Andrej Šorgo

The relationship among knowledge of, attitudes toward and acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) among Slovenian teachers

Electronic Journal of Biotechnology ISSN: 0717-3458 Vol.12 No.3, Issue of October 15, 2009

Can we grow buildings? Concepts and requirements for automated nano- to meter-scale building

Abstract The construction industry will have to find new ways of building to accomplish radical reductions of pollution and waste. Nano and biotechnology along with information technology have the potential to constitute a new building paradigm. The paper describes the concept of nano- to meter-scale building, which is based on this potential. The concept is not focused on the application of nanomaterials like nanosilica or carbon nanotubes, but on a new way of building, which unfolds from the nano into the meter range. It is based on bionanorobots, producing building materials using carbon extracted from CO2 in the air. Criteria and requirements regarding relevant technologies are defined and compared to the current research in the fields of bioengineering, nanorobotics, and characteristics and production of carbon nanotubes. The paper also presents a concept of a new building technology that would enable control and monitoring of construction at the nano level, as well as requirements regarding design methods and tools including the building information model that will become the only human input to the automated nano- to meter-scale building process. The paper concludes with suggestions for further research and development.

Connecting Biology and Mathematics: First Prepare the Teachers

Developing the connection between biology and mathematics is one of the most important ways to shift the paradigms of both established science disciplines. However, adding some mathematic content to biology or biology content to mathematics is not enough but must be accompanied by development of suitable pedagogical models. I propose a model of pedagogical mathematical biological content knowledge as a feasible starting point for connecting biology and mathematics in schools and universities. The process of connecting these disciplines should start as early as possible in the educational process, in order to produce prepared minds that will be able to combine both disciplines at graduate and postgraduate levels of study. Because teachers are a crucial factor in introducing innovations in education, the first step toward such a goal should be the education of prospective and practicing elementary and secondary school teachers.

Knowlege of, attitudes toward, and acceptance of genetically modified organisms among prospective teachers of biology, home economics, and grade school in Slovenia

The objective of this study was to investigate knowledge, opinions, and attitudes toward, as well as readiness to accept genetically modified organisms (GMOs) among prospective primary and secondary Slovene teachers. Our findings are that prospective teachers want to take an active role in rejecting or supporting individual GMOs and are aware of the importance of education about genetically modified organism (GMO) items and their potential significance for society. Through cluster analysis, we recognized four clusters of GMOs, separated by degree of genetically modified acceptability. GM plants and microorganisms which are recognized as useful are accepted. They are undecided about organisms used in research or medicine and reject organisms used for food consumption and for fun. There are only weak correlations between knowledge and attitudes and knowledge and acceptance of GMOs, and a strong correlation between attitudes and acceptance. The appropriate strategies and actions for improving university courses in biotechnology are discussed.

Public attitudes and opinions as dimensions of efficient management with extensive meadows in Natura 2000 area.

Over time, grassland use has changed from traditional (extensive) to intensive agricultural management, a change which has caused biodiversity loss in the European grassland area. To save Europes biodiversity, the most important measure was the establishment of the Natura 2000 network. Goričko Landscape Park in Slovenia is in Natura 2000 to preserve its traditional and extensive small-scale farming. The aims of this research were to identify potential obstacles to proper management of the extensively used meadows in this region and identify major factors that would affect such management in order to prepare more appropriate strategies for habitat conservation. The data was collected by online survey and in paper and pencil format. Based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling, we can conclude that less than a half of 228 respondents can identify what activities are permitted in a Natura 2000 area, which indicates a lack of knowledge about Natura 2000. The majority agree with meadow management in the welfare of protected plants and animals but would accept management under stricter regulations only if accompanied by higher subsidies in for management under stricter regulations. These respondents are not prepared to participate in measures for preserving biodiversity without beneficiaries. Respondents have in average a positive opinion toward protected plants and animals, but the procedure for obtaining environmental subsidies for meadows seems to them too complicated. Although the majority of respondents do not see a Natura 2000 area as a place for quality living, it is the factor with the highest significant effect on willingness to participate in measures to preserve biodiversity.

Attitudes toward and Acceptability of Management Strategies for a Population of Hooded Crows (Corvus cornix) in Slovenia

ABSTRACT Recently, the number of hooded crows (Corvus cornix) in Slovenia has increased, which has resulted in a higher number of situations perceived as human–wildlife conflicts. The purpose of our survey was to provide a basis for population management measures of hooded crows that would be both feasible and acceptable to the public. An online survey based on snowball sampling received 1,042 responses, representing about 0.05% of the total and 0.13% of the active human population of the Republic of Slovenia. The major findings are that the majority of respondents were interested in learning more about problems caused by crows and think that crow numbers should be reduced, but by measures that would not cause their death. About one-third of respondents would be willing to participate in measures directed to controlling the crow population; however, about one-third would actively oppose such measures. They would even sign a petition regarding control measures. From the results, we conclude that the most suitable strategies in terms of acceptability would be passive, by educating people about how to avoid conflict with crows, and by better management of the resources affecting their foraging success.

Public willingness to participate in actions for crow management

Abstract Context. Large-scale human modification of the environment has caused an overall loss of biodiversity; some species, such as crows, do benefit from these changes. Increased crow numbers in Slovenia in the past two decades have caused one of the main human–wildlife conflicts. To reduce these conflicts, successful and effective wildlife management is needed that is rooted in an evaluation of general public opinions and attitudes towards action. Aims. The purpose of the present study was to identify factors that affect the willingness of the public to participate in actions for crow management. With knowledge about the factors that affect the willingness to participate in management actions, we can enhance public intention and behaviour. Methods. A research model based on variables from a public survey was set up and tested with ordinal regression analysis. Key results. The willingness to participate in crow management was influenced by (1) attitudes towards action, (2) interest in crows and conflicts in interaction with the moderator variables of education level or place of residence, (3) perceived behavioural control, (4) fear towards damage caused by crows, and (5) trust in experts in with the moderator variables of gender, education level, or utilitarian behaviour. Conclusions. Public do not possess sufficient competences for crow management. With additional information and awareness, they could decide more clearly about their participation in management. Implications. To increase the number of participants in actions, we need to educate the public about critical skills and competencies, provide explanations why some actions are effective and feasible, and convey the importance of public participation. With low confidence about their competences and low, or even no, trust in decision-makers, the willingness to participate was found to decrease.

Evaluation of Information Literacy of Slovenian University Students

This contribution summarizes the results of the evaluation of information literacy (IL) of 677 higher education students enrolled in study programs of life sciences, health, technologies, and social sciences at six Slovenian faculties. The information literacy test (ILT) that was developed, verified and validated by the authors in a previous work served as the IL measuring instrument. Statistical analyses of ILT responses were performed in SPSS. The results suggest that, on average, Slovenian students’ IL is satisfactory and improves with years of education. On average, students know information sources and adequately evaluate the collected information. They possess skills to use the information in academic work and to synthesize data into knowledge. However, students are less proficient in advanced search strategies available in scientific and patent databases. The main deficit in students’ knowledge is evident in topics related to intellectual property rights and in ethical issues related to acquisition and use of information. Students that participated in an IL-specific study course significantly improved their ILT achievement, most significantly in topics where their pre-knowledge was lower.

ICT support for promotion of nature park

Around the World and particularly in the Europe the conservation of the habitats becomes more important. For that reason, the project of connecting nature and people in Europe promotes the European Green Belt that stretch across 12500 km. A part of that European Green Belt is also the three state nature park (Goričko-Raab-Örség) spanning Slovenia, Austria and Hungary. Inhabitants the Goričko nature park are important factor for the parks the long time survival and preservation. But living in the park also presents multiple limitations and young people see them as hampering constraints of their life. Therefore, the activities for constant promotion and value of the park needs to become the daily routine. The old fashion promotional activities are not effective for the youngsters, which are accustomed to the fast life style and daily use of ICT. The study was made how to incorporate ICT into the promotion and daily life of the nature park and empower the activities to create visitors own footprint in the park and parks cyber space. The promotional activities, educational activities and competition between youngsters are covered in the article. The ICT is the backbone for the teamwork; individuals curiosity; and professionals.

Vloga in pomen tehniškega izobraževanja v OŠ: kdo bo poučeval tehniko leta 2020?

Ponosni smo lahko na rezultate mednarodnih raziskav (TIMSS, PISA), ki nas na podrocju izobraževanja naravoslovnih predmetov in matematike postavljajo v sam svetovni vrh ali vsaj blizu njega. Lahko pa se vprasamo: Kako dolgo se? Iz projekcij narascanja stevila otrok v generaciji, upokojevanja uciteljev naravoslovno-matematicno-tehnicnih predmetov (NARMATEH) ter stevila tistih, ki v univerzitetnih programih za izobraževanje uciteljev teh ved tudi diplomirajo, lahko napovemo katastrofo – ustrezno izobraženih uciteljev NARMATEH že v nekaj letih ne bo dovolj, da bi nadomestili izpad. To utemeljujemo z vedenjem, da se bo leta 2030 upokojilo 1236 danes zaposlenih uciteljev NARMATEH, od tega 265 uciteljev predmeta Tehnika in tehnologija (TIT) v osnovni soli. Diplomantov, ki bi jih lahko nadomestili pa zaradi nezadostnega vpisa ne bo dovolj. Medtem, ko lahko univerzitetni ucitelji in sodelavci v programih NARMATEH zagotovimo kakovost dela z vpisanimi, pa sami ne moremo zagotoviti vzpodbud ter materialnih pogojev, s katerimi bi lahko privabili in nato tudi izobrazili bodoce ucitelje.