Ceske Budejovice Research Articles

Humans and hazardous asteroids: 30 years of experience in education and communication

ABSTRACT What to say to the public about asteroid hazards and how to say it to them? In this article, we relate how our small professional research institution (Klet Observatory, Czech Republic), devoted specifically to Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), together with the educational branch (Ceske Budejovice Observatory and Planetarium, Czech Republic), has developed and implemented a comprehensive educational programme to communicate about our scientific activities. In the beginning of the 1990s, we started some NEO presentations just as a public outreach of Klet Observatory work and an explanation to taxpayers of the usefulness of such research. After thirty years of gaining experience, we understand that education of the wider public, students, journalists, emergency services and decision-makers on hazardous asteroids and planetary defence belongs to the most important tasks of NEO scientists and research institutions (Ticha, J., & Tichy, M. (2018). Klet observatory: 25 years of experience in NEO public education and communication. Journal of Space Safety Engineering, 5(3-4), 209–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsse.2018.10.002). This paper presents a case study of NEO and asteroid hazard educational activities in South Bohemia, implemented through the Observatory and Planetarium in Ceske Budejovice, influenced by the long-term Klet NEO programme. We will also mention locally specific connections to NEOs and our future NEO education plans.

Personal exposure monitoring to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons bound to size-segregated aerosol

Air pollution is a global problem, where impaired air quality significantly damages human health and the environment. Twenty-four hours of personal exposure to size-segregated airborne particulate matter (PM) and associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in 129 non-smoking residents living in two Czech cities, Ostrava (an industrial area with high levels of air pollution) and Ceske Budejovice (an agricultural area with lower air pollution level) in various seasons between years 2018–2020. Particulate matter (PM) was sampled by cascade impactors based on their aerodynamic diameter (dae, μm) and divided into size fractions: coarse (2.5 < dae), fine (0.25 < dae < 2.5) and ultrafine (<0.25). Size distributions of 20 priority PAHs adsorbed on these PM fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry in electron ionization (GC-EI-MS/MS). The total concentration of ∑20PAHs to which residents were exposed ranged from 0.09 ng/m3 to 47.18 ng/m3. A higher level of PAHs was detected in Ostrava (mean: 5.59 ng/m3) than in Ceske Budejovice (mean: 1.96 ng/m3). Statistically significant concentration differences between PAHs in individual seasons were observed in both sampled localities, with higher concentrations measured in winter than in summer. Fine and ultrafine particles predominated in the mass composition of the particulate matter. The ultrafine particle size contained 67–80% of total PAHs. Respiratory health risk was estimated based on inhalation cancer risk (ICR). Cancer risk attributable to personal inhalation exposure ranged from 2.8 × 10−8 to 4.3 × 10−4. In winter, higher cancer risk were found in Ostrava, mainly caused by a high concentration of carcinogenic PAHs bound to ultrafine particles. Overall, the personal monitoring data confirmed a higher air pollution burden in the industrial area and the winter season and highlighted the importance of focusing on ultrafine particles as the main carriers of potentially mutagenic and carcinogenic substances, such as PAHs. In addition, personal monitoring data provided more detailed and accurate information on individual-level exposures, revealing significant differences in exposure concentrations in people living in the same area.

The Effect of Urban Air Pollution from Traffic on Semen Quality

Background: We examined sperm quality in a cohort of city policemen in the capital city of Prague, an area experiencing elevated air pollution levels as a result of a substantial rise in traffic. As the control group, policemen working in Ceske Budejovice were selected due to this city’s location in a nonindustrial area characterized by substantially lower pollution levels compared to Prague

Social predictors of breastfeeding and the impact of interventions on breastfeeding of preterm infants: A longitudinal study.

The multifaceted benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants include enhanced neurodevelopment and immune function in preterm infants. However, more research is needed to understand the unique factors affecting breastfeeding practices in preterm infants. This study aimed to identify key social predictors of breastfeeding in preterm infants and assess the effectiveness of specific interventions on their feeding practices during the first six months postpartum. A prospective, monocentric, longitudinal study involving a cohort of 201 preterm infants was executed at the Neonatology Department, Ceske Budejovice Hospital, Czech Republic, from January 2020 to January 2023. The STROBE guidelines were used. The study results elucidated a transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding and formula within the infants' first six months. Notable social predictors of breastfeeding encompassed factors such as the number of children in the household, the mother's marital status, and the nature of housing. Certain interventions, including immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and child, and initiation of nutritive feeding within the first half-hour post-birth, significantly influenced the probability of breastfeeding. The data underscored that social predictors and nursing interventions substantially shape the breastfeeding practices of preterm infants during the first six months postpartum. Inequities in health outcomes among premature infants can be effectively curbed through comprehensive care models that account for socioeconomic factors influencing breastfeeding.

Assessing Portuguese health risks: Anisakiks parasite in Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) sold in Portuguese markets.

Anisakiosis is a significant zoonotic disease caused by parasitic nematodes of the Anisakis genus. It can be contracted by humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish contaminated with the parasite, leading to gastrointestinal and allergic symptoms. While anisakiosis is not frequently documented in Portugal, the presence of allergic reactions to Anisakis in Spain suggests ongoing exposure in the Iberian Peninsula. To address this concern, the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research in Porto, Portugal, in collaboration with the Biology Centre of Czech Academy of Sciences in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, has proposed a project entitled 'Assessing Portuguese Health Risks: Anisakis Parasite in Atlantic Chub Mackerel (Scomber colias) Sold in Portuguese Markets' under the European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme. The primary objective of the project is to gather valuable epidemiological data on the host, Atlantic chub mackerel (S. colias) and the parasitic nematode (Anisakis spp.) with the focus on assessing contamination levels and evaluating potential health risks associated with anisakiosis in the Portuguese population. By conducting this research, the project aims to contribute to the understanding of anisakiosis and its impact on public health in Portugal. Investigation of the presence of the Anisakis parasite in Atlantic chub mackerel sold in Portuguese markets will provide crucial insights into the risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked fish. Ultimately, our findings will aid in the development of preventive measures and guidelines to ensure the well-being of the Portuguese population.

Assessment of atmospheric pollution by oxygenated and nitrated derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in two regions of the Czech Republic

In this study, a method for monitoring 16 representatives of nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAHs) and six oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (oxy-PAHs) in airborne particulate matter (PM) was developed and validated. Soxhlet extraction, followed by solid phase extraction (SPE) on silica, was used to isolate the target compounds. Instrumental analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled with (tandem) mass spectrometry (GC-MS(/MS)) operated in electron impact (EI) and negative ion chemical ionization (NICI) modes. GC-EI-MS/MS was selected for further experiments due to its higher selectivity of measurement and ability to measure derivatives simultaneously with 20 commonly analyzed PAHs (EU + US EPA priority list). This is the first study documenting the simultaneous analysis of OPAHs, NPAHs, and parent PAHs in a single run. This analysis strategy was successfully validated at two concentration levels of artificial contamination, i.e., 0.8 and 4 ng per filter, with recoveries in the 70–104% range and less than 23% repeatability. The newly developed method was used for the analysis of 45 air samples from two cities in the Czech Republic, namely Ceske Budejovice and Most (a place with heavy industry), and two sampling seasons (February vs. May 2017). Five representatives were found in all samples from the oxy-PAH group, with 9,10-anthraquinone (9,10-ANTQ) being the most abundant (0.010–2.49 ng m−3 air). Three major nitro-PAHs, namely 9-nitroanthracene (9-nANT), 2-nitrofluoranthene (2-nFA), and 1-nitropyrene (1-nPYR), were found in 89%, 96%, and 33% of the samples, respectively, found in concentration ranges of <0.60–902, <0.60–276, and <0.60–117 pg m−3 air. Slightly higher levels of oxy- and nitro-PAHs were found in Ceske Budejovice compared to Most, but the difference was not statistically significant (p-value >0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed between February and May, where the concentrations in February were up to 20 and 50 times higher for individual oxy- and nitro-PAHs, respectively, in both regions. The diagnostic ratio 2-nFA/1-nPYR >5 showed that indirect emissions were the primary nitro-PAH source in Most of nitro-PAHs in Most and in both sampling campaigns. In Ceske Budejovice, the opposite trend was observed in winter, i.e. 2-nFA/1-nPYR <5, indicating direct emissions as the main source. In summary, direct emissions of OPAHs and NPAHs originate from fossil (transportation-related) and solid fuel (heating-related) combustion. In contrast, indirect emissions are related to atmospheric reactions of PAHs with OH radicals (spring, winter) and NO3 radicals (winter). The total TEQB[a]P was higher in winter than spring, with higher inhalation cancer risk.

Chromosome damage in regions with different levels of air pollution.

Air pollution is an important environmental factor influencing human health. In this study, we compared chromosome damage in city policemen from three cities in the Czech Republic: industrial Ostrava characterized by high levels of benzo[a]pyrene, Prague with heavy traffic emitting nitrogen oxides, and relatively clean Ceske Budejovice located in an area with predominantly agricultural activity. Chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes were evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization with painting probes for chromosomes 1, 2, 3, and 4 in spring and autumn. An increase in the frequency of unstable chromosome aberrations, that is, dicentric chromosomes and acentric fragments, was observed in spring samples from Ostrava (p = .014 and p = .044, respectively) and Prague (p = .002 and p = .006, respectively) in comparison with Ceske Budejovice. The difference was significant only for samples taken after the winter period, when the concentration of pollutants in the air increases due to poor dispersion conditions. An increased frequency of dicentric chromosomes was observed in spring compared to autumn in both Ostrava and Prague (p = .017 and p = .023, respectively), but not in Ceske Budejovice. More breakpoints were observed on chromosome 1 than on the other chromosomes examined (p < .001). The number of breakpoints in the heterochromatin region 1p11-q12 was lower than in other parts of chromosome 1 (p < .001), suggesting a protective function of heterochromatin against damage. Our study showed, that air pollution increased the frequency of unstable chromosome aberrations, especially dicentric chromosomes. However, we did not show an effect on stable chromosome rearrangements.

A Simultaneous Determination of Benzophenone and Camphor UV-Filters, Together with Metabolites of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, in Human Urine

By monitoring biomarkers in urine, personal exposure to selected chemical substances can be assessed. In this paper, we describe the monitoring of 7 benzophenone and 2 camphor UV-filters and 11 metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs) in 454 urine samples collected from mothers and new-borns from an industrial (Karvina) and reference area (Ceske Budejovice) over winter and summer seasons. The analytical method consisted of enzymatic hydrolysis, liquid–liquid extraction (ethyl acetate), purification by dispersive solid-phase extraction (Z-Sep sorbent) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Benzophenone-1 (BP-1), naphthalen-2-ol (2-OH-NAP), fluoren-2-ol (2-OH-FLUO) and phenanthren-2-ol (2-OH-PHEN) were determined in all urine samples analysed. Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and 2-OH-NAP were found at the highest concentrations (medians of 5.95- and 5.77-µg/g creatinine). Analytes 3-(4-methylbenzylidene)camphor (3-MBC), 3-benzylidenecamphor (3-BC), chrysen-6-ol (6-OH-CHRY) and benzo(a)pyrene-3-ol (3-OH-BaP) were not detected in any urine sample. Median concentrations of UV-filters and OH-PAHs were compared across regions in the Czech Republic and between mothers and their new-borns from different countries. The median concentrations of UV-filters measured in urine samples from new-borns in our study were similar to samples collected from Brazilian children and the concentrations of these compounds in mothers’ samples were comparable with the concentrations in Danish mothers. In the case of OH-PAHs, the median concentrations of these substances measured in urine samples from Czech new-borns were comparable to median concentrations of these compounds measured in new-born urine from our previous study, and the concentrations in urine collected from Czech mothers were comparable to those reported in Spanish women.

Assessment of organohalogenated pollutants in breast milk from the Czech Republic

This biomonitoring survey brings new information on the occurrence of a total of 94 organohalogenated pollutants in 231 human breast milk samples collected in 2019 and 2021 from women living in two regions of the Czech Republic (Karvina and Ceske Budejovice). This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of 6 indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 10 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 34 halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), 29 perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs). PCBs, OCPs, most of HFRs and PCNs were identified/quantified by gas chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry (GC–MS(/MS)), while PFAS, hexabromocyclododecane isomers (HBCD), brominated phenols, and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). The mean value of the sum of the 6 indicator PCBs was 123.12 nanogram per gram of lipid weight (ng g−1 lw). Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) and p,p’-dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene (p,p’-DDE) were the most abundant OCPs, detected in 100 % (mean 11.8 ng g−1 lw), 94.8 % (mean 6.1 ng g−1 lw) and 100 % (mean 101.5 ng g−1 lw) of samples, respectively. PCN congeners 20, 52 and 66 were detected in <1 % of the samples. The HFRs concentrations were relatively low compared to the levels of OCP; The detection rate of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, # 47, 99 and 153) ranged 21–68 % with a mean concentrations of 0.34 ng g−1 lw - 0.42 ng g−1 lw. PFAS concentrations were also low, with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) dominant in this group (means of 22 pg ml−1 and 21 pg ml−1, respectively). Our results confirmed the long-term trend of declining levels of banned POPs in Czech mothers. The amounts of PCBs and OCPs were higher in older breastfeeding primiparous women.

The nutrition and life-style of mothers from industrial and nonindustrial regions related to their economic situation

Aim: The study analyzed the nutrition and lifestyle of mothers related to air pollution in industrial and non-industrial regions, taking into account the economic situation of households. Methods: The respondents were a deliberate sample of mothers from two regions of the Czech Republic – districts of Ceske Budejovice (CB, N=376) and Karvina (KA, N=449). Selected districts were chosen for their difference in the air pollution, with CB being one of the least polluted and KA one of the most polluted regions/districts in the Czech Republic. Data were collected in maternity hospitals in the years 2019 and 2020. Results: The majority of respondents (98.5%) described their economic situation at least as average. They also consumed daily at least one hot meal. In Karvina mothers more often eat fish, poultry, legumes and also sweet meals and fried food than in Ceske Budejovice, where are more often consumed dairy products. Information about health risk are important for change of their habits. Conclusion: Most mothers in our study subjectively evaluated their economic situation as moderately good in both regions. Better economic situation was correlated with healthy nutrition, including higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, wholegrain bread, beef and fish and lower consumption of sweet drinks and produced meats. Notably the consumption of fruits and vegetables in the industrial region has risen in comparison with previous data, which is an improvement promising a better starting position for the new generation.

Genome-Wide DNA Methylation in Policemen Working in Cities Differing by Major Sources of Air Pollution.

DNA methylation is the most studied epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression, and it can serve as a useful biomarker of prior environmental exposure and future health outcomes. This study focused on DNA methylation profiles in a human cohort, comprising 125 nonsmoking city policemen (sampled twice), living and working in three localities (Prague, Ostrava and Ceske Budejovice) of the Czech Republic, who spent the majority of their working time outdoors. The main characterization of the localities, differing by major sources of air pollution, was defined by the stationary air pollution monitoring of PM2.5, B[a]P and NO2. DNA methylation was analyzed by a genome-wide microarray method. No season-specific DNA methylation pattern was discovered; however, we identified 13,643 differentially methylated CpG loci (DML) for a comparison between the Prague and Ostrava groups. The most significant DML was cg10123377 (log2FC = −1.92, p = 8.30 × 10−4) and loci annotated to RPTOR (total 20 CpG loci). We also found two hypomethylated loci annotated to the DNA repair gene XRCC5. Groups of DML annotated to the same gene were linked to diabetes mellitus (KCNQ1), respiratory diseases (PTPRN2), the dopaminergic system of the brain and neurodegenerative diseases (NR4A2). The most significant possibly affected pathway was Axon guidance, with 86 potentially deregulated genes near DML. The cluster of gene sets that could be affected by DNA methylation in the Ostrava groups mainly includes the neuronal functions and biological processes of cell junctions and adhesion assembly. The study demonstrates that the differences in the type of air pollution between localities can affect a unique change in DNA methylation profiles across the human genome.

Development of entrepreneurial competencies of Russian and Czech undergraduate students: Gender aspect

Introduction. Recently, university teachers have faced the task to develop not only professional knowledge, skills and abilities, but also universal and supra-professional competencies. The comprehensive development of university students influences the formation of a specialist’s personality, ensures his/her adaptability and resistance to the challenges of the external environment, the graduate’s readiness to demonstrate high performance indicators in the chosen field of activity. Among the supra-professional competencies, a separate cluster of entrepreneurial competencies can be distinguished, which ensure the deployment of commercial thinking and are the driver of the development of the state’s economy. Meanwhile, in some publications there are a number of facts, which illustrate the gender differences in entrepreneurship in the world. Official statistics demonstrate the relevance of the development of women’s entrepreneurship in the economies of countries. The prevailing number of studies is carried out among students enrolled in entrepreneurship training programmes. However, the indicators of the development of entrepreneurial competencies of students of non-core specialties (future human resource management specialists), taking into account the gender factor, have not been studied enough.The aim of the present research was to answer the question about the presence of a gender gap in the development of entrepreneurial competencies among university students enrolled in the training direction “Personnel Management” in the Russian Federation and the Czech Republic.Methodology and research methods. The methodological framework of the current research is based on the behavioural approach to the study of competencies, which suggests that success in professional activity is favoured by a high level of development. The literary analysis of relevant empirical studies was conducted to choose a research method and to develop a methodology for competencies assessment. The review makes it possible to assess the level of knowledge of the problem of gender differences in entrepreneurial competencies of university students at the international level. The empirical part of the work was attended by N = 582 students (n1 = 291 people of the Czech Republic (Ceske Budejovice), n2 = 291 people of the Russian Federation (Ekaterinburg), among them women – 70.1% n1, 74.2% n2 and men – 29.9% n1, 25.8% n2. Testing was carried out using the authors’ methodology “Assessment of Entrepreneurial Competencies of Students” for the 15 most important competencies in the field of entrepreneurship, which are associated with the manifestation of initiative, management of resources and people, decision-making and active action.The data obtained were processed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, t-statistics.Results and scientific novelty. It is shown that the development of participants’ entrepreneurial competencies does not have a direct correlation with the gender of the respondents. When assessing the potential of women’s entrepreneurship, the opinion of society is influenced by the stereotyping of ideas about it as a traditionally masculine type of activity, while the development of these competencies in the university takes place without highlighting significant gender differences. Moreover, in a number of cases, women have higher indicators in the analysed range of competencies in comparison with men. We assume that gender does not have a decisive role in the implementation of business initiatives but there may be other factors: the environment, including the educational environment of the university, personal characteristics and motivation of a person.Practical significance. The research findings are expected to contribute to the debate on entrepreneurial competencies and provide useful data to be employed in learning with a focus on the development of internal entrepreneurship.

Biomonitoring of 89 POPs in blood serum samples of Czech city policemen

In this biomonitoring study, we evaluated the concentrations of 8 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 11 organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), 33 brominated flame retardants (BFRs), 7 novel brominated and chlorinated flame retardants (novel FRs) and 30 per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) in human serum samples (n = 274). A total of 89 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were measured in blood serum samples of city policemen living in three large cities and their adjacent areas (Ostrava, Prague, and Ceske Budejovice) in the Czech Republic. All samples were collected during the year 2019 in two sampling periods (spring and autumn). The identification/quantification of PCBs, OCPs, BFRs, novel FRs and PFAS was performed by means of gas chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry (GC–MS/(MS)) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). The most frequently detected pollutants were perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS), 2,2′,3,4,4′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB 138), 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB 153), 2,2′,3,3′,4,4′,5-heptachlorobiphenyl (CB 170), 2,2′,3,4,4′,5,5′-heptachlorobiphenyl (CB 180), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) quantified in 100% of serum samples. In the serum samples, the concentrations of determined POPs were in the range of 0.108–900 ng g−1 lipid weight (lw) for PCBs, 0.106–1016 ng g−1 lw for OCPs, <0.1–618 ng g−1 lw for FRs and <0.01–18.3 ng mL−1 for PFAS, respectively. Locality, sampling season, and age were significantly associated with several POP concentrations. One of the important conclusions was that within the spring sampling period, statistically significant higher concentrations of CB 170 and CB 180 were observed in the samples from Ostrava (industrial area) compared to Prague and Ceske Budejovice. Older policemen had higher concentrations of five PCBs and two OCPs in blood serum.

Financial and Informational Social Support for the Residents of the Ceske Budejovice Region

Social support is a highly discussed topic not only abroad but also in Czech literature. The entry focuses on the topic of social support experienced by selected residents of esults of the conducted survey that included 700 respondents in total. The objective of our entry is to describe the subjective assessments of different dimensions of social support of selected residents. The questionnaire focused on three areas of social support: financial (instrumental) support, daily activities support, and information support. The results describe significant relations between these areas of social support and other selected questions. A statistically significant relation was however detected between financial support and sex, in which women receive help more frequently than men. Financial support is more often demanded by persons younger than 30. Older persons were more likely to receive such help. There was however discovered a statistically significant relation for socio-economic status and subjective assessment of quality of interpersonal relations.

Urban Traffic Detectors Data Mining for Determination of Variations in Traffic Volumes

This paper analyses road traffic volumes in the urban environment for the purpose of traffic planning and creation of traffic models. For modelling traffic in a certain area, the initial information about transport demand and distribution in given area is required. The demand for transport is further re-distributed to the transport network and measured against the current road traffic volumes / intensity of traffic. Traffic volumes over time are characterized by various periodic and non-periodic influences (variations). By studying these variations, the tools can be specified for making the final estimate of traffic volumes for a specific time period, a specific type of road or specific vehicle category, and for improving the traffic models for a specific area. In this paper, the authors study time variations in traffic volumes using the data obtained from vehicle detectors for monitoring traffic located on roads in the city of Ceske Budejovice, the Czech Republic.

The impact of taxes and administrative activities of SMEs on their performance

Research background: The paper outlines selected problem areas of the legislative - legal environment and administrative burdens for SMEs. Data for this paper were obtained within the scientific activities at the University of Technology and Business in Ceske Budejovice Project TL01000349 Stabilization and development of SMEs in rural areas. The primary objective of the paper is to demonstrate that small and medium-sized enterprises are overburdened both from an administrative point of view. The theoretical part of the paper is devoted to the presentation of experts on a given topic and from these views the logical conclusion and recommendations for the methodological part of the paper are based. The following, practical part, explains each hypothesis and outlines the whole course of calculation. Each hypothesis is then rejected or confirmed. All findings are verbally analysed in the discussion of the results. Purpose of the article: The main purpose of the research is to prove that small and medium-sized enterprises are overburdened with administrative burdens and taxes. Methods: Primary data for the area of legislative-legal and administrative burden were obtained through a questionnaire survey in SMEs. The data will be evaluated using a statistical method comparing the mean value, specifically using a one-sample t-test. Findings &amp; Value added: The results of the paper will confirm or reject the predetermined hypotheses that apply to small and medium-sized enterprises. This knowledge will be important for further analysis and will outline the administrative complexity of the business of these companies.

The Impact of Cesarean and Vaginal Delivery on Results of Psychological Cognitive Test in 5 Year Old Children.

Background and objectives: The impact of cesarean and vaginal delivery on cognitive development was analyzed in 5 year old children. Materials and Methods: Two cohorts of 5 year old children born in the years 2013 and 2014 in Karvina (Northern Moravia) and Ceske Budejovice (Southern Bohemia) were studied for their cognitive development related to vaginal (n = 117) and cesarean types of delivery (n = 51). The Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test (BG test) and the Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM test) were used as psychological tests. Results: In the comparison of vaginal delivery vs. cesarean section, the children delivered by cesarean section scored lower and, therefore, achieved poorer performance in cognitive tests compared to those born by vaginal delivery, as shown in the RCPM (p < 0.001) and in the BG test (p < 0.001). When mothers’ education level was considered, the children whose mothers achieved a university degree scored higher in both the RCPM test (p < 0.001) and the BG test (p < 0.01) compared to the children of mothers with lower secondary education. When comparing mothers with a university degree to those with higher secondary education, there was a significant correlation between level of education and score achieved in the RCPM test (p < 0.001), but not in the BG test. Conclusions: According to our findings, the mode of delivery seems to have a significant influence on performance in psychological cognitive tests in 5 year old children in favor of those who were born by vaginal delivery. Since cesarean-born children scored notably below vaginally born children, it appears possible that cesarean delivery may have a convincingly adverse effect on children’s further cognitive development.

Effect of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Exposure on Cognitive Development in 5 Years Old Children.

Objectives: To analyze the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ambient air at the time of delivery and five years of age on cognitive development in five year old children. Materials and Methods: Two cohorts of children born in the years 2013 and 2014 from Karvina (Northern Moravia, n = 70) and Ceske Budejovice (Southern Bohemia, n = 99) were studied at the age of five years for their cognitive development related to the exposure to PAHs, determined in the ambient air as the concentration of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and OH–PAH (hydroxy-PAH) metabolites in urine of the newborns at the time of delivery. As psychological tests, the Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test (BG test) and the Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM test) were used. Results: Concentrations of B[a]P in the third trimester of mother’s pregnancies were 6.1 ± 4.53 ng/m3 in Karvina, and 1.19 ± 1.28 ng/m3 (p < 0.001) in Ceske Budejovice. Neither the outcome of the RCPM test nor the BG test differed between children in Karvina vs. Ceske Budejovice, or boys vs. girls. Cognitive development in five year old children was affected by the higher exposure to PM2.5 during the third trimester in girls in Karvina. Conclusions: We did not observe any significant effect of prenatal PAH exposure on psychological cognitive tests in five year old children.

Quality of Life of Patients with Arrhythmia

Introduction: Quality of life must be perceived in two levels - objective and subjective. Heart arrhythmia is a disease of the cardiovascular system that, by its subjective and objective symptoms, can affect the individual's life physically, mentally, and also socially. It can limit a person in his or her everyday activities or in activities that make them happy or satisfied.Objectives: The aim of the research was to map the quality of life of patients with arrhythmia and to verify whether the duration of arrhythmia has an effect on the quality of life of patients with arrhythmia.Methods: A standardized ASTA (Arrhythmia - Specific Questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmias) questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. The research group consisted of adult patients diagnosed with hearth arrhythmia, hospitalized at the Department of Cardiology of the Ceske Budejovice Hospital (Nemocnice České Budějovice a.s.). A total of 127 valid questionnaires were used for data processing.Results: The research revealed that the most common symptom of arrhythmia in 58% cases was rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, and a sense of heart failure. Most respondents agreed with the claim that heart rhythm disorder makes it impossible for them to perform work, study, and perform daily life activities. No statistically significant differences were found in the evaluation of the influence of the arrhythmia duration on the patients' quality of life.Conclusions: Arrhythmia duration in the selected sample does not affect the overall health status and quality of life measured by the ASTA series questionnaires. Arrhythmia restricts the patient to perform work tasks, study, and perform daily life activities.

Comparison of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolite concentrations in urine of mothers and their newborns

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental contaminants produced during incomplete combustion of organic matter. Humans can be exposed to them via several pathways (inhalation, digestion, dermal exposure). The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of 11 monohydroxylated metabolites of PAHs (OH-PAHs) in 660 urine samples collected from mothers and their newborns residing in two localities of the Czech Republic — Most and Ceske Budejovice — in 2016 and 2017. After enzymatic hydrolysis, the target analytes were extracted from the urine samples using liquid-liquid extraction, with extraction solvent ethyl acetate and a clean-up step using dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) with the Z-Sep sorbent. For identification and quantification, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was applied. 2-OH-NAP was the compound present in all of the measured samples and it was also the compound at the highest concentration in both mothers' and newborns' urine samples (median concentration 5.15 μg/g creatinine and 3.58 μg/g creatinine). The total concentrations of OH-PAHs in urine samples collected from mothers were 2 times higher compared to their children. The most contaminated samples were collected in Most in the period October 2016–March 2017 from both mothers (12.59 μg/g creatinine) and their newborns (8.29 μg/g creatinine). The concentrations of OH-PAHs in urine samples, which were collected from both mothers and their newborns as presented in this study, are comparable with those found in our previous study between 2013 and 2014. In addition, they are slightly lower or comparable to other studies from Poland, USA, Germany, China, and Australia. The results might indicate that the population in the previously highly air-polluted mining districts carries some long-term changes (maybe existing changes in genetic information), which also affect the metabolism of PAHs. It could be related to the long-lasting effect, and thus corresponding to the shortened life expectancy.