Slovakia Institute Research Articles

Trends in the treatment of human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma in Slovakia.

The optimal treatment of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) is currently a subject of clinical research. This questionnaire study investigated current trends in the treatment of HPV-associated (HPV+) OPC in Slovakia with the incorporation of deintensification of oncological treatment into routine clinical practice outside of clinical trials. The Slovak Cooperative Head and Neck Cancer Group (SCHNCG) developed a questionnaire aimed at identifying trends in the oncological treatment of HPV+ OPC intended for all radiation oncology (RO) facilities in Slovakia. Specialists in the field of RO responded to general questions about the character of their individual institutions as well as to 4 theoretical clinical scenarios (case reports) regarding the treatment of HPV+ OPC, focusing primarily on the applied dose of radiotherapy (RT), the extent of target volumes, and the type of concurrent chemotherapy (CHT). The questionnaire study involved 35 RO specialists from 14 institutions in Slovakia. Regarding primary chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in T1N1M0 HPV+ OPC, 16 respondents (45.7%) would consider de-escalation of the RT dose to <70 Gy. In the case of postoperative RT in pT1pN1M0 HPV+ OPC with negative resection margins (R0) and absent extracapsular extension (ECE), 4 physicians (11.4%) would consider de-escalation of the RT dose to <60 Gy in the tumor bed area, while the majority of the treating specialists (n=19, 54.3%) would omit concurrent CHT. In the case of primary RT in elderly patient with T2N1M0 HPV+ OPC, the same number of physicians (n=16, 45.7%) would consider de-escalation of the RT dose to <70 Gy, and 14 respondents (40.0%) would completely omit CHT. In a high-risk patient with T2N3M0 HPV+ OPC with a complete response after 3 cycles of induction chemotherapy (iCHT), none of the respondents would indicate a reduction in the RT dose to the area of the original tumor and lymphadenopathy to <60 Gy. The doses and extent of irradiated volumes in the treatment of HPV+ OPC in Slovakia vary among different institutions. The tendency to de-escalate RT doses and reduce doses of concurrent systemic therapy in Slovakia is high and there was also an observed trend to reduce the extent of radiation treatment fields.

Evaluating Sustainable Online Education: A Cross-Disciplinary Analysis of IT Device Utilization among Slovakian and Hungarian University Students

By the onset of the 21st century, online presence had become prevalent in higher education, with the COVID-19 pandemic further accelerating this trend. However, the success of online education and its assessment by students can differ significantly from region to region and according to the field of study. This can be influenced by students’ habits of using IT devices, but it can also occur the other way around. In this research, experiences related to online education were examined in the fields of Informatics, Agriculture and Pharmacy education at two higher-education institutions in Slovakia and one in Hungary, considering the environmental and social sustainability implications. In the study, in addition to simple statistical methods, a cross-tabulation analysis was carried out using Cramer’s V method. The results have shown that the students of the investigated institutions confidently navigate the online world; they are conscious users of IT tools without being addicted. A total of 74% of students in Mosonmagyaróvár believe they possess sufficient information about the risks associated with computers, mobile phones, and the Internet, whereas only 34% of students in Košice share the same sentiment. The reason for the differences between these characteristics can be attributed to the specialties of the different majors, and not to those arising from regional differences, raising important questions about the ecological sustainability of online education practices. A relatively great consistency can be observed in the assessment of online learning among students from the three institutions, with approximately 85% expressing overall satisfaction with the online learning experience. The easier availability of study materials and savings on travel are mentioned as advantages, contributing to economic sustainability. However, separation from their mates and the lack of practical training may be regarded as a disadvantage for them, as they seem to have a preference for face-to-face training. Overall, it may be concluded that purely online training in the fields of Informatics, Agriculture, and Pharmacy training is not feasible for the time being, necessitating a balanced and sustainable approach for the future.

Review of the traineeship at the University of Prešov

The University of Prešov is one of the leading higher education institutions in Slovakia, located in the city of Prešov. Founded in 1997, the university quickly established itself as an important educational and scientific center of the region. It offers a wide range of academic programs at bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels covering various fields of knowledge, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, theology, medicine and others. Training programs are aimed at developing critical thinking, practical skills and academic excellence.

Musical Art Distance Education after Pandemic

Abstract Introduction:The spread of the coronavirus brought necessary changes in education, including the abrupt transfer from classroom instruction to an exclusively online environment. The teachers and pupils/students adapted to the new conditions, and currently, virtual education elements are being implemented in face-to-face teaching to enhance its efficiency. The aim of our research was to monitor distant education in vocational music school environment, describe main difficulties in vocational music online classes, and identify elements of distance learning that can be implemented in music education after pandemics. Methods:The study utilized a mixed research design. The primary method of collecting data was through questionnaires (2020, 2021 and 2022), and analysing essays written by students from the Faculty of Performing Arts at the Academy of Arts in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia (2020). Results:Student respondents strongly believe that while in theoretically oriented courses, online education can replace face-to-face learning, it is no viable option for practically oriented courses in higher music education. More than half of the students do not support the inclusion of elements of distance education in face-to-face teaching. In spite of several challenges, the positive aspects of online education support the implementation of some distance learning elements in face-to-face music education. Discussion: Our findings about vocational music online education do not contradict other surveys (Yurdal, Sahin, Kosan, &amp; Toraman, 2021; Wang, 2023; Al-Mawee, Kwayub, &amp; Gharaibeh, 2021; Bakhov, Opolska, Bogus, Anishchenko, &amp; Biryukova, 2021; Martha, Junus, Santoso, &amp; Suhartanto, 2021). Limitations: The main limitation is the sampling, as it only included participants who had internet access and were willing to participate in the survey. Future studies should encompass more music educational institutions in Slovakia to achieve a larger sample size. Furthermore, in analyzing questionnaires, we did not make difference between participants´ music study fields. Conclusions:Although distance education has shown considerable improvement since 2019 and has undeniable advantages, students pursuing performing arts and composition at the Faculty of Music Arts at the Academy of Arts maintain rather sceptical attitude towards it. They strongly believe that in practical courses, the online teaching cannot fully replace the face-to-face instructions. However, teachers often incorporate certain online teaching elements into their regular classes.

ANALYSIS OF THE SOCIAL ASSISTANCE OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC FOR THE REFUGEES FROM UKRAINE

The war in Ukraine that broke out on 24th February 2022 has set in motion a number of people in Ukraine who have sought help in neighbouring countries. Since Slovakia is an immediate neighbour of Ukraine, it is logical that people from Ukraine, especially mothers with children and elderly people, sought help in our country. State, church and voluntary institutions in Slovakia responded to this situation very promptly and helpfully. The border crossings Ubľa, Vyšné Nemecké and Veľké Slemence became places where the departees from Ukraine could find safety, welcome and humanitarian aid. The aim of our research study is to analyze the social assistance for departees from Ukraine, based on the available statistical data in the Slovak Republic. In the research we analyze the number of: departees from Ukraine have crossed the borders of the Slovak Republic, refugees applied for temporary shelter and accommodation, children of refugees placed in schools, refugees employed. We also analyze social benefits paid to refugees from Ukraine. As a research method, we chose to analyse statistical data regarding the departees from Ukraine. The research study was carried out on the basis of available data processed by the Government of the Slovak Republic, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic. In addition, we relied on data processed by the non-profit organization Centre for Ethnicity Research and other non-profit organizations. The data provide us with information for the first 3 months.

Crisis management: Developing PSIT structures for Ukrainians displaced persons in Slovakia

The way in which PSIT services are provided to national government institutions in Slovakia, the opportunities for professionalisation, training and social recognition of translators and interpreters differ from the standards of quality set by theory (e.g. Giambruno, 2014, Valero-Garcés, Tipton, 2017). The coutry has significant problems in the availability of PSIT in minority language combinations and fluctuation in the quality of the services provided (Štefková, Bossaert, 2019). In the face of a major increase in demand for PSIT in the current crisis situation related to the transfer of a large number of displaced persons from Ukraine the paper (1) reports on an initial research on the state of PSIT provision in this crisis situation in Slovakia and (2) on the basis of the needs analysis, describes the basis for setting up a sustainable PSIT translation and interpreting model.

SYSTÉM DUÁLNEHO VZDELÁVANIA

The purpose of the contribution is to present the findings and knowledge to date in the implementation of practical teaching with and without a dual education system in institutions in Slovakia. Above all, the current trend and employers' satisfaction with the established system. The purpose of the article is also to point out what is the basis of the dual education system - its disadvantages for employers and its advantages. There are published satisfaction with the school system and satisfaction at individual school levels in the post. The permanent number of secondary schools are important in the school system, event more importatnt is the number of high quality vocational school, which educate future graduates of specific positions which will be needed to be filled and will need to be filled.

Integrated water resources management in an urban concept: results from water smart cities and water management institutions in Slovakia

Integrated water resources management in an urban concept: results from water smart cities and water management institutions in Slovakia

Factors affecting migration destination choices of international migrant workers in Slovakia

The main goal of this paper is to determine the main economic factors that influence the self-selection process of migrant workers when settling in Slovakia. Considering the growing number of migrant workers in Slovakia, it is necessary to determine which factors influence them most when choosing a final destination within the country. Paper deals with the allocation of migrant workers in Slovakia focusing on the mutual relationship between the total number of migrant workers and the average wage, and the number of vacancies in 2010 and 2020 in individual districts. The paper also analyses the domestic labour market with emphasis on internal and foreign labour migration. The study is based on migration and self-selection process theories. In the paper, we work with data from public institutions in Slovakia, especially the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family, the National Bank of Slovakia and the Statistical Office. To achieve the goal, Spearman's coefficient is used and its significance and linear regression are tested. The results show that the correlation between the number of migrant workers in individual districts and the number of vacancies was stronger than the correlation between the number of migrant workers and the amount of average wage in both monitored years 2010 and 2020. URL: https://www.gcass.science.upjs.sk/

Contemporary Paradigms in the Historical Context of the Institute of Ethnology and Social Anthropology SAS (1946 – 1989): From the Generation of Founders to the Generation of Builders

Abstract The aim of this study is to offer a paradigmatic analysis of the development of the discipline – called predominantly “ethnography” and “ethnology” in the 20th century Slovakia – in the background of the history of its development within one of the key institutions in Slovakia where research is conducted – the Institute of Ethnology and Social Anthropology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (IESA SAS). It is extremely interesting in our case how, in a relatively short period of its existence, the institution under study reacted flexibly to changes in the political regimes and discursive paradigms which resulted in system changes. The changes in external settings forced the institution to interact and intervene, which was reflected in different intensities of reorganisation of the internal ecosystem in different periods. On the other hand, it is also possible to observe major resilience which enabled the institution to preserve internal consistency of its processes. In the case of the IESA SAS, we can rather speak of “micro-historical temporalities” (measured approximately over a period of individual decades) in the background of more general longue dureé processes (i.e. long-lasting and global historical changes) in which work teams, specific personalities at leadership positions as well as the external ecosystem were significantly engaged. Within the history of the institution, the study also observes the life and modus operandi of two important generations, denoting them, in terms of the metaphorical discourse, as the generation of founders (1950s and 1960s) and the generation of builders (1970s and 1980s).

The Perception of Slovak Students on Distance Online Learning in the Time of Coronavirus—A Preliminary Study

Teaching and learning at educational institutions in Slovakia has been based on traditional education, consisting of face-to-face classes until it was disrupted by the spread of the Coronavirus disease. A sudden lockdown caused massive changes, which presented challenges not only for teachers, but also for students who were forced to adapt their learning in a very short time, without any previous preparation. Since various educational institutions were forced to remain closed, they had no option but to shift from a traditional educational approach to distance learning. This form of education requires a form of online learning. The main purpose of this study was to explore what technical equipment students had at their disposal, to understand the students’ perception of distance learning, and to ensure better learning conditions in case of future lockdowns. In order to investigate student readiness for distance learning, a questionnaire survey was conducted at the Secondary Vocational School of Tourism and Gastronomy in Nitra, Slovakia. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of students from the Secondary Vocational School of Gastronomy and Tourism are ready for distance online learning. The results also indicate that a great percentage of students have Internet access and are the owners of technological devices that can be used for educational purposes. Furthermore, students are able to work individually on their own and do not require any help from other people while working on assignments. Although they prefer different teaching methods, the synchronous online courses are their priority because it enables them to have direct contact with their teachers and peers. Overall, this research shows that distance online learning is possible provided that both teachers and students are familiarised with this new learning environment and are ready to cooperate.

Spatial Distribution Model for Targeting the Support for Cultural Institutions’ Development: A Case Study of Slovakia

Culture is one of the main tools for developing regions and reducing regional disparities. It is a significant job creator; it participates in social cohesion representing a catalyst for economic growth. In practice, when boosting the potential of cultural and creative industries, we encounter an insufficiently developed approach to evaluating the initial conditions for the allocation of financial resources for its development. This paper’s objective is to identify, map, and analyse spatial concentration of cultural institutions in Slovakia. The intention of the analysis was the identification of regions and districts with the potential for full use of cultural capital as a tool for sustainable regional development as well as the setting of cultural policy. The cluster analysis pointed out significant differences in the representation of cultural institutions in individual regions and districts of Slovakia. The regions with the most desirable results (e.g., Bratislava, Trnava, or Nitra) have some common characteristics linked to the local context, such as historical development, good infrastructure, concentration of educational institutions. The results also confirmed the assumption that within the regions, cultural institutions will be concentrated in larger district cities, specifically in the case of Bratislava even inside the city. From the cluster analysis it is possible to observe a “belt of districts” of Southern, Central, and Eastern Slovakia, which do not have sufficient cultural infrastructure. Since the process of shaping the supportive policy for cultural industries is now ongoing in Slovakia, we consider mapping the situation as one of the key elements in the policy-making process.

Socio-Political and Socio-Cultural Activities of the Union of Rusyns-Ukrainians in the Slovak Republic (1989-1993)

The given article, based on archival documents, provides the analysis of socio-political, socio-cultural, and educational activities of the Union of Rusyns-Ukrainians in the Slovak Republic, the updated name of which was adopted at the extraordinary Congress of the Cultural Union of Ukrainian workers of Czechoslovakia in January 20, 1990 in Prešov. The Cultural Union of Ukrainian Workers of Czechoslovakia of cultural orientation (founded in 1951), which was the predecessor of the new organization, is mentioned. According to the decision of the Congress, the reformed organization focused on strengthening the friendship and cooperation with the Slovak people, other nationalities in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, etc. It is noted that the return to the old name was seen by the Rusyn-Ukrainians of Eastern Slovakia as one of the means of identity struggle against the accelerated slovakization in the context of aggravation of interethnic relations in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic in the late 1980s and 1990s. The analysis of the adopted documents in which the Congress stated its intentions and requirements is given including: Program Proclamation of the Congress, the Memorandum of Rusyns-Ukrainians of Czechoslovakia to the Federal Assembly of Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, Slovak National Council and the SSR Government, the Statute of the Council of Rusyns-Ukrainians of Czechoslovakia, “Organization’s Work Plan for the Near Future”, which expressed the need to give priority to working with young people in and out of schools. The catastrophic decrease in the number of schools with the Ukrainian language of instruction is stated. The paper also notes the numerical grow and revitalization of other Ukrainian national associations and institutions in Slovakia willing to work in the field of cultural and national life of Rusyns-Ukrainians (Oleksander Dukhnovych Society, Rukh, “OBRUCH” Organization, Association of Ukrainians in the Czech Republic, Carpathians Youth Union, etc.)

Primary and secondary aortopathy associated with adult congenital heart disease - retrospective study

BackgroundPrimary and secondary aortopathy are frequently encountered in patients with congenital heart disease. The aim of this study is to present our experience and the incidence of primary and secondary adult CHD-associated aortopathy.MethodsThe cohort is comprised of adult patients with congenital heart disease from the registry of the Eastern Slovakia Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. Data from the last follow-up examinations are included in this study. In the primary and secondary aortopathy groups were 35 and 12 patients respectively. As a control group were selected 64 patients with non aortopathy associated congenital heart disease (atrial and ventricular septal defect).ResultsPatients with primary and secondary aortopathy had larger ascending aorta/aortic root diameters than the control group (36.28 (26–49) mm vs 30.25 (21–41) mm p = 0.000113, 33.82 27–49) mm vs 29.03 (19–38)mm p = 0.000366 and 42.1 (30–50) mm vs 30.25 (21–41) mm, p = 0.000106, 35.67 (27–48) mm vs 29.03 (19–38) mm, p = 0.000119 respectively). Moreover, patients with secondary aortopathy had statistically significant larger ascending aorta diameter compared to the patients with primary aortopathy (42.1 (30–50) mm vs 36.28 (26–49) mm p = 0.030). During the follow-up period, were performed only in 2 patients (one from each group) operations on the aortic root and the ascending aorta due to aortic root or ascending aorta dilatation.ConclusionMore patients with secondary aortopathy had dilated ascending aorta/ aortic root, as well as larger aortic diameters compare to the patients with primary aortopathy. Routine follow-up of these patients with attention to aortic diameter is necessary.

On the Issue of Adapting Materials for the English for Specific Purposes Online Course

Nowadays, educational institutions in Slovakia are looking for solutions to improve learning using adaptive software to meet the needs of a wide range of skill levels in a single classroom. In line with the educational challenges of the 21st century, language teachers of the Faculty of Manufacturing Technologies of the Technical University of Kosice in Slovakia have been using contemporary methods in the process of foreign languages teaching for several years. Based on blended learning concept implementation, the author presents the newly designed online course EnGeRu (English, German, Russian for Technicians) which serves as a supplementing platform to the full-time teaching course. To create this dynamic environment, the Moodle platform has been used. The course in available at http://web.tuke.sk/fvt-engeru/ to serve the needs of the Faculty of Manufacturing Technologies as well as other technically oriented faculties and universities. Key to success in the development of teaching materials for online courses depends heavily on the ability of language teachers to adapt the materials within current technological contexts to serve the needs of the future technicians. The author considers Internet resources as freely gettable tool that can be further adapted for special needs of English language learners. Following the principles of materials development, several examples of materials adaptation for English language online course are presented. The model of a blended e-learning course can be utilized as a pattern for various English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses, which are nowadays widely developed and implemented at technical universities, especially when learners need to develop special language competencies within the context of special technical disciplines.

K počiatkom Archívu Slovenského národného múzea. Príspevok k životu a dielu Márie Jeršovej Opočenskej

The cultural heritage of the nation is protected by memory institutions, which consist, largely, of museums. One of the largest cultural institutions in Slovakia is the Slovak National Museum. Its archive has become a permanent source of information both on the institutional development of this longest continuously operating national cultural institution and the development of museum management in Slovakia. The article provides a brief overview of accessible archival sources on the history of the Slovak National Museum and, moreover, recalls the merits of some important personalities from the Czech Republic working in the field of preservation for Slovakia’s cultural heritage.

Appearance of Clostridium difficile infections in health care institutions in Slovakia and in the district of martin

Abstract Introduction: Decrease of nonspecific imunity in patients and the treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics form appropriate conditions for the appearance of medically severe Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) - enterocolitis that can have the characteristics of community or hospital acquired infection (HAI). The aim of our work is to identify the trend of their incidence in Slovakia and to define the risk groups according to age and department of hospitalisation. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis and comparison of the appearance of CDI was performed within the groups of patients hospitalised in health care institutions in the SR and those in the district of Martin during the period of years 2010 to 2017. The data of reported cases were taken from the Epidemiological information system of the Slovak Republic (EPIS SR), the source of demografic data was the National Center of Health Information. Resuts: Analysis shows an important increase of incidence of CDI during years 2010 to 2017. Diseases had predominantly health care associated – nosocomial – character targeting mostly older patients (65+ - 24/10 000 in the Slovak Republic and 62/10,000 in the county of Martin) and less infants (7/10,000 and 11/10,000 repectively). Conclusion: The results of our analyses are consistent with literature data about CDI enterocolitis and show their serious health and social impact in our society.

Data Envelopment Analysis of Selected Specialized Health Centres and Possibilities of its Application in the Terms of Slovak Republic Health Care System

Scientific approach in health centres management does not have a long history in Slovakia. There exist only a limited number of articles devoted to methods of efficiency evaluation. The aim of this article is to point out the options and the readiness of particular Data envelopment analysis (DEA) models in the conditions in specialized institutions in Slovakia. This article records scientific approach using the DEA method and also practical approach from the management of the chosen specialized medical institution. It evaluates the suggestibility of individual models and their influentiability factor by the management of respective health institutions. By using the DEA bootstrap method, we indicated where the possible deviations/differences from the measured values could lie.

Technical Efficiency and Super-efficiency of the Insurance Sector in Slovakia

In this paper, the technical efficiency and the super-efficiency of a representative sample of insurance institutions in Slovakia is analyzed with the aid of data envelopment analysis (DEA). This paper differs from the so far published literature, as it extends the application of radial DEA models (the CCR model of Charnes, Cooper and Rodes; the BCC model of Banker, Charnes and Cooper) by a non-radial model (the SBM model of Tone) and a super-efficiency model. The supper-efficiency can be used either to rank efficient units or to indicate outliers in the analyzed group of decision making units. Achieved results also reveal that in the year 2013, among 13 Slovak insurance companies under evaluation, the AXA poisťovňa, a. s. was the super-efficient insurance company. The implications of gained results are then drawn for managerial and regulatory purposes. Firstly, it is shown how the management of the insurance institutions with the poorest performances should change their managerial procedures and adopt enhanced-incentive policy. Secondly, the regulatory body of the insurance institutions should utilize the gained technical efficiency of the analyzed institutions for the prediction of their competitiveness in the long run.

Study of the Mechanochemical Reduction of Ilmenite Concentrate by Addition of Aluminum

of Ilmenite Concentrate by Addition of Aluminum M. Achimovi£ova, E. Gock, E. Turianicova, N.G. Kostova, N. Velinov, M. Ka¬uchova and P. Balao Institute of Mineral and Waste Processing, Waste Disposal and Geomechanics, Technical University-Clausthal, Walther-Nernst 9, Clausthal, Germany Institute of Geotechnics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 45, Ko2ice, Slovakia Institute of Catalysis, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Georgi Bonchev 11, So a, Bulgaria Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnology, Technical University-Ko2ice, Letna 9, Ko2ice, Slovakia