New hos-based parameter estimation methods for speech recognition in noisy environments

The problem of recognition in noisy environments is addressed. Often, a recognition system is used in a noisy environment and there is no possibility of training it with noisy samples. Classical speech analysis techniques are based on second-order statistics and their performance dramatically decreases when noise is present in the signal under analysis. New methods based on higher order statistics (HOS) are applied in a recognition system and compared against the autocorrelation method. Cumulant-based methods show better performance than autocorrelation-based methods for low SNRPeer ReviewedPostprint (published version

The Dynamic Grid: Time-Varying Parameters for Musical Instrument Simulations Based on Finite-Difference Time-Domain Schemes

Several well-established approaches to physical modeling synthesis for musical instruments exist. Finite-difference time-domain methods are known for their generality and flexibility in terms of the systems one can model but are less flexible with regard to smooth parameter variations due to their reliance on a static grid. This paper presents the dynamic grid, a method to smoothly change grid configurations of finite-difference time-domain schemes based on sub-audio–rate time variation of parameters. This allows for extensions of the behavior of physical models beyond the physically possible, broadening the range of expressive possibilities for the musician. The method is applied to the 1D wave equation, the stiff string, and 2D systems, including the 2D wave equation and thin plate. Results show that the method does not introduce noticeable artefacts when changing between grid configurations for systems, including loss.Several well-established approaches to physical modeling synthesis for musical instruments exist. Finite-difference time-domain methods are known for their generality and flexibility in terms of the systems one can model but are less flexible with regard to smooth parameter variations due to their reliance on a static grid. This paper presents the dynamic grid, a method to smoothly change grid configurations of finite-difference time-domain schemes based on sub- audio–rate time variation of parameters. This allows for extensions of the behavior of physical models beyond the physically possible, broadening the range of expressive possibilities for the musician. The method is applied to the 1D wave equation, the stiff string, and 2D systems, including the 2D wave equation and thin plate. Results show that the method does not introduce noticeable artefacts when changing between grid configurations for systems, including loss

Explicit exactly energy-conserving methods for Hamiltonian systems

For Hamiltonian systems, simulation algorithms that exactly conserve numerical energy or pseudo-energy have seen extensive investigation. Most available methods either require the iterative solution of nonlinear algebraic equations at each time step, or are explicit, but where the exact conservation property depends on the exact evaluation of an integral in continuous time. Under further restrictions, namely that the potential energy contribution to the Hamiltonian is non-negative, newer techniques based on invariant energy quadratisation allow for exact numerical energy conservation and yield linearly implicit updates, requiring only the solution of a linear system at each time step. In this article, it is shown that, for a general class of Hamiltonian systems, and under the non-negativity condition on potential energy, it is possible to arrive at a fully explicit method that exactly conserves numerical energy. Furthermore, such methods are unconditionally stable, and are of comparable computational cost to the very simplest integration methods (such as Störmer-Verlet). A variant of this scheme leading to a conditionally-stable method is also presented, and follows from a splitting of the potential energy. Various numerical results are presented, in the case of the classic test problem of Fermi, Pasta and Ulam and for nonlinear systems of partial differential equations, including those describing high amplitude vibration of strings and plates

Multinet : enabler for next generation enterprise wireless services

Wireless communications are currently experiencing a fast migration toward the beyond third-generation (B3G)/fourth generation (4G) era. This represents a generational change in wireless systems: new capabilities related to mobility and new services support is required and new concepts as individual-centric, user-centric or ambient-aware communications are included. One of the main restrictions associated to wireless technology is mobility management, this feature was not considered in the design phase; for this reason, a complete solution is not already found, although different solutions are proposed and are being proposed. In MULTINET project, features as mobility and multihoming are applied to wireless network to provide the necessary network and application functionality enhancements for seamless data communication mobility considering end-user scenario and preferences. The aim of this paper is to show the benefits of these functionalities from the Service Providers and final User point of view

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and soot formation in the pyrolysis of the butanol isomers

The formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and soot from the pyrolysis of the four butanol isomers: 1-butanol, 2-butanol, iso-butanol and tert-butanol, at three reaction temperatures (1275, 1375 and 1475 K) has been studied. The identification and quantification of the sixteen PAHs, classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as priority pollutants, were done using the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technique. The soot formed was collected at the reactor outlet. Light gases formed were also quantified. The harmful potential of the PAHs through the benzoa]pyrene equivalent, Ba]P-eq amount, has been evaluated. The main results show that the highest formation of light gases was obtained from the pyrolysis of iso-butanol at 1275 K. The formation of H2 increases significantly as the temperature increases, following the Hydrogen abstraction carbon addition (HACA) route that leads to form PAHs which subsequently form soot. The tendency to soot formation, under the experimental conditions of the present study, is ranked as follows: tert-butanol, 2-butanol, 1-butanol and iso-butanol. The highest PAHs amount and the highest toxic potential, expressed as Ba]P-eq amount, were found in the pyrolysis of all butanol isomers at 1275 K