MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS FOR UNDERSTANDING COGNITIVE SPEECH PROCESSING

MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS FOR UNDERSTANDING COGNITIVE SPEECH PROCESSIN

Brain Connectivity Analysis of Normal Hearing and Hearing Impaired Participants Based on the Cortical Surface EEG Data

Hearing is an important sensory function of human communication and alerts people of dangerous conditions by detecting the emergency auditory alarm, sirens. We localized the source of EEG data (Hearing EEG data) into the cortical surface by solving the inverse problem and extracted the time series data from the 68 regions of Deskin-Killiany (DK) atlas. By using Granger Causality and Phase Transfer Entropy, we analyzed the brain connectivity of people experiencing normal hearing (NH) and hearing loss (HL). These results showed that NH and HL listeners’ connectivity levels are not the same. Moreover, we investigated which connectivities of the human brain are changed after hearing loss. We also performed a statistical analysis between eight regions of the brain; those are associated with the auditory and language processing tasks and significant changes were found in the primary Auditory and Broca’s areas. It is noticeable that HL listeners utilize the top-down modulation to perceive the sounds. Finally, we also found that neural and behavioral results are correlated

Modeling Friction Losses in the Water-Assisted Pipeline Transportation of Heavy Oil

In the lubricated pipe flow (LPF) of heavy oils, a water annulus acts as a lubricant and separates the viscous oil from the pipe wall. The steady state position of the annular water layer is in the high shear region. Significantly, lower pumping energy input is required than if the viscous oil was transported alone. An important challenge to the general application of LPF technology is the lack of a reliable model to predict frictional pressure losses. Although a number of models have been proposed to date, most of these models are highly system specific. Developing a reliable model to predict pressure losses in LPF is an open challenge to the research community. The current chapter introduces the concept of water lubrication in transporting heavy oils and discusses the methodologies available for modeling the pressure drops. It also includes brief descriptions of most important pressure loss models, their limitations, and the scope of future works

Two Phase Flow Distribution and Heat Transfer in Plate Heat Exchanger

博士（工学）佐賀大

Sensing and Automation Technologies for Ornamental Nursery Crop Production: Current Status and Future Prospects

The ornamental crop industry is an important contributor to the economy in the United States. The industry has been facing challenges due to continuously increasing labor and agricultural input costs. Sensing and automation technologies have been introduced to reduce labor requirements and to ensure efficient management operations. This article reviews current sensing and automation technologies used for ornamental nursery crop production and highlights prospective technologies that can be applied for future applications. Applications of sensors, computer vision, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Internet-of-Things (IoT), and robotic technologies are reviewed. Some advanced technologies, including 3D cameras, enhanced deep learning models, edge computing, radio-frequency identification (RFID), and integrated robotics used for other cropping systems, are also discussed as potential prospects. This review concludes that advanced sensing, AI and robotic technologies are critically needed for the nursery crop industry. Adapting these current and future innovative technologies will benefit growers working towards sustainable ornamental nursery crop production

INCOME INCREASING ON FARMERS INSOUTHSULAWESI: CASE STUDY OF RICE AND MAIZE FARMERS

This research aims: (i) to identify the problems faced by rice and maize farmers, (ii) to design a model for the development of food crops in South Sulawesi, and (iii) to know whether the model is effectively and appropriate implemented in the farmers. The data used are secondary and primary data which are analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis model. This research is conducted in Sidenreng Rappang, Pinrang, Bantaeng, and Jeneponto. The study found: (i) the problems face by rice and maize farmers includes high production costs, declining land productivity, price instability, low level of income, the lack of infrastructure (irrigation) and low farm management and farmer groups role; (ii) the appropriate model for food groups development is the one that focuses on strengthening farmer groups institution and improving sinergism among stakeholders, and (iii) the implementation of the model is effective and strong supported by the farmers. This is because the farmers can improve their capacity to solve their problems and to formulate program and activity planning which contributed to local/village planning mechanism

Local Heat Transfer Characteristics of the R1234ze(E) Two Phase Flow Inside a Plate Heat Exchanger

In the present study, condensation and evaporation local heat transfer coefficients of the R1234ze(E) inside a brazed plate heat exchanger were investigated by using a test section which is combined with two grooved stainless steel plates. In the test section, wall temperature distribution was measured. The test section consists of eight plates; two of them were processed herringbone for refrigerant flow channel other two flat plates are set for cooling plate for refrigerant, and another consist on cooling water flow channel. In order to measure local heat transfer and temperature distribution, five thermocouples were set at not only flow direction but also in the right and left sides of plates. Local heat flux and heat transfer coefficient were calculated from wall temperature distribution for downward and upward flow condition. And, the local heat transfer characteristics were discussed.

Impact of postpartum anxiety and depression on child’s mental development from two peri-urban communities of Karachi, Pakistan: a quasi-experimental study

Background Postpartum anxiety and depression has detrimental effects on the overall mental development of children. This study aims to assess the impact of postpartum anxiety and depression on children’s mental development on all sub-scales in a Pakistani population. Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted in two peri-urban communities of Karachi, a mega city of Pakistan, to assess the impact of postpartum anxiety and depression on children’s growth and mental development. A total of 420 women were enrolled, who had given consent out of 651 pregnant women identified, during February 2004 to December 2005. Data for socio-demographic, home environment and family relationship variables were collected between 36 weeks of pregnancy and within 10 days of childbirth. Mother’s levels of anxiety and depression were assessed at 1, 2, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months of childbirth. An indigenous, validated screening instrument- Aga Khan University Anxiety and Depression scale was used and diagnostic confirmation was done through a psychologist’s interview, based on DSM IV criteria. Children’s growth and development was monitored in the same sequence using an Early Childhood Development tool that consists of five subscales; socio emotional, language, cognitive, gross motor and fine motor development. Physical growth was monitored by measuring height and weight of the child. Data was analyzed using SAS 9.2. Multivariable Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) logistic regression was conducted to identify association of postpartum anxiety and depression with each early childhood development indicator, adjusting for parental and child factors. Results A significant association of postpartum anxiety and depression with delayed development on all five subscales of children’s mental development was found in our study. Interestingly, our study found that higher maternal age had adverse effects on child’s emotional whereas positive impact on child’s cognitive development. Children’s stunting had an adverse impact on all five subscales of children’s development. Male children were at higher risk for delayed language and gross motor development relative to female children. Conclusions Our study found that postpartum anxiety and depression is associated with adverse outcomes regarding children’s mental development on all sub-scales. The impact was accentuated by low family income or child’s increasing age