Voice activity detection, i.e., discrimination of the speech/nonspeech segments in a speech signal, is an important enabling technology for a variety of speech-based applications including the speaker recognition. In this work we provide a performance evaluation of the following supervised and unsupervised VAD algorithms in the context of text-dependent speaker recognition on the RSR2015 (Robus...

In coping with best-effort service, many VoIP applications employ adaptive playout strategies. Objective methods of speech quality assessment such as the ITU-T Recommendation P.862 (also known as Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality PESQ) typically do not capture distortion due to playout adjustments as they match up short segments prior to analysis. Similarly, the ITU-T E-Model does not cap...

This paper shows a revised statistical test for voice activity detection in noise adverse environments. The method is based on a revised contextual likelihood ratio test (LRT) defined over a multiple observation window. The new approach not only evaluates the two hypothesis consisting on all the observations to be speech or non-speech but all the possible hypothesis defined over the individual ...

The EU has integrated core state powers in a largely unsustainable manner. Why is this? In this introduction to special issue on Germany, we take an in-depth look at national preference-formation. We trace the impact of elites, as emphasised by functionalist theories, and mass publics political parties, stressed postfunctionalism. find that across policy fields with striking continuity over tim...

This article examines the possibilities and pitfalls of using Big Data to address sexual reproductive health concerns as related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), paying particular attention contextual difference in development settings. The global datafication life has taken place at great speed. However, evidential deficiencies a lack critical engagement specific issues around working wit...