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Analysis and reconstruction of distorted speech using deep learning
No full textCommunication through whispering is essential for individuals who have undergone laryngectomy, a surgical procedure involving removing part or all of the vocal box. Whispering is unique due to its absence of fundamental frequency (pitch) and can be considered as an alternative mode of communication for laryngectomy patients. While it is generally a quiet form of communication in healthy people, it often results in a hushed (and sometimes unintelligible) speech in laryngectomised individuals, necessitating the use of prosthetics or specialised treatments. Current prosthetic solutions have inherent limitations. The medical treatments pose a risk of getting infections after surgery, and the generated speech by prosthetics sounds mechanical, following these computational methods developed. Some state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms have been developed in computational methods to generate natural-sounding speech. However, they were focused on reconstructing whispered to normal speech, not on laryngectomised or distorted speech.
This thesis focuses on analysing these Deep Learning algorithms using objective evaluation metrics and aims to apply these existing algorithms to a laryngectomised dataset for the first time in literature. We discuss the results of these evaluations and perform a comparative analysis between the models.
We are starting our analysis with GAN-based models. Following this, we are moving to WESPER, a prediction-based model. Lastly, we are going to analyse the voice conversion-based models developed to convert speech from one speaker style to another and translate one language into another.
Our initial analysis comprises 198 tests on 11 models and 6 objective evaluation metrics. This evaluation is going to be done on the testing dataset, which has three patient categories, namely Partial Laryngectomy (PL), Total Laryngectomy (TL), and Total Laryngectomy with Trachea Esophageal Puncture(TLTEP).
Based on the results of such evaluation, I propose modifications to the architecture of five GAN-based models. I particularly adjust the the models and loss functions to improve the outcome for laryngectomy patients. In addition, they are cross-compatible with each other and propose a total of 25 models. For a better understanding of the features of laryngectomised speech, we are including the laryngectomised dataset combined with the wTIMIT dataset in the training process. Using the same set of objective evaluation metrics, these proposed models demonstrate a better denoising effect in reconstructed speech, spectral features, and intelligibility than the existing models
Addressing gender pay gap and gender pay equity in the Future of Work
No full textNowadays, to remain competitive businesses are pressured to embrace transformations. These changes are called the Future of Work (FOW), and focus on how work, the workplace, and work processes adapt to societal and economic challenges. However, even with the FOW, the issue of gender pay equity remains. Amidst the extensive literature aimed at addressing the global issue of gender pay gap, the lack of understanding of the potential impact of emerging trends and changes in the workplace environment, brought about by the FOW still exists. This is the research gap that this paper aims to address. This research aimed at identifying the factors impacting the prevailing gender pay equity issues in New Zealand organisations through the analysis of worker-related data while looking at factors that influence how organisations will adapt to the evolving work concepts in the FOW. By conducting a quantitative analysis of longitudinal employee data, the research identified the explainable and unexplainable portions of the pay gap, with the explainable portion highly attributable to worker-related characteristics. The general findings from the study showed that the worker-related characteristics are deemed as an avenue for introspection of Human Resource policies and practices to uncover systemic biases and allow for more bespoke initiatives towards achieving pay equity. Furthermore, this study showed the double-edged sword of the FOW as it can act as a catalyst for addressing pay inequities but can also be the reason for the widening pay differences. Lastly, this study proved the benefits of the comprehensive gender pay gap and gender pay equity reporting by NZ organisations as it allows for more targeted review of policies and processes that will help mitigate the gender pay disparity
Impact of COVID-19 on the use of project management methods, tools, and techniques in the construction sector in the Auckland region, New Zealand
No full textThe construction sector plays a significant role in New Zealand’s economic growth, making a substantial contribution to the nation's gross domestic product and employment rates. Witnessing the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic shortly after its outbreak in November 2019, the construction sector faced significant challenges. This research examined the impact of COVID-19 on project management methodologies, tools, and techniques used in Auckland, New Zealand’s construction sector, providing practical insights for stakeholders, policymakers, and project management professionals, crucial for informing effective responses and strategies. This research employed qualitative methods, using ten semi-structured interviews conducted with participants selected through probability purposive sampling, specifically targeting project managers and construction professionals. Thematic analysis identified six themes and 23 sub-themes. The impact of COVID-19 on project management practices was substantial, particularly in terms of disrupting traditional Waterfall methods. Agile and hybrid methods, on the other hand, proved greater adaptability in response to the challenges brought by COVID-19. Key drivers of change in project management practices included remote working policies, supply chain disruptions, and skilled labour shortages. Practical implications for the construction sector involved optimising methodologies with a mix of Waterfall, Agile, and hybrid methods. In response to the COVID-19 challenges, stakeholders are implementing robust risk management strategies, building a resilient and diversified supply chain through collaborating with suppliers, and addressing skilled labour shortages through training and upskilling initiatives to improve project efficiency
A preliminary investigation into the degradation of asbestos fibres in soils, rocks and building materials associated with naturally occurring biofilms
No full textBioremediation utilizes living organisms such as plants, microbes and their enzymatic products to reduce toxicity in xenobiotic compounds. Microbial-mediated bioremediation is cost effective and sustainable and in situ application is easily implemented. Either naturally occurring metabolic activity can be utilized during bioremediation for the degradation, transformation or accumulation of substances, or microbial augmentation with non-native species can be exploited. Despite the perceived low potential for the biological degradation of some recalcitrant compounds, successful steps towards bioremediation have been made, including with asbestos minerals, which are prevalent in building stock (created prior to the year 2000) in New Zealand. Evidence of the in situ biodegradation of asbestos fibres was investigated in samples taken from a retired asbestos mine, asbestos-contaminated soils and biofilm or lichen-covered asbestos-containing building materials. Microbial diversity within the biofilms to be associated with the asbestos-containing samples was investigated using internal transcribed spacer and 16S DNA amplicon sequencing, supplemented with isolation and culturing on agar plates. A range of fungal and bacterial species were found, including some known to produce siderophores. Changes to fibre structure and morphology were analysed using Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. Chrysotile fibrils from asbestos-containing material (ACMs), asbestos-containing soils, and asbestos incorporated into lichen material showed signs of amorphisation and dissolution across their length, which could be related to biological activity
The development of a resting metabolic rate prediction equation for professional male rugby union players.
No full textDetermining resting metabolic rate (RMR) is an important aspect when calculating energy requirements for professional rugby union players. Prediction equations are often used for convenience to estimate RMR. However, the accuracy of current prediction equations for professional rugby union players remains unclear. The aims of this study were to examine the RMR of professional male rugby union players compared to nine commonly used prediction equations and develop and validate RMR prediction equations specific to professional male rugby union players. One hundred and eight players (body mass (BM) = 102.9 ± 13.3 kg; fat-free mass (FFM) = 84.8 ± 10.2 kg) undertook Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry scans to assess body composition and indirect calorimetry to determine RMR. Mean RMR values of 2585 ± 176 kcal∙day−1 were observed among the group with forwards (2706 ± 94 kcal·day−1), demonstrating significantly (p < 0.01; d = 1.93) higher RMR compared to backs (2465 ± 156 kcal·day−1), which appeared to be due to their higher BM and FFM measures. Compared to the measured RMR for the group, seven of the nine commonly used prediction equations significantly (p < 0.05) under-estimated RMR (−104–346 kcal·day−1), and one equation significantly (p < 0.01) over-estimated RMR (192 kcal·day−1). This led to the development of a new prediction equation using stepwise linear regression, which determined that the strongest predictor of RMR for this group was FFM alone (R2 = 0.70; SEE = 96.65), followed by BM alone (R2 = 0.65; SEE = 104.97). Measuring RMR within a group of professional male rugby union players is important, as current prediction equations may under- or over-estimate RMR. If direct measures of RMR cannot be obtained, we propose the newly developed prediction equations be used to estimate RMR within professional male rugby union players. Otherwise, developing team- and/or group-specific prediction equations is encouraged
Evolving family preferences: A study of Airbnb evaluations in New Zealand (2018-2023)
No full textThis research aims to identify the specific factors influencing families' evaluation of Airbnb in New Zealand. Airbnb lodgings provide a wide range of accommodation options to meet travellers' interests and budgets. They offer a house-like experience, with hosts providing local insights and guests having access to essential home facilities like a full kitchen and a washing machine. Airbnb reports a rise in the popularity of pet-friendly listings (22%), wireless internet (13%), kitchens (9%), and air conditioning (8%) among families during the pandemic, as those confined to their homes for weeks sought spacious lodgings with pools and playgrounds, commonly located in rural regions distant from city centres.
Cleanliness, location, price, facilities, and a family-like relationship with the host have beementioned by several studies as important factors influencing guests' satisfaction with Airbnb accommodations. However, most of these studies were conducted in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic era. Numerous studies also revealed that this pandemic has changed human lifestyles and preferences in many ways. Therefore, it may have also affected Airbnb guests' evaluation of their accommodation and experience. This research examines Airbnb reviews from 2018 to 2023 to understand better if and how guests' evaluation of their experience has changed. We analysed textual review data by applying natural language processing techniques, VADER sentiment analysis and conducted thematic analysis to obtain insights into guests' reviews about their experiences.
This research highlights the post-pandemic shift in family preferences for Airbnb accommodations and discovered that after the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors left more reviews indicating higher engagement with Airbnb listings. Hence, the outcomes of this study may help hosts adjust their offerings to boost guests' satisfaction and encourage repeat bookings. Airbnb can refine its recommendation algorithms based on these insights, ensuring the hospitality sector remains relevant in a changed world. This study also contributes to the current body of knowledge of the guest-host relationship in Airbnb in a changing environment
Blended fale: The beginning of a historiography of cross-cultural architecture between Samoan fale and European buildings
No full textSamoan-European blended fale: : Fale afolau Church in Vaitele, date unknown
Church in Malua, 1905
Asau Church, Savai‘i, c. 1930
A. A. Willis, Government House, Moto’otua, 1894
Vetle Jørgensen: Aiavao House, Moto’otua, Apia, 1970
Samoan-European blended fale in Lalomanu, date unknown
Marek Zbginiew Wolak: Maota fono in Mulinu’u, 1972
Maota Malolo Suiusufono, Mulinu‘u, date unknown
Former Samoan overnment Building in Apia, 199
Field study to compare and evaluate summer thermal comfort of school buildings with different moderate thermal mass in their building elements
No full textPrevious studies show that moderate thermal mass in school building elements can pos itively impact the winter indoor thermal environment in a temperate climate with mild, humid winters. Based on a field study, this research contributes new physical data of the summer indoor thermal environment of Auckland school buildings with different designs of moderate thermal mass in their building elements to add to the previous winter field-study data and demonstrates that a school building with moderate thermal mass is adequate in a temperate climate with mild, humid winters and warm, dry summers. This field study compared and evaluated the summer indoor thermal environment of classrooms with different moderate thermal mass in their building elements during the summer school term and the summer school holidays. This study found that a classroom with thermal mass in its building elements has 19% to 21% more time in summer than a classroom without any thermal mass in its building elements when indoor air temperatures are within the thermal comfort zone, which was solely impacted by the building’s thermal performance. This study established a suitable research method to analyse the field-study data and identify the differences in the indoor thermal environments of the school buildings with different designs of moderate thermal mass in their building element
Corporate characteristics and integrated reporting disclosure level before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from a developing country
No full textPURPOSE
The purpose of the study is to examine the level of Integrated Reporting (IR) disclosure, investigate the impact of corporate characteristics (Profitability, Company Size, Foreign Trading, Foreign Ownership, Sustainability Reporting, External Assurance) on the IR disclosure level, and identify whether there is a significant difference exists in the IR disclosure level before and during COVID-19 in the Sri Lankan context.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH
Based on the adoption of International Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRF) guidelines, integrated annual reports of 37 companies for the four years (2017/18 to 2020/21) representing financial, consumer staples, and industrial sectors were analyzed. A quantitative approach was adopted. Mean testing, regression analysis, and paired sample t-tests were used to test the hypotheses.
FINDINGS
Results revealed a moderate level of disclosure with content elements described in the IIRF in the Sri Lankan context. Results of the regression analysis revealed that company size and sustainability reporting have a significant positive impact on the IR disclosure level of Sri Lankan listed companies. Moreover, the study's findings revealed a significant increase in the IR disclosure level during COVID-19 compared to before the pandemic.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
The study's empirical findings may provide implications for current and potential IR adopters, policymakers, assurance providers, and many other stakeholders who refer to integrated annual reports. Moreover, the findings of the study may provide useful insights to the corporate management in facilitating the IR process and adopting IR practices in Sri Lanka in line with the guidelines prescribed in the International Integrated Reporting Framework.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE
The empirical findings of the study contribute to the existing literature by enhancing the understanding of IR adapters on the aspects of IR where it needs improvement in the Sri Lankan context. Further, the study addresses the methodological gap in the literature by undertaking a longitudinal analysis and using a weighted IR disclosure index.
Author note: Lakshan Attanayake on Unitec staff directory; and A.M.I. Lakshan on pape
Designing alongside Māori: Theorising experiences of relational, place-based architectural practice in Aotearoa
No full textThe research project “Designing Alongside Māori: New Possibilities in Practising Architecture as Tangata Tiriti” grew out of an observation of the lack of literature available for non-Indigenous architectural practitioners and students wanting to support Māori tino rangatiratanga (self-determination) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Qualitative interviews were sought with non-Indigenous architectural practitioners identified by Māori architectural practitioners as having culturally sustaining architectural practice. A thematic analysis of these interviews explored the relational, place-based approach that allowed practitioners to remain in their own cultural traditions while centring Māori ways of being, behaving and perceiving the world. This deeply relational approach to people and place strengthened interviewees’ identities as tangata tiriti (people of the Treaty) in collective relationship with tangata whenua (people of the land), and through this, relationship with the whenua (land) itself. These relationships and connections to place are strong enough for interviewees to be able to face Aotearoa’s colonial settler history, harm caused by mainstream architectural practice, and to persevere even though they know they will make mistakes as they seek to practise architecture in culturally sustaining ways