Architectural Institute in Prague

The presented work is dedicated to the detection of hydrogen, using detectors based on a MAPD (Micropixel Avalanche Photodiode) array based on new MAPD-3NM-2 type photodiodes and two different scintillators (LaBr3(Ce) and LSO(Ce)). The physical parameters of the MAPD photodiode used in the study and the intrinsic background of the scintillators were investigated. For the 2.223 MeV energy gamma-ray indicating the presence of hydrogen, the energy resolution was 6.89% with the MAPD array and LSO scintillator-based detector, and the number of events corresponding to this energy was 4817. With the MAPD array and LaBr3(Ce) scintillator, the energy resolution for the 2.223 MeV gamma-ray was 3.55%, and the number of events corresponding to this energy was 3868. The LSO scintillator-based detector allowed for the detection of 24.5% more 2.223 MeV energy gamma-rays compared to the LaBr3(Ce) scintillator. For the 2.223 MeV gamma-ray associated with hydrogen, the energy resolution with the LaBr3(Ce) scintillator was 48.5% better than with the LSO scintillator. The lower energy resolution compared to the LSO is due to the higher light output of LaBr3(Ce). The obtained results experimentally demonstrate that it is possible to obtain information about the presence of hydrogen in the target using both detectors.

The utilization of ladle slag holds potential for innovative advancements in concrete technology, contributing to the progression of environmentally sustainable and durable construction materials. This research explores the environmental impact of mortars incorporating treated ladle furnace steel slag at cement replacement ratios of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The ladle furnace steel slag was integrated into cement mortars of varying cement types. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted using SimaPro software, version 9.3, employing ReCiPe and IPCC 2013 methodologies. The environmental impacts were assessed within the cradle-to-gate system boundaries, considering the grinding process of ladle furnace steel slag. The outcomes were expressed in terms of mid-point indicators. Across all cement types, a discernible reduction in the values of key environmental indicators was observed for the steel slag substitution samples compared to reference samples without cement substitution. Notably, the climate change indicator (GWP – global warming potential) exhibited a reduction of up to 54 g CO2eq per 1 kg of mortar. Grinding the slag to a higher fineness did not result in a significant escalation in the values of the monitored environmental indicators.

Background: Overcoming addiction is characterized by a long-term recovery process and a high rate of relapse. This study aimed to identify factors associated with relapse and long-term abstinence in patients with substance use disorders or behavioral addictions (SUDs/BA) five years after completing the inpatient addiction treatment based on the Apolinar model. Methods: In this 5-year prospective cohort study, 366 (female 32.5%) patients with diagnosed SUDs/BA (ICD-10) who were treated between March 2004 and April 2008 in Czechia were studied. Data were collected using a non-standardized questionnaire and structured telephone interviews. Outcome measures were (i) relapse and (ii) long-term abstinence (at least one full year of continuous abstinence). Logistic regression was used to assess the effect of socio-demographic and treatment-related characteristics on outcome measures. Results: In a 5-year follow-up period, 70.2% of patients relapsed, while 46.7% relapsed within the first six months after completing the baseline treatment. Long-term abstinence was observed in 63.9% of patients. Of the treatment-related factors, early discontinuation of treatment, shorter treatment duration, and absence of early aftercare services predicted relapse in patients. A positive effect of early aftercare attendance on long-term abstinence was found. Conclusions: These findings support the importance of treatment compliance and aftercare to prevent relapse in addiction-treated patients.

Hybrid plasma spraying has been proved to provide novel coating microstructures as a result of the simultaneous injection of a dry coarse powder and a liquid feedstock into the plasma jet. Such microstructure contains both large splats originating from the conventional dry powder and finely dispersed miniature splats deposited from the liquid. This approach enables preparation of coatings from virtually all materials which are conventionally processed using plasma spraying. However, incorporation of materials susceptible to decomposition at high temperatures is still challenging even using this concept due to the high thermal energy provided to all feedstocks to be deposited. Hereby, we propose an innovative approach of incorporation of thermally-sensitive materials into a coating sprayed using a high-enthalpy plasma torch. As a case study, Al2O3 was sprayed from dry coarse powder and MoS2 was sprayed from the suspension which was deposited directly onto the substrates, i.e., by-passing the hot plasma jet. The retention of the added material in the coating was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction.

Issue/problem There are currently more than 300,000 war refugees from Ukraine in the Czech Republic, including several hundred health workers of various health professions, including physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and others. The Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education (IPVZ) on behalf of the Ministry of Health prepares and organizes the approbation exams of physicians, dentists and pharmacists who as foreign nationals have obtained medical qualification outside the EU and wish to practice their profession in the Czech Republic or the EU. Description of the problem To follow up on new legislation of the Czech Republic, valid from 21 March 2022, focused on the Ukrainian war refugees and their stay in the Czech Republic, IPVZ immediately formulated its strategic response and support to an urgent needs of the Ukrainian refugees with a focus on health professionals and their integration to the Czech health system. IPVZ and its School of Public Health (SPH) work on capacities development courses, in particular on the Czech language courses and on introduction to the Czech health system. Results First 3 Czech language courses, held on 2 May -1 July 2022, were completed by 34 attendees. Next 10 courses will start on 1 August 2022. There is an interest in both face-to-face and online Czech language courses. In parallel, we provide the introduction to the Czech health system through consistent creation of bilingual cycle of short videos, first videos are available free of charge on IPVZ web site at https://ua.ipvz.cz. Lessons Interest in the Czech language classes indicates its importance for all Ukrainian health professionals - war refugees, who plan to stay in the Czech Republic and to work in the Czech health system in their health professions -physicians, nurses and others. Cycle of short bilingual videos is an important support tool for adoption of the Czech health system terminology and for their preparation for the approbation exams. Key messages • Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education in Prague formulated its immediate strategic response to the Ukrainian war and needs of the Ukrainian war refugees with a focus on health workers. • Intensive Czech language courses supplemented by the cycle of short bilingual videos, introducing the Czech health system, available free of charge at https://ua.ipvz.cz, fully support MoH CZ policy.

Filamentous green algae of the genus Zygnema are an essential part of hydro-terrestrial ecosystems. Despite several studies on their resistance to natural stresses, little is known about the composition of their assemblages and the changes they undergo over time. Two sites at altitudes above 2200 m a.s.l. in the Austrian Alps were selected for a 2-year observation period and sampled five times. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the 152 isolated strains of Zygnema sp. was performed based on the rbcL and trnG sequences. Seven genotypes were found at these sites during the samplings, but their proportion varied throughout the seasons. The site with a more stable water regime also had a more stable representation of genotypes, in contrast to the site with fluctuating water availability. The mats formed resistant pre-akinetes at the end of the season with reduced photosynthetic activity. Contrary to expectations, the mats were not exposed to extremely cold temperatures in winter due to snow cover. Some genotypes have been previously observed at this site, indicating that the population composition is stable. This work highlights the importance of resistant pre-akinetes in surviving winter conditions, the ability of algae to re-establish mats, and the need to address the hidden diversity of the genus Zygnema.

The paper deals with monitoring and analyzing the indoor environmental parameters through remote data collection to evaluate the pollution and moisture infiltration effects on aircraft heritage conservation. First, based on the meteorological and pollution data, the moisture penetration and airborne pollution infiltration into indoor spaces of a heritage site (hangar) with stored historic aircrafts are determined. The hangar under investigation is located in the Aviation museum Kbely, Prague, Czech Republic. The determination is performed by wet/dry cycles (fluctuations) evaluation and applying ISO 11844 methodology to outdoor pollution infiltration into the interior. Next, a time of wetness (ToW) is determined indoors according to ISO 9223, rather as an environmental than a surface parameter as dewing and exceeding high humidity level (approxl RH 80% at T >0 °C) are considered. The actual moisture adsorption onto polluted surfaces of aircraft artifacts is then dependent on the hygroscopic corrosion products developed. Such an adsorption prolongs actual surface ToW. In addition to ToW, even the deposition rate of indoor pollutants, particularly sulphur dioxide and chlorides, are considered and the atmosphere corrosivity is estimated by applying the ISO standardized statistical models for aluminium. The resulting iso-corrosivity figures out the aggressiveness of the hangar environment from the point of view of aircraft material susceptibility to corrosion and degradation.

The paper presents the data from the participatory emotional mapping in Prague, Czech Republic. It contains 98,364 points complemented with 30,941 comments from 5,973 respondents from across Prague (1,335,084 inhabitants according to [1]). There were eight questions/statements common for all of Prague, furthermore each Prague district (n=27) could add up to seven questions/statements. The data were collected via our own participatory mapping platform EmotionalMaps.eu from April to September 2021.

Understanding the predictors of the willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 may aid in the resolution of current and future pandemics. We investigate how the readiness to believe conspiracy theories and the three dimensions of health locus of control (HLOC) affect the attitude toward vaccination. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the data from an online survey of a sample of Czech university students (n = 866) collected in January 2021, using the multivariate linear regression models and moderation analysis. The results found that 60% of Czech students wanted to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, 40% of the variance of willingness to get vaccinated was explained by the belief in the COVID-19-related conspiracy theories and the powerful others dimension of HLOC. One-sixth of the variance of the willingness to get vaccinated was explained by HLOC, cognitive reflection, and digital health literacy [eHealth Literacy Scale (EHEALS)]. HLOC and conspiracy mentality (CM) and its predictors are valid predictors of a hesitancy to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The campaigns promoting vaccination should target the groups specifically vulnerable to the conspiracy theories and lacking HLOC related to powerful others.

Background Victimization is associated with worse social and clinical outcomes of individuals with severe mental illness (SMI). A relapse of SMI may be one of the clinical consequences of assaultive trauma. As far as we know, there is no published study that analyzes nationwide health registers to assess the risk of SMI rehospitalization following assault. Aim We aimed to assess whether exposure to assault is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric hospitalization in those with SMI. Methods We utilized data from the Czech nationwide registers of all-cause hospitalizations and all-cause deaths. We defined exposed individuals as those discharged from a hospitalization for SMI between 2002 and 2007, and hospitalized for serious injuries sustained in an assault in the subsequent 7 years. For each assaulted individual, we randomly selected five counterparts, matched on SMI diagnosis, age and sex, who were not assaulted in the examined time period. We used mixed effect logistic regression to assess the effect of assault on the risk of SMI rehospitalization within the following 6 months. We fitted unadjusted models and models adjusted for the number of previous SMI hospitalizations and drug use disorders. Results The sample consisted of 248 exposed and 1 240 unexposed individuals. In the unadjusted model, assaulted individuals were almost four times more likely to be rehospitalized than their non-assaulted counterparts (odds ratio (OR) = 3.96; 95% CI 2.75; 5.71). After adjusting for all covariates, the OR remained threefold higher (OR = 3.07; 95% CI 2.10; 4.49). Conclusion People with a history of SMI hospitalization were approximately three times more likely to be rehospitalized for SMI within 6 months after an assault than their non-assaulted SMI counterparts. Soon after a person with SMI is physically assaulted, there should be a psychiatric evaluation and a close follow-up.

When it comes to the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effectiveness of measures against the disease, many citizens worldwide do not trust their governments or health authorities. This brief essay discusses several psychological mechanisms which, under certain conditions, lead people to ignore important sources of information and hinder effective management of the epidemic. The paper shows that understanding psychological mechanisms, such as information neglect, cognitive dissonance, psychological reactance, and, in general, the diversity of people’s thinking styles, may help leaders design more effective government communications.

In recent years, there has been a growing body of direct experimental evidence demonstrating electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves driving energetic electron precipitation (EEP) at unexpectedly low, sub‐MeV energies—as low as only a few hundred keV. EMIC‐wave driven scattering at these energies has important ramifications for our understanding of not only radiation belt electron dynamics, but also the importance of EMIC‐driven EEP to the chemical balance of the Earth's atmosphere. In this study, we use three experimentally derived EMIC‐driven EEP flux spectra to investigate the impact of this precipitation on trapped radiation belt fluxes. In doing so, we resolve an apparent contradiction with earlier results derived from trapped electron flux populations that suggested EMIC waves only caused significant scattering at ultrarelativistic energies. We show that strong sub‐MeV EEP measurements are not necessarily mutually exclusive with a strongly relativistic‐only trapped flux response, as the sub‐MEV peak precipitation is comparatively much smaller than the trapped population at those energies. Using a further six EEP spectra, we also demonstrate that EMIC‐driven EEP can generate significant ionization of the Earth's atmosphere above 40 km, leading to the loss of mesospheric ozone. We find poor correlation between EMIC‐driven EEP fluxes and geomagnetic activity proxies, such that EMIC‐driven EEP is likely to be poorly specified in the forcing factors of modern coupled‐climate models.

Plain Language Summary The Earth is surrounded by the Van Allen radiation belts, rings of high‐energy charged particles trapped by the Earth's magnetic field. These particle populations are constantly changing, driven by forces from the Sun, Earth, and from the belts themselves. One of the most important drivers of this dynamism is the interaction between particles and electromagnetic waves. One such wave species, known as Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves, has come under scrutiny recently due to experimental results calling into question the theoretical energy limits of their interactions with radiation belt electrons. Studying these waves and their interactions is hampered by our inability to accurately determine the size of the source region of these waves. In this study, we investigate a single EMIC wave event observed simultaneously by two separate satellites and use a network of ground‐based radio wave receivers to estimate the size of the EMIC region. We also explain how the method used in this study may be generalized to other EMIC wave events. This method will allow us to carry out statistical analysis of the size of EMIC wave regions in general, aiding future research into the impacts of these waves on the radiation belts.

A set of scientific methods (X-ray analyses, optical and electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and thermal analyses) was used for research of ceramic bodies and glazes of forty vessels from Renaissance Prague. The set of early modern age archaeological glazed ceramics contained tableware, kitchenware and technical ceramics. The main aim was to characterize ceramic materials and glazes over two centuries. Attention was also paid to identification of defects and corrosion products of the glazes. The research was conducted with an emphasis on the context of the original use of ceramic artefacts and the environment of waste pits from which they were excavated. Among the archaeological finding, three vessels of technical ceramics were found (a rectifier, a bowl and a jar) which together could have formed a distillation apparatus. Since these vessels represent a unique finding, they were subjected to a detailed survey. Based on the similarity of ceramic bodies and glazes, it was proved that the three vessels of technical ceramics were made in the same workshop and were parts of one distillation apparatus. The results of the performed analyses proved that the studied vessels were manufactured from raw materials with high content of a plastic component and that the raw materials did not change significantly during the period from 15th to 18th centuries. The firing temperature of most of the vessels did not exceed 1000 °C. It was proved that all glazes were middle- or high-lead glazes and were coloured with ionic pigments.

A series of scientific methods (X-ray analyses, optical and electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and thermal analyses) was used to research the ceramic bodies and glazes of forty vessels from Renaissance Prague. The set of Early Modern Age archaeological glazed ceramics contained tableware, kitchenware and technical ceramics. The main aim was to characterise ceramic materials and glazes used over two centuries. Attention was also paid to the identification of defects and corrosion products of the glazes. The research was conducted with an emphasis on the context of the original use of the ceramic artefacts and the environment of the waste pits from which they were excavated. The archaeological finds include three technical ceramic vessels (a rectifier, a bowl and a jar), which together could have formed a distillation apparatus. Since these vessels represent a rare finding, they were subjected to a detailed investigation. Based on the similarity of ceramic bodies and glazes, it was proved that the three technical ceramic vessels were made in the same workshop and were parts of one distillation apparatus. The results of the performed analyses determined that the studied vessels were manufactured from raw materials with a high content of a plastic component and that the raw materials did not change significantly during the period from the 15th to 18th centuries. The firing temperature of most of the vessels did not exceed 1000 °C. It was proved that all the glazes were medium- or high-lead content glazes and were coloured with ionic pigments.

A series of scientific methods (X-ray analyses, optical and electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and thermal analyses) was used to research the ceramic bodies and glazes of forty vessels from Renaissance Prague. The set of Early Modern Age archaeological glazed ceramics contained tableware, kitchenware and technical ceramics. The main aim was to characterise ceramic materials and glazes used over two centuries. Attention was also paid to the identification of defects and corrosion products of the glazes. The research was conducted with an emphasis on the context of the original use of the ceramic artefacts and the environment of the waste pits from which they were excavated. The archaeological finds include three technical ceramic vessels (a rectifier, a bowl and a jar), which together could have formed a distillation apparatus. Since these vessels represent a rare finding, they were subjected to a detailed investigation. Based on the similarity of ceramic bodies and glazes, it was proved that the three technical ceramic vessels were made in the same workshop and were parts of one distillation apparatus. The results of the performed analyses determined that the studied vessels were manufactured from raw materials with a high content of a plastic component and that the raw materials did not change significantly during the period from the 15th to 18th centuries. The firing temperature of most of the vessels did not exceed 1000 °C. It was proved that all the glazes were medium- or high-lead content glazes and were coloured with ionic pigments.

Plain English Summary The magnetic field of the Earth is filled with high‐energy particles, primarily electrons and protons, forming the Van Allen radiation belts. Over the years it has become obvious that the number of trapped high‐energy electrons changes rapidly, and in complex ways. We know that multiple different processes are involved to produce such dynamic changes, which include energization, transport, and loss. Over the last ~7 years flagship science missions have been launched by multiple space agencies to better understand the complex dynamics. However, these involve only 1 or 2 highly instrumented spacecraft—these make extremely high‐quality measurements but are limited by their inability to be in multiple places at the same time. Nonetheless, signatures of several different processes have been identified and described. In the current study we use a constellation of spacecraft with more limited instrumentation than the flagship missions. This has allowed us to clarify the typical dynamical processes affecting radiation belt particles. In particular, the ability to measure simultaneously at multiple locations, plus statistical averaging, allows us to show clear evidence of the loss process termed magnetopause shadowing. We also cast light on a previously mysterious process of sudden particle enhancements occurring deep in the belts.

In recent years, experimental results have consistently shown evidence of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave‐driven electron precipitation down to energies as low as hundreds of keV. However, this is at odds with the limits expected from quasi‐linear theory. Recent analysis using nonlinear theory has suggested energy limits as low as hundreds of keV, consistent with the experimental results, although to date this has not been experimentally verified. In this study, we present concurrent observations from Polar‐orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite, Radiation Belt Storm Probes, Global Positioning System, and ground‐based instruments, showing concurrent EMIC waves and sub–MeV electron precipitation, and a global dropout in electron flux. We show through test particle simulation that the observed waves are capable of scattering electrons as low as hundreds of keV into the loss cone through nonlinear trapping, consistent with the experimentally observed electron precipitation.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder in Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients further increasing their already high cardiovascular risk. As T2D patients typically not report OSA symptoms, systematic screening for OSA in this population is warranted. We aimed to determine the readiness of T2D patients to undergo screening and to compare their adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy with “regular” sleep clinic patients who typically seek medical advice on their own initiative. We therefore recruited 494 consecutive T2D patients and offered them OSA screening using home sleep monitoring (type IV device). All participants in high risk of moderate-to-severe OSA were recommended home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) followed by CPAP therapy. Patients were followed-up for 12 months and outcomes compared to 228 consecutive sleep clinic patients undergoing HSAT. Among 307 screened T2D patients, 94 (31%) were identified at high risk of moderate-to-severe OSA. Subsequently, 54 patients underwent HSAT, 51 were recommended, and 38 patients initiated CPAP (acceptance 75%). Among 228 sleep clinic patients, 92 (40%) were recommended and 74 patients initiated CPAP (acceptance 80%). After 1 year, 15 (39%) T2D and 29 (39%) sleep clinic patients showed good CPAP adherence (use ≥ 4 h/night ≥ 70% nights). In conclusion, 20 T2D patients needed to be screened in order to obtain one successfully treated patient. OSA screening in T2D patients identified 31% with moderate-to-severe OSA. Once diagnosed, their CPAP acceptance and adherence did not differ from sleep clinic patients. However, the reasons for the high dropout during the screening-diagnostic process impacting the overall success of the screening program need to be identified and addressed.