Search

The research purpose is to analyze how block‐based programming, introduced in parallel with classical school education, will be an effective tool for developing environmental awareness among students. The research proposes a well‐developed theoretical program on environmental literacy and a practical Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) project creating an eco‐house model with a weather station and alternative energy sources in a regular secondary school in Shanghai. The sample involved school students of the seventh grade, equally divided into two groups: the control group (learnt only a theoretical program) and the experimental group (learnt both a theoretical program and a practical STEM project). At the end of the school year, students passed an environmental literacy test. The differences between the control and experimental groups were statistically significant. The experimental group has the advantage in all parameters: it has the highest scores and a large number of students who showed a high and very high level of knowledge. The results prove the methodology effectiveness of the experimental group in terms of developing sensitivity to the environment, cognitive abilities, ecological analysis, and preserving the environment. It was found that overall academic performance correlates significantly with both test scores and project scores. The highest scores were for the project, which indicates the effectiveness of block‐based programming in the learning of the experimental group, their implementation of new ideas based on the acquired knowledge, success in decision‐making, and experience that went beyond previous achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-crystalline [EuF.sub.3] hexagonal microdisks with hollow interior were fabricated to serve as a background-free matrix for analysis of small molecules and poly-ethylene glycols (PEGs) by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The long-lived excited state of europium ions can transfer energy to high-energy vibrations of organic molecules, which provides the potential technological appfication in MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of small molecules and PEGs. The efficiency of the hollow microdisks as a novel matrix of low molecular weight compounds was verified by analysis of small peptide, amino acid, organic compounds, and hydroxypropyl [beta]-cyclodextrin (HP-[beta]-CD). The advantage of this matrix in comparison with ct-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) was demonstrated by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of an amino acid mixture and a peptide mixture. This matrix is successfully used for analysis of PEGs (PEG 2000, PEG 4000, PEG 8000, PEG 15000, and PEG 30000), suggesting a potential for monitoring reactions and for synthetic polymer quality control. The upper limit of detectable mass range was ~35 000 Da (PEG 30000). It is believed that this work will not only offer a new technique for high-speed analysis of small molecules and PEGs but also open a new field for applications of rare earth fluorides.

Background: Changing consumer attitudes toward the natural environment are reflected in an increase in demand for environmental design of private houses, which requires the definition of some general principles of such design, particularly graphic design. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to highlight and determine the fundamental features of the visual component of the ecological design of private houses. Objectives: Present the characteristics of the countries of the world in accordance with the application of eco-design and sponsorship of green construction; identify visual principles that characterize the ecological design of private houses. Methods: The study is based on mixed qualitative analysis. The authors of the study used statistical from statista.com concerning the number of LEED certified projects during 2018 to 2021. Statistical indicators of countries is used to select houses for research, an assessment of a group of experts of photo-interview methods is used to determine the main trends in visual environmental design. Results: It was possible to systematize the world experience in designing private homes using an ecological approach. They categorized the basic principles of visualization of functional-planning, technological and artistic-esthetic solutions in the interior design of a private residential building; compliance with appropriate esthetics; functional design solutions of the interior space, modularity, compactness, responsible and rational architecture; and interior design, preferably with the possibility of moving housing to another place in case of forced relocation. Conclusions: The results obtained can be used in the framework of theoretical and practical design of private residential buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alteration of the levels of copper is a promising approach for cancer therapy. Herein, we develop a dual-mode copper vehicle, M985. The biotin-tailed M985 can exert tumor-directed copper supplementation and undergo self-immolative cleavage in living cancerous cells, resulting in the liberation of F542 along with the generation of excess reactive oxygen species. Thus, fluorescence and 19F NMR detection is realized to specifically discriminate cancer cells. F542 acts as a fluorescence reporter and a potent cytotoxic agent, facilitating the visualization of molecular release and distribution, as well as confirming the ER autophagy-induced apoptosis. Therefore, we present a promising dual-mode theranostic M985 for the efficient detection and therapy of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]