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Chemistry-Didactics-Ecology-Metrology
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This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 1640-9019 - ISSN (Online) 2084-4506
Published by Sciendo

[389 journals]

Environmental Emissions Dispersion Modelling, Principles and Algorithms;
Cross-Border CZ-PL Course for Master’s Students
- Abstract: Regular mathematical modelling of the dispersion of emissions from large sources is required by law in all EU countries. It is also used in risk analysis to predict releases of toxic substances from various technologies, from volcanic activity and possibly also terrorist acts. However, there is a shortage of experts in this very specific and demanding profession in the labour market in most EU countries. In a collaboration between academicians from neighbouring University of Hradec Králové and University of Opole and experts from important ecological companies of both regions we designed and verified as a part of a four-year pedagogical project supported by the EU a comprehensive education system in mathematical modelling of emission dispersion with exchange field trips and internships of students during cross-border Polish-Czech university education. The paper consists of two separate parts. The first part is focused on implementation of innovative lesson “Principles, algorithms, and differences of environmental dispersion emissions models”, used on both sides of Polish-Czech border region. An example of the use of the educational package of the Gaussian plume model with PC Templates, who was modified in cooperation between teachers from both cross-border universities and experts from professional companies is presented here too. Our four-year experience with student motivational field trips to professional companies in both border regions and exchange one-month professional internships for interested students to two Czech professional companies, where students learn to work with to the Gaussian plume model and one Polish professional company, where students are introduced to the Gaussian puff model is also discussed. The following separate second part will be focused on the innovative lesson of multivariate statistical methods of environmental data analysis, which are required for processing materials for modern mathematical modelling of the dispersion of emissions in practice. The target users of this two-part innovative courses are students of the MSc degree in Physical Measurement and Modelling at the University of Hradec Králové and students of the MSc degree in environmental studies at the University of Opole. However, it is also open to other Czech and foreign students and professionals.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Experiments Safety - The State of Art at Schools in Czechia
- Abstract: Chemistry experiments have been an issue of vivid discussion for more than fifty years now. Though there are many who hold a stand-offish position, there is a general notion chemistry experiments inherently belong to chemistry instruction. In this study, attention was given first to the frequency that Czech teachers at both lower and upper-secondary schools use experiments, demonstrations, laboratory work etc. A random, generalisable sample of 354 teachers filled in a questionnaire. The results showed experiments are used only seldom at lower-secondary schools and lyceums, more frequently at grammar schools, yet just “at least once a month”. Safety showed as one of the barriers. The teachers expressed general knowledge about a norm which covers the topic, however in their further responses they expressed a lack of awareness of the compounds their students are allowed to work with. These findings are a call for measures such as: developing a database of well-described procedures including safety regulation remarks or a simplified, easy to follow list of up-to-date regulations.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Microwave-Aided Reactions of Aniline Derivatives with Formic Acid:
Inquiry-Based Learning Experiments
- Abstract: The synthesis of amides belongs to traditional experimental tasks not only in organic chemistry exercises at universities but also at chemically focused secondary schools or in special practices at general high schools. An example of such a synthesis may be the preparation of acetanilide via reaction of aniline with acetic acid or acetic anhydride. However, both of these reactions are associated with a rather long reaction time and certain hazards that limit their straightforward use in pedagogical practice. Conveniently, the reaction of aniline with acetic acid may be significantly optimised if it is performed under solvent-free conditions in the presence of microwaves, which reduces considerably the reaction time and provides very good yield, compared to traditional heating by a heating nest. In this study, the main pedagogical aim of the experimental design is elucidation of the influence of the structure of the amines on the course of the reaction with formic acid through inquiry-based learning. Specifically, the proposed experiments consist in investigation of the chemical yield achieved in microwave assisted reactions of aniline and its derivatives with formic acid in such a way that is adequate for constructive learning of undergraduate chemistry students. The selected series of amines involves aniline, 4-methoxyaniline, 4-chloroaniline, and 4-nitroaniline. In accordance with the chemical reactivity principles, students gradually realise that the influence of the substituent is reflected in the reaction yield, which grows in the following order: N-(4-nitrophenyl)formamide ˂ N-(4-chlorophenyl)formamide ˂ N-phenylformamide ˂ N-(4-methoxyphenyl)formamide. Therefore, the results of the experiments enable students to discover that stronger basicity of the amine increases the yield of the amide. In order to deepen the students’ chemical knowledge and skills, the concept of the experiments was transformed to support inquiry-based student learning. The proposed experiments are intended for experimental learning in universities educating future chemistry teachers, but they may be also utilised in the form of workshops for students at secondary schools of a general educational nature.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment with
Emphasis on Horizontal Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance Genes
- Abstract: Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) discharged into environment has several adverse impacts. PPCPs are widely utilised for veterinary as well as cosmetic and personal health reasons. These are members of the expanding class of substances known as Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs). Antibiotic resistance in the environment and garbage generated by PPCP endanger life. The World Health Organisation (WHO) now recognises antibiotic resistance as a significant global health problem due to the expected increase in mortality caused by it. In the past ten years, mounting data has led experts to believe that the environment has a significant impact on the development of resistance. For human diseases, the external environment serves as a source of resistance genes. It also serves as a major pathway for the spread of resistant bacteria among various habitats and human populations. Large-scale DNA sequencing methods are employed in this thesis to better comprehend the dangers posed by environmental antibiotic resistance. The quantification of the number is an important step in this process. Metagenomic measurement of the number of antibiotic resistance genes in various contexts is a crucial step in this process. However, it’s also crucial to put this data into a broader context by integrating things like taxonomic information, antibiotic concentrations, and the genomic locations of found resistance genes.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT
2,3-Dihydro-Quinazolin-4(1H)-One as a Fluorescent Sensor for Hg Ion and
its Docking Studies in Cancer Treatment
- Abstract: The 2,3-dihydro-quinazolin-4(1H)-one was synthesised via the deployment of SBA-Pr-SO3H and its application was explored as a highly selective fluorescent sensor for Hg2+ ion; fluorescence intensity was decreased selectively by Hg2+ ions. Furthermore, this compound also indicated for its superb anti-interference ability among other ions. It is important to mention that this compound could be employed to detect a very low amount of Hg2+ ions, which are highly toxic and general contaminants. The docking study shows that the molecule, 2,3-dihydro-quinazolin-4(1H)-one, is a good inhibitor for the 5ACC enzyme.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Science Curiosities Cabinet And The Chemical Showcase
- Abstract: With the drastic reduction of the school chemistry teaching program in England in 1986, large quantities of apparatus and chemicals became redundant. The disused apparatus at Highgate School inspired the construction of a chemical showcase for pupils; this has encouraged pupils to develop a passion for chemistry. The idea of a “miniature museum” came from a visit to a local primary school in London, which had a beautiful science curiosities cabinet in one of its rooms. In both schools, sciences thrive, and are popular among pupils. Undoubtedly a display of assorted artefacts, which can be readily accessed by pupils, makes a significant impact on developing their interest in science. It is hoped that the story of these ventures will inspire teachers to make their own versions of these excellent and easily constructed educational facilities.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT
The Biological Monitoring as a Source of Information on Environmental
Pollution with Heavy Metals
- Abstract: The influence of environmental pollution on living organisms has been known for a long time, but it was not until the second half of the twentieth century that methodical studies on the influence of anthropopressure on changes in ecosystems began. Living organisms began to be used as biological indicators of environmental pollution. Cyclical and quantitative studies of pollutant concentrations in bioaccumulators have become the basis of modern biological monitoring (biomonitoring) of environmental pollution. Biomonitoring studies are carried out with the passive method (passive biomonitoring), in which living organisms occurring in their natural environment are analysed, and with active methods (active biomonitoring), in which, for example, plants living in the environment with low pollution are transferred and displayed in more polluted ecosystems e.g. heavy metals. The analysis of trace elements, including heavy metals accumulated in algae, mosses and lichens used in biological monitoring provides a lot of information on, among others concentration and origin of pollutants and the directions of their spread. Biomonitoring is used to assess the level of contamination of selected ecosystems, as well as the impact of individual emitters on the environment. An important element in determining the concentrations of trace elements in biological material used in biomonitoring is the proper planning of the experiment, taking into account, among others: methods of collecting or exposing samples, selection of analytical methods and methods of evaluation and interpretation of results. The aim of the presented long-term research, conducted by the Research Team of the Institute of Biology of the University of Opole, was to show that analytical techniques using biota samples can provide reliable data on the past, present and future state of the environment. However, it should be remembered that in order for the results of biomonitoring studies to be reliable and comparable, the applied research methodologies should be consistent and repeatable. In the presented research, Palmaria palmata and Spirogyra sp. algae, Pleurozium schreberi mosses, Hypogymnia physodes and bark of deciduous trees were used. In samples of biological material by the method of atomic absorption spectrometry, the concentrations of heavy metals, including Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb, were determined. On the basis of the conducted research, it was unequivocally stated that the biomonitoring methods are a good complement to the classic methods of environmental quality assessment. The analysis of the elements accumulated in the biological material provides us with information about the quality of the examined ecosystems, the introduced pollutants and their potential sources. This information allows for the introduction of effective measures to improve the quality of the environment.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Renewable Energy and Sustainable Digitalisation: Challenges for Europe
- Abstract: The key to a successful strategy for Europe is sustainable innovation. The current political, economic and military crisis should be used to accelerate the shift to sustainable innovations in order to exit the path dependency of fossil energies. Such as diversity of portfolios at stock markets, diversity of energy and digital technologies ensures resilient behaviour in an innovation portfolio to respond flexibly to the risks of the future and to recover overall in the event of selective setbacks. Sustainable technologies must not be based on a single solution, but rather the entire technological potential must be bundled in an innovation portfolio. A case study is presented in which energy-efficient digitalisation is linked to a sustainable circular economy. A democratic legal system is not only an expression of the human rights highlighted in the UN Charter, but also provides a certain and reliable legal framework for innovations and markets on which technological and economic competition takes place.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Congruence and Discrepancy Between Observation and Teachers’ Self-Report
of Inquiry-Based Instruction
- Abstract: Opportunities for self-reflection and collaborative reflection support inquiry-based teaching. The presented study focuses on retrospective self-reports of 14 science teachers about teaching inquiry lessons in their regular science classes. Their self-reports were compared with observation reports of researchers. Data from semi-structured interviews were added. The results indicate that teachers overestimated their performance in the class in all observed areas of inquiry instruction. The most misinterpreted and overestimated area by teachers seems to be formulating research questions, analysing data and drawing conclusions, which are the most effective processes in student learning. Based on the results of the study, several implications are suggested in order to focus on the self-reflective skills of teachers.
  PubDate: Fri, 27 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Study of Conceptual Knowledge and Mode of Reasoning Relating to the
Characteristics of Covalent Bonds in Future Algerian Physics Teachers
- Abstract: In this study we tried to analyse how future teachers of Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS) school who are at the end of education have integrated the specifications of covalent bonds in the different bond orders in terms of symmetry, stability, length, localisation (in the case of structures of ethane, ethylene and acetylene) or delocalisation of electrons (case of benzene). The analysis of responses to a written questionnaire shows that the majority of students have only integrated some knowledge, which may be termed as procedural, on the structural elements of molecules such as stability and the length of bonds. Although possessing some conceptual knowledge, students tend to use an alternative way of reasoning arising from the mental representation that single and multiple bonds are independent entities: the single bond is a “σ bond” while the double bond is considered only as a “π bond”.
  PubDate: Fri, 27 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Epigenetics is Promising Direction in Modern Science
- Abstract: Epigenetics studies the inherited changes in a phenotype or in expression of genes caused by other mechanisms, without changing the nucleotide sequence of DNA. The most distinguished epigenetic tools are: modifications of histones, enzymatic DNA methylation, and gene silencing mediated by small RNAs (miRNA, siRNA). The resulting m5C residues in DNA substantially affect the cooperation of proteins with DNA. It is organized by hormones and aging-related alterations, one of the mechanisms controlling sex and cellular differentiation. DNA methylation regulates all genetic functions: repair, recombination, DNA replication, as well as transcription. Distortions in DNA methylation and other epigenetic signals lead to diabetes, premature aging, mental dysfunctions, and cancer.
  PubDate: Fri, 21 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Low-Cost Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring - the Current State of the
Technology and a Use Overview
- Abstract: In recent years the monitoring of air quality using cheap sensors has become an interesting alternative to conventional analytical techniques. Apart from vast price differences conventional techniques need to be performed by the trained personnel of commercial or research laboratories. Sensors capable of measuring dust, ozone, nitrogen and sulphur oxides, or other air pollutants are relatively simple electronic devices, which are comparable in size to a mobile phone. They provide the general public with the possibility to monitor air quality which can contribute to various projects that differ in regional scale, commercial funding or community-base. In connection with the low price of sensors arises the question of the quality of measured data. This issue is addressed by a number of studies focused on comparing the sensor data with the data of reference measurements. Sensory measurement is influenced by the monitored analyte, type and design of the particular sensor, as well as by the measurement conditions. Currently sensor networks serve as an additional source of information to the network of air quality monitoring stations, where the density of the network provides concentration trends in the area that may exceed specific measured values of pollutant concentrations and low uncertainty of reference measurements. The constant development of all types of sensors is leading to improvements and the difference in data quality between sensors and conventional monitoring techniques may be reduced.
  PubDate: Fri, 21 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Chemical Electricity
- Abstract: In 1800 Alessandro Volta published the results of several years’ work on the phenomenon of electric shocks which he experienced from physical contact with the terminals of his newly developed battery. His work was prompted by Luigi Galvani's explanation of involuntary muscle spasms in frog's legs, which he induced and attributed to animal electricity. Volta's paper opened the floodgates for research in the new field of electrochemistry which has resulted in today's worldwide electric battery industry. This essay explains the sequence of natural events and their explanations which led to the publication of Volta's paper, and gives an overview of the scientific research resulting from Volta's work. This research includes attempts to improve batteries, and the development of ideas which led to a better understanding of matter and the way it interacts with energy. Practical details for the teaching of several important chemical concepts are listed in the appendix. The experiments are related to a reaction which has been known for many centuries - that between iron and copper sulphate solution.
  PubDate: Fri, 21 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT
A Comparative Analysis of Text Difficulty in Slovak and Canadian Science
Textbooks
- Abstract: One of the main purposes of textbooks is the mediation of educational content to students. The factual accuracy of information, as well as the clarity of the text for students plays a crucial role in this aspect. The inadequate text difficulty can complicate students' learning. Comparing different approaches to the text in textbooks, considering the objectives of education, represents key knowledge for teaching materials innovation. This research was therefore focused on the comparison of the Slovak and Canadian science textbooks for lower secondary education. The methodology for assessing text difficulty according to Nestler, Prucha and Pluskal was used for this purpose. The samples of text from the textbooks for 6th and 8th grade of lower-secondary school were assessed. It was found that the text in Slovak textbooks is significantly more difficult. While from the syntactic difficulty point of view differences were rather partial, the significant differences were found in the semantic difficulty of the text. The Slovak textbooks are burdened with an excessive number of professional terms. Considering the results in measuring scientific literacy, this approach to the text in the Slovak textbooks is not effective. The results obtained are therefore an incentive to revise used educational materials.
  PubDate: Fri, 21 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT
The Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of the Cultivated Soils in the
Odra River Floodplain
- Abstract: The aim of the study was to assess the contamination of selected heavy metals in cultivated soils of the Odra river floodplain. The heavy metals Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd and Pb were determined in soil samples collected in the autumn of 2020 - after the vegetation period of plants from designated measurement points. Concentrations of the analytes were measured using an atomic absorption spectrometer (F-ASA). A comparison was made between concentrations of heavy metals in soil samples collected from areas flooded in 1997 and from areas flooded as a result of rainfall, snowmelt and winter floods. The results of the studies were compared with the data for soils taken from non-flooded areas. The studies confirmed enrichment of soils subjected to precipitation, snowmelt and winter floods in heavy metals. Also samples taken from two measurement points located on floodplains of the Odra river were characterised by high concentrations of Zn, Cd and Pb.
  PubDate: Fri, 21 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Heavy Metals Accumulation in Silver Fir Needles in Swietokrzyski National
Park
- Abstract: The article demonstrates the results of the research studies related to the air polluted with heavy metals in the area of Swietokrzyski National Park. The two-year-old needles of Abies alba (Mill) were used as the bioindicator with the intention of carrying out the research. The studies were conducted in the autumn of 2012. The results showed the spatial variability of concentrations in the range of the analysed metal deposition patterns in the needles of Abies alba (Mill). The average content of the analysed elements seemed to be the highest in the case of zinc (26.6 mg·kg−1 d.m.), strontium (6.5 mg·kg−1 d.m.) and nickel (1.6 mg·kg−1 d.m.). The research studies revealed that the significant role in determining the content of heavy metals in the two-year-old needles was played by the communication. The highest values were recorded at the research sites situated in the immediate neighbourhood of the voivodeship roads. It was also confirmed that the content of metals was influenced by the so-called low emission from the household and welfare sector together with the remote imission.
  PubDate: Fri, 21 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Using the Raspberry Pi Microcomputers in STEM Education in Technically
Oriented High Schools
- Abstract: The article deals with learning using the project-based method in STEM education. The article describes the use of ICT technologies, specifically Raspberry Pi microcomputers in bending experiment. The bending experiment was designed for students of technically oriented high schools. Pedagogical research was conducted to determine whether the knowledge and skills of students who have been educated by the project-based method in STEM education are more complex, more systematic and more permanent than the knowledge and skills of students taught by standard forms of teaching. The article presents the results of pedagogical research, which lasted for three years. The results confirm that project-based learning and using ICT in STEM education developed complex knowledge and skills in STEM education. Comprehensive knowledge and problem-solving skills are important for the sustainable development of technological education.
  PubDate: Fri, 21 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Civilisation and Its Environmental Consequences
- Abstract: This work is devoted to examining civilisation's environmental consequences and the military confrontation between civilised and barbaric societies. The authors examine antique and ancient Chinese ideas about the phenomenon of barbarism, and also highlight common cultural features inherent in the Germans and Celts and opposed to Rome, and the Far Eastern nomads who were adjacent to imperial China. Moreover, the authors seek to analyse the substantial effects of civilisation on the environment and ecosystem. Having analysed the military potential of civilised societies, the authors come to the conclusion that the victory of barbarism is possible only in the case of civilisation internal collapse. The article outlines other important aspects, including the relationships between civilisation and war and between civilisation and the environment. It concludes with a discussion about rethinking and restructuring some of our perspectives on civilisation.
  PubDate: Fri, 21 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Environmental Benefits of Catch Crops Cultivation
- Abstract: The role of catch crops in modern agriculture has increased in recent years. In addition to a production of animal feed, they have a positive impact on quality of soil. This study determined the suitability of selected stubble catch crops (white mustard, lacy phacelia, and a mixture of faba bean + spring vetch) to improve production, economic and energy effects of spring wheat grown in 3-year monoculture relative to the control treatment (without catch crops). Two tillage systems were used: conventional tillage and no-tillage (conservation tillage). A field study was conducted over the period 2014-2016 at the Czeslawice Experimental Farm, Lubelskie Voivodeship, Poland. The study proved the high suitability of catch crops to increase the spring wheat yields (under both tillage systems). Regardless of the catch crops, the productivity of wheat was higher under conventional tillage. The catch crops (in particular white mustard) and the conservation tillage system contributed to an improved energy efficiency index of production. The white mustard catch crop also had the most beneficial effect on the economic profitability of spring wheat production. This was due to the low cost of cultivation of this catch crop and its beneficial impact on obtaining high yields of spring wheat.
  PubDate: Fri, 21 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Evaluation of Czech Non-Chemical Vocational School Chemistry
Textbooks’ Text Difficulty
- Abstract: The paper follows the first author's continuous work on chemistry textbook analysis. In the previous paper published in CERP, attention was given to the procedure and results for analysing text-difficulty in lower-secondary chemistry textbooks in Czechia. In this paper, attention was given to non-chemical vocational school chemistry textbooks. They are intended for the most numerous group of upper-secondary students. The goal of the study was to assess the to what extent could students read the textbook texts on their own with appropriate understanding. Therefore, only the textual component was evaluated. The same method (Nestler-Prucha-Pluskal) as in the previous paper was used to analyse the textbooks’ text-difficulty (readability). The results show there are two books which are suitable for students’ own learning. However, there are four textbooks which contain text of high difficulty, including too many scientific terms that they are suitable as teacher's guide through terms rather than student's textbooks. The analysis may serve teachers with their textbook choice as well as researchers who operate in the same field who can easily adopt the methodology and compare results.
  PubDate: Fri, 21 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT