Publications

Abstract Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is well known for its photocatalytic capabilities, and its applications cover different areas, such as wastewater treatment, sunscreen and ultraviolet (UV) blocking, among others. Its application as a photocatalytic additive for self-cleaning properties has been reported with different substrates, resulting in stain degradation. As such, the goal of this work was to functionalise two types of nubuck leather, conferring on them self-cleaning properties. For this purpose, two photocatalytic materials were tested: A commercial TiO2(Degussa P25 TiO2) and SiO2@TiO2nanoparticles, which were applied onto leather surfaces by a spray coating technique. The hydrophilic behaviour of these two types of nubuck leather was determined by contact angle (CA) measurement, using the sessile drop technique. The finished samples of nubuck leather were characterized by measuring their diffuse reflectance. The self-cleaning properties of finished nubuck leather samples were evaluated through their ability to photodegrade an organic stain, rhodamine-B dye. The P25 TiO2and SiO2@TiO2particles did not provide self-cleaning properties for the two types of nubuck leather, indicating the need for more in-depth research on the use of these particles for self-cleaning purposes.

Abstract In the last years, sustainable practices have been developed to minimize the negative effects of production and excessive consumption on the environment. The textile and clothing industry is one of the most polluting industries globally and needs to rethink its strategies. The fast-fashion caused an increase in production, and the environmental weight associated with the textile industry also increased. The problems range from the enormous expenditure of water resources to the carbon and greenhouse gas emissions to reaching the consumer. This review focuses on the eco-friendly approaches taken by the industry towards supportable apparel manufacturing, from the choice of raw materials to the last step in the textile industry.

Abstract <jats:p>The I SEA project aimed at the development of a non-obtrusive, valid and replicable method to evaluate audience attitudes about science communication projects through an immersive virtual reality environment that can improve exhibitions while educating and empowering citizens. To achieve the objectives of this highly complex, highly interdisciplinary, and innovative project, a permanent articulation of the scientific approach with the technical and design development took place, aiming the construction of the non- invasive evaluation method. Because it is an intricate project, it required constant iterations and interactions among the team members. So, we’ve learned somehow to consider limitations as engines for developing the project, instead of seeing them as obstacles.</jats:p>

Abstract Contextualized and socially relevant hands-on activities are an effective way to promote students' involvement in the construction of knowledge. Considering the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the preservation of water resources is crucial for the sustainable development of a country. Therefore, the PVC project was implemented in the context of water quality monitoring. There were 440 students and 9 chemistry teachers involved. A low-cost portable pedagogical kit was developed in order to determine the temperature, turbidity, pH, concentration of nitrates and nitrites, percentage of dissolved oxygen, salinity, and presence of microplastics in coastal water samples. The results indicate that the hands-on activities have contributed to the learning of chemical contents related to water quality parameters. Finally, the commitment, motivation, and autonomy of the participating students should be highlighted.

Abstract Emergence and expansion of frequent multidrug-resistant (MDR) major Salmonella clones/serotypes has been a significant threat in the last years. Metal compounds, such as copper, commonly used in animal-production settings, have been pointed out as possible contributors for the selection of such strains/clones. However, the scarcity of studies limits our understanding of the impact of other metal environmental contaminants as arsenic (used in insecticides/herbicides/coccidiostats). We analysed arsenic tolerance (AsT) dispersion by phenotypic and genotypic (PCR/sequencing/I-CeuI/S1/XbaI-PFGE/hybridization) assays among Salmonella with diverse epidemiological and genetic backgrounds. Then, to better understand ars operon genetic contexts, the whole genome of five representative strains was sequenced. We found a high dispersion of ars operons conferring AsT, especially among copper-tolerant and relevant serotypes/clones related to pig-production setting. The acr3-type was found dispersed in the chromosome of diverse serotypes, including the emergent S. Rissen. Conversely, arsBII was almost confined to the MDR ST34 European clone of S. Typhimurium/S. 4,[5],12:i:-, always along with copper/silver tolerance sil + pco clusters in an integrative conjugative element. These data suggest that AsT is an essential adaptive feature for the ecological success of these epidemic clones/serotypes and alerts for global strategies to reduce arsenic-based compounds' impact thus preventing environmental/food contamination with frequent MDR foodborne pathogens.

Abstract This paper focuses on the problematic role of digital tools in STEM activities for Physics teaching. A group of 47 teachers of Physics and Chemistry, from middle and secondary education, attended a continuous professional development training course during the academic year 2019/2020 that aimed to promote the development, adaptation, and implementation of STEM activities, centered on various topics in Physics (sound, electricity, kinetic and potential energy, mass and weight, gravitational pendulum and free fall) in teachers’ practices. Most of the activities already had an integration proposal for digital tools. Results revealed that teachers’ options range from adding specific and unspecific tools to implement STEM activities. In most cases, they only replace other non-digital tools. This work contributes to foster the action and reflection related to teachers’ knowledge and experience to introduce digital tools productively, amplify their options, and explore other related areas. © 2021, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Abstract The standard (p degrees =0.1 MPa) molar enthalpies of formation of orotic and isoorotic acids, in the crystalline phase, were derived from the respective standard massic energies of combustion measured by static bomb combustion calorimetry, in oxygen, at T = 298.15 K, as -821.7 +/- 1.1 kJ mol(-1) and -838.3 +/- 1.9 kJ mol(-1), respectively. The molecular structure and conformational behaviour of orotic and isoorotic acids were studied by theoretical calculations and the standard gas-phase molar enthalpies of formation were derived using an appropriate set of working reactions. Sublimation enthalpies, at the reference temperature T = 298.15 K, were estimated from difference between crystalline and gaseous enthalpies of formation and from statistically-based interaction indices derived from molecular surface electrostatic potentials.