Chimpanzee vowel-like sounds and voice quality suggest formant space expansion through the hominoid lineage

The origins of human speech are obscure; it is still unclear what aspects are unique to our species or shared with our evolutionary cousins, in part due to a lack of a common framework for comparison. We asked what chimpanzee and human vocal production acoustics have in common. We examined visible supra-laryngeal articulators of four major chimpanzee vocalizations (hoos, grunts, barks, screams) and their associated acoustic structures, using techniques from human phonetic and animal communication analysis. Data were collected from wild adult chimpanzees, Taï National Park, Ivory Coast. Both discriminant and principal component classification procedures revealed classification of call types. Discriminating acoustic features include voice quality and formant structure, mirroring phonetic features in human speech. Chimpanzee lip and jaw articulation variables also offered similar discrimination of call types. Formant maps distinguished call types with different vowel-like sounds. Comparing our results with published primate data, humans show less F1–F2 correlation and further expansion of the vowel space, particularly for [i] sounds. Unlike recent studies suggesting monkeys achieve human vowel space, we conclude from our results that supra-laryngeal articulatory capacities show moderate evolutionary change, with vowel space expansion continuing through hominoid evolution. Studies on more primate species will be required to substantiate this. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Voice modulation: from origin and mechanism to social impact (Part II)’.

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Assessing Global Needs When Identifying Potential Engineering for Global Development Projects

Journal of Mechanical Design ◽

10.1115/1.4052223 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 144 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Christopher S. Mabey ◽

Christopher A. Mattson ◽

Eric C. Dahlin

Keyword(s):

Foreign Aid ◽

Personal Experience ◽

Social Impact ◽

Principal Component ◽

Development Projects ◽

Global Development ◽

Human Need ◽

Per Capita ◽

Technological Achievement ◽

Key Questions

Abstract With limited time and resources available to carry out Engineering for Global Development (EGD) projects, it can be difficult to know where those resources should be allocated to have greater potential for meaningful impact. It is easy to assume that projects should occur in a particular location based on personal experience or where other development projects are taking place. This can be a consideration, but it may not lead to the greatest social impact. Where to work on a project and what problem to work on are key questions in the early stages of product development in the context of EGD. To aid in this process, this article presents a method for assessing global needs to ensure thoughtful use of limited EGD resources. We introduce a method for identifying locations where there is human need, gaps in technological achievement, and what the work environment is in a country. Results of the method are compared to what countries receive the most foreign aid dollars per capita. Measures were calculated using the principal component analysis on data from development agencies. These results can help practitioners in selecting where to undertake development projects with an eye toward targeting locations that may yield high levels of social impact.

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Development of a Biosensory Computer Application to Assess Physiological and Emotional Responses from Sensory Panelists

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s18092958 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 2958 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Sigfredo Fuentes ◽

Claudia Gonzalez Viejo ◽

Damir Torrico ◽

Frank Dunshea

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Sensory Evaluation ◽

Facial Expressions ◽

Principal Component ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Integrated System ◽

Computer Application ◽

Camera System ◽

Reported Data ◽

Convenient Technique

In sensory evaluation, there have been many attempts to obtain responses from the autonomic nervous system (ANS) by analyzing heart rate, body temperature, and facial expressions. However, the methods involved tend to be intrusive, which interfere with the consumers’ responses as they are more aware of the measurements. Furthermore, the existing methods to measure different ANS responses are not synchronized among them as they are measured independently. This paper discusses the development of an integrated camera system paired with an Android PC application to assess sensory evaluation and biometric responses simultaneously in the Cloud, such as heart rate, blood pressure, facial expressions, and skin-temperature changes using video and thermal images acquired by the integrated system and analyzed through computer vision algorithms written in Matlab®, and FaceReaderTM. All results can be analyzed through customized codes for multivariate data analysis, based on principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Data collected can be also used for machine-learning modeling based on biometrics as inputs and self-reported data as targets. Based on previous studies using this integrated camera and analysis system, it has shown to be a reliable, accurate, and convenient technique to complement the traditional sensory analysis of both food and nonfood products to obtain more information from consumers and/or trained panelists.

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Associations Between Speaking Fundamental Frequency, Vowel Formant Frequencies, and Listener Perceptions of Speaker Gender and Vocal Femininity–Masculinity

Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research ◽

10.1044/2021_jslhr-20-00747 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-23

Author(s):

Yeptain Leung ◽

Jennifer Oates ◽

Siew-Pang Chan ◽

Viktória Papp

Keyword(s):

Fundamental Frequency ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Model Building ◽

Principal Component ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Formant Frequencies ◽

Vowel Formant ◽

Vowel Space ◽

Australian English ◽

Speaking Fundamental Frequency

Purpose The aim of the study was to examine associations between speaking fundamental frequency ( f os ), vowel formant frequencies ( F ), listener perceptions of speaker gender, and vocal femininity–masculinity. Method An exploratory study was undertaken to examine associations between f os , F 1 – F 3 , listener perceptions of speaker gender (nominal scale), and vocal femininity–masculinity (visual analog scale). For 379 speakers of Australian English aged 18–60 years, f os mode and F 1 – F 3 (12 monophthongs; total of 36 F s) were analyzed on a standard reading passage. Seventeen listeners rated speaker gender and vocal femininity–masculinity on randomized audio recordings of these speakers. Results Model building using principal component analysis suggested the 36 F s could be succinctly reduced to seven principal components (PCs). Generalized structural equation modeling (with the seven PCs of F and f os as predictors) suggested that only F 2 and f os predicted listener perceptions of speaker gender (male, female, unable to decide). However, listener perceptions of vocal femininity–masculinity behaved differently and were predicted by F 1 , F 3 , and the contrast between monophthongs at the extremities of the F 1 acoustic vowel space, in addition to F 2 and f os . Furthermore, listeners' perceptions of speaker gender also influenced ratings of vocal femininity–masculinity substantially. Conclusion Adjusted odds ratios highlighted the substantially larger contribution of F to listener perceptions of speaker gender and vocal femininity–masculinity relative to f os than has previously been reported.

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Validation of the Spanish adaptation of the School Atitude Assessment Survey-Revised using multidimensional Rasch analysis

Anales de Psicología ◽

10.6018/analesps.33.1.235271 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (1) ◽

pp. 74 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alejandro Veas ◽

Juan Luis Castejón ◽

Raquel Gilar ◽

Pablo Miñano

Keyword(s):

Rasch Model ◽

Rasch Analysis ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Item Difficulty ◽

Classical Test Theory ◽

Latent Trait ◽

Principal Component ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Test Theory ◽

Assessment Survey

<p>The School Attitude Assessment Survey-Revised (SAAS-R) was developed by McCoach & Siegle (2003b) and validated in Spain by Author (2014) using Classical Test Theory. The objective of the current research is to validate SAAS-R using multidimensional Rasch analysis. Data were collected from 1398 students attending different high schools. Principal Component Analysis supported the multidimensional SAAS-R. The item difficulty and person ability were calibrated along the same latent trait scale. 10 items were removed from the scale due to misfit with the Rasch model. Differential Item Functioning revealed no significant differences across gender for the remaining 25 items. The 7-category rating scale structure did not function well, and the subscale goal valuation obtained low reliability values. The multidimensional Rasch model supported 25 item-scale SAAS-R measures from five latent factors. Therefore, the advantages of multidimensional Rasch analysis are demonstrated in this study.</p>

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Research on children’s air purifier based on Emotional design

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/202017902051 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 179 ◽

pp. 02051

Author(s):

Jiawei Liu ◽

Dongming Ma ◽

Hao Qian

Keyword(s):

Principal Component ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Emotional Design ◽

Analysis Method ◽

Perceptual Evaluation ◽

Semantic Difference ◽

Demand Models ◽

Air Purifier ◽

User Demand ◽

Spss Software

The purpose of this article is to explore new functions and experience methods for children’s air purifiers based on the theory of emotional design. The research method is, first, to collect perceptual vocabulary and typical samples, and use the semantic difference method to build a perceptual evaluation table. Secondly, the analysis data is imported into SPSS software for factor analysis and principal component analysis. Establish user demand models for children’s air purifiers through user interviews. Finally, using the hierarchical analysis method to get the three elements of design: shape, function, experience, and then use the three elements of design to guide practice. The significance of the research lies in the use of emotional design methods, which provide new solutions for communication between parents, children and purifiers.

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Toward Sustainable Ferry Routes in Korea: Analysis of Operational Efficiency Considering Passenger Mobility Burdens

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12218819 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (21) ◽

pp. 8819

Author(s):

Thi Quynh Mai Pham ◽

Gunwoo Lee ◽

Hwayoung Kim

Keyword(s):

High Efficiency ◽

Principal Component ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Operational Efficiency ◽

Vital Role ◽

Maritime Transportation ◽

Data Envelopment ◽

Fuzzy C Means Clustering ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

With its long coastline, and numerous inlets and offshore islands, coastal ferry industries play a vital role in Korean maritime transportation. This study focuses on the southwestern part of Korea, Mokpo (which has the most inhabited islands and the highest proportion of elderly island residents), and aims to evaluate the impact of passengers’ mobility burdens on the efficiency of ferry routes to achieve a better service for passengers. Integrated principal component analysis–data envelopment analysis and a fuzzy C-means clustering method were applied to analyze the efficiency of ferry routes in the Mokpo area. The efficiency results indicate that longer routes do not always achieve high-efficiency scores. The proportion of general passengers appears to influence the efficiency improvements of both general and subsidiary ferry routes. These findings can assist in better comprehending the relationship between passengers’ mobility burdens and ferry route efficiencies; this will enable the authorities and ferry management departments to develop appropriate policies and strategies and to reconstruct certain features of the inefficient routes, thereby increasing operational efficiency, reducing mobility burdens, and improving the convenience of ferry travel and sustainability of Korean passenger routes.

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Patterns of evolution in human speech processing and animal communication

Behavioral and Brain Sciences ◽

10.1017/s0140525x98481172 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 282-283

Author(s):

Michael J. Ryan ◽

Nicole M. Kime ◽

Gil G. Rosenthal

Keyword(s):

Sexual Selection ◽

Speech Processing ◽

Communication Systems ◽

Animal Communication ◽

Low Noise ◽

Communication Signals ◽

Human Speech ◽

Strong Selection ◽

Processing Data ◽

Receiver System

We consider Sussman et al.'s suggestion that auditory biases for processing low-noise relationships among pairs of acoustic variables is a preadaptation for human speech processing. Data from other animal communication systems, especially those involving sexual selection, also suggest that neural biases in the receiver system can generate strong selection on the form of communication signals.

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Divergent acoustic properties of gelada and baboon vocalizations and their implications for the evolution of human speech

Journal of Language Evolution ◽

10.1093/jole/lzx015 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 20-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Morgan L. Gustison ◽

Thore J. Bergman

Keyword(s):

Acoustic Properties ◽

Cycle Duration ◽

Speech Rhythm ◽

Call Type ◽

Human Speech ◽

Temporal Properties ◽

Temporal Features ◽

Vowel Space ◽

Speech Evolution ◽

Number Of Cycles

Abstract Human speech has many complex spectral and temporal features traditionally thought to be absent in the vocalizations of other primates. Recent explorations of the vocal capabilities of non-human primates are challenging this view. Here, we continue this trend by exploring the spectro-temporal properties of gelada (Theropithecus gelada) vocalizations. First, we made cross-species comparisons of geladas, chacma baboons, and human vowel space area. We found that adult male and female gelada exhaled grunts–a call type shared with baboons—have formant profiles that overlap more with human vowel space than do baboon grunts. These gelada grunts also contained more modulation of fundamental and formant frequencies than did baboon grunts. Second, we compared formant profiles and modulation of exhaled grunts to the derived call types (those not shared with baboons) produced by gelada males. These derived calls contained divergent formant profiles, and a subset of them, notably wobbles and vocalized yawns, were more modulated than grunts. Third, we investigated the rhythmic patterns of wobbles, a call type shown previously to contain cycles that match the 3–8 Hz tempo of speech. We use a larger dataset to show that the wobble rhythm overlaps more with speech rhythm than previously thought. We also found that variation in cycle duration depends on the production modality; specifically, exhaled wobbles were produced at a slower tempo than inhaled wobbles. Moreover, the variability in cycle duration within wobbles aligns with a linguistic property known as ‘Menzerath’s law’ in that there was a negative association between cycle duration and wobble size (i.e. the number of cycles). Taken together, our results add to growing evidence that non-human primates are anatomically capable of producing modulated sounds. Our results also support and expand on current hypotheses of speech evolution, including the ‘neural hypothesis’ and the ‘bimodal speech rhythm hypothesis’.

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Singular Value Decomposition and Ligand Binding Analysis

Journal of Spectroscopy ◽

10.1155/2013/372596 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

André Luiz Galo ◽

Márcio Francisco Colombo

Keyword(s):

Data Analysis ◽

Ligand Binding ◽

Principal Component ◽

Singular Values ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Binding Characteristics ◽

Nonlinear Fitting ◽

Svd Analysis ◽

Binding Analysis ◽

Value Decomposition

Singular values decomposition (SVD) is one of the most important computations in linear algebra because of its vast application for data analysis. It is particularly useful for resolving problems involving least-squares minimization, the determination of matrix rank, and the solution of certain problems involving Euclidean norms. Such problems arise in the spectral analysis of ligand binding to macromolecule. Here, we present a spectral data analysis method using SVD (SVD analysis) and nonlinear fitting to determine the binding characteristics of intercalating drugs to DNA. This methodology reduces noise and identifies distinct spectral species similar to traditional principal component analysis as well as fitting nonlinear binding parameters. We applied SVD analysis to investigate the interaction of actinomycin D and daunomycin with native DNA. This methodology does not require prior knowledge of ligand molar extinction coefficients (free and bound), which potentially limits binding analysis. Data are acquired simply by reconstructing the experimental data and by adjusting the product of deconvoluted matrices and the matrix of model coefficients determined by the Scatchard and McGee and von Hippel equation.

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Principal component analysis of conformation traits in Hungarian Simmental cows

Czech Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.17221/155/2020-cjas ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 66 (No. 2) ◽

pp. 39-45

Author(s):

Evelin Török ◽

István Komlósi ◽

Béla Béri ◽

Imre Füller ◽

Barnabás Vágó ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Principal Component Analysis ◽

Cluster Analysis ◽

Principal Component ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Component Analysis ◽

Linear Type ◽

Dual Purpose ◽

Type Traits ◽

And Cluster Analysis ◽

Trait Groups

The aim of the current research was to analyze the linear type traits of Hungarian Simmental dual-purpose cows scored in the first lactation using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Data collected by the Association of Hungarian Simmental Breeders were studied during the work. The filtered database contained the results of 8 868 cows, born after 1997. From the evaluation of main conformation traits, the highest correlations (r = 0.35, P < 0.05) were found between mammary system and feet and legs traits. Within linear type traits, the highest correlation was observed between rump length and rump width (r = 0.81, P < 0.05). Using the principal component analysis, main conformation traits were combined into groups. There were three factors having 84.5 as total variance ratio after varimax rotation. Cluster analysis verified the results of the principal component analysis as most of the trait groups were similar. The strongest relationship was observed between feet and legs and mammary system (main conformation traits) and between rump length and rump width (linear type traits).

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