Source-filter theory, wavelets and cepstrum: what can these analytical approaches reveal within the scope of individual vocal recognition?

• Grant number: 17/12147-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2017
• End date: November 30, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Experimental Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Patrícia Ferreira Monticelli
• Grantee: Bruna Lima Ferreira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The possibility of identifying species through the detection of their acoustic signals of communication opens a range of possibilities in the science and practices of conservation of biodiversity. However, it is necessary to invest in the development of automation technology for the detection process of sounds of interest, amidst long hours of recording sound landscapes. The objective of this work is to compare the performance of new analytical approaches to sound study, alternatives to the analysis of spectrograms generated by the Fourier transform, in the individualized recognition of sound. We will use samples of 4-maned-wolves barks (male and female) and analyze them using Praat software (cepstral analysis and formant analysis) and Wavesynt (developed by our collaborator, Prof. Regis Rossi Faria, for wavelet analysis), searching for the best way to characterize individual barks (individual vocal signature). The analytical approach that can best define individual barks will be used in a project that will continue to create an automated mammalian sound scanning tool with a finer performance for the current use of this technology applied to the monitoring of fauna at the level individual. This project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between LATM and EBAC laboratories, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences, and Literature of Ribeirão Preto. Since 2011, from the project FAPESP 2011/18253-7, EBAC studies sound landscapes from technologies in bioacoustics and has already trained a master, a doctor and supervised a postdoctoral in this line of research. (AU)