Abstract: One major source of performance decline in speaker
recognition system is channel mismatch between training and testing.
This paper focuses on improving channel robustness of speaker
recognition system in two aspects of channel compensation technique
and channel robust features. The system is text-independent speaker
identification system based on two-stage recognition. In the aspect of
channel compensation technique, this paper applies MAP (Maximum
A Posterior Probability) channel compensation technique, which was
used in speech recognition, to speaker recognition system. In the
aspect of channel robust features, this paper introduces
pitch-dependent features and pitch-dependent speaker model for the
second stage recognition. Based on the first stage recognition to
testing speech using GMM (Gaussian Mixture Model), the system
uses GMM scores to decide if it needs to be recognized again. If it
needs to, the system selects a few speakers from all of the speakers
who participate in the first stage recognition for the second stage
recognition. For each selected speaker, the system obtains 3
pitch-dependent results from his pitch-dependent speaker model, and
then uses ANN (Artificial Neural Network) to unite the 3
pitch-dependent results and 1 GMM score for getting a fused result.
The system makes the second stage recognition based on these fused
results. The experiments show that the correct rate of two-stage
recognition system based on MAP channel compensation technique
and pitch-dependent features is 41.7% better than the baseline system
for closed-set test.
Abstract: The objective of current issue was to develop a model
of testicular herpes simplex virus (HSV) type I infection for
assessment of viral effect on fertility. 56 male mice were inoculated
intraperitoneally with different concentrations of HSV on 8 day post
partum. It was revealed that the optimal dose was 100 plaque
forming units per mice as it provided testicular infection in 100% of
survivors. HSV proteins were detected both in somatic and germ
cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatides). Although DNA
load in testis was descending from 3 to 28 days post infection only
12.5% of infected males had offspring after mating with uninfected
females comparing to 87.5% in control (p=0.012). These results are
the first direct evidence for HSV impact in male sterility. Prepuberal
mice appeared to be a suitable model for investigation of
pathogenesis of virus-associated fertility disorders.
Abstract: Prickly pear fruit (Opuntia ficus indica L. Miller) belongs to the Cactaceae family. This species is very sensitive to low storage temperatures (< 5°C) which cause damages. The fruits can be peeled, suitably packaged and successfully commercialized as a ready-to-eat product. The main limit to the extension of the shelf life is the production of off-flavors due to different factors, the growth of microorganisms and the action of endogenous enzymes. Lipoxygenase (LOX) and Pectinesterase (PE) are involved in fruit degradation. In particular, LOX pathway is directly responsible for lipid oxidation, and the subsequent production of off-flavours, while PE causes the softening of fruit during maturation. They act on the texture and shelf-life of post-harvest, packaged fruits, as a function of the the grown of microorganisms and packaging technologies used. The aim of this work is to compare the effect of different packaging technologies on the shelf life extension of ready-to-eat prickly pear fruits with regards for the enzymes activities.
Abstract: This paper in essence presents comparative
experimental data on the mechanical performance of steel and
synthetic fibre-reinforced concrete under compression, tensile split
and flexure. URW1050 steel fibre and HPP45 synthetic fibre, both
with the same concrete design mix, have been used to make cube
specimens for a compression test, cylinders for a tensile split test and
beam specimens for a flexural test. The experimental data
demonstrated steel fibre reinforced concrete to be stronger in flexure
at early stages, whilst both fibre reinforced concrete types displayed
comparatively the same performance in compression, tensile splitting
and 28-day flexural strength. In terms of post-crack controlHPP45
was preferable.
Abstract: The recognition of handwritten numeral is an
important area of research for its applications in post office, banks
and other organizations. This paper presents automatic recognition of
handwritten Kannada numerals based on structural features. Five
different types of features, namely, profile based 10-segment string,
water reservoir; vertical and horizontal strokes, end points and
average boundary length from the minimal bounding box are used in
the recognition of numeral. The effect of each feature and their
combination in the numeral classification is analyzed using nearest
neighbor classifiers. It is common to combine multiple categories of
features into a single feature vector for the classification. Instead,
separate classifiers can be used to classify based on each visual
feature individually and the final classification can be obtained based
on the combination of separate base classification results. One
popular approach is to combine the classifier results into a feature
vector and leaving the decision to next level classifier. This method
is extended to extract a better information, possibility distribution,
from the base classifiers in resolving the conflicts among the
classification results. Here, we use fuzzy k Nearest Neighbor (fuzzy
k-NN) as base classifier for individual feature sets, the results of
which together forms the feature vector for the final k Nearest
Neighbor (k-NN) classifier. Testing is done, using different features,
individually and in combination, on a database containing 1600
samples of different numerals and the results are compared with the
results of different existing methods.
Abstract: Mature landfill leachates contain some macromolecular organic substances that are resistant to biological degradation. Recently, Fenton-s oxidation has been investigated for chemical treatment or pre-treatment of mature landfill leachates. The aim of this study was to reduce the recalcitrant organic load still remaining after the complete treatment of a mature landfill leachate by Fenton-s oxidation post-treatment. The effect of various parameters such as H2O2 to Fe2+ molar ratio, dosage of Fe2+ reagent, initial pH, reaction time and initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) strength, that have an important role on the oxidation, was analysed. A molar ratio H2O2/Fe2+ = 3, a Fe2+ dosage of 4 mmol·L-1, pH 3, and a reaction time of 40 min were found to achieve better oxidation performances. At these favorable conditions, COD removal efficiency was 60.9% and 31.1% for initial COD of 93 and 743 mg·L-1 respectively (diluted and non diluted leachate). Fenton-s oxidation also presented good results for color removal. In spite of being extremely difficult to treat this leachate, the above results seem rather encouraging on the application of Fenton-s oxidation.
Abstract: Pepper spray use has gained momentum since 1992
and although the active ingredient is readily available, it is considered
a weapon with restricted use in many regions, including The
Bahamas. In light of controversy in the literature regarding the
severity of presenting respiration complaints among individuals postacute
exposure of pepper spray inhalation, this descriptive case series
study was conducted to assess the respiratory status of persons
evaluated during a mass casualty in The Bahamas. Parameters noted
were patients- demographics and respiration severity determined via
clinical examination findings, disposition and follow-up review of the
20 persons. Their most common complaint was difficulty breathing
post exposure. Two required admission and stayed for
Abstract: Oleic acid (C18:1) play an important role in
proliferation of fat cells. In this study, the effect of oleate on cells
viability in 3T3-L1 cells (fat cells) was investigated. The 3T3-L1
cells were treated with various concentrations of oleate in the
presence of 23 mM glucose. Oleate was added to adipogenic media
(day 0) to investigate the influence of oleate on proliferation of
postconfluent preadipocytes after 24 h induction. 0.1 mM oleate
promoted cell division by increasing 33.9% number of cells from
basal control in postconfluent preadipocytes. However, there were no
significantly different in cells viability with control cells when oleate
concentrations were increased up to 0.5 mM. When added to
differentiated adipocytes (day 12) for 48 h, the number of cells
decreased as oleate concentrations increased. 92.7% of cells lost
demonstrated apoptosis and necrosis after 48 h with 0.5 mM oleate.
The fluorochrome staining was examined under fluorescence
microscopy using acridine orange and ethidium bromide double
staining. Furthermore, the presence of high lactate (60.6% increased
from basal control) released into plasma has shown the direct
cytotoxicity of 0.5 mM oleate on adipocytes.
Abstract: Successful intelligence (SI) is the integrated set of the
ability needed to attain success in life, within individual-s sociocultural
context. People are successfully intelligent by recognizing
their strengths and weaknesses. They will find ways to strengthen
their weakness and maintain their strength or even improve it. SI
people can shape, select, and adapt to the environments by using
balance of higher-ordered thinking abilities including; critical,
creative, and applicative. Aims: The purposes of this study were to;
1) develop curriculum that promotes SI for nursing students, and 2)
study the effectiveness of the curriculum development. Method:
Research and Development was a method used for this study. The
design was divided into two phases; 1) the curriculum development
which composed of three steps (needs assessment, curriculum
development and curriculum field trail), and 2) the curriculum
implementation. In this phase, a pre-experimental research design
(one group pretest-posttest design) was conducted. The sample
composed of 49 sophomore nursing students of Boromarajonani
College of Nursing, Surin, Thailand who enrolled in Nursing care of
Health problem course I in 2011 academic year. Data were carefully
collected using 4 instruments; 1) Modified essay questions test
(MEQ) 2) Nursing Care Plan evaluation form 3) Group processing
observation form (α = 0.74) and 4) Satisfied evaluation form of
learning (α = 0.82). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics
and content analysis. Results: The results revealed that the sample
had post-test average score of SI higher than pre-test average score
(mean difference was 5.03, S.D. = 2.84). Fifty seven percentages of
the sample passed the MEQ posttest at the criteria of 60 percentages.
Students demonstrated the strategies of how to develop nursing care
plan. Overall, students- satisfaction on teaching performance was at
high level (mean = 4.35, S.D. = 0.46). Conclusion: This curriculum
can promote the attribute of characteristic of SI person and was
highly required to be continued.
Abstract: We created the tool, which combines the powerful
GENESIS (GEneral NEural SImulation System) simulation language
with the up-to-date visualisation and internet techniques. Our
solution resides in the connection between the simulation output from
GENESIS, which is converted to the data-structure suitable for
WWW browsers and VRML (Virtual Reality Modelling Language)
viewers. The selected GENESIS simulations are once exported into
the VRML code, and stored in our neurovisualisation portal
(webserver). There, the loaded models, demonstrating mainly the
spread of electrical signal (action potentials, postsynaptic potentials)
along the neuronal membrane (axon, dendritic tree, neuron) could be
displayed in the client-s VRML viewer, without interacting with
original GENESIS environment. This enables the visualisation of
basic neurophysiological phenomena designed for GENESIS
simulator on the independent OS (operation system).
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to increase our
knowledge as regards how Small-and-Medium-Sized Enterprises
(SMEs) tackle ERP implementation projects to achieve successful
adoption and use of these systems within the organization. SMEs
have scare resources to handle these kinds of projects which have
proved to be risky and costly. There are several studies focusing on
ERP implementation in larger companies, however, few studies
report on challenges experienced by SMEs. Our research seeks to
bridge this gap. Through a multiple case study of four companies, we
identified challenges and critical elements within the different phases
(pre-implementation, implementation and post-implementation) of
the ERP life cycle. To interpret our findings, we utilize a well-know
ERP life cycle model and critical success factors developed for larger
companies which are reported in former research literature. We
discuss if these models are relevant for SMEs and suggest additional
critical elements identified in this study to make a framework more
adapted to the SME context.
Abstract: Today modern simulations solutions in the wind turbine industry have achieved a high degree of complexity and detail in result. Limitations exist when it is time to validate model results against measurements. Regarding Model validation it is of special interest to identify mode frequencies and to differentiate them from the different excitations. A wind turbine is a complex device and measurements regarding any part of the assembly show a lot of noise. Input excitations are difficult or even impossible to measure due to the stochastic nature of the environment. Traditional techniques for frequency analysis or features extraction are widely used to analyze wind turbine sensor signals, but have several limitations specially attending to non stationary signals (Events). A new technique based on autoregresive analysis techniques is introduced here for a specific application, a comparison and examples related to different events in the wind turbine operations are presented.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of
modality and redundancy principles on music theory learning among
pupils of different anxiety levels. The lesson of music theory was
developed in three different modes, audio and image (AI), text with
image (TI) and audio with image and text (AIT). The independent
variables were the three modes of courseware. The moderator
variable was the anxiety level, while the dependent variable was the
post test score. The study sample consisted of 405 third-grade pupils.
Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted to analyze the
collected data. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) and Post hoc
were carried out to examine the main effects as well as the
interaction effects of the independent variables on the dependent
variable. The findings of this study showed that medium anxiety
pupils performed significantly better than low and high anxiety
pupils in all the three treatment modes. The AI mode was found to
help pupils with high anxiety significantly more than the TI and AIT
modes.
Abstract: Most paddy rice fields in East Asia are small parcels,
and the weather conditions during the growing season are usually
cloudy. FORMOSAT-2 multi-spectral images have an 8-meter
resolution and one-day recurrence, ideal for mapping paddy rice fields
in East Asia. To map rice fields, this study first determined the
transplanting and the most active tillering stages of paddy rice and
then used multi-temporal images to distinguish different growing
characteristics between paddy rice and other ground covers. The
unsupervised ISODATA (iterative self-organizing data analysis
techniques) and supervised maximum likelihood were both used to
discriminate paddy rice fields, with training areas automatically
derived from ten-year cultivation parcels in Taiwan. Besides original
bands in multi-spectral images, we also generated normalized
difference vegetation index and experimented with object-based
pre-classification and post-classification. This paper discusses results
of different image classification methods in an attempt to find a
precise and automatic solution to mapping paddy rice in Taiwan.
Abstract: An electronic portal image device (EPID) has become
a method of patient-specific IMRT dose verification for radiotherapy.
Research studies have focused on pre and post-treatment verification,
however, there are currently no interventional procedures using EPID
dosimetry that measure the dose in real time as a mechanism to
ensure that overdoses do not occur and underdoses are detected as
soon as is practically possible. As a result, an EPID-based real time
dose verification system for dynamic IMRT was developed and was
implemented with MATLAB/Simulink. The EPID image acquisition
was set to continuous acquisition mode at 1.4 images per second. The
system defined the time constraint gap, or execution gap at the image
acquisition time, so that every calculation must be completed before
the next image capture is completed. In addition, the
Abstract: There is an ongoing controversy in the literature related
to the biological effects of weak, low frequency electromagnetic
fields. The physical arguments and interpretation of the experimental
evidence are inconsistent, where some physical arguments and
experimental demonstrations tend to reject the likelihood of any
effect of the fields at extremely low level. The problem arises of
explaining, how the low-energy influences of weak magnetic fields
can compete with the thermal and electrical noise of cells at normal
temperature using the theoretical studies. The magnetoreception in
animals involve radical pair mechanism. The same mechanism has
been shown to be involved in the circadian rhythm synchronization in
mammals. These reactions can be influenced by the weak magnetic
fields. Hence, it is postulated the biological clock can be affected
by weak magnetic fields and these disruptions to the rhythm can
cause adverse biological effects. In this paper, likelihood of altering
the biological clock via the radical pair mechanism is analyzed to
simplify these studies of controversy.
Abstract: This paper reports on investigations into capacity of a
Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) wireless communication
system employing a uniform linear array (ULA) at the transmitter and
either a uniform linear array (ULA) or a uniform circular array (UCA)
antenna at the receiver. The transmitter is assumed to be surrounded by
scattering objects while the receiver is postulated to be free from
scattering objects. The Laplacian distribution of angle of arrival
(AOA) of a signal reaching the receiver is postulated. Calculations of
the MIMO system capacity are performed for two cases without and
with the channel estimation errors. For estimating the MIMO channel,
the scaled least square (SLS) and minimum mean square error
(MMSE) methods are considered.
Abstract: A power measurement algorithm of the input mix components of the noise signal and narrowband interference is considered using functional transformations of the input mix in the postdetection processing channel. The algorithm efficiency analysis has been carried out for different interference-to-signal ratio. Algorithm performance features have been explored by numerical experiment results.
Abstract: In recent years, the number of natural disasters in the world has occurred frequently. After a strong earthquake occurs, multiple disasters due to tsunami, strong aftershocks or heavy snow can possible to occur. To prevent a secondary disaster and to save a life, the quick inspection of the damaged building is necessary. This paper investigated on a possibility of post earthquake quick inspection of damaged building by ordinary people which used the European Macro- Seismic Scale 1998 (EMS-98).
Abstract: Composting is the process in which municipal solid
waste (MSW) and other organic waste materials such as biosolids
and manures are decomposed through the action of bacteria and other
microorganisms into a stable granular material which, applied to
land, as soil conditioner. Microorganisms, especially those that are
able to degrade polymeric organic material have a key role in speed
up this process. The aim of this study has been established to
isolation of microorganisms with high ability to production
extracellular enzymes for degradation of natural polymers that are
exists in MSW for decreasing time of degradation phase. Our
experimental study for isolation designed in two phases: in first
phase we isolated degrading microorganism with selected media that
consist a special natural polymer such as cellulose, starch, lipids and
etc as sole source of carbon. In second phase we selected
microorganism that had high degrading enzyme production with
enzymatic assay for seed production. However, our findings in pilot
scale have indicated that usage of this microbial consortium had high
efficiency for decreasing degradation phase.