Area Growth Research Articles

The nutritional aspects and food applications of Artocarpus altilis starch: A review

Artocarpus altilis is commonly referred to as breadfruit as it is similar to freshly baked bread. It is native to Malaysia, Southern Pacific, and the Caribbean and a mature breadfruit tree can yield between 400 and 2400 kg of breadfruit annually.​The amount of different minerals found in breadfruit varies greatly depending on the cultivar and growth area. These minerals include copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, cobalt, iron, and manganese. It is abundant in calcium, vital minerals, and carbohydrates. It offers infection protection and is beneficial to heart health. It contains fatty acids that are omega 3 and 6. It is increasingly used as a food additive, regulating stability, texture, and sweetness. It is gluten-free, used in bakery products, and has anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, and atherosclerotic properties. It is also used in value-added products like Murukku, noodles, and alcohol and is also used as bioplastics and coating materials. Therefore, drying and milling breadfruit into starch is one possible solution. In modern studies, some researcher uses many different methods to preserve or alter the properties of starch and flour via modification methods such as gamma-irradiation. This method is also called the cold-sterilization method and is non-toxic by nature that’s why most of the researchers prefer that method to increase the shelf-life of the flour/starch.

“By Any Means Necessary”: A Case Study Examining How School Leaders Facilitated Community Connectedness in the Early Years of Elementary School

ABSTRACT Elementary school principals play a central role in inducting families into their school communities. As early childhood programs, such as prekindergarten, increasingly become part of elementary schools, this role is expanding. Yet, principals often struggle to establish and maintain such relationships, particularly with many of the historically disenfranchised communities that prekindergarten programs are often designed to serve; these struggles are troubling because success in the early years of schooling can lead to sustained and positive impacts for students as they progress through schooling. Furthermore, few studies have investigated this issue. In this article, we do so by employing Yosso’s Communities of Cultural Wealth to examine how a collection of principals working in Texas described their interactions with the children and families as they entered the early grades of their schools and what these principals hoped these children and families would gain from their early childhood education programs. Our findings revealed strengths and growth areas in their descriptions of fostering the cultural wealth of the children and families entering their schools, which provides an opportunity to consider how to support and train principals as well as the structural changes that need to be addressed to support principals in these activities.

해양 모빌리티 산업의 확장성을 위한 차세대 개인용 잠수정 디자인 연구

The growth of coastal areas presents important challenges in terms of the development and diversification of marine leisure industries. As the demand and interest in underwater leisure activities increases due to the experience-oriented trend of the future generation, the need for new underwater transportation devices that can meet market demands has emerged. In this study, I investigated the main features of transportation devices that enable comfortable leisure activities underwater, especially compact recreational submersibles, which are currently growing rapidly, through leading overseas cases. Based on the analysis, I propose a design for a compact submarine that emphasizes its scalability as marine mobility by integrating electric batteries and AI-based autonomous technology. Future transportation will bring multidimensional innovation. The transition to electric and autonomous driving promotes the development of intelligent maritime transportation and fosters innovative mobility services. Through research on personal submersibles, I provide users with a new immersive experience and present the possibility of expanding the future marine leisure industry.

Integrating Building Management Systems in High-Rise Structures using Building Information Modeling

Rapid industrialization and population growth in urban areas has resulted in scarce land resources thus changing builtform tremendously. Complex construction such as high-rise structures are becoming an essential requirement in urbanareas. Efficient Building Management System (BMS) such as fire safety, heating ventilation and air-conditioning,security, and surveillance along with the operation and maintenance is crucial for high-rise construction projects. Theconstruction industry is one of the most labor-intensive industries in the world with a human centric managementapproach. With the advent of computer technologies, planning and management of building systems in a constructionproject have become easier. The concept of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to manage building managementsystems in construction projects is gaining popularity. In this study, an integrated framework is proposed that includesnumerous aspects of building management systems in high-rise structures with a dynamic BIM model. This proposedframework was explored with a case illustration of a multi-story building. Preliminary results of the model arepresented herewith.

Coupling and Coordination Development, Spatiotemporal Evolution, and Driving Factors of China’s Digital Countryside and Inclusive Green Growth in Rural Areas

Inclusive green growth is an effective strategy for achieving sustainable development in rural areas. In the digital economy era, it is crucial to examine whether rural digital development and inclusive green growth can be harmoniously integrated. This study investigates the spatial and temporal evolution of the coupled coordination between digital village construction and rural inclusive green growth in China. Utilizing panel data from 30 provinces from 2011 to 2022, we assess development levels using the entropy weighting method and analyze interdependencies with a coupling coordination model. The results indicate an upward trend in coupling coordination, with significant regional disparities, and it is slowly taking on the characteristics of spatial clustering. Economically advanced regions exhibit higher coordination levels, attributed to stronger economic foundations and better fiscal resources, enabling effective investments in digital infrastructure and green growth initiatives. Additionally, factors such as urbanization rate, innovation levels, reduction in natural disasters, increased financial support for agriculture, and improved large-scale operations positively contribute to this coordination. These findings offer insights for targeted regional development strategies, enhancing the synergy between digital transformation and sustainable rural development.

The Relationship between Industrial Parks and County Economic Growth in Underdeveloped Areas: Evidence from Gansu Province of China

The Relationship between Industrial Parks and County Economic Growth in Underdeveloped Areas: Evidence from Gansu Province of China

Characterizing the combined impact of nucleation-driven precipitation and secondary passivation on carbon mineralization

The evolution of mineral reactive surface area is one of the primary phenomena controlling the progression and extent of mineral carbonation. The CO2 mineralization begins with nucleation of crystals that provide initial surface area for subsequent growth of the mineral. However, many reactive transport models (RTMs) for CO2 mineralization do not include the nucleation process. The few RTMs that do include it are yet to be validated against experimental data. Similarly, many RTMs ignore passivating effects of the secondary mineral, which coats the surface of the dissolving mineral, slow down the reaction process, and reduce the total extent of carbonation. Furthermore, the combined impact of nucleation and passivation on carbon mineralization is yet to be properly characterized. In this study, we consider the coupled effects of passivation and nucleation on the mineralization extent. The nucleation-driven precipitation model relies on the formation of nuclei to provide a surface area for crystal growth, while a new model is proposed to account for passivation effects. Our analysis shows that (i) omission of nucleation leads to overestimation of extent of mineralization, and (ii) omission of passivation leads to overestimation of host rock reactivity. The model was evaluated via comparison with CO2 mineralization data from the literature and models that ignore these processes. We observed that including nucleation and passivation lead to closer predictions of the CO2 mineralization extent. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of including the coupled nucleation-driven precipitation and secondary passivation in RTMs. The findings from the study can be applied in various scientific and engineering applications such as petroleum production, cement carbonation, CO2 sequestration, chemical weathering, and concrete degradation.

Analyzing post-COVID-19 demographic and mobility changes in Andalusia using mobile phone data

This work studies changes in the demographics of the different spatial units that make up the Andalusia region in Spain throughout the year 2021, with the aim of seeing the progressive recovery of the population after the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile phone data from Origin–Destination matrices has been used, due to the ease of obtaining updated information quickly and constantly. A methodology has been developed to transform the number of travelers into an estimated population without biases, and an interpolation function has been used to take into account all the data available in the year 2021. Results show a direct link between the demographic changes in Andalusia and the removal of the mobility restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increase of non-related work mobility and a decrease of static population. Travel distances between home and work places are also affected, with an increase of long trips after the end of the mobility restrictions. In addition, different patterns have been visualized, such as the concentration of commuting in the metropolitan areas of the region during working days, the population growth in rural areas during weekends, or the population displacement to coastal areas in summer.

Evaluating the impact of urbanization on the urban heat islands through integrated radius and non-linear regression approach.

Urban heat islands (UHIs) are a significant environmental problem, exacerbating the urban climate and affecting human health in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. The need to understand the spatio-temporal dynamics of UHI in the context of urban expansion is crucial for sustainable urban planning. The aim of this study was to quantify the changes in land use and land cover (LULC) and urbanization, assess the expansion process of UHI, and analyze its connectivity in order to develop strategies to mitigate UHI in an urban context over a 30-year period from 1990 to 2020. Using remote sensing data, LULC changes were analyzed with a random forest model. LULC change rate (LCCR), land cover intensity (LCI), and landscape expansion index (LEI) were calculated to quantify urbanization. The land surface temperature for the study period was calculated using the mono-window algorithm. The UHI effect was analyzed using an integrated radius and non-linear regression approach, fitting SUHI data to polynomial curves and identifying turning points based on the regression derivative for UHI intensity belts to quantify the expansion and intensification of UHI. Landscape metrics such as the aggregation index (AI), landscape shape index (LSI), and four other matrices were calculated to assess UHI morphology and connectivity of the UHI. In addition, the LEI was adopted to measure the extent of UHI growth patterns. From 1990 to 2020, the study area experienced significant urbanization, with the built-up area increasing from 69.40 to 338.74 km2, an increase of 1.923 to 9.385% of the total area. This expansion included growth in peripheral areas of 129.33 km2, peripheral expansion of 85.40 km2, and infilling of 3.80 km2. At the same time, the UHI effect intensified with an increase in mean LST from 40.55 to 46.73°C. The spatial extent of the UHI increased, as shown by the increase in areas with an LST above 50°C from 36.58 km2 in 1990 to 133.52 km2 in 2020. The connectivity of the UHI also increased, as shown by the increase in the AI from 38.91 to 41.30 and the LSI from 56.72 to 93.64, reflecting a more irregular and fragmented urban landscape. In parallel to these urban changes, the area classified as UHI increased significantly, with the peripheral areas expanding from 23.99 km2 in the period 1990-2000 to 80.86 km2 in the period 2000-2020. Peripheral areas also grew significantly from 36.42 to 96.27 km2, contributing to an overall more pronounced and interconnected UHI effect by 2020. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of urban expansion and its thermal impacts. It highlights the need for integrated urban planning that includes strategies to mitigate the UHI effect, such as improving green infrastructure, optimizing land use, and improving urban design to counteract the negative effects of urbanization.

Growth and Yield Responses of Bari Sweet Corn-1 (Zea Mays L.) to Naa at Different Nitrogen Levels

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of foliar application of NAA at varying N-levels on growth and yield responses of BARI Sweet Corn-1 (Zea mays L.). The trial consisted of ten treatments viz. control = without NAA and N fertilizer; RDN (recommended dose of N fertilizer); 25 ppm NAA + RDN; 50 ppm NAA + RDN; 25 ppm NAA + 50% higher RDN; 50 ppm NAA + 50% higher RDN; 25 ppm NAA + 100% higher RDN; 50 ppm NAA + 100% higher RDN; 25 ppm NAA+ 150% higher RDN and 50 ppm NAA + 150% higher RDN. Results showed that application NAA in combination with various nitrogen (N) levels produced better growth than control but with few exceptions. Growth parameters viz. total dry mater (TDM), leaf area (LA), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) were recorded maximum from 25 ppm NAA in combination with RDN treatment. Findings revealed that 25 ppm NAA in combination with RDN treatment had also produced higher number of leaves per plant, specific leaf area (SLA), biomass duration (BMD) and absolute growth rate (AGR) than RDN treatment although statistically at par to each other. The maximum number of leaves per plant, shoot-root ratio and SLA although recorded maximum from 25 ppm NAA in combination with 100% higher RDN treatment but statistically similar to rest of the combined treatments. Yield attributes and yield of BARI Sweet Corn-1 showed positive response to NAA at varying N-levels with significant variations in majority of cases. The maximum number of cobs and productive cobs per plant, dry weight of cobs, length of cob, number of seed per row and cob, dry weight of tassel, yield per plant and harvest index were also obtained from 25 ppm NAA in combination with RDN treatment. However, maximum number of cobs and productive cobs per plant were also noted from 25 ppm NAA in combination with 100% higher RDN treatment. Significantly maximum yield per plant (114.41g) obtained from 25 ppm NAA in combination with RDN treatment which was 12.02% higher over RDN treatment. Out of ten treatments, foliar application of 25 ppm NAA in combination with RDN treatment produced better stimulation in growth and yield of BARI Sweet Corn-1. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(2): 337-344, 2024 (June)

Quality Economic Growth: Is It Possible to Achieve by An Archipelago Area?

The purpose of this study, the researcher uses descriptive and verifiable analysis methods. Verifiable analysis through panel data regression analysis, by choosing the best approach from the Common Effect Model, Fixed Effect Model or Random Effect Model. The research variables consisted of natural resource factors (F_SDA) in the primary sector which were proxied from the contribution of the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors as well as the mining and quarrying sector to GDP, Foreign Investment (FDI), Government Expenditure (Blj_P), Average School Length (R_LS), Population Growth (Pert_Pduk) as free variables and Economic Growth (Pert_Ek) and Employment Opportunity Rate (TKK). Secondary data was obtained from BPS, the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, SatuData of the Ministry of Manpower. The type of data is panel data that was studied during the time period 2010 to 2019. The results of the study show that relatively high economic growth in areas with archipelagic characteristics does not have an impact on increasing employment opportunities. The F_SDA and FDI variables have no effect on economic growth in archipelagic areas, the Blj_P variables are influential and significant, while Pert_Pduk have an effect but not significantly on economic growth in archipelagic areas. The human resource factor variable that is proxied from the average of a long time (R_LS) has an effect but is negative and significant on economic growth in the archipelago. Overall, from this study, it was found that economic growth in the archipelago during the period from 2010 to 2019 was not of good quality.

Multivariate assessment of metropolitan sustainability with a focus on demand and supply food aspects: Insights into the metropolitan city of Venice

According to the United Nations "World Urbanization Prospects 2018", more than half of the population lives in metropolises and estimates that in 2050 almost 70 % of the world's population will live in urban areas. The unstoppable growth, the complexity, and the challenges in promoting the sustainable growth of metropolitan areas have thus attracted increasing attention from researchers and policy makers in recent years. At the EU level, the relationship between metropolitan cities and food has also become a focus. Despite often being neglected, food has a significant impact on the sustainability of metropolitan cities development. Thus, the aim of this work is to assess the sustainability of metropolitan areas, with a specific focus on the metropolitan city of Venice (Italy), using socio-demographic, economic, and environmental indicators/attributes, as well as local food demand and supply proxies. To achieve this objective a multi-step procedure based on Rough Set Theory and Dominance-Based Rough Set has been implemented. The results show that food attributes seem not to play a major role in shaping the metropolitan area's sustainability. However, when demand and supply food aspects are considered as a decision attribute, their connections with other sustainability indicators become apparent, particularly population density and tourism intensity in the socio-demographic pillar, and land consumption in the environmental one.

Elucidating the enduring transformations in cellulose-based carbon nanofibers through prolonged isothermal treatment

This study investigates the conversion of highly acetylated sugarcane bagasse into high-modulus carbon nanofibers (CnNFs) with exceptional electrical conductivity. By electrospinning the bagasse into nanofibers with diameters ranging from 80 nm to 800 nm, a cost-effective CnNFs precursor is obtained. The study reveals the transformation of the cellulose crystalline structure into a stable antiparallel chain arrangement of cellulose II following prolonged isothermal treatment, leading to a remarkable 50 % increase in CnNFs recovery with carbon contents ranging from 80 % to 90 %. This surpasses the performance of any other reported biomass precursors. Furthermore, graphitization-induced shrinkage of CnNFs diameter results in significant growth of specific surface area and pore volume in the resulting samples. This, along with a highly ordered nanostructure and high crystallinity degree, contributes to an impressive tensile modulus of 9.592 GPa, surpassing that of most petroleum-based CnNFs documented in the literature. Additionally, the prolonged isothermal treatment influences the d002 value (measured at 0.414 nm) and CnNFs degree of crystallinity, leading to an enhancement in electrical conductivity. However, the study observes no size effect advantages on mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, possibly attributed to the potential presence of point defects in the ultrathin CnNFs. Overall, this research opens a promising and cost-effective pathway for converting sugarcane biomasses into high-modulus carbon nanofibers with outstanding electrical conductivity. These findings hold significant implications for the development of sustainable and high-performance materials for various applications, including electronics, energy storage, and composite reinforcement.

Комплексные средства для коррекции уровня рН мочи при метафилактике мочекаменной болезни.

Introduction. Urolithiasis is a serious medical, social and economic problem. Over the past decades the world has seen a progressive, approximately 3% per year, increase in its incidence. Urolithiasis occupies a leading position in the structure of urological diseases and has a high recurrence rate in the absence of metaphylaxis. In turn, the effectiveness of properly selected anti-relapse therapy has been proven by many studies and is about 50- 80%. The development of “tools” for rational metaphylaxis represents a potential “growth area” for improving the effectiveness of treatment for patients with urolithiasis. One of these tools is the correction of urine pH levels, since its violations are the most common. However, drugs used to correct pH levels have a number of limitations, which greatly complicates their use. One of the possible solutions to these shortcomings may be the creation of combined drugs that can comprehensively influence the factors that provoke the recurrence of stone formation such as the line of Litcontrol® Litura® products from Devicare (Spain). The purpose of this publication is the scientific rationale of the clinical effects of Litura® Up and Litura® Down in the metaphylaxis of urolithiasis. Materials and methods. A literature search and analysis of foreign and domestic literature was carried out from 1990 to 2024 with the selection of relevant publications in the еLibrary, PubMed databases and Google including keywords – the active components of Lit-Control® pH Up – potassium-magnesium citrate, theobromine, zinc, vitamin A, and Lit-Control® pH Down – phytates, L-methionine, zinc, vitamin A. References in included sources were reviewed to identify additional potentially relevant studies. 189 sources were found, based on the relevance of which 60 articles were selected. Results. The use of Litura® Up and Litura® Down has a scientific basis, and the included substances and their combination potentiate the clinical effect in the metaphylaxis of urolithiasis. However, controlled clinical studies are necessary to assess the prospects for using these complex agents. Conclusions. Based on foreign data from experimental and clinical studies, we can conclude that the Lit-Control® Litura® line of products used to correct urine pH levels and inhibit crystallization in various types of stone formation can be considered as a new promising approach to the metaphylaxis of urolithiasis.

Drought and mycorrhizal inoculation affect growth and morphology of Australian stormwater biofilter plants

This study evaluated the effect of mycorrhizal inoculation on six common Australian biofilter plant species using a pot experiment. We divided 120 pots planted with six common biofilter species into four treatments: control water-deficit, inoculated water-deficit, control well-watered, and inoculated well-watered. Inoculated treatments were inoculated with a commercially available blend of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores. While well-watered pots were watered to pot capacity daily, water-deficit pots were subjected to a simulated drought that lasted six weeks until harvesting. All plants inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi developed greater total root surface area, plant biomass, and plant relative growth rate. Which are associated with better stormwater nutrient removal. Mycorrhizal inoculation also increased the average root diameter, total length, and surface area of thick roots (diameter > 1 mm) of six species, which are essential to maintain the infiltration rates and hydraulic functions of biofilter systems. Moreover, an increase in shoot biomass following inoculation was also observed across six species, potentially contributing to higher water loss and stormwater volume reduction. Although the water-deficit condition greatly limited the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation on other morphological traits, we still observed the benefits of inoculation on total root length and surface area in well-watered J. pallidus and C. appressa. As drought stress imposes limitations on the effects of inoculation, we recommend inoculation should be carried out in advantageous times, such as during wet periods before the drought season for the optimal colonization and plant biomass and morphological responses. Additionally, selecting mycorrhizae-responsive species like C. appressa, J. pallidus, and G. sieberiana can result in favorable outcomes.

Preparation of technosol based on coal gangue and its impact on plant growth in coal mining area

Coal gangue, a byproduct of coal mining, is traditionally considered a nuisance. Recent research has begun to explore its potential for soil improvement and land reclamation through controlled pot experiments. However, its usage in soil matrices remains below 50% in most studies. To address these issues, this study investigates the preparation and utilization of coal gangue in technosols, with a focus on its impact on plant growth under natural conditions. The study was conducted at the Suntuan coal mine, located in the Huaibei mining area of eastern China. Results showed that technosols prepared with a high coal gangue dosage ranging from 60% to 100% could support optimal growth of maize (Zea mays L.) with low pollution risk. The impacts of the amount of coal gangue and organic fertilizer on the improvement of technosol quality and the promotion of vegetation growth were significant. The preferred preparation method involved a combination of coal gangue, soil, biochar, microbial agent, water-retaining agent, and organic fertilizer at 60:40:1:0.0025:0.01:5. Overall, our study emphasizes the potential of coal gangue for sustainable land reclamation and environmental benefit. Through optimized technosol preparation and effective utilization of functional materials, our research contributes to eco-friendly practices in coal mining areas.

Effects of urbanization and Kaniv Reservoir on the thermal characteristics in the region

This study contributes to understanding the effects of urbanization and a large body of water, Kaniv Reservoir, on thermal characteristics in the region. This was done by recording trends in air and surface temperatures in the growing seasons in the period 1985–2022. Specifically, the study’s objectives were to 1) detect and quantify changes in built-up areas using Landsat satellite data, and 2) analyse trends in land surface temperature (LST) in several shoreland zones of the reservoir with different land covers. To identify built-up areas, Landsat data was processed. LST was calculated using Google Earth Engine for the period studied for three shoreland zones and six types of land cover, including sites with substantial, partial and no change in land use. The built-up area increased unevenly over time and differently in each of the shoreland zones. The growth in built-up area was greatest, increasing by 3.7 times, in a zone close to the city of Kyiv. The highest mean LST values were recorded in the zone that was mainly agricultural. Positive LST trends were recorded throughout the entire period of the study, albeit with different trend slopes in individual months. Statistically significant trends were recorded only in August and September.

Feasibility and effectiveness of global intact forest landscape protection through forest certification: the conservation burden of intact forest landscapes

Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs) are defined as forested areas of at least 500 km2 that show no signs of remotely sensed human activity. They are considered to be of high conservation value due to their role in maintaining biodiversity and mitigating climate change. In 2014, the members of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), one of the major global certification schemes for responsible forest management, took a conservation stand by restricting logging in FSC-certified IFLs. However, this move raised concerns about the economic viability of FSC-certified logging in these areas. To address these challenges, in 2022, FSC proposed an integrated landscape approach, considering local conditions and stakeholders’ needs to balance IFL protection, economic sustainability, and community interests. Here, we leverage publicly available management unit (MU) data, to provide a global quantitative overview of IFLs designated for timber production. We use the concept of ‘conservation burden’ for the extent that MUs overlap with IFLs, representing the impact that IFL protection has on forest management operations if logging is disallowed. Our data indicates that currently FSC-certified MUs affect 0.6% of global IFLs. Too restrictive policies for logging in IFLs may discourage FSC-certification in global IFLs. Considering the environmental and social benefits of FSC certification, it warrants careful examination whether the benefits of protecting a limited subset of FSC-certified IFLs outweighs the cost of potentially reduced growth of the total FSC-certified area. Our data can provide a basis to facilitate stakeholder engagement for landscape-level IFL management.

Strategic financial decision-making in sustainable energy investments: Leveraging big data for maximum impact

In the context of escalating environmental concerns and the transition towards a greener economy, sustainable energy investments have emerged as a pivotal area for financial growth and innovation. This paper outlines a strategic framework for financial decision-making in sustainable energy investments, emphasizing the transformative role of big data. By integrating big data analytics into the investment process, stakeholders can enhance market analysis, risk assessment, performance monitoring, and predictive modeling, leading to more informed and effective investment strategies. The paper delves into various big data sources, analytical tools, and technologies that facilitate the collection, processing, and interpretation of vast amounts of information. Additionally, it presents case studies illustrating successful applications of big data in solar and wind energy projects, highlighting best practices and common challenges. The discussion extends to future trends, including advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which are poised to further revolutionize the sector. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations for developing a data-driven investment approach, building robust data infrastructures, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. By leveraging big data, investors can maximize the impact of their investments, drive sustainable growth, and contribute to the global energy transition. Keywords: Sustainable Energy Investments, Big Data Analytics, Strategic Financial Decision-Making, Market Analysis, Risk Assessment, Predictive Modeling.

Comparison of self-assessed and clinician-assessed hirsutism diagnosed according to the modified Ferriman-Gallwey scale among female outpatients in Brazil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a self-assessment questionnaire for hirsutism using the latest cutoff values recommended by the Endocrine Society (ES) for Latin-American women and by the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). Female premenopausal outpatients (n = 188) completed a self-assessment questionnaire, scoring hair presence across the nine areas evaluated by the modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) scale. The results were compared with clinician-assessed scores rated independently by two trained physicians. Scores in the Hirsuta questionnaire, derived from self-assessment of five areas of the mFG scale, were also evaluated. The ethnic composition of the sample was as follows: 23.1% white, 25.8% black, 48.9% mixed, and 2.1% other backgrounds (Indigenous, Asian). The participants had age and BMI of (mean ± standard deviation) 33.7 ± 9.9 years and 29.8 ± 7.21 kg/m2, respectively. The most common areas of excessive hair growth were the chin, upper and lower abdomen, and thighs. Relative to clinician-assessed mFG scores, self-assessed mFG scores had an accuracy of 80% using ES criteria for hirsutism diagnosis, with a sensitivity of 95.45%, specificity of 56.25%, positive predictive value of 30.10%, and negative predictive value of 98.40%. Self-assessed mFG had lower accuracy (71%) for diagnosing hirsutism when the ESHRE criteria were applied. Self-assessed mFG had low specificity, limiting its application. The results of this study do not support the use of the self-assessed mFG or Hirsuta scores for diagnosing hirsutism in a clinical setting, although both scoring systems may be useful for screening hirsutism in epidemiological studies.