Organizing a sonic space through vocal imitations

3noA two-dimensional space is proposed for exploration and interactive design in the sonic space of a sound model. A number of reference items, positioned as landmarks in the space, contain both a synthetic sound and its vocal imitation, and the space is geometrically arranged based on the acoustic features of these imitations. The designer may specify new points in the space either by geometric interpolation or by direct vocalization. In order to understand how the vast and complex space of the human voice could be organized in two dimensions, we collected a database of short excerpts of vocal imitations. By clustering the sound samples on a space whose dimensionality has been reduced to the two principal components, it has been experimentally checked how meaningful the resulting clusters are for humans. The procedure of dimensionality reduction and clustering is demonstrated in the case of imitations of engine sounds, giving access to the sonic space of a motor sound model.reservedmixedRocchesso, Davide; Mauro, Davide Andrea; Drioli, CarloRocchesso, Davide; Mauro, Davide Andrea; Drioli, Carl

An Easy Route to Enantiomerically Enriched 7- and 8-Hydroxystearic Acids by Olefin Metathesis - Based Approach

The synthesis of enantiomerically enriched 7- and 8-hydroxystearic acids (7- and 8-HSA) has been successfully accomplished starting from chiral non racemic 1-pentadecen-4-ol and 1-tetradecen-4-ol respectively. Their Yamaguchi\u2019s esterification with 4-pentenoic and 5-hexenoic acids respectively afforded the suitable dienic esters which were submitted to ring closing metathesis reaction. After hydrogenation and basic hydrolysis of the complex reaction mixture, chiral non racemic 7- and 8-HSA were obtained in about 40% total yield

Performance evaluation of a Wi-Fi-based multi-node network for distributed audio-visual sensors

The experimental research described in this manuscript proposes a complete network system for distributed multimedia acquisition by mobile remote nodes, streaming to a central unit, and centralized real-time processing of the collected signals. Particular attention is placed on the hardware structure of the system and on the research of the best network performances for an efficient and secure streaming. Specifically, these acoustic and video sensors, microphone arrays and video cameras respectively, can be employed in any robotic vehicles and systems, both mobile and fixed. The main objective is to intercept unidentified sources, like any kind of vehicles or robotic vehicles, drones, or people whose identity is not a-priory known whose instantaneous location and trajectory are also unknown. The proposed multimedia network infrastructure is analysed and studied in terms of efficiency and robustness, and experiments are conducted on the field to validate it. The hardware and software components of the system were developed using suitable technologies and multimedia transmission protocols to meet the requirements and constraints of computation performance, energy efficiency, and data transmission security

Non-modal voice synthesis by low-dimensional physical models

The synthesis of different voice qualities by means of a low-dimensional glottal model is discussed. The glottal model is based on a one-mass model provided with a number of enhancements that make it suitable to the aim of the study. The simulation of modal and non-modal phonatory regimes is discussed. Both symmetric and nonsymmetric configurations are explored. The class of models under consideration is shown to be able to reproduce a broad range of phonation styles and to provide interesting control properties

Toward the Next Generation of Sustainable Membranes from Green Chemistry Principles

Large-scale membrane technology has been widely implemented and rapidly growing for roughly 40 years. However, considering its entire life cycle, there are aspects being characterized by low sustainability, and this industry certainly cannot be defined as green. In the membrane manufacturing process, raw materials mainly rely on nonbiodegradable petroleum-based polymers and hazardous solvents. These materials are thus associated with the energy crisis and with disposal burdens at the end of their lifetime, and they pose risks to workers and the environment. Therefore, biobased polymers and green solvents should be employed within the membrane preparation process and replace traditional ones. Moreover, the wastewater generated from membrane fabrication processes contains an important amount of organic solvents and should be efficiently treated or recycled before discharge. The application of artificial intelligence in membrane manufacturing and use processes can also improve efficiency significantly. Finally, a large number of spent membrane elements should also be reused and recovered, rather than landfilled. This review critically evaluates the recent advances in methods to improve the sustainability of membrane technology, specifically emphasizing the progresses made, with regard to the above aspects. This review thus analyzes the needs for membrane industry transformations in the light of circular economy

Auditory dialog analysis and understanding by generative modelling of interactional dynamics

In the last few years, the interest in the analysis of human behavioral schemes has dramatically grown, in particular for the interpretation of the communication modalities called social signals. They represent well defined interaction patterns, possibly unconscious, characterizing different conversational situations and behaviors in general. In this paper, we illustrate an automatic system based on a generative structure able to analyze conversational scenarios. The generative model is composed by integrating a Gaussian mixture model and the (observed) influence model, and it is fed with a novel kind of simple low-level auditory social signals, which are termed steady conversational periods (SCPs). These are built on duration of continuous slots of silence or speech, taking also into account conversational turn-taking. The interactional dynamics built upon the transitions among SCPs provide a behavioral blueprint of conversational settings without relying on segmental or continuous phonetic features. Our contribution here is to show the effectiveness of our model when applied on dialogs classification and clustering tasks, considering dialogs between adults and between children and adults, in both flat and arguing discussions, and showing excellent performances also in comparison with state-of-the-art frameworks

Enhancing proteotoxic stress in leiomyosarcoma cells triggers mitochondrial dysfunctions, cell death, and antitumor activity in vivo

Leiomyosarcomas are rare and aggressive tumors characterized by a complex karyotype. Surgical resection with or without radiotherapy and chemotherapy is the standard curative treatment. Unfortunately, a high percentage of leiomyosarcomas recurs and metastasizes. In these cases, doxorubicin and ifosfamide represent the standard treatment but with low response rates. Here, we evaluated the induction of proteotoxic stress as a possible strategy to kill leiomyosarcoma cells in a therapeutic perspective. We show that aggressive leiomyosarcomas coexist with high levels of proteotoxic stress. As a consequence, we hypothesized that leiomyosarcoma cells are vulnerable to further increases of proteotoxic stress. The small compound 2c is a strong inducer of proteotoxic stress. In leiomyosarcoma cells, it triggers cell death coupled to a profound reorganization of the mitochondrial network. By using stimulated emission depletion microscopy, we have unveiled the existence of DIABLO/SMAC clusters that are modulated by 2c. Finally, we have engineered a new version of 2c linked to polyethylene glycol though a short peptide, named 2cPP. This new prodrug is specifically activated by proteases present in the tumor microenvironment. 2cPP shows a strong antitumor activity in vivo against leiomyosarcomas and no toxicity against normal cells

Carrier-Induced Magnetic Circular Dichloism in the Magnetoresistive Pyrochlore Tl2Mn2O7

Infrared magnetic circular dichloism (MCD), or equivalently magneto-optical Kerr effect, has been measured on the Tl2Mn2O7 pyrochlore, which is well known for exhibiting a large magnetoresistance around the Curie temperature T_C ~ 120 K. A circularly polarized, infrared synchrotron radiation is used as the light source. A pronounced MCD signal is observed exactly at the plasma edge of the reflectivity near and below T_c. However, contrary to the conventional behavior of MCD for ferromagnets, the observed MCD of Tl2Mn2O7 grows with the applied magnetic field, and not scaled with the internal magnetization. It is shown that these results can be basically understood in terms of a classical magnetoplasma resonance. The absence of a magnetization-scaled MCD indicates a weak spin-orbit coupling of the carriers in Tl2Mn2O7. We discuss the present results in terms of the microscopic electronic structures of Tl2Mn2O7.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, submitted to J. Phys. Soc. Jp

A non-invasive optical method for mapping temperature polarization in direct contact membrane distillation

Membrane Distillation (MD) is a thermal membrane process allowing for a theoretical 100% rejection of non-volatile compounds (i.e. ions, macromolecules, colloids, cells), whereas vapour molecules permeate through a micro-porous hydrophobic membrane due to a difference of vapour pressure established across the membrane-self. The effective driving force and, then, the vapour trans-membrane flux is affected by temperature polarization phenomena occurring in the boundary layers adjacent to the membrane. The temperature values at the membrane surface are usually difficult to measure and only recently some invasive techniques were adopted for this scope. The aim of this work was to introduce luminescent molecular probing as an innovative technology for non-invasive and in-situ monitoring of thermal polarization in MD. Tris(phenantroline)ruthenium(II) chloride (Ru(phen)3) was selected as temperature sensitive luminescent probe and immobilized in a flat poly(vinylidene fluoride) electrospun nanofibrous membrane (PVDF ENM). Experiments showed the key role of the Ru(phen)3 and Lithium Chloride (LiCl) in the preparation of homogeneous PVDF ENM due to their ionic nature that improved the electrical conductivity of the polymeric solution favouring the electrospinning. Furthermore, PVDF ENM showed a good performance in Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD) process. The immobilization of the molecular probe allowed to optically monitoring the membrane surface temperature during DCMD experiments. On the other hand, the employment of an IR-camera permitted the evaluation of the temperature of the bulk of liquid streams. Therefore, the combination of these two optical techniques enabled to evaluate, in a direct and non-invasive way, the thermal polarization along the membrane module during DCMD experiments

Low-cost inorganic cation exchange membrane for electrodialysis: optimum processing temperature for the cation exchanger

The optimum temperature for fixing zirconium phosphate, obtained by precipitation, on a low-cost ceramic support was determined in order to obtain an inorganic cation exchange membrane for electrodialysis. Zirconium phosphate ion exchange capacity maximised between 450 and 550°C, thus it was considered the optimum processing temperature. The origin of this maximum was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction and termogravimetry and evolved gas analysis. Zirconium phosphate formation by precipitation in the porous network of the support was verified by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The membrane obtained after thermal treatment at 450°C displayed selectivity to the cations present in the spent rinse water of the chromium plating process. This property allows the recovery of chromium by removing the cations through the cation exchange ceramic membrane.The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation for the support given to the research study (National Basic Research Programme, Ref. CTQ2008-06750-C02-02), as well as for the FPU student grant awarded to one of the authors (Ref.: AP2009-4409).Mestre, S.; Sales, S.; Palacios, M.; Lorente, M.; Mallol, G.; Pérez-Herranz, V. (2013). Low-cost inorganic cation exchange membrane for electrodialysis: optimum processing temperature for the cation exchanger. Desalination and Water Treatment. 51(16-18):3317-3324. https://doi.org/10.1080/19443994.2012.749177S331733245116-18Strathmann, H. (2010). Electromembrane Processes: Basic Aspects and Applications. Comprehensive Membrane Science and Engineering, 391-429. doi:10.1016/b978-0-08-093250-7.00048-7Drioli, E., & Fontananova, E. (s. f.). Integrated Membrane Processes. 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(1966). Inorganic ion-exchange membranes and their application to electrodialysis. Desalination, 1(3), 231-246. doi:10.1016/s0011-9164(00)80255-6INAMUDDIN, KHAN, S., SIDDIQUI, W., & KHAN, A. (2007). Synthesis, characterization and ion-exchange properties of a new and novel ‘organic–inorganic’ hybrid cation-exchanger: Nylon-6,6, Zr(IV) phosphate. Talanta, 71(2), 841-847. doi:10.1016/j.talanta.2006.05.042HELEN, M., VISWANATHAN, B., & MURTHY, S. (2007). Synthesis and characterization of composite membranes based on α-zirconium phosphate and silicotungstic acid. Journal of Membrane Science, 292(1-2), 98-105. doi:10.1016/j.memsci.2007.01.018Yu.S. Dzyaz’ko, V.N. Belyakov, N.V. Stefanyak, S.L. Vasilyuk, Anion-exchange properties of composite ceramic membranes containing hydrated zirconium dioxide, Russ. J. Appl. Chem. 79 (2006) 769–773.Linkov, V. ., & Belyakov, V. . (2001). Novel ceramic membranes for electrodialysis. Separation and Purification Technology, 25(1-3), 57-63. doi:10.1016/s1383-5866(01)00090-9Linkov, V. M., Dzyaz’ko, Y. S., Belyakov, V. N., & Atamanyuk, V. Y. (2007). Inorganic composite membranes for electrodialytic desaltination. Russian Journal of Applied Chemistry, 80(4), 576-581. doi:10.1134/s1070427207040118El-Sourougy, M. R., Zaki, E. E., & Aly, H. F. (1997). Transport characteristics of ceramic supported zirconium phosphate membrane. Journal of Membrane Science, 126(1), 107-113. doi:10.1016/s0376-7388(96)00273-6Sánchez, E., Mestre, S., Pérez-Herranz, V., & García-Gabaldón, M. (2005). Síntesis de membranas cerámicas para la regeneración de baños de cromado agotados. Boletín de la Sociedad Española de Cerámica y Vidrio, 44(6), 409-414. doi:10.3989/cyv.2005.v44.i6.340Sánchez, E., Mestre, S., Pérez-Herranz, V., Reyes, H., & Añó, E. (2006). Membrane electrochemical reactor for continuous regeneration of spent chromium plating baths. Desalination, 200(1-3), 668-670. doi:10.1016/j.desal.2006.03.475Alberti, G., Casciola, M., Costantino, U., & Vivani, R. (1996). Layered and pillared metal(IV) phosphates and phosphonates. Advanced Materials, 8(4), 291-303. doi:10.1002/adma.19960080405Alberti, G., & Torracca, E. (1968). Crystalline insoluble salts of polybasic metals - II. Synthesis of crystalline zirconium or titanium phosphate by direct precipitation. Journal of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, 30(1), 317-318. doi:10.1016/0022-1902(68)80096-xTrobajo, C., Khainakov, S. A., Espina, A., & García, J. R. (2000). On the Synthesis of α-Zirconium Phosphate. Chemistry of Materials, 12(6), 1787-1790. doi:10.1021/cm0010093Alberti, G. (1978). Syntheses, crystalline structure, and ion-exchange properties of insoluble acid salts of tetravalent metals and their salt forms. Accounts of Chemical Research, 11(4), 163-170. doi:10.1021/ar50124a007Rajeh, A. O., & szirtes, L. (1995). Investigations of crystalline structure of gamma-zirconium phosphate. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry Articles, 196(2), 319-322. doi:10.1007/bf02038050Krogh Andersen, A. M., Norby, P., Hanson, J. C., & Vogt, T. (1998). Preparation and Characterization of a New 3-Dimensional Zirconium Hydrogen Phosphate, τ-Zr(HPO4)2. Determination of the Complete Crystal Structure Combining Synchrotron X-ray Single-Crystal Diffraction and Neutron Powder Diffraction. Inorganic Chemistry, 37(5), 876-881. doi:10.1021/ic971060hFeng, Y., He, W., Zhang, X., Jia, X., & Zhao, H. (2007). The preparation of nanoparticle zirconium phosphate. Materials Letters, 61(14-15), 3258-3261. doi:10.1016/j.matlet.2006.11.132Clearfield, A. (2000). INORGANIC ION EXCHANGERS, PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE. Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange, 18(4), 655-678. doi:10.1080/07366290008934702Szirtes, L., Shakshooki, S. K., Szeleczky, A. M., & Rajeh, A. O. (1998). Thermoanalyncal Investigation of Some Layered Zirconium Salts and Their Various Derivatives I. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 51(2), 503-515. doi:10.1007/bf03340188Al-Othman, A., Tremblay, A. Y., Pell, W., Letaief, S., Burchell, T. J., Peppley, B. A., & Ternan, M. (2010). Zirconium phosphate as the proton conducting material in direct hydrocarbon polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells operating above the boiling point of water. Journal of Power Sources, 195(9), 2520-2525. doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2009.11.052Thakkar, R., Patel, H., & Chudasama, U. (2007). A comparative study of proton transport properties of zirconium phosphate and its metal exchanged phases. Bulletin of Materials Science, 30(3), 205-209. doi:10.1007/s12034-007-0036-3Jiang, P., Pan, B., Pan, B., Zhang, W., & Zhang, Q. (2008). A comparative study on lead sorption by amorphous and crystalline zirconium phosphates. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 322(1-3), 108-112. doi:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2008.02.035García-Gabaldón, M., Pérez-Herranz, V., García-Antón, J., & Guiñón, J. L. (2009). Use of ion-exchange membranes for the removal of tin from spent activating solutions. Desalination and Water Treatment, 3(1-3), 150-156. doi:10.5004/dwt.2009.453García-Gabaldón, M., Pérez-Herranz, V., García-Antón, J., & Guiñón, J. L. (2009). Effect of hydrochloric acid on the transport properties of tin through ion-exchange membranes. Desalination and Water Treatment, 10(1-3), 73-79. doi:10.5004/dwt.2009.69