Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic

Key points Considerable controversy exists regarding the role of irisin, a putative exercise‐induced myokine, in human metabolism. We therefore studied irisin and its precursor Fndc5 in obesity, type 2 diabetes and exercise. Complex clinical studies combined with cell culture work revealed that Fndc5 /irisin was decreased in type 2 diabetes in vivo , but not in muscle cells in vitro , indicating that diabetes‐related factor(s) regulate Fndc5 /irisin in vivo . Several attributes of type 2 diabetes, such as hyperglycaemia, triglyceridaemia, visceral adiposity and extramyocellular lipid deposition were negatively associated with adipose tissue Fndc5 mRNA and circulating irisin. Moreover, mimicking diabetic status in vitro by treating muscle cells with palmitate and glucose lowered Fndc5 mRNA. Neither exercise training nor an acute exercise bout modulated circulating irisin or muscle Fndc5 expression. However, the associations between intensity of habitual physical activity, muscle volume, strength, contractility and circulating irisin provide a link between irisin and positive outcomes of increased physical activity. Abstract Irisin was identified as a myokine secreted by contracting skeletal muscle, possibly mediating some exercise health benefits via ‘browning’ of white adipose tissue. However, a controversy exists concerning irisin origin, regulation and function in humans. Thus, we have explored Fndc5 gene and irisin protein in two clinical studies: (i) a cross‐sectional study (effects of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in drug‐naive men) and (ii) an intervention study (exercise effects in sedentary, overweight/obese individuals). Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were assessed. Maximal aerobic capacity and muscle strength were measured before and after training. Body composition (magnetic resonance imaging), muscle and liver fat content ( 1 H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)) and in vivo muscle metabolism ( 32 P‐MRS) were determined. Skeletal muscle and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue samples were taken in the fasted state and during euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemia (adipose tissue) and before/after exercise training (muscle). We found that muscle Fndc5 mRNA was increased in prediabetes but not T2D. Fndc5 in adipose tissue and irisin in plasma were reduced in T2D by 40% and 50%, respectively. In contrast, T2D‐derived myotubes expressed/secreted the highest levels of Fndc5 /irisin. Neither hyperinsulinaemia (adipose tissue/plasma) nor exercise (muscle/plasma) affected Fndc5 /irisin in vivo . Circulating irisin was positively associated with muscle mass, strength and metabolism and negatively with fasting glycaemia. Glucose and palmitate decreased Fndc5 mRNA in myotubes in vitro . We conclude that distinct patterns of Fndc5 /irisin in muscle, adipose tissue and circulation, and concordant in vivo down‐regulation in T2D, indicate that irisin might distinguish metabolic health and disease. Moreover, Fndc5 /irisin was discordantly regulated in diabetic muscle and myotubes in vitro , suggesting that whole body factors, such as glucose and fatty acids, might be important for irisin regulation. Exercise did not affect Fndc5 /irisin. However, irisin was positively linked to muscle mass, strength and metabolism, pointing to common regulatory factors and/or the potential for irisin to modify muscle phenotype.

Changing labour market demand and moving up the global value chain requires high-skilled workers. However, the share of adults with high skill levels in the Slovak Republic is one of the lowest in the OECD. Improving the education system would raise quality and better align students' skills with new labour market needs and help them face further changes in the work environment. The contribution of the tertiary education system to skills improvement is one of the lowest in the OECD. It has to open itself more to the outside world: by easing the conditions for foreign professors and researchers to teach at Slovak universities, promoting internationally respected research and intensifying the cooperation with the business sector. Another challenge is to secure an adequate supply of skilled workers in the face of rapid population ageing and increasing emigration of young high-skilled workers. Ageing of the population will not only lead to shrinking labour supply, but a growing part of the workforce will need to be retrained. Bolstering the supply of skills requires lifelong learning and attracting skilled migrants, including returning Slovaks. This Working Paper relates to the 2017 OECD Economic Survey of the Slovak Republic (www.oecd.org/eco/surveys/economic-survey-slovak-republic.htm).

Tourism is one of the sectors of the economy most affected by the situation caused by the spread of COVID-19. For the re-growth of international tourism competitiveness, it is important to know the main determinants affecting tourism performance, specifically international tourism inbound receipts (ITIR). This paper aims to find out whether a country's ITIR is determined by travel and tourism gross domestic product (GDP) and travel and tourism competitiveness measured by the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI). The data was obtained from the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report from 2019. The proposed new model for 125 countries is specific because we consider conditional quantiles of the dependent variable. The results of a quantile regression determined that individual percentiles of the ITIR are more affected by travel and tourism GDP and TTCI than other percentiles of the ITIR, which was then reflected in the changes of regression coefficients. Considering the findings of this paper, it is possible to implement competitive destination policy not only for the specific geographical cluster, as in the existing literature, but also for groups of countries created according to the affiliation to selected quantiles. This study significantly contributes to the theory and empirical evidence of the influence of tourism competitiveness when modeling tourism performance. Moreover, even though existing studies encourage quantile regression usage in tourism research, this paper appears to be original in determining the variables entering the analysis (ITIR, TTCI, travel, and tourism GDP).

Summary The authors compared selected somatic data and test results in 20 m sprint and countermovement jump (CJM) of 14-year-old Lithuanian players from Sabonis Center (LT, n=143; body height: 173.7 ± 8.99 cm; body mass: 59.30 ± 11.40 kg), and Slovenian (SLO, n=84; body height: 172.8 ± 9.96 cm; body mass: 60.10 ± 12.49 kg) and Slovak national team players (SVK, n=42, body height: 177.5 ± 9.07 cm; body mass: 63.32 ± 11.36 kg). The SVK players were divided into the narrow pick (A-team, n=16) and broader roster (B-team, n=26). Within the SVK groups, significant differences between the A-team and B-team have been found in terms of body height (p<0.05) and body mass measurements (p<0.01), and in the test 20 m sprint (p<0.05). In CMJ results, the differences of the A-team and B-team have not been statistically significant. In the international comparison SVK players were taller than SLO and LT players (p <0.05). In the test 20 m sprint SVK players have achieved significantly better results (LT p <0.05, SLO p <0.01). On the contrary, in CMJ test the results (height of the jump) of SVK players were significantly worse than SLO and LT players (p<0.01).

This paper deals with new ways of teaching and learning with major support of new technologies and software solutions in primary and secondary schools. Children are keen to use new technology, mobile devices, and internet applications. They use it more for out of school activities. School has to explore the potential of new technologies and offer curricula in attractive way. Connection between traditional and on-line content should be found, linking existing educational objects into IP world is necessary. Teachers are facing new challenges how to teach in a new setting different generation of pupils. This paper brings review of some tools and presents selected learning scenarios which should help to do so. Paper also presents project iTEC funded by European Commission which helps to solve some of the problems that teachers are facing. The research project wants to identify trends for future classroom, recognize best practices and test them in 1000 classrooms throughout the Europe.

The societal effects of cybersecurity are widely discussed, but it remains less clear how software security regulations specifically contribute to building a resilient society, particularly in relation to Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). This study investigates this connection by examining key EU and U.S. strategies through comparative legal analysis, software development (SDLC) case studies, and a normative–sociological lens. Our findings reveal that major regulations—such as the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act and the U.S. SBOM rules—are not merely reactive, but proactively embed resilience as a fundamental mode of operation. This approach structurally reallocates digital risks from users to manufacturers, reframing software security from a matter of compliance to one of social fairness and institutional trust. We conclude that integrating ‘resilience by design’ into technology rules is more than a technical fix; it is a mechanism that makes digital access fairer and better protects vulnerable populations, enabling technology and society to advance cohesively.

Introduction: Abusive supervision or bossing represents a specific form of mobbing as a long-term, systematic negative action by superiors toward subordinates. Methods: From the point of view of the operationalization of this construct, the original BOSSm18 methodology is presented in the paper in the context of the B5 methodology, which enables specification of personality traits in terms of the original Big Five concept. Results: Based on the research dataset of 636 business managers, the paper presents the results of the basic psychometric parameters of the methodology and the content specification of the extracted factors. The research findings support a multidimensional understanding of the bossing construct. Discussion: The limiting factors of the interpretation and generalization of the results relate to the consideration of cultural contexts and situational conditions of perception of bossing manifestations.

Regional inequality in Slovakia is among the highest in the OECD and is increasing. The main reason for regional disparity is the combination of low economic growth and job creation in the eastern and central part of the country and insufficient labour mobility to the west, in particular by low-skilled workers. As a result, jobs shortage and lack of technological capacities in the central and eastern regions persist alongside skills shortages in the Bratislava regions. Boosting convergence requires a multi-pronged approach involving innovation, labour market and educational policies. Completing the transport infrastructure network in Slovakia will be both important for removing expansion bottlenecks in the Bratislava region and reducing obstacles for job creation in the central and eastern regions.

The quality of the musculoskeletal system in children is important in terms of primary prevention of postural disorders in adulthood. The aim of the pilot study was to assess the impact of the Propriofoot Concept exercises within the physical and sports education classes on the postural health of female students with an emphasis on the foot, joint range of the ankle, the gait, pain elimination and overall body posture as a manifestation of its functionality. The sample consisted of Ʃ n = 27 high-school female students in age(x) 16.3 ± 0.7 years. In terms of data collection methods, standardized procedures and methods for physical education and physiotherapy practice were applied, focusing on the selected factors (an emphasis on the foot, joint range of the ankle, the gait, pain elimination and overall body posture) of the musculoskeletal system. Diagnostics were applied before and after the 6-month program. The obtained results show that the exercise programme based on the Propriofoot Concept had a significant (Wtest, p < 0.01) and positive effect on the structure and function of the foot, as well as flexion and extension at the ankle joint, which resulted in the elimination of foot pain and improvement of gait. The final assessment (V2) showed that the foot structure and function improved (p < 0.01) and had a positive influence on the overall body posture, as well as its individual segments, in which we found significant changes between V1 and V2. At the same time, we found a relationship between foot functionality and overall body posture, as well as between other monitored factors. These findings point to the importance of targeted exercises, implemented in physical and sports education, to female students’ postural health.

Objectives: The aim of this umbrella review was to investigate the frequency of physical activity-related injuries (PARI) among adolescents. Our secondary objective was to describe the available reviews of injuries in three settings: organized sports, leisure time physical activity (PA), and school physical education (PE). Methods: We conducted an overview of reviews consistent with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines on the frequency of physical activity related injuries in adolescents. Results: We identified 19 systematic reviews with at least moderate quality to include in the review. We were not able to pool data from reviews and conduct meta-analysis due to heterogeneity of injury definitions, exposure times, and sample demographics. All reviews included studies of injuries sustained in organized sports, and injury incidence was higher during matches than training. No systematic reviews were found focusing on leisure time or school-based PA injuries. Conclusion: High-quality research is essential to understand the frequency of various types of physical activity related injuries among adolescents in organized sports, PE, and leisure time activities to develop more effective prevention strategies.

Omicron variant is more invasive against immunity, but it's not more invasive in any change in degree against masks, and indoor air; than previous variants. With its arrival, dentistry is facing another challenge. With a mission to protect both patients and healthcare workers, we are adapting to the current epidemiologic situation and anticipate the incoming change. This article presents an unpublished prospective setting for dental care in the new chapter of pandemics after Omicron variant. Introduced biosafety protocol has been clinically tested for 18 months in the field. Three fundamental pillars of this sustainable biosafety protocol are: (1) UVC air disinfection; (2) air saturation with certified virucidal oils through nebulizing diffusers; (3) telehealth solutions. As a method of evaluation pseudonymous on-line smart form was used. This biosafety protocol is not relying on persons` identification as uninfected; it is designed for environments where healthcare workers or patients are hypothetical asymptomatic carriers. Results from 115 patient feedbacks suggest that with this protocol in place, there was no observed or reported translation of infection from patient to another patient or from patient to doctor or nurse and vice versa, albeit nine of the patients have retrospectively admitted being probably infectious during their dental appointment. The key of this protocol is its clinical sustainability, as full-body protective suits don’t represent sustainable dental care as well as there is no acceptable risk of patients getting infected during dental procedures.

With arrival of highly transmissible Omicron variants in global pandemic, dentistry is facing another challenge to preserve biosafety of dental care. With a mission to protect both patients and healthcare workers, adaptability to the changing epidemiologic situation is required from dental professionals. This work presents a prospective sustainable biosafety setting for routine orthodontic care. The protocol is composed from combination of available technologies focused on the air-borne part of a virus pathway. Introduced biosafety protocol has been clinically evaluated after 18 months of application in the real clinical environment. The protocol has three fundamental pillars: (1) UVC air disinfection; (2) air saturation with certified virucidal oils through nebulizing diffusers; (3) complementary solutions. As a method of evaluation pseudonymous on-line smart form was used. Protocol operates with premise that everybody as a hypothetical asymptomatic carrier. Results from 115 patient feedbacks imply that with this protocol in place, there was no observed or reported translation of virus from patient to another patient or from patient to doctor or nurse and vice versa, albeit nine patients have retrospectively admitted visiting the clinic as probably infectious. Despite promising results, a larger clinical sample and exposition to current mutated strains is necessary for reliable conclusions about protocol virucidal efficiency.

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between on- and off-water performance tests in canoe slalom. Methods A total of 34 elite canoe slalom athletes, who competed in one of the following categories, namely K1 men (K1M, n = 9), K1 women (K1W, n = 8), C1 men (C1M, n = 9), or C1 women (C1W, n = 8), volunteered for the study. On-water testing consisted of two flat water tests: sprints with turns to both sides (SBS; 2 × 15 m shuttle sprints) and an all-out shuttle test (12 × 15 AOT; 12 × 15 m shuttle sprints). Off-water testing included anthropometric analyses, power output in bench press, pull measurement, and 3 × 200 m performance on a kayak ergometer. Each athlete completed testing over two consecutive days. Results The results showed a significant relationship between the on-water tests (SBS/AOT) and body weight (kg, r = 0.472/0.478), body fat (%, r = 0.451/0.445), Pmax bench press (W, r = 0.748/0.705), Pmax bench pull (W, r = 0.704/0.693), relative Pmax bench press (W/kg, r = 0.735/0.663), relative Pmax in bench pull (W/kg, r = 0.727/0.700), ergo best 200 m (s, r = 0.851/0.884), ergo best mean 200 m (W, r = 0.902/0.922), and ergo 3 × 200 m total time (s, r = 0.842/0.884), determined using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Conclusion Based on the identified relationships, we recommend regular monitoring of the physical fitness levels of canoe slalom athletes using the described off-water tests. These tests can help identify the strengths and weaknesses of athletes, enabling coaches to optimize the training process.

Although the popularity of mobile commerce is on the rise, mobile shopping is still not widely accepted in Slovakia. Therefore, research and knowledge in this area is insufficient. Based on two research models which explain human behavior (theory of reasoned action) and how the user accepts new technologies (technology acceptance model), the presented study proposes and tests a conceptual model combining the mentioned models and new, stimulating factors (customized offers and price benefits) in order to design a holistic model for predicting consumer behavior with regard to the acceptance of mobile shopping. In the first step of the research, we used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to extract the predicted factors and verify the validity and reliability of the research tool – a questionnaire. The main research was conducted on a sample of 627 students from Slovak universities (part-time study). Using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), we performed a measurement model evaluation, and then, using the structural equation modeling – partial least squares (SEM – PLS) method, we evaluated and quantified the expected effects of the investigated factors. These new, stimulating factors, integrated into the theoretical framework of existing models, have been shown to act as direct and indirect predictors of the intention to mobile shopping. However, perceived usefulness proved to be the strongest predictor. The intention to mobile shopping is also significantly influenced by the attitude to mobile shopping, which is also determined by the new factor customized offers. The results the research arrives at may be beneficial for businesses, as they may reduce the costs associated with the creation of mobile shopping channels from an economic point of view and may increase their market competitiveness.

LEON ŠTUKELJ (* 12.11.1898, Novo Mesto, Slovenia, †8.11.1999, Maribor, Slovenia)

ABSTRACT Tertiary education is often praised as a way to diminish social disparities. Yet, the growing trend of students seeking degrees abroad could exacerbate these inequalities, especially if the selection for international programmes is influenced by students' academic achievements, cultural and economic capital. In this study, we utilized multilevel logistic regression on extensive administrative data to analyse the characteristics of Slovak graduates in 2018 who pursued tertiary education abroad, compared to their peers who studied at home. Our findings indicate that students with high scores from final upper secondary school examinations are more likely to study abroad. Furthermore, culturally and economically advantaged students, especially those who also excel academically, are significantly more likely to opt for international studies. These insights contribute to the global discourse by highlighting that the effect of academic performance, along with cultural and economic capital, varies. The results also show that the field of study in upper secondary education influences the likelihood of studying abroad beyond these factors. Consequently, our study suggests that policies aimed at fostering international degree mobility should account for the academic, cultural and economic backgrounds of students.

Ph.D. Anton Gajdoš born on 1.6.1940 in Dubriniči (today Ukraine) lives most of his life in Bratislava (ex TCH, nowadays SVK). He comes from gymnastics family (his brother Pavel have world championship medals) and he devoted his life to gymnastics. His last achievement is establishment of Narodna encyklopedia športu Slovenska (www.sportency.sk). Among his passion is collecting photos and signatures of gymnasts. As we tend to forget old champions and important gymnasts, judges and coaches, we decided to publish part of his archive under title Short historical notes. All information on these pages is from Anton’s archives and collected through years. Short historical Notes XXIII were written in collaboration with Michal Bábela, PhD.

This study provides a structured comparative analysis of how democratic and authoritarian regimes integrate cybersecurity into their national security architectures, with particular attention to the severely under-researched Central-Eastern European EU member states (Hungary and Slovakia). Using a most-different-systems design, the article contrasts the multi-stakeholder, cooperative model of a major rule-of-law democracy (United States) with the centralized, digital-sovereignty-driven approaches of three major authoritarian powers (China, Russia, Iran) and two smaller EU members. In addition to institutional structures and oversight mechanisms, the analysis explicitly incorporates public trust dynamics as a critical variable of cybersecurity resilience. Findings show that democratic systems generate higher legitimacy but slower operational tempo, whereas authoritarian models achieve rapid capability integration at the expense of societal trust and private-sector autonomy. In the Central-Eastern European cases, the interplay of NIS2 obligations and pronounced centralizing tendencies produces distinctive governance patterns that deviate from both the classic “cooperating cyberfare state” and the “smart total-control” archetypes. The study demonstrates that sustained public trust—fostered through transparent communication, accountable institutions and meaningful societal inclusion—acts as a force multiplier for cybersecurity resilience across all regime types. By filling three identified gaps (small EU member states, cross-regime empirical depth, and public-trust integration), the article advances both the comparative politics of cybersecurity governance and practical policy recommendations for strengthening transatlantic and intra-EU cyber resilience.

ZOLTÁN MAGYAR (born 15.12.1953, Budapest, Hungary)

ALBERT VAGARŠAKOVIČ AZARJAN (February, 11 1929 Kirovakan, Armenia, ex-Soviet Union)