Recent developments in analytical molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy.

The compilation of this Theme Issue of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society on the theme of Raman spectroscopic analysis of materials from extreme environments is timely for several reasons, perhaps the most significant of these being the realization in the last decade that this technique

Ohledně casto zmiňovaných rizik souvisejicich se vstupem do Evropske unie můžeme ucinit zavěr, že analyzovana makroekonomicka data nepotvrzuji, že by se tato rizika musela při vstupu do EU projevit. Připad Ceske republiky, ktera se k EU připojila v roce 2004, naopak ukazuje na zlepseni větsiny makroekonomických ukazatelů po vstupu země do Evropske unie, v mensim poctu připadů pak na udrženi výsledků z doby před zacleněnim do Unie. Po vstupu do EU se v Ceske republice udržuje na nizke urovni mira inflace, doslo k urychleni růstu realneho HDP, ekonomicka uroveň Ceske republiky se zvysuje a přibližuje průměru EU, velice pozitivni výsledky vykazuje zahranicni obchod, nedoslo k narůstu miry nezaměstnanosti, rostou realne mzdy, směnný kurz ceske koruny k euru i americkemu dolaru se drži na silných urovnich, po vstupu do EU se na zakladě konvergencniho programu zacina snižovat deficit veřejných rozpoctů CR. Ze statistických dat plyne, že obdobi intenzivni připravy Ceske republiky na vstup do Evropske unie i prvni měsice clenstvi CR v EU maji spise pozitivni vliv na konkurenceschopnost ceske ekonomiky.

that could enable an epidermal targeting effect."

Research Highlights: One of the priorities of the European Commission is to build up an effective circular economy based on recycling and multiple use of materials. Wood biomass is a renewable raw material and can be used several times in a cascading sequence. Each country has a unique situation regarding the availability and utilization of wood sources. Background and Objectives: The objective of this study was to analyze wood flow in the Czech Republic using the cascading principle of biomass use. The specific situation in the Czech Republic lies in a lack of valid and reliable input data from official statistics. Therefore, the reverse input method was applied. Materials and Methods: Input data analyses of roundwood sources and foreign trade were based on official statistical data. The calculation of raw wood volume consumption in primary processing was performed based on the data after our own correction and recalculation. It was then possible to build up a basic model of multi-stage cascade wood use. The input volume of roundwood was divided among all types of primary processing production using conversion factors. Results: Cascading use of wood (CUW) showed the level of efficiency of the resource. Official statistical input data and the reversed input data regarding raw wood volume entering wood processing revealed differences at a level of 27%. The overall CUW in the Czech Republic indicates a high rate of wood use in primary processing with low added value and in generating energy. Conclusions: The reverse input method reveals the real situation of wood consumption irrespective of the level of official statistical data. It is suitable to apply in an environment of incomplete or incorrect input data. CUW in Czechia showed an opportunity for increasing the efficiency of wood utilization. The structure of wood use needs to be optimized towards creating greater added value.

The paper deals with the importance of Intrastat and Eurostat for mutual trade with goods between EU countries and third countries. It informs about the importance of statistical data for all legal forms of trade companies, multinational companies, public administration institutions and service businesses. It points out that accepting the Czech Republic as a member of EU changed the use of terminology in foreign trade. For goods transactions between EU member states the terms sending and receiving are used, whereas the traditional terminology export – import is used for foreign trade with the third countries.Paper describes legal regulations including the instructions for statistical data records, specifically the Directive of the European parliament and Council No. 638/2004, appended by the Commission directive No. 1980/2004 and Public notice of the Czech statistical office from 18th May, 2005. Based on the retrospective view it shows the development of legal regulation and the importance of quo­ted directive for determining and recording statistical data. It notifies that statistical data are necessary for recognition of the course of integration of the internal market, formation of agricultural policy and adopting anti-dumping measures. Paper acquaints with organisation of statistics within the Euro­pean Union. It also notifies that statistical system includes also the countries of Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.Results of foreign trade in 2007 show the involvement of the Czech Republic in mutual trade with the EU countries, to which 85.22 % of the total value of exported goods was sent, which represents the amount of CZK 194 056 per inhabitant of the Czech Republic. In the same year, goods of the total share of 69.90 % was received from the EU countries, which represents the amount of CZK 162 021 per inhabitant. Our most important trade partner is Germany, with which we have reached the turnover of CZK 1 429 986. According to the goods nomenclature, the highest share was exported in the case of motor vehicles (18.25 %), and machines and equipment (11.90 %).Calculation was done using the method of vertical and horizontal analysis. Authors got to the conclusion, that the use of these methods only is insufficient for evaluation of the mutual trade relations’ dynamics. Total values have to be recalculated to a comparable indicator, which is one inhabitant of a particular country.

The effect of geographical distance on the extent of socioeconomic impacts of the Dukovany nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic is assessed by combining two different research approaches. First, we survey how people living in municipalities in the vicinity of the power plant perceive impacts on their personal quality of life. Second, we explore the effects of the power plant on regional development by analysing long-term statistical data about the unemployment rate, the share of workers in the energy sector and overall job opportunities in the respective municipalities. The results indicate that the power plant has had significant positive impacts on surrounding communities both as perceived by residents and as evidenced by the statistical data. The level of impacts is, however, significantly influenced by the spatial and social distances of communities and individuals from the power plant. The perception of positive impacts correlates with geographical proximity to the power plant, while the hypothetical distance where positive effects on the quality of life are no longer perceived was estimated at about 15 km. Positive effects are also more likely to be reported by highly educated, young and middle-aged and economically active persons, whose work is connected to the power plant.

Various types of spatial data can be used in different parts of crisis management. We concentrate on support for evacuations. Analyses of the current situation show, that cartographic visualization can be used in different phases of an evacuation. We test the potential of open data in this paper. They can be used without legislative restrictions and for free. We choose the region around nuclear power plant Dukovany (Czech Republic) for the pilot study. Handbook for public in the case of radiation accident already exists and describes the key phases like evacuation assembly areas, evacuation routes and safe area. But the potential of cartographic visualization is not used therein. We provided two examples of maps based on open data for the evacuation mechanism improvement. We created a map showing the actual number of inhabitants based on statistical data around the power plant as the first use case. This map can be used during evacuation planning. Second use case demonstrates possibility of evacuation route visualization. It can be used for navigation during evacuation. Proposed cartographic visualization and their possible extensions are discussed for both use cases. The advantages, limitations and future development are commented in the conclusion.

Innovation is critical to modern economies’ development; new process requirements within Industry 4.0 highlight its significance and necessity. This study aims to identify the relationship between R&D expenditure and the aggregate innovation index in the V4 countries. The statistical data from 2014 to 2021 are taken from the European Commission and Eurostat databases. The analysis focuses on identifying the degree of correlation between the standardized score of the Aggregate Innovation Index and the amount of R&D expenditure in countries of the Visegrad Group. The study uses the following methods: the Shapiro-Wilk test (to verify the normality of the samples), Pearson’s correlation coefficient (to check the degree of tightness of dependency), the Tukey test (to examine which countries have statistically significant differences), and chi-squared test (Χ2-test). Among the V4 countries, the Czech Republic was the best performer in the aggregate innovation index. Hungary showed the second-highest score, Slovakia ranked third place, and Poland had the lowest score. The findings indicate a positive correlation between R&D expenditures and the aggregate innovation index in all V4 countries. However, the relationship is statistically significant only in the Czech Republic and Poland. These results were confirmed by the Tukey test of differences within the correlation coefficients, which showed only a statistically significant difference within the correlation coefficients between Poland and Slovakia (1.790) and between Poland and Hungary (–1.640), respectively. AcknowledgmentThis study was supported by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic [grant VEGA No 1/0357/21], “Multiplier effects of human capital quality on economic performance and competitiveness of the Slovak economy.”

The distribution of Bolbelasmusunicornis (Schrank, 1789) is critically reviewed throughout its range with emphasis on the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The species has been reliably recorded from 377 localities in 19 countries. New records are given from 152 localities of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey, and Ukraine. For Germany, the species is recorded for the first time in 54 years. The occurrence of the species in Switzerland is confirmed by two historical specimens from Zürich. The only known historical specimen labelled "Kaukasus" is given, which could originate from Russia, where this species has not been recorded before (however, confusion of the locality label cannot be ruled out). All published faunistic data from across the range are presented here in full, in several cases supplemented by details subsequently obtained by the author. Distribution maps are compiled separately for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and for the entire range. A separate map is also available for Hungary, where approximately one-third of the known localities are located. Statistical data concerning the flight activity of adults, seasonal dynamics for part of the distribution area, details of records and notes on the bionomy and ethology of the species are provided. Possible feeding strategies for adults and larvae of B.unicornis are discussed, as well as current knowledge of the natural history of various representatives of the subfamily Bolboceratinae. A monitoring method for the species is proposed.

Introduction. The paper examines the pressing issue for Ukraine regarding the legalization of civilian firearms, focusing on the study of European experience. The absence of a specific law regulating civilian firearms circulation in Ukraine and the need to develop a balanced policy in this area necessitate a detailed analysis of the legislation and practices of European countries. Particular attention is given to the mechanisms of control and the assessment of the impact of firearm legalization on crime rates to ensure a balance between citizens' right to protection and the maintenance of public safety. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the regulatory framework and enforcement practices of selected European countries in the field of civilian firearms legalization to evaluate the possibility of implementing their experience in Ukraine. This evaluation is carried out with a focus on ensuring a balance between citizens' right to self-defense and the preservation of public safety. Results. The paper analyzes the experience of the Czech Republic and Switzerland in the legal regulation of civilian firearms circulation. The study identifies the key features of both models, including licensing procedures, weapon categorization, requirements for potential owners, and control mechanisms. The research shows that the Czech model is characterized by strict control and clearly defined conditions for acquiring the right to own firearms, whereas the Swiss approach largely relies on centuries-old military traditions and an established culture of responsible firearm ownership, which has developed due to the country’s unique military organization system. Moreover, based on statistical data, the study established that a high level of civilian firearm ownership in both countries does not lead to an increase in crime rates. For instance, in the Czech Republic, between 2003 and 2023, violent crime rates decreased by 41.3%, and the number of homicides dropped by 31.5%. Similarly, Switzerland maintains a consistently low crime rate despite having one of the highest firearm ownership rates in Europe (27.6 firearms per 100 residents). Conclusion. The experiences of both countries demonstrate different but effective approaches to regulating civilian firearms circulation. These approaches are based on clear conditions for acquiring firearm ownership, comprehensive assessment of owners, and systematic control. The positive results of these models, supported by statistical data, suggest the possibility of their adaptation in the development of relevant legislation in Ukraine, considering the country’s national characteristics.

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness and clinical significance of the use of spectral analysis of molecular markers for an objective assessment of the clinical course of chronic endometritis and salpingo-oophoritis. Materials and methods. The paper presents survey data of 100 women aged 18-47 years with a diagnosis of chronic endometritis and chronic salpingo-oophoritis. Laboratory methods of blood tests were carried out according to the generally accepted methods when patients were admitted for examination. The assessment of the hormonal status was carried out using standard kits from the company "Immunotec" (Czech Republic) on a radioisotope analyzer "Gamma-800" (Narcotest). All subjects underwent ultrasound of the pelvic organs using the Voluson E8 apparatus, using transabdominal transducers of 11 Hz and 18 Hz and a transvaginal transducer with a frequency of 20 Hz and 31 Hz. To study molecular markers, we used the method of molecular Raman spectroscopy. We used a standard two-beam infrared spectrometer "SPECORD-75 IR" in the frequency range of 4000-400 cm-1. Statistical data processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel 2000 and SPSS 10.0.5 software. Results and discussion. The results of our research showed that the use of hormonal and echographic studies, although they are informative methods in the diagnosis of chronic endometritis and salpingo-oophoritis, are not specific enough. One of the important points of pathogenesis, both for acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the genitals, is the development of endogenous intoxication. A manifestation of acute inflammation against the background of intoxication is a change in the biosynthesis of "acute phase proteins". Spectral analysis of molecular markers allows detecting chronic endometritis / salpingo-oophoritis with higher accuracy (98%), sensitivity (99%) and specificity (97%). Stretching and bending vibrations of -CO and its derivatives are most intensely manifested. At the same time, depending on the pathological process, a shift in the position of the maxima in the absorption spectra was noted. The magnitude of the shift between the wave numbers obtained in patients with endometritis and salpingo-oophoritis was 1000/1500 cm-1, which is important for the identification and differentiation of components in the mixture. Conclusion. For samples of the spectrum of blood plasma in patients with chronic endometritis, characteristic bands with maxima are located in the region of 1510 cm-1, 1520 cm-1, 1535 cm-1. The absorption spectrum corresponds to 0.13-0.18. In patients with chronic salpingo-oophoritis, 1720cm-1 is characteristic for the 1600/1750cm-1 band, but 3420cm-1 for the 3300/3680cm-1 band. In this case, the absorption of waves during this process has significant differences – 0.16-0.25 for the first band and 0.06-0.20 for the second, on average 0.11

Reforms of indirect taxes, such as the recent changes in rates of value added tax (VAT) in the Czech Republic, change prices of products and services to which households can respond by adjusting their expenditures. I estimate the behavioural response of consumers to price changes in the Czech Republic applying a consumer demand model of the quadratic almost ideal system (QUAIDS) form to the Czech Statistical Office data for the period from 2001 to 2011. I then derive the estimates of own- and cross-price and income elasticities and I use these to estimate the impact of changes in VAT rates, which were proposed or implemented between 2011 and 2013, on households and government revenues. I further find that this method, which allows for behavioural response, yields lower estimates of changes in VAT revenues than when I use the standard static simulation. These relatively small, but statistically significant differences might partly explain the past cases, and might lead to future cases, of the over-estimation of VAT revenues by the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic.

Thyroid cancer includes a broad spectrum of tumours with different prognoses. The global incidence has been increasing in recent years. Variables affecting its etiology are dietary, especially iodine intake and to a lesser extent selenium, environmental, like - ionizing radiation and, increased TSH level. These factors interplay with epigenetic and genetic changes within the cell. This review article presents thyroid cancer epidemiology, describes its main characteristics and the influence of environmental and lifestyle risk factors in the Czech Republic in comparison with other countries. An epidemiological study of Czech patients with malignant thyroid carcinoma was made on the basis of the National Oncologic Registry (NOR) and Czech Statistical Office data summarized on the web portal SVOD. The data were compared with international data from the project GLOBOCAN 2008 Cancer Incidence and Mortality Worldwide. Apart from risk factors, prognostic factors with effect on patient survival were also analyzed. The survey showed that the incidence of thyroid cancer has been steadily growing in the Czech Republic. Since the beginning of the 1980s, it has increased 4 fold. It has a higher incidence than most other European countries but it is ranked with countries with an average and decreasing mortality. Obviously, the improved detection methods do not explain the growing incidence. The highest incidence is found for papillary carcinoma (PTC), now over 80% of cases. For follicular and medullar cancers, the incidence has not increased and for anaplastic carcinoma there is a slight decrease. Women over 40 years of age constitute the highest risk group. There are a number of reasons for these trends, such as improved diagnostic techniques using ultrasound and FNAB and more radical surgery. There are also dietary/environmental factors (iodine deficiency and to a lesser extent selenium), nitrates, polychlorinated biphenyls, increased ionizing radiation, and prolonged increase in TSH. The prognosis of patients with DTC depends on the age at the time of diagnosis. A favorable prognosis also depends on timely detection.

Fiscal autonomy of municipalities in the context of land taxation in the Czech Republic

<p>Raman spectroscopy is an excellent tool for the detection and discrimination of biomolecules e.g. pigments. The highest relevance of Raman spectroscopy in astrobiology has been well-established. The miniaturized, dedicated Raman spectrometers are currently a part of the experimental payload within rovers in the frame of Martian missions Mars 2020 (NASA) and ExoMars (ESA). Finding biomolecules in the rocky environments (for example, detecting carotenoids) would be an amazing outcome of Mars missions. On Earth, semi-translucent or translucent minerals such as gypsum are ideal habitats for endoliths, especially phototrophs. The mineral environment participates in protecting them against harsh superficial environments. Cyanobacteria colonize gypsum, halite, ignimbrite in the Atacama extremely dry zones with high UV flux. Pigments of endoliths encountered there and detected using Raman spectroscopy include mainly UV-screening pigments such as carotenoids and scytonemin. Selenitic gypsum outcrops of Messinian age commonly harbour cyanobacteria and algae also in less harsh environments: in Sicily (annual precipitation 400-600 mm) [1], Poland (600 mm) and Northern Israel (400 mm). Details on the distribution of pigments (including scytonemin) from several gypsum sites in southern Sicily and eastern Poland are presented [2]. Raman investigations using 780, 532 and 445 nm lasers show more detail on the distribution of UV-screening pigments in the dark zones. These dark zones are colonized dominantly by cyanobacteria, mostly by black-bluish <em>Gloeocapsa</em> <em>compacta</em> and yellow-brown <em>Nostoc</em> sp. Raman analysis allows to discriminate between these cyanobacterial taxa. Raman bands of scytonemin at 1593, 1552, 1438 and 1173 cm<sup>-1 </sup>were detected in colonies of <em>Nostoc</em> sp. Gloeocapsin, a pigment specific for <em>Gloeocapsa</em> sp, shows characteristic Raman bands similar to anthraquinone-based parietin of lichens: at 1665, 1575, 1378, 1310 and 465 cm<sup>-1 </sup>[2]. Both pigments can be used as biomarkers in geobiological and astrobiological studies. Other photosynthetic and protective pigments were also detected: carotenoids, chlorophylls and phycobiliproteins. Deciphering the presence of biomolecules (including pigments) using Raman spectroscopy helps to understand endoliths. Deploying miniature Raman spectrometers at terrestrial Mars analogue localities as well as in depth investigations of colonised gypsum through laboratory microspectrometric investigations is of the highest relevance for the current Martian missions.</p><p><strong>References</strong></p><p>[1] J. Jehlička, A. Culka, J. Mareš, (2019) Raman spectroscopic screening of cyanobacterial chasmoliths from crystalline gypsum—The Messinian crisis sediments from Southern Sicily, Spectrochimica Acta - Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy 51, 1802-1812. [2] K. Němečková, A. Culka, I. Němec, H.G.M. Edwards, J. Mareš, J. Jehlička (2021) Raman spectroscopic search for scytonemin and gloeocapsin in endolithic colonisations in large gypsum crystals. Journal of  Raman Spectroscopy 52, 2633-2647.</p>