Slovakia Research Articles

Estimating Motives for Renting Shared Bicycles Using Multinomial Logistic Regression: A Case Study from the Slovak Republic

This research aims to estimate the purposes for which bike-share users utilize shared bicycles from bike-sharing companies using selected predictors through multinomial logistic regression in Slovakia. The study seeks to provide a novel perspective on alternative transportation by addressing a gap in existing research, which has not previously focused on modeling the specific purposes of bicycle use. The final sample comprises 162 bike-share users out of more than 300 respondents. The results show that social status, bike-sharing company, and average distance are statistically significant input variables. Finally, we find that using shared bikes for recreation is more typical for employees with a traveled distance of up to 3 km from one of the two bike-sharing companies compared to the reference group (commuting to school). The paper contributes to better planning and management of bike-sharing systems.

Constructive Simulation Tools in the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic

Constructive Simulation Tools in the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic

SLOVAK AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN TERMS OF THE INTEGRATION PROCESSES IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

The article represents a methodological starting point for research on teaching Slovak as a foreign language in the Slovak Republic. After the Slovak Republic joined the eurozone, it was necessary to start understanding Slovak as the state language – as a compulsory subject for Slovaks, but also to start teaching it to different groups of foreigners moving to Slovakia. This need has become even more pressing since February 2022, when the war conflict in Ukraine forced thousands of Ukrainians to leave their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring countries, including Slovakia. This raised the question of how to deal with Slovak as a foreign language within the educational system of the Slovak Republic. Legislation (a law on the Residence of Foreigners in Slovakia) is also currently being prepared that will require foreigners asking for living in Slovakia to take a standardized test/exam at an accredited educational institution. However, since very few research studies on this topic have been conducted, this scholarly article lays foundations and poses methodological questions within five key thematic areas (i.e., learners’ motivation, intermediary language, textbooks, testing reference levels and error analysis, particular case studies) when directing a follow-up series of research studies and to justify why these issues are relevant. Therefore, the article explains the starting points that are anchored in previous scientific works in the field. Furthermore, the elaborated theoretical foundations and proposed research studies that will be carried out by university teachers and educational researchers are aimed at deepening scientific knowledge not only in the context of Slovak as a foreign language, but also of other minor foreign languages (e.g. Polish, Czech, Croatian, etc.).

The fight against illegal tobacco products

This paper addresses the pressing issue of combating illicit tobacco products, emphasising the legal frameworks at both the national and European levels. It explores the roles and activities of various authorities dedicated to preventing illegal tobacco trade, including the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the Criminal Office of the Financial Administration of the Slovak Republic. The study delves into the legislative landscape governing tobacco products, assessing its effectiveness in adapting to the evolving tactics of smuggling networks. In particular, the paper scrutinises how Slovak and European regulations align to counteract the sophisticated and increasingly complex strategies employed in illegal tobacco trafficking. Statistical data highlights the prevalence of contraband tobacco in Slovakia, illustrating the financial, health, and societal ramifications of the black market. The findings also point to a correlation between high tobacco prices and an increased likelihood of exposure to illicit products. Furthermore, the research supports hypotheses regarding the adaptability of Slovak legislation to contemporary tobacco consumption trends and the critical role of inter-European collaboration in enforcement efforts. However, it also identifies potential areas for legislative improvement, particularly in streamlining tobacco regulation. This study contributes valuable insights into the challenges and successes of the Slovak Republic’s ongoing fight against the illegal tobacco trade.

Security Models of the 21st Century In Europe, and Position of Slovak Republic

Security Models of the 21st Century In Europe, and Position of Slovak Republic

Consumption and expenditure of antidepressants and anxiolitycs in 14 European countries

Abstract Background Since the burden of depressive and anxiety disorders, assessing the use and spending of drugs commonly prescribed for treating such conditions is a valuable barometer of mental health assistance and healthcare services. The current research aims to evaluate the consumption of antidepressants and anxiolytics and the relative expenditure among 14 European countries (Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden). Methods A retrospective longitudinal study was assessed based on pooled time series analysis of secondary data over ten years (2012-2021). Defined Daily Doses (DDD) per 1,000 inhabitants and health expenditure per capita (current US$, computed on purchasing power parity) were considered. Linear and quadratic trends were calculated for defining relationships between the variables of interest. Results Prevailing patterns of consumption and spending show an increase in antidepressants and a decrease in anxiolytics. Noteworthy is the growth slope of antidepressant consumption in three selected countries, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, by over two and a half times from 2012 to 2021. In addition, for a few countries, there is a pattern contrary to most countries for anxiolytics (Latvia, Spain) and discordant between consumption and expenditure for antidepressants (Austria, Hungary). Conclusions The widespread growth of antidepressant use deserves attention. As a public health issue, the prescription and use of antidepressants should be addressed by targeted policies for integrating multifaceted strategies. Key messages • Monitoring consumption and expenditure of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs represents a valid tool for assessing the efficacy and availability of mental healthcare services among the population. • The growth in the consumption of antidepressants represents a relevant public health issue and deserves attention for the evaluation of an integrated approach of assistance.

A WELL-KNOWN RESEARCHER OF THE HISTORY OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE. For the 70th Anniversary of the Czech Historian Professor Jan Rychlík

The purpose of the article is to highlight the contribution of the Czech historian and ethnologist Professor Jan Rychlík to the study of the history of Central and Eastern Europe. The research methodology was aimed at the analysis of the scientist's main publications on the history of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The applied research principles of historicism, scientific objectivity and systematicity contributed to highlighting the main aspects of J. Rychlík's diverse scientific work. The authors of the article note that for J. Rychlík history became one of the priority objects of scientific study after the Velvet revolution of 1989, when, under the conditions of democratization, historians of Czechoslovakia gained freedom of scientific creativity. Among the relevant research topics was the issue of relations between Czechs and Slovaks in 1918-1992. The scholar thoroughly researched their individual stages and, in particular, the period of the first Czechoslovak Republic 1918-1938 - one of the few democratic states of Central and Eastern Europe at that time. J. Rychlík deeply analyzed and assessed the trends of socio-political, economic, and cultural development of various regions of the First Republic, the peculiarities of interethnic relations, its international position, noted the positive role of this state in the history of the Czechs, Slovaks and Ruthenians-Ukrainians of Transcarpathia. Summarizing Czech-Slovak relations in general for the years 1918-1992, J. Rychlík considered one of the main reasons for the termination of the Czechoslovak state at the end of 1992 to be the failure to create a political Czechoslovak nation. The field of scientific interests of J. Rychlík also includes the national histories of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, which resulted in the publication of a number of monographs on the past of the states of the region: Bulgaria (2000), Macedonia (2003), Croatia (2007), Slovenia (2011), the Czech Republic (2013), Ukraine (2015, 2022), Slovakia (2023), where the researcher was a co-author. In the conclusions of the article, the authors stated that J. Rychlík is one of the leading contemporary Czech researchers of the history of Central and Eastern European countries. The contribution of J. Rychlík to the study of the history of Czech-Slovak relations from 1918 to 1992 is especially significant. Jan Rychlík's extensive work on the history of the Czech and Slovak state is an important basis for further study of the past of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic in different periods.

Mercury contamination of soil and Matricaria chamomilla in selected regions of the Slovak Republic

Abstract Background The aim of our study was to determine the amount of mercury in Chamomile. In certain parts of Slovakia, such as Middle Spiš region in Eastern Slovakia, there has been reports of higher concentration of mercury in the soil. Heavy metals, including mercury, can enter human organism by ingestion. In case of using Chamomile infusions orally there is a risk of administration of mercury into the organism through digestive system. Methods We monitored mercury presence in Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) (n = 20) and the soil. We determined the mercury concentration by using the flameless atomic absorption spectrometer - Advanced Mercury Analyzer (AMA-254). Results Chamomile: The lowest concentration was in the roots (0.513 mg.kg-1). The second lowest was in the flower stem samples (1.105 mg.kg-1). The concentration of mercury was higher in the leaves (2.205 mg.kg-1). The highest was measured in the flower (2.541 mg.kg-1). Soil: The mercury content in soil in the entire territory of Slovakia is higher compared to the soil in the world. During our measurements, the concentration of mercury in the soil samples in the territory of Middle Spiš ranged from 100 to 500 mg.kg-1. Conclusions We have to take into account that the quality and contents of the soil are important for the crops, as it will entail their contents. With the knowledge of exceeded norms of mercury content in Slovak soils, it is crucial to monitor the mercury concentration in plants that are harvested there. Key messages • In the examined samples of Chamomile we found mercury, with its highest concentration in flowers and lowest in roots. • In the regions with significant mercury contamination it is crucial to monitor mercury content in harvested plants and to be cautious in regards of their consumption.

Cancer mortality attributable to air pollution in Slovakia

Abstract Introduction Air pollution is considered one of the most significant global environmental health risks. According to the Global Burden of Disease estimates, fine particulate matter, a key component of ambient air pollution, was the fifth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide in 2015, contributing to 4.2 million deaths (7.6% of total global deaths). In 2019, ambient air pollution was responsible for 4.5 million deaths. This rise is attributed to the growing levels of air pollution and the increasing incidence of NCDs associated with air pollution. Aim This contribution aims to clarify the possible association between environmental air pollution and cancer in Slovakia in the years 2015-2019 overall and by gender and age. Methodology This ecological study focuses on the population of Slovakia from 2015 to 2019. The data used are from the Global Burden of Disease study (IHME, 2019), the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic and the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute. Results In 2019, mortality from NCDs related to environmental pollution accounted for 6.6% of total mortality in Slovakia, which is lower than the global average of 8.3%. Cancer mortality attributable to ambient particulate matter pollution (APMP) was lower in 2019 (2.97 per 100,000, CI 95% 4.43-1.76) than in 2015. Higher cancer mortality rates attributable to APMP, were observed mainly in men (7.18 per 100,950, CI % 10.67-4.31 in 2015) and especially in the 80-84 age group (59.49 per 100,000; CI 95 % 94.60-32.20) in 2015 and in men aged 75-79 (510.76 per 510.76 per 100,000) in 2019. Conclusions While Slovakia has experienced a long-term decline in cancer mortality, bucking the global trend, challenges persist due to the country’s relatively poorer outcomes associated with environmental pollution. Addressing environmental pollution remains a critical aspect of ongoing efforts to enhance population health through targeted strategies and policies. Key messages • The significant impact of environmental pollution on cancer mortality underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and policies to improve public health outcomes in Slovakia. • Cancer mortality attributable to air pollution differs by gender.

Internet addiction: the Czech and Slovak adolescent population

BackgroundAdolescence is often seen as an important period for further personality development. In today's world, it is therefore important to keep track of current trends in adolescents. One of them is addictive behaviour in the context of the online environment. Spending too much time online can have a negative impact on the quality of life of adolescents. It is therefore important to pay increased attention to this phenomenon and to respond adequately to the current situation.MethodsOur study focuses on the prevalence of Internet addiction among Czech and Slovak adolescents. In total, 3,741 respondents participated in the project (N = 2,642 CZ; N = 1,099 SK); their ages ranged from 11 to 19 years (M = 14.38; SD ± 2.27). The research addressed differences among individual types of schools and between sexes in relation to Internet addiction. The research focused on adolescents attending secondary schools (ISCED 2 and 3) between the ages of 11 and 19 in the Czech and Slovak Republics. A questionnaire battery consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) questionnaire was used for data collection.ResultsIn relation to the category of Internet use, girls did not score higher than boys either in the Czech group F(1, 2112) = .089, p = .765, or in the Slovak group F(1, 927) < .001 p = .994. There is a significant effect of school type both in the Czech group F(4, 2100) = 11.483, p < .001, and in the Slovak group F(4, 859) = 2.859, p = .023.ConclusionsOur research indicates that some adolescents, particularly boys, face issues with excessive Internet use, affecting social interactions. Further studies in the Czech Republic could explore the link between psychosocial factors and adolescent Internet use. This highlights the need to raise awareness among professionals about Internet addiction in Czech and Slovak adolescents.

Biogenic and risk elements in wild boar testes and relation to spermatozoa motility

Environmental pollution results in serious health hazards to animals, reflected in biogenic and risk element concentrations in animal tissues. The objective of this study was to examinate concentration of selected elements in testes, and epididymal spermatozoa motility of wild boars. Wild boars were hunted in region Žuhračka - Levice, Slovak Republic. Testes were removed postmortem, spermatozoa were collected from cauda epididymis and assessed by CASA system. Elements concentrations were measured by ICP and by CV-AAS. Spermatozoa motility was 44.29% and progressive motility 18.47%. Concentration of elements in testes was in following order: K > Na > Mg > Ca > Fe > Zn > Al > Cu > Se > Mn > As > Cr > Pb > Mo > Sr > Ni > Ba > Cd > Li > Hg. The most notable correlations indicate association between Se and total spermatozoa motility, as well as with progressive motility, furthermore between As and velocity curved line and beat cross frequency. A high positive significant correlation was found between mercury and beat cross frequency. The data may serve as a fine control indicator to detect potentially toxic elements accumulated from polluted environment that can affect reproduction of wild animals.

Gender Stereotypes in Slovakia and Portugal

The aim of the article is to compare selected indicators of gender equality investigated in the Slovak Republic and allegedly currently published in Portugal. This intention resulted from the previous cooperation of the authors with Portuguese colleagues in the given field. An important part of this article will also concern the conducted research study, which focuses on the investigation of gender differences in managerial positions. We will search an employment in managerial positions in terms of gender and the amount of salary for managerial work done at the same level. Work experience in a managerial position, regardless of its level and industry, will be a condition of the research. The research sample consists of randomly selected managers of a selected region of various countries. An instrumentalism is a questionnaire survey with subsequent statistical processing. The form we use is an electronic form and disseminated through social networks in such a way that the anonymity of the respondents is fully preserved. The mentioned research study will present one of the possible approaches to the investigation of the issue of gender differences in managerial positions.

The Sustainable Management of Ecohotels for the Support of Ecotourism—A Case Study

Ecotourism represents a modern form of tourism that accepts the principles of sustainable development and the adequacy of the conditions of tourist destinations. The environmental awareness of all parties participating in tourism, objects, and subjects of tourism determines the development of ecotourism. Ecohotels, or “green hotels”, as an integral part of ecotourism, represent tourist accommodation facilities that have the “The Flower” certificate, their business activities minimize the impact on environmental quality. The management of ecohotels therefore implements programs and measures determining sustainable competitiveness at the local, regional, and supra-regional levels in the business in interaction with reducing the carbon footprint, water consumption, energy consumption, and waste production. They also support the use of recyclable materials and bio-products and the introduction of environmental management respecting the principles of green management in all areas of the tourism business. The competitiveness of ecohotels is in interaction with the willingness of tourists to use their pro-environmental services. The presented study is focused on the willingness of tourists to use the services of ecohotels, with an emphasis on identifying an effective strategy for supporting the development of ecotourism in the Slovak Republic. The study concentrates on the willingness of tourists to use ecohotels as part of their tourist activities based on a questionnaire survey. The study identifies the factors of strengths and weaknesses as well as the opportunities and threats of the use of ecohotels by tourists in supporting the development of ecotourism. Through the exact quantification of the weights of individual factors in terms of Saaty’s matrix and a SWOT analysis, an effective strategy for the use of ecohotels in supporting the development of ecotourism is defined. In recent years, the stimulation and use of tourists’ interest in environmental quality, with an emphasis on reducing negative impacts on the environment, has resonated; thus, a model of effective marketing strategy is presented.

Financial literacy as an important aspect in the area of business sustainability: the case of Slovak Republic

The essence of literacy is currently understood on a broader level. Emphasis is placed on functional literacy, which also includes financial literacy. Its level significantly affects a person’s standard of living. In the contribution, we are devoted to the investigation of this issue and the possibilities of increasing the level of financial literacy in the Slovak Republic. We will use theoretical and empirical scientific methods. We work with analysis, synthesis, induction, and deduction. Subsequently, empirical scientific techniques that work with concrete data and precise methods to achieve results will be used. In addition to explanatory methods, interpretative methods will also be used. According to the level of financial literacy of respondents based on the interview method, hypotheses are established. An analysis of individual answers and an analysis of the impact of financial literacy on young people’s interest in entrepreneurship will be carried out. The findings led to the definition of practically oriented conclusions, with an emphasis on the assessment of the level of financial literacy. Attention is also paid to incentives for young entrepreneurs. All proposals written in this chapter are designed with the intention of improving the level of financial literacy in Slovakia.

8050 Incidence And Geographic Distribution Of Pheochromocytoma And Paraganglioma In The Slovak Population

Abstract Disclosure: I. Jochmanova: None. M. Ircha: None. Pheochromocytoma (PHEO) and Paraganglioma (PGL) are neuroendocrine tumors originating from chromaffin tissues of the adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal paraganglia and are characterized by catecholamine overproduction. Excess of catecholamines and the risk of metastatic disease lead to increased morbidity and mortality as well as decreased quality of life of patients. While many studies focus on the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of these tumors, their epidemiology is not well known in many, especially small, countries. In our present study, we assessed the incidence of PHEO/PGL in Slovakia and compared it to other countries. Based on the acquired data, the incidence of PHEO/PGL in Slovakia is 0.13 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, while PHEO prevails (0.12 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). Within the Slovak Republic, we noted differences between the districts of the country. Compared to other countries, the overall incidence of PHEO/PGL in Slovakia seems to be slightly lower, however, this can also be the result of lower reporting of the cases into the national database. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Evaluation of the soil quality using health index in temperate European conditions (Slovak Republic)

Land users and policy makers recognize importance of soil health and these types of evaluations are welcomed within sustainable land management. The aim of this study was to establish minimum and maximum values of soil health index across the breadth of agricultural used soils of Slovakia. Core objectives included (1) identifying the range of soil health benchmarks; (2) defining benchmarks for different land uses, and (3) defining benchmarks of soil health index for main groups of agricultural soils in Slovakia. These benchmarks represent the first soil health metrics of their kind in Slovakia using data from 266 locations. The soil health index (SHI) approach has been used as a quantitative tool to establish linkage between soil health and soil ecosystem services. We recorded the highest average SHI value in the very warm climatic region of the Slovak Republic, where the majority of agriculturally used arable soils (with an optimal pH value without contamination) are located. The locality with lowest SHI value is in a slightly warm area on soil used as arable soil with a very small depth of humus horizon, with by the pH value in an acidic area, and with a high content of clay. The typical SHI in humus-rich soil groups of Slovakia (Mollic Fluvisols, Chernozems and Cutanhic Luvisols) is higher contrasted with the typical SHI in other soil groups of Slovakia.

Barriers to reporting adverse events from the perspective of ICU nurses: A mixed-method study.

Nurses represent the largest group of healthcare professionals and are responsible for improving patient safety, including reporting adverse events. However, adverse events are underreported due to the many barriers that compromise patient safety in the hospital setting. The study aimed to investigate the barriers to reporting adverse events as perceived by nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs). The exploratory sequential mixed-method study design was used. Data were collected between January 2022 and March 2023 in intensive care units of one selected university hospital in the Slovak Republic. The quantitative phase was carried out using a specific instrument to explore barriers to reporting adverse events and included 111 nurses from the ICU. The qualitative phase was conducted using semi-structured face-to-face interviews and consisted of 10 nurses from the ICU. In terms of quantitative aspect, fear of liability, lawsuits, or sanctions was the most significant barrier to reporting adverse events among ICU nurses. As a result of qualitative thematic analysis, four significant barriers to reporting adverse events were identified: negative attitude toward reporting adverse events; lack of knowledge and experience in reporting adverse events; time scarcity; fear. Based on the results of the study, it is evident that only effective and regular reporting of adverse events leads to the minimization of adverse events. To improve patient safety in hospitals, education and management practices must be implemented to overcome barriers to reporting adverse events. The most important approach to overcoming barriers to reporting adverse events is to implement a culture of no blame and a positive culture of patient safety.

Protective and risk factors in family communication registered in the process of child endangerment risk assessment

The research problem of our research was the identification of protective and risk factors in family communication in the process of child endangerment risk assessment. Our research aimed to identify and describe these factors in family communication based on the results of qualitative research with social workers in the departments of social and legal protection of children in the Slovak Republic. The research was conducted using the method of individual semi-structured interviews, in total we conducted 8 interviews. The thematic categories within which we described protective and risk factors in family communication were the use of vulgarisms, refusal to cooperate, fear and anxiety, open communication, and interest in child care.

Economic impacts of the energy crisis on local governments in the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic

Economic impacts of the energy crisis on local governments in the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic

OPTIMIZING THE AMOUNT OF FLAME RETARDANT USED FOR SPRUCE WOOD

The study investigated the effect of the amount of selected retardant coatings produced and used in the Slovak Republic on the fire resistance of spruce wood samples. Experiments were conducted for two different types of flame retardants: intumescent flame retardant (IFR) and inorganic salt-based flame retardant (IS). Based on different amounts of coating applied to spruce wood samples, the important parameters as mass loss, mass loss rate and fire spread rate were determined. The experiment consisted of applying a flame source to the samples at an angle of 45° and monitoring the mass of the samples during the experiment. The findings show that when IFR is used, the protection effect of the wooden samples increases linearly with the amount of coating. However, for the samples on which an IS flame retardant was applied, a higher amount of coating had no effect on increasing the fire resistance of the wood. In this case, the average total mass loss was the same regardless of the amount of coating, yet a significant retardation effect was observed compared to the untreated samples. Samples treated with IFR showed a lower total mass loss and also a significantly lower maximum mass loss rate compared to the samples with applied IS flame retardant.