Speech Processing in Computer Vision Applications

Deep learning has been recently proven to be a viable asset in determining features in the field of Speech Analysis. Deep learning methods like Convolutional Neural Networks facilitate the expansion of specific feature information in waveforms, allowing networks to create more feature dense representations of data. Our work attempts to address the problem of re-creating a face given a speaker\u27s voice and speaker identification using deep learning methods. In this work, we first review the fundamental background in speech processing and its related applications. Then we introduce novel deep learning-based methods to speech feature analysis. Finally, we will present our deep learning approaches to speaker identification and speech to face synthesis. The presented method can convert a speaker audio sample to an image of their predicted face. This framework is composed of several chained together networks, each with an essential step in the conversion process. These include Audio embedding, encoding, and face generation networks, respectively. Our experiments show that certain features can map to the face and that with a speaker\u27s voice, DNNs can create their face and that a GUI could be used in conjunction to display a speaker recognition network\u27s data

Comparison of Methods of Pump Scheduling in Water Supply Systems

In the domestic water supply industry, the reduction of pumping costs is a continuing objective. With the efficient scheduling of pumping operations, it is considered that 10% of the annual expenditure on energy and related costs may be saved. A typical cost function will include all of the expenditure caused by the pumping process and also consider the electrical cost of pumping taking into account the various electrical tariffs, as well as peak demand and pump switching costs. Using only fixed speed pumps, it is possible to use an efficient dynamic programming based method, provided that the storage reservoir levels are known. Other techniques that are showing fruitful results in optimisation are genetic programming and simulated annealing. This paper compares these methods and discusses which is more appropriate in this type of pump scheduling problem

The Investigation of Pump Performance and Evaluation over the Internet

Selection and configuration are widely met tasks in design; this is an example of a web-based selection/configuration tool with embedded optimisation. Pumps inevitably deteriorate over their product lifecycle, in which interaction generally occurs in terms of flow, pressure and electricity consumption. Practical implementations of pump scheduling suggest that a 10% of the annual expenditure on energy costs may be saved. The object is to minimise the energy cost incurred, while selecting the best schedule of legal available pumps. The results illustrate that the recording of pump characteristics over the internet provides an efficient method of pump performance and evaluation

Analysis of the Torsional Load Capacity of V-Section Band Clamps

This paper investigates the torsional load capacity of three sizes of V-section band clamps when assembled onto rigid flanges by comparing experimental data with a developed theoretical model. This mode of failure is of particular interest for turbocharger applications where, in use, they are subjected to torsional loading via thermal and vibrational effects. The theoretical model developed allows the impact on torsional load capacity of a number of joint parameters to be investigated and good correlation of the results, incorporating variations in coefficients of friction and dimensions, has been shown for the two larger band sizes. For smaller diameter bands, the experimental data suggests that as the band is tightened, contact with the flange is localised rather than being over the full circumference of the band. The coefficients of friction, in particular that between the flanges, and the position of the contact point between band and flange have been shown to have a significant impact on the theoretical torsional load capacity of V-section band clamps

Does the traditional medicinal use of Leonurus cardiaca L. as specified by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) monographs reflect documented historical use and current research? A content analysis.

Abstract: AIMS: To investigate the documented historical uses of Leonurus cardiaca in order to assess the traditional uses as outlined in the European Medicines Agency (EMA) monograph. METHODS: Content analysis was used for coding and analysing data. Raw data was extracted from source texts into a framework. Data was then translated and coded for comparison and discussion. KEY FINDINGS: The EMA monograph was justified in its recommendation for the indications of nervous tension and cardiac complaints.Gynaecological uses, along with a number of other uses, frequently featured in historical texts but were not present in the EMA monograph. Posology was difficult to ascertain as ranges varied widely; however the EMA recommended a higher dose of liquid extract than historical texts suggested. Safety information was difficult to establish. Several factors had an impact on the results including translation and coding challenges, scarcity and plagiarism of texts, authentication of motherwort and difficulties associated with data mining. CONCLUSION: While EMA indications appeared frequently throughout source texts, motherwort appeared to have uses beyond what the EMA monograph suggests. Lack of recent research into motherwort's gynaecological uses may have contributed to the omission of these uses on the EMA monograph. This suggests that the EMA monograph does not fully reflect documented historical use. RECOMMENDATIONS: Gynaecological use shows promise and may warrant further investigation with additional gynaecological studies recommended. Additional research may be required in order to decipher texts using a different system of medical belief. A greater number of sources and further analysis of posology advised

Reflections on Stockwell Depot

The following text combines selected extracts from interviews held separately between 2013-14 with ten of the artists associated with Stockwell Depot. This selection addresses core issues associated with the Depot during 1967-79, a period in which each of these artists had an active involvement. David Evison, Gerard Hemsworth and Peter Hide helped to set up the studios in 1967; John Mclean moved into an area managed by Evison by 1970; Jennifer Durrant, Katherine Gili and Anthony Smart all first sublet from Hide in the early 1970s; and Mark Skilton arrived later in that decade. From 1975-79 the annual Stockwell Depot exhibitions regularly included a number of artists, including Alan Gouk and Paul Tonkin, who did not have studio spaces in the building

Granular: The Material Properties of Noise

An experiential investigation of noise as a granular entity, this combined exhibition and event explores processes of disintegration and reintegration - both as the mode of transference between states (whether physical or digital) and the means by which a thing starts or ceases to be

Sensational In(ter)⇒action: Designing Creative Learning Environments

Emotion plays an important role in life, both in personal and work life. In fact, it is part of almost everything we do, including artwork, decision-making and interpreting reality in general. Recently developed information technology may create emotionally-arousing sensations in the user, producing motivation and interest, but on the other hand too much emotion can impede use of devices, everyday creativity and learning. In this paper, we discuss how emotion can be used in design in order both to increase engagement and support creative learning. The idea is based on the notion of Perceptually-Seductive Technology (PST, outlined in Waterworth, 2001) and how PST can be applied to support creative learning in classrooms and other settings. Creative learning is characterised as the intersection of creativity (the production of novel and adaptive ideas) and learning (change persisting over time). Sensational in(ter)⇒action alludes to the need for frequent switches between presence and absence, action and inaction, and between the real and virtual worlds according to a design space defined by the three-dimensional Focus, Locus and Sensus model (Waterworth and Waterworth, 2001a)