and playfulness” and “Determinants of adopting play and playfulness” revealed that nursing technicians link resources with the execution of technical procedures and formation of bonds. However, they highlighted a context that was not very supportive of this use and that led to the meaning that these resources were other professionals’ responsibility. Conclusion: the use of play and playfulness predominated for the execution of procedures, with a secondary, informal, voluntary and non-institutionalized place in nursing care for children. Article 3. Petruccelli G, Wernet M, Maia EBS, Bonelli MA, Pimenta NAC, Santos BP. Nursing technicians' perceptions of the hospital toy library and their work in this environment. Article submitted to Revista Mineira de Enfermagem on 09/02/2025. Objective: to find out the nursing technicians’ perceptions in a pediatric inpatient unit about the hospital toy library and their work in this environment. Method: an exploratory study with a qualitative approach, supported by the Symbolic Interactionism theoretical framework. It was developed in a pediatric unit of a university hospital located in a countryside in the interior of São Paulo. Data collection took place from March to December 2024, trough semi-structured interviews. Fourteen nursing technicians took part in the study. Reflective thematic analysis supported data assessment. Results: the nursing technicians considered the toy library to be an essential space in pediatric units, with contributions to coping with hospitalization. They relativized the space as belonging to their professional scope, despite revealing a desire to be trained to be in this environment, as well as showing positions about its operationalization. The topics “Symbolisms and use of the toy library by nursing technicians”, “Toy library and the scope of the nursing technician profession”, “Control in the toy library”, and “Gaps in institutional support for the use of the toy library” revealed the perceptions about the place and the technician's role in it. Conclusion: we noted the presence of the symbolism that the toy library is an extremely important place in the pediatric hospitalization unit. Its contributions include making it easier to carry out procedures, facilitating recovery and treatment, and carrying the symbol of lightness in a hostile environment. On the other hand, the nursing technicians do not recognize the toy library as an environment in which they are responsible.
Composto de lodo de esgoto biotransformado como fonte de nutrientes no cultivo de Philodendron “Pink Princess”
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Alves, Ana Carolina da Cruz; Mazzeo, Dânia Elisa Cristofoletti; https://lattes.cnpq.br/2378883705248821; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1696-9065; Cardoso, Jean Carlos; https://lattes.cnpq.br/3681181863704059; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6578-1723; https://lattes.cnpq.br/9551344033063635; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4056-0056
In a scenario of increasing demand for sustainable solutions, mainly due to Brazil’s high dependence on imported fertilizers, its vulnerability to economic and geopolitical crises, and the use of finite natural resources in fertilizer production, alternative sources for nutrient recycling, such as sewage sludge, have gained prominence. After detoxification processes like bioremediation, sewage sludge can be transformed into a biotransformed compost, enabling its use as a fertilizer. Under this perspective, the present study evaluated the performance of biotransformed sewage sludge compost as an alternative nutrient source to mineral fertilization in the cultivation of Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with six treatments and 12 replications. The treatments were for-mulated based on the maximum dose of 3.0 g L⁻¹ of the slow-release mineral fertilizer Ba-sacote®. To determine the potential of the compost as a nutrient source (P), calculations con-sidered the P₂O₅ percentages in each source (mineral fertilizer: 8% and sludge compost: 5.9%, with sludge accounting for 20% of the compost). The evaluated treatments were: fertilization with 100% compost; 20% Basacote® and 80% compost; 40% Basacote® and 60% compost; 60% Basacote® and 40% compost; 80% Basacote® and 20% compost; and 100% Basacote® (control). Data were subjected to Tukey’s test at a 5% significance level. According to the re-sults, the treatment with 40% Basacote® and 60% compost resulted in the highest means for plant height (22.4 cm) and largest leaf length (13.2 cm). Regarding chlorophyll a, b, and total contents, treatments with 100% and 80% compost showed the lowest values, whereas treat-ments with 40% Basacote® and 60% compost, as well as 100% Basacote®, presented the best results. For phenol and total protein analyses, no significant differences were observed among treatments. The enzymes Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and Phenylalanine AmmoniaLyase (PAL) had higher means in the 100% compost treatment, indicating increased anti-oxidant enzyme activity. This suggests that plants activated antioxidant mechanisms to miti-gate the effects of reactive compounds associated with the biotransformed sludge compost. Additionally, nitrogen deficiency and the high aluminum concentration in this treatment contributed to the high enzymatic activity. Regarding stomatal conductance, the 100% compost treat-ment showed a significant reduction, impairing stomatal opening and gas exchange. Similarly, the efficiency of photosystem II was affected, reducing photosynthetic capacity, possibly due to the low nitrogen (N) content in plants subjected to this treatment. However, partial replace-ment, with up to 60% of the mineral fertilizer dose substituted by the biotransformed sewage sludge compost, showed promising results. In this sense, it is concluded that although total replacement of mineral fertilizer with the compost is not viable—most likely due to its lower N content—partial replacement presented positive results for Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ cultivation. This approach emerges as a viable solution for reducing urban waste, promoting the replacement of mineral fertilizer sources, and fostering a more sustainable and self-sufficient agriculture.
Otimização de condições cromatográficas para quantificação de teor de ativo de Acefato por cromatografia gasosa com detector por ionização em chama (FID)
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Oliveira, Letícia Maria de; Oliveira, Luciana Camargo de; https://lattes.cnpq.br/6238603150964753; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6125-2154
The use of pesticides in agriculture has become even more frequent with technological advances, with the search for faster work aimed at mitigating losses in plantations due to pest attacks. However, inadequate and excessive management poses dangers to humans related to exposure to pesticides. In this context, there is an increasing demand for pesticide quantification techniques that aim at better applicability and sensitivity in the results. Thus, this work aimed to optimize parameters for the determination of acephate by gas chromatography coupled to the flame ionization detector (FID), with a lower cost alternative when compared to techniques coupled to mass spectrometry. To optimize the chromatographic parameters, the acephate samples were prepared at concentrations of 100% active, 4 and 10 g L-1, according to RDC No. 166, dated July 24, 2017 and ABNT 14029:2016, with acetone and isopropanol solvents. Adjustments of column, injection and detector temperatures, air and hydrogen flows, injection volumes, sample concentration and chromatographic column were adapted according to the need to improve resolutions, in order to accentuate the chromatographic peak. As a result, the oven temperature set at 195 °C provided better retention time, without interference from background noise. The injector temperature at 180 °C became ideal, since temperatures of 270°C would possibly degrade the sample. Detector temperature at 250 °C and injection volumes of 1 µL brought a narrowing of the peak, when compared to lower temperatures. Higher sample concentrations increased the peak height, and the best concentration evaluated was 10 g L-1. Subtle changes in air and hydrogen flow did not bring major changes, and the use of the HP-5 column brought excellent resolution of the results, with a theoretical number of plates of 1,708.45, a value that shows excellent column efficiency, in addition to obtaining the analytical signal with good resolution (symmetrical peak). The realization of the calibration curve yielded a linear correlation coefficient R equal to 0.99785, and quantification limit (QL) and determination (DL) equal to 0.0800 and 0.0300 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, and the QL met the quantification conditions of acephate in crops such as cotton, garlic, onion, carrot, citrus and melon, according to the maximum residue limit (MRL) established by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA).
Regras de política monetária para o Brasil: Uma análise para as regras de Taylor, McCallum e suas variantes híbridas
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Souza, Abner Silvestre de; Carrara, Aniela Fagundes; https://lattes.cnpq.br/2348376949393246; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3131-2344; https://lattes.cnpq.br/5482799086915029; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2209-6763
As monetary policy rules play a fundamental role in the functioning of the Inflation Targeting Regime, serving as instruments to guide monetary policy implementation and align market expectations. The adoption of clear rules, such as the Taylor Rule and its variants, contributes to the predictability of Central Bank actions, strengthening its credibility and facilitating inflation control. These rules provide a structured framework for decision-making, allowing the Central Bank to respond to inflationary deviations and external pressures while minimizing economic volatility. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the adequacy of the McCallum Rule, the McCallum-Hall-Mankiw Hybrid Rule, and the McCallum-Taylor Hybrid Rule to the Brazilian economic scenario, focusing on their comparison with the Taylor Rule. To this end, estimation was carried out using Vector Error Correction Models (VECM) for the period from March 2002 to January 2024. The main findings indicate that the McCallum-Taylor Rule is more reactive to economic fluctuations, whereas the McCallum-Hall-Mankiw Rule is broader, responding to a wider set of factors, including inflation expectations. Additionally, while the McCallum-Taylor Hybrid Rule is less responsive to exchange rate variations, the McCallum-Hall-Mankiw Rule can incorporate these variations indirectly through their influence on inflation expectations and economic activity. Keywords: Monetary Policy; Interest Rates; VECM; Inflation. JEL Classification Code: E52, E58, E43
Caminhos para sistematizar e difundir a extensão universitária com acessibilidade: o caso Ufscar
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Delbone, Ariane Godoi; Cabral, Leonardo Santos Amâncio; https://lattes.cnpq.br/5306031040506357; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3520-3687; https://lattes.cnpq.br/8344805369943060; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5009-176X
The central theme of this research was access to information and communication related to University Extension activities and programs. This is because, even though extension actions aim to encourage the exchange of knowledge between the university's internal and external communities, these have still presented characteristics that are not very accessible and are also not very accessible. In this scenario, the objective of this research was to analyze information on extension actions and their possible interdisciplinarities from the perspective of accessibility. This was an exploratory documentary research, based on data made available in the digital environment of the Pro Dean of Extension – ProExWeb of the Federal University of São Carlos – UFSCar. Using search descriptors and inclusion and exclusion criteria, the analyzed sample consisted of two programs and 47 extension activities associated with people with disabilities and/or accessibility, whose information was processed and analyzed using a content analysis approach. . As a result, the study highlighted some barriers to accessing information and communication related to activities and extension programs promoted by the university. Specifically with regard to actions directly related to people with disabilities, in addition to the difficulty in accessing information (actions and products), there is a need to formulate strategic plans that enhance, with communicational accessibility, their democratization among different communities interested. Thus, the research indicates the need to improve access management, accessibility and accessibility of information related to extension actions that constitute the university teaching, research and extension tripod.
Percepção sensorial de cafés especiais utilizando avaliadores treinados e não treinados
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Monferdini, Luiz Henrique Nicolella; Verruma-Bernardi, Marta Regina; https://lattes.cnpq.br/3470912236544684; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1375-0938; https://lattes.cnpq.br/1170649109582991
The study aimed to compare analysis notes from trained and untrained evaluators, using the Specialty Coffee Association – SCA sensory evaluation form on 5 specialty coffees obtained by drying peeled cherries. 30 mL of each coffee drink (filtered) were served to 10 trained evaluators and 10 untrained evaluators. The trained evaluators identified more complex attributes, such as chocolate, caramel, vanilla and fruity and the untrained evaluators mainly pointed out characteristics such as sweetness. The overall score from the evaluators of the 5 coffees, regardless of the group, was above 80 points. The peeled cherry processing method influences the sensory characteristics, highlighting the importance of the diversity of sensory perception and that processing is directly linked to the quality of the coffee. The results of this study showed the importance of considering the diversity of preferences and the impact of processing on the final quality of specialty coffee, showing that both professionals and untrained evaluators can differentiate different aspects of the same product. It is concluded that, despite differences in perception, both groups recognized the sensorial quality of the coffees.
Métodos de controle de cigarrinha-das-raízes da cana-de-açúcar (Mahanarva fimbriolata): uma revisão
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Trapani, Gabriel Antônio; Marques, Rodrigo Neves; https://lattes.cnpq.br/8945237946471247
In Brazil, sugarcane plays a crucial role in the economy, being widely cultivated for the production of sugar, ethanol, and other by-products, contributing significantly to job creation and regional development. However, the transition to mechanized harvesting and the prohibition of burning have resulted in an increased incidence of the root spittlebug, Mahanarva fimbriolata, making it a relevant pest for the sugarcane crop. The root spittlebug causes significant economic damage by sucking the sap from the plants, reducing their photosynthetic capacity and leading to a loss of productivity and quality of the raw material. The life cycle of this insect is influenced by climatic factors, with populations growing during the rainy season, to control the root spittlebug, integrated strategies are recommended, involving population monitoring, the use of less susceptible varieties, cultural management, chemical and biological control. The combination of different control methods increases the chances of success and reduces the economic and environmental impacts, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, the objective of this study was to explore different methods of controlling the root spittlebug in the sugarcane crop, considering viability, effectiveness, and sustainability. Changes in sugarcane production, biological aspects of the pest, management strategies described in the literature, as well as the importance of monitoring and using different control techniques to mitigate the damage caused by the root spittlebug in the sugarcane crop were discussed.
Passagens da ditadura à democracia: a reconstrução do Estado de Direito no Brasil e na República Tcheca
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Souza, Alexandre Nogueira; Diniz, Simone; https://lattes.cnpq.br/9726360676770459; https://lattes.cnpq.br/2963569278075577; https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7942-6445
This study sought to analyze the political transition that occurred in Brazil and Czechoslovakia, with an emphasis on rebuilding the Rule of Law after the reconquer of democratic system in these countries. By demonstrating the importance of the Constitution and Rule of Law for the development of the State and the citizen throughout history, it became possible to advance the debate exposing the Brazilian Military Dictatorship (1964-1985) and the Socialist Regime of Czechoslovakia (1948-1989). Furthermore, the passages from dictatorship to democracy in Brazil and Czechoslovakia are developed. Finally, a reflection was made regarding the restructuring of the Rule of Law and the guarantee of democratic institutions in the chosen countries, considering the phases of transition, consolidation and improvement of democracy. The main idea of this scientific research is to comprehend whether the way in which the transition was carried out reflected in the stability of the institutions of the Rule of Law and the validity of democratic regimes in the mentioned places. As a result, it can be affirmed that both countries, through the promulgation of a Constitution, facilitated the reestablishment of the Rule of Law and Democracy. The difference lies in the transition model. Brazil was marked by a verticalized process of slow, gradual, and secure nature, which resulted in greater difficulties in the reinstitution of democracy. In contrast, the Czech Republic, by breaking with socialist foundations through horizontality and a peaceful revolution, found it easier to restore the democratic regime.
Aprendizado de máquina multirrótulo para predição de doenças associadas a RNAs longos não codificantes
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Bertoni, Lívia Umberto; Fuentes, Andrea Soarea da Costa; https://lattes.cnpq.br/2426157257540389; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7379-1136; Cerri, Ricardo; https://lattes.cnpq.br/6266519868438512; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2582-1695; https://lattes.cnpq.br/0967041422340479
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides that are not translated into proteins. These RNAs play crucial roles in processes such as cell cycle regulation, epigenetics, cell differentiation, and both post-transcriptional and transcriptional regulation. Abnormal expression of lncRNAs has been increasingly associated with various human diseases, including cardiovascular, neurological, and oncological conditions. While different biotechnological approaches have been employed to identify and detect lncRNAs, these methods face significant challenges related to cost, operational complexity, and experimental procedure. Consequently, the development of artificial intelligence-based models for disease prediction using lncRNA data presents itself as a promising alternative. This study focuses on the implementation of machine learning algorithms for predicting diseases associated with lncRNAs, addressing it as a multi-label classification problem, given that a single lncRNA can be linked to multiple diseases. Various methods, including problem transformation approaches and algorithm adaptation approaches, were tested. The classifiers' performance was assessed using evaluation metrics for multi-label problems, including Precision, Recall, F-measure, and Hamming Loss. Furthermore, for comparative analysis, statistical tests were performed, specifically the Friedman and Nemenyi tests. Based on the analysis of the results, hypotheses regarding the performance of the algorithms were formulated. However, despite the observed differences, the methods showed an overall unsatisfactory performance, which we attribute to the high sparsity presented in the dataset. Thus, for future work, the investigation of more robust methods to address this issue was proposed, aiming to enhance prediction performance and improve the understanding of biological interactions.
Biofortificação agronômica de hortaliças folhosas: cenários atuais e potencialidades
(Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2025-02-12) Biafora, Murilo Rabelo; Sala, Fernando César; https://lattes.cnpq.br/6771975466075202
Hidden hunger, characterized by the deficiency of essential micronutrients in the diet, affects billions of people worldwide, raising the urgent need for effective strategies to mitigate it. This study aimed to evaluate agronomic biofortification of leafy vegetables as a viable solution to enrich foods with minerals such as zinc and iron, addressing both conventional cultivation methods and hydroponic systems. To this end, a literature review of the most relevant publications between 2018 and 2023 was carried out, focusing on research that discusses the increase in the concentration of these micronutrients in vegetables. The results indicate that agronomic biofortification can significantly increase zinc and iron levels in vegetables, offering a less costly and faster alternative compared to genetic biofortification. The discussion highlights the potential of this practice in reducing nutritional deficiencies in Brazil, especially when integrated with hydroponic cultivation systems. It is concluded that the agronomic biofortification of leafy vegetables presents itself as a promising strategy to combat hidden hunger and promote public health, contributing to food security.