In the present study, ten type-V natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were synthesized and comprehensively characterized, based on urea as a hydrogen-bond acceptor and three different groups of donors—glycerol, organic carboxylic acids, and carbohydrates. Their physicochemical parameters, spectral characteristics (FTIR), surface tension, and solvatochromic properties were determined using Nile Red, betaine 30, and Kamlet–Taft parameters. The densities of the systems (1.243–1.361 g/cm³) and the high values of molar refraction and polarizability indicate the formation of highly organized hydrogen-bonded networks, with the incorporated carboxyl and hydroxyl groups enhancing the structural compactness of the NADES. Surface tension varied significantly (46.9–80.3 mN/m), defining systems with low, medium, and high polarity. Solvatochromic analysis revealed high E_NR, E_T(30), and E_T^N values, positioning all NADES as highly polar media, comparable or close to water, but with distinguishable H-bond donating/accepting ability depending on the third component. The normalized Kamlet–Taft parameters show that the NADES cover a broad solvent spectrum—from highly H-bond accepting to strongly H-bond donating or dipolar systems—highlighting the potential for fine-tuning the solvent according to target applications. The obtained results highlight the applicability of these NADESs as green, tunable media for the extraction and solvation of bioactive compounds.

We study the nanohardness and Young’s modulus of randomly oriented CdSiP₂ (CSP) and ZnGeP₂ (ZGP) single crystals, grown via the horizontal Bridgman method. CSP and ZGP are the only two pnictide chalcopyrites widely used as nonlinear optical crystals in the mid-IR part of the spectrum. Nanoindentation is employed in the continuous stiffness mode (45 Hz, 2 nm) using a Berkovich tip. Nanohardness values of 9.9 ± 0.2 GPa (Knoop hardness of 905 kg/mm²) for CSP and 11.5 ± 0.1 GPa (993 kg/mm²) for ZGP are derived. For Young’s modulus, we obtain 136 ± 2 GPa (CSP) and 150 ± 2 GPa (ZGP). The trend of increasing hardness with bandgap and melting point of the isostructural CSP and ZGP, as deduced from previous measurements, is not confirmed. The results for ZGP are compared to 2GaP, its binary isoelectronic analog, and the values obtained, 11.0 ± 0.3 GPa for the nanohardness and 154 ± 2 GPa for Young’s modulus, indicate good matching within the accuracy limits.

Hardness and Young's modulus of five monocrystalline II-IV-V₂chalcopyrite semiconductors are measured by nanoindentation using oriented optically polished samples. The values increase linearly with melting temperature, except for CdSiP₂, and the hardness exhibits no anisotropy.

According to the EU strategic framework the main goal of teaching is to develop key competences, basic skills, and attitudes needed by all for personal fulfilment and development, employability, social inclusion and active citizenship. The successful realization of the strategy requires a high-quality education based on implementing competency-based teaching and diverse learning approaches and contexts, as well as exploring methods to assess and validate key competences. In the present work we present an innovative approach to teaching thermodynamics, divided into 9 units. In each lesson, we propose different methodical techniques, among which brainstorming, experiments, problem solving, and project-based learning. The lessons are focused on interdisciplinary connections between physics and mathematics, but other disciplines are not neglected. We also propose a multicomponent assessment method, where four different aspects of the learning process are evaluated. The Hake gain achieved was 0.37, showing a medium effect on the cognitive abilities of the students. The relatively low value is likely linked to the need for a longer adaptation period when transitioning from passive to active learning. Even though based on a questionnaire, the students’ opinion on the learning content is very high (4.37 on a five-point scale).

In the present study, gelatine - based hydrocolloids with glass microbubbles were designed and investigated as potential tissue mimicking materials for adipose and lung tissues in Computed tomography. Hydrocolloids contained 0.04 or 0.08 g mL-1 gelatine and glass microbubbles in the range 0.04 - 0.28 g.mL-1. Hounsfield units were derived for voltages in the range 70 - 120 kVp. All obtained values were negative with limits from about - 10 HU to about -445 HU. Mechanical performance was also investigated, giving comparatively high Young’s modulus up to about 1.2 MPa. Hounsfield units’ further decrease might be possible by 3D printing of the hydrocolloids, when printed with a speed from 60 to 90 mL h-1, at a minimum temperature of 40 oC. Printability is limited up to 0.20 g mL-1 glassmicrobubbles concentration.

The present study deals with investigations of some physical and physicochemical parameters of gelatine jelly desserts. Gels with different content of water or orange juice were prepared at varying gelatine and sugar content. Young‘s modulus, firmness, work of shear, pH, electric conductivity, index of refraction, and their dependences were evaluated and analysed with respect to the jelly content. The results show that the mechanical parameters have higher values for the orange juice-based hydrogels, which correlates to their lower pH and higher conductivity. The index of refraction corresponds to the physical density and it decreases linearly with the gelatine and sugar contents.