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The period of the pandemic and government restrictions introduced many changes in healthpromoting behaviors among college students. It is known that insufficient levels of physical activity are associated with a number of chronic diseases and mental health disorders. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the current state of art regarding the level of physical activity during the pandemic among students in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Analysis of included studies revealed a decrease in the level of physical activity. Thus, the implementation of education programs to increase physical activity levels to counteract the effects of the pandemic remains crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow characteristics of intermittent rivers in Slovakia. Intermittent rivers are rivers that cease to flow, i.e. temporary, ephemeral, seasonal, and episodic rivers. Analysis of hydrological regime of such rivers is pivotal in assessment of water resources because changes in flow characteristics of such rivers may affect neighboring catchments or the entire region through changes in water supply reservoirs such as lakes, wetlands and mosses. Recently, an increasing number of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) and an elongation of the zero--flow events has been observed in Europe due to climatic changes and anthropogenic influence. Intermittent rives in Slovakia were studied in the paper using statistical methods. The characteristics of the zero-flow period, of duration of the longest annual zero-flow event and of timing of such events were derived. The circular statistics were helpful in recognition of the dates of occurrence of such events. The comparative analysis between catchments was performed. The variability in precipitation and evapotranspiration and the increasing temperature were identified as the possible drivers of the flow intermittence in these catchments. The research was performed within the COST Action SMIRES (Science and Management of Intermittent Rivers & Ephemeral Streams). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic has forced far-reaching changes in higher education. Isolation from peers and distance learning have significantly limited interpersonal contacts, which might have affected the mental well-being of students. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the level of perceived stress during e-learning among Slovak students and to identify the variables that have the most significant impact on mental health among students. The study included 3051 participants, 1773 women (58%) and 1278 (42%) with a mean age of 22.37 years. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) were used to measure the severity of stress and depression level. In addition, an author's survey was used assessing the areas of social life, education skills, economic field, nutrition habits, and drugs. Almost all study participants were characterized by increased stress level and 47% of them were depressed. Moreover, isolation affected women more, especially in terms of social life and economics. It seems necessary to implement appropriate support programs for students, which could have the potential to improve their psychological condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]