Creating a sound-designed sound masking signal for open-plan offices that is both pleasant and has a positive impact on cognitive performance.

2021 ◽  
Vol 263 (2) ◽  
pp. 4471-4482
Author(s):  
Benjamin Johannes Mueller ◽  
Mariella Laubengeiger ◽  
Noemi Martin ◽  
Philip Leistner
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Masking Noise ◽  
Open Plan ◽  
Sound Masking ◽  
Harmonic Components ◽  
Positive Effect

In open-plan offices, sound masking is often used to lower speech intelligibility and raise cognitive performance of the employees by reducing the irrelevant speech effect. Classic sound masking methods use speakers built into the ceiling of the office to increase the overall background noise level in the office and reduce speech intelligibility. However, the emergence of activity based offices is increasing the need for personalized sound masking methods that are no longer used globally in the office, but can be controlled by each employee individually depending on their activity and, for example, played back through headphones during activities that require particularly intense concentration. The playback of a classical sound-masking noise (e.g. a simple pink noise filtered by -5 dB per octave) via headphones is effective, but not pleasant. For this reason, a new sound-designed masking signal was developed in the present study, which consists of slowly fluctuating binaural harmonic components, as well as atmospheric sounds like water sounds and masking noise. A listening test with a cognitive task and a survey after each test condition showed that the developed signal had a similar positive effect on cognitive performance as a classical masking noise, but was rated as significantly more pleasant.

Speech Intelligibility Parameters for Evaluating the Perception of Background Noise in Open-Plan Office Users: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Serrano Ruiz
Keyword(s):  
Background Noise ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Acoustic Analysis ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Space Design ◽  
Transmission Index ◽  
Open Plan ◽  
Design Characteristics

This document presents a case study of acoustic analysis in an open-plan office. Since Mexico does not have a standard for evaluating acoustic conditions in offices, it is relevant to compare different acoustic evaluation methods used for open-plan offices. According to several studies, one of the main acoustic characteristics for open-plan office spaces is speech intelligibility. Therefore, the purpose of this document is to compare psychoacoustic parameters to evaluate speech intelligibility in open-plan offices. We analyzed physical factors as reverberation and speech clarity in different office points, as well as semantic factors based on subjective methods with standardized values of the quality of speech intelligibility. The study was carried out under real open-plan office conditions in a library in a university in northern Mexico. The study factors of interest were type of sound, sound source, and location of the listener, with Reverberation Time (RT), Speech Transmission Index (STI) and Loss of consonant articulation (%ALCons) as the measures of impact on intelligibility. This case study provides additional evidence of the relationship between intelligibility and the position of sound sources; also, it was noted that location of listeners influenced analyzed intelligibility parameters. On the other hand, this case study offers information concerning to use psychoacoustic parameters for subjective classification of quality of the speech intelligibility to evaluate how is background noise perceived in open-plan office users. However, it is noteworthy that this study represents a single office with its own interior and space design characteristics.

Impact of Partition types on Architecture design studios acoustical environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 263 (1) ◽  
pp. 5847-5857
Author(s):  
Hany Hossam Eldien ◽  
Umaru Bongwirnso
Keyword(s):  
Background Noise ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Architecture Design ◽  
Front Side ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Transmission Index ◽  
Speech Transmission ◽  
Open Plan ◽  
High Level ◽  
Two Sides

Working in Architecture design studios environment requires various activities. Interaction, communication and meetings could affect the speech intelligibility and the speech privacy conditions. Students Areas with a more silent environment are needed with a minimized level of distraction from surrounding activities, while teamwork and discussion areas with a high level of interaction need a good speech intelligibility. One of the more important elements which can improve the open spaces acoustical conditions is the partitions between workstations.The main purpose of this work is to evaluate the acoustical performance of four partitions types in open plan offices; 1.10m two sides partition height, 1,50m front side partitions, 1,50m one side partitions and 1.50 two sides partitions. This Study was conducted in the College of Architecture, Imam Abdulrhman Bin Faisal University, KSA. Based on ISO 3382-3, Speech Transmission Index, STI in the nearest workstation, Distraction distance rD, privacy distance rP, A-weighted background noise level L,A,B and A-weighted SPL of speech at 4 metres L,A,S,4m have been measured. It was found that the best results can be obtained by 1.50m front side and 1.50m two sides partitions.

The effects of intelligible irrelevant background speech in offices – cognitive disturbance, annoyance, and solutions

Facilities ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 61-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine J. Schlittmeier ◽  
Andreas Liebl
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Subjective Ratings ◽  
Severe Problem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Open Plan ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This paper aims to give an overview on four empirical studies which explored the impact of background speech on cognitive performance and subjectively perceived disturbance. Background speech is the most serious noise problem in shared-room and open-plan offices for employees who are supposed to do silent, concentrated work. Different measures of acoustic office optimization, as well as the outstanding role of the intelligibility of background speech for its disturbance impact, are empirically evaluated. Design/methodology/approach – The article provides a synopsis describing the core empirical results of four of our empirical studies. A survey study among office employees (n = 659) explored the subjective importance of office acoustics. Three experimental studies (n1 = 20; n2 = 30; n3 = 24) evaluated the effects of reduced background speech level, play-back of partial maskers and reduced speech intelligibility on cognitive performance and subjective ratings. Findings – Background speech is subjectively perceived as a severe problem, and the different noise abatement measures affect objective performance and subjective ratings differently. Speech intelligibility is – besides level – a key determinant for the acoustic optimization regarding these two dimensions. Research limitations/implications – Practitioners are encouraged to apply the findings and described measures when planning and/or evaluating open-plan offices. Practical implications – It is concluded that different acoustically efficient measures need to be combined to minimize the negative effects of background speech on cognitive performance and subjectively perceived disturbance. The aspired set value for open-office concepts is the lowest possible sound level with a bad intelligibility of the background speech at the same time. Originality/value – The synopsis of several empirical studies allows deriving comprehensive and well-founded information for practitioners involved in the evaluation and/or design of offices environments.

scholarly journals Physiological Factors Which Influence Cognitive Performance in Military Personnel

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristy Martin ◽  
Julien Périard ◽  
Ben Rattray ◽  
David B. Pyne
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Physiological Factors ◽  
Physiological Factor ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To identify and detail physiological factors that influence cognition in military personnel. Background: Maintenance of cognitive and task performance is important under several scenarios, none more so than in a military context. Personnel are prepared for and trained to tolerate many of the stressors they encounter; however, consideration of stressors typically extends only as far as the physical, psychological, and environmental requirements of a given task. While considering these factors certainly characterizes the broader picture, several physiological states and traits can influence cognition and thus, should also be considered. Method: A systematic review of the electronic databases Medline (PubMed), EMBASE (Scopus), PsycINFO, and Web of Science was conducted from inception up to January 2019. Eligibility criteria included current military personnel, an outcome of cognition, and the assessment of a physiological factor. Results: The search returned 60,564 records, of which 60 were included in the review. Eleven studies examined the impact of demographic factors on cognition, 16 examined fatigue, 10 investigated nutrition, and 24 the impact of biological factors on cognitive performance. Conclusion: Factors identified as having a positive impact on cognition include aerobic fitness, nutritional supplementation, and visual acuity. In contrast, factors identified as having a negative impact include fatigue arising from sustained operations, dehydration, undernutrition, and an exaggerated physiological stress response to a cognitive task or a stressor. A further subset of these factors was considered modifiable. Application: The modifiable factors identified provide avenues for training and preparation to enhance cognition in ways previously unconsidered.

scholarly journals Effect of masking noise on cognitive performance and annoyance in open plan offices

2016 ◽  
Vol 114 ◽  
pp. 44-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Brocolini ◽  
E. Parizet ◽  
P. Chevret
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Masking Noise ◽  
Open Plan

The Impact of Environmental Stress on Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (8) ◽  
pp. 1205-1246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristy Martin ◽  
Emily McLeod ◽  
Julien Périard ◽  
Ben Rattray ◽  
Richard Keegan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Environmental Stress ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Healthy Human ◽  
The Impact

Objective: In this review, we detail the impact of environmental stress on cognitive and military task performance and highlight any individual characteristics or interventions which may mitigate any negative effect. Background: Military personnel are often deployed in regions markedly different from their own, experiencing hot days, cold nights, and trips both above and below sea level. In spite of these stressors, high-level cognitive and operational performance must be maintained. Method: A systematic review of the electronic databases Medline (PubMed), EMBASE (Scopus), PsycINFO, and Web of Science was conducted from inception up to September 2018. Eligibility criteria included a healthy human cohort, an outcome of cognition or military task performance and assessment of an environmental condition. Results: The search returned 113,850 records, of which 124 were included in the systematic review. Thirty-one studies examined the impact of heat stress on cognition; 20 of cold stress; 59 of altitude exposure; and 18 of being below sea level. Conclusion: The severity and duration of exposure to the environmental stressor affects the degree to which cognitive performance can be impaired, as does the complexity of the cognitive task and the skill or familiarity of the individual performing the task. Application: Strategies to improve cognitive performance in extreme environmental conditions should focus on reducing the magnitude of the physiological and perceptual disturbance caused by the stressor. Strategies may include acclimatization and habituation, being well skilled on the task, and reducing sensations of thermal stress with approaches such as head and neck cooling.

scholarly journals PEER DESIGNERS AS STRONG INFLUENCERS ON THE DESIGN PROCESS OF FOOD STARTUPS

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 2409-2418
Author(s):  
Summer D. Jung ◽  
Erika Perttunen ◽  
Senni Kirjavainen ◽  
Tua Björklund ◽  
Sohyeong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Peer Influences ◽  
Design Team ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Design Ideas ◽  
Different Sources ◽  
Positive Effect

AbstractAs design research expands its horizon, there has been a recent rise in studies on nontraditional designers. Previous studies have noted the positive effect of diversity in generating ideas. Among different sources of influence, peers outside the design team have been noted for their positive impact on the design process, yet the research on this topic is still in its early stages. Using qualitative data from 40 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the American and Finnish food and beverage industries, the current study examines their interactions with other SMEs, shedding light on the influence of peers on creating new design solutions. The findings suggest that peer companies can act as a frequent and impactful source of inspiration for product design ideas. The most prevalent forms of interaction were co-creating products, sharing information, and sharing ingredients. Furthermore, the interactions were voluntary, organic, and improvisational in nature, and physical proximity or previous connections often initiated the interactions. Taken together, a great number of peer influences contributed towards creative new solutions.

scholarly journals The Influence of Dynamic and Adaptive Marketing Capabilities on the Performance of Portuguese SMEs in the B2B International Market

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 579
Author(s):  
Caroline Reimann ◽  
Fernando Carvalho ◽  
Marcelo Duarte
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
International Marketing ◽  
International Market ◽  
Marketing Capabilities ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Competitive Intensity ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Marketing Performance ◽  
Market Learning ◽  
Positive Effect

The present investigation aims study the sustainability of the business model of the Portuguese SMEs operating in the B2B International market analyzing the influence of dynamic marketing capabilities and adaptive marketing capabilities in their international marketing performance. It will also analyze the moderating effects of Competitive Intensity within this international scenario. A quantitative study was developed, using a questionnaire as a research method. In total, 335 valid responses were collected from Portuguese SMEs in June 2020. To test the hypotheses, multiple hierarchical regressions were performed. As for the analyzes involving Competitive Intensity environments, namely low and high intensity, dummies were developed to evaluate the different effects produced by the capacities in the International Marketing Performance. This study shows the positive impact of the dynamic marketing capabilities and adaptive marketing capabilities on the international marketing performance of the surveyed companies, essentially from the product development management, supply chain management, vigilant market learning and open marketing. when in a low competitive intensity environment only dynamic marketing capabilities had a positive effect on performance, but in a high, competitive, intensity environment both dynamic marketing capabilities and adaptive marketing capabilities showed positive effects in relation to performance. This study innovates by bringing international marketing, through two marketing capacities, from the perspective of SMEs that perform B2B activities.

scholarly journals Which Factors Influence Farmers’ Use of Protective Measures During Pesticides Exposure?

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (7) ◽  
pp. 338-349
Author(s):  
Maryam Afshari ◽  
Jalal Poorolajal ◽  
Forouzan Rezapur-Shahkolai ◽  
Mohammad Javad Assari ◽  
Akram Karimi-Shahanjarini
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Physiological Arousal ◽  
Protective Behaviors ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Pesticides Exposure ◽  
Positive Effect

Farmers in developing countries use harmful pesticides while taking few or no protective measures. There is limited evidence on factors affecting their safety measures. The objective of this study was to identify the underlying factors influencing farmers’ protective behaviors (PBs) and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the exposure to pesticides. From April to August 2017, a descriptive study was conducted in Twiserkan County in western Iran among 474 farmers from 104 villages. A questionnaire was developed to measure demographic characteristics and factors suggested in integrated agent-centered (IAC) framework. The questionnaire was validated in terms of content validity through expert reviews and tested for reliability in a group of farmers. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews with farmers. Physiological arousal (β = .154, p < .05), intention (β = .345, p < .05), habit (β = .188, p < .05), and contextual factors (β = .101, p < .05) had a significant and positive impact on farmers engaging in pesticide PBs. Among the assessed factors, only physiological arousal (β = .122, p < .05) and habit (β = .646, p < .05) were found to have a significant and positive effect on the use of PPE, but the intention (β = –.039, p > .05) and contextual factors (β = –.009, p > .05) had no significant relation with the use of PPE. The results of this study identified determinants of farmers’ safety measures. Our results suggest that the IAC framework could serve as a guide to developing a more effective intervention for safety measures of Iranian farmers.

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