Funded projects under the Grant Programme for SAS PhD students in 2023

The project is focused on a detailed cytogenetic analysis of selected representatives of the Acanthocephala group. Using modern bioinformatics software tools, RepeatExplorer and Tandem Repeats Finder, repetitive sequences in the genome of the studied individuals will be identified and characterized with the aim of obtaining new, species-specific chromosome markers. We assume that the comparison of individual repeats and their localization between more and less related species can provide valuable information regarding their evolution and amplification in the genome. At the same time, the basic karyotypes of the studied species will be determined and a detailed comparative analysis will be carried out using the method of fluorescent in situ hybridization, with the help of which genes for ribosomal RNA (18S, 5S) and genes for histone H3 will be mapped on the chromosomes. The results will be included in the review of all known karyotype studies of thorny-headed worms and applied and interpreted in terms of taxon classification at different systematic levels.

Carnivorous plants evolved a peculiar strategy to fulfil their nutritional requirement by capturing and consuming insects and small rodents. The target species of this proposal, sundew (Drosera binata), has characteristic forked trap leaves with glandular tentacles. These organs contain mucilage and digestive enzymes in order to trap and digest the prey. Firstly, I will induce mock digestion in fully developed trap leaves by chitin and pachyman mixture serving as prey substitute. Next, I will use an optimized protein extraction protocol to isolate and analyze biomolecules by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). This project will generate an enzymatic profile of trap leaves of sundew to identify unique hydrolases potentially applicable in biotechnology.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common and aggressive form of pancreatic cancer, projected to become the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths by 2030. Limited treatment options and poor prognosis necessitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in PDAC progression and therapeutic response. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major component of the TME and contribute to tumor growth, invasion, and therapy resistance. In vivo models have limitations in exploring multiple treatment combinations, while immunodeficient mice used for PDX development may not fully represent the PDAC microenvironment. This project aims to overcome these limitations by establishing an in vitro model better mimicking PDAC TME. It will be accomplished through co-cultivating patient-derived organoids (PDOs) with CAFs isolated from patient tumor tissue. The specific objectives include molecular characterization of PDOs and CAFs, optimization of the co-cultivation conditions, evaluation of dose-dependent sensitivity to epigenetic drug DAC and standard chemotherapy, and comparison of the therapeutic effects of combination therapy on the co-cultivated PDAC model. This research will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in PDAC tumorigenesis and response to treatment. Ultimately, the findings may lead to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for PDAC patients.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles in brain, leading to cognitive decline and memory loss. Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered a key factor in the progression of AD, with evidence of impaired energy metabolism and oxidative damage in affected brains. However, direct impact of tau pathology on mitochondria remains unclear, and underlying mechanisms are largely unexplored. We aim to elucidate impact of tau pathology on mitochondria at several levels, in-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo. We intend to utilize cell models which can generate human AD like tau filaments. We will monitor mitochondrial damage in the Alzheimer´s animal model, which express truncated tau protein found in sporadic AD, by using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) spectrometry, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and Mass Spectrometry. These analyses will enable us to identify potential disparities in protein profiles, functional and morphological aspects of mitochondria in the presence of tau pathology. The results from this research endeavour will not only enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between tau pathology and mitochondrial dysfunction but also provide valuable insights into developing innovative therapeutic interventions.

Substantial part of genetically related hearing loss is caused by mutations in the SLC26A4 gene, resulting in the non-syndromic hearing loss with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (NSEVA) and Pendred syndrome (PDS). Although identification of biallelic pathogenic variants in the SLC26A4 gene is an essential condition for confirmation of the diagnosis, up to 75 % of patients have only a monoallelic or no variant identified in SLC26A4. Some unsolved cases are associated with the recently identified CEVA haplotype (haplotype of variants upstream of SLC26A4), acting as a pathogenic allele when combined with a mutation in SLC26A4. The aim of proposed project is to improve the diagnosis of hearing disorders in patients with suspected NSEVA and PDS. It will include the implementation of CEVA haplotype analysis in probands with monoallelic variants in the SLC26A4 gene as well as functional studies investigating the impact of novel variants of uncertain significance on pendrin function in human cells. Results obtained during solving the project enable faster and more accurate patient diagnosis, which is essential for proper patient management and appropriate treatment.

Tandem repeats largely determine the variability of the human genome and they play important roles in several physiological and pathophysiological processes. They are most often associated with monogenic diseases but recent studies point to their possible role in the phenomenon of missing heritability in the genetic determination of complex multifactorial diseases. The main goal of the presented project is the characterization of TR motifs near single nucleotide variants (SNVs), which have possible connections with the genetic determination of ulcerative colitis (UC) based on available association studies, UC belongs to the group of autoimmune inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and we use it as a model complex disease in several projects, and thus we have created the necessary biological and data files to conduct a pilot study aimed at studying the possible role of TR motifs in the pathogenesis of UC.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common neurological condition characterized by transient impairment of brain function due to the head trauma. According to the current literature, approximately 70 million people suffer a TBI each year, which has a significant physical and psychosocial impact on patients and their families and whole society. After a head injury, patients experience a range of symptoms including cognitive impairments and memory loss. They suffer from a range of psychological problems or may suffer loss of vision, hearing, or impaired mobility. Experimental animal models of TBI, particularly mouse models, are of great importance because of the opportunity to study in detail the histopathological changes in the brain and provide a unique chance to understand the molecular mechanisms induced by the injury. In this project, we will focus on mesenchymal stem cells in the context of TBI therapy, from their isolation, expansion, and neurodifferentiation, to their use in cell therapy in a mouse model. These results can lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of brain regeneration after TBI. At the same time, this research could better clarify the danger of head injuries for the general public as well as highlight the importance of early prevention of the long-term consequences of TBI.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the most widespread virus of the Flaviviridae family in Europe and Northeast Asia. Due to the accelerated spread of the infection and its geographical distribution, it poses a significant threat to humans in other areas as well. The virus targets the nervous system and brain, but it enters the body through the skin and its cells when ticks suck. Skin cells, including keratinocytes, represent first contact interface between ticks, host and tick-borne pathogens and play a central role in host defence against invading pathogens. However, there have been few studies on the mutual interaction of skin cells after TBEV infection. The ultrastructural consequences of infection, virus replication, and its release from infected cells can be observed using an electron microscope. Understanding of the skin cell interactions after TBEV infection could help to identify the mechanism of the skin´s immune response against the virus.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is one of the naturally occurring polyphenols in green, white and, in lesser content, black tea leaves. It is responsible for most of the biological activity of tea, including cancer chemoprevention. It also has a synergistic antitumour effect with commonly used chemotherapeutics. In our previous study, we showed that EGCG, in addition to increasing the sensitivity of tumour cells to the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by inhibiting the expression of ABC transporters, also significantly inhibits the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), especially isoforms 1A1 and 1A3. Overexpression of ALDH1 is associated with metastasis and poor prognosis of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). The effect of EGCG on the expression of ALDH genes, the mechanism of regulation and the subsequent change in the cell phenotype have not been described yet. EGCG is known to be an epigenetic regulator. It reduces the methylation of genes, which leads to their activation and also intervenes in the acetylation of histones. We assume that EGCG participates in the altered expression of ALDH1A1 and 1A3 by epigenetic regulation. Since we observed decrease in ALDH1 expression in the presence of EGCG, EGCG does not act directly but regulates signalling pathways controlling ALDH1 expression. The aim of the project is to describe the mechanisms by which EGCG interferes in signalling pathways by changing methylation status in pathways regulating the expression of ALDH1 genes in CRC. Co-directors: Ing. Martina Poturnajová, PhD., RNDr. Miroslava Matúšková,PhD. Keywords: EGCG, epigenetic modifications, aldehyde dehydrogenase, colorectal cancer

The pandemic of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) still causes a high threat to the world in many aspects. Affective therapeutic and preventive approaches including drugs and vaccines are unavailable yet, although they are in development. Our laboratory currently participates in a national CoViDRUGS project with many individual tasks like designing, preparing, and testing novel compounds against SARS-CoV-2. Within the proposed student project, we will focus on developing comprehensive in vitro tests to biologically evaluate cell cytotoxicity, bioavailability, and viral inhibition. As an inhibitor, we will apply a newly synthesized antiviral compound VM12 that, in the earlier study, has shown direct enzymatic activity against SARS-CoV-2 proteases Mpro and PLpro. Due to their genetic stability, they have been selected as primary pharmacological targets and currently play a crucial role in the progress of the drugs.

The presence of filamentous deposits of the protein tau in the brain is a hallmark of tauopathies, including the most common neurodegenerative disease – Alzheimer´s disease (AD). Although the trigger for AD has not yet been confirmed, previous studies suggest that hyperphosphorylation and truncation of tau govern its structural change from originally disordered to a misordered state with an increased susceptibility to aggregation. Designing an inhibitor for tau aggregation may have therapeutic significance in the search for an AD cure and prevention. To achieve this goal, we need to uncover the structural features of the protein tau, which are currently missing. The multiplex conformational ensemble of the protein tau, being a natively disordered protein, poses a significant challenge when it comes to tackling its structural complexity. AD-specific monoclonal antibody DC11 revealed the presence of a conformational epitope of tau and therefore it can be used as a tool to study disease-related tau conformations. The truncation of tau from both termini is needed for the recognition process. Previous studies suggest that tau321-391 is the minimal segment required for forming a conformational epitope that enables binding to DC11. Our goal is to better understand tau protein's transition from a healthy to an aggregation-prone state by characterizing its truncated form through structural biology methods. Understanding prefibrillar tau's structure can lead to the development of novel medication.

Punicic acid (PuA), a conjugated fatty acid found in pomegranate (Punica granatum), holds vast potential for application in the medical and pharmaceutical industries due to its multifaceted bioactive effects. In this context, its inherently low natural yield has spurred recent efforts to find alternative sources. Among these, oleaginous microorganisms emerge as promising candidates due to their ability to accumulate significant amount of lipids and use a wide range of carbon sources. This project aims to establish PuA production in the oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula toruloides. One of our main objectives is selecting an effective promoter for heterologous expression of the PgFADX gene, essential for PuA biosynthesis. In this regard, we will assess the impact of various promoters on PuA production. Furthermore, we will study the production strain’s ability to utilize multiple carbon sources, including industrial waste byproducts, to significantly enhance PuA accumulation levels while reducing production costs. The obtained results could unveil the potential of R. toruloides as a host for biotechnological PuA production. Moreover, our observations could be employed to optimize conditions for producing other valuable lipid compounds within this organism.

The social pressure to find solutions for issues related to oncological diseases is constantly increasing. In 2020, 19.3 million new cancer cases and approximately 10 million cancer-related deaths were recorded [1]. One of the ways to improve patient prognosis and detect cases in the early stages is through early diagnosis. New approaches to gather information about the overall state of the body focus on studying exosomes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) that reflect the content of parent cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix can be a potential source of new biomarkers. EVs carry information about the parent cell in the form of DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and glycans. From the perspective of glycans, it is possible to monitor pathophysiological changes in the body through aberrant glycosylation (fucosylation, branching of glycans, presence of polysialic acid), which is one of the signs of oncological disease development. The challenge of early cancer diagnosis lies in the low concentration of known biomarkers in the blood. A clear advantage of exosome-focused diagnostics is their presence in all body fluids. In the presented project, the focus is on isolating exosomes using affinity methods, meaning the utilization of antigen-receptor interactions and corresponding antibodies, with an emphasis on the tetraspanin receptor family. The project's objective is to isolate tissue-specific exosomes present in blood serum using magnetic particles, the surface of which will be modified with antibodies, followed by glycoprofiling through various methods.

Depression and antidepressant treatment during pregnancy pose a risk to both the mother and the baby. The pathogenesis of depression is a complex process, and focusing only on certain factors excludes the contribution of others, which leads to a limited understanding of the mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of depression. One such underestimated factor is neuroinflammation. Relatively recent research has established a strong link between depression and increased inflammation. Neuroinflammation is associated with the activation of immune cells such as microglia and astrocytes. Activation of these immune cells is triggered by various forms of injury, such as trauma, infection and neurological disease. This activation is manifested by morphological changes, altered gene expression and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this project, we will monitor the molecular and morphological changes in hippocampal neurons of the offspring that may be a consequence of neuroinflammation in mothers suffering from depression. Our attention will be focused on the hippocampus because several recently published papers suggest that hippocampal dysfunction, including impaired neurogenesis, plays a role in the development of psychiatric and neurological pathologies such as depression. Besides analyzing possible inflammatory processes, we will also assess the effects of a third-generation antidepressant, mirtazapine, which has been reported to exhibit inhibitory effects on neuroinflammation. Research into the link between neuroinflammation and depression is still in its infancy and most of the current knowledge is theoretical, so the outcomes of our analyses will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of this complex issue.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) have captivated the attention of researchers since the early 1930s due to their significant applications within the medical and clothing industries. Concerning the composition of PSAs, they comprise natural rubbers and/or synthetic polymers originating from acrylates, styrenes, and vinyl acetate, among others. The majority of the initial constituents of these synthetic polymers come from petroleum-derived sources; for instance, acrylic esters derived from propane. This presents a rising challenge, as the current emphasis centers around diminishing reliance on petroleum feedstocks, instead transitioning towards renewable and sustainable alternatives. Consequently, we propose the synthesis of a bio-based PSA, derived from itaconic acid and diamines. The synthesis procedure will be designed following green chemistry principles, and the resultant polymers will undergo testing concerning their adhesive properties, mechanical toughness, and bio-compatibility, and will be thoroughly compared with their petroleum-based counterparts, with further opportunities for enhancement, as required. Once the UV system is applied, the PSAs are termed as UV curable adhesives. The UV curable adhesives have potent applications in the medical field, as they can prepared with or without solvent. They can be directly applied on the surfaces, making their applications very practical and less complex.

In general, bacteria divide by binary fission, where the division septum is formed exactly in the middle of the cell, producing two daughter cells of equal sizes. Bacillus subtilis is a unique model organism to study cell division, as it can divide also asymmetrically during sporulation. This process is recognized as the simplest process of cell differentiation. An asymmetric septum divides the cell into two compartments, a mother cell and a forespore. The site of asymmetric division is linked to FtsZ, tubuline-like homologue protein that polymerizes into a structure called Z-ring on the inner surface of the membrane at 1/6th of the cell length, together with essential component of the asymmetric septum SpoIIE protein. SpoIIE is a membrane phosphatase that colocalize with FtsZ and forms an E-ring. These rings serve as a scaffold to attract other proteins involved in asymmetric cell division. However, information about how the asymmetric septum is correctly placed during sporulation is still missing. The main goal of the project is to study proteins and protein interactions involved in the process of asymmetric cell division and the mechanism of how the cell finds the asymmetric site of septation during sporulation.

Tulipalin A or α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (MBL) is a renewable compound found in tulips, and its polymer form is potentially used for biomaterial applications. Several polymerization techniques have been reported to polymerize MBL successfully, including ATRP, one of the most versatile controlled polymerization methods for vinyl monomers. In addition, polymerization of MBL via ATRP with more environmentally friendly conditions is possible to achieve with photo-ATRP. Because it uses light as external stimulus and can be performed in the presence of oxygen. The challenge of photo-ATRP in a typical batch system still comes from non-homogenous irradiation, as the chemical transformation will only occur in the light-exposed region. Subsequently, we observed that using a flow reactor can improve the light irradiation distribution and, thus, provide a faster polymerization rate of acrylates and methacrylate monomers. With a continuous flow, the irradiation time can be shortened, substantially reducing the cost for polymerization process itself. Therefore, we plan to obtain a faster polymerization rate of MBL by performing photo-ATRP of MBL in a simple flow reactor. Then, the optimization of various conditions for photo-ATRP of MBL in the flow reactor will be studied by GPC and NMR. This optimum condition in the flow process will be used to prepare block copolymers containing MBL units, followed by further characterization, such as MALDI-TOF, which can help real-life biomaterial applications.

The exact function of neurogenesis in adulthood is not fully understood. New neurons in adult songbirds are incorporated into brain regions involved in song learning and production. Therefore, songbirds represent a suitable animal model for further understanding the role of neurogenesis for behavior in adulthood. Higher incorporation of new neurons into the vocal area HVC (abbreviation is the name) necessary for song production in Bengalese finch (Lonchura striata domestica) is associated with higher song variability. The aim of this project is to determine whether manipulating the intensity of neurogenesis will affect song. We will promote the formation of new neurons by administering memantine (MEM) and suppress it by administering temozolamide (TMZ). Analysis of the behavioral variability of the learned songs will contribute to a more detailed understanding of the function of neurogenesis in adulthood.

The high-entropy alloys (HEAs) have sparked a lot of scientific attention over the last ten years. Due to a high configuration entropy, HEAs form a single-phase solid solution with simple lattice structures (such as body-centered cubic or face-centered cubic), unlike traditional metal alloys, which include four or more metal elements in equal or almost equal atomic percentages. Most of the researchers work with high-entropy carbon structures (HECs) with equimolar ratios of atoms, as a result, a lot of publications are devoted to carbon ceramics. Our group works with high -entropy diboride structures (HEBs) which consist of 5 different transition atoms [Hf, Nb, Ta, Ti, Zr] combined with boron atoms and include various concentrations of atoms. In the project, uniting the theoretical DFT calculations implemented in the VASP program and laboratory research to confirm the theoretical predictions, we will model and synthesize the HEB structures for further sintering and investigation of the mechanical properties of the newly designed structures.

The increasing antibiotic resistance (multidrug resistance, methicillin resistance) in livestock production requires the use of altetrnatives, especially natural-based or additives to mainta-in/improve good health status and also productivity of animals. In the reduction of methicil-lin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), postbiotics (bacteriocins-antimicrobial substances produced by beneficial bacteria including) represent a promising potential. The project therefore aims to study a target of MRS and to test their susceptibility to postbiotics-enterocins ( bacteriocins produced by the strains of the genus Enterococcus. The intention is the further use of these substances for companion animals, but also in food-producing animals breeding.

Pulmonary surfactant participates in gas exchange by reducing surface tension during inspiration and preventing alveolar collapse during expiration. In addition to its mechanical function, it also plays a role in the lungs in suppressing an inadequate pro-inflammatory response that causes many physiological failures. Part of this immune response is the phospholipid phosphatidylglycerol (PG). It modulates the function of macrophages and can antagonize the activation of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) and prevent inflammatory processes that lead to a decrease in gas exchange in the alveolar compartment. Our goal is to increase phosphatidylglycerol production in surfactant-secreting cells using valproic acid (VPA), which affects phospholipid biosynthesis. Targeted increased production of PG in surfactants could effectively prevent an uncontrolled immune response in affected patients.

The present project focuses on an extensive in silico study of the second α-amylase family GH57. To date, the most recent bioinformatics study regarding this family was an in silico analysis performed in 2018 on a total of 1602 sequences. Into the upcoming project, sequences of amylolytic enzymes from the family GH57 will be included, whose count grew three-fold from 2018. The analysis will be focused on potential new groups of putative enzymes with complete or incomplete catalytic machinery. Evolutionary relationships within the family will also be reviewed together with updating the sequence logos characteristic for each enzyme specificity or group of homologous proteins. In addition to pursuing potentially new groups of enzymes or protein homologs, the attention will be paid on a group of α-galactosidase-like sequences with a complete catalytic machinery. The overall contribution will be represented by expanding and updating the knowledge on the second α-amylase family GH57 and the possible extension of the family to other groups of enzymes or protein homologues.

Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of farm animals increase the intensity of greenhouse gases, and therefore their effective control can not only improve the efficiency of animal production but also reduce the environmental burden in ruminant farms. Currently, the prevention and treatment of endoparasitic infections also focuses on the enrichment of pastures with medicinal plants (monocultures) with a high content of phytochemicals. Enriched pastures can not only affect ruminal microbial fermentation and methanogenesis in ruminants but also strengthen the animal's immune system against endoparasites. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a tasty and nutritious plant with a high content of bioactive substances. The aim of the presented project is to evaluate the effect of enriching pasture with chicory on rumen microbial fermentation and immune responses of lambs experimentally infected with the GI parasite Haemonchus contortus. The results of the project could lead to the utilization of the potential of chicory as a substitute for chemotherapeutic (anthelmintic) control of endoparasitic infections and at the same time to the reduction of methane emissions in ruminant farms.

The aim of the project is to find out which acetylcholine receptors can potentially be produced in oocytes and preimplantation embryos. In the project, the expression of transcripts of all known subunits of mammalian nicotinic receptors and all types of muscarinic receptors will be investigated in a mouse model. The obtained transcriptomic data will enable further investigation of the biological function of these receptors in the earliest stages of embryogenesis and may also contribute to clarifying the mechanisms by which some adverse factors (nicotine, neonicotinoid insecticides) act on the developing oocyte and embryo.

The lyrical prose of Štefan Krčméry (1892 – 1955) is such an original set of texts in terms of genre, motif and style that it still has no analogues in Slovak literature. Despite this, in the cultural environment the author does not figure as a novelist, but as an exceptionally prolific poet, literary historian and active clerk of the Matica slovenská. The prosaic texts still await to be collected and await for literary-historical re-evaluation, which will define their position within the development of Slovak literature in the first half of the 20th century. The goal of the project is to introduce prose texts as an organic part of Krčméry's extensive literary work and parallely as a document of an original creative method that accumulates poetic expression, aesthetic feeling, intellectual knowledge and a reflection of breakthrough moments in the author's life.

Despite a large scientific consensus on the importance of anthropogenic influences on climate change among climate scientists an admittedly small but still significant portion of the population underestimates or dismisses human influence on climate change. Although environmental awareness has increased in recent years and a large majority of European as well as Slovak citizens believe that climate change will have an adverse impact on their lives, there is still a value-action gap, known as the 'green gap', i.e., a discrepancy between environmental concerns and the adopted pro-environmental behaviors. This project aims to address and reduce this 'green gap'. Therefore, we aim to develop and test the efficiency of two interventions (social norm appeals, and educational interventions), to reduce perceived psychological barriers to pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) and increase intentions to engage in PEBs, as well as an increase in reported pro-environmental behavior with a larger time gap after the intervention.

While the International Monetary Fund recognizes the potential effect of capital flight on the debt position of African countries (Khan & Ajayi, 2000), it has not been incorporated into the fund’s framework for analysing the debt sustainability (DSA) of these countries. Also, the extent to which capital flight threatens most developing countries' debt sustainability is not well established in the literature. Given the enormity of the capital flight phenomenon in Africa, as demonstrated in the revolving-door hypothesis of capital flight and external debt (Ndikumana et al., 2014b; Ndikumana & Boyce, 2003, 2011), this project seeks to incorporate capital flight into the IMF’s DSA template. The project will count on the strength of the pooled mean group (Pesaran et al., 1999) and the system-GMM (Arellano & Bond, 1991) empirical estimates of the effect of capital on sovereign bond spreads to simulate a capital flightless counterfactual sovereign bond spreads of the countries to demonstrate the true effect of capital flight.

The vast majority of psychological research conducted on Syrian refugees (and refugees in general) is rooted in the deficits model, which emphasizes the diagnosis of mental disorders among this population over the examination of their resources and strengths. While this approach provides important information on the prevalence of such disorders among refugees, it perpetuates labeling them as passive victims, who are helpless, powerless, and in need of aid. A shift in focus has been, however, in recent years to move away from the pathological approach in refugee studies towards a strengths-based approach. The latter does not negate the fact that some refugees may suffer from mental health problems or trauma. Instead, it aims to better understand the mechanisms through which the majority of this population endures objectively challenging life experiences and successfully adapts to new environments. It views refugees as survivors who, despite encountering difficult circumstances, possess personal resources and strengths that help them cope with adversities. Following this approach, our study aims to explore the lived experiences of resilience among Syrian refugees residing in three different countries: Germany, Turkey, and Czechia. The findings of this study contribute to the research on resilience among refugees by exploring the role of contextual factors in shaping it. Moreover, given the exploratory nature of the study and the small sample size, the results could serve as a starting point and prompt further research on a larger representative scale.

The present project is aimed at identifying and systematically elaborating the overlaps in the perception of the problem of solidarity in the thought of the anarchist Peter Kropotkin and the existentialist writer Albert Camus. The benefit of identifying these overlaps will be that it will broaden the discussion of solidarity both in the field of anarchist studies and in current academic research focusing on Camus's thought. The framework hypothesis of the research is that Camus's conception of solidarity contains identical semantic aspects to Kropotkin's understanding of the concept. The formulation of the hypothesis is based on the fact that in Camus's The Plague, Dr. Rieux, approaches the fight against the plague through mutual aid, which largely coincides with Kropotkin's theory of mutual aid. The issue of solidarity came to the fore especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which also revived interest in Camus's novel and in Kropotkin's theory. Despite the increased interest in this topic of solidarity, no study has yet been published that places the two thinkers in the same debate in an erudite manner. The main ambition of the project is to lay the groundwork for opening such a discussion.

The aim of the project is a detailed analysis of weapon finds and the development of defensive settlements from the period of Urnfield cultures (Br C/D - Ha B3) in the northern part of the Carpathian Basin. This will make it possible to identify local and regional tendencies related to the occurrence of conflicts within the distinct archaeological cultures delineated in Slovakia. An analysis of the use-wear of selected specimens of bronze weaponry will also be conducted in order to determine the intensity of their usage, indicate potential methods of combat, and confirm their practical application in battle, beyond their symbolic and prestige functions. The research results will be placed in a broader geographic context, including comparisons with neighboring regions (southern Poland, northeastern Austria, Moravia, northern Hungary, southwestern Ukraine). As this is the first project of such scale in Slovakia, encompassing all types of weaponry from the Urnfield cultures period, it will serve as a reliable comparative foundation for subsequent related studies. It will reveal differences in the use and deposition of weapons, enable identification of potential areas of conflict, based on the analysis of attached maps, and allow for the determination of locations of strategic areas, protected by a network of defensive settlements.

The project is focused on dating the paleolithic settlement Kašov I. According to the present state of knowledge, this site represents a sequence of two cultural layers, based mainly on two dates obtained by the radiocarbon method. For the upper layer, which is the object of interest of my Ph. D. thesis, a date 18 600 ± 300 BP was obtained in 1993 from charcoal present among the finds of the lithic industry. However, the use of this data is problematic for valid reasons. By reusing the radiocarbon method for age determination, I propose to verify that date, thus allowing a more reliable basis for the interpretation of this paleolithic site. The assumption is confirming the age and placing Kašov I into the context of other sites from the Late Upper Paleolithic, which will allow new information on the period in question to be safely gathered.

The planned project is based on current trends in research on communist movements in Central and Eastern Europe, specifically the trend of decentralizing the study of communist movements in the territory of the former communist bloc. The aim of the project is to analyze the national discourse promoted by Ukrainian national communists in the region of Subcarpathian Rus in the 1920s. The issue of the Ukrainian stance of Subcarpathian Ruthenians communists will take place within the broader context of the national question in the Comintern. When fulfilling the set goal, however, the main emphasis will be placed on the degree of autonomy of the Subcarpathian Ruthenians communists when expressing their national standpoint, particularly concerning the principle of nations' self-determination. In connection with this issue, the public and political statements of members of the KSČ (Communist Party of Czechoslovakia) in Subcarpathian Rus and their ideological background will be examined.

This research project aims to study the relationship between lived religion and the official Catholic and Orthodox Churches in the context of Marian devotion in post-communist Belarus. The project aims to investigate the nature of this relationship by examining the confessional factor, the development trajectory of devotional places, and the position and acting of influential actors in the field, based on qualitative research in three different regions. The study builds upon relevant literature on the relationship between lived religion and the official church, as well as on Marian devotion studies on other CEE countries and studies of religion in post-communist Belarus. The methodology of the research project relies on qualitative anthropological interpretation and employs ethnographic methods such as participant observation, thick description, semistructured interviews and life-stories. Desk research, including study of historical data and content and discoursive analysis of various web and media sources, will complement the field research. The field study will be conducted in three places of Marian devotion in Belarus: Proshcha, Zhirovichi, and Budslav, selected to illustrate three different trajectories of mutual relationships between the popular and official religiosity. By filling the gap in scientific literature regarding the Marian devotion in post-communist Belarus, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between lived and official religiosity in a changing religious landscape. The results of the study may be useful to researchers of religiosity in other post-communist countries.

Mechanochemical synthesis represents simple, economical, time-saving and environmentally friendly method of material preparation. It can be applied in synthesis of copper (I) silver selenide, which is naturally occurring in form of rare mineral eucairite. CuAgSe belongs to materials with potential for use in thermoelectric devices, converting waste heat into electricity. Possible negative of CuAgSe synthesis in planetary ball mill from elemental powders is high price of silver powder. Solution may be preparation of silver nanoparticles as precursor for subsequent CuAgSe mechanochemical synthesis. Therefore, aim of the project is preparation of silver nanoparticles from inexpensive and available precursors by mechanochemical reduction using iron powder, besides following mechanochamical synthesis of CuAgSe with synthesized silver acting as precursor of reaction. The project includes monitoring of proposed mechanochemical reactions kinetics, studying of prepared product crystal structure and morfology through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), measuring of physico-chemical and thermoelectric properties.

Spin is an intrinsic property of most elementary particles, which essentially dictates the properties of materials as well as their interactions with other substances. These two abilities are critical for modern nanoelectronics, which resulted in the emergence of a new scientific discipline called spintronics. Spin introduces an additional degree of freedom into the system, allowing devices, for example, to reduce electrical consumption or increase their computational capacity. Spintronic devices have become an attraction in electronics; however, problems associated with controlling spin remain a significant challenge. A unique way of manipulating spin is through the effect known as chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS), which results from the specific structure of organic chiral molecules. The project focuses on the preparation and characterization of simple heterostructures and their interaction with chiral polymers deposited on the surface. Specifically, it deals with the influence of chiral lactic acid (PLLA) on perovskites, where the selected perovskites are high-temperature superconductor YBa2Cu3Ox (YBCO) and ferromagnet La1-xSrxMnO3 (LSMO).

Recently, the need for high-capacity batteries is greater than ever. The cathode of the battery used to hold the lithium ions uses a complicated interface with a very large active surface. It has been shown that by depositing ultra-thin layers on such a surface, it is possible to increase the capacity and lifetime of the final batteries. The analysis of thin layers grown using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method on porous materials is a very complicated problem, where it is not possible to analyze the thickness of the layer by conventional methods such as ellipsometry. Parameters such as porosity and EAR - equivalent aspect ratio are used to describe such surfaces. EAR is a number that summarizes the various different shapes and sizes of pores and cavities with the same conditions for growth. Therefore, by producing a chip with porous structures with a defined EAR, after deposition I should be able to measure the maximum EAR that can be covered under the given growth conditions. The final product will be a chip ALTS - Atomic Layer Testing Substrate, on which, after the growth of the ALD layer and the simple removal of the top part of the chip, the area of the grown layer in these defined structures can be directly seen with an optical microscope and thus the EAR of the ALD growth can be determined. In combination with analysis on a well-defined flat surface and some measurements on cathodes, the ability to determine the homogeneity of ALD growth in structures with complex morphology, such as cathodes and anodes of Li-Ion batteries, should be achieved.

Concrete production is a highly energy demanding process and it's responsible for a high portion of the CO2 emissions. As CO2 is responsible for a climate change it's important from the sustainability point of view to discuss possibilities which could help us to it's reduce impact on the environment. Aim of this project is to design the concrete mixtures, that would be more eco - friendly. Focus of this research is a contribution of individual binding and filling components of the self-compacting concretes to the reduction of the overall CO2 emissions and finding an effective way for sustainability, while protecting required properties for an ordinary structures. This is to be maintained during the mixing and casting process and in the final stage as a hardened concrete as well.

The evolution of calcareous microplankton is characterized by a significant change in their biomineralization during the Late Jurassic, with a replacement of microgranular (so-called chitinoidellids) by calcareous hyaline walls (so-called calpionellids), with transitional forms possessing two test layers. Although this transition coincides with a strong increase in the number of calcareous nannoplankton, it remains unclear whether these evolutionary changes were triggered by changes in seawater temperature or other factors. In addition, previous works did not address the ultrastructure of transitional forms of microplankton, which have lorica formed by two layers. The presented project will thus evaluate (1) stratigraphic changes in the concentration of magnesium and other elements (Sr, Fe, Mn) in the shell of microplankton from three locations of the Pieniny Klippen Belt of the Western Carpathians using microprobe analysis (EMPA), since the Mg/Ca ratio can reflect changes in temperature seawater and (2) stratigraphic changes in the ultrastructure of chitinoidellid and calpionellid tests (the so-called loricae) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and backscattered electrons (BSE), with an emphasis on the ultrastructure of transitional forms with two shell layers. Geochemical analyses discriminating between the composition of the loricae and the composition of the surrounding sediment can assess whether there were any significant changes in the temperature of the sea water during the evolution of the microplankton and during changes in biomineralization and whether the composition of the loricae is distorted by diagenetic processes.

The European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Habitats Directive aim to enhance biodiversity within agricultural landscapes. Both policies necessitate substantial monitoring of factors affecting biodiversity, which can be facilitated by remote sensing technology. An essential measure of biodiversity in permanent grasslands is the management intensity, measured through frequency and timing of mowing and grazing. The frequency and timing of management activities can be effectively assessed using satellite remote sensing that observe sudden changes in photosynthetically active biomass in response to such activities. However, the rapid regrowth of grasses presents a challenge, requiring dense satellite time series for reliable management detection. To mitigate this issue, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery can complement optical imagery. Therefore this project is aimed to test a two-step methodology for identifying grassland management events by combining optical and SAR data. Initially, cloud-related gaps in optical time series will be filled using supervised machine learning regression, incorporating both optical and SAR data. Subsequently, time series sequences of optical and SAR data will be classified into managed and unmanaged categories using two machine learning algorithms.The findings of the project will contribute to the on-going APVV, and Biodiversa Plus projects to assess the presence of species-rich grasslands, and also in the monitoring of farming practices in accordance with the Common Agricultural Policy.

The Western Carpathians as a part of Alpine-Carpathian orogene zone have been formed by tectonical events since Paleozoic Era. Complicated evolution processes caused that the tectonic structure of the Western Carpathians is extremely complex, therefore it is necessary to constantly study this structure and supplement knowledge about it. The Western Carpathians are essentially divided into external part and internal part, which mutual contact zone is the subject of many studies.Various deep-penetrating geophysical methods are used to investigate this contact. One of these methods is magnetotellurics, which studies the distribution of electrical conductivity in the Earth. Thanks to this method, in connection with the previous knowledge, it is possible to obtain new information about the deep geological structure and the distribution of individual tectonic structures of the contact zone between the External and Internal Western Carpathians, and thus also to the overall picture of the structure and evolution of the Western Carpathians.

The Riparian Zone includes the area between the flood plain and river’s shoreline which provides extraordinary sustainable condition for fauna and flora in rivers environment. Monitoring vegetation zone for maintaining sustainable biodiversity and productivity requires a comprehensive and adaptive approach to ensure feasible balance between ecological processes, species interactions, and environmental factors. While traditional methods for monitoring riparian zone offer valuable insights, they can be complemented and enhanced by modern technologies like satellite imagery, remote sensing, and AI-driven analysis. These technologies address many of the limitations of traditional methods by providing broader spatial coverage, higher temporal resolution, and automated data processing, leading to a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of vegetation dynamics and ecosystem health. The main aims of study include automatic classification of satellite and aerial images by utilize AI technology which contribute to monitoring vegetation biodiversity and productivity, identify vegetation response to succession and human impact, and explaining the effect of environmental parameters on vegetation dynamics. Keywords: Riparian vegetation, Machine Learning, Satellite images, Human impacts, Vegetation dynamics

Several facets of the theory of quantum measurements are conceptually difficult and confusing to grasp. However, how they can be utilized is of interest to the current quantum technological advancement. Interestingly, developing novel tools for effectively designing desired quantum measurements is a theoretical challenge as well. Canonical implementations are frequently extremely complex and only theoretically feasible. The purpose of this project is to investigate and design measurements in the context of Noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices. We are going to construct novel protocols utilizing current physical systems to perform the complex quantum measurements under consideration. As a result, we are expecting realistic proposals for new quantum measuring apparatuses, tools for effectively deploying complex quantum operations in existing quantum infrastructures, and specifications of certifiable requirements for such infrastructure.

Photothermal therapy represents a new potent non-invasive alternative to conventional cancer treatment. Plasmonic nanomaterials based on non-stoichiometric molybdenum oxide (MoOx) have great potential for photothermia due to the high efficiency of converting light energy into heat. Another unique trait is the change in their absorbance depending on pH (absorbance is high at low pH). This property is of great interest in cancer therapy, as it is known that a tumor in hypoxia exhibits a significantly lower pH compared to healthy tissue. For the use of a material in photothermal therapy, it is important to ensure its stability in biological conditions and at the same time preserve its optical properties. This project is focused on unexplored surface modifications for photothermal MoOx, namely modifications using fatty acids, alkylphosphonates and gelatin. Surface modification using gelatin brings a great added value in the pH-sensitivity of the shell, and thus opens up possibilities for the use of the aforementioned changes in MoOx absorbance in dependance to pH. The newly prepared MoOx preparations will be characterized using conventional (UV-vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, AFM, TEM, XRD) and advanced (TGA, Raman spectroscopy, Langmuir-Blodgett method) techniques, and at the same time their biological interactions will be explored - toxicity and entry into cells (UV-vis spectroscopy of cells). The biological tests will include a unique Confocal Raman microscopy technique of cells after their incubation with the preparations, which will provide information on the distribution of the nanomaterial at the subcellular level.

In risk theory, truncated distributions play vital roles in modeling aggregate claim amounts of a collective risk model, inter-arrival times between successive claims, and excess-of-zero claims, which aid insurers and actuaries in gaining adequate knowledge and accurate estimation of the frequency and severity of potential losses, rendering them vital for policy pricing and risk management. Traditionally, the computation of aggregate claim amounts relies on the convolution approach. However, this approach fails more often than expected when the number of claims becomes large. Though several recursive formulas such as the schr\"oter recursive formula that assume discrete claim severity distribution have been introduced in the literature to fill this gap, these formulas require intense computational time and even convolution components to utilize them and could be complicated when the claim amount distribution is truncated or zero-modified. Therefore, this study will focus on a simple and easy-to-execute truncated algorithm for the schr\"oter recursive formula for the computation of aggregate claim amounts.