The book discusses subjective ratings of quality and preference of unknown voices and dialog partners – their likability, for example. Human natural and artificial voices are studied in passive listening and interactive scenarios. In this book, the background, state of research, and contributions to the assessment and prediction of talker quality that is constituted in voice perception and in dialog are presented. Starting from theories and empirical findings from human interaction, major ...

This book addresses various aspects of acoustic–phonetic analysis, including voice quality and fundamental frequency, and the effects of speech fluency and non-native accents, by examining read speech, public speech, and conversations. Voice is a sexually dimorphic trait that can convey important biological and social information about the speaker, and empirical findings suggest that voice characteristics and preferences play an important role in both intra- and intersexual selection, such...

Given an unpredictable criminal legal system and a fraying social safety net, sexual violence victims increasingly turn to civil lawsuits to find justice. They sue offenders and responsible organizations directly, seeking recognition, resources, and reform. But at what cost? Benjamin R. Weiss uses in-depth interviews and legal case analysis to reveal how the civil legal system's reliance on financial compensation to remedy sexual harm limits who can seek civil justice and on what terms. He...

In the rugged and unforgiving Riverina region of Australia, a group of Scottish immigrants struggle to carve out a life for themselves. Led by the indomitable Lachlan Macquarie, they face adversity with courage and determination. But as the years pass, their dreams are tested by drought, floods, and the harsh realities of the Australian bush. Through their trials and tribulations, the Scots of the Riverina forge an unbreakable bond, their resilience and spirit unyielding. Their story is a ...