GRANT Journal | Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journal

   

Aktuální číslo

PDF version: 15 / 01    

  

The Impact of Inquiry-Based Science Education on the Development of Multidimensional Scientific Literacy Using Multimodal Patient Data     

Author(s):
Renata Bellová, Eva Culková

Abstract:

Inquiry-based teaching supports the development of students’ scientific literacy across multiple dimensions, including scientific knowledge, experimental skills, motivation, attitudes, the application of knowledge, and collaboration. In this study, thirdgrade primary school pupils participated in qualitative group interviews conducted before and after a series of inquiry-based learning activities focused on exploring natural phenomena, planning experiments, and applying knowledge in practical contexts. The qualitative analysis revealed improvements across all six investigated dimensions of scientific literacy. Students showed a deeper understanding of scientific concepts, enhanced experimental thinking, increased motivation, greater ability to apply scientific knowledge in everyday situations, and more active collaboration during discussions. The findings indicate that inquiry-based teaching can effectively promote the comprehensive development of scientific literacy and that its principles can be successfully implemented in higher grades, particularly within the Human and Nature curriculum, where pupils can build previously acquired inquiry skills to solve more complex scientific problems.

Keywords: science education, inquiry-based learning, scientific literacy, experimental skills, knowledge application, collaboration

Grant: 5/1a/2026
Granter: Grant Agency of the Faculty of Education, Catholic University in Ružomberok
Category: AM - Pedagogy and education

Verifikácia bioluminiscenčnej metódy v procese výroby mliečnych produktov     

Author(s):
Katarína Veszelits Laktičová, Jana Zahumenská, Mária Vargová, František Zigo, Šimon Halás

Abstract:

Klasické mikrobiologické metódy v modernej mliekarenskej prevádzke z hľadiska rýchlosti poskytnutia výsledkov nespĺňajú požiadavky praxe, keď sa vyžaduje, čo najrýchlejšie hodnotenie účinnosti sanitácie, hygieny výroby alebo kvality hotového výrobku. Pre výrobu je optimálne spojenie permanentného monitoringu hygienickej úrovne s poskytnutím výsledkov laboratórneho vyšetrenia ešte v čase, kedy sa dajú v prípade nepriaznivých zistení vykonať validované nápravné opatrenia tak, aby sa predišlo znehodnoteniu výrobku a kontaminácii výrobných priestorov. Práve táto skutočnosť potvrdzuje opodstatnenosť tejto metodiky v systémoch riadenia kvality. V súčasnosti sa do sanitačných protokolov implementujú rýchle metódy na báze bioluminiscencie ATP (adenozíntrifosfát), charakteristické vysokou senzitivitou, analytickou rýchlosťou a nízkou personálnou náročnosťou. Cieľom našej práce bolo hodnotenie sanitácie a hygieny prostredia pomocou bioluminiscenčnej metódy v monitorovanej potravinárskej prevádzke orientovanej na výrobu mliečnych produktov (tvarohu a jogurtov) . Na základe získaných výsledkov možno konštatovať, že dezinfekčný proces v monitorovanej mliekarenskej prevádzke bol celkovo účinný. Po dezinfekcii došlo v oboch sledovaných častiach výroby k štatisticky významnému zníženiu hodnôt ATP (p < 0,001), čo potvrdzuje vysokú účinnosť sanitácie pri odstraňovaní organických zvyškov z povrchov technologických zariadení.

Keywords: hygiena, mikroorganizmy, biofilm, ATP, dezinfekcia, mliekareň

Grant: APVV-22-0457
Granter: Non-antibiotic approaches to control mastitis of cows with an increase in the hygiene of dairy farms conditions
Category: FM - Hygiena

Komunikácia satirickej platformy Zomri v prostredí sociálnych médií     

Author(s):
Vladimíra Hladíková, Silvia Frtúsová

Abstract:

Rastúci význam sociálnych médií prispel k vzniku nových digitálnych aktérov, ktorí sa popri tradičných médiách podieľajú na interpretácii spoločenského a politického diania. Medzi takéto subjekty patrí aj slovenská satirická platforma Zomri, ktorá prostredníctvom internetových memov, humoru a satiry reflektuje aktuálne udalosti a vstupuje do verejnej diskusie. Cieľom vedeckej štúdie je identifikovať charakteristické znaky komunikácie platformy Zomri na sociálnych sieťach so zameraním na tematické zameranie publikovaného obsahu a komunikačné stratégie využívané pri interpretácii spoločenských a politických tém. Výskum využíva kvalitatívnu obsahovú analýzu doplnenú o diskurzívnu analýzu a hermeneutickú interpretáciu príspevkov publikovaných na oficiálnych profiloch platformy na sociálnych sieťach Facebook a Instagram. Výsledky ukazujú, že komunikácia platformy je charakteristická tematickou hybridizáciou, dominantným zastúpením domácich spoločenských a politických tém, využívaním memetickej vizuálnej komunikácie, neformálneho jazykového štýlu a participatívneho modelu tvorby obsahu. Satira pritom neplní iba zábavnú funkciu, ale predstavuje interpretačný mechanizmus, prostredníctvom ktorého platforma rámcuje aktuálne udalosti a spoluutvára verejnú diskusiu. Štúdia rozširuje poznatky o fungovaní digitálnej satirickej komunikácie a poukazuje na význam satirických platforiem ako špecifických mediálnych aktérov podieľajúcich sa na interpretácii spoločenského diania.

Keywords: sociálne médiá, digitálne médiá, satira, internetové memy, politická komunikácia, kvalitatívna obsahová analýza, Zomri

Grant: KEGA 025UCM-4/2023
Granter: Riziká a príležitosti (online) vzdelávania v čase technologickej interferencie
Category: AJ - Písemnictví, mas-media, audiovize

Posúdenie antioxidačnej kapacity u koní plemena American Quarter Horse     

Author(s):
Tamara Hoppejová, Stanislav Hreško, František Zigo, Andrej Récky

Abstract:

Oxidačný stres predstavuje významný faktor ovplyvňujúci zdravotný stav, reprodukciu, fyzickú výkonnosť a adaptačné mechanizmy koní. Cieľom tejto štúdie bolo vyhodnotiť vybrané biomarkery antioxidačného statusu u klinicky zdravých koní plemena American Quarter Horse. Do štúdie bolo zaradených 13 klinicky zdravých koní (7 kobýl a 6 valachov) vo veku 4 až 15 rokov, využívaných na chov a rekreačné účely. Celkový antioxidačný status (TAS) a koncentrácia malondialdehydu (MDA) boli stanovené v sére, aktivita glutatiónperoxidázy (GPx) v heparinizovanej plnej krvi. Priemerná hodnota TAS bola 2,42 ± 0,53 mmol/l, aktivita GPx 862 ± 265 U/l a koncentrácia MDA 0,131 ± 0,022 μmol/l. Výsledky poukazujú na priaznivý antioxidačný profil a absenciu známok zvýšeného oxidačného stresu u sledovaných koní. Výsledky tejto štúdie prispievajú k rozšíreniu poznatkov o antioxidačnom statuse plemena American Quarter Horse v podmienkach Slovenska.

Keywords: oxidačná rovnováha, antioxidačná ochrana, American Quarter Horse

Grant: KEGA č. 011UVLF-4/2024, VEGA č. 1/0698/24, VEGA č. 1/0427/26
Granter: Improving the quality of practical teaching with the support of animal breeding and higher education for students from the subject of animal husbandry
Category: GH – Výživa hospodářských zvířat

Vplyv prídavku Urtica dioica do diét na črevnú mikroflóru prasiatok     

Author(s):
Stanislav Hreško, Alena Hreško Šamudovská, Tomáš Mihok, Michaela Harčárová, Ján Király, Lukáš Bujňák

Abstract:

Cieľom tejto štúdie bolo sledovať vplyv prídavku mletých listov pŕhľavy dvojdomej (Urtica dioica) do krmiva na črevný mikrobióm rastúcich ošípaných. Celkovo 18 prasiat bolo rovnomerne rozdelených do dvoch skupín. Experimentálna skupina bola kŕmená krmivom s prídavkom mletých sušených listov pŕhľavy v množstve 2,5 %. Analýza črevnej mikrobioty sa vykonala zo vzoriek stolice po šiestich týždňoch experimentu. V experimentálnej skupine bol počet enterických baktérií v porovnaní s kontrolnou skupinou signifikantne nižší. Na druhej strane, počet LAB nebol významne ovplyvnený. Pomer enterických baktérií k LAB v experimentálnej skupine bol však v porovnaní s kontrolnou skupinou signifikantne nižší. Pridávanie žihľavy dvojdomej do kŕmnej zmesi pre prasiatka počas šiestich týždňov malo v našom experimente pozitívny vplyv na črevný mikrobióm prasiatok.

Keywords: ošípaná, kŕmna prísada, pŕhľava dvojdomá, črevný mikrobióm

Grant: VEGA č. 1/0698/24, KEGA 018UVLF-4/2025
Granter: Sledovanie účinku kŕmnych doplnkových látok prírodného pôvodu a alternatívnych kŕmnych komponentov na produkciu a zdravie monogastrických zvierat. Vypracovanie protokolov pre molekulovobiologické štúdium faktorov patogenity a virulencie medicínsky významných bakteriálnych patogénov.
Category: GH - Výživa hospodářských zvířat

Produkcia a kvalita ovčieho mlieka v podmienkach meniacej sa klímy a rozdielnych systémov chovu     

Author(s):
Zuzana Lacková, Zuzana Kubišová, František Zigo, Mária Vargová

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to compare milk yield, lactation performance, and the basic quality parameters of sheep milk on three farms applying different production systems (extensive, semiintensive, and semi-extensive) during the grazing season. The evaluated parameters included total milk yield, average monthly milk production, and the contents of fat, protein, lactose, and solidsnot- fat (SNF) from May to September. The highest milk yield was recorded on the farm employing a semi-intensive production system with the Lacaune breed (246.7 kg per ewe). However, this farm also exhibited the most pronounced decline in milk production during the summer months characterized by high temperatures and low precipitation. In contrast, the semi-extensive production system based on crossbred ewes showed a more stable lactation curve and more favorable milk quality parameters throughout the grazing season. Fat content was the most variable milk component, whereas lactose remained the most stable. Protein and solids-not-fat concentrations increased progressively as lactation advanced, with the highest values recorded at the end of the monitoring period. The results confirmed that breed, production system, nutrition, and climatic conditions significantly influenced both milk yield and the compositional quality of sheep milk. The findings suggest that, under current climate change conditions, a semi-extensive production system utilizing genetically adapted crossbred ewes represents a promising strategy for maintaining production stability and milk quality. Furthermore, supplementation of the diet with high-quality forage, such as alfalfa hay and clover-grass silage, appears to be an effective measure for mitigating the adverse effects of reduced pasture availability during periods of drought.

Keywords: dairy sheep, milk yield, milk quality, grazing management, production system, climate change

Grant: APVV-22-0457 a KEGA 003UVLF-4/2026
Granter: Bezantibiotické prístupy kontroly mastitíd dojníc so zvýšením hygieny prostredia na produkčných farmách a Zvýšenie vysokoškolského vzdelávania a praktických skúseností pre študentov veterinárneho zamerania z predmetov Zootechnika a Plemená a chov spoločenských zvierat
Category: GG – chov hospodářských zvířat

Radiačná záťaž pri dentálnom CBCT a jej porovnanie s inými zobrazovacími metódami v zubnom lekárstve     

Author(s):
Richard Lago, Denisa Nikodemová, Anita Zubáková, Viera Lehotská

Abstract:

V posledných desaťročiach sledujeme exponenciálny nárast využívania zdrojov ionizujúceho žiarenia v medicíne po celom svete. Radiačná záťaž pacienta predstavuje dôležitý faktor pri indikovaní a realizácii zobrazovacích vyšetrení v stomatológii. CBCT predstavuje v súčasnosti štandardnú metódu v dentálnej rádiológii. V našej štúdii sme analyzovali veľkosť plošných dávok pacientov pri CBCT a OPG vyšetrení prostredníctvom aplikovanej plošnej dávky (DAP) pri rôznych parametroch vyšetrenia. Dospeli sme k záveru, že pacienti, ktorí podstupujú vyšetrenie pomocou OPG majú podstatne nižšiu radiačnú záťaž ako pacienti vyšetrení CBCT prístrojom. DAP pri CBCT vyšetreniach sa pohyboval v rozpätí 150 – 1 550 mGy.cm2 a pri OPG vyšetreniach 30 - 135 mGy.cm2. Naše výsledky sme porovnali so zahraničnými štúdiami.

Keywords: Radiačná záťaž, plošná dávka, kužeľová počítačová tomografia (CBCT)

Grant: 2659662359
Granter: Q138
Category: FF – ORL, oftalmologie, stomatologie

Modelling the annual maxima discharges of the Jihlava river applying Weibull probability distribution     

Author(s):
Mária Michalková, Zuzana Sedliačková, Ivana Pobočíková, Martina Kozáčková

Abstract:

Reliable prediction of extreme hydrological events, such as floods, requires two key elements – a sufficiently long continuous series of observations and selection of an appropriate probability distribution. Here, we analyze a 98-year long continuous series of average daily discharge records of the Jihlava River at the Dvorce gauging station. The dataset of annual block maxima is modeled by a two-parameter Weibull distribution. The distribution parameters are estimated using the maximum likelihood method. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson-Darling goodness-of-fit tests are employed to verify the agreement between the theoretical model and the observed data. Based on the p-values of both tests, which exceed the 0.05 significance level, we can conclude that the selected probability distribution adequately models the annual maximum of average daily discharges in the analyzed section of the Jihlava River.

Keywords: block maxima, Weibull probability distribution, gauging station Dvorce

Grant: KEGA 031ŽU-4/2026
Granter: Innovative approaches to teaching Mathematics 1 for future engineers: The concept of Blended Learning
Category: BB – applied statistics, operational research

Strengthening the key competences of second stage elementary schools pupils by deepening their regional awareness     

Author(s):
Dagmar Popjaková, Ivana Tomčíková, Daniel Filo

Abstract:

The paper examines the development of cross-curricular competences among lower secondary school students through activities aimed at enhancing regional awareness. It presents a case study conducted in the Czech district of Příbram and the Slovak district of Piešťany, focusing on the assessment of quality of life in four municipalities of the local region. The educational activity integrated knowledge across subjects and promoted experiential learning. Although students’ achievement levels differed (82% in the Czech sample and 70% in the Slovak sample), both groups demonstrated comparable development of key competences, particularly in communication, collaboration, and organizational skills. The findings suggest that regionally oriented education enhances geographical and critical thinking, strengthens problemsolving abilities, and fosters students’ attachment to the local landscape.

Keywords: Cross-curricular competencies, local region, regional awareness, quality of life

Grant: 7/1a/2026
Granter: Developing Students’ Regional Awareness Through Learning About the Local Landscape in Social Studies and Geography
Category: AM - Pedagogy and education

Model-Based Analysis of Combustion Characteristics for Future Split-Injection Hydrogen-Gasoline Engines     

Author(s):
Michal Puškár, Marieta Šoltésová

Abstract:

Hydrogen enrichment represents one of the most promising approaches for improving the efficiency and environmental performance of spark-ignition engines while maintaining compatibility with existing combustion technologies. The present study investigates the influence of hydrogen addition on combustion characteristics and engine efficiency under lean-burn operating conditions using a combination of experimental measurements and numerical modelling. The analysis focuses on heat release rate, in-cylinder pressure evolution and brake thermal efficiency for various hydrogen-gasoline blends operating at different excess-air ratios. Experimental data were used to validate a simulation model capable of predicting combustion behaviour and identifying key parameters affecting engine performance. The results showed that increasing the hydrogen fraction accelerated the combustion process, shifted the peak heat release rate towards earlier crank angles and promoted earlier occurrence of maximum cylinder pressure. Furthermore, hydrogen enrichment enabled stable operation at leaner mixtures and increased brake thermal efficiency, with the highest values observed at λ ≈ 1.6 for hydrogen-rich blends. The numerical model demonstrated good agreement with experimental measurements and successfully reproduced the observed combustion trends. Based on the obtained results, a conceptual framework for future split-injection control strategies is proposed, where model-based prediction of combustion characteristics can be used to optimize fuel delivery, ignition timing and air-fuel ratio management. The findings confirm that hydrogenassisted combustion combined with advanced model-based control approaches offers significant potential for the development of nextgeneration low-emission spark-ignition engines.

Keywords: hydrogen enrichment, spark-ignition engine, combustion modelling, engine control, lean-burn combustion

Grant: APVV-23-0266, VEGA 1/0495/25, KEGA 003TUKE-4/2026
Granter: Research and development of effective technical innovations for application of hydrogen technologies in vehicles according to the European Green Deal. Research and implementation of low-emission technologies for sustainable drive systems in transport. Implementation of innovative technologies and educational methods to support decarbonization of transport in the context of digital transformation.
Category: JR - Other machinery industry

Revisiting the U.S. Emergency Management System: A Critical Analysis of the Monograph U.S. Emergency Management in the 21st Century: From Disaster to Catastrophe by the book’s authors Cutter, Gall, and Rubin     

Author(s):
Patrik Šebesta

Abstract:

The monograph U.S. Emergency Management in the 21st Century: From Disaster to Catastrophe, published in 2025, examines the current structure, functioning, and limitations of the U.S. emergency management system at a time of escalating emergencies and crises. The authors combine empirical case studies (e.g., Hurricane Katrina, major tornadoes, and extensive wildfires in California) with an analysis of crisis management responses to these emergencies and disasters. In doing so, they evaluate the development of crisis policy in the United States, the role of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and mechanisms of multi-level governance. From a legislative, legal, and institutional perspective, the monograph highlights the fragmentation of authority and the challenges associated with achieving effective integration in the absence of a unified legal framework. As such, the publication provides a valuable comparative basis for the study of integrated emergency response systems in other countries, including the Czech Republic. Although the monograph is positively evaluated for its clear writing style and empirical depth, it has also been criticized for its limited theoretical innovation and its more descriptive than explanatory analytical approach.

Keywords: Emergency management, integrated rescue system, U.S. emergency system, soft integration, formal integration, multi-level governance, Federal emergency management (FEMA), National Incident Management System (NIMS), comparative analysis, risk governance, disaster resilience, institutional fragmentation

Grant: 64552004 – 2025/28 – 01
Granter: Research conducted as part of a security and legal studies program on the topic of the doctoral dissertation: The Role of Municipal Police Forces within the Integrated Rescue System in the Czech Republic
Category: AE - Řízení, správa a administrativa

Regional Biodiversity and Environmental Education: Preliminary Outputs of the EFFUSE-win Project     

Author(s):
Ivana Slepáková, Viktória Majláthová, Igor Majláth, Beáta Valkay

Abstract:

The EFFUSE-win project develops a cross-border model of field-based environmental education in the Slovak-Ukrainian border region. It connects universities, schools, experts and local communities through inquiry-based outdoor learning, laboratory activities, biodiversity documentation and digital educational tools. Pupils and students encounter scientific work directly: they observe organisms, use field and laboratory equipment, record data and interpret findings from their own region. Teachers gain methodological support and materials that can be transferred into school practice. Since April 2025, the project has involved more than 720 students from 12 schools through school events, field trips, a three-day educational programme and expert activities. Its preliminary outputs include a developing database of 183 documented organisms and a network of young scientists’ laboratories supporting environmental awareness, scientific competencies and cross-border cooperation.

Keywords: Environmental education, field-based learning, crossborder cooperation

Grant: HUSKROUA/23/RS/1.2/027
Granter: Environment for the future by scientific education – work in nature
Category: AM - Pedagogy and education

The Effectiveness of NotebookLM Podcasts in ESP Classes     

Author(s):
Daniela Sršníková, Ivana Pobočíková

Abstract:

The study evaluates the contribution of AI-generated podcasts from Google NotebookLM to English for Specific Purposes (ESP) instruction. A six-week quasi-experiment examined listening comprehension and technical vocabulary acquisition among 20 engineering students at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Žilina in Žilina. Technical texts were converted to podcast format using the Audio Overview feature. Student progress was assessed through three tools of increasing cognitive demand: a listening comprehension test, an inferential reasoning task, and a written summary requiring productive use of terminology. The findings suggest that AI-generated podcasts can effectively support listening development and terminology acquisition, provided that the pedagogical approach accounts for differences between proficiency levels.

Keywords: NotebookLM, ESP listening comprehension, terminology acquisition, AI- generated podcast, cognitive load

Grant: 025ŽU-4/2024
Granter: Implementation of new didactic tools to increase the quality of mathematics teaching in engineering master's degree programs at technical universities
Category: AM – Pedagogy and education

Self-Efficacy of School Special Educators in the Field of Pedagogical Diagnostics of the Family Environment     

Author(s):
Tomáš Turzák, Radka Teleková

Abstract:

The study addresses the issue of pedagogical diagnostics of the family environment. The aim of the qualitative research was to identify the key factors that determine the level of self-assessment among school special educators in the field of pedagogical diagnostics of the family environment. The research sample consisted of 15 school special educators working in different types of schools, with whom two online focus groups were conducted. The findings identified the main determinants of school special educators’ self-assessment (self-confidence) in this area. The analysis of the focus group data revealed four main categories influencing school special educators’ self-efficacy in assessing pupils’ family environments: (1) communication skills and preservice training; (2) practice and experience in family assessment; (3) social factors; and (4) personal vision and professional ambitions. The results showed that practical experience with parents, communication competencies and support from the school environment play an important role in the perception of professional competence. The findings confirm the need for further professional development and the expansion of practical experience in this area of educational activity, particularly for beginning school special educators.

Keywords: school special educators, special educators’ competencies, pedagogical diagnostics of the family, self-efficacy, self-assessment

Grant: VEGA 1/0087/25
Granter: Self-efficacy of Teachers and Educators for Work with Family.
Category: AM – Pedagogy and education

Vplyv pastevnej sezóny a laktácie na zdravie mliečnej žľazy a kvalitu mlieka oviec     

Author(s):
František Zigo, Zuzana Kubišová, Tamara Hoppejová, Zuzana Lacková, Zuzana Farkašová, Andrej Récky, Mária Vargová, Katarína Veszelits Laktičová

Abstract:

Cieľom štúdie bolo vyhodnotiť vplyv sezónnych faktorov a veku bahníc na výskyt mastitíd a zloženie mlieka. Pre tento účel bolo monitorované stádo 200 ks bahníc plemena lacaune a východofrízska ovca, ktoré sa nachádzalo na strednom Slovensku. Vyšetrenie vemena a odbery vzoriek mlieka na detekciu patogénov mliečnej žľazy sa vykonali trikrát počas pastevnej sezóny a to na začiatku, v strede a na jej konci. Na porovnanie produkcie mlieka a zloženia podľa veku bolo počas rovnakých vyšetrení vybraných 32 zdravých bahníc rozdelených do štyroch skupín na základe poradia laktácie: 1., 2., 3. ≥a4 . lak tácia. Výsledky štúdie poukazujú, že prevalencia mastitíd v stáde sa pohybovala od 7,7 do 11,0 %, pričom subklinické formy predstavovali 4,5 – 8,5 % a klinické formy 2 – 5 %. Z hľadiska kvality mlieka a výskytu mastitíd sa ako najvhodnejšie ukázali bahnice na 2. a 3. laktácii, ktoré vykazovali najvyššie hodnoty tuku a bielkovín, maximálnu produkciu mlieka a optimálny počet somatických buniek.

Keywords: bahnice, spôsob chovu, pastva, mastitída, laktácia, kvalita mlieka

Grant: APVV-22-0457
Granter: Non-antibiotic approaches to control mastitis of cows with an increase in the hygiene of dairy farms conditions
Category: GG - Chov hospodářských zvířat