Voiced speech excitation synthesis using a sinusoidal model

A modification to the `shape-invariant' sinusoidal speech model is proposed, whereby the phases of the component sinewaves used for the excitation are made to add coherently at each glottal closure. Applied to pitch and time-scale modification, higher quality synthetic speech is produced when large changes are required     

Ideal amplifier spacing for reduction of Gordon-Haus jitter indispersion-managed soliton communications

Based on a variational analysis, the authors demonstrate that the noise-induced Gordon-Haus timing jitter in a dispersion-managed soliton transmission system can be substantially reduced by appropriate placement of the amplifiers     

An expert aid to fault diagnosis and trouble-shooting in satellitecommunications

Presents the Satellite Communications Network Expert (SaNE), a knowledge-based aid designed to provide engineering support for fault diagnosis. The SaNE is composed of two elements: a satcom network model, which simulates the structure and functionality of a system based loosely upon a large military satcom network, and a diagnostic component, which uses knowledge- and model-based reasoning techniques to analyse system anomalies and diagnose possible causes for the alarms such networks generate. The development cycle is described, emphasising lessons learnt during development and testing and the advantages and disadvantages of the techniques applied. The goal of the SaNE project is primarily commercial acceptance rather than innovation. The authors illustrate how novel concepts can be implemented in a practical system without compromising this goal     

Efficient diode-pumped single-frequency erbium:ytterbium fiberlaser

We report a 7.6-mW single-frequency fiber laser operating at 1545 nm, using for the first time an Er³⁺:Yb³⁺ doped fiber and a fiber grating output coupler. The laser did not exhibit self-pulsation, which is a typical problem in short three-level fiber lasers, and had a relative intensity noise (RIN) level below -145.5 dB/Hz at frequencies above 10 MHz. The linewidth of the laser was limited by the relaxation oscillation sidebands in the optical spectrum and was typically less than 1 MHz     

Effect of postoperative mydriatics on the iris

PURPOSE: To assess the role postoperative mydriatics play after extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in causing iris modifications and in controlling inflammation. SETTING: Outpatients Department, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland. METHODS: The prospective study comprised 136 patients who had standardized ECCE. Half the patients used a mydriatic for 2 weeks postoperatively. Anterior chamber activity, pain, and eye redness were evaluated at 2 weeks postoperatively; pupil shape, peripheral anterior synechias, IOL position, and iris adhesions, at 6 weeks. RESULTS: Iris-lens adhesions were significantly more common in the group using a mydriatic. There was no difference between the two groups in postoperative inflammation. CONCLUSION: Mydriatics should not be used routinely after ECCE with posterior chamber IOL implantation.     

Sorption of vapors and gases by cellulose acetate films

Cellulose diacetate and triacetate films 6–55 µm thick with a total porosity of 0.8–2% were prepared by pouring a solution on an immobile surface and by calendering. Sorption of H₂S and CO₂ gases and acetone vapors on these films was investigated in static and dynamic conditions. It was shown that films 6–10 µm thick prepared by calendering should be used for purification of air from H₂S and CO₂ and films 15–20 µm thick prepared by pouring should be used for removal of acetone vapors.Engels Institute of Technology, Saratov State University. Translated from Khimicheskie Volokna, No. 6, pp. 44–46, November–December, 1995.     

Storage performance-metrics and benchmarks

The metrics and benchmarks used in storage performance evaluation are discussed. The technology trends taking place in storage systems, such as disk and tape evolution, disk arrays, and solid-state disks, are highlighted. The current popular I/O benchmarks are then described, reviewed, and run on three systems: a DECstation 5000/200 running the Sprite Operating System, a SPARCstation 1+ running SunOS, and an HP Series 700 (Model 730) running HP-UX. Two approaches to storage benchmarks-LADDIS and a self-scaling benchmark with predicted performance-are also described     

Thermal expansion of semiconductor materials

The thermal expansion of tellurides of germanium, bismuth, and intermetallic compounds is investigated over the temperature range 293-973 K.Belarusian Agricultural Technical University, Minsk. Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 66, No. 5, pp. 612–616, May 1994.