Audio-visual speech recognition with background music using single-channel source separation

In this paper, we consider audio-visual speech recognition with background music. The proposed algorithm is an integration of audio-visual speech recognition and single channel source separation (SCSS). We apply the proposed algorithm to recognize spoken speech that is mixed with music signals. First, the SCSS algorithm based on nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) and spectral masks is used to separate the audio speech signal from the background music in magnitude spectral domain. After speech audio is separated from music, regular audio-visual speech recognition (AVSR) is employed using multi-stream hidden Markov models. Employing two approaches together, we try to improve recognition accuracy by both processing the audio signal with SCSS and supporting the recognition task with visual information. Experimental results show that combining audio-visual speech recognition with source separation gives remarkable improvements in the accuracy of the speech recognition system

(R1519) On Some Geometric Properties of Non-null Curves via its Position Vectors in \mathbb{R}_1^3

In this work, the geometric properties of non-null curves lying completely on spacelike surface via its position vectors in the dimensional Minkowski 3-space \mathbb{R}_1^3 are studied. Also, we give a few portrayals for the spacelike curves which lie on certain subspaces of \mathbb{R}_1^3. Finally, we present an application to demonstrate our insights

Optimization of Lipid Extraction From Municipal Scum Sludge for Biodiesel Production Using Statistical Approach

Design of Experiment (DoE) as a statistical method was applied for optimizing lipid extraction conditions from scum sludge. Four different extraction variables were optimized namely methanol to hexane ratio (%), solvent to sludge ratio (ml/g), temperature (oC), and extraction time (h). Process optimization was conducted through three main steps: 1) 2k factorial screening design; 2) Steepest ascent method; and 3) Box-Behnken design and response surface method. Based on 2k factorial screening design, methanol to hexane ratio, solvent to sludge ratio and temperature were identified as highly significant variables affecting lipid extraction from scum sludge. Based on screening results, the steepest ascent method was used followed by Box-Behnken design and Response Surface Method (RSM) were then applied for optimization. The maximum extracted lipid of 29.4% (wt lipid/wt dry sludge- %) was achieved at 40% methanol to hexane ratio (%), 40 solvent to sludge ratio (ml/g), 90oC and 6 hours extraction time. The results revealed that lipid extraction increases with reducing the methanol to hexane ratio, increasing solvent to sludge ratio and increasing temperature The results demonstrated the potentiality of scum sludge for biodiesel production from scum sludge compared with the amount of lipid extracted from primary and secondary sludge reported by other studies.Article History: Received Feb 16th 2017; Received in revised form May 5th 2017; Accepted June 4th 2017; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Ibrahim, S.N.H, and Hamza, E.A. (2017). Optimization of Lipid Extraction from Municipal Scum Sludge for Biodiesel Production Using Statistical Approach. International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 6(2), 171-179.https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.6.2.171-17

Comparing traditional estimators and the estimators of (PSO) algorithm for some growth models of gross domestic product in Iraq

Growth models are considered to be one of the most important statistical means that is widely used in the study of the behaviors of different phenomena throughout time, and the estimation of the parameters of these models is considered to be the key element that plays a major role in the inference about these models. In this paper, this problem will be discussed briefly. The aim of the paper is to compare the estimators of some traditional methods and the estimators of the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm for estimating the parameters of some growth models as well as building the best growth model for the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Iraq. The growth models that are used in this paper will include three linear models which are Polynomials of order (1, 3, and 5) as well as three nonlinear models which are (The Logistic Model, The Gompertz Model, and The Richards Model). It was concluded that the (PSO) algorithm was better than the traditional methods in estimating the parameters of the growth models, also the fifth degree polynomial was the best model to describe the (GDP) data in Iraq

Stakeholder Management: An Insightful Overview of Issues

This paper attempts to contribute towards investigating the existing literature base of stakeholder management (SM), provide a compilation, and define any gaps in this area. Besides, explore different groups of critical success factors (CSFs) and grouping these actors. This study is based on reviewing the literature. Therefore, more than a hundred research papers were searched by the key terms specified in a preceding literature review. Succeeding tours of abstract research surveys resulted in forty-two research papers being picked for the compilation. SM constructs were identified, and the following crucial analysis defined the literature base gaps. The most notable outcomes are the absence of research that has studied BIM-based stakeholder management, especially in mega projects. Additionally, further investigations are still required to study the SM influence throughout the different stages of the project life cycle and study the impact of project type and contract type in SM. However, there is still considerable debate about the SM nature and merits approach. This study presents a comprehensive gathering of all earlier identified SM processes through a structured approach. Additionally, a more realistic and practical methodology for the development and implementation of SM will emerge, and twenty-seven CSFs associated with SM in construction projects are identified. The study is expected to have a theoretical contribution to this subject, especially in the context of the Qatari construction industry

Assessment of Response Strategy in Mega Construction Projects

"Mega Construction Projects (MCPs) that are executed unavoidably face several of the organizational challenges and pressures. Due to the stakeholder pressures in the execution of MCPs, organizations may adopt various strategic responses. Purpose – The objective of this paper is to investigate the common response strategies (RSs) applied in MCPs in the State of Qatar, in addition to overcoming the construction problems and enhance performance during the construction stage. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey is carried out among the most important firms in construction industry in Qatar. Three steps are used to finalize and evaluate the questionnaire before proceeding with the full survey, validity, pre-testing and pilot study. Quantitative data analysis is carried through the Statistical Package for Social Science software (SPSS). Findings – Results define and demonstrate five different types of RSs. They are ranging from passive to active strategies determined by project organization. The RSs include: adaptation strategy, avoidance strategy, compromising strategy, dismissal strategy, and influence strategy. Originality/value – This paper identifies and evaluates the RSs in MCPs that could potentially improve project team more efficiently and effectively.