A Fuzzy Approach for Modelling the Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Performance

2004 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zaheeruddin ◽  
◽  
V. K. Jain ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Human Performance ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Fuzzy Model ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Industrial Workers ◽  
Work Efficiency ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Exposure Limit ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lower Noise

In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop a fuzzy model for determining the work efficiency of humans as a function of noise level, exposure time, and the type of task. The modelling technique is based on the concept of fuzzy logic, which offers a convenient way of representing the relationships between the inputs and outputs of a system in the form of IF-THEN rules. It has been established on the basis of surveys that the impact of noise on work efficiency depends to a large extent on the type of tasks. The complex tasks get significantly affected even at much lower noise levels whereas the simple tasks remain unaffected up to very high noise levels. In addition, the duration of noise exposure is an important factor in determining the work efficiency. Finally, we have compared our model results with the deduction based on the criterion of Safe Exposure Limit recommended for industrial workers.

scholarly journals LEVELS, TRENDS AND EXPOSURE DOSES OF NOISE EMITTED BY SMALL SCALE ENTERPRISES IN ABEOKUTA, SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-66
Author(s):  
O. OGUNTOKE ◽  
O. SHOLANKE ◽  
A. C. OJO
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Noise Emission ◽  
Machine Operators ◽  
The Impact

Monitoring of noise levels and their impact are common in large scale and corporate industrial establishments while the small scale industries have not received sufficient attention. Consequently, the present study examined the levels and pattern of noise emission from small-scale enterprises that are generally ignored from compliance monitoring of the relevant agencies. The study utilises the results of noise emission quantification, determination of safe distance to the selected small-scale enterprises and impact on human as input for noise policy formulation. Three types of small-scale enterprises sampled from seventy-five (75) sites in Abeokuta were selected for noise measurement using a portable noise meter. Questionnaire and field observation were employed to assess the impact of noise on machine operators and their apprentices. Mean noise emission from the aluminum slitting machines ranged from 103.9 – 118.4 d(BA), iron welding machines; 97.0 – 108.8 d(BA) and food grinding machines; 91.6 to 108.2 d(BA). Daily Noise Dose (DND) from these three types of machine workshops were 800 – 19230% (aluminum slitter), 200 – 2400% (iron welder), and 100 – 3305% (food grinder). Time Weighted Average (TWA) for 8 hours noise exposure values were 94.0 – 107.8, 88.0 – 98.8 and 85.0 – 100.2 respectively. The spatial dimension of noise emission from the studied machines showed that acceptable levels were obtained at 20 meters from the machines sites. As predictors of variations in noise emission, the age of the machines explained 8.3 – 13.6%, 17.2 – 17.8% and 29.1 – 55.4% of noise emitted by food grinders, aluminum slitters and iron welders. The capacities of the studied machines predicted 7.9 – 13.5%, 18.4 – 30.5 and 43.9 – 56.3% of the noise emitted by iron welders, aluminum slitter and food grinders respectively. While the noise levels at the sites of the machines were significantly higher than the permissible limit, 25% of the workers were exposed for upwards of 10 hours daily and 30% for more than five years. The array of health problems; stress, dizziness, tinnitus, sleep disturbance and speech interference, experienced by the machines operators may not be unconnected to their non-use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to minimize noise hazard. Policy formulation for public protection from noise pollution should prescribe limit for small scale enterprises, enforce noise level compliance, monitor wearing of appropriate PPE by machine operators and maintained a minimum of 20 meters between the sites of these machines and other human activities.         

Blow-Down Valve Noise and Interactions With Downstream Orifice Plates

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis G. Karczub ◽  
Fred W. Catron ◽  
Allen C. Fagerlund
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Control Valve ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Blow Down ◽  
Gas Processing ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Acoustic Fatigue ◽  
Infrequent Event

In a blow-down situation as might occur at a natural gas processing facility, noise levels are very high and significantly exceed the noise levels one would normally associate with a control valve. As the blow-down operation is an infrequent event, this may be permissible but requires consideration of the duration of these high noise levels to ensure that occupational noise exposure limits and acoustic fatigue limits are not exceeded. Tests of noise levels due to an 8-inch control valve in a 12-inch pipeline under blow-down conditions are compared here with noise level predictions based on the IEC standard. Consideration is also given to the impact of placing an orifice plate downstream of the control valve as is often done to reduce pressure drop across the valve in the expectation that control valve noise levels will be reduced. Simple orifice plates often installed by plant operators to achieve this goal are shown to have an adverse impact, and it is shown that a multi-hole diffuser or low-noise control valve should instead be used.

scholarly journals Experimentally increased noise levels change spatial and singing behaviour

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 20120771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsty Elizabeth McLaughlin ◽  
Hansjoerg P. Kunc
Keyword(s):  
Noise Source ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Erithacus Rubecula ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Suitable Habitats ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
The Impact ◽  
New Infrastructure

The reasons why animal populations decline in response to anthropogenic noise are still poorly understood. To understand how populations are affected by noise, we must understand how individuals are affected by noise. By modifying the acoustic environment experimentally, we studied the potential relationship between noise levels and both spatial and singing behaviour in the European robin ( Erithacus rubecula ). We found that with increasing noise levels, males were more likely to move away from the noise source and changed their singing behaviour. Our results provide the first experimental evidence in a free ranging species, that not merely the presence of noise causes changes in behaviour and distribution, but that the level of noise pollution plays a crucial role as well. Our results have important implications for estimating the impact of infrastructure which differs in the level of noise produced. Thus, governmental planning bodies should not only consider the physical effect on the landscape when assessing the impact of new infrastructure, but also the noise levels emitted, which may reduce the loss of suitable habitats available for animals.

scholarly journals Sleep Disturbance and Noise Annoyance and Environmental Noise Exposure in Residents of Two Major Slovakian Cities

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Argalasova ◽  
T. Kimakova ◽  
E. Panulinova ◽  
A. Filova ◽  
A. Pultznerova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Road Traffic Noise ◽  
Noise Annoyance ◽  
Exposure Category ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lower Noise

Abstract The significant growth in traffic density in Slovakia, combined with the country’s economic change, has resulted in new environmental noise issues, particularly in road traffic noise. The objective of this study was to assess and evaluate the impact of environmental noise on the psychosocial well-being of young healthy individuals in the two main Slovak cities of Bratislava and Kosice. To assess noise annoyance, interference with activities, and sleep disturbance, the ICBEN (The International Commission on the Biological Effects of Noise) anonymous validated “Noise annoyance questionnaire” was applied; noise levels were objectified by direct measurements using a sound level analyzer with a frequency analysis module. Young individuals between the ages of 20 and 30 were interviewed in Bratislava (533 respondents, 155 males) and Kosice (355 respondents, 111 males). The majority of the respondents in both cities were exposed to medium levels of road traffic noise LAeq ≥ 60 dB. In Bratislava, 27.82 % of respondents resided in the higher noise exposure category LAeq ≥ 70 dB, while in Kosice, 39.9 % resided in the lower noise exposure category LAeq < 50 dB. Road traffic noise annoys respondents in the higher noise exposure category in Bratislava 63.51 %, and even in the lower noise exposure category in Kosice, it interferes with reading and mental work, sleep and falling asleep 46.51 %. The study has identified traffic noise as an environmental issue in large cities, emphasizing the need for vulnerable individuals to be protected, particularly at night.

scholarly journals Noise Descriptors For Kota Metropolis, Rajasthan (India)

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 176-189
Author(s):  
Kuldeep Kuldeep ◽  
Sohil Sisodiya ◽  
Dr. Anil K. Mathur
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Pollution Level ◽  
Exposure Index ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
High Noise ◽  
Sampling Locations ◽  
The City

The most common environmental concern in metropolitan cities worldwide is noise pollution. Kota metropolis (India) is also suffering from the problem of the increased noise level in the urban environment. Kota metropolis has been selected for the assessment of noise pollution. The main reasons behind the increasing level of noise in the city are increased population, rapid urbanization and industrialization, increased transportation facilities, urban development, construction and demolition works etc. The noise levels were recorded for day-time (6 am to 10 pm) as per Indian standard time for 96 days. Sixteen sampling points are made within the city depending upon the category of area/zone such as industrial, residential, silence and commercial. Six days were prescribed for each sampling location for noise level measurement. Noise descriptors such as Lmax, Lmin, L10, L50, L90, NC (noise climate), Lnp (noise pollution level), Leq (equivalent noise level), and NEI (noise exposure index) were computed with the observed data. Noise descriptors are very useful to indicate the physiological and psychological effects of noise pollution associated with noise levels. It makes regulating agency to take necessary actions in high noise areas for noise vulnerable groups such as Childs, old persons etc. Noise levels were recorded with the digital sound level meter " HTC SL-1350". Obtained equivalent noise levels were in between 65 dB(A) to 85 dB(A). The results were then compared with the WHO standards of community noise levels, and Indian noise pollution standards. It is noticed that the noise levels in all monitoring stations were well above the limits of the standards prescribed by the WHO and CPCB. Small variations in noise levels were observed for all sampling locations i.e. noise levels were almost similar at sampling locations. Noise levels were distinct in magnitude for morning and evenings hours. Noise Exposure Index (NEI) was greater than 1 which shows significant high noise levels in all the sampling locations. Kota metropolis desperately needs new strategies to reduces the high noise level in the city. Regulating agencies should take necessary action before things get out of control. Some immediate actions are suggested in the study.

scholarly journals Effects of an ambient learning display on noise levels and perceived learning in a secondary school

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernardo Tabuenca ◽  
Dirk Börner ◽  
Marco Kalz
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Perceived Learning ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Ambient Displays ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
The Impact

Recent reviews addressing the impact of noise exposure in teaching and learning situations conclude negative effects on learning performance. Providing objective real-time feedback on noise is key for teachers and students to adjust it into suitable levels. This experimental work presents the results from a study exploring the visual feedback based on noise level and the impact on students’ (n = 198) perceived learning performance collected in 24 sessions. The results suggest persuasive effects of the ambient display on the groups and an improvement of noise awareness in students. Measurements of perceived learning-performance, and perceived noise were collected and correlated with the objective noise samples concluding poorer perceived learning performance in noisiest groups. Finally, implications for further research as well as lessons learned to moderate noise levels in classrooms using ambient displays are discussed.

scholarly journals Assessment of Traffic Noise Pollution Due to Urban Residential Road Transport

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-52
Author(s):  
Elena Lezhneva ◽  
Katerina Vakulenko ◽  
Andrii Galkin
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
National Income ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Road Transport ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Noise Emission ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The problem of combating urban noise is closely linked to the rational transformation of the urban environment, which must go through the elimination or reduction of the number of sources of noise, the localization of the noise emission zone, reducing the level of sound sources and protection against noise for the residential areas. Theoretical and experimental studies of acoustic loading on the territory along the highway for the typical section of the urban territory have been conducted. To estimate the complex noise impact from all sources and from individual sources, as well as to predict the total noise exposure for this site, a noise map was constructed using software. As a measure to combat traffic noise in the territory along the highway, the location of the noise protection screen was justified, taking into account the loss of part of the national income as a result of the continuous impact of noise on a person.The results of the research allow to assess the degree of technogenic impact of noise pollution during the operation of the highway, which allows regulating, by administrative and legislative methods, the nature of the impact on natural objects and human health of certain types of activities, as well as reasonably proposing measures that ensure environmental safety when organizing urban streets traffic.

scholarly journals The Impact of Thin Asphalt Layers as a Road Traffic Noise Intervention in an Urban Environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 12561
Author(s):  
Ablenya Grangeiro de Barros ◽  
Jarl K. Kampen ◽  
Cedric Vuye
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Road Traffic Noise ◽  
Acoustic Measurements ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
The Impact

Low-noise thin asphalt layers (TALs) are a feasible solution to mitigate road traffic noise in urban environments. Nevertheless, the impacts of this type of noise intervention are reported mostly regarding noise levels, while non-acoustic aspects influencing the population perception are still little-known. This study investigates the implementation of TALs in two streets of Antwerp, Belgium. The effectiveness of the intervention was measured via noise modelling and acoustic measurements of road traffic noise. A reduction of 2.8 dB in noise exposure was observed in Lden and Lnight, while SPB measurements showed decreases up to 5.2 dB on the roadside. The subjective impacts of the TALs were evaluated via self-administered surveys and compared to results from control streets. The annoyance indicators were positively impacted by the TALs implementation, resulting in annoyance levels similar or lower than in the control streets. The TALs did not impact the reported physical complaints, sleep quality, and comfort level to perform activities.

scholarly journals Evidence of Cnidarians sensitivity to sound after exposure to low frequency noise underwater sources

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Solé ◽  
Marc Lenoir ◽  
José Manuel Fontuño ◽  
Mercè Durfort ◽  
Mike van der Schaar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fish Larvae ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Acoustic Trauma ◽  
Sensory Epithelium ◽  
Frequency Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Jellyfishes represent a group of species that play an important role in oceans, particularly as a food source for different taxa and as a predator of fish larvae and planktonic prey. The massive introduction of artificial sound sources in the oceans has become a concern to science and society. While we are only beginning to understand that non-hearing specialists like cephalopods can be affected by anthropogenic noises and regulation is underway to measure European water noise levels, we still don’t know yet if the impact of sound may be extended to other lower level taxa of the food web. Here we exposed two species of Mediterranean Scyphozoan medusa, Cotylorhiza tuberculata and Rhizostoma pulmo to a sweep of low frequency sounds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed injuries in the statocyst sensory epithelium of both species after exposure to sound, that are consistent with the manifestation of a massive acoustic trauma observed in other species. The presence of acoustic trauma in marine species that are not hearing specialists, like medusa, shows the magnitude of the problem of noise pollution and the complexity of the task to determine threshold values that would help building up regulation to prevent permanent damage of the ecosystems.

Adaptive Differential Evolution Optimization-Based Noise-Level Measurement for High-Speed Railways

2021 ◽  
pp. 036119812098300
Author(s):  
R. Ganesh Babu ◽  
C. Chellaswamy ◽  
T. S. Geetha
Keyword(s):  
Differential Evolution ◽  
Noise Level ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
High Speed Railway ◽  
Railway Systems ◽  
Level Measurement ◽  
Adaptive Differential Evolution ◽  
The Impact

This paper deals with the possibilities of estimating noise pollution created by high-speed railway systems in nearby locations. Railway systems have significant effects on the environment. Therefore, a college campus situated near a high-speed railway was selected as the study area. In this paper, an adaptive differential evolution optimization (ADEO) algorithm-based noise-level measurement is proposed. Various measurements such as the noise levels indoors, outdoors, and near the track were carried out in the college area and applied to ADEO for optimization. A study of the impact of railway noise on student learning was made. ADEO was used to predict the maximum noise level and the maximum noise distribution in the college area through the model. An experimental study was performed, and the results were compared with the estimated results. The results indicated the consistency of both the estimated and experimental results and the error as less than 1 dBA; the noise level exceeded 65 dBA in a few classrooms. Therefore, the proposed noise measurement for high-speed railway based on the ADEO technique has been considered as the most effective and superior optimization tool.

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