Implementing a simple continuous speech recognition system on an FPGA

Speech recognition is a computationally demanding task, particularly the stage which uses Viterbi decoding for converting pre-processed speech data into words or sub-word units. We present an FPGA implementations of the decoder based on continuous hidden Markov models (HMMs) representing monophones, and demonstrate that it can process speech 75 times real time, using 45% of the slices of a Xilinx Virtex XCV100

Speech Recognition on an FPGA Using Discrete and Continuous Hidden Markov Models

Speech recognition is a computationally demanding task, particularly the stage which uses Viterbi decoding for converting pre-processed speech data into words or sub-word units. Any device that can reduce the load on, for example, a PC’s processor, is advantageous. Hence we present FPGA implementations of the decoder based alternately on discrete and continuous hidden Markov models (HMMs) representing monophones, and demonstrate that the discrete version can process speech nearly 5,000 times real time, using just 12% of the slices of a Xilinx Virtex XCV1000, but with a lower recognition rate than the continuous implementation, which is 75 times faster than real time, and occupies 45% of the same device

Latitudinal Gradients in Temperate and Tropical Seasonal Forests.

In an analysis of latitudinally replicated one hectare samples, nine seasonal forests of the temperate and tropical Americas were found to be very similar in biomass, stratification and patterns of spatial dispersion, regardless of taxonomic composition or relative stem density. Neither basal area nor relative size class distributions of trees differed significantly among latitudes from the equator to 40\sp\circ north. While overall plant density was greater in tropical forests, the numbers and composition within individual strata--shrub layer, subcanopy, canopy, and liana--interacted independently and significantly with latitude. Understory populations were denser and more speciose at middle latitudes, in forests frequently affected by hurricanes. Canopy trees were randomly dispersed at all sites; understory stems were uniformly interstitial relative to the canopy, except for lianas which varied in dispersal at each site. Species numbers did not peak in the equatorial forest, but in the continental forests of western meso-America; no latitudinal gradient of species increase was found

Reconfigurable Computing for Speech Recognition: Preliminary Findings

Continuous real-time speech recognition is a highly computationally-demanding task, but one which can take good advantage of a parallel processing system. To this end, we describe proposals for, and preliminary findings of, research in implementing in programmable logic the decoder part of a speech recognition system. Recognition via Viterbi decoding of Hidden Markov Models is outlined, along with details of current implementations, which aim to exploit properties of the algorithm that could make it well-suited for devices such as FPGAs. The question of how to deal with limited resources, by reconfiguration or otherwise, is also addressed

Does Topography Affect the Colonization of Lonicera Maackii and Ligustrum Vulgare in a Forested Glen in Southwestern Ohio?

Author Institution: Department of Horticulture and Crop ScienceLonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle) and Ligustrum vulgare (Common privet) are two exotic shrubs that have naturalized throughout the eastern and midwestern United States. This study examines the influence of topography on the level of invasion of Lonicera maackii and Ligustrum vulgare in a second growth forested glen in southwestern Ohio (Glen Helen, Yellow Springs, OH). The topographic positions compared were east-facing slope, bottomland, and west-facing slope using twelve 100 m transects through each of the three habitats for a total of 36 transects. L. maackii andZ. vulgare plants were counted in ten 3 x 3 m quadrats along each transect for a total of 120 quadrats per topographic position. Two-way analysis of variance compared interaction between topography and numbers of plants in three size classes (small, medium, large). Average density of L. maackii for all size classes was 1136 plants/ha. East-facing slopes were most heavily invaded with 497 plants/ha; there were 238/ha in the bottomland; 401/ha on the west-facing slopes. East- facing slopes are close to town, one of the original sources of seed. West-facing slopes are surrounded by farmland, fence rows, and farmhouses, a second source of seed. West-facing slopes have significantly fewer large L. maackii and L. vulgare than eastfacing slopes but it may only be a matter of time until they are as heavily colonized as the east-facing. For now, the native species of the bottomland are able to compete successfully against L. maackii. Without management, however, colonization ofZ. maackii in the bottomland may progress. L. vulgare, overall, is not as invasive in this woodland setting asZ. maackii

Experiences among undocumented migrants accessing primary care in the United Kingdom: a qualitative study.

Immigration is a key political issue in the United Kingdom. The 2014 Immigration Act includes a number of measures intended to reduce net immigration, including removing the right of non-European Economic Area migrants to access free health care. This change risks widening existing health and social inequalities. This study explored the experiences of undocumented migrants trying to access primary care in the United Kingdom, their perspectives on proposed access restrictions, and suggestions for policymakers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 undocumented migrants and four volunteer staff at a charity clinic in London. Inductive thematic analysis drew out major themes. Many undocumented migrants already faced challenges accessing primary care. None of the migrants interviewed said that they would be able to afford charges to access primary care and most said they would have to wait until they were much more unwell and access care through Accident & Emergency (A&E) services. The consequences of limiting access to primary care, including threats to individual and public health consequences and the additional burden on the National Health Service, need to be fully considered by policymakers. The authors argue that an evidence-based approach would avoid legislation that targets vulnerable groups and provides no obvious economic or societal benefit

Performing Speech Recognition on Multiple Parallel Files Using Continous Hidden Markov Models on an FPGA

Aboriginal men during corroboree, Darwin Botanic Gardens.Roderick, Christa.Date:195