Predicting the Big Five personality traits from handwriting

Abstract We propose the first non-invasive three-layer architecture in literature based on neural networks that aims to determine the Big Five personality traits of an individual by analyzing offline handwriting. We also present the first database in literature that links the Big Five personality type with the handwriting features collected from 128 subjects containing both predefined and random texts. Testing our novel architecture on this database, we show that the predefined texts add more value if enforced on writers in the training stage, offering accuracies of 84.4% in intra-subject tests and 80.5% in inter-subject tests when the random dataset is used for testing purposes, up to 7% higher than when random datasets are used in the training phase. We obtain the highest prediction accuracy for Openness to Experience, Extraversion, and Neuroticism (over 84%), while for Conscientiousness and Agreeableness, the prediction accuracy is around 77%. Overall, our approach offers the highest accuracy compared with other state-of-the-art methods and results are computed in maximum 90 s, making the approach faster than the questionnaire or psychological interviews currently used for determining the Big Five personality traits. Our research also shows there are relationships between specific handwriting features and prediction with high accuracy of specific personality traits and this can be further exploited for improving, even more, the prediction accuracy of the proposed architecture

Feedforward Neural Network-Based Architecture for Predicting Emotions from Speech

We propose a novel feedforward neural network (FFNN)-based speech emotion recognition system built on three layers: A base layer where a set of speech features are evaluated and classified; a middle layer where a speech matrix is built based on the classification scores computed in the base layer; a top layer where an FFNN- and a rule-based classifier are used to analyze the speech matrix and output the predicted emotion. The system offers 80.75% accuracy for predicting the six basic emotions and surpasses other state-of-the-art methods when tested on emotion-stimulated utterances. The method is robust and the fastest in the literature, computing a stable prediction in less than 78 s and proving attractive for replacing questionnaire-based methods and for real-time use. A set of correlations between several speech features (intensity contour, speech rate, pause rate, and short-time energy) and the evaluated emotions is determined, which enhances previous similar studies that have not analyzed these speech features. Using these correlations to improve the system leads to a 6% increase in accuracy. The proposed system can be used to improve human–computer interfaces, in computer-mediated education systems, for accident prevention, and for predicting mental disorders and physical diseases

Predicting Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Levels from Videos Using the Facial Action Coding System

We present the first study in the literature that has aimed to determine Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) levels by analyzing facial expressions using Facial Action Coding System (FACS) by means of a unique noninvasive architecture on three layers designed to offer high accuracy and fast convergence: in the first layer, Active Appearance Models (AAM) and a set of multiclass Support Vector Machines (SVM) are used for Action Unit (AU) classification; in the second layer, a matrix is built containing the AUs’ intensity levels; and in the third layer, an optimal feedforward neural network (FFNN) analyzes the matrix from the second layer in a pattern recognition task, predicting the DASS levels. We obtained 87.2% accuracy for depression, 77.9% for anxiety, and 90.2% for stress. The average prediction time was 64 s, and the architecture could be used in real time, allowing health practitioners to evaluate the evolution of DASS levels over time. The architecture could discriminate with 93% accuracy between healthy subjects and those affected by Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and 85% for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). For the first time in the literature, we determined a set of correlations between DASS, induced emotions, and FACS, which led to an increase in accuracy of 5%. When tested on AVEC 2014 and ANUStressDB, the method offered 5% higher accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity compared to other state-of-the-art methods

Treatment of Nanocellulose by Submerged Liquid Plasma for Surface Functionalization

Tailoring the surface properties of nanocellulose to improve the compatibility of components in polymer nanocomposites is of great interest. In this work, dispersions of nanocellulose in water and acetonitrile were functionalized by submerged plasmas, with the aim of increasing the quality of this reinforcing agent in biopolymer composite materials. Both the morphology and surface chemistry of nanocellulose were influenced by the application of a plasma torch and filamentary jet plasma in a liquid suspension of nanocellulose. Depending on the type of plasma source and gas mixture the surface chemistry was modified by the incorporation of oxygen and nitrogen containing functional groups. The treatment conditions which lead to nanocellulose based polymer nanocomposites with superior mechanical properties were identified. This work provides a new eco-friendly method for the surface functionalization of nanocellulose directly in water suspension, thus overcoming the disadvantages of chemical treatments