No / The purpose of the research was to describe a software package (Discus) for investigating clinicians' subjective assessment of optic disc damage [diagnostic accuracy in detecting visual field (VF) damage, decision criteria, and agreement with a panel of experts] and to provide reference data from a group of expert observers. Optic disc images were selected from patients with manifest or suspected glaucoma or ocular hypertension who attended the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. Eighty images came from eyes without evidence of VF loss in at least four consecutive tests (VF negatives), and 20 images from eyes with repeatable VF loss (VF positives). Software was written to display these images in randomized order, for up to 60 s. Expert observers (n = 12) rated optic disc damage on a 5-point scale (definitely healthy, probably healthy, not sure, probably damaged, and definitely damaged). Optic disc damage as determined by the expert observers predicted VF loss with less than perfect accuracy (mean area under receiver-operating characteristic curve, 0.78; range, 0.72 to 0.85). When the responses were combined across the panel of experts, the area under receiver-operating characteristic curve reached 0.87, corresponding to a sensitivity of ∼60% at 90% specificity. Although the observers' performances were similar, there were large differences between the criteria they adopted (p < 0.001), even though all observers had been given identical instructions. Discus provides a simple and rapid means for assessing important aspects of optic disc interpretation. The data from the panel of expert observers provide a reference against which students, trainees, and clinicians may compare themselves. The program and the analyses described in this article are freely accessible from http://www.discusproject.blogspot.com/.

Nesse projeto apresentamos o desenvolvimento da proposta de estudo sobre o processo de cristianização dos espaços, tendo como objeto central de análise a coleção de lamparinas escavadas no sítio arqueológico de Apollonia-Arsuf, Israel. Constata-se que as lamparinas concernentes ao período de dominação romana na Palestina encontram-se mutiladas na parte relativa às cenas figurativas do paganismo. Artefatos cujo período de atividade estende-se do século I ao século III d.C.. O conhecimento e análise da citada coleção, tanto nos níveis formal quanto imagético, contribui para uma caracterização e maior conhecimento do paradoxo que circunda nosso objeto. A investigação permite questionamentos sobre a construção do orbis romanorum e as relações estabelecidas dentro desse âmbito. / In this project I present the development of the research about the process of early Christianization in Roman Palestine via the analysis of Roman-period discus lamps retrieved from the archaeological site of Apollonia-Arsuf (Israel). It appears that the discus lamps that came from Roman Apollonia, of the late 1st to 3rd century AD, had the usual pagan and erotic moulded figurative scenes on the upper body intentionally broken away. The knowledge and analysis of this assemblage of hundreds of lamps, both through form and imagery contributes to a better understanding and characterization of the paradox that surrounds our subject of study. The research thus allows questions about the construction of orbis Romanorum and the relations established within this framework.

Nesse projeto apresentamos o desenvolvimento da proposta de estudo sobre o processo de cristianização dos espaços, tendo como objeto central de análise a coleção de lamparinas escavadas no sítio arqueológico de Apollonia-Arsuf, Israel. Constata-se que as lamparinas concernentes ao período de dominação romana na Palestina encontram-se mutiladas na parte relativa às cenas figurativas do paganismo. Artefatos cujo período de atividade estende-se do século I ao século III d.C.. O conhecimento e análise da citada coleção, tanto nos níveis formal quanto imagético, contribui para uma caracterização e maior conhecimento do paradoxo que circunda nosso objeto. A investigação permite questionamentos sobre a construção do orbis romanorum e as relações estabelecidas dentro desse âmbito. / In this project I present the development of the research about the process of early Christianization in Roman Palestine via the analysis of Roman-period discus lamps retrieved from the archaeological site of Apollonia-Arsuf (Israel). It appears that the discus lamps that came from Roman Apollonia, of the late 1st to 3rd century AD, had the usual pagan and erotic moulded figurative scenes on the upper body intentionally broken away. The knowledge and analysis of this assemblage of hundreds of lamps, both through form and imagery contributes to a better understanding and characterization of the paradox that surrounds our subject of study. The research thus allows questions about the construction of orbis Romanorum and the relations established within this framework.

Darbo objektas ― pajėgiausių Lietuvos ir pasaulio disko metikų rezultatų kaita ir treniruočių technologijos. Darbo aktualumas ― išanalizavus geriausių Lietuvos ir pasaulio disko metikų rezultatų kaitą ir treniruočių metodikos ypatumus, galima sėkmingai planuoti jaunų sportininkų treniruočių procesą, parinkti optimalius krūvius ir, sudarius modelines charakteristikas, siekti aukštų rezultatų svarbiausiose sezono varžybose. Darbo tikslas ― nustatyti disko metikų antropometrinių duomenų, amžiaus ir sportinių rezultatų sąveikos ypatumus bei ištirti geriausių Lietuvos ir pasaulio disko metikų treniruočių technologijas. Uždaviniai: 1. Išanalizuoti geriausių pasaulio pastarojo dešimtmečio disko metikų rezultatų kaitą: a) amžiaus aspektu; b) olimpinio keturmečio ciklo metu; c) lyginant sezono geriausią disko metimo rezultatą su atsakinguose startuose pasiektais; d) pasaulio čempionatuose 1983 ― 2009 m. m. 2. Nustatyti geriausių pasaulio disko metikų antropometrinių duomenų (ūgio, svorio, KMI) sąveiką su varžybiniu rezultatu. 3. Ištirti trijų geriausių pastarųjų dešimtmečių Lietuvos disko metikų fizinio parengtumo rodiklius 4. Išanalizuoti V. Aleknos (2000 m Olimpinės žaidynės) ir G. Kanter‘io (2007 m Pasaulio čempionatas) pasirengimo varžyboms treniruočių technologijas. Išvados: 1. Išanalizavus geriausių pasaulio pastarojo dešimtmečio disko metikų rezultatų kaitą nustatėme, kad: a) geriausio asmeninio rezultato pasiekimo amžius disko metime vidutiniškai yra 28,1 ± 3,09 m, o... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Object of the study ― sports results alternation and training technologies of the best Lithuanian and world discus throwers (men) Topicality ― when we analyzed Lithuanian and world’s discus throwers results and training process we can really plan good young athlete’s training processes, choose optimal loads, create model characterizations and reach high results in main competitions. The aim of study ― To examine discuss throwers anthropometric findings, age and result interaction each other and also make a research of Lithuanian‘s and world‘s discuss throwers training technologies. Tasks: 1. To analyze best discus throwers results changes of the last 10 years: a) by year b) in Olympic four year cycle c) comparing the best throw of the year and in the main competition. d) in world championships from 1983 to 2009. 2. Make a research of the best discus throwers anthropometrical results (height, weight, BMI) influence to result. 3. Make a research of three Lithuania‘s best discus throwers testing results of the last years. 4. Analyze V. Alekna‘s (2000 y. Olympic games) and G. Kanter‘s (2007 world championships) preparation for competition technologies. Conclusions: 1. When we analyzed world‘s best ten years results changes, found out, that: a) highest personal best is reached above discus throwers when they are 28.1 ± 3.09 y. and best Lithuanian discus throwers like V. Alekna and R. Ubartas reached there best at age of 28. b) best results discus throwers show in Olympic... [to full text]

Aim: The purpose of this study was: 1) to investigate the alterations and relationships among training variables, performance variables, and physiological variables and 2) investigate the effects of strength training on potentiation complexes. Methods: The study enrolled nine D-1 collegiate throwers and four control subjects. The throwers participated in an 11-week resistance training and throws program. Resistance training volume load and throwing volume were recorded for 11 weeks. Measurements of maximal strength (isometric mid-thigh pulls) and dynamic mid-thigh pulls (DMTP) across a spectrum of loads: Males- 60kg, 140kg, 180kg, 220kg, 140kg, 30% isometric peak force (IPF), Females- 60kg, 80kg, 100kg, 120kg, 80kg, 30% IPF), were measured at weeks 1, 7, and 11. The control group was tested for isometric maximum strength at T1 (week 1) and T3 (week 11) Results: The throwers increased at each time point in isometric peak force (IPF), allometrically scaled IPF (IPFa), and isometric impulse. The throwers strength (IPF and IPFa) was significantly greater than the controls and the throwers experienced statistically significant changes in maximum strength from T1 to T3 when compared to the controls. The throwers demonstrated statistically significant changes in total load variables (variable for load 1+ load 2 + load 3 etc.) for DMTPs. Conclusion: As a whole these data suggest a potential for increased performance capabilities specific to throwing. Some data trends indicate that potentiation can occur as a result of performing a heavy pull before a lighter one. However, increasing maximum strength as a result of focusing on strength training did not enhance this potentiation effect.

Title: Sports career biography of Imrich Bugár Objectives: The main aim of this paper is to evaluate and present a twenty-year long sports career of discus-thrower Imrich Bugár by the means of content analysis of newspaper articles published in the journal Czechoslovakian sport. Methods: Biographic research was used as one kind of a case study. The paper is divided into three main parts. The first part is concerned with the summary of all newspaper articles written during Bugár's sports career. I have statistically categorized the articles according to the criteria stated by Jan Volf in his diploma paper of 2007. The second part of the paper is concerned with information gained from Imrich Bugár personally, during a conducted interview. The third part shows a summary of Bugár's best achievements. Results: Based on the accessible materials, I have described and evaluated the sports career of Imrich Bugár. In total, I have evaluated n = 348 articles concerned with his sports career. The next part presents a commented evaluation of the conducted interview with Imrich Bugár. When categorization of the articles is taken into account, most articles about the course of Bugár's career are of an informative character and describe his participation in competitions. Imrich Bugár participated in n = 433...

This thesis describes a series of investigations into the use of optic nerve head (ONH) imaging in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and its relation to visual function. Accurate diagnosis is a key issue in POAG, particularly the difficult task of separating those with early disease from those healthy individuals who display signs of POAG. The purpose of this work is to improve diagnostic methods in glaucoma through use of ONH imaging and its relationship with visual field (VF) loss. First, the performance of a group of expert clinicians evaluating ONH photographs for glaucomatous damage was investigated. The results showed that even when their assessments are combined discrimination between eyes with and without POAG (based on VF loss) is far from perfect, highlighting the need for improvements in diagnosis. The possibility of combining structural and functional data to aid diagnosis was then considered. This requires VF loss and ONH damage to be strongly topographically related. The strength of this relationship was evaluated in 185 patients with POAG. 10,000 computer-generated maps between the ONH and VF were tested and the topographic relationship measured with each of these was compared to that using a published structure-based map. The weak topographic relationships found suggest that the application of these maps to individual patients is limited with current measures. The next chapter describes how a multispectral imaging (MSI, also called hyperspectral imaging) system was set-up for spatial evaluation of ONH oxygenation using a Beer-Lambert law model. Test-retest repeatability was tested and found to be acceptable for the purposes of the following studies. The MSI system was then used for an investigation of the relationship between ONH oxygenation and VF loss. 33 eyes of 18 patients underwent VF testing, MSI and HRT3 imaging. Superior-inferior asymmetries in VF sensitivity were compared to superior-inferior asymmetries in ONH oxygenation measured by MSI and in neuroretinal rim (NRR) area measured by HRT3. This way we take advantage of the typical progression of POAG and each eye acts as its own reference, negating the effect of a wide normal range and overlap between health and disease. This study found, for the first time, a strong association between ONH oxygenation and VF sensitivity. A re-analysis of the 33 ONH oxygenation maps was then performed to assess oxygenation only in the area of the NRR as defined by the HRT. Superior-inferior asymmetries in NRR oxygenation were then compared to superior-inferior asymmetries in VF loss, and the associations found were similarly strong. This study shows that MSI is capable of detecting areas of NRR deemed healthy tissue by structural imaging techniques, which are in fact poorly oxygenated and associated with VF defects. These findings show that NRR oxygenation measured by MSI is strongly related to VF loss. This important information complements existing technologies and may aid in the future diagnosis and management of patients with POAG.

This dissertation deals with design of self adjustable discharge valve used in Emerson reciprocating compressors. This work contains research of current state of knowledge, technical analysis of the valve and calculations of basis parameters. Constructional proposal is then presented. Part of the dissertation is manufacturing of prototype and its test. Finally, conclusions for further development are made.

Title: Comparison of the quality of life of persons diagnosed with intervertebral disc herniation in relation to surgical and conservative treatment. Objectives: The aim of the diploma thesis was the research and evaluation of the quality of life in patients with intervertebral disc lesion with and without surgery, assuming that both monitored groups will be treated with individual rehabilitation treatment. Methods: This research was carried out using a standardized Short Form 36 (SF - 36) questionnaire on quality of life based on health. The Czech version used corresponds to MUDr. Petra, Ph.D. (2000). The study was conducted at the Na Homolce hospital at the rehabilitation clinic, where appropriate respondents (n = 170) were selected for this research. The final results were divided into the respective age groups in both groups. Subsequently, a statistically significant deviation between the respective files was verified in each age group and therefore it can be said that there are no significant differences between the analyzed files. Effects: The average age of the respondents who underwent the surgery was 49.2 years, with the respondents treated conservatively at an average age of 47.6 years. In terms of total physical health (physical activity, physical limitation, physical pain, general...

Title: Comparison of the quality of life of persons diagnosed with intervertebral disc herniation in relation to surgical and conservative treatment. Objectives: The aim of the diploma thesis was the research and evaluation of the quality of life in patients with intervertebral disc lesion with and without surgery, assuming that both monitored groups will be treated with individual rehabilitation treatment. Methods: This research was conducted using a standardized Short Form 36 (SF - 36) questionnaire on quality of life that is conditional to health. The study was conducted at Na Homolce Hospital in a rehabilitation clinic, where appropriate respondents (n = 117) were selected for this research. The group included 59 respondents who underwent surgery and 58 treated conservatively. The survey was attended by respondents aged 27-86. The final results were divided into both health, physical and psychological dimensions in both groups. Two-choice tests were used to compare. For all domains, the assumption of the normal distribution of the two compared selections was rejected, which precluded the use of the two-t-test. For domains where there was no assumption of homogeneity of scattering, the Mann-Whitney test was used to compare. For domains where the assumption of homogeneity was rejected, a Median...