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- Islam, Md Mazharul, et al.
(author)
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Cytogenetics and consequences of polyploidization on different biotic-abiotic stress tolerance and the potential mechanisms involved
- 2022
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In: PLANTS. - : MDPI. - 2223-7747. ; 11:20
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The application of polyploidy in sustainable agriculture has already brought much appreciation among researchers. Polyploidy may occur naturally or can be induced in the laboratory using chemical or gaseous agents and results in complete chromosome nondisjunction. This comprehensive review described the potential of polyploidization on plants, especially its role in crop improvement for enhanced production and host-plant resistance development against pests and diseases. An in-depth investigation on techniques used in the induction of polyploidy, cytogenetic evaluation methods of different ploidy levels, application, and current research trends is also presented. Ongoing research has mainly aimed to bring the recurrence in polyploidy, which is usually detected by flow cytometry, chromosome counting, and cytogenetic techniques such as fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). Polyploidy can bring about positive consequences in the growth and yield attributes of crops, making them more tolerant to abiotic and biotic stresses. However, the unexpected change in chromosome set and lack of knowledge on the mechanism of stress alleviation is hindering the application of polyploidy on a large scale. Moreover, a lack of cost–benefit analysis and knowledge gaps on the socio-economic implication are predominant. Further research on polyploidy coupling with modern genomic technologies will help to bring real-world market prospects in the era of changing climate. This review on polyploidy provides a solid foundation to do next-generation research on crop improvement.
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2. |
- Nasif, Saifullah Omar, et al.
(author)
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Prospects of endophytic fungi as a natural resource for the sustainability of crop production in the modern era of changing climate
- 2023
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In: Symbiosis. - : Springer Science+Business Media B.V.. - 0334-5114 .- 1878-7665. ; 89, s. 1-25
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The world is facing severe consequences of chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. As a safer and eco-friendly option for crop nutrition and pest control, endophytic fungi (EFs) are now hotpots in sustainable crop production research. This comprehensive review elucidated the potentials of EF in sustainable crop production amid various biotic and abiotic stress conditions as well as their extraordinary role in phyto- and bioremediation. A critical investigation on how climatic factors such as temperature, rainfall, nutrient level, pH and storage condition affect the survival and performance of EFs are also presented. On-going research majorly focused on the application of endophytic fungi as crop growth promoters, biocontrol agents, and stress mediators. However, a lack of in-depth understanding of the underlying mechanism is predominant. Nevertheless, challenges of successful isolation and identification of EFs hinder their commercialization. Modern genomic technologies and nanotechnology-based applications of EFs can help in overcome the barriers. This review will provide direction for future research where EFs will lead next-generation sustainable strategies to cope with climate change.
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3. |
- Dahir, Gallad, et al.
(author)
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We have almost accepted child spacing. Let's wait on family planning and limiting children' : Focus group discussions among young people with tertiary education in Somalia
- 2023
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In: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. - : Elsevier BV. - 1877-5756 .- 1877-5764. ; 35
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Somalia has high rates of maternal mortality, fertility and pregnancy among young women. Factors contributing to this situation are a lack of knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health, early marriages, cultural norms and the unmet need for or use of contraceptives. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of family planning among young men and women with tertiary education in Mogadishu.METHODS: A purposeful and convenience strategy using snowballing was used to recruit participants. Four focus group discussions were held online with 26 young women and men aged 19-25 years old. All participants were studying at five different universities in Mogadishu, and only one participant was married. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.FINDINGS: The findings showed that participants objected to the concept of family planning but supported the concept of child spacing. They highlighted that people of their generation with tertiary education practise child spacing to combine careers with family life. Although all the participants knew of the benefits of child spacing, they had different opinions on whether modern contraceptive methods were an option for them. They were more comfortable with traditional contraceptive methods and believed that the quality of the modern contraceptive medicine available in the country was unreliable.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that it is crucial not only to include young people in family planning awareness initiatives and implementation but also to give them a voice to advocate family planning and start dialogues within their own communities.
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4. |
- Hujainah, Fadhl Mohammad Omar, 1987, et al.
(author)
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SRPTackle: A semi-automated requirements prioritisation technique for scalable requirements of software system projects
- 2021
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In: Information and Software Technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0950-5849. ; 131
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context Requirement prioritisation (RP) is often used to select the most important system requirements as perceived by system stakeholders. RP plays a vital role in ensuring the development of a quality system with defined constraints. However, a closer look at existing RP techniques reveals that these techniques suffer from some key challenges, such as scalability, lack of quantification, insufficient prioritisation of participating stakeholders, overreliance on the participation of professional expertise, lack of automation and excessive time consumption. These key challenges serve as the motivation for the present research. Objective This study aims to propose a new semiautomated scalable prioritisation technique called ‘SRPTackle’ to address the key challenges. Method SRPTackle provides a semiautomated process based on a combination of a constructed requirement priority value formulation function using a multi-criteria decision-making method (i.e. weighted sum model), clustering algorithms (K-means and K-means++) and a binary search tree to minimise the need for expert involvement and increase efficiency. The effectiveness of SRPTackle is assessed by conducting seven experiments using a benchmark dataset from a large actual software project. Results Experiment results reveal that SRPTackle can obtain 93.0% and 94.65% as minimum and maximum accuracy percentages, respectively. These values are better than those of alternative techniques. The findings also demonstrate the capability of SRPTackle to prioritise large-scale requirements with reduced time consumption and its effectiveness in addressing the key challenges in comparison with other techniques. Conclusion With the time effectiveness, ability to scale well with numerous requirements, automation and clear implementation guidelines of SRPTackle, project managers can perform RP for large-scale requirements in a proper manner, without necessitating an extensive amount of effort (e.g. tedious manual processes, need for the involvement of experts and time workload).
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5. |
- Omar, Bakar, et al.
(author)
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Perceptions of family planning among some Somali men living in Sweden : A phenomenographic study
- 2022
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In: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. - : Elsevier BV. - 1877-5756 .- 1877-5764. ; 32
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: A growing body of research in Sweden has focused on migration and reproductive health, particularly on women's perspectives, including family planning and contraception. However, knowledge is limited on how immigrant men perceive family planning. The topic is important because women's use of family planning has been shown to be influenced by their partners and community. Therefore, this study aims to explore perceptions of family planning among Somali men living in Sweden.METHODS: A qualitative phenomenographic approach was used. Four focus group discussions were conducted with 41 men aged 28-59 years. Data were analysed using phenomenographic analysis.FINDINGS: The following four categories were identified in the analysis: 1) a happier and more sustainable family; 2) ideal family size versus cultural commitment; 3) fears of using modern family planning methods; and 4) a need to be included in family planning. The findings illuminated the complexities of perceptions of family planning. Although Somali men understood the benefits of family planning, they seemed to prefer a large family. However, due to their new social context in Sweden, they had also changed their views on having as large a family as in their home country.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that Somali men living in Sweden want to be involved in family planning counselling, which may increase women's use of contraception. However, healthcare providers must ensure that the woman desires her partner's involvement and be culturally sensitive about couples' needs.
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