The topic is proposed by the Institute of Measurement Science SAS, as an external educational institution of STU. The aim of the work is a modern analysis of the measured time series. The emphasis will be on forecasting and causal analysis of time series. The methods used in this field relate to dynamic systems, including chaos theory and fractal geometry and partly to statistics, information theory and mathematical optimization. The set of analysed signals will include, among others, electroencephalographic recordings from human brain. The thesis topic is suitable for a candidate with an interest in creative applications and design of the appropriate mathematical methods. A further requirement concerns the experience with software development (Matlab environment).

Mapping of the distribution of the noise intensity and mechanical vibration in a scan area of the NMR imager working with a weak magnetic field, analysis of the frequency characteristics of noise for different scan sequences. Design and verification of methods for noise cancellation in simultaneous recording of a speech signal. Design, development and functional testing of Gaussian mixture based classifier applied for objective evaluation of the speech signal quality.

It is known that decreasing of material dimensions down to nanometers leads to new chemical, physical and constructional properties which have not been observed at micro- and macroobjects. For example, in the field of magnetism, there are interesting ferromagnetic properties of nanoparticles of such metals and oxides, e.g. Au, Al₂O₃, which are traditionally considered to be diamagnetic or nonmagnetic. Hitherto experience with investigation of properties of the nanoscale particles and nanosuspensions leads to the question of adequacy for application of standard methods and methodics also for nanometer objects and to the need to develop new measuring methods and methodics suitable for the field of new nanomaterials, for their development and applications. The topic of the thesis is to contribute to development of magnetic measuring devices, methods and methodics for nanoscale precursors, nanosuspensions and composite structures. The student will have at his disposal the Quantum Design SQUID magnetometer MPMS XL7. This equipment has a unique sensitivity 10^-11 Am² A m^2 wich is satisfactory for identification of e.g., unprotected touch of the plate for the thin films preparation or for studying of magnetic properties of human cells or organs, e.g. brain. The equipment enables to measure the magnetic moments (DC and AC) in the temperature range 1.8 K up to 400 K , at applied DC magnetic field up to 7 T and the AC magnetic susceptibility in the frequency range 0.01 Hz - 1000 Hz. The objects for the measurement will be prepared in the laboratories of the Slovak Academy of Sciences and Comenius University or in cooperating institutions in abroad. The student will be familiarized with the operation of the SQUID magnetometer. The complementary measurement of structural, optical and other relevant properties will be performed at cooperating domestic and foreign institutions. Requirements: The basic knowledge of the solid state physics. Possessing programs for processing of measured data. The advantage of the applicant will be the experience in design of the electronic circuits, in cryogenic liquids handling and sound knowledge of English language. The study will be performed at the Institute of Measurement Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences.

The analysis of uncertainty in measurement is a fundamental task of metrology and measurement science. Evaluating the uncertainties in measurements, as recommended by the ISO GUM (Evaluation of measurement data - Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement) and its amendments (Supplement 1 and 2, Propagation of distributions using a Monte Carlo method), leads to the problem of determining the probability distribution of function of independent random variables. The dissertation will be aimed at the development of new methods and algorithms suitable for expression and calculation of uncertainties in measurement, with an emphasis on Monte Carlo methods and methods based on numerical inversion of the characteristic function of the associated probability distribution. Another objective is to apply these advanced methods and algorithms for complex data analysis problems in uncertainty analysis of measurements, in the theory of reliability and in metrology. Precondition for a successful solution is basic knowledge of probability theory and statistics and programming skills in R and Matlab.

Interaction of biological objects with electromagnetic fields (EMF) and its application to medicine is a very topical issue. Many processes in this area await their clarification, and it can be expected that the results of the research may appear to be useful in medical practice. The aim of the dissertation is to broaden knowledge about the impact of weak external low-frequency EMF on functioning of selected biological objects that could be the basis for novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for treatment of civilization diseases. The primary aim of this work is to develop a new experimental platform and procedures enabling efficient scanning of the EMF parameters which lead to specific biological response. The experimental platform will consist of three main parts: - basic, monitoring (optical microscopy, impedance spectroscopy, turbidimetry) and exposure part (EMF exposure of samples). Another part of the work will be represented by the design and implementation of hardware and software interconnection and management of experimental platform making a quantitative characterization of the biological response of cells possible. The additional goal will consist in specification of selected tasks of monitoring real cellular structures and platform functionality testing. The scientific problems within the dissertation will be concentrated on the development of methods based on impedance spectroscopy with the goal to determine the rate of growth of cell cultures in the aquatic environment, as well as on the characterization of electrical parameters of the model circuits of single cells. Further research will be focused on the analysis and design of novel methods and algorithms describing morphology and kinetics of cells by the means of computer processing of microscopic images of exposed cell cultures. Requirements: basic knowledge of theory of EMF, skill in application of conventional methods of digital image analysis and statistical data analysis, friendly attitude to experimental and programming work (knowledge of Matlab), experience with the design and implementation of interfaces of electronic devices is wellcome. The thesis will be accomplished at the Institute of Measurement Science, Slovak Academy of Sciences (IMS SAS) in Bratislava, consultant: Mgr. Michal Teplan, PhD).

The aim of this interdisciplinary thesis (physics, medicine) is to investigate new methods for skeletal muscle fat determination at low-field NMR systems (0,18T) with the ultra-high field NMR system (7T) as a reference device. The work will include practical applications of the methods in patients with neurodegenerative diseases undergoing rehabilitation.

The aim of the thesis is to explore methods for sensitivity measurements of receivers for experiments with NMR equipments, utilizing weak magnetic fields with low resonant frequency (of the order of units of MHz). Commercial instruments for the noise figure measurement provide accurate results only for frequencies higher than several tens of MHz. Whereas NMR receivers contain an A/D converter, the aim is to explore the methods for digital processing of noise and harmonic signals so that the dedicated instruments for sensitivity measurement could be replaced by the NMR receiver in co-operation with a PC equipped with a suitable program.

Development of measuring methods for noninvasive assessment of the functional state of the heart and its use for therapy of selected cardiac disorders using multichannel electrocardiographic measurements, tomographic imaging of the chest and computer modeling of the cardiac electrical field. The applicant is expected to have knowledge of the theory of electromagnetic fields, numerical methods for signal and image processing as well as the ability of Matlab programming. Knowledge of professional English and ability to work with electronic information resources is required. During the study the PhD student will extend his knowledge of biomeasurements, medical imaging methods and numerical solving of electromagnetic fields and will gain experience with their application in diagnostics and therapy of selected cardiac disorders.

Modeling and simulation of cardiac electric field using analytically defined computer model of cardiac ventricles or by other available heart models. Simulation of activation propagation in the heart ventricles that include the pathological changes in the myocardium in selected cardiovascular diseases (left ventricular hypertrophy, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, rhythm disturbances). Computation of simulated signals on the torso model surface. The applicant is expected to have knowledge of the theory of electromagnetic fields, positive attitude to mathematics, as well as the ability of Matlab programming. Knowledge of professional English and ability to work with electronic information resources is required. During the study the PhD student will extend his knowledge of biomeasurements, medical imaging methods and numerical solving of electromagnetic fields and gain experience in evaluation of simulation experiments and ECG signals interpretation.

The theme of the dissertation thesis is the measurement of dimensions of 3D objects using X-ray microtomography. The effort of the PhD student will be focused on the measurement, analysis and evaluation of dimensions and porosity of objects, and dimensional analysis of the internal structure of composite materials. The aim is the development of contactless microtomographic measurement methods, standards for calibration of measurement system, and analysis of measurement uncertainties.

The aim of the thesis is to explore measurement methods for determination of local electrical characteristics of the functional parts of semiconductor devices and nano-structures using electrically conductive nanotips fixed on micro-manipulators in the scanning electron microscope. The PhD study will be performed at the Institute of Measurement Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences.