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.

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 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.

Environmental noise-induced cardiovascular responses during sleep

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bastien Lechat ◽  
Hannah Scott ◽  
Felix Decup ◽  
Kristy L Hansen ◽  
Gorica Micic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Farm ◽  
Wave Amplitude ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Cardiovascular Responses ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Pulse Wave Amplitude ◽  
Sound Pressure Levels

Abstract Study Objectives This study was designed to test the utility of cardiovascular responses as markers of potentially different environmental noise disruption effects of wind farm compared to traffic noise exposure during sleep. Methods Twenty participants underwent polysomnography. In random order, and at six sound pressure levels from 33 dBA to 48 dBA in 3 dB increments, three types of wind farm and two types of road traffic noise recordings of 20-sec duration were played during established N2 or deeper sleep, each separated by 20 seconds without noise. Each noise sequence also included a no-noise control. Electrocardiogram and finger pulse oximeter recorded pulse wave amplitude changes from the pre-noise onset baseline following each noise exposure and were assessed algorithmically to quantify the magnitude of heart rate and finger vasoconstriction responses to noise exposure. Results Higher sound pressure levels were more likely to induce drops in pulse wave amplitude. Sound pressure levels as low as 39 dBA evoked a pulse wave amplitude response (Odds ratio [95% confidence interval]; 1.52 [1.15, 2.02]). Wind farm noise with amplitude modulation was less likely to evoke a pulse wave amplitude response than the other noise types, but warrants cautious interpretation given low numbers of replications within each noise type. Conclusion These preliminary data support that drops in pulse wave amplitude are a particularly sensitive marker of noise-induced cardiovascular responses during. Larger trials are clearly warranted to further assess relationships between recurrent cardiovascular activation responses to environmental noise and potential long-term health effects.

scholarly journals Influence of Contextual Factors on Soundscape in Urban Open Spaces

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 2524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolong Zhao ◽  
Shilun Zhang ◽  
Qi Meng ◽  
Jian Kang
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Crowd Density ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Parabolic Shape ◽  
Acoustic Comfort ◽  
Level Of Sound Pressure ◽  
Central Avenue

The acoustic environment in urban open spaces has played a key role for users. This study analyzed the different effects of contextual factors, including shop openness, season, and commercial function, on the soundscape in two typical commercial pedestrian streets. The following observations were based on a series of measurements, including crowd measurements, acoustic environment measurements, and a questionnaire survey. First, the number of talkers in Central Avenue was greater than the number of talkers in Kuan Alley in cases with the same crowd density, while there was no significant difference in the sound pressure level. When the crowd density increased, acoustic comfort trended downward in Kuan Alley, while the value of acoustic comfort in Central Avenue took a parabolic shape. Second, there was no significant difference between the number of talkers in summer and the number of talkers in winter; however, when crowd density increased by 0.1 persons/m2, the level of sound pressure increased by 1.3 dBA in winter and 2.2 dBA in summer. Acoustic comfort took a parabolic shape that first increased and then decreased in both winter and summer. Regarding commercial function, as the crowd density increased, the number of talkers and the level of sound pressure both increased, while acoustic comfort decreased in three zones with different commercial functions. In addition, a cross-tab analysis was used to discuss the relationship between the number of talkers and the level of sound pressure, and it was found to be positive.

Hygienic Characteristics of the Acoustic Environment in the Mi-8 Helicopter Cabin

2021 ◽  
pp. 54-61
Author(s):  
VV Kharitonov
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Central Compartment ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Operating Modes ◽  
Technical Requirements ◽  
Sound Pressure Levels

Introduction: The Mi-8 helicopter generates high-intensity broadband noises by its turboshaft engines whereas a comprehensive hygienic assessment of the acoustic environment in the helicopter cabin has not been conducted. The purpose of the study was to assess the acoustic environment in the Mi-8 helicopter cabin. Materials and methods: Acoustic measurements were carried out on the ground, inside the central cabin of the Mi-8 helicopter in three operating modes of the turboshaft engines: at startup, in the idle mode, and during cruise flight in the “right correction” mode. Measuring microphones were placed during the recording of the signal on a stand at the level of the human ear at six points located next to the reclining seats in the cabin. Acoustic indicators were measured using an SVAN-945A digital sound level meter and a GRAS 40AZ microphone. The collected data were processed in accordance with the requirements of sanitary and epidemiological rules, sanitary standards, and general tactical and technical requirements of the Air Force. Results: Values of regulated noise indicators at the seats of the Mi-8 helicopter crew, sound pressure levels of the most significant tonal frequencies in its central compartment were measured. To establish the presence of tonal noise, a one-third octave analysis of the recorded acoustic signals was carried out. In the central compartment of the helicopter, the values of the regulated infrasound indices and the general sound pressure level were measured in the entire regulated frequency range. Discussion: It was found that the sound pressure levels in almost all sound octaves and the equivalent sound level in all operating modes of the helicopter engines exceed the permissible exposure limits while in the infrasound region they are within the normal range (except for the frequency of 16 Hz). Thus, the class of working conditions by noise corresponds to hazard class 3.3, and by infrasound – to class 2. According to the sanitary regulations, helicopter crews should use noise suppressors to protect themselves from high noise exposures through air and bone conduction. Conclusion: The existing risks of developing a noise and infrasound-induced diseases necessitate constant monitoring of working conditions and health of the crews of Mi-8 helicopters.

Acoustic study in a main avenue and its effects in classrooms and offices of a university in Mexico City

2021 ◽  
Vol 263 (5) ◽  
pp. 1899-1910
Author(s):  
Antonio Javier Bautista Kuri
Keyword(s):  
Mexico City ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Sound Insulation ◽  
Vehicular Traffic ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Acoustic Study ◽  
Sound Pressure Levels ◽  
Acoustic Comfort ◽  
High Sound

This study presents the results of a detailed acoustic investigation, systematized and with adequate equipment to the current regulations, carried out in an avenue of intense vehicular traffic located in front of a recently built architectural complex, based on concrete, aluminum, glass, and other materials, called the Postgraduate Unit, belonging to the National Autonomous University of Mexico. These measurements show that, in the initial design of the buildings, the most current knowledge about exterior-interior sound insulation through their facades was not considered. The data collected and the interviews conducted reveal that the Sound Pressure Levels rise, altering the Interior Acoustic Comfort, necessary for the performance of daily academic, administrative and research activities, resulting in permanent inconveniences for users, in addition to the saturation of areas, lack of adequate spaces and excessive unscheduled expenses. Paradoxically, empty spaces are observed in areas with high Sound Pressure Levels, which means that there is a certain level of architectural failure.

scholarly journals Risk assessment of noise pollution by analyzing the level of sound loudness resulting from central traffic in Shiraz

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 211-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadi Negahdari ◽  
Sirus Javadpour ◽  
Faramarz Moattar ◽  
Hashem Negahdari
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Heavy Traffic ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Traffic Jam ◽  
Human Needs ◽  
Sound Pressure Levels ◽  
Night And Day

Background: Today, the effects of environmental pollution on human life and human needs, which reduces the level of community health caused by traffic noise in large cities, are clearly visible by creating irritation and pathogenic conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of noise pollution resulted from central traffic in Shiraz by analyzing its indicators and related components. Methods: By specifying the high traffic jam in Shiraz, the sound and its frequency in 156 points of the city were analyzed using a sound analyzer (Tes-1358C model). The sound pressure levels (LA and LP ) and the one and one-third octave band were continuously measured in A and C networks. Then, data were extracted and analyzed using Excel 2016 and Minitab 18.1. Eventually, phon and sone indexes were calculated for the heavy traffic jam in some of the central streets of Shiraz and the results were statistically calculated and their charts were prepared with comfort disturbance ranges. Results: The highest harmful frequency of traffic in Shiraz was 50 Hz and 83.3 dB. The sound pressure level ranged from 70 to 92.7 dB in network A and 87.8 dB in network C. The maximum sound level was 87 phon and the maximum sone was 26 at 14 stations. Conclusion: According to the results, the sound pressure levels exceeded the environmental standards of Iran and the values of phon and sone were higher than the standard of comfort at night and day

Subjective Evaluation of Acoustic Environment in Underground Spaces

2012 ◽  
Vol 450-451 ◽  
pp. 1498-1503
Author(s):  
Qi Meng ◽  
Jian Kang ◽  
Hong Jin
Keyword(s):  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Subjective Loudness ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Acoustic Comfort ◽  
The Relationship

Previous studies have demonstrated that users’ evaluation of acoustic environment such as subjective loudness or acoustic comfort depends on a series of factors in a particular space, rather than only on sound pressure levels. In this study, more than 2800 interviews have been undertaken at underground spaces in Harbin, China, to find out influencing factors to users’ evaluation, considering both space conditions and demographical factors. Based on the analysis of case study results, it has been found that in underground spaces, background music is generally noticeable and preferred, and it is useful for psychologically ‘masking’ other less preferred sound sources. While there is a linear correlation between the measured LAeq and the subjective loudness, the relationship between the measured LAeq and the acoustic comfort evaluation is of a parabolic shape, and the acoustic comfort is the best when LAeq is around 65-70dB. There is no significant difference between different age groups, whereas people with a higher income level tend to feel that an underground space is nosier and less acoustically comfortable.

Psycho-acoustic evaluation of the automotive acoustic comfort using vibro-acoustic prediction methods

2021 ◽  
Vol 263 (6) ◽  
pp. 703-714
Author(s):  
Valentin Miqueau ◽  
Etienne Parizet ◽  
Sylvain Germes
Keyword(s):  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Subjective Analysis ◽  
Acoustic Comfort ◽  
Acoustic Evaluation ◽  
Selling Point ◽  
The Right

In the automotive industry, the acoustic comfort is considered as a selling point of utmost importance. To help the OEMs improve the acoustic comfort in cars, as a one-tier supplier of automotive glazing, Saint-Gobain is currently working on the acoustic comfort within the cabin in order to propose the right set of glazing consistent with the OEMs' specifications. The characterization of the acoustic comfort mostly relies on physical demonstrators required for carrying out the relevant measurements. It is however not available early in the project phase, delaying the subjective analysis late in the development phase. To have the opportunity to develop effective solutions, the acoustic comfort has to be investigated as early as possible in the design process. Saint-Gobain is thus currently developing relevant acoustic models in order to predict the mid-high frequency airborne interior noise generated by the wind excitations. The subjective acoustic comfort has then to be assessed using the predicted interior sound pressure levels converted into audio soundtracks for the auralization purposes. In this paper, we briefly present the Statistical Energy Analysis model developed by Saint-Gobain. The psychoacoustic methodology deployed to evaluate its reliability for the subjective evaluation of the automotive acoustic comfort is detailed.

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