Publications

Abstract The popularity of electric scooters (EC) has increased significantly in recent years and understanding the diverse impacts of EC use on health is crucial for ensuring its safe integration in urban mobility. To address this, a systematic review was conducted with the aim of identifying areas, objectives, and results of academic production dedicated to studying the impacts of EC use on health. Articles were sourced from four databases: Inspec, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. 36 articles were analyzed, and relevant information was systematically retrieved, organized, and codified into a structured database. While the increase in accidents and subsequent healthcare burden is acknowledged, further research is needed to determine whether the rise in accidents results from increased recklessness or simply a surge in usage. The potential association with moral panic, fueled by negative media portrayals, underscores the importance of a balanced public discourse and accurate representation of ECs. The predominant focus of studies on accidents indicates a gap in a holistic understanding of the impacts of EC use on health. Future research and policy considerations should strive to strike a balance between fostering the benefits and challenges of EC use, ensuring the development of sustainable and safe micromobility solutions. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Abstract In a societal context where chemistry is often perceived negatively, it is essential to promote educational approaches that foster meaningful and engaging learning experiences from an early age. This study aimed to explore how the integration of storytelling and hands-on activities can contribute to primary school children's engagement and understanding of scientific concepts, leading to a more meaningful chemistry learning. The research was conducted in four primary schools in the northern region of Portugal, involving 237 third- and fourth-grade students in non-formal educational initiatives. A qualitative methodology was employed, based on the analysis of students' laboratory notebooks. The intervention consisted of a dramatized story from the book Hist & oacute;rias com Qu & iacute;mica [Stories with Chemistry], followed by three water-based hands-on activities addressing key chemical concepts: acid-base reactions, supersaturated solutions, and redox processes. Children's responses were analysed using framework theory, which enabled the categorization of their conceptual development. The findings showed that students' responses progressed from simple sensory observations and intuitive explanations to the construction of basic scientific models. High levels of participation, engagement, and enthusiasm were observed throughout the activities. These results suggest that combining storytelling with hands-on experimentation represents a promising pedagogical strategy for introducing chemistry concepts in early education and promoting a more positive and accessible image of this science.

Abstract This study investigates the volatility of widely utilized triazole derivatives-3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole, 4-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole, and 4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole-through vapor pressure measurements obtained via the transpiration method in a temperature range of 288-353 K. The standard molar enthalpies of formation, in the crystalline state, at T = 298.15 K, were derived from the standard molar enthalpies of combustion, which were obtained from static bomb combustion calorimetry. From the experimental results, the standard molar enthalpies of formation in the gaseous phase at T = 298.15 K were derived. For comparison purposes, quantum chemical calculations at the G3(MP2)//B3LYP level were performed, using a set of working reactions and the gas-phase enthalpies of formation of both compounds were estimated; the results are in very good agreement with experimental data. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements further supported the investigation by providing complementary thermodynamic parameters, specifically molar heat capacities of triazoles. The vapor pressure data provide key insights into phase transitions, handling risks, detection potential, and the fundamental thermodynamic behavior of these compounds. This work contributes to the improvement on the validation of predictive models relevant to these substances.

Abstract BackgroundScience teaching in the early years plays a crucial role in students' scientific education. Teachers' attitudes and perceptions about experimental science directly affect the quality of learning. Although the curriculum highlights experimental approaches, research in Portugal shows they remain underused in classrooms.PurposeThis study aimed to examine the impact of a compulsory continuous professional development (CPD) program on primary teachers' attitudes and perceptions of science teaching, specifically assessing whether participation in a municipality-wide CPD program would lead to attitudinal changes.SampleParticipants were 109 3rd- and 4th-grade primary school teachers.Design and MethodsA quantitative, quasi-experimental one-group pre-test - post-test design was adopted. Teachers completed a validated questionnaire at the beginning and end of the school year. The instrument measured domains including Perceptions of Science Teaching, Science Teaching and Emotions, Gender and Science Teaching, Resources and Support, and Teacher Preparation and Training. Data were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests (alpha = 0.05), and effect sizes (Cohen's dz) were calculated.ResultsResults showed statistically significant improvements in teachers' perceptions of science teaching, emotions, and preparation and training, with small-to-moderate effect sizes. No significant changes were observed in the Resources and Support domain, suggesting structural or institutional constraints beyond the scope of the CPD program.ConclusionThese findings highlight the potential of compulsory CPD to foster positive changes in teachers' perceptions, while underscoring contextual factors that may limit its impact. The study provides evidence to inform sustainable CPD design and identifies directions for future research, such as long-term follow-up and cross-context comparisons.

Abstract In general, students have difficulties in learning Chemistry content, and it is necessary to find teaching strategies to minimize these difficulties. The contextualized teaching approach plays a fundamental role in promoting learning by relating scientific content to real-life situations close to students' daily lives. While teaching the topic Gases and Dispersions with a 10th-grade class, a mixed-methods research project was developed to determine the extent to which high school students are able to interpret real data on air quality in Portugal from the QualAr platform and to critically evaluate the accuracy, clarity, and rigor of the responses generated by ChatGPT to exercises on the same topic. Twenty students participated in this research, and data collection involved questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis of written records. The results demonstrated that students showed interest in using the QualAr platform, benefiting from structured scripts and real data. This research resulted in several indicators that reinforce the added value of promoting hands-on approaches associated with the use of real data to contextualize the topics taught, as well as the integration of technological tools in classes, which have pedagogical potential for developing critical thinking in students and promoting scientific literacy for citizenship.

Abstract This work presents a combined experimental and computational thermochemical study of 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-gamma-pyrone (maltol, MAL) and 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-alpha-pyrone (triacetic acid lactone, TAL). Pyrones are biomass-derived molecules known as promising platforms to produce high-value chemicals and biofuels, although reliable thermodynamic data for this family of compounds remain scarce. Herein, we report accurate thermophysical and thermochemical properties obtained from calorimetric experiments and high-level quantum chemical calculations, aiming to support future studies on their conversion pathways, including hydrogenation and hydrodeoxygenation.The thermal behavior of MAL and TAL was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), while their combustion energies were measured by static bomb calorimetry, enabling the determination of the corresponding enthalpies of formation in the crystalline phase. Phase transition studies were further performed using the Knudsen effusion mass-loss method and the Calvet microcalorimetry technique. From the experimental data, the gas-phase enthalpies of formation were derived. The quantum chemical calculations performed with the G4(MP2) composite method, showed agreement with the experimental data, supporting the reliability of the results. Additionally, some conversion reactions (mainly ring-opening and decarboxylation) of model biomass-derived cyclic compounds were studied.

Abstract This study examined the impact of the ExperimentaQuimica program on the teaching of chemistry in Portuguese primary education, designed as a continuing professional development initiative centered on experimental methodologies and individualized support. The aim was to understand the extent to which participation in the program fostered changes in teachers' perceptions, pedagogical practices, and motivation, as well as to identify the design features that supported these transformations. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, involving 16 female teachers at this educational level. Data collection included pre- and post-test questionnaires and semistructured interviews, analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics and qualitative content analysis using a hybrid deductive-inductive coding strategy. The results revealed significant changes in perceptions of experimental teaching, positive emotions associated with chemistry teaching, the perceived importance of instructional resources and institutional support, and teachers' self-perceived preparation for chemistry teaching, as well as an increase in enthusiasm for teaching chemistry. Quantitative findings also indicated reduced agreement with traditional gender-related stereotypes associated with chemistry teaching. The interviews confirmed these trends, highlighting improvements in classroom practices, greater teacher motivation, and positive effects on pupils, notably in increased curiosity and engagement. The design of the program proved decisive, with particular emphasis on the value of individualized support and the provision of tailored laboratory kits. Despite limitations related to sample size and intervention duration, the study suggests the potential of continuing professional development initiatives that integrate experimental practices and personalized support. These findings offer relevant contributions to the promotion of early chemistry education and to the international debate on teacher education and scientific literacy.

Abstract <jats:p>Educational robotics is increasingly recognized as a promising tool for innovation in teaching and learning. However, its successful integration in schools often depends on the availability of targeted professional development programs that support educators with no prior experience in this field. This study addresses this gap by presenting and evaluating the development and implementation of a training program specifically designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to integrate robotics into early and primary education. The program, sfera.BOT, was designed as part of a regional educational initiative in Basilicata, Italy, and was conceived within T.I. Abilito, a national initiative that promotes educational inclusion; within this broader framework, however, the training pathway examined here was addressed to educators working with all children in mainstream early childhood and primary classrooms, rather than exclusively with children with disabilities. It followed a blended learning model and was grounded in hands-on exploration, collaborative planning, and weekly mentoring sessions. The research employed a qualitative approach to explore the experiences of four female educators from diverse backgrounds who completed the training. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, a knowledge assessment questionnaire, and field observations. The findings reveal that participants acquired significant technical and pedagogical competencies, shifted from initial insecurity to confident implementation, and began to see themselves as potential trainers and change agents within their schools. Given the small, purposefully selected sample and the specific regional context, these findings are context-rich rather than statistically generalizable. The study underscores how well-structured, practical, and context-aware training can foster continuing professional development in the field of educational robotics.</jats:p>

Abstract The high costs of equipment and maintenance for Chemistry laboratories are a barrier to quality education in this science. However, the emergence of user-friendly and low-cost technological tools helps to mitigate this problem. This paper presents a STEM proposal for exploring distillation collaboratively in a remote laboratory with live data transmission and sharing online. The approach was analyzed by four teachers from Mozambique who, in that context, highlighted the positive potential for knowledge exchange between schools and cultures and the negative lack of technological means in schools for its implementation. They recognize great potential for implementation in higher education, as institutions have better resources. Thus, richer learning experiences can be promoted for all participants.

Abstract Student-centred learning requires a variety of approaches, such as inquiry-based learning and the tackling of authentic and problem-based learning activities, to make the teaching and learning process more meaningful and to encourage students to participate more actively in class. The inquiry approach enables students to investigate solutions to real problems, awakening their need to ask questions, design and conduct research, collect and analyse data, interpret results and present them in a structured way. This study investigates the influence of an inquiry-based science education (IBSE) module on the development of oral and written communication skills among 10th grade students. The study is set in a secondary school context and focuses on a problem-based learning approach centred around gases and dispersions. A total of 111 students participated in this one-group post-assessment qualitative study, where evaluation rubrics were applied to assess students' written and oral communication, focusing on correctness, clarity and mastery of scientific language. The results showed that the majority of students performed well in both written and oral tasks, demonstrating improved scientific communication skills. This suggests that IBSE, particularly in the context of secondary education, can be an effective approach to fostering students' abilities to communicate scientific concepts. The study has implications for enhancing pedagogical practices and encourages further research on the long-term effects of IBSE on student learning.