Moravian-Silesian Region Research Articles

Analysis of the Remediation of Coal Tar-Contaminated Groundwater Using Ex Situ Remediation

The article describes the remediation of contaminated groundwater during the ex situ remediation of coal tar contamination following the closure of a coking plant in the Moravian–Silesian Region (Czech Republic). The aim of the article is to point out the advantages of ex situ soil remediation via the excavation of the contaminated geological environment combined with thermal desorption, a method of removing contaminants both from soil and groundwater. Its advantage is the absolute qualitative and quantitative control over the contaminated soil with the possibility of precise segmentation into contaminated and non-contaminated soils. Next, all contaminated groundwater may be pumped off upon the construction of sealing walls to control groundwater flows. To excavate the soil, it is necessary to reduce the contaminated groundwater level inside the sealing walls and thus create conditions for the extraction of contaminated soils using standard machinery. In detail, the article describes the removal of the contaminated groundwater and compares the quality of the pumped and inflowing water before and after the remediation. The locality is characteristic of a high horizontal and vertical grain-size heterogeneity of gravel-sand, which led to a varying filtration coefficient affecting the capacities of pumped groundwater quantity during the remediation. At the start of the remediation process, the contaminant levels exceeded the limits by the Czech Environmental Inspectorate several times. The post-remediation monitoring showed that all the contaminant levels were below the limit. Surprisingly, the overall groundwater contamination amounted to 232.86 t of contaminants as non-aqueous phase liquids, and 6872.9 kg of dissolved contaminants. As much as 12,200 t of contaminants were removed from the soil.

Psychometric properties of the Czech version of the brief Older People Quality of Life questionnaire (OPQoL-brief)

BackgroundTo evaluate the established interventions used for older adults, it is appropriate to use validated questionnaires for quality-of-life assessment. For older people, it is suitable to use specific questionnaires designed for old age and aging, with a lower number of questions. The aim of this research was to verify the psychometric properties of the Czech version of the OPQoL-brief questionnaire for seniors living in home environment in a community so that it can be used within the Czech Republic.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed on older adults in the Moravian-Silesian Region living at home. The study included 954 senior citizens (≥ 65 years, cognitively intact) (without diagnosed dementia, able to sign an informed consent). To test the psychometric properties of the created questionnaire, we tested the validity (construct validity, discriminant validity, convergent validity) and reliability (internal consistency, test–retest reliability).ResultsThe single-factor model of the OPQoL-brief scale (CFI = 0.971, TLI = 0.959, RMSEA = 0.061, SRMR = 0.034, GFI = 0.960) was confirmed, for which excellent reliability was found (α = 0.921, ICC = 0.904). An inter-item correlation exceeding 0.5 was found for all items. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between the overall score of OPQoL-brief and the scales measuring depression (r = − 0.520; p < 0.001), anxiety (r = − 0.355; p < 0.001), sense of coherence (r = 0.427; p < 0.001), and self-esteem (r = 0.428; p < 0.001).ConclusionThe results of our research revealed that the shorter Czech version of the OPQoL-brief questionnaire has appropriate reliability and validity and can be recommended for both health and social services to assess the quality of life of senior citizens in a community.

Influence of Temperature and Transmitted Power on Losses in Particular Transmission System

Innovations and trends has been significantly increased during modern theory and practical realizations in the field of energetic. In the Czech Republic, the research of predictions of technical losses on the transmission system can be considered as novel and important topic. Using software possibilities can be appropriately utilized in the frame of estimations of the technical losses. While they cannot be eliminated, they may be minimized. Losses can be measured or calculated using transmission-line parameters. This causality is considered in the form of the presented and proposed mathematical equations including real measured data of the atmospheric temperatures achieved on the substations selected in the Moravian-Silesian region. In this contribution, results of proposed calculations of technical losses based only on line parameters considering the ambient temperature are being compared in relation to a particular transmission system using prediction software. Particularly, technical losses caused by a configuration change of a selected part of a transmission system are considered related to the operation of Dlouhe Strane pumped storage hydro power plant. As can be conclude, after the resulted comparisons using by the proposed mathematical models in software and the obtained real measured data, general minimization of the losses is necessary to create the most accurate models of the states that might occur in the future and to propose required modifications of the given part of the transmission system. Future bounded research can be focused on the sensors situated on the transmission lines instead of the substations.

Neutron Activation Analysis of PM10 for Air Quality of an Industrial Region in the Czech Republic: A Case Study

This work was conducted to focus on pollutant transmission between Poland and Czechia at the most polluted area in the Czech Republic, the Moravian Silesian region. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and multivariate statistical analyses were used to determine the mass fractions of inorganic air pollutants accumulated on filters. Particle matters of sizes smaller than 10 µm (PM10) were collected using a high-volume sampler (SAM Hi 30 AUTO WIND). Pollutants PM10 were collected on Whatman QM-A Quartz Microfiber Filters of 150 mm in diameter based on various wind conditions. These filters were irradiated by neutron flux at the experimental reactor IBR-2 at the Joint Institute of Nuclear Research in Dubna, RF. Irradiated samples were measured by gamma spectrometry techniques using HPGe detectors. In total, results are shown for 49 samples (from March to July 2021) and five field blank filters. The mass fractions of 24 elements (Sc, Cr, Fe, Ni, Co, Zn, Se, As, Br, Rb, Mo, Sb, Ba, Cs, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Hf, Au, Th, and U) were determined. The sources of pollution were specified using correlation and exploratory factor analyses and including meteorological conditions. A strong positive correlation was shown between the elements Cr, As, Br, Co, Fe, Sc, Se, Sm, Th, La, and Ce. Elemental exposure to PM10 can be divided based on the factor loadings of common chemical components into three main pollution sources. According to the wind rose, the pollution came from the southeast/west direction; therefore, we can assume that the pollution most likely originated from the metallurgic complex (steel and iron production in the southeast, and a coking plant, metal foundry, and generation plant in the west).

Information Accessibility of Restaurant Companies in Moravian-Silesian Region

The literature agrees that the most affected sector during the COVID 19 pandemic was tourism. The period of pandemics associated with social distance has completely transformed the hotel and catering business. Covid 19 has launched new trends in the provision of catering services. Many restaurants have changed their product offerings, focusing on fast food. The stone establishments became online establishments with the virtual operation of the restaurant. Information accessibility has become one of the key success factors and competitive advantages of companies in the restaurant equipment segments. The article deals with the analysis and evaluation of the current state of information accessibility of restaurant facilities in the Moravian-Silesian Region in the context of specific groups. Within this analysis, persons with visual problems, which include not only the visually impaired but also the elderly, were found for a specific group. The analysis was based on the observation of 276 restaurant facilities in the Moravian-Silesian Region and the subsequent classification of individual entities based on clustering into classes. The selection of information accessibility factors was based on a search of literature and sources. From the point of view of a specific group, it is the contrast of fonts, alternative texts and other elements of barriers, etc. In conclusion, it can be assessed that restaurants in the region use web applications, but there are still barriers for a specific group.&#x0D; Like many other industries, the tourism segments had been affected by information technology. Today, customers commonly use the Internet to search for destinations and to book accommodation services. Portals for import services (pizza delivery, etc.) are now also used in gastronomic services. The time of covid strengthened this trend even more. As a result of the complete closure of restaurants and restaurants in hotel facilities, companies have had to launch new approaches to service delivery, in particular focusing on their product import services, which are, however, based on the Internet applications. At present, the key factor in purchasing decisions is the accessibility of the company's website, i.e. Web presentation for all specific groups. In covid times, web tools have become an element from the point of view of restaurant-customer interaction. The individual tools applied to the creation of corporate websites offer shopping for people with special needs without the presence of assistants, which increases the personal self-sufficiency of these people. According to Castiglioni and Gaj (2020), it is necessary for people (and businesses) to radically change their approach to life and adapt to security conditions after the outbreak of Covid 19 in many countries, services that would otherwise be unattainable at the time of the lockdown. Websites of tourism enterprises (accommodation and catering services, cultural heritage goals) significantly belong to the competitiveness of the destination (Kourtesopoulou, et al., 2020; Luna-Nevarez, Hyman, 2012), which is a means of transport to the destination and improve the quality of life of the population.

TRENDS IN THE CATERING AND ACCOMMODATION BUSINESS IN THE MORAVIAN SILESIAN REGION

The development of tourism trends significantly influences the tourist attractiveness of the destination ad increases tourist attendance. The paper presents the results of the research Tourist Trends in the Moravian Silesian Region (MSR), which focused on examining trends in accommodation and catering facilities, as a significant part of tourism services. The research area included trends and innovations in the field of services and the reaction of the offer of these services due to the change in the preferences of customers and visitors to these facilities. The main goal of the paper was to identify new trends in the offer of accommodation and catering services and to determine factors affecting repeat visit or purchase. Quantitative research using a questionnaire survey and qualitative research using structured interviews with business representatives in 2017 and 2020 was used and the results were compared. The opinions of visitors and representatives of the business on service quality indicators were compared. The dependence of service quality indicators related to repeat visits or service purchases was examined using the chi-squared test of independence. Evaluations of some service quality indicators did not confirm their dependence on repeat visits/purchases. Representatives of accommodation and catering services have a common opinion on the importance of specific indicators of service quality for repeat guest visits. The survey showed changes in the offer and quality of services of accommodation and catering companies in the Moravian Silesian Region due to changing preferences of the customers. The formulation of new trends in this part of the offer of tourism can serve as an inspiration for local entrepreneurs in the region and lead them to develop new products and introduce new services, to increase their business success and also to increase tourist attendance in the region.

Transboundary Air Pollution Transport of PM10 and Benzo[a]pyrene in the Czech–Polish Border Region

The article is occupied with the evaluation of the transboundary transport of pollutants in the Czech–Polish border region (between the Moravian-Silesian region and the Silesian Voivodeship) in Central Europe. It focuses on the evaluation of concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and suspended particles of PM10 depending on meteorological conditions, especially wind direction. The whole area of interest is heavily affected with air pollution of BaP and PM10. Limits of BaP and PM10 are still exceeded. Annual concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene are even several times higher than the value of its annual limit. The elaboration follows the results of the Czech–Polish project “Air Silesia”, which dealt with air pollution and the transboundary transport of pollutants in this area and took place in 2010 to 2013. Within this project, a higher transport of pollutants from Poland to the Czech Republic was established. The evaluation of the dependences of PM10 concentrations is based on hourly and daily data of PM10 and hourly data of meteorological quantities. To assess the dependences of daily BaP and PM10 concentrations, a methodology for evaluating daily types of wind direction was implemented into the processing. The results confirm that the problem of above-limit concentrations of BaP and PM10 in the Moravian-Silesian Region in the Czech Republic and the Silesian Voivodeship in Poland remains. The article confirms there is a higher transport of PM10 concentrations from Poland to the Czech Republic in the area of interest. Higher transport in the same direction is also predicted for daily concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene, although this cannot be clearly confirmed due to the lack of more detailed and identifiable data.

Traffic pollution tracers in the lymphatic system tissue of children-possible link to chronic tonsillitis development: pilot study.

The origin of metal elements in tonsillar tissues of children patients was investigated in order to establish the link between environmental pollution and tonsilitis diagnosis. The children lived either in a polluted, industrial region (Moravian-Silesian Region, North-East Czechia) or a clean, predominantly agricultural region (South Bohemian Region, South-East Czechia). Simultaneously, the distance of the address of the patients to the closest main road was assessed. The elemental content of the present particulate matter in the tonsil samples, coming from indicated tonsillectomies, was analysed using scanning electron microscopy equipped with an X-ray microprobe. No significant association of the elemental composition and the region was found using both bivariate and multivariate methods; however, an association with the distance to the closest main road was found. The study presents a novel assessment of the tonsillar tissues and supports the link between environmental factors (traffic-related particulate pollution) and the onset of chronic, idiopathic diseases in children, which has been debated recently.

Olfactometric diagnosis of lung cancer by canine scent – A double-blinded study

BackgroundLung cancer is one of the most often diagnosed tumours in the world with the highest mortality. A major problem and reason for the high mortality from lung cancer is its diagnosis in the late stages. The main goal of preventing lung cancer deaths is early detection in the early stages and accurate diagnosis, which must be followed by targeted treatment. Nevertheless, even top diagnostic techniques do not have the same accuracy and sensitivity as a dog’s sense of smell. MethodsThe study aims to present the results of olfactometric detection of lung cancer using the smell of dogs in unblinded, single-blinded and double-blinded studies. 115 serum samples or breath from patients with lung cancer and 101 samples from healthy people were used for the training. The group consisted of women and men of Indo-European origin, mostly from the Moravian-Silesian region in Czech Republic. Two dogs were selected for the study. ResultsIn the case of tumor detection in the form of unblinded tests, Bugs had a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 92%. Boolomo had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 81%. For single-blinded tests, Bugs had a sensitivity of 71%. The sensitivity of Boolomo was set at 90%. After meeting the sensitivity limit of 70%, dogs were included in the double-blinded studies. The highest accuracy was set at 68% for Bugs, 83% for Boolomo. ConclusionWhen a tumour is diagnosed in the late stages, it is a great burden on both the health and economic systems of the state. Unfortunately, there is still no suitable screening test to detect the tumour at an early stage, so any other method of detection seems desirable. Trained dogs are used in many fields, why not also in medicine and the diagnosis of tumours?

Heat Production in Considering Boilers and their Influence on CO and NOx Emission Values

At present, there is a tendency to make greater use of hot water heat sources for the combustion of solid fuels, such as lump wood, coal, coke, instead of heat sources for the combustion of natural gas. This tendency is due to the high price of natural gas as well as the availability of cheaper solid fuel. In many cases, as part of saving on heating costs, respectively. as part of waste disposal, municipal waste of various compositions is also co-incinerated with solid fuel. This co-incineration entails increased emissions, such as CO (carbon monoxide), NOx (nitrogen oxides), TZL (particulate matter), PM10, HCl (hydrogen chloride), PCDD/Fs (polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and others which, with a relatively large number of heat sources for the combustion of solid fuel in municipalities, have a significant impact on the quality of the environment in the locality. Between the population and representatives of the state administration as in Žilina, Thus, the Moravian-Silesian Region also lacks awareness of how the environment is degraded due to the co-incineration of solid fuel and municipal waste. At present, there is no qualitative comparison of the effect of combustion of solid fuel and municipal fuel waste to the emission burden on the environment. There are no real measured emission factors for determining the production of the above emissions from the co-incineration of solid fuels and a certain amount of municipal waste. The combustion of fossil fuels and the consequent occurrence of harmful emissions on the environment are therefore becoming a central theme of current heating technology.

COVID-19 and suburban public transport in the conditions of the Czech Republic

This article focuses on possible approaches to safe regional public transport during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purposes of the research are examination the conditions for ensuring safe transport and the impact on the planning of transport services. The result is an assessment of the operation of regional public transport, consisting of the possibility of maintaining safe distances in public transport. Authors work on suburban transport cases in selected regions of the Czech Republic (Prague and Moravian-Silesian Region). Census devices in public transport, periodical transport surveys, Google mobility reports and data on fare sales from regional transport were used as data sources. Emphasis is placed on a safe distance between commuters, this condition leads to lower occupancy of the vehicle while maintaining the capacity of the vehicles. The value of this new occupancy is determined for selected vehicles and the coefficient that represents the maximum occupancy level to ensure safe transport is established. The capacity of the connections is examined in the period before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to the period before COVID-19, the daily variation of passengers is expected to change significantly, leading to different occupancy rates during the day.

Design and Verification of a Simple Approach to Brownfields Categorization

Brownfields have been the subject of research, evaluation, categorization and, of course, redevelopment for many years. The ABC(D) model (an assessment tool to identify different types of sites in terms of their potential) by the Concerted Action on Brownfield and Economic Regeneration Network (CABERNET) has been mentioned in many publications. The aim of the assessment method presented in this article is to use the basic essence of the categories in the ABC(D) model and to use our own very simple criteria. Our criteria are the result of many years of experience in the creation and management of the brownfield database. In 2017, the development potential of selected brownfields in the database of the Moravian-Silesian region (Czech Republic) was evaluated using our proposed procedure (three objective and one subjective criterion). In 2020, verification of the categories in regard to how correctly or incorrectly they were proposed was carried out. The results from this verification, including reasons for the accompanying inaccuracies, are a part of this article. We verified that the very simple evaluation procedure we proposed is functional and can be applied by database administrators continuously without the need to create complex datasets and statistical evaluations.

Content Analysis of Stroke Teleconsultation Recordings in the Moravian-Silesian Region, Czech Republic.

Background: Direct teleconsultations between emergency medical services (EMS) crews and hospital-based stroke neurologists are mandated in the Czech Republic as triage and prenotification tool in acute stroke patients. The main aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy as well as quality of such teleconsultations in daily clinical practice.Methods: This is a descriptive analysis of teleconsultations between EMS paramedic crews and hospital-based neurologists in a geographically defined region of the Czech Republic (Moravian-Silesian region) between October 2018 to December 2018. All teleconsultations were analyzed for length and content. Content analysis included the following information: date, age, sex, prehospital neurological deficit(s), known/unknown time of symptom onset, anticoagulation status, vital signs, premorbid disability, and patient ID/insurance company number.Results: Within the study period, paramedics conducted 522 calls across 6 stroke centers. Of these, 334 (64%) calls were conducted because patients met pre-established prehospital criteria for suspected acute stroke. Median call duration was 1 min 44 s ± 56 s (minimum 50 s, maximum 5 min 5 s). Amongst the analyzed prehospital teleconsultations, stroke onset time was reported in 95% of cases, neurological deficit in 96%, significant co-morbidities in 53%, premorbid disability in 37%, and anticoagulation status in 53%.Conclusion: Teleconsultations between paramedics and hospital-based neurologists are not time-consuming. Stroke onset time and severity of neurological deficit are consistently communicated, however other important information such as comorbidities, premorbid disability, and anticoagulation status are reported inconsistently.

IMAGE IN NON-ARTISTIC TEXT AS A FACTOR DEVELOPING READING STRATEGIES OF SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS' PUPILS

The paper focuses on the current problem of factors influencing the reading of non-artistic texts and the development of reading strategies of pupils of secondary technical schools in the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. The paper aims to reflect, describe, analyse and evaluate which types of non-artistic texts, images, and depictions develop pupils' reading strategies. The text presents selected results of the quantitatively oriented questionnaire survey focusing on the identification of the relationship between the pupil's notion of a non-artistic text and course of work with the image as factors influencing their reading strategies. The partial goal of the pilot research is to point out the factors influencing student teachers at the Faculty of Education of the University of Ostrava in working with non-artistic text, an image in the text and their understanding.

New Prehospital Triage for Stroke Patients Significantly Reduces Transport Time of EVT Patients Without Delaying IVT.

Background and Purpose: Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The time from stroke onset to treatment impacts clinical outcome. Here, we examined whether changing a triage model from “drip and ship” to “mothership” yielded significant reductions of onset-to-groin time (OGT) in patients receiving EVT and onset-to-needle time (ONT) in IVT-treated patients, compared to before FAST-PLUS test implementation. We also investigated whether the new triage improved clinical outcomes.Methods: In a before/after multicenter study, we evaluated the effects of changing the prehospital triage system for suspected stroke patients in the Moravian–Silesian region, Czech Republic. In the new system, the validated FAST PLUS test is used to differentiate patients with suspected large vessel occlusion and triage-positive patients are transported directly to the CSC. Time metrics and patient data were obtained from the regional EMS database and SITS database.Results: For EVT patients, the median OGT was 213 min in 2015 and 142 min in 2018, and the median TT was 142 min in 2015 and 47 min in 2018. For tPA patients, the median ONT was 110 min in 2015 and 109 min in 2018, and the median TT was 41 min in 2015 and 48 min in 2018. Clinical outcome did not significantly change. The percentages of patients with favorable clinical outcome (mRS 0–2) were comparable between 2015 and 2018: 60 vs. 59% in tPA patients and 40 vs. 44% in EVT patients.Conclusions: The new prehospital triage has yielded shorter OGTs for EVT patients. No changes were found in the onset-to-needle time for IVT-treated patients, or in the clinical outcome at 3 months after stroke onset.

Education of Adolescents in the Prevention of HIV/AIDS in the Czech Republic.

The number of HIV-positive people in the Czech Republic has trebled over the last decade. An educational programme aimed at the prevention of HIV and STDs in adolescents between 13 and 19 years of age is underway in the Moravian-Silesian Region in the Czech Republic. All schools in the region have been offered the chance to participate in the programme (on a voluntary basis). The programme consists of an educational lecture and a game with interactive elements; the students perform various tasks in groups. An anonymous paired questionnaire (input/output) was used to assess the efficacy of the programme. In order to evaluate the programme efficacy, descriptive statistics, non-parametric Wilcoxon paired test at the level of significance of 5%, and a model of logistic regression for a dichotomous variable were used. A total of 1210 students took part in the programme. The students’ knowledge improved, on average, by 15.5%. The highest efficacy was observed in the age group of 13–14-year-olds, where the improvement reached 17.9%. The educational programme was effective in raising awareness about STDs. Due to the observed increase in knowledge especially among the youngest participants (13–14 years old), we recommend aiming further interventions at the youngest age groups.

Unmet needs of people with Parkinson's disease

Aim: The study aimed to identify individual health and social care needs and unmet needs in patients with Parkinson&#8217;s disease as well as factors related to them. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: The sample comprised 183 Parkinson&#8217;s disease patients cared for in four outpatient neurology centers in the Moravian-Silesian Region, Czech Republic. Their functional status was assessed with the Hoehn and Yahr Scale, Barthel Index and Schwab and England Scale; their needs for care were evaluated using the Needs and Provision Complexity Scale. The study was carried out from May to December 2019. Results: The highest proportions of unmet needs were identified in rehabilitation, related to both frequency (87%) and intensity (85%), followed by family support (53%), residential respite care (41%), skilled nursing care (36%) and equipment (35%). Unmet needs were associated with greater dependence with regard to activities of daily living, poorer functional status and longer disease duration. Conclusion: Understanding factors that determine the type of unmet needs of Parkinson&#8217;s disease patients is crucial for provision of adequate multidisciplinary care. Based on identification of unmet health and social care and support needs, nurses may provide targeted interventions aimed to fulfill the unmet needs and improve the quality of life of patients.

Seismological Monitoring of Rockfalls as a Tool to Study Weathering Processes at the Geoheritage Site Žebračka Mine in Mining District of Zlaté Hory (Czech Republic)

Mining cultural monuments are very popular in the Czech Republic, and after the period of the mining activity reduction in the 1990s, when tens of mines were permanently closed, mining monuments are the last witnesses to mining activities in the areas. These are monuments of types of mine buildings, mining towers, and galleries. However, a monument that is beyond this list is the Žebracka Mine—a local sinkhole located in the Moravian-Silesian Region in the cadastral area of the municipality of Heřmanovice, but historically belonging to Zlate Hory. It is not an old monument, but since it is a local sinkhole, it is changing as a result of weathering when the rock falls from the overhang and the side of the mine. Since 2013, the mine has been monitored by 3D laser scanning, and since 2003 by seismological monitoring. This monitoring proves that it is still a living monument. The study evaluates a unique data series of registered seismic events related to the effect of the rockfalls covering the period of 16 years. The mutual confrontation of seismological data with atmospheric conditions, namely, outside air temperatures and precipitation, enabled to reveal the long-term development of the rockfall activity and to determine the influence of specific atmospheric parameters. The results show that the most extensive rockfall activity occurs at temperatures oscillating around the freezing point and is thus primarily related to the freezing and thawing of water in fissures of weathered parts of the rock mass. Understanding these processes is essential for forecasting the possible development of the sinkhole in the coming decades and for all other planned activities at the site related to its opening to tourists. In addition, the knowledge gained from the research will provide valuable information for educational purposes for visitors to the site, to understand the weathering processes taking place there, and to understand the behaviour of the geological environment in the given climatic conditions. Moreover, visitors will learn about current methods of monitoring the stability of the rock mass in situ. The planned opening of the sinkhole to tourists will be reflected in the increasing attractiveness of the region and will attract many enthusiasts in the field of mining history and geology, not only from the Czech Republic but also from nearby Poland.

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Management of Czech Regions: The Case of the Moravian-Silesian Region

The aim of the article is to examine financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial management of Czech regions, especially on the Moravian-Silesian Region. Significant pressures to deepen the imbalance between public revenues and expenditures are reflected at the level of regional budgets, too. First, an empirical evidence is provided focusing on Czech regional budgets before the pandemic. Results suggest a very good financial condition of Czech regions as is regularly confirmed by a fulfilment a set of Ministry of Finance monitoring indicators. Next, the article focuses on the main measures in the financial management of the Moravian-Silesian Region. It was found that the Regional Council implemented 296 budgetary measures in the amount of 41.560.077 thousand CZK as a response on the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Responsible financial management of the Moravian-Silesian Region was also confirmed by the approval of a favourable loan in December 2020, which will allow to continue investing despite the effect of COVID-19 pandemic.

Motivace ke kouření u adolescentů v dětských domovech v Moravskoslezském kraji

Cilem studie bylo popsat motivy ke kouřeni u adolescentů z dětských domovů. Výzkum měl smisený metodologický design, který se skladal z kvantitativniho předvýzkumu a kvalitativniho výzkumu, na který byl kladen důraz. Respondenti byli vybrani nepravděpodobnostnimi metodami. Ke sběru dat byl použit dotaznik vlastni konstrukce a polostrukturovane interview. Výzkumu se zucastnily 2 dětske domovy Moravskoslezskeho kraje. Dotaznik vyplnilo 28 klientů, 14 divek a chlapců, z toho 8 kuřaků se zucastnilo i interview - 4 divky a 4 chlapci V předvýzkumu se 46 % respondentů oznacilo za pravidelne kuřaky. Prvni cigaretu měli klienti v rozmezi 5-16 let. Celkem 79 % adolescentů někdy kouřilo nebo kouři cigarety, 75 % věři, že kouřeni skodi zdravi, a 32 % nikdy nepřemýslelo nad tim, že by kouřit přestali. IPA odhalila, že k prvnimu kouřeni vedou respondenty jejich kamaradi, zkusenosti z rodiny a stresove situace. U kouřeni je udržuje zvyk, uklidňujici ucinky, spolecne kouřeni s blizkými, nuda, baženi nebo abstinencni přiznaky. Klicova slova: kouřeni; nikotin; adolescence; rizikove chovani; dětske domovy