Potential of Dedicated Language Processing Units in Computer Voice Interaction

This research explores the possibility of using a combination of a phonetic feature based binary encoding format for phonemes and dedicated coprocessors to improve computer voice interactions. While both speech synthesis and speech recognition have made great strides recently current performance still leaves much to be desired. Dedicated graphics cards and binary encoding have had a huge impact on computer graphics in the last two decades, and could do the same for voice interactions. Sources for this research consist primarily of course text books and documentation from open source software projects. At the time that this research was conducted it was purely speculative, but since then advances such as Google\u27s TensorFlow AI, and NVIDIA\u27s CUDA development kit make experimental research practical. This research indicates that it would be worthwhile to conduct experimental research on dedicate

A preliminary assessment of the Welch Allyn Suresight 14000 handheld autorefractor

In an effort to assess the accuracy of the Welch Allyn Suresight 14000 handheld autorefractor, one eye of 84 students at Pacific University College of Optometry were refracted with the Suresight, the Canon RK-5 Autorefractor-Keratometer (a stationary device), static retinoscopy, and subjective refraction. The results obtained with the Suresight were then compared to the other methods. When compared to results obtained through subjective refraction, it was observed that the sphere values provided by the Suresight were within 0.50 D in 54.8% of subjects. This percentage remained fairly constant (52.8%), even in subjects with low refractive errors (between+ 1.00 and -1.00), indicating that the percentage of deviation between the two methods is greater in individuals with small amounts of myopia or hyperopia. The cylinder power in subjects with greater than 0. 75 D of cylinder was within 0.50 D in 84% of subjects. Cylinder axis was within 15 degrees in only 58.8% of these individuals. Regression analysis demonstrated that both Canon autorefraction and retinoscopy provided better predictions of subjective refraction (r~0.9) than predictions obtained with Suresight (r2=0.77); although Suresight measures tended to be more accurate for higher refractive errors. Both Canon and Suresight were approximately equal in terms of repeatability. The results indicate that the Welch Allyn Suresight falls slightly short of the Canon RK-5 and retinoscopy in its ability to accurately predict the subjective refraction. However, its portability and ease of use make it a potentially useful tool in practices with a large pediatric and/or disabled patient base

Fluctuation theorem for the renormalized entropy change in the strongly nonlinear nonequilibrium regime

Generalizing a recent work [T. Taniguchi and E. G. D. Cohen, J. Stat. Phys. 126, 1 (2006)] that was based on the Onsager-Machlup theory, a nonlinear relaxation process is considered for a macroscopic thermodynamic quantity. It is found that the fluctuation theorem holds in the nonlinear nonequilibrium regime if the change of the entropy characterized by local equilibria is appropriately renormalized. The fluctuation theorem for the ordinary entropy change is recovered in the linear near-equilibrium case. This result suggests a possibility that the the information-theoretic entropy of the Shannon form may be modified in the strongly nonlinear nonequilibrium regime.Comment: 14 pages, no figures. Typos correcte

Depolarization of the cosmic microwave background by a primordial magnetic field and its effect upon temperature anisotropy

We estimate the depolarizing effect of a primordial magnetic field upon the cosmic microwave background radiation due to differential Faraday rotation across the last scattering surface. The degree of linear polarization of the CMB is significantly reduced at frequencies around and below 30 GHz $(B_* /10^{-2}{\rm Gauss})^{1/2}$, where $B_*$ is the value of the primordial field at recombination. The depolarizing mechanism reduces the damping of anisotropies due to photon diffusion on small angular scales. The $l\approx 1000$ multipoles of the CMB temperature anisotropy correlation function in a standard cold dark matter cosmology increase by up to 7.5\% at frequencies where depolarization is significant.Comment: Latex, 23 pages, 4 figures. Submitted to Phys. Rev.

DEVELOPING A FORENSIC METHOD OF ACQUISITION AND ANALYSIS OF THE MOTOROLA XOOM TABLET

There is currently no forensically sound method for analyzing the Motorola Xoom tablet. The purpose of this research is to determine whether a forensically sound method can be developed for the Motorola Xoom tablet running the Ice Cream Sandwich Android operating system. This research is important for investigators as the more forensically sound method offers greater protection relating to an individual’s privacy rights. Furthermore, tablets are a relatively new form of digital devices that are rising quickly in the public. This research sets the groundwork for investigating tablets in a forensically sound manner. The tablet is used in such a way as to emulate the real use of such a device. Sources of evidence such as images, web browsing, WiFi information and email accounts are used as test objects. The research minimizes manual user interaction, delivers an outline of what can be acquired and the forensic integrity of such items upon recovery, and the reason for any changes to the device. Furthermore, this research presents questions for further research relating to the topic

Pulmonary delivery of aqueous voriconazole solution

textInvasive Pulmonary Apsergillosis (IPA) is caused by inhalation of fungal conidia to the deep lung followed by germination and invasive hyphal growth in heavily immunosuppressed patients (e.g. those with hematologic malignancies, hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, and those undergoing solid organ transplantation). Hyphal growth into pulmonary capillaries often leads to dissemination of the infection and high mortality rates despite current treatment and prophylactic modalities. In addition, systemic antifungal therapy is often limited by drug toxicities, low and variable bioavailability, erratic pharmacokinetics, and drug interactions. Although targeted drug delivery to the lungs has been investigated to reduce adverse events and promote drug efficacy, inconsistent pharmacokinetic properties following inhalation of poorly water soluble antifungals has prompted variable drug efficacy. In this dissertation, inhaled voriconazole was investigated through in vitro and in vivo testing to evaluate pharmacokinetic properties, characterize drug safety and, determine drug efficacy as prophylaxis against IPA. In Chapter 2, the in vitro evaluation of solution properties and aerosol characterization of aqueous voriconazole was evaluated. Subsequent in vivo single and multiple dose pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated high drug concentrations were achieved in lung tissue and plasma following inhalation in contrast to previous reports of inhaled antifungals. Inhaled voriconazole was then administered twice daily (BID, at 08:00 and 16:00) in a murine model of IPA as described in Chapter 3 with significant improvements in animal survival over 12 days compared to both positive and negative control groups. As described in Chapter 4, voriconazole was then chronically administered BID at a high and low dose to rats over 21 days with a 7 day recovery period to assess dose tolerability through laboratory tests and histopathological changes to lung, liver, kidney, and spleen tissues. Inhaled voriconazole was well tolerated through all assessments but with signs of mild acute histiocytosis in lung tissue without other signs of inflammation. Chapter 5 expanded the single inhaled dose pharmacokinetic profile in lung tissue and plasma with determination of additional pharmacokinetic parameters through compartmental modeling. Peak and trough voriconazole concentrations were also evaluated in mice as well as rats following multiple doses administered over 12 hours (Q12H) as opposed to BID.Pharmac

Safety and Efficacy of Vigabatrin for the Treatment of Infantile Spasms

In 2009, vigabatrin became the first FDA approved medication for the treatment of infantile spasms in the United States. There are few well-designed prospective studies comparing the drug to placebo or other modalities used in the treatment of infantile spasms. The available data have demonstrated that vigabatrin is efficacious in the treatment of infantile spasms regardless of underlying etiology, but that it is particularly beneficial in patients with a diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), the only other medication with robust efficacy data, has been used as first line therapy for infantile spasms associated with other etiologies, and in general controls spasms sooner than vigabatrin, though relapse is common with both therapies. Vigabatrin is generally well tolerated. However, use has been associated with permanent loss of peripheral vision in some patients. In children with tuberous sclerosis, vigabatrin should be considered as initial therapy for infantile spasms. It is a viable alternative for patients with suboptimal response, contraindications or intolerance to ACTH