scholarly journals Developing a Child Friendly Text-to-Speech System

2008 ◽  
Vol 2008 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnes Jacob ◽  
P. Mythili
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Linear Prediction ◽  
Text To Speech ◽  
Opinion Score ◽  
Sufficient Degree ◽  
Child Friendly ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
Linear Prediction Coding

This paper discusses the implementation details of a child friendly, good quality, English text-to-speech (TTS) system that is phoneme-based, concatenative, easy to set up and use with little memory. Direct waveform concatenation and linear prediction coding (LPC) are used. Most existing TTS systems are unit-selection based, which use standard speech databases available in neutral adult voices. Here reduced memory is achieved by the concatenation of phonemes and by replacing phonetic wave files with their LPC coefficients. Linguistic analysis was used to reduce the algorithmic complexity instead of signal processing techniques. Sufficient degree of customization and generalization catering to the needs of the child user had been included through the provision for vocabulary and voice selection to suit the requisites of the child. Prosody had also been incorporated. This inexpensive TTS system was implemented in MATLAB, with the synthesis presented by means of a graphical user interface (GUI), thus making it child friendly. This can be used not only as an interesting language learning aid for the normal child but it also serves as a speech aid to the vocally disabled child. The quality of the synthesized speech was evaluated using the mean opinion score (MOS).

scholarly journals BBS Second Year English Course in TU for the Development of Business Communication Skills

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-93
Author(s):  
Ramji Timalsina
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Business Communication ◽  
Pedagogical Approach ◽  
Language Class ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Learning Language

Skill for effective communication is an essential quality of a business professional. A course on business communication needs to help them develop such a capacity. The course of English entitled ‘business communication’ prescribed in BBS second year in Tribhuvan University has intended to achieve this goal. On this background, this article analyses how the combination of the contents, language skills and recommended pedagogical approach of tis course is useful to achieve the intended goal of the curriculum. The study is based on Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) principles which argue that language learning should be relevant to the future career of the learners. Only such a course can encourage the learners’ involvement and makes a language class lively and goal oriented. Seen from this perspective, the course under analysis connects the value of English with professional competence with its focus on communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity of its learners. The task based learning pedagogical approach makes both the students and teachers active in the classroom and students continue learning language even beyond the classroom set up. Such a course is useful for career based studies.

scholarly journals Fixed-Location Pulse Linear Prediction Coding Vocoder Model for Low Bit Rate Speech Coding

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Ma
Keyword(s):  
Linear Prediction ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Low Bit Rate ◽  
Synthesized Speech ◽  
Analysis By Synthesis ◽  
Arbitrary Location ◽  
Linear Prediction Coding ◽  
Prediction Coding

An arbitrary-location pulse determination algorithm based on multipulse linear prediction coding (MP-LPC) is presented. This algorithm can determine all the amplitudes of the pulses at a time according to given pulse locations without the use of analysis-by-synthesis. This ensures that the pulses are optimal in a least-square sense, providing the theoretical foundation to improve the quality of synthesized speech. A fixed-location pulse linear prediction coding (FLP-LPC) method is proposed based on the arbitrary-location pulse determination algorithm. Simulation of the algorithm in MATLAB showed the superior quality of the speech synthesized using pulses in different locations and processed using the arbitrary-location pulse determination algorithm. The algorithm improved speech quality without affecting coding time, which was approximately 1.5% of the coding time for MP-LPC. Pulse locations in FLP-LPC are fixed and do not need to be transmitted, with only LSF, gain, and 16 pulse amplitudes requiring coding and transmission. FLP-LPC allows the generation of synthesized speech similar to G.729 coded speech at a rate of 2.5 kbps.

scholarly journals Assessing the quality of TTS audio in the LARA learning-by-reading platform

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Elham Akhlaghi ◽  
Anna Bączkowska ◽  
Harald Berthelsen ◽  
Branislav Bédi ◽  
Cathy Chua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Open Source ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Text To Speech ◽  
Human Voice ◽  
L2 Learning ◽  
Learning By Reading

A popular idea in Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is to use multimodal annotated texts, with annotations typically including embedded audio and translations, to support L2 learning through reading. An important question is how to create the audio, which can be done either through human recording or by a Text-To-Speech (TTS) synthesis engine. We may reasonably expect TTS to be quicker and easier, but humans to be of higher quality. Here, we report a study using the open-source LARA platform and ten languages. Samples of LARA audio totaling about three and a half minutes were provided for each language in both human and TTS form; subjects used a web form to compare different versions of the same item and rate the voices as a whole. Although human voice was more often preferred, TTS achieved higher ratings in some languages and was close in others.

STUDY OF INACCURACY IN THE OPERATION OF THE MAIN CONTROLLER OF STB MACHINE

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Normal Distribution ◽  
Stable Process ◽  
Random Errors ◽  
Actual Length ◽  
Experimental Data Processing ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Main Regulator ◽  
Transmission Gear ◽  
Selection Of

At production of fabrics, including fabrics for agricultural purpose, an important role is played by the cor-rect adjustment of operation of machine main regulator. The quality of setup of machine main controller is determined by the proper selection of rotation angle of warp beam weaving per one filling thread. In the pro-cess of using the regulator as a result of mistakes in adjustment, wear of transmission gear and backlashes in connections of details there are random changes in threads length. The purpose of the article is the research of property of random errors of basis giving by STB machine regulator. Mistakes can be both negative, and positive. In case of emergence only negative or only positive mistakes operation of the machine becomes im-possible as there will be a consecutive accumulation of mistakes. As a result of experimental data processing for stable process of weaving and the invariable diameter of basis threads winding of threads it is revealed that the random error of giving is set up as linear function of the accidental length having normal distribution. Measurements of accidental deviations in giving of a basis by the main regulator allowed to construct a curve of normal distribution of its actual length for one pass of weft thread. The presented curve of distribution of random errors in giving of a basis is the displaced curve of normal distribution of the accidental sizes. Also we define the density of probability of normal distribution of basis giving errors connected with a margin er-ror operation of the main regulator knowing of which allows to plan ways of their decrease that is important for improvement of quality of the produced fabrics.

Impact of Raw Materials and Processing Techniques on The Microbiological Quality of Egyptian Domiati Cheese

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Raw Milk ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Fresh Cheese ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Total Yeast

Domiati cheese is the most popular brand of cheese ripened in brine in the Middle East in terms of consumed quantities. This study was performed to investigate the impact of the microbiological quality of the used raw materials, the applied traditional processing techniques and ripening period on the quality and safety of the produced cheese. Three hundred random composite samples were collected from three factories at Fayoum Governorate, Egypt. Collected samples represent twenty-five each of: raw milk, table salt, calf rennet, microbial rennet, water, environmental air, whey, fresh cheese, ripened cheese & swabs from: worker hands; cheese molds and utensils; tanks. All samples were examined microbiologically for Standard Plate Count (SPC), coliforms count, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) count, total yeast & mould count, presence of E. coli, Salmonellae and Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). The mean value of SPC, coliforms, S. aureus and total yeast & mould counts ranged from (79×102 CFU/m3 for air to 13×108 CFU/g for fresh cheese), (7×102 MPN/ cm2 for tank swabs to 80×106 MPN/ml for raw milk), (9×102 CFU/g for salt to 69×106 CFU/g for fresh cheese) and (2×102 CFU/cm2 for hand swabs to 60×104 CFU/g for fresh cheese), respectively. Whereas, E. coli, Salmonella and L. monocytogenes failed to be detected in all examined samples. There were significant differences in all determined microbiological parameters (p ≤0.05) between fresh and ripened cheese which may be attributed to different adverse conditions such as water activity, pH, salt content and temperature carried out to improve the quality of the product.

The Rotterdam Initiative in Reducing Waste Discharges at Source

1991 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 171-177
Author(s):  
T. Vellinga ◽  
J. P. J. Nijssen
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Detailed Balance ◽  
River Rhine ◽  
The North ◽  
Complementary Role ◽  
Action Programme ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
Set Up

Much of the material dredged from the port of Rotterdam is contaminated to such a degree that it must be placed in specially constructed sites. The aim of Rotterdam is to ensure that the dredged material will once again be clean. This will entail the thorough cleansing of the sources of the contamination of the sediment in the harbours and in the River Rhine. The Rotterdam Rhine Research Project (RRP) is one of the means to achieve this based on: technical research, legal research, public relations and dialogues with dischargers. The programme for five selected heavy metals is almost complete. For many heavy metal discharge points between Rotterdam and Rheinfelden, a specially devised independent load assessment has been carried out four times. Balance studies were used to determine the relative contributions of the point discharges to the total. Currently the results are being used in an attempt to negotiate agreements with a selected number of the major dischargers. At present, more detailed balance studies are being set up and exploratory measurements carried out for organic micropollutants. It may be concluded that the research is progressing successfully and methods and techniques developed seem satisfactory and broadly applicable. The Rhine Action Programme encompasses an international effort to improve the quality of the Rhine water. Although the RRP plays a modest complementary role to the Rhine Action Plan, there is no doubt of the value of this Rotterdam initiative. The mode of work followed in the RRP contains elements that can be of use in combatting the contamination of the North Sea by rivers other than the Rhine.

What Advantages Can Be Expected from the Acceptance of Variable Quality Standards for Sewage Treatment Effluents?

1988 ◽  
Vol 20 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 249-251
Author(s):  
Jacques Bernard
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Sewage Treatment ◽  
Quality Standards ◽  
Quality Level ◽  
Environment Protection ◽  
Economical Benefit ◽  
Quality Objective ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Variable Quality

The flow and the water quality of the rivers vary throughout the year. Very frequently the environment protection authorities set up a quality objective for the river water and this mini mum quality level is constant. So, it wou1d seem possible to accept variable quality standards for plant effluents. A first approach of the problem,by a small French task group,based on three actual cases leads to the provisory conclusion that such a regulation is suitable and presents economical benefit only in some very limit ed cases.

New Monitoring Strategy for the Quality Control in the Processing Practice of Scutellariae Radix

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-311
Author(s):  
Qi Huang ◽  
Chunsong Cheng ◽  
Lili Li ◽  
Daiyin Peng ◽  
Cun Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Monitoring Strategy ◽  
Scutellariae Radix ◽  
Chromatographic Fingerprints ◽  
New Strategy ◽  
Processed Products ◽  
Main Components ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
Multivariate Monitoring

Background: Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin) is commonly processed into 3 products for different clinical applications. However, a simple analytical method for quality control has rarely been reported to quickly estimate the degree of processing Huangqin or distinguish differently processed products or unqualified Huangqin products. Objective: To study a new strategy for quality control in the processing practice of Huangqin. Methods: Seven kinds of flavonoids that mainly exist in Huangqin were determined by HPLC-DAD. Chromatographic fingerprints were established to study the variation and discipline of the 3 processed products of Huangqin. PCA and OPLS-DA were used to classify differently processed products of Huangqin. Results: The results showed that baicalin and wogonoside were the main components in the crude and the alcohol Huangqin herb while baicalein and wogonin mainly existed in carbonized Huangqin. The results of mathematical statistics revealed that the processing techniques can make the quality of medicinal materials more uniform. Conclusion: This multivariate monitoring strategy is suitable for quality control in the processing of Huangqin.

DRUG REGULATORY PROCEDURES IN TANZANIA: A GLIMPSE

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Achin Jain ◽  
M P Venkatesh M P ◽  
Pramod T.M. Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Medical Devices ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Well Being ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Regulatory Body ◽  
Herbal Drugs ◽  
Drug Products ◽  
Set Up

In Tanzania, Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA), is a regulatory body responsible for controlling the quality,safety and effectiveness of food, drugs, herbal drugs, cosmetics and medical devices. The Authority has been ensuringsafety, efficacy and quality of medicines by quality control tests; in addition to other quality assessment mechanisms.The guidelines laid by TFDA have also emanated from commitment to democracy and gives strong emphasis to thefulfilment of the needs of the less privileged rural population.Tanzania is an emerging market; the pharmaceutical market is valued at over US$250 million, and is growing at anannual rate of around 16.5% and is expected to reach approximately US$550 billion in 2020. Currently, the market ishighly dependent on imports, which account for around 75% of the total pharmaceutical market.The procedures and approval requirements of new drugs, variations, import, export and disposal have been set up bythe TFDA, which help in maintaining quality of the drug products that are imported as well being produced locally 

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