Occupational Noise Levels During Emergency Relief Operations in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. D33-D35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandran Achutan
Keyword(s):  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Emergency Relief ◽  
Relief Operations

scholarly journals O1B.4 Health effects of prenatal occupational noise exposure: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A5.3-A6
Author(s):  
Zara Ann Stokholm ◽  
Inge Brosbøl Iversen ◽  
Henrik Kolstad
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Congenital Malformations ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Exposure Levels

Current legislation and threshold limits for occupational noise exposure may not sufficiently account for higher vulnerability of the foetus. We conducted a systematic literature review and identified 20 relevant studies of prenatal noise exposure levels and health. Maternal tissues attenuate industrial noise by about 30 dB. The foetus responds the earliest to noise exposure from the 19th week of gestational age. There is some evidence of an increased risk of hearing loss at prenatal noise levels≥85 dBA (8 hour average) and little evidence at lower levels. Increased risks for preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age and congenital malformations are seen as single study findings at levels≥90 dBA. There is little evidence for how noise exposure may increase the risk of extra-auditive effects in the foetus. Methodological shortcomings and the scarce number of studies limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Still, we recommend pregnant women avoid working at noise levels≥85 dBA.

scholarly journals Deployment of an aerial platform system for rapid restoration of communications links after a disaster: a machine learning approach

Computing ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 829-864 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faris A. Almalki ◽  
Marios C. Angelides
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Physical Model ◽  
Ad Hoc Network ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Propagation Model ◽  
Base Stations ◽  
Emergency Relief ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Aerial Platforms

AbstractHaving reliable telecommunication systems in the immediate aftermath of a catastrophic event makes a huge difference in the combined effort by local authorities, local fire and police departments, and rescue teams to save lives. This paper proposes a physical model that links base stations that are still operational with aerial platforms and then uses a machine learning framework to evolve ground-to-air propagation model for such an ad hoc network. Such a physical model is quick and easy to deploy and the underlying air-to-ground (ATG) propagation models are both resilient and scalable and may use a wide range of link budget, grade of service (GoS), and quality of service (QoS) parameters to optimise their performance and in turn the effectiveness of the physical model. The prediction results of a simulated deployment of such a physical model and the evolved propagation model in an ad hoc network offers much promise in restoring communication links during emergency relief operations.

The potential of a semi-decentralised bulk water treatment approach for emergency relief

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 709-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caetano C. Dorea ◽  
Vincent Jalaber
Keyword(s):  
Water Treatment ◽  
Treatment Approach ◽  
Bulk Water ◽  
Emergency Relief ◽  
Humanitarian Emergencies ◽  
Test Water ◽  
Point Of Use ◽  
Household Water ◽  
Synthetic Test ◽  
Relief Operations

Humanitarian water treatment interventions vary from package bulk ‘kits’ to household (point-of-use) options. Whereas the former can be perceived to be too complex to operate, the latter, whilst relatively simple and effective, has logistical requirements that may hinder its application during relief operations. This study evaluates the potential of a semi-decentralised water treatment approach for humanitarian emergencies. Its performance was evaluated against the relevant water quality treatment objectives (The Sphere Project) under controlled laboratory conditions using a synthetic test water. Results revealed that whilst the recommended minimum free chlorine residual levels were not attained (possibly due to high chlorine demand of test water), all other treatment objectives were within desired values, namely: <1 colony-forming unit (cfu)/100 mL with regards to thermotolerant (faecal) coliforms and <5 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units) for treated water turbidity. Given the performance of the semi-decentralised approach tested here, it could be expected to attain all treatment objectives when tested in natural surface waters. It has the potential to bridge the gap between centralised (i.e. bulk water treatment kits) and fully decentralised (i.e. household) water supply strategies.

scholarly journals Occupational noise exposure and its association with incident hyperglycemia: a retrospective cohort study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ta-Yuan Chang ◽  
Tzu-Yi Yu ◽  
Chiu-Shong Liu ◽  
Li-Hao Young ◽  
Bo-Ying Bao
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Frequency Component ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Frequency Components ◽  
Low Exposure

Abstract Background: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated the association between noise exposure and diabetes, but few studies have reported the relationship between noise frequency components and fasting blood glucose. This study investigated the associations between noise levels, frequency characteristics, and the incident hyperglycemia. Methods: An industry-based cohort of 905 volunteers was enrolled and followed-up from the data of first employment to 2012. Personal noise levels and octave-band frequencies of environmental noise were measured systematically in 2012 to classify subjects’ exposure retrospectively. Cox regression models were applied to calculate the relative risk (RR) of hyperglycemia by continuous and categorical noise-exposure and frequency-component levels, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Subjects exposed to ≥80 A-weighted decibels (dBA) had an increased RR for hyperglycemia of 1.78 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11, 2.84) compared with those exposed to <70 dBA. The high-exposure groups at frequencies of 31.5 (≥33 decibel [dB]), 63 (≥44 dB), 125 (≥52 dB), 250 (≥59 dB), 500 (≥65 dB), 1000 (≥68 dB), and 2000 (≥68 dB) Hz had a significantly higher risk of hyperglycemia (all p values < 0.05) than did the low-exposure groups, and those exposed at 31.5 Hz had the highest risk (Adjusted RR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.16). Per 5-dB increase in noise frequencies at 31.5, 63, 125, 250, 500 Hz, and 1000 Hz were associated with an elevated incidence of hyperglycemia (all p < 0.05), with the highest risk of 1.27 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.47) at 31.5 Hz (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Exposure to occupational noise may be associated with an increased incidence of hyperglycemia, with the highest risk observed at 31.5 Hz, providing a possible link between noise exposure and cardio-metabolic disease.

scholarly journals OCCUPATIONAL NOISE LEVEL IN MECHANIZED AND SEMIMECANIZED HARVEST OF COFFEE FRUITS

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 448
Author(s):  
José Antonio Ramos da Silva ◽  
Geraldo Gomes de Oliveira Júnior ◽  
Carlos Emanual de Melo Costa ◽  
Adriano Bortolotti da Silva ◽  
Camila Pires Cremasco Gabriel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Homogeneous Groups ◽  
Field Calibration ◽  
Personal Use ◽  
Hearing Health ◽  
Working Day ◽  
Coffee Cultivation

<span lang="EN-US">Coffee cultivation has undergone significant changes, especially with regard to the mechanization process of the various existing operations that were previously carried out manually by the workers. It is observed that the intensification of mechanized activities can expose workers to noise levels capable of compromising their hearing health. In this sense, the objective of the present study was to determine the level of occupational noise in the activities of mechanized and semi-mechanized harvesting of coffee fruits and compare them with the limits of tolerance of the current legislation. The occupational noise level was determined considering the exposure of homogeneous groups, using an integrative meter for personal use, noise dosimeter, electromechanically calibrated and with field calibration. The results demonstrate that the noise levels found are above the limits allowed for an 8-hour working day. The highest observed level was 100.66 dB (A) in the sweeping operation with the blower equipment and the lowest level 89.05 dB (A) in the auxiliary activity of the selected collection equipment Vicon H3000. Harvesting activity with a portable </span><span lang="EN-US">mechanical stripper <span>equipment showed a noise level 4.07% higher compared to harvesting with automotive harvester equipment.</span></span>

scholarly journals Comparing Actions and Lessons Learned in Transportation and Logistics Efforts for Emergency Response to Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Collier ◽  
Srijith Balakrishnan ◽  
Zhanmin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Emergency Relief ◽  
The Government

AbstractOver the past years, the frequency and scope of disasters affecting the United States have significantly increased. Government agencies have made efforts in improving the nation’s disaster response framework to minimize fatalities and economic loss due to disasters. Disaster response has evolved with the emergency management agencies incorporating systematic changes in their organization and emergency response functions to accommodate lessons learned from past disaster events. Technological advancements in disaster response have also improved the agencies’ ability to prepare for and respond to natural hazards. The transportation and logistics sector has a primary role in emergency response during and after disasters. In this light, this paper seeks to identify how effective policy changes and new technology have aided the transportation and logistics sector in emergency response and identify gaps in current practices for further improvement. Specifically, this study compares and contrasts the transportation and logistical support to emergency relief efforts during and after two major Hurricane events in the U.S., namely Hurricane Katrina (which affected New Orleans in 2005) and Hurricane Harvey (which affected Houston in 2017). This comparison intends to outline the major steps taken by the government and the private entities in the transportation and logistics sector to facilitate emergency response and the issues faced during the process. Finally, the paper summarizes the lessons learned from both the Hurricane events and provides recommendations for further improvements in transportation and logistical support to disaster response.

Noise levels and exposure patterns to do-it-yourself power tools

1989 ◽  
Vol 103 (12) ◽  
pp. 1140-1141 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. G. McClymont ◽  
D. C. Simpson
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Life Situation ◽  
Real Life Situation ◽  
Exposure Patterns ◽  
Power Tools ◽  
Do It Yourself ◽  
Hearing Damage

AbstractThe noise levels produced by a variety of do-it-yourself power tools were measured in a real-life situation. Most of the devices tested produced noise of 100 dB(A) or greater at the user's ear. A questionnaire was issued to 100 males who used these devices. The vast majority used the devices infrequently and therefore are unlikely to be directly at risk of hearing damage. A group of users who may be more at risk from using power tools in the home are those who are, or have been exposed to occupational noise.

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