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Until causal prophylaxis is available, the avoidance of ticks and personal protection provide the best insurance against contracting a tick-borne disease (TBD). To support public precaution, tick-activity forecasts (TAFs) based on weather projection are provided online for some regions/countries. This study—aimed at evaluating the efficacy of this preventative strategy—was conducted between 2015 and 2019, and included two countries where TAFs are issued regularly (Czech Republic, Germany) and two neighbouring countries for reference (Austria, Switzerland). Google Trends (GT) data were used to trace public concern with TAFs and related health information. GTs were compared with epidemiological data on TBD cases and tick bites, wherever available. Computer simulations of presumable effectiveness under various scenarios were performed. This study showed that public access to TAFs/preventive information is infrequent and not optimally distributed over the season. Interest arises very early in midwinter and then starts to fall in spring/summer when human–tick contacts culminate. Consequently, a greater number of TBD cases are contracted beyond the period of maximum public responsiveness to prevention guidance. Simulations, nevertheless, indicate that there is a potential for doubling the prevention yield if risk assessment, in addition to tick activity, subsumes the population's exposure, and a real-time surrogate is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specimens from residents (N = 497) of an area in the Czech Republic affected by the 2002 flood were examined serologically for mosquitoborne viruses. Antibodies were detected against Tahyna (16%), [...]

BACKGROUND: Histological and histochemical analyses of muscle samples were used to determine the intensity of paraspinal muscle injury during open (OPEN) and minimally invasive (MIS) procedures due to spinal trauma. OBJECTIVE: A randomised prospective study design was chosen. According to our hypothesis, OPEN procedures will lead to more intensive microscopic changes than MIS. METHODS: Muscle samples were collected during the primary surgery – fracture surgery (FRS) from the left and during material extraction (EXS) from the right side. Complete samples were acquired from 17 OPEN and 18 MIS subjects. We compared them histochemically and histologically; muscle fibre typing and statistical analysis were performed. RESULTS: We statistically confirmed that the increase in fibrosis in the OPEN EXS sample was significantly higher than in the MIS EXS sample, with p < 0.05 (p = 0.000322453). Fibre types in MIS did not differ almost at all in both samples; the changes were statistically insignificant. In OPEN samples, the number of type I fibres differed significantly. In EXS, it was significantly lower (46.23%) than in FRS (60.63%), at a statistically significant level, p < 0.05 (p = 0.0234375000) especially with the increase of the type IIA fibres, less in IIB fibres. CONCLUSIONS: These microscopic findings provide a statistically significant confirmation that OPEN procedures in spinal fracture lead, in most cases, to significant changes in the structure of the corset muscle at the fracture site and surgical access point than MIS procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Psychologie Pro Praxi is the property of Charles University Prague, Karolinum Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Defense & Strategy / Obrana a strategie is the property of Institute for Strategic Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The growing hydrogen industry is stimulating an ongoing search for new materials not only for hydrogen production or storage but also for hydrogen sensing. These materials have to be sensitive to hydrogen, but additionally, their synthesis should be compatible with the microcircuit industry to enable seamless integration into various devices. In addition, the interference of air humidity remains an issue for hydrogen sensing materials. We approach these challenges using conventional reactive sputter deposition. Using three consequential processes, we synthesized multilayer structures. A basic two-layer system composed of a base layer of cupric oxide (CuO) overlayered with a nanostructured copper tungstate (CuWO4) exhibits higher sensitivity than individual materials. This is explained by the formation of microscopic heterojunctions. The addition of a third layer of palladium oxide (PdO) in forms of thin film and particles resulted in a reduction in humidity interference. As a result, a sensing three-layer system working at 150 °C with an equalized response in dry/humid air was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel quaternary Si–B–C–N materials are becoming increasingly attractive because of their possible high-temperature and harsh-environment applications. In the present work, amorphous Si–B–C–N films were deposited on Si and SiC substrates by reactive dc magnetron cosputtering using a single C–Si–B or B4C–Si target in nitrogen-argon gas mixtures. A fixed 75% Si fraction in the target erosion areas, a rf induced negative substrate bias voltage of -100 V, a substrate temperature of 350 °C, and a total pressure of 0.5 Pa were used in the depositions. The corresponding discharge and deposition characteristics (such as the ion-to-film-forming particle flux ratio, ion energy per deposited atom, and deposition rate) are presented to understand complex relationships between process parameters and film characteristics. Films deposited under optimized conditions (B4C–Si target, 50% N2+50% Ar gas mixture), possessing a composition (in at. %) Si32–34B9–10C2–4N49–51 with a low (less than 5 at. %) total content of hydrogen and oxygen, exhibited extremely high oxidation resistance in air at elevated temperatures (even above 1500 °C). Formation of protective surface layers (mainly composed of Si and O) was proved by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, and x-ray diffraction measurements after oxidization. Amorphous structure of the Si–B–C–N films was maintained under the oxidized surface layers after annealing in air up to 1700 °C (a limit imposed by thermogravimetric analysis in oxidative atmospheres). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the history of drug laws in the Czech Republic. It traces drug legislation history in the nation from 1852 to 2005, with emphasis primarily on penal law and government responses to unlawful acts related to drugs. The recent Czech drug legislation, along with relevant court decisions and enforcement practices, are described and discussed. A discussion of several aspects of the Czech drug law, and how they have served to divert criticism for the drug policy debate, is presented.

High-temperature oxidation resistant amorphous Hf6B10Si31C2N50 and Hf7B10Si32C2N44 films were deposited by reactive pulsed dc magnetron sputtering. To investigate the oxidation mechanism, the films were annealed up to 1500 °C in air. The evolved microstructures were studied by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. A three-layered microstructure was developed upon exposure to high temperature. An oxidized layer formed at the top surface for both films consisting of monoclinic and/or orthorhombic m-/o-HfO2 nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous SiOx-based matrix. The as-deposited bottom layer of the films remained amorphous (Hf6B10Si31C2N50) or partially recrystallized (Hf7B10Si32C2N44) exhibiting a h-Si3N4 and HfCxN1−x distribution along with formation of t-HfO2 at its top section. The two layers were separated by a partially oxidized transition layer composed of nanocrystalline h-Si3N4 and tetragonal t-HfO2. The oxidation process initiates at the bottom/transition layer interface with oxidation of Hf-rich domains either in the amorphous structure or in HfCxN1−x nanoparticles resulting in t-HfO2 separated by Si3N4 domains. The second stage occurs at the oxidized/transition layer interface characterized by densely packed HfO2, Si3N4 and quartz SiO2 nanostructures that can act as a barrier for oxygen diffusion. The small t-HfO2 nanoparticles merge and transform into large m-/o-HfO2 while h-Si3N4 forms amorphous SiOx matrix. A similar oxidation mechanism was observed in both films despite the different microstructures developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By tuning the deposition parameters of reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering, specifically the pulse length, we were able to prepare WO3−x films with various stoichiometry and structure. Subsequently, the films were annealed in air at moderate temperature (350 °C). We demonstrate that the stoichiometry of the as-deposited films influences considerably the type of crystalline phase formed in the annealed films. The appropriate sub-stoichiometry of the films (approx. WO2.76) enabled crystallization of the monoclinic phase during the annealing. This phase is favorable for hydrogen sensing applications. To characterize the sensory behavior of the films, the tungsten oxide films were decorated by Pd nanoparticles before annealing and were assembled as a conductometric gas sensor. The sensory response of the films that crystallized in the monoclinic structure was proven to be superior to that of the films containing other phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specimens from residents (N = 497) of an area in the Czech Republic affected by the 2002 flood were examined serologically for mosquitoborne viruses. Antibodies were detected against Tahyna (16%), Sindbis (1%), and Batai (0.2%) viruses, but not West Nile virus. An examination of paired serum samples showed 1 Tahyna bunyavirus (California group) infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofuels have become an integral part of everyday life in modern society. Bioethanol and fatty acid methyl esters are a common part of both the production of gasoline and diesel fuels. Also, pressure on replacing fossil fuels with bio-components is constantly growing. Waste vegetable fats can replace biodiesel. Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) seems to be a better alternative. This fuel has a higher oxidation stability for storage purposes, a lower temperature of loss of filterability for the winter time, a lower boiling point for cold starts, and more. Viscosity, density, cold filter plugging point of fuel blend, and flash point have been measured to confirm that a fuel from HVO is so close to a fuel standard that it is possible to use it in engines without modification. The objective of this article is to show the properties of different fuels with and without HVO admixtures and to prove the suitability of using HVO compared to FAME. HVO can also be prepared from waste materials, and no major modifications of existing refinery facilities are required. No technology in either investment or engine adaptation of fuel oils is needed in fuel processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road transport is increasing all around the globe and biofuels have come to the forefront of public interest. According to Article 3, Directive 2009/28/EC, each member state has to ensure that an energy share from renewable sources in all forms of transportation reaches at least 10% of the final consumption of energy in transportation until 2020. The blending of biofuels is one of the methods available to member states to meet this target and it might even be expected to be a main contributor. This article analyses and compares selected biofuels, their chemical properties and their influence on engine operational parameters. The operational parameters of the diesel engine of the Skoda Roomster 1.4 TDI were measured on a chassis dynamometer according to the NEDC driving cycle, and pure diesel fuel, HVO and a blend of fuels (diesel fuel, HVO and butanol) were used for comparison. Operation on biofuels shows a slight decrease in performance parameters up to 10% and an increase in emission production (especially CO in the case of D50H30B20). Positive influences of biofuels were proven with a decrease in exhaust gas opacity and particulate matter production, up to 50% in the case of D50H30B20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure evolution and high temperature oxidation mechanism of a hard, amorphous, and optically transparent Hf7B23Si17C4N45 film was studied by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The Hf7B23Si17C4N45 films were deposited by reactive pulse dc magnetron sputtering and annealed in air at temperatures from 1100 to 1500 °C. All annealed films were found to have a two-layered structure composed of the original amorphous and homogeneous layer followed by a nanocomposite oxidized surface layer. The top nanocomposite layer consists of an amorphous SiOx-based matrix and a population of HfO2 nanoparticles with two distinct sublayers. The first sublayer is next to the original amorphous layer and has a dense population of small HfO2 nanoparticles (up to several nanometers) followed by a surface sublayer with coarsened and dispersed HfO2 nanoparticles (up to several tens nm). The HfO2 nanoparticles in the bottom sublayer form by a nucleation and growth process whereas the ones in the surface sublayer coarsen via Ostwald ripening. An estimate of the activation energy for oxygen diffusion through the oxidized layer produced a value around 3.43 eV attesting to the high oxidation resistance of the film. The oxidation resistance mechanism is attributed to the precipitation of HfO2 nanoparticles within a dense SiOx-based matrix and quartz SiO2 in front of the base layer interface that can act as a barrier to heat transfer and O diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Magnetron-based gas aggregation cluster source (GAS) was used to prepare high-purity CuO (cupric oxide) nanoclusters on top of sputter-deposited thin film of tungsten trioxide (WO 3). The material was assembled as a conductometric hydrogen gas sensor and its response was tested and evaluated. It is demonstrated that addition of CuO clusters noticeably enhances the sensitivity of the pure WO 3 thin film. With an increasing amount of CuO clusters the sensitivity of CuO/WO 3 system rises further. When CuO clusters form a sufficiently thick and compact layer, the resistance response is reversed. Based on the sensorial behavior, conventional and near-ambient pressure X-Ray photoemission spectroscopies, and resistivity measurements, we propose that the sensing mechanism is based on the formation of nano-sized p - n junctions in between p -type CuO and n -type WO 3. The advantages of the GAS technique for preparing sensorial and/or catalytically active materials are emphasized. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Magnetron based gas aggregation cluster source was used for making a hydrogen gas sensor. • CuO nanocluster were combined with a WO 3 thin film. • Addition of CuO clusters noticeably enhances the sensitivity in comparison with a pure WO 3 thin film. • Sensing mechanism based on the formation of nano-sized p-n junction is proposed. • No noble metal was needed to enhance the WO 3 response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste vegetable fats are standardised by biobutanol in this article while replacing biodiesel. Viscosity, density, cold filter plugging point of fuel blend, oxidation stability, and flash point were measured to confirm that a fuel is so close to a fuel standard that it is possible to use it in engines without modification. Results of this analysis have allowed us to propose a new fuel product with the preliminary title BUTVO_60, which symbolises 60% biobutanol and 40% waste vegetable oil. Performance and emission parameters of this new fuel product were tested in a Zetor 8641 tractor with a Forterra supercharged diesel engine. The resulting 30% decrease in power was reached by measuring with an AW NEB 400 dynamometer at PTO, while maintaining 38% torque reserve. But by increasing fuel intake the engine maintained a stable performance. Nitrate emissions and BUTVO_60 particles were considerably lower at the non-road steady cycle (NRSC) test. In contrast to biodiesel, BUTVO_60 fuel also has kept the fuel system cleaner while minimizing carbon, impurities, sediments, and so on. The objective of this article is to allow the use of waste vegetable cooking oils as fuel while replacing biodiesel. The side effect of the proposed method is the ability of decentralised blending at places where local waste cooking oil emerges. No technology in either investment is needed in fuel processing or engine adaptation of fuel oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hf-B-Si-C films were deposited onto silicon and glass substrates using pulsed magnetron co-sputtering of a single B 4 C-Hf-Si target (at a fixed 15% Hf fraction and a varying 0–50% Si fraction in the target erosion area) in pure argon. We focus on the effect of the Si content in the films. The film structure changes from nanocolumnar (at 0–7 at.% of Si) to nanocomposite (at around 10 at.% of Si) to amorphous (at higher Si contents). Both nanocolumnar and nanocomposite HfB 2 -based films exhibit a hardness of up to 37 GPa and a high H/E* ratio of around 0.15. The Si incorporation leads to a significant reduction of the compressive stress of films and improvement of their oxidation resistance (unmeasurable mass change after annealing up to 800 °C at 35 at.% of Si). All films exhibit a high electrical conductivity and very smooth defect-free surfaces with an average roughness below 1 nm. Consequently, the films may be used as a new class of hard and electrically conductive protective coatings with a high oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive molecular dynamics simulations of the atom-by-atom growth of Zr–Cu films were performed in a wide range of compositions, energies and growth templates. The results are correlated with and used to explain experimental results obtained using magnetron sputtering of the same films. After the identification of compositional ranges corresponding to crystalline and amorphous films, we particularly focus on the evolution of characteristics of the amorphous compositions. The quantities of interest include resputtering during the film growth, surface composition, densification, crystallinity, homogeneity, short-range order (bonding statistics and coordination numbers), medium-range order (ring statistics and common neighbor statistics) and functional properties (hardness and glass transition temperature). The results are important for understanding the structures and properties of Zr–Cu films in general and Zr–Cu metallic glasses in particular, and for the design of pathways for their preparation. • Zr–Cu films grown by magnetron sputtering and molecular-dynamics simulations. • Cu-rich surface and preferential resputtering of Cu. • Crystallinity at <20% Cu (any template) and >90% Cu (template-dependent). • Monotonic changes of medium-range order in amorphous Zr–Cu from 20 to 80–85% Cu. • Correlation of packing, icosahedra clusters, hardness, glass transition temperature [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]