Selection from the forthcoming books

Kateřina Sýkorová

The term "communication competence" appears across all the fields of foreign language didactics. One part of communication competence is strategic competence, which is particularly characterized by the use of communication strategies. Communication strategies are the main topic of this book, specifically their use by successful language learners at the end of lower secondary education in EFL speaking. The book is suitable for foreign language methodologists as well as for teachers or parents interested in foreign-language speaking and successful language learners’ progress. Suitable methods in their further development are also recommended including communication strategies awareness and learners’ autonomy.

To be published in Summer 2024.

Sabina Gola, Kateřina Sedláčková, Beatriz Calvo Martín, Romain Racine, Alessandra Keller-Gerber (Eds.)

The aim of this volume is to highlight the reflections of teachers and researchers from a wide variety of backgrounds on their teaching practices that promote the development of plurilingual skills (whether these stem from specific contexts or are part of larger-scale interuniversity projects). Plurilingualism, intercomprehension, awareness of other languages, pedagogical innovation, the role of teachers and learners, autonomy and motivation are the key concepts that emerge from their contributions, and which form the common thread running through the volume.

To be published in Summer 2024.

This year's first issue of Archaeologia historica (AH 49/2024/1) is largely devoted to studies on specific research activities at Czech and Slovak fortified settlements (Kost, Pravda and Červený Kameň castles, the manor in Radostov, near Hradec Králové). Increasingly applied methods of non-destructive research provide valuable information on the non-agricultural use of landscape (Brdy mountains), as well as on the development of the building form of a monastery (Spišský Štiavnik). A new perspective on medieval to modern-age ceramics is presented by studies on the energy intensity of their production and use. The authors employ standard methods to probe into various commodities of material culture (precious stone beads, stove tiles, medieval maces, coins from burials). The results of interdisciplinary cooperation involve the reconstruction of urban diet (Plzeň) and the characterization of the injuries of the inhabitants of an early medieval village (Polany-Dolany). An unusual topic is addressed by a study from the field of experimental archaeology testing the working practices of medieval miners, as well as by an interesting article attempting to reconstruct part of the Italian coast based on the analysis of a portolan map.

To be published in Summer 2024.

Kateřina Kapounková and collective of authors

Much of the existing research confirms the assumption that regular physical activity can play a crucial role in nonpharmacological therapy and quality-of-life management in cancer survivors. The treatment of oncological diseases itself brings about numerous undesirable side effects, such as cardiotoxicity, anxiety, depression, sarcopenia, polyneuropathy, cancer fatigue and sleep disorders.
Regular physical activity is associated with significant health benefits, including a lower risk of developing certain types of tumours and the elimination of the undesirable side-effects of oncological treatment.
A number of epidemiological studies found a correlation between regular physical activity and lower mortality linked to oncological diseases. The minimal amount of activity needed to attain this benefit has not been established, however, the recommendations of the ACSM indicate that at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity are needed per week.
Physical exercise as nonpharmacological treatment is part of the therapy for cancer survivors which aims to incorporate targeted, controlled exercise programmes within the overall treatment plan of the patients. Exercise programmes can be performed both during the illness as well as in the period prior to the treatment, or in the course of adjuvant antitumour treatment (including chemotherapy) and for the survivors.
When prescribing physical activity it is necessary to take into account the current health condition of the patient, including their comorbidities, age, and level of physical fitness.
If controlled physical activity is to become an indispensable part of oncological treatment, it will be necessary to prove the therapy is safe and cost-effective.

To be published in Summer 2024.