Visual and Auditory Characteristics of Talkers in Multimodal Integration

3rd place at 2009 Denman Undergraduate Research ForumIn perceiving speech, there are three different elements of the interaction that can affect how the signal is interpreted: the talker, the signal (both the visual and auditory) and the listener. Each of these elements inherently contains substantial variability, which will, in turn, affect the audio-visual speech percept. Since the work of McGurk in the 1960s, which showed that speech perception is a multimodal process that incorporates both auditory and visual cues, there have been numerous investigations on the impact of these elements on multimodal integration of speech. The impact of talker characteristics on audio-visual integration has received the least amount of attention to date. A recent study by Andrews (2007) provided an initial look at talker characteristics. In her study, audiovisual integration produced by 14 talkers was examined, and substantial differences across talkers were found in both auditory and audiovisual intelligibility. However, talker characteristics that promoted audiovisual integration were not specifically identified. The present study began to address this question by analyzing audiovisual integration performance using two types of reduced-information speech syllables produced by five talkers. In one reduction, fine-structure information was replaced with band-limited noise but the temporal envelope was retained, and in the other, the syllables were reduced to a set of three sine waves that followed the formant structure of the syllable (sine-wave speech). Syllables were presented under audio-visual conditions to 10 listeners. Results indicated substantial across-talker differences, with the pattern of talker differences not affected by the type of reduction of the auditory signal. Analysis of confusion matrices provided directions for further analysis of specific auditory and visual speech tokens.College of the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate ScholarshipSocial and Behavioral Sciences Undergraduate Research ScholarshipNo embarg

The Texas Spoofing Test Battery: Toward a Standard for Evaluating GPS Signal Authentication Techniques

A battery of recorded spoofing scenarios has been compiled for evaluating civil Global Positioning System (GPS) signal authentication techniques. The battery can be considered the data component of an evolving standard meant to define the notion of spoof resistance for commercial GPS receivers. The setup used to record the scenarios is described. A detailed description of each scenario reveals readily detectable anomalies that spoofing detectors could target to improve GPS securityAerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanic

A Testbed for Developing and Evaluating GNSS Signal Authentication Techniques

An experimental testbed has been created for developing and evaluating Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal authentication techniques. The testbed advances the state of the art in GNSS signal authentication by subjecting candidate techniques to the strongest publicly-acknowledged GNSS spoofing attacks. The testbed consists of a real-time phase-coherent GNSS signal simulator that acts as spoofer, a real-time softwaredefined GNSS receiver that plays the role of defender, and post-processing versions of both the spoofer and defender. Two recently-proposed authentication techniques are analytically and experimentally evaluated: (1) a defense based on anomalous received power in a GNSS band, and (2) a cryptographic defense against estimation-and-replay-type spoofing attacks. The evaluation reveals weaknesses in both techniques; nonetheless, both significantly complicate a successful GNSS spoofing attackAerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanic

A Controlled Study on Evaluation of Thermal Stimulation Influence on Affective Measures of Uninformed Individuals

Although the relationship between temperature and emotional states has been investigated in the field of haptics, it remains unknown if, or in what direction, temperature affects emotional states. We approach this question at the intersection of haptics and psychology using a custom-built thermal device and emotional responses based on photos from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) library. Unlike past research, this study incorporates deception and a control (i.e., neutral temperature) condition. One hundred and twenty naive subjects reported their emotional responses to fifty-six images varying on normative arousal and valence ratings while being exposed to a cool~(30{\deg}C), neutral (33{\deg}C), or warm (36{\deg}C) temperature applied to the upper back. Participants exposed to warm temperatures reported higher arousal ratings in some image categories than participants exposed to neutral or cool temperatures. Valence ratings were decreased in warm conditions compared to neutral conditions. The emotion wheel was used as a complementary method of affective response measurement, and exploratory analysis methods were implemented. Although the valence and arousal showed statistical significance, the emotion wheel results did not demonstrate any significant differences between the temperature conditions

Clustered engine study

Several topics are presented in viewgraph form which together encompass the preliminary assessment of nuclear thermal rocket engine clustering. The study objectives, schedule, flow, and groundrules are covered. This is followed by the NASA groundrules mission and our interpretation of the associated operational scenario. The NASA reference vehicle is illustrated, then the four propulsion system options are examined. Each propulsion system's preliminary design, fluid systems, operating characteristics, thrust structure, dimensions, and mass properties are detailed as well as the associated key propulsion system/vehicle interfaces. A brief series of systems analysis is also covered including: thrust vector control requirements, engine out possibilities, propulsion system failure modes, surviving system requirements, and technology requirements. An assessment of vehicle/propulsion system impacts due to the lessons learned are presented

Quantifying predator dependence in the functional response of generalist predators

A long-standing debate concerns how functional responses are best described. Theory suggests that ratio dependence is consistent with many food web patterns left unexplained by the simplest prey-dependent models. However, for logistical reasons, ratio dependence and predator dependence more generally have seen infrequent empirical evaluation and then only so in specialist predators, which are rare in nature. Here we develop an approach to simultaneously estimate the prey-specific attack rates and predator-specific interference (facilitation) rates of predators interacting with arbitrary numbers of prey and predator species in the field. We apply the approach to surveys and experiments involving two intertidal whelks and their full suite of potential prey. Our study provides strong evidence for predator dependence that is poorly described by the ratio dependent model over manipulated and natural ranges of species abundances. It also indicates how, for generalist predators, even the qualitative nature of predator dependence can be prey-specific

Physicochemical implications of cyanobacteria oxidation with Fe(VI)

Increases in harmful algal blooms has negatively impacted many surface-sourced drinking water utilities. To control these blooms, many water utilities implement pre-oxidation with ozone, chlorine, or permanganate; however, pre-oxidation of algae has both positive and negative water quality outcomes. This study investigated ferrate (Fe(VI)) as an alternative oxidant by measuring its effect on cell lysing, surface characteristics, and coagulation in waters containing the cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa. Bench scale studies were conducted to examine the complex combination of processes in a Fe(VI)-algae system. These processes were characterized by fluorescence index, surface charge, collision frequency modeling, particle counts and sphericity, total nitrogen, and ferrate decomposition measurements. Results showed that Fe(VI) lysed algal cells, but further oxidation of released organic matter is possible. The presence of algae did not significantly impact the rate of Fe(VI) decomposition. Fe(VI) pre-oxidation may also be capable of decreasing the formation of nitrogenated disinfection byproducts through subsequent oxidation of released nitrogen rich organic matter. Streaming current and zeta potential results indicate destabilization of the resulting algae and iron suspension was incomplete under most conditions. Particle collision frequency modeling indicates fluid shear to be an important aggregation mechanism of the resulting suspension. Overall, Fe(VI) is a viable alternative to other strong oxidants for water utilities struggling with harmful algal blooms, but the final fate of the resulting organic matter must be further studied

Envisioning the South End of Tomorrow: Live, Work and Recreate in a Transforming Neighborhood

ENVISIONING THE SOUTH END OF TOMORROW – Live, Work and Recreate in a Transforming Neighborhood Background and Challenges Downtown Springfield is currently undergoing a substantial change of the physical urban fabric. The most visible examples are the construction of the MGM Casino Resort and the renovated Union Station into a multimodal transportation hub. The MGM Casino Resort is the first one in the country that is integrated in a core downtown area. It is obvious that downtown and its adjacent districts will change substantially. How can different uses next to each other coexist productively or can negative influences be being mitigated? How can people that live in the South End benefit from urban development? Will their neighborhood become a healthier, more beautiful and more social place? How can the South End maintain its diversity while obtaining more space for expressing culture in a positive way? Method This design studio was a community service learning experience with goals and objectives that derived from informal interviews with people on the streets, stakeholder meetings, personal observations, sketching and case study research. The design solutions can be synthesized with these recommendations: Project Goals: • Create a multi-scalar greenway system for the whole neighborhood that creates a network of green squares and green streets. • Plant big street trees throughout the neighborhood to filter air and make the streets more walkable. • Create a system small places to sit and gather. • Redesign residential streets that prioritizes bicycle and foot traffic. • Create pedestrian crossings for Main Street and East Columbus Avenue to slow traffic down. • Design East and West Columbus Avenue as pedestrian-and bicycle-friendly corridors through a road diet and speed reduction. • Foster Connections underneath I-91 and across the Railroad to engage the Connecticut River and the Riverfront Park. • Create infill development on Main Street that supports local commerce and services. • Use vacant lots in the neighborhood for new housing that is green, innovative and attractive for diverse demographics. • Reduce the impact of stormwater runoff through swales along streets and underused land. • Address the diversity in the neighborhood and embrace the diversity of cultures through visual and performative art and ethnic food. Project Significance: This studio will advise the City of Springfield mitigating the impact of the casino through the media of Landscape Architecture

Feasibility study 30 watts per pound roll-up solar array Final report

Design, construction, and testing of preliminary 30 watts per pound roll-up solar arra

Rapidly Changing Range Limits in a Warming World: Critical Data Limitations and Knowledge Gaps for Advancing Understanding of Mangrove Range Dynamics in the Southeastern USA

Climate change is altering species’ range limits and transforming ecosystems. For example, warming temperatures are leading to the range expansion of tropical, cold-sensitive species at the expense of their cold-tolerant counterparts. In some temperate and subtropical coastal wetlands, warming winters are enabling mangrove forest encroachment into salt marsh, which is a major regime shift that has significant ecological and societal ramifications. Here, we synthesized existing data and expert knowledge to assess the distribution of mangroves near rapidly changing range limits in the southeastern USA. We used expert elicitation to identify data limitations and highlight knowledge gaps for advancing understanding of past, current, and future range dynamics. Mangroves near poleward range limits are often shorter, wider, and more shrublike compared to their tropical counterparts that grow as tall forests in freeze-free, resource-rich environments. The northern range limits of mangroves in the southeastern USA are particularly dynamic and climate sensitive due to abundance of suitable coastal wetland habitat and the exposure of mangroves to winter temperature extremes that are much colder than comparable range limits on other continents. Thus, there is need for methodological refinements and improved spatiotemporal data regarding changes in mangrove structure and abundance near northern range limits in the southeastern USA. Advancing understanding of rapidly changing range limits is critical for foundation plant species such as mangroves, as it provides a basis for anticipating and preparing for the cascading effects of climate-induced species redistribution on ecosystems and the human communities that depend on their ecosystem services