Laura Monica Gorghiu

Bio: Laura Monica Gorghiu is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Science education & Responsible Research and Innovation. The author has an hindex of 11, co-authored 90 publications receiving 484 citations.

Studying Sciences through the Integrated Science Modules

Abstract: In order to stimulate students’ interest for Science study, an active learning Science method of teaching was implemented, making the transition to the model based on exploration and investigation. The “PROFILES – Education through Sciences” training program oriented to improve teaching activities was organized in the frame of European Project “PROFILES – Professional Reflection-Oriented Focus on Inquiry-based Learning and Education through Science” (code: 5.2.2.1-SiS-2010-2.2.1-266589). The general objective of the training program consisted on forming and developing specific competences of Science teachers in order to develop an educational process based on scientific inquiry and integrated approach of the Sciences curriculum. Teachers have created Integrated Science Modules that were implemented in the classroom as an active learning Science method. The present paper aims to emphasize the students’ feedback after the implementation of Integrated Science Modules in the classroom. The study is focused on students’ perception of Science topics related with everyday life and importance for the society. Keywords: Integrated Science Modules, Profiles Project, CPD Programme.

Efectele de termostabilizare induse în polipropilena de antioxidanti cu functiuni fenolice

Abstract: The paper presents the effects of p-t-butyl [4] calixarene and p-t-butyl [6] calixarene on the thermal stabilization of isotactic polypropylene. Isothermal chemiluminescence investigations allowed determining kinetic parameters of oxidation induction time, demiperiod of oxidation, oxidation rate, CL maximum intensity and maximum time of oxidation. Relative properties, namely the activity and the stability of additives, were also calculated. Linear dependencies of kinetic parameters on the concentration of p-t-butyl [4] calixarene prove the antioxidant feature of calixarenes. The mechanism of the thermal stabilisation in which calixarene is involved is proposed.

A Comparative Analysis of the Moodle and Edx Educational Platforms from a Tutor-Student Perspective

Abstract: Traditional eLearning platforms are teacher centred and do not allow open and free access to education. To follow a course on a traditional platform the students must have a certain profile (knowledge background) and, at the end, they obtain new knowledge / abilities / competences. In 2011-2012 have been developed the first MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) platforms with the aim to vastly increase access to education. The MOOC platforms have some differences compared to traditional eLearning platforms: the number of students in a course can be very high (tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands), the role of the tutor is less significant, the learning assessment is based on surveys and peer assessments and courses may be enriched with multimedia and hypermedia materials. Among MOOC platforms, open edX is a very popular platform developed by a consortium of universities from USA. Due to the fact, this platform can be installed for free, it is under continuous development, scalable and well documented, it has been chosen for many educational projects. This paper presents a comparative analysis between a traditional learning platform (Moodle) and a MOOC platform (open edX) taking into consideration the data achieved in four educational projects.

Antioxidation activity of several diphosphonates in thermooxidative stability of LDPE

Abstract: The thermal degradation of low density polyethylene in the presence of several esters - diphosphonates compounds mostly used in anticancer treatment - was investigated by chemiluminescence at three temperatures: 180 °C, 190 °C and 200 °C. Kinetic parameters that depict the stability of polymer - temporal characteristics (oxidation induction time, half - period of oxidation and maximum oxidation time), oxidation rates and activation energies - were calculated from the dependencies of chemiluminescence intensity on thermal degradation time. The stabilization effectiveness of the tested compounds and other antioxidants, namely SANDOSTAB P-EPQ and TOPANOL OC is presented for comparison. Experimental data have demonstrated that one of the diphosphonates compounds is more efficient than the commercial antioxidants.

Biodegradable Polymers- A Review on Recent Trends and Emerging Perspectives

Abstract: Recent trends in biodegradable polymers indicate significant developments in terms of novel design strategies and engineering to provide advanced polymers with comparably good performance. However, there are several inadequacies in terms of either technology or cost of production especially in the case of applications in environmental pollution. So, there is a need to have a fresh perspective on the design, properties and functions of these polymers with a view to developing strategies for future developments. The paper reviews the present state-of-art on biodegradable polymers and discusses the salient features of the design and properties of biodegradable polymers. Special emphasis is given to the problems and prospects of (1) approaches adopted to make non-biodegradable synthetic polymers such as polyethylene biodegradable and (2) biodegradable polymers and copolymers made from renewable resources especially poly(lactic acid) based polymers and copolymers which are emerging as the candidate biodegradable materials for the future.

Current state and future prospects of plastic waste as source of fuel: A review

Abstract: Due to the depleting fossil fuel sources such as crude oil, natural gas, and coal, the present rate of economic growth is unsustainable. Therefore, many sources of renewable energy have been exploited, but the potentials of some other sources such as plastics waste are yet to be fully developed as full scale economic activity. Development and modernization have brought about a huge increase in the production of all kinds of plastic commodities, which directly or indirectly generate waste due to their wide range of applications coupled with their versatility of types and relatively low cost. The current scenario of the plastic recycling technology is reviewed in this paper. The aim is to provide the reader with an in-depth analysis with respect to the pyrolysis of plastic waste as obtained in the current recycling technology. As the calorific value of the plastics is comparable to that of hydrocarbon fuel, production of fuel from plastic waste would provide a good opportunity to utilize the waste as a better alternative to dumpsites. Different techniques of converting plastics waste into fuel including thermal and catalytic pyrolysis, microwave-assisted pyrolysis and fluid catalytic cracking are discussed in detail. The co-pyrolysis of plastics waste with biomass is also highlighted. Thus, an attempt was made to address the problem of plastic waste disposal as a partial replacement of the depleting fossil fuel with the hope of promoting a sustainable environment.

Advances in antioxidant active food packaging

Abstract: Lipid oxidation is, together with microbial growth, the main cause of spoilage of a great variety of foods, such as nuts, fish, meats, whole milk powders, sauces and oils. It causes a loss of both sensorial and nutritional quality of foods and may even lead to the formation of toxic aldehydes. Some strategies that are commonly used to limit the extent of lipid oxidation of packaged foods are direct addition of antioxidants or packaging under modified atmospheres in which oxygen presence is limited. A novel alternative to these methods is antioxidant active packaging, whose main advantage is that it can provide sustained release of antioxidants during storage. This article reviews the latest advances in antioxidant active food packaging, with special emphasis on antioxidant release systems. The various methods for incorporating antioxidant compounds in the package, the issues to be considered in packaging design, and the various methods employed to date to evaluate the antioxidant effectiveness of active antioxidant materials are reviewed.

Biodegradation of Agricultural Plastic Films: A Critical Review

Abstract: The growing use of plastics in agriculture has enabled farmers to increase their crop production. One major drawback of most polymers used in agriculture is the problem with their disposal, following their useful life-time. Non-degradable polymers, being resistive to degradation (depending on the polymer, additives, conditions etc) tend to accumulate as plastic waste, creating a serious problem of plastic waste management. In cases such plastic waste ends-up in landfills or it is buried in soil, questions are raised about their possible effects on the environment, whether they biodegrade at all, and if they do, what is the rate of (bio?)degradation and what effect the products of (bio?)degradation have on the environment, including the effects of the additives used. Possible degradation of agricultural plastic waste should not result in contamination of the soil and pollution of the environment (including aesthetic pollution or problems with the agricultural products safety). Ideally, a degradable polymer should be fully biodegradable leaving no harmful substances in the environment. Most experts and acceptable standards define a fully biodegradable polymer as a polymer that is completely converted by microorganisms to carbon dioxide, water, mineral and biomass, with no negative environmental impact or ecotoxicity. However, part of the ongoing debate concerns the question of what is an acceptable period of time for the biodegradation to occur and how this is measured. Many polymers that are claimed to be ‘biodegradable’ are in fact ‘bioerodable’, ‘hydrobiodegradable’, ‘photodegradable’, controlled degradable or just partially biodegradable. This review paper attempts to delineate the definition of degradability of polymers used in agriculture. Emphasis is placed on the controversial issues regarding biodegradability of some of these polymers.