scholarly journals Noise at the time of COVID 19: The impact in some areas in Rome and Milan, Italy

Noise Mapping ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 248-264
Author(s):  
Rosa Maria Alsina Pagès ◽  
Francesc Alías ◽  
Patrizia Bellucci ◽  
Pier Paolo Cartolano ◽  
Ilaria Coppa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Motor Vehicles ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Commercial Activities ◽  
Real Time Traffic ◽  
Italian Regions ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed in Italy at the end of January 2020, when the first positive cases for the virus were identified. At the beginning of March, the virus had spread to all Italian regions and on 10 March 2020 the lockdown phase began, limiting the movement of people and prohibiting almost all commercial activities, businesses and non-essential industries. As a result, millions of people were forced to stay at home, causing a drastic drop in traffic volume, which significantly changed the acoustic environment and air quality of cities. On 4 May 2020, the lockdown was partially lifted and activities were progressively reopened. Therefore, traffic gradually started to increase and, consequently, the noise emitted by motor vehicles. This behaviour was confirmed by the data collected by the DYNAMAP system, an automatic platform developed within the LIFE DYNAMAP project, providing real time traffic noise maps in terms of sound pressure levels and impacts at receivers (people and dwellings exposed to noise level bands). In this paper traffic and non-traffic-related noise events in the cities of Rome and Milan from March to May 2020 are analysed and compared to the corresponding values in 2019 to evaluate the effects of the lockdown period.

scholarly journals Economic Analysis of a Transport Company in the Aspect of Car Vehicle Operation

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 427
Author(s):  
Magdalena Rykała ◽  
Łukasz Rykała
Keyword(s):  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Neural Model ◽  
Motor Vehicles ◽  
Bulk Materials ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Average Temperature ◽  
Transport Services ◽  
Vehicle Operation ◽  
The Impact

The article describes the issues of transport of bulk materials. The knowledge of this process has a key impact on the rational planning of transport tasks. It is necessary to have knowledge about the transport services market and the competition that exists in it. In order to achieve a competitive advantage on the market, enterprises should analyze data on the implementation of transport tasks on an ongoing basis. It is also important that the costs incurred from the conducted activity are minimized, while increasing the quality of services and taking into account the sustainable development of the enterprise. The study analyzes data from a few selected motor vehicles in the period of 3 years of operation, coming from an enterprise specializing in the transport of bulk materials. Moreover, a global sensitivity analysis was performed based on a neural model describing the impact of the analyzed factors on the company’s profit. The results show that the most important factors influencing the company’s profit are the fuel consumption of individual vehicles, the driver (driving style) and the month (average temperature, weather conditions).

scholarly journals Automotive traffic noise and urban public spaces

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (72) ◽  
Author(s):  
Greicikelly Gaburro Paneto ◽  
Cristina Engel de Alvarez ◽  
Paulo Henrique Trombetta Zannin
Keyword(s):  
Urban Space ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Motor Vehicles ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Measurement Results ◽  
Sound Pressure Levels ◽  
High Sound

In contemporary cities, and usually without realizing it, the population has been exposed to high sound pressure levels, which besides causing discomfort, can lead to health problems. Considering that a large part of this noise comes from emission from motor vehicles, this research aims to evaluate the sound behavior in sound environments configured by voids in the urban fabric, in order to identify whether open spaces can act as attenuators of sound levels. To obtain the expected results, the methodology used was structured from a review of the state-of-the-art and computer simulations relating the variables that influence the formation of urban space and sound emission and propagation, taking as a case study an urban portion of the municipality of Vitória/ES. In parallel, questionnaires were applied to evaluate the user's perception of their exposure. The measurement results indicated that the sound pressure levels caused by traffic noise are above the limit tolerated limit by the NBR norm 10151:2000 for the daytime period. In turn, the results obtained from the population indicated that there is little perception of noise by the users of the spaces surveyed.

scholarly journals ANALYSIS IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS AS EVALUATION MATERIALS FOR EQUATING EDUCATION QUALITY IN INDONESIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-101
Author(s):  
Widowati Pusporini ◽  
Zamroni ◽  
Mansur Arsyad ◽  
Qomariyatus Sholihah
Keyword(s):  
School Principals ◽  
School Principal ◽  
Education Quality ◽  
Curriculum Management ◽  
School Programs ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Partnership Program ◽  
Made In

Purpose of the study: This research was compiled to analyze the improvement of the quality of education in Indonesia. The purpose of program evaluation is to know for sure whether the achievement of the results, progress, and obstacles encountered in the implementation of the program. Recognizing the low competency of school principals of the principal's partnership programs. Methodology: The type of this research is development, research which aims to produce instruments to evaluate a school principal partnership program. The development design in this study using the Plomp model. The data was analyzed qualitatively as input for improvement of activities in 2018. The following data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Main Findings: The data and analysis show that the partnership program has recorded various advances made in the impact schools — both those related to curriculum management and implementation of supervision of learning and strengthening of school ecosystems. The effectiveness of school programs is very dependent on the carrying capacity of each school. However, it is the real result of this program is the change in mindset not only for principals but for almost all stakeholders. Applications of this study: This Study is analyzed based on the school principal partnership program report to become recommendation and references for another partnership programs, improving the competency of school principals, and developing remote area (3T regions/frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged in Indonesia national scale) of Indonesia. Novelty/Originality of this study: The findings imply that the partnership program has a significant impact on the equity growth in remote areas.

scholarly journals “We have a ticking time bomb”: a qualitative exploration of the impact of canine epilepsy on dog owners living in England

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy E. Pergande ◽  
Zoe Belshaw ◽  
Holger A. Volk ◽  
Rowena M. A. Packer
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Idiopathic Epilepsy ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Groups ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Idiopathic epilepsy is a common neurological condition in dogs. Previous research has focused on clinical aspects of seizure management in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy with little attention given to the emotional and logistical challenges for their owners. The current study aimed to explore the impacts of owning a dog with idiopathic epilepsy on owner quality of life and lifestyle, using qualitative methods. Methods Owners of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy living in England were recruited via social media and word of mouth, and then selected using purposive sampling to participate in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Epilepsy management was explored through in-depth accounts of owner experiences and influencing factors. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to construct key themes. Results Twenty-one interviews were completed. Almost all owners had made lifestyle changes in order to care for their dog, including substantial modifications to routines and, in some cases, employment. Many owners discussed a very emotionally close dog-owner bond, and described experiencing frequent feelings of fear, stress and uncertainty regarding their dog’s health. Friends, family and colleagues did not always understand the magnitude of commitment required to care for a dog with idiopathic epilepsy. This, combined with a fear of leaving their dog unsupervised, had social implications in some instances and lead to increased use of the Internet and online groups for peer support. Conclusions The commitment required to care for a dog with idiopathic epilepsy, and the lifestyle changes made by their owners, may be far greater than previously estimated. Further consideration of these factors by veterinary professionals and the friends and families of owners of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy could improve owner quality of life, and facilitate the provision of additional support.

scholarly journals “We have a ticking time bomb”: A qualitative exploration of the impact of canine epilepsy on dog owners living in England

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Eliza Pergande ◽  
Zoe Belshaw ◽  
Holger A Volk ◽  
Rowena M A Packer
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Idiopathic Epilepsy ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Groups ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Idiopathic epilepsy is a common neurological condition in dogs. Previous research has focused on clinical aspects of seizure management in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy with little attention given to the emotional and logistical challenges for their owners. The current study aimed to explore the impacts of owning a dog with idiopathic epilepsy on owner quality of life and lifestyle, using qualitative methods. Methods Owners of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy living in England were recruited via social media and word of mouth, and then selected using purposive sampling to participate in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Epilepsy management was explored through in-depth accounts of owner experiences and influencing factors. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to construct key themes. Results Twenty-one interviews were completed. Almost all owners had made lifestyle changes in order to care for their dog, including substantial modifications to routines and, in some cases, employment. Many owners discussed a very emotionally close dog-owner bond, and described experiencing frequent feelings of fear, stress and uncertainty regarding their dog’s health. Friends, family and colleagues did not always understand the magnitude of commitment required to care for a dog with idiopathic epilepsy. This, combined with a fear of leaving their dog unsupervised, had social implications in some instances and lead to increased use of the Internet and online groups for peer support. Conclusions The commitment required to care for a dog with idiopathic epilepsy, and the lifestyle changes made by their owners, may be far greater than previously estimated. Further consideration of these factors by veterinary professionals and the friends and families of owners of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy could improve owner quality of life, and facilitate the provision of additional support.

scholarly journals Comparison of quality of life in patients who underwent mechanical mitral valve replacement: star GK vs SJM

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiang-Shan Huang ◽  
Ning Xu ◽  
Kai-Peng Sun ◽  
Zhi-Nuan Hong ◽  
Liang-Wan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mitral Valve ◽  
Valve Replacement ◽  
Mitral Valve Replacement ◽  
Chinese Population ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Nyha Class ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background We want to compare the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between the Star GK and the SJM valve in the Chinese population. Methods We retrospectively enrolled a total of 172 patients who had undergone mechanical mitral valve replacement (MVR) (SJM valve in 87 patients and Star GK valve in 85 patients) at our institution from January 2013 to December 2015. We measured the sound pressure level, and used 2 self-administered questionnaires and the Chinese version of SF-36 to measure the HRQoL and valve-specific questions to evaluate patient anxiety. Results The Star GK group and the SJM group were similar in age, gender, body surface area, diameter of the implanted valve, underlying disease and current median NYHA class. Regarding the valve sound pressure perceived 1 year after operation, the SJM valve was slightly quieter than the Star GK valve, but the sound pressures of the two valves showed no significant differences. No significant differences in any of the eight subscales of the SF-36 were found between the two groups. Conclusions The present study suggests that the Star GK valve is similar to the SJM valve in its impact on HRQoL and audibility of mechanical sound in the Chinese population.

Some economic considerations on wastewater reclamation for irrigation, with reference to the Italian situation

2001 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
pp. 75-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Nurizzo ◽  
L. Bonomo ◽  
F. Malpei
Keyword(s):  
Surface Waters ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Wastewater Reclamation ◽  
Produce Water ◽  
Operation Costs ◽  
Italian Regions ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Economic Considerations

The purpose of this work is to check construction and operation costs for simplified post-treatment trains able to produce water displaying a quality suitable for different agricultural uses. Having in mind the quality of most of surface waters in Italy, the main parameters to control for a general purpose reclaimed water supply are microbial quality and TSS content. Therefore a contact filtration followed by disinfection is to be considered the minimum option, while the use of polishing ponds can be strictly limited in many Italian regions due to the area requirements and to the need to provide a full lining of bottom and levees. Some data referring to surface waters quality and to the Italian epidemiological situation are given. On the basis of the current Italian situation, the construction and operation cost increases due to a polishing section, downstream a standard municipal WWTP, are evaluated and the impact of different technical choices is shortly discussed (disinfection options, chemicals, etc.). Some considerations about the link existing in Italy between the cost of water for irrigation and the agricultural economy are made.

Telemedicine in oculoplastic and adnexal surgery: clinicians’ perspectives in the UK

2021 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2020-318696
Author(s):  
Swan Kang ◽  
Laxmi Raja ◽  
Dawn A Sim ◽  
Peter B M Thomas ◽  
Daniel G Ezra
Keyword(s):  
Administrative Support ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Poor Access ◽  
The Future ◽  
Barriers To Implementation ◽  
Adnexal Surgery ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

Background/AimsThe COVID-19 has facilitated a paradigm shift in the sphere of ophthalmic telemedicine: its utility is no longer limited to providing care to remote regions, rather it is expeditiously being adopted as the new standard of care. The aim of our paper is to explore the current attitudes of oculoplastic surgeons towards telemedicine and its utility in the present landscape and its prospects in the future.MethodsA 39-item questionnaire was distributed to consultant oculoplastic surgeons practising across the UK and anonymised responses were collected and analysed.ResultsThe COVID-19 pandemic has allowed rapid implementation of telemedicine services in oculoplastic departments across the UK with 86.6% of the respondents incorporating telemedicine into the routine clinical practice. Clinicians reported a statistically significant increase in utility of telemedicine, confidence in using telemedicine and quality of infrastructure available to employ telemedicine following the COVID-19 outbreak. The greatest utility of telemedicine is in triaging, postoperative assessment and eyelid lesion assessment. Main barriers to implementation of telemedicine included difficulties in conducting clinical examinations, lack of administrative support and poor access to digital technologies for patients. Overall, most clinicians were satisfied with the impact of telemedicine services and almost all experts foresee themselves continuing to use telemedicine in the future.ConclusionsTelemedicine has become an integral part of the oculoplastic service delivery since the COVID-19 pandemic its use is likely to continue. Further development of digital infrastructure and improvement of clinical examination capabilities are required to enable its wider adoption.

Estimation of the quality of an urban acoustic environment based on traffic noise evaluation models

2018 ◽  
Vol 141 ◽  
pp. 115-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Di ◽  
Xingpeng Liu ◽  
Jiquan Zhang ◽  
Zhijun Tong ◽  
Meichen Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Evaluation Models ◽  
Noise Evaluation

scholarly journals The Effect of Music Tempo and Volume on Acoustic Perceptions under the Noise Environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 4055
Author(s):  
Ping Liang ◽  
Hongyu Guan ◽  
Yuezhen Wang ◽  
Han Chen ◽  
Pengfei Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Orthogonal Experiment ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Noise Environment ◽  
Sound Pressure Levels ◽  
Acoustic Comfort ◽  
Human Perceptions

This study aimed to investigate the distracting or masking effects of music tempo and volume, based on subjective evaluation under noise conditions. Two experiments were conducted with 32 participants. In the first one, the experimental conditions were set as follow: (1) the sound pressure levels of music are 45 dB, 60 dB, and 75 dB; (2) music tempos are 70 beats per minute (BPM), 110 BPM, and 150 BPM; (3) sound pressure levels of noise are 45 dB, 60 dB, and 75 dB; and (4) the noise types are talkers’ babble, traffic noise, and construction noise. All conditions on human acoustic perception were analyzed by orthogonal experiment. Based on part one, the second experiment was conducted. Sound pressure levels (50 dB, 60 dB, and 70 dB) of noise and sound pressure levels (50 dB, 60 dB, and 70 dB) of music and music tempo (70 BPM, 110 BPM, and 150 BPM) were assessed by subjective evaluation. The results showed although different types of noise had different effects on human perceptions, noise types had a small effect on acoustic comfort considering the superimposed music. Music can improve the acoustic environment. The sound pressure levels had significant effects on acoustic sensation. The tempo of the music affected the acoustic sensation insignificantly. Sound pressure levels of noise, music tempo, and sound pressure levels of music significantly affect acoustic comfort. The best acoustic environment in this study utilized superimposed 70 BPM, 60 dB music in a 50 dB noise environment. These results suggest that music can enable new strategies to improve indoor environmental satisfaction. Based on the findings, the effect of music on acoustic perceptions under the noise environment should be taken into account when aiming to enhance comfort in noisy environments.

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