URBAN SOUND RECOGNITION USING DIFFERENT FEATURE EXTRACTION TECHNIQUES

The application of the advanced methods for noise analysis in the urban areas through the development of systems for classification of sound events significantly improves and simplifies the process of noise assessment. The main purpose of sound recognition and classification systems is to develop algorithms that can detect and classify sound events that occur in the chosen environment, giving an appropriate response to their users. In this research, a supervised system for recognition and classification of sound events has been established through the development of feature extraction techniques based on digital signal processing of the audio signals that are further used as an input parameter in the machine learning algorithms for classification of the sound events. Various audio parameters were extracted and processed in order to choose the best set of parameters that result in better recognition of the class to which the sounds belong. The created acoustic event detection and classification (AED/C) system could be further implemented in sound sensors for automatic control of environmental noise using the source classification that leads to reduced amount of required human validation of the sound level measurements since the target noise source is evidently defined

Autonomous multifunctional vehicle with integrated bio-inspired SMA actuated grasper

The space exploration activities are merging new technologies in order to develop systems challenged to achieve capabilities for high mission experience. Inspired by the numerous applications in space exploration, with the integration of shape memory alloys (SMAs), a 3D printed continuous All Terrain Grasper Transport (AT-GT) vehicle with implemented multi-locomotion grasper was created. In order to reduce failure of the mechanical system, the vehicle is equipped with SMA suspension and SMA tensioner of a pulley system with adaptable height able to achieve movement on a given trajectory and adjust to any terrain. SMA actuators provide controllable actuation based on the simplicity of their design and the shape memory effect. By using the advantages of the origami engineering, soft robotics and smart material implementation, a bio-inspired autonomous grasper was integrated on the AT-GT, capable of leaving the vehicle, grabbing an object and bringing it back to the vehicle. The concept development, the analytical models and the prototype including the benefits of the combined work of the vehicle and the grasper are presented.</p

Environmentally friendly bio-inspired turtle robot

Inspired by the movement of a turtle in nature, a low-budget turtle-like robot was designed and developed to operate on natural terrain. Applying affordable additive manufacturing (3D printing) leads into creating unique 3-D structure with potential of flexibility, multi-functionality and multi-movement. By implementing solar panels, the energy from the sun is used, which makes the robot self-sustainable. The robot is controlled remotely with an android application designed for the need of this work. The bio-inspired robot can play an interesting role in real-life applications, such as monitoring in hardly accessible terrain, video and data collection for environmental friendly application, animals’ observation and others. The main application of the robot is for animal observation in the zoo, so it will often need to move across not even landscape in order to allow surveillance of that area. By implementing smart materials, the movement of the turtle can be improved. This paper presents the design concepts and functionality, together with CAD model of the robot, the prototyping (hardware, control and application design) and the results from the measurements.</p

AI supported noise analyses for structure design requirements definition

The artificial intelligence (AI) field has encountered a turning point mainly due to advancements in machine learning, which allows systems to learn, improve, and perform a specific task through data without being explicitly programmed. Machine learning can be utilized with machining processes to improve product quality levels and productivity rates and to optimize design and process parameters. The systems for acoustic event detection and classification (AED/C) of noise events is a process consisted of feature extraction of the signals, meaning processing acoustic signals and converting them into symbolic descriptions that correspond to the various sound events present in the signals and their sources. The main objective of the AED/C systems is to develop algorithms able to recognize and classify sound events that occur in the chosen environment, giving an appropriate response to users. By utilizing the acoustic events detection and classification systems, a clear set of design requirements can be extracted based on the noise to be attenuated. A smart structure design for noise attenuation needs clear noise input for proper smart material choice, placement and active control. This paper shows a method for detection of noise events based on machinelearning algorithm that can be further used for definition of design requirements.Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.Transport Engineering and Logistic

Exploring the Potential of Biomass Pyrolysis for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Production: A Comparative Study of Corn Cob, Vine Rod, and Sunflower

The paper investigates the potential of biomass pyrolysis as a sustainable and renewable energy solution. The study focuses on three biomass types: corn cob, vine rod, and sunflower, which are abundant agricultural residues with potential for biofuel production. The pyrolytic gas, oil, and char produced during pyrolysis at a heating rate of 10 °C/min were analyzed. At the pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C, the corn cob showed the smallest final residual mass of 24%, while the vine rod exhibited the largest mass loss of 40%. Gas analysis revealed the concentrations of CO2, CO, H2, and CH4 in the pyrolytic gas, indicating its energy potential. Sunflower presented the largest calorific value of the produced biogas, while corn cob was the lowest. The chemical composition of the bio-oils was determined, with aliphatic acids identified as the dominant compounds, suggesting their potential for biodiesel production. Fourier Transform–Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of raw biomass and char products demonstrated varying extents of decomposition among the biomass samples. A multicriteria assessment approach was employed to evaluate the differences between the selected three biomass feedstock and determined that sunflower biomass ranked the highest among the three, although the overall difference was small, confirming the suitability of all three biomass samples for pyrolysis conversion to higher-value-added fuels

Noise exposure level detection using the Skopje.Pulse platform

The intense globalization, the dramatic increase in population and the changes in infrastructure in the large cities have caused a multitude of environmental problems and negative environmental changes in recent years. One of the most worrying problems that occurs in overcrowded and frequent metropolises is the problem of increased noise levels which can greatly affect human health. In the city of Skopje, as the capital of the Republic of North Macedonia, except for a few short-term measurements conducted by state institutions, no other measures have been taken to protect against noise pollution. This paper presents a solution for sustainable noise development and monitoring in the city of Skopje created and implemented by the software company Netcetera for the purpose of 24-hour monitoring of the level of noise in several measuring stations in the city. This concept is based on the “Internet of Things” principle, which collects noise level data via sensor network and Wi-Fi and LoRaWAN communications which are then visualized and monitored online via platform called Skopje Pulse. The first chapter of this paper presents an overview of similar software solutions and ways of collecting data and monitoring the noise level from which the development experience of Skopje Pulse was derived. Furthermore, the second chapter provides a detailed explanation of the platform, sensor network and the way of communication expressed and explained through the concept of "Internet of Things" which was used to develop this solution. The third chapter presents the sensor itself and its specifications. At the end of this paper, data from the sensor network for each day and hour during 2018 are presented, as well as their analysis that identifies the critical and most challenging months, days, and hours with increased noise levels in the City of Skopje as a capital city. Keywords: noise exposure, noise level, IoT, LoRaWAN

Analysis of noise impact in urban areas

The exposure of high level of noise in the twenty-first century causes many health problems in the urban areas, which inevitably imposes the need for effective analysis of the noise in order to reduce the noise level and protect the health of the population. One of the major health problems caused by the noise is anxiety that leads to impairment of the quality of life. The city of Skopje, as a large urban area (agglomeration), faces serious problems caused by the environmental noise, which is the reason for various health problems. This research illustrates the methodology for the noise impact analysis in ‘Debar Maalo’ neighborhood. ‘Debar Maalo’ is a neighborhood located in the city centre, surrounded with four major streets, heavy traffic and a lot of people. A survey was conducted on 93 respondents that live, work or are visitors in this area. The results show that the noise has bad influence on the population, so further steps must be taken in order to reduce the noise level in the urban area. This study is a basis for further research about the harmful effects caused by noise, and to find steps to prevent and reduce them. Keywords: environmental noise, subjective analysis, questionnair

Autonomous multifunctional vehicle with integrated bio-inspired SMA actuated grasper

The space exploration activities are merging new technologies in order to develop systems challenged to achieve capabilities for high mission experience. Inspired by the numerous applications in space exploration, with the integration of shape memory alloys (SMAs), a 3D printed continuous All Terrain Grasper Transport (AT-GT) vehicle with implemented multi-locomotion grasper was created. In order to reduce failure of the mechanical system, the vehicle is equipped with SMA suspension and SMA tensioner of a pulley system with adaptable height able to achieve movement on a given trajectory and adjust to any terrain. SMA actuators provide controllable actuation based on the simplicity of their design and the shape memory effect. By using the advantages of the origami engineering, soft robotics and smart material implementation, a bio-inspired autonomous grasper was integrated on the AT-GT, capable of leaving the vehicle, grabbing an object and bringing it back to the vehicle. The concept development, the analytical models and the prototype including the benefits of the combined work of the vehicle and the grasper are presented.Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.Transport Engineering and Logistic

Environmentally Friendly Bio-Inspired Turtle Robot

Inspired by the movement of a turtle in nature, a low-budget turtle-like robot was designed and developed to operate on natural terrain. Applying affordable additive manufacturing (3D printing) leads into creating unique 3-D structure with potential of flexibility, multi-functionality and multi-movement. By implementing solar panels, the energy from the sun is used, which makes the robot self-sustainable. The robot is controlled remotely with an android application designed for the need of this work. The bio-inspired robot can play an interesting role in real-life applications, such as monitoring in hardly accessible terrain, video and data collection for environmental friendly application, animals’ observation and others. The main application of the robot is for animal observation in the zoo, so it will often need to move across not even landscape in order to allow surveillance of that area. By implementing smart materials, the movement of the turtle can be improved. This paper presents the design concepts and functionality, together with CAD model of the robot, the prototyping (hardware, control and application design) and the results from the measurements.Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.Transport Engineering and Logistic