Voice integrated systems

The program at Naval Air Development Center was initiated to determine the desirability of interactive voice systems for use in airborne weapon systems crew stations. A voice recognition and synthesis system (VRAS) was developed and incorporated into a human centrifuge. The speech recognition aspect of VRAS was developed using a voice command system (VCS) developed by Scope Electronics. The speech synthesis capability was supplied by a Votrax, VS-5, speech synthesis unit built by Vocal Interface. The effects of simulated flight on automatic speech recognition were determined by repeated trials in the VRAS-equipped centrifuge. The relationship of vibration, G, O2 mask, mission duration, and cockpit temperature and voice quality was determined. The results showed that: (1) voice quality degrades after 0.5 hours with an O2 mask; (2) voice quality degrades under high vibration; and (3) voice quality degrades under high levels of G. The voice quality studies are summarized. These results were obtained with a baseline of 80 percent recognition accuracy with VCS

NIR and optical observations of the failed outbursts of black hole binary XTE J1550-564

A number of low mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) undergo "failed outbursts" in which, instead of evolving through the canonical states, they remain in a hard state throughout the outburst. While the sources of X-ray and radio emission in the hard state are relatively well understood, the origin of the near infrared (NIR) and optical emission is more complex though it likely stems from an amalgam of different emission processes, occurring as it does, at the intersecting wavelengths of those processes. We aim to identify the NIR/optical emission region(s) during a number of failed outbursts of one such low mass X-ray binary and black hole candidate, XTE J1550-564, in order to confirm or refute their classification as hard-state, failed outbursts. We present unique NIR/optical images and spectra, obtained with the ESO-New Technology Telescope, during the failed outbursts of 2001 and 2000. We compare the NIR/optical photometric, timing, and spectral properties with those expected for the different emission mechanisms in the various LMXB states. The NIR/optical data are consistent with having come from reprocessing of X-rays in the accretion disk, with no evidence of direct thermal emission from the disk itself. However, the observed variability in high-cadence NIR light curves suggest that the radio jet extends and contributes to the NIR wavelengths. We find that these failed outbursts did not transition to an intermediate state but remained in a true, hard state where there was no sign of jet quenching or deviation from the observed hard state correlations.Comment: Accepted to Astronomy & Astrophysics (8 pages

Stereoisomer libraries: Total synthesis of all 16 stereoisomers of the pine sawfly sex pheromone by a fluorous mixture-synthesis approach

All 16 stereoisomers of the sex pheromone of pine sawfly (3,7,11-trimethylundecanol propanoate ester) have been synthesized on a 10- to 20-mg scale by a split-parallel fluorous mixture-synthesis approach. Spectral data obtained for all 32 compounds (16 alcohols and the corresponding propionates) matched well with published data, thereby validating the fluorous-tag encoding of diastereoisomers. This fluorous-tag encoding method is recommended for the efficient synthesis of multiple stereoisomers for spectroscopic studies, biological tests, or other structure-function relationships

Development of LANDSAT Derived Forest Cover Information for Integration into Adirondack Park GIS

Based upon observed changes in timber harvest practices partially attributable to forest biomass removable for energy supply purposes, the Adirondack Park Agency began in 1979 a multi-year project to implement a digital geographic information system (GIS). An initial developmental task was an inventory of forest cover information and analysis of forest resource change and availability. While developing the GIS, a pilot project was undertaken to evaluate the usefulness of LANDSAT derived land cover information for this purpose, and to explore the integration of LANDSAT data into the GIS. The prototype LANDSAT analysis project involved: (1) the use of both recent and historic data to derive land cover information for two dates; and (2) comparison of land cover over time to determine quantitative and geographic changes. The "recent data," 1978 full foliage data over portions of four LANDSAT scenes, was classified, using ground truth derived training samples in various forested and non-forested categories. Forested categories include the following: northern hardwoods, pine, spruce-fir, and pine plantation, while nonforested categories include wet-conifer, pasture, grassland, urban, exposed soil, agriculture, and water

With assessment boycott, unions are fighting the last war

It’s misguided to think the tactic used in 2006 will succeed in today’s altered environment, says Paul Curra

Should higher education salaries be determined nationally?

As the financial fortunes of higher education institutions start to diverge, an interest in local pay negotiations is likely to increase, says Professor Paul Curra

Postgraduate study needs the support of private sector funding

Postgraduate study shouldn't be seen as a fortunate extension of student life for the few, it's essential for the UK economy, says Paul Curran

How to lead a university: a beginner’s guide

Vice-chancellors discuss their role and offer advice to aspiring university leader

City Unrulyversity

Collaborations between universities and business are typically labelled as vital for the success of our economy, but academically rigorous partnerships can also be fun, says Professor Paul Curran