Designing a Neural Network Based Audio Classification System

Artificial neural networks have found profound success in the area of pattern recognition. The collections of digital music have become increasingly common over the recent years. As the amount of data increases, digital context classification is becoming more important. In this thesis, we are studying content-based classification of digital musical signals according to their musical genre (e.g. : jazz, rock, pop and blues) and the features uses. The purpose of this thesis is to propose of designing a neural network technique, signal processing and related works of research. In addition, the methodology that used in designing audio classification model using neural network is introduced. The method was follow in this thesis is content analysis, and the designing of the model has through several phases: requirements analysis, knowledge representation and model designing. The theory behind the used features is reviewed and the fining from the proposed designing is presented

Thermal and Hydraulic Characterization of Arrays of Hook-Shaped Fins and Cavities for Enhancing Convective Heat Transfer

A popular method for augmenting convective heat transfer from surfaces is altering the flow field by adding extended features (fins) and/or cavities (dimples). The size, shape, interfin spacings and configuration of these arrays play a crucial role in their performance. Many studies have investigated ways to leverage novel manufacturing techniques to create different fin shapes to improve thermal-fluidic performance. NUCAP Industries has developed a technology that creates a unique array of hook-shaped raised features (hooks) and cavities (dimples) on metal surfaces (GRIPMetal). However, understanding the associated thermal and hydraulic performances of these newly developed arrays represents a distinct technical gap. Consequently, the primary objective of this work is to develop models and design tools that will allow engineers to design these GRIPMetal arrays with the optimum performance fitted into each application. This will be addressed through three specific objectives with a synergistic combination of experimentations and numerical simulations. First, the enhancement in heat transfer and the associated pressure drop for rectangular channels fitted with typical GRIPMetal designs is accurately quantified through experimentations. Two distinct testing facilities were designed, open-circuit wind tunnel and closed fluid loop, and constructed to carry out these experiments employing air and water as working fluids. The outcome of these experiments demonstrated that the presence of GRIPMetal arrays in rectangular channels promotes the convective heat transfer when compared to flat surfaces, however, with an inevitable increase in the required pumping power. The magnitude of the enhancement depends on the flow rate, tunnel height with respect to the hooks height but not the interfin spacings between hooks and their size. Nevertheless, more comprehensive investigations are required to complete the performance map of these arrays. Second, the overall Nusselt numbers and friction factors were calculated for the arrays, and empirical correlations were developed through nonlinear multivariable regression to act as design tools for fitting these arrays into real-life applications. Finally, a numerical model is developed using a commercially available CFD software package to simulate the flow across these arrays. The model will aid in providing better insight of the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics associated with these unique arrays. Then consequently, optimizing their performance by exploring a wider range of geometrical configurations. The model was validated against the data obtained from the closed fluid loop. The model underpredicted the heat transfer from the array, while it overpredicted the incurred pressure drop; predictions worsen at higher Reynolds numbers. This is attributed to the incorrect resolving of the boundary layer and the lower estimation of turbulence intensity in the array as well as the distinction between the actual manufactured array geometry and the developed computational model. A spatial variation in the heat transfer coefficient of the array was concluded from the velocity and temperature distributions of the fluid flow

Thermal and Hydraulic Characterization of Arrays of Hook-Shaped Fins and Cavities for Enhancing Convective Heat Transfer

A popular method for augmenting convective heat transfer from surfaces is altering the flow field by adding extended features (fins) and/or cavities (dimples). The size, shape, interfin spacings and configuration of these arrays play a crucial role in their performance. Many studies have investigated ways to leverage novel manufacturing techniques to create different fin shapes to improve thermal-fluidic performance. NUCAP Industries has developed a technology that creates a unique array of hook-shaped raised features (hooks) and cavities (dimples) on metal surfaces (GRIPMetal). However, understanding the associated thermal and hydraulic performances of these newly developed arrays represents a distinct technical gap. Consequently, the primary objective of this work is to develop models and design tools that will allow engineers to design these GRIPMetal arrays with the optimum performance fitted into each application. This will be addressed through three specific objectives with a synergistic combination of experimentations and numerical simulations. First, the enhancement in heat transfer and the associated pressure drop for rectangular channels fitted with typical GRIPMetal designs is accurately quantified through experimentations. Two distinct testing facilities were designed, open-circuit wind tunnel and closed fluid loop, and constructed to carry out these experiments employing air and water as working fluids. The outcome of these experiments demonstrated that the presence of GRIPMetal arrays in rectangular channels promotes the convective heat transfer when compared to flat surfaces, however, with an inevitable increase in the required pumping power. The magnitude of the enhancement depends on the flow rate, tunnel height with respect to the hooks height but not the interfin spacings between hooks and their size. Nevertheless, more comprehensive investigations are required to complete the performance map of these arrays. Second, the overall Nusselt numbers and friction factors were calculated for the arrays, and empirical correlations were developed through nonlinear multivariable regression to act as design tools for fitting these arrays into real-life applications. Finally, a numerical model is developed using a commercially available CFD software package to simulate the flow across these arrays. The model will aid in providing better insight of the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics associated with these unique arrays. Then consequently, optimizing their performance by exploring a wider range of geometrical configurations. The model was validated against the data obtained from the closed fluid loop. The model underpredicted the heat transfer from the array, while it overpredicted the incurred pressure drop; predictions worsen at higher Reynolds numbers. This is attributed to the incorrect resolving of the boundary layer and the lower estimation of turbulence intensity in the array as well as the distinction between the actual manufactured array geometry and the developed computational model. A spatial variation in the heat transfer coefficient of the array was concluded from the velocity and temperature distributions of the fluid flow

Review on biofilm processes for wastewater treatment

This review paper discusses the application of biofilm as an alternative technology for the treatment of wastewater under various loading and operation conditions. In the past few years the biofilm technology has become more common and widely used in the world to meet the requirement for clean water sources of the world’s growing population. Besides, the conventional wastewater treatment plants like activated sludge process present some shortcomings such as not very flexible method (if there is sudden change in the character of sewage and the effluent of bad quality is obtained), so better system is urgently needed to provide additional capacity with the least possible cost and to meet the standard effluent by the local authorities. The increased incoming flow of wastewater to the treatment plants and organic loading always demand for additional treatment capacity. Fundamental research into biofilm is presented in this paper in sections that discuss the use of biofilm whereby a comparison between suspended and fixed film, old and new biofilm are made. Besides, bed types namely moving bed, fixed bed and floating bed, un-submerged fixed film systems of trickling filters and rotating biological contactors are explained. Nutrients removal of nitrogen and phosphorus and nano technology application in biofilm are also explained. Results from investigations of different applications carried out at the laboratory and pilot scales are also discussed

Mechanical Properties Of Self Compacting Concrete Using Fly Ash

The purposes of this study were 1) to analyze the effect of fly ash on the mechanical properties of self compacting concrete; and 2) to determine the optimum fly ash content as cement replacement in improving mechanical properties on self compacting concrete at 28 days. This research was conducted in laboratory of Muhammadiyah University Surakarta. Primary and secondary data collection techniques were used in this research experiment. Primary data was collected directly form laboratory experiments. All the data was recorded on a daily basis until the research is completed. The researcher collected the data from the result of self-compacting concrete and compare to other standards to get the level of compressive strength and tensile strength. Self- Compacting Concrete is characterized by filling ability, passing ability and resistance tosegregation. Mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete modified with 0%, 15% and 35% Fly ash as cement replacement were studied. The main goal were to analyses mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity) of self- compacting concrete mix and to determine the optimum amount for Fly Ash replacement for improved mechanical properties. From the study results can be concluded that 1) the Slump Flow test results were increasing as the amount of Fly Ash increased within the allowable ranges of 500-700 mm in accordance to ASTM standard; 2) the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity measurement values decreased as the amount of fly ash increased from 0 to 35% whereas; and 3) the value for improved mechanical property of flexural strength was found at 15% Fly ash content

Hearing Loss After COVID-19 Vaccines: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT. Background: Hearing loss is generally classified as conductive hearing loss (CHL) and sensory-neural hearing loss (SNHL). It has been reported that COVID-19 infection may affect the vestibular-hearing system causing dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing impairment. However, other studies reported that COVID-19 did not lead to significant hearing impairment. Many studies in the literature have reported hearing loss as a complication of COVID-19 vaccines. However, no systematic review or meta-analysis summarizes the literature on this topic.   Method: We performed a comprehensive search for the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane (Medline), Web of Science, and Scopus. All studies published in English till October 2022 were included. These include case reports, case series, prospective and retrospective observational studies, and clinical trials reporting hearing loss following COVID-19 vaccines. Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to assess the risk of bias for observational studies. NIH tools were used for non-controlled before and after clinical trials and case reports and case series. A third author solved any disagreements. We analyzed the data using SPSS Software version 26.   Results: A total of 630 patients were identified, with a mean age of 57.3 that ranged from 15 to 93 years old. The majority of the patients were females, 339 (53.8%). In addition, 328 out of 609 vaccinated patients took the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine, while 242 (40%) took the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The mean time from vaccination to hearing impairment was 6.2, ranging from a few hours to one month after the last dose. Most patients reported unilateral sensorineural hearing loss post-vaccination 593 (94.1%). In order to report the fate of cases, a follow-up was initiated with a mean of 15.6 and a range of 2 to 63 days after the initiation of the treatment. A total of 20 patients were fully recovered, and 11 reported no response. Three out of 328 patients who took the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine fully recovered, while five reported partial recovery. According to the chi-squared test, there is a statistically significant difference between patients in terms of fate and the type of COVID-19 vaccination (P-value = 0.001) while reporting no significant difference in dose number prior to the onset of the symptoms (P-value = 0.65) and gender (P-value = 0.4). The ANOVA test was conducted to compare vaccine types and the number of doses in terms of mean time from vaccination to hearing impairment onset. The results found a significant difference between vaccine types (P-value < 0.000) while showing no significance in terms of the number of doses prior to the onset (P-value = 0.6).   Conclusion: There is a statistically significant difference between patients in terms of fate and the type of COVID-19 vaccination while reporting no significant difference in dose number prior to the onset of the symptoms and gender. Further, we concluded that there is a significant difference between vaccine types while showing no significance in terms of the number of doses prior to the onset

Work Environment And Corporate Culture Influence On The Performance Of Employees Of Pt. Tiga Serangkai Pustaka Mandiri

The purpose of this study are: first, to Determine the influence of the work environment on the performance of employees in the company; second, to Determine the influence of corporate culture on the performance of employees in the company; third, to Determine the influence of the working environment and corporate culture on the performance of employees in the company. This research is quantitative, by taking samples at PT. Tiga Serangkai Pustaka Mandiri, Surakarta, Indonesia. The study population and sample as many as 268 employees were taken by 100 employees. The technique of collecting data using questionnaires. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression analysis. The results obtained showed that: first, there is a positive and significant contribution of the work environment on employee performance at PT. Tiga Serangkai Pustaka Mandiri; second, there is a positive and significant contribution of the corporate culture on employee performance at PT. Tiga Serangkai Pustaka Mandiri; third, there is a positive and significant contribution of the work environment and corporate culture on employee performance at PT. Tiga Serangkai Pustaka Mandiri

Using TAM model to empirically examine students' attitudes towards e-services in college of business administration

This study examines the relationships between Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness with actual use of E-Services among 189 students from College of Business Administration (CBA) at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) for the academic year 2017/2018. Using a survey-based methodology based on TAM perceptive, the results show that Perceived Ease for Use (PEU) and Perceived Usefulness (PU) had positive associations with Actual Use (AU) of E-Services among CBA students. Thus, the result of this study supports the prediction of TAM theory. The results of this study should be useful to educational policy makers in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and elsewhere, as there is an opportunity of enhancing the E-Services in the academic context

Training and fitness variability in elite youth soccer:perspectives from a difficulty prediction model

Research within sport science disciplines seeks to enhance performance via the combination of factors that influences the team’s periodization. The current study aimed to investigate the variations in training load (TL), and the consequential changes in fitness variables, based on the use of match difficulty prediction model (MDP), level of opposition (LOP), days between matches, and match location during 12 weeks in the competitive period I. Seventeen elite soccer players (age = 17.57 ± 0.49 years; body height 1.79 ± 0.05 m; body weight 72.21 ± 6.96 kg), have completed a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test, a running-based anaerobic sprint test, a soccer-specific repeated sprint ability, and a vertical jump test to identify changes in players fitness. TL was determined by multiplying the RPE of the session by its duration in minutes (s-RPE). Training monotony, strain, and acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) were also assessed. A simple regression model was conducted and the highest variances explained (R2) were used. The LOP score explained most of the variance in ACWR (r= 0.606, R2=0.37). TL declined significantly when compared the match-day by the first three days and the last three days of the week. No significant difference was found in s-RPE between the high and low MDP factor. Strong negative correlations were reported between ACWR and LOP (r=-0.714, p<.01). In addition, we found a significant improvement in repeated sprint ability, aerobic and anaerobic fitness variables between pre- and post-test in fatigue index (d=1.104), best testing time, ideal time, total time and mean-best (d=0.518-0.550), and aerobic and anaerobic fitness variables (p<.05), respectively. The MDP could facilitate the training prescription as well as the distribution of training intensities with high specificity, providing a long-term youth player’s development and allowing teams to maintain optimal fitness leading into more difficult matches

TRANSETHOSOMES AS BREAKTHROUGH TOOL FOR CONTROLLED TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY OF DEXKETOPROFEN TROMETAMOL: DESIGN, FABRICATION, STATISTICAL OPTIMIZATION, IN VITRO, AND EX VIVO CHARACTERIZATION

Objective: Transethosomes (TEs) have introduced an emerging avenue of interest in vesicular research for transdermal delivery of drugs and can be a proper delivery system for painkillers like NSAIDS. This study aimed to formulate and characterize the potential of TE to enhance the transdermal transport of Dexketoprofen trometamol (DKT) to achieve controlled pain management compared to DKT solution. Methods: Factorial design (23) was adopted to appraise the influence of independent variables, namely, Lipoid S100 and surfactant concentrations and surfactant type (X3) on the % solubilization efficiency (% SE), vesicle size (VS), and % release efficiency (% RE). Thin film hydration was the preferred approach for preparing TEs where vesicle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, %SE and %RE were investigated. The optimized formula was nominated and subjected to several studies. For the permeation study, optimum TE was incorporated into carbapol gel base for comparison with DKT solution. Also, an accelerated stability study was assessed for optimized formula. Results: All the prepared DKT-loaded TEs revealed acceptable VS, PDI, and ZP. The highest %SE (86.08±1.05 %) and lowest %RE (44.62±1.36 %) were observed in case of F1. The optimized formula (F1) displayed VS of 133.2±1.62 nm, PDI of 0.342±0.03 and ZP of-21.6±2.45 mV. F1 revealed enhanced skin permeation of a 2.6-fold increase compared with DKT solution. Moreover, F1 was stable upon storage and a non-significant change (P&gt;0.05) was observed. Conclusion: DKT was successfully incorporated into vesicle carrier and can signify an alternative option for providing this therapy, bypassing the poor bioavailability and considerable adverse consequences of using the oral route besides improved patient compliance