Full-time study

4 years

doc. Ing. Jiří Hošek, Ph.D.

Chairman :
doc. Ing. Jiří Hošek, Ph.D.
Councillor internal :
prof. Ing. Jaroslav Koton, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Zdeněk Smékal, CSc.
prof. Ing. Jiří Mišurec, CSc.
doc. Ing. Vladislav Škorpil, CSc.
doc. Ing. Radim Burget, Ph.D.
Councillor external :
prof. Ing. Ivan Baroňák, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Miloš Orgoň, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Otto Dostál, CSc.

The student is fostered to use the theoretical knowledge and experience gained through own research activities in an innovative manner. He/She is able to efficiently use the gathered knowledge for the design of own and prospective solutions within their further experimental development and applied research. The emphasis is put on gaining both theoretical and practical skill, ability of self-decisions, definition of research and development hypotheses to propose projects spanning from basic to applied research, ability to evaluation of the results and their dissemination as research papers and presentation in front of the research community.

The doctor study program "Electronics and Information Technologies" aims to generate top research and development specialists, who have deep knowledge of principles and techniques used in communication and data wired and wireless networks and also in related areas and also in data/signal acquisition, processing and the back representation of user data on the level of application layer. The main parts of the studies are represented by areas dealing with information theory and communication techniques. The graduate has deep knowledge in communication and information technologies, data transfer and their security. The graduate is skilled in operation systems, computer languages and database systems, their usage and also design of suitable software and user applications. The graduate is able to propose new technology solution of communication tools and information systems for advanced transfer of information.

Graduates of theprogram "Electronics and Information Technologies" apply in particular in research, development and design teams, in the field of professional activity in production or business organizations, in the academic sphere and in other institutions involved in science, research, development and innovation, in all areas of the company where communication systems and information transfer through data networks are being applied and used.
Our graduates are particularly experienced in the analysis, design, creation or management of complex systems aimed for data transfer and processing, as well as in the programming, integration, support, maintenance or sale of these systems.

The doctoral studies of a student follow the Individual Study Plan (ISP), which is defined by the supervisor and the student at the beginning of the study period. The ISP is obligatory for the student, and specifies all duties being consistent with the Study and Examination Rules of BUT, which the student must successfully fulfill by the end of the study period. The duties are distributed throughout the whole study period, scored by credits/points and checked in defined dates. The current point evaluation of all activities of the student is summarized in the “Total point rating of doctoral student” document and is part of the ISP. At the beginning of the next study year the supervisor highlights eventual changes in ISP. By October, 15 of each study year the student submits the printed and signed ISP to Science Department of the faculty to check and archive.
Within mainly the first four semesters the student passes the exams of compulsory, optional-specialized and/or optional-general courses to fulfill the score limit in Study area, and concurrently the student significantly deals with the study and analysis of the knowledge specific for the field defined by the dissertation thesis theme and also continuously deals with publishing these observations and own results. In the follow-up semesters the student focuses already more to the research and development that is linked to the dissertation thesis topic and to publishing the reached results and compilation of the dissertation thesis.
By the end of the second year of studies the student passes the Doctor State Exam, where the student proves the wide overview and deep knowledge in the field linked to the dissertation thesis topic. The student must apply for this exam by April, 30 in the second year of studies. Before the Doctor State Exam the student must successfully pass the exam from English language course.
In the third and fourth year of studies the student deals with the required research activities, publishes the reached results and compiles the dissertation thesis. As part of the study duties is also completing a study period at an abroad institution or participation on an international research project with results being published or presented in abroad or another form of direct participation of the student on an international cooperation activity, which must be proved by the date of submitting the dissertation thesis.
By the end of the winter term in the fourth year of study the full-time students submit the elaborated dissertation thesis to the supervisor, who scores this elaborate. The combined students submit the elaborated dissertation thesis by the end of winter term in the fifth year of study. The final dissertation thesis is expected to be submitted by the student by the end of the fourth or fifth year of the full-time or combined study form, respectively.
In full-time study form, during the study period the student is obliged to pass a pedagogical practice, i.e. participate in the education process. The participation of the student in the pedagogical activities is part of his/her research preparations. By the pedagogical practice the student gains experience in passing the knowledge and improves the presentation skills. The pedagogical practice load (exercises, laboratories, project supervision etc.) of the student is specified by the head of the department based on the agreement with the student’s supervisor. The duty of pedagogical practice does not apply to students-payers and combined study program students. The involvement of the student in the education process within the pedagogical practice is confirmed by the supervisor in the Information System of the university.

1. Analog circuits containing elements with the fractional order

   The thesis is focused on modeling, simulations and experimental verification of structures where relation between response and driving signal contains derivation or integration of non-integer order (so-called fractional structures or circuits). The task is also to design of suitable application possibilities of fractional order circuits, e.g. frequency filters, reconfigurable filters, tunable oscillators or other circuits. Attention should be kept also on other ways how to implement fractional order circuits, e.g. implementation of structures with distributed parameters (RC-EDP), on computer modelling of matter and structures from nature and biology and also on mathematical description.

   Tutor: Jeřábek Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

2. Analysis of Images and Image Sequences Captured by Drone

   The theme is focused on advanced analysis of both static and dynamic image content captured by drones. The aim is to research possibilities of specific regions of interest extraction, autonomous target searching and drone guidance for specific tasks such as terrain mapping, systematic object search etc.

   Tutor: Říha Kamil, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

3. Artificial intelligence for defectoscopy of production lines

   Artificial intelligence has made a significant progress in the field of image analysis in recent years. In many cases, human capabilities have been surpassed by machines, not only their speed but also in their accuracy. However, the field of defectoscopy of complex industrial shapes is still occupied by human labour. The main reasons are the requirements for large training sets, the inability to generalize, the inability to learn from one class and the inability to learn from unbalanced data sets. The objective of the dissertation is to design innovative methods of artificial intelligence and their training, which will enable the so-called end-to-end learning and advanced defectoscopy of engineering parts.

   Tutor: Burget Radim, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

4. Compressive distributed target tracking

   The scenario considered in this PhD thesis is a network of agents that collaborate in order to track one or several moving targets in a distributed (decentralized) manner. Here, "distributed" means that there is no central unit collecting and processing all the measurements, and only agents that are spatially close are able to communicate. In many methods for distributed target tracking, statistical information is exchanged between the communicating agents, and the underlying probability distributions are sparse. The goal of this PhD thesis is to develop and study compressive and possibly other “sparsity-exploiting” methods for distributed target tracking with reduced communication requirements. (Collaboration partner: Prof. Franz Hlawatsch, TU Wien)

   Tutor: Rajmic Pavel, prof. Mgr., Ph.D.

5. Converters for mutual A/D and D/A conversions working in the current mode

   The work is focused on the design of A/D and D/A converters working in the current mode. The aim is to design a suitable structure of number-current and current-number converters without internal current-voltage and voltage-current conversions with respect to enhancing the bandwidth in comparison with converters working in the voltage mode. Part of the work is also the design and analysis of current-mode antialiasing filters. The design will start from unconventional circuit element structures such as current conveyors (CCI, CCII, CCIII) with simple or floating output, current feedback amplifiers (CFA) or transconductance amplifiers (OTA, BOTA, DBTA). Requirements to be met by the candidate: the knowledge of circuit theory and simulation programs (MicroCap, PSpice).

   Tutor: Lattenberg Ivo, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

6. Countermeasures methods that eliminate side channel attacks

   The topic is focused on research of side channel attacks. These attacks target the implementation of secure cryptographic algorithms that are currently applied. The main goal is to research and design countermeasures methods that can be used to eliminate these types of attacks. We assume research on modern methods of hiding and masking. The participation on Department’s research projects is expected.

   Tutor: Zeman Václav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

7. Countermeasures methods that eliminate side channel attacks

   The topic is focused on research of side channel attacks. These attacks target the implementation of secure cryptographic algorithms that are currently applied. The main goal is to research and design countermeasures methods that can be used to eliminate these types of attacks. We assume research on modern methods of hiding and masking. The participation on Department’s research projects is expected.

   Tutor: Zeman Václav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

8. Data Fusion in Decentralized Sensor Networks

   Bayesian multi-sensor data fusion is concerned with the combination of statistical information from several sensors to improve statistical inference. An example is the fusion of multiple sensing modalities (such as LIDAR and cameras) in autonomous vehicles. In this thesis, the focus is on distributed fusion methods, where no central entity performing the data fusion exists and sensors can only communicate with other sensors that are within a certain distance. Although several approaches to distributed sensor fusion have been proposed, no unified framework exists that addresses issues such as rumor propagation (double counting of information), spurious data, and out-of-sequence data in dense sensor networks. The goal of this PhD thesis is to develop and study efficient and robust sensor fusion methods that address these issues. (Collaboration partner: Prof. Franz Hlawatsch, TU Wien)

   Tutor: Rajmic Pavel, prof. Mgr., Ph.D.

9. Design of Modern IP Sophisticated Telematics Systems in Transport

   Telematics systems are particularly common in transport. Research into telematics systems based on the Internet Protocol will be focused on the design of sophisticated, i.e. well-defined, formally well-developed and complicated methods that use IP systems in various areas. Surveillance and protection systems, systems of paying the fare, information systems, interactive applications, etc. are supposed in particular. Localization by GPS, vehicle diagnostics, and vehicle monitoring on orthomaps in real situations are in the focus. Sophisticated telematics systems will be software simulated, optimized and subsequently hardware implemented in the form of functional prototypes. Communication between two cars without a driver intervention, collision avoidance, information transmission about traffic from the places that cars left are expected. A highly accurate navigation system based on the Galileo system (GNSS) for controlling functional blocks of cars is considered.

   Tutor: Škorpil Vladislav, doc. Ing., CSc.

10. Design of Smart Communication Network – Smart Grid

    The aim is to create a design of an optimized smart communication network (Smart Grid) connected with Internet of Things (IoT), focusing on smart houses. The current electricity consumption of a household will respond flexibly to fluctuations in the energy network during the day in an effort to save costs and achieve optimal use of the electricity produced. To do this, home electrical appliances will use suitable modern sensors, transmission, and reliability optimization M2M (Machine-To-Machine), and advanced communication infrastructure design. It will also be necessary to consider streamlining wireless communication protocols, taking into account wired protocols. To achieve cost savings, advanced technologies will be designed, such as mobile networks over 5G and LTE, PLC, Ethernet, NB-IoT, SigFox, and LoRaWAN. It will be necessary to select a suitable simulation tool, such as Network Simulator 3 (NS3) and other usable environments.

    Tutor: Škorpil Vladislav, doc. Ing., CSc.

11. Development of Algorithms for Management of Queues and Control of Switching in Active Network Elements

    Today's active network elements use a range of powerful algorithms for management of queues and control of switching. The task is to implement selected algorithms of queues management into a development system equipped with the FPGA card, to measure their performance and to develop a custom algorithm of queues management while respecting the standard marking used for QoS solutions. The solution assumes knowledge of languages C, VHDL, MATLAB, and possibly Verilog. An architecture of a network element with priority routing will be designed. An original procedure will be proposed for modelling this problem mathematically together with the implementation of the mathematical model. Software simulation of a system that can be used to control the switching field designed for switching data units shall be extended by its hardware implementation, e.g. via programmable logical arrays of the development system FPGA. The knowledge obtained will be generalized and related to the theory of high-speed network elements.

    Tutor: Škorpil Vladislav, doc. Ing., CSc.

12. Distributed systems for data sharing

    The Internet is used for distribution of large amounts of data. Those are available via repositories, which are replicated and situated at different geographical places. The goal of the study is to analyse the data distribution from the networking and geographical points of view. The outcome is a system proposal for data distribution for the intended application.

    Tutor: Komosný Dan, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

13. Effective Use of IP Networks in Crisis Situations

    The aim is to create an effective strategy for the use of the public and private IP networks for crisis management. Also to propose such a network, which could have the capacity, but also in terms of resistance, to guarantee the crisis communication. This would be in particular traffic data, voice, and e.g. to manage the flow of information, etc. Research should also include the influence of network topology on its stability and security, the speed of the spread of viruses, ability to resist attacks, etc. One of the objectives is to design a software robot that will be able to monitor the network, and TV broadcasting. Other parts would propose new methods of Internet communication management, where appropriate, the Internet topology. The aim is to design a system for exchanging files over the Internet, but without any central control. The system should be intuitively usable. The solution should be safe and allow anonymity of the sender and the recipient of the data. The final objective is a theoretically supported design of a highly durable network suitable for crisis situations.

    Tutor: Škorpil Vladislav, doc. Ing., CSc.

14. Electronical phantoms describing fractional impedance behaviour of real-world systems

    This topic focuses on the synthesis and description of analogue circuits – phantoms that emulate and capture in time the electrical properties of systems/tissues being analyzes mainly using the impedance spectroscopy technique. The definition of these phantoms is based on using the fractional calculus, whereas for their realization mainly the passive fractional-order elements and their suitable combination and transformation, which represents an area not sufficiently investigated so far. The importance of such phantoms for the future research is the possibility of explicit comparison and suitability of measurement techniques used for material characterization.

    Tutor: Jeřábek Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

15. Electronically configurable analogue circuits

    This topic is focused on design of two-ports, filtering circuits especially and oscillators for instance, with possibility to externally and electronically change significant parameters of the circuit and in the case of filter also change of type of frequency response. Design with fractional-order element sis also expected. Available active elements are supposed to be used as it is or in modified variants. Simulations not only with simple models but also with transistor-level structures are expected. When verified by experimental measurement, behavioural modelling is preferred.

    Tutor: Jeřábek Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

16. Enhancing security of Wireless Local Area Networks

    As wireless network security issues suppose use of standards IEEE 802.11, its vulnerability, attacks methods on the security, and the methods for enhancing effectiveness will be studied. Detailed introduction to these standards, description of various types of wireless security, including their properties and the subsequent theoretical analysis is supposed. Implementation of attacks on various methods of modern security algorithms will be used to identify the weaknesses of 802.11 protocols. On the basis of the findings a more effective security will be designed and tested. Attention will be paid to guarantee quality of service (QoS) in 802.11 networks. The network will be subject to examination by appropriate programs and simulators (OMNET++, NS2). Effect of delay on modern services (IP phones, transmission of video, voice, multimedia) will also be examined. An overall analysis, including QoS optimization will be performed.

    Tutor: Škorpil Vladislav, doc. Ing., CSc.

17. Feature analysis of current-mode electronic frequency filters

    The work is focused on the feature analysis of current-mode electronic frequency filters. The aim is to design algoritmizable methods that lead to finding features of filters generally defined by the schematic. It will be necessary to evaluate the available feature ranges, e.g. quality, pass-band current transfer, dynamic range within a defined supply voltage, sensitivity, etc. In the case of finding the quality range, the point is to find the extremes of a multi-variable non-linear function. Mathematical tools (e.g. Maple or MathCAD) will first be used for this purpose; afterwards the algorithm itself will be designed. Requirements to be met by the candidate: algorithm thinking, the knowledge of computer programming and circuit theory.

    Tutor: Lattenberg Ivo, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

18. Forensic analysis of operating systems

    The study deals with forensic methods to obtain evidence from mass storage media and volatile memory. Current methods will be tested on use-case studies. The goal is to propose methods for data collection, implement them, and verify their effectiveness. The topic covers various types of devices and operating systems.

    Tutor: Komosný Dan, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

19. High-capacity optical transmission systems

    Optical transmission systems have evolved rapidly over the last decade to meet the ever-increasing demand for increased capacity. Wavelength multiplexing is now widely used to increase optical fiber capacity, and further capacity increase is achieved by increasing data transfer rate. In order to meet these requirements for future high-capacity transmission systems, several technical challenges need to be addressed, such as new optical modulation formats with high spectral efficiency, optimization of receivers capable of detecting new modulation formats, mitigation of linear and nonlinear phenomena in optical fibers, or amplification signal with minimal noise.

    Tutor: Münster Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

20. High-Speed Computer Networks Protection

    The topic is focused on the area of the security of modern network infrastructures and services. The goal is the design of effective methods for the protection and vulnerability testing of high-speed networks against flood attacks and ISO/OSI model application layer attacks. The topic is also focused on the effective implementation of security algorithms.

    Tutor: Zeman Václav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

21. Improving the perceptual quality of compressed audio signals using deep neural networks

    Athough a great attention is paid to audio coding, coders with a low bit budget still produce perceptually unpleasant results. The study would be focused on the design of a deep neural network which would improve the perceptual quality of the compressed files. The network's input would therefore be the compressed signal, and its output would be the perceptually improved version.

    Tutor: Rajmic Pavel, prof. Mgr., Ph.D.

22. Mathematical models of data traffic anomaly detection

    The aim of this work is to study mathematical models of data communication with respect of anomaly detection. The anomaly may be caused by either change in the data traffic structure or security incidents. The work should explore capabilities and suitability of various mathematical models for utilization in distinguished types of network utilization: internet connectivity for household, small or large enterprise, server farms, ISP, ...

    Tutor: Zeman Václav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

23. Methods for measurement of basic and derived parameters of data networks

    Goal of this thesis is to research in area of measurement of basic parameters of data networks based mostly on Internet Protocol (IP), such as throughput, one-way delay and round-trip time, so as in area of derived parameters, such as quality of voice and video services. This comes with problematics of modelling of behaviour of network and user under various conditions, long-term and short-term events, a description of mass-serving systems and also features and behaviour key internet and measuring protocols in computer networks, so as topic of their possible setting and security. Based on analysis of available tools and their features, or development of own tools, design of solution and approaches for various types of measurements is expected. Designed methodology should be verified both in environment of lab and real-world networks.

    Tutor: Jeřábek Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

24. Methods for Optimization of Ultra-Wideband Analog Integrated Systems-on-Chip Using Parasitic Effects of Transistors

    The thesis is focused on design of optimization methods of MOS-only analog ultra-wideband analog integrated systems-on-chip of arbitrary integer and fractional order. The aim is research and development of low-voltage and low-power applications by advantageous usage of influences of transistor parasitics that work in frequency range units of GHz. Selected novel implementations of true time delay circuits, oscillators, second- or higher-order filters, emulators of synthetic inductors, etc. with potential applications in 6G communication systems will undergo on-chip fabrication and experimental verification. The research will be also conducted in cooperation with Prof. Khaled N. Salama from Sensors Lab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, KSA, with a paid internship option.

    Tutor: Herencsár Norbert, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

25. Methods of determining qualitative parameters of communication networks

    The study topic is focused on research methods for measurement and evaluation data parameters of heterogeneous communication networks in terms of end-user access to the Internet and other services.

    Tutor: Zeman Václav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

26. Modelling of Wireless Communications in Ultra-high Frequency Bands

    Wireless data transmission using ultra high frequencies in the order of GHz or even THz is one of the cornerstones of modern mobile networks to meet the ever-increasing demands for overall capacity and scalability of cellular systems. However, the propagation of a radio signal in those frequency bands entails a number of new technological requirements and challenges that need to be addressed for successful deployment in real-world scenarios. The aim of this doctoral thesis is a detailed analysis of key requirements of evolving applications such as augmented or virtual reality or wearables and the subsequent design of a propagation model taking into account transmissions in 3D space and other specifics of the radio channel in the ultra-high frequency band. The proposed model will be verified by simulations and / or experimental measurements.

    Tutor: Hošek Jiří, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

27. Novel Methods of Visual Interpretation of Partial Results of Deep Learning Networks

    The theme is focused on a visualisation of partial results and features inside of classification processes used by deep learning networks. The goal is understanding of feature analysis and visual interpretation of partial processes namely for image data object classifiers. Produced methods should provide image outputs for both art and analytic utilisation. The goal in artistic field is image synthesis and analytic instruments are aimed to inner processes and partial stages mapping and analysis of their influence on results.

    Tutor: Říha Kamil, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

28. Objective metrics for estimating subjective evaluation of perceptual quality of degraded audio signals

    Most of today's objective metrics of audio quality is focused on assessing quality after signal compression. However, in practice we need to estimate the quality of signals degraded also by other means (clipping, distortion, drop-outs etc.). The student would concentrate on a modification of the established metrics like PEAQ, PEMO-Q or VisQOLAudio for these non-linear degradations. Co-advised by: Jiří Schimmel (FEEC), cooperation with dr. František Rund (ČVUT Prague).

    Tutor: Rajmic Pavel, prof. Mgr., Ph.D.

29. Operating systems for critical applications

    The study deals with systems that are required to response independently of the current state of operation and environment changes. The goal is to distribute the operating system resources to particular tasks as they do not interfere with each other. Example applications are medical and defence systems.

    Tutor: Komosný Dan, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

30. Optimization of 3D location algorithms for wireless sensor networks

    Wireless sensor networks are used primarily to collect data. However, in some applications, it is also necessary to obtain the exact location of the wireless node. This issue is becoming very topical in connection with the swarm of drones and their control. The aim of the work will be the analysis and optimization of 3D location algorithms and their subsequent implementation.

    Tutor: Krajsa Ondřej, Ing., Ph.D.

31. Parallelization of Evolutionary Algorithms

    The aim is research in the field of evolutionary algorithms parallelization. Parallelization is an integral part of an endeavour to increase effectiveness of evolutionary algorithms and their possible use. Research should build on current knowledge and carry out further research on the impact of selected parameters and design details on the performance. Research should be concentrated on the island models of evolutionary algorithms. According to the chosen method the knowledge of some programming language is required, as well as scripting languages Python or Matlab. Selected development and testing environment is left to free choice. The results should be presented and verified.

    Tutor: Škorpil Vladislav, doc. Ing., CSc.

32. Physical unclonable functions

    The study topic is focused on research of physical unclonable functions and their use in cryptographic protocols. Physical unclonable function (PUF) is a physical entity that is embodied in a physical structure and is easy to evaluate but hard to predict. PUF represent an alternative to safely store secret key cryptosystems.

    Tutor: Zeman Václav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

33. Post-Quantum cryptographic protocols

    The topic aims at the analysis, design and optimization of modern post-quantum cryptographic protocols that offer a secure alternative to existing protocols based on discrete logarithm and factorization problems. The research can be focused more on the one of current open problems such as hardware acceleration of PQC using FPGA, postquantum blockchain technology, post-quantum privacy-enhancing technologies, PQC on limited devices etc. The participation on Department’s national and international research projects is expected.

    Tutor: Malina Lukáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

34. Post-Quantum Cryptography

    Quantum attack-resistant cryptography is a very current topic. With the advent of quantum computers, all current asymmetric cryptographic schemes, such as RSA, DSA or ECC, will be broken. These threats are already being addressed at the level of international organizations and standardization bodies, such as NIST. Student will focus on implementation and optimization of quantum-resistant algorithms. Student involvement in research projects at UTKO, FEKT is expected.

    Tutor: Ricci Sara, M.Sc., Ph.D.

35. Quantum key distribution in telecommunication networks

    Today's digital world is dependent on data security during communication but also in storage, for example in e-banking, e-commerce, e-health or e-government. With the advent of quantum computers, there is a risk of potential security breaches today. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) provides a way to distribute and share secret keys that are necessary for cryptographic protocols. The information is coded into individual photons. Integrating QKD systems into existing network infrastructure used for telecommunications is a topical challenge. Some other major challenges include increasing of the key rate, increasing the range of the QKD system, or reducing the complexity and robustness of existing solutions.

    Tutor: Münster Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

36. Real-time operating systems

    Real-time systems continuously evaluate the input parameters and respond within a specified time to an input event. Research in this area is focused on assuring the timed responses when the hardware used is considered. The goal is to analyse the requirements on these systems and propose/implement means to guarantee the time constraints in the intended application area.

    Tutor: Komosný Dan, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

37. Reconstruction of degraded audio signals based on deep neural networks

    The doctoral study will cope with modern methods of audio restoration. The need to complete the missing segment of an audio signal or to restore saturated signal samples are interesting tasks with the practical use (historical recordings, dropouts in VoIP calls, etc.). Current methods are capable of high quality interpolation of signals that are stationary in the vicinity of the missing section and have harmonic character. The study will focus on methods that combine approaches that have been successful in recent years, namely mathematical optimization methods and the deep neural networks (DNNs). Psychoacoustic viewpoint of the problem will be covered as well. (Collaboration with the Acoustics Research Institute, Vienna)

    Tutor: Rajmic Pavel, prof. Mgr., Ph.D.

38. Reconstruction of degraded audio signals via spectrogram factorizations

    Methods based on spectrogram decompositions are among the best methods for audio reconstruction (declipping, concealing of missing samples, denoiding, source separation etc.). The traditional approach is to use the non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), which is suitable for its application to audio spectrograms. The study would be focused on modifications of the NMF approach, with a possibility to reformulate it as a deep neural network that could be trained to solve different reconstruction problems.

    Tutor: Rajmic Pavel, prof. Mgr., Ph.D.

39. Reconstruction of three-dimensional magnetic-resonance data using compressed sensing

    The non-Cartesian acquisition methods attract attention because of a variety of unique properties which can be exploited for different applications such as: acquisition acceleration, insensitivity to motion and the possibility to image tissues with very short T2s (e.g. cortical bones, tendons, ligaments, menisci and myelin). The objectives of the PhD study are to: a) develop an efficient volume reconstruction method from UTE data for quantitative analyses of ultrashort T2 components, based on nonconvex optimization, b) explore the limits of the spatial resolution when reducing the number of UTE projections for acceleration, c) apply and perform quantitative in vivo MR data analyses. Collaboration with CEITEC MU center, processing of data from the experimental MR scanner, supervisor specialist Ing. Peter Latta, CSc. Potential financial support from CEITEC.

    Tutor: Rajmic Pavel, prof. Mgr., Ph.D.

40. Research of Analog Active Function Blocks for Biosensors

    The dissertation is focused on research of novel structures of non-conventional analog active function blocks such as current or voltage conveyors using chemical description of their terminal variables. The aim of the research is to develop novel structures of chemical conveyors of different generations and their utilization in measurement systems for sensing basic quantities in biomedical systems. Selected systems will undergo on-chip fabrication and experimental verification. The research will be also conducted in cooperation with Prof. Khaled N. Salama from Sensors Lab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, KSA, with a paid internship option.

    Tutor: Herencsár Norbert, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

41. Research of Fractional-Order Element Emulators for Reliable Modeling of Real-World Systems

    The thesis is focused on research of analog emulators of fractional-order elements (FOEs) with an order of (-1; +1). The aim is the development of reliable low-voltage and low-power MOS transistor-based emulators of capacitors and inductors by advantageous usage of influences of transistor parasitics. Selected novel implementations of FOEs will be used for modeling of different varieties and types of agricultural products and biomedical tissues (fruit/vegetable aging, ear channel/lung/liver modeling of humans and animals, etc.) based on real measured data collected via electrical impedance spectroscopy measurement technique. The research will be also conducted in cooperation with Prof. Khaled N. Salama from Sensors Lab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, KSA, with a paid internship option.

    Tutor: Herencsár Norbert, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

42. Research of High-Frequency Frequency-Agile Linear Systems

    The thesis is focused on research of novel concepts of arbitrary fractional-order high-frequency frequency-agile linear systems using non-conventional analog functions blocks. Frequency-agile filtering systems are special types of reconfigurable analog filters that have property for agility. The aim of this work is the development of both non-symmetrical and symmetrical class 1 to class n frequency-agile filters. The workability of proposed circuits will be proved by computer simulations. Selected novel structures will undergo on-chip fabrication and experimentally tested. The solution will be also conducted in cooperation with Prof. Khaled N. Salama from Sensors Lab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, KSA, with a paid internship option.

    Tutor: Herencsár Norbert, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

43. Resistive-Capacitive Elements with Distributed Parameters - Design, Implementation and Utilization in Electrical Circuits

    The topic aims at the research into design methods of resistive-capacitive elements with distributed parameters (RC-EDP) and their utilization in electrical circuits. The main part of the study will be developing a complex methodology for implementation of impedance function of fractional, i.e. non-integer, order by means of RC-EDP. Design methods for obtaining RC-EDP parameters will be developed depending on the required impedance function, RC-EDP type, and fabrication technology. For this purpose, a symbolic impedance description of RC-EDP, numerical optimization methods and characteristic properties of fabrication technologies will be used. The specifics of individual technologies will be compared with each other and the procedure of preparation of production documents will be elaborated for selected technologies. The topic also includes the design and verification of RC-EDP applications in electronic circuits, especially realizing circuit functions of fractional order.

    Tutor: Kubánek David, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

44. Security and Privacy in Intelligent Infrastructures

    The topic is focused on research of applied modern cryptography (light cryptography, schemes with privacy protection, authentication and key management) and optimization within intelligent networks such as Internet of Everything, Internet of vehicles, 5G and smart cities. The research deals in more detail with the design of methods for securing communication in decentralized networks and for protecting the privacy of users. The participation on Department’s national and international research projects is expected.

    Tutor: Malina Lukáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

45. Security of operating systems

    Development of operating systems reflects changes in the area of cybersecurity. The topic deals with the analysis of operating systems with different architectures from the security point of view, for example, based on a study of previous attacks. The goal is to propose a modification of the system services in relation to the intended application.

    Tutor: Komosný Dan, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

46. Sequential Estimation of Arterial Wall Contours

    Examination of the common carotid artery (CCA) based on ultrasound measurements is an effective method for detecting cardiovascular diseases. In particular, the spatial evolution of the CCA wall is related to diagnostically relevant parameters describing, e.g., CCA tissue elasticity. Accordingly, the goal of this PhD thesis is to estimate the time-varying contour of the CCA wall from an ultrasound video sequence. This is to be achieved by developing a sequential extension of a machine learning method known as Gaussian process regression (GPR). In the GPR method, a function to be learned is represented by a random process, which avoids an explicit parametric representation. The desired sequential extension of the GPR method should be able to continuously track the detailed shape of the CCA wall over a time period of arbitrary duration. (Collaboration partner: Prof. Franz Hlawatsch, TU Wien)

    Tutor: Říha Kamil, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

47. Smoothing Methods for Arterial Wall Motion Tracking

    Examination of the common carotid artery (CCA) from ultrasound measurements is an effective method for detecting cardiovascular diseases. The goal of this PhD thesis is the development of time-recursive methods for tracking CCA- related multiple scatterers in an ultrasound videosequence. These methods will be based on hidden Markov models describing the temporal evolution of the scatterers and smoothing techniques for multitarget tracking, and they will take advantage of the strong statistical dependencies of the scatterers. The smoothing approach is expected to outperform current filtering approaches at the expense of a higher computational complexity.

    Tutor: Říha Kamil, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

1. round (applications submitted from 01.04.2021 to 15.05.2021)

1. Analysis of microbial structures by means of image processing techniques combined with machine learning

   The massive expansion of MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry) by mass spectrometry brings completely new possibilities to the field of analysis and identification of microbial colonies. The supplier Bruker Daltonics GmbH & Co. KG (hereinafter referred to as Bruker) with its complementary product MBT Pathfinder brings to this area a significant simplification and above all standardization and transparency of the sample preparation process for mass spectrometry by automating the transfer of microbial colonies from culture Petri dishes to MALDI plates with targets. In addition, the digitization of sample preparation will allow the acquisition and analysis of other useful information about the observed microbial colonies. This dissertation deals with the study of artificial intelligence of microbial colonies cultured on Petri dishes such as their number, color, size, shape, location on the dish, distance from other colonies, coloration of their surroundings, or reaction with reagents on the dishes. This information can be used as a monitoring parameter in the research, but it can also be used before the transfer of the colonies for the appropriate selection of candidates from the Petri dish for subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry. Selected parameters will be processed using modern machine learning methods. The research will use a bank of images of Petri dishes with cultured microbes provided by Bruker, suitably adapted to the given problem. The diversity and breadth of the topic offers many possibilities for applying methods in the field of classification, clustering, semantic and instance segmentation, object detection and many others. The obtained knowledge can be used to improve the results of mass spectrometry by appropriate selection of colonies for analysis, e. g. according to selected evaluation parameters, colony reactions with reagents on agar or differences from other colonies.

   Tutor: Burget Radim, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

2. Capacity Planning of the Heterogeneous Mobile Networks for mMTC Communication Scenarios

   Research activities and development in the area of heterogeneous communication networks aim to meet the demanding requirements of the communication networks, i.e., increased communication speeds, optimized communication latency, enhanced quality of service, and exponentially growing number of connected devices to the network. The ubiquitous connectivity is supposed to achieve while utilizing new communication principles, progressive technologies, innovative mechanisms for the management of the network resources, and essential modifications of the frequency spectrum as well as an advanced selection of the serving cells. The communication technologies operating in both licensed and license-exempt frequency bands will be then integrated into the one heterogeneous communication system. The aim of the dissertation thesis is to study up-to-date communication technologies for the communication scenarios known as massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC). During the initial phase, the attention will be given to: (i) the communication technologies operating in the licensed frequency bands, i.e., those defined by 3GPP in the Release 13 and newer (Narrowband IoT, LTE Cat-M a 5G (NSA, SA)) and (ii) to the communication technologies utilizing the license-exempt frequency bands, i.e., (Sigfox, LoRaWAN). The initial findings will be used to fully understand the key principles of the Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) technologies. Also, to extend the knowledge, real measurement campaigns will take place using the communication prototypes built at Brno University of Technology. Finally, the obtained data will be used as the input data sets for complex simulation scenarios / analytical modeling. Next, the results will be analyzed and proposals of the new communication mechanisms targeting the optimization of the utilization of the network resources will be discussed. The attention will be focused on: (i) predictive switching between serving cells / communication technologies, (ii) optimization of the control plane traffic with the option to transmit the user data within the signaling traffic, (iii) switching between device operation states (connected, idle, power saving), (iv) forming of the MESH communication infrastructure while using the heterogeneous communication systems. Introduced principles will be then implemented within the infrastructure of the communication operator as well as on the side of the end devices. To be able to reach the above-mentioned goals, the unique laboratory at the Department of Telecommunication at BUT (UniLab) will be used. Also, while working on the dissertation thesis, cooperation with both industry and academia partners will be held.

   Tutor: Mašek Pavel, Ing., Ph.D.

3. Novel distributed and quasi-distributed fiber optic sensing systems

   The work focuses on the design, simulation and development of distributed and quasi-distributed fiber optic sensing systems. These systems use conventional single-mode telecommunication optical fibers, multimode fibers, polymer optical fibers (POF), microstructural fibers, multicore fibers, or other special fibers as a sensor. Using scattering phenomena (Raman, Brillouin, or Rayleigh scattering), or possibly changing the parameters of the transmitted optical signal (change in intensity, phase, polarization, etc.), it is possible to obtain information about temperature, vibration and other physical quantities along the optical fiber.

   Tutor: Münster Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

4. Research on Methods for Dynamic Management of Autonomous Cellular Networks in 5G+ Infrastructure

   Small base stations installed on autonomous devices, such as drones, are considered an important part of new generations of wireless cellular networks in order to provide additional coverage and capacity of the mobile network based on current demand. Due to the dynamic nature, traffic density and diverse requirements of modern wireless networks, flexible solutions are important for practical deployments that can respond in real time to the current requirements of modern network applications and adapt their parameters such as scalability, topology or coverage. The aim of this work is to research the mechanisms of flying base stations as an important component of emerging 5G + wireless networks. The student's task will be to make a detailed overview of existing commercial and non-commercial solutions and technologies of autonomous mobile networks and then with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to design mechanisms for dynamic topology, "on-demand" configuration and optimization of communication parameters of networks consisting of autonomous base stations with respect to basic network KPIs such as the number of users served, continuity of service or energy efficiency.

   Tutor: Hošek Jiří, doc. Ing., Ph.D.