Utjecaj buke u okolišu na uzrujanost odraslih stanovnika Skopja: presječno istraživanje

The aim of this study was to identify noise exposure indicators during day and night in the city of Skopje and to see if there is an association between these noise exposure indicators and annoyance. We have performed noise measurements and interviewed 510 adult subjects, using a questionnaire, prepared according to the ISO/TS-15666 standard. Average noise level over the day (Lday) was (62±6.45) dB(A) and over night (Lnight) (56±6.52) dB(A). Thirteen percent of subjects reported a high level, and 33.5 % moderate level of annoyance. The most annoying noise sources were construction activities (34 % of the subjects), road traffic (24 %), and leisure/entertainment activities (18 %). We found a significant association between exposure to Lday in the range 61 dB(A) to 65 dB(A) and annoyance in the exposed population (chi-square=86.14; p<0.001; Spearman’s R=0.45; p<0.05). During the night time annoyance was reported with exposure to Lnight above 46 dB(A). Levels of annoyance in Macedonia are similar to levels in developed European countries. Differences are in the source of noise. This study has shown that environmental noise is a significant hazard in urban environments, and assessment of annoyance may prove a useful tool for town planners and public health policy makers.Cilj ovog ispitivanja bio je utvrditi dnevne i noćne razine buke u Skopju te njihovu povezanost s osjećajem uzrujanosti u izloženoj populaciji. Provedena su mjerenja buke te razgovori s 510 odraslih ispitanika s pomoću upitnika sastavljenog prema normi ISO/TS-15666. Prosječna dnevna razina buke iznosila je (62±6,45) dB(A), a noćna (56±6,52) dB(A). Trinaest posto ispitanika iskazalo je izrazitu, a 33,5 % umjerenu uzrujanost. Ispitanicima je najviše smetala buka s gradilišta (34 %), prometna buka (24 %) te buka proizišla iz aktivnosti u slobodnome vremenu (18 %). Utvrdili smo statistički značajnu povezanost između dnevne izloženosti buci u rasponu od 61 dB(A) do 65 dB(A) i uzrujanosti (hi-kvadrat=86,14; p<0,001) te statistički značajnu korelaciju (R=0,45; p<0,05). Povezanost između izloženosti noćnoj buci i uzrujanosti utvrđena je već pri 46 dB(A), a napose pri >56 dB(A), uz značajnu korelaciju (R=0,04; p<0,05). Razine uzrujanosti stanovnika Skopja zbog buke slične su onima u razvijenim europskim zemljama. Postoje međutim razlike u izvorima buke, koji su u našem ispitivanju ponajviše građevinske djelatnosti, cestovni promet te buka proizišla iz aktivnosti u slobodno vrijeme. Istraživanje je pokazalo da je procjena uzrujanosti stanovništva vrijedan podatak koji može poslužiti kod izrade urbanističkih planova i javnozdravstvene politike

Survey context and question wording affects self reported annoyance due to road traffic noise: a comparison between two cross-sectional studies

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Surveys are a common way to measure annoyance due to road traffic noise, but the method has some draw-backs. Survey context, question wording and answer alternatives could affect participation and answers and could have implications when comparing studies and/or performing pooled analyses. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in annoyance reporting due to road traffic noise in two types of surveys of which one was introduced broadly and the other with the clearly stated aim of investigating noise and health.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data was collected from two surveys carried out in the municipality of Malmö, southern Sweden in 2007 and 2008 (n = 2612 and n = 3810). The first survey stated an aim of investigating residential environmental exposure, especially noise and health. The second survey was a broad public health survey stating a broader aim. The two surveys had comparable questions regarding noise annoyance, although one used a 5-point scale and the other a 4-point scale. We used geographic information systems (GIS) to assess the average road and railway noise (L_Aeq,24h) at the participants' residential address. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for annoyance in relation to noise exposure.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Annoyance at least once a week due to road traffic noise was significantly more prevalent in the survey investigating environment and health compared to the public health survey at levels > 45 dB(A), but not at lower exposure levels. However no differences in annoyance were found when comparing the extreme alternatives "never" and "every day". In the study investigating environment and health, "Noise sensitive" persons were more likely to readily respond to the survey and were more annoyed by road traffic noise compared to the other participants in that survey.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The differences in annoyance reporting between the two surveys were mainly due to different scales, suggesting that extreme alternatives are to prefer before dichotomization when comparing results between the two. Although some findings suggested that noise-sensitive individuals were more likely to respond to the survey investigating noise and health, we could not find convincing evidence that contextual differences affected either answers or participation.</p

Intended Consequences Statement in Conservation Science and Practice

As the biodiversity crisis accelerates, the stakes are higher for threatened plants and animals. Rebuilding the health of our planet will require addressing underlying threats at many scales, including habitat loss and climate change. Conservation interventions such as habitat protection, management, restoration, predator control, trans location, genetic rescue, and biological control have the potential to help threatened or endangered species avert extinction. These existing, well-tested methods can be complemented and augmented by more frequent and faster adoption of new technologies, such as powerful new genetic tools. In addition, synthetic biology might offer solutions to currently intractable conservation problems. We believe that conservation needs to be bold and clear-eyed in this moment of great urgency

KIMA: Noise: A visual sound installation on urban noise

KIMA: Noise is a participatory art piece inviting audiences to explore impact of urban noises interactively. Using specific urban sound sources, the audience experiences noise as spatial soundscapes, responding to it, physically engaging and interacting with it. KIMA: Noise creates awareness for the phenomenon of noise pollution. The paper looks at preeminent research in the field, and draws conclusions of how sound affects us as individuals. The art project KIMA: Noise is introduced technically and conceptually

Estimating human exposure to transport noise in central Dublin, Ireland

This paper reports on research conducted to determine estimates of the extent of environmental noise exposure from road transport on residents and workers in central Dublin, Ireland. The Harmonoise calculation method is used to calculate noise values for the study area while a Geographical Information System (GIS) is utilised as a platform upon which levels of noise exposure are estimated. Residential exposure is determined for Lden and Lnight while worker exposure is determined for Lden. In order to analyse the potential of traffic management as a noise abatement measure, traffic was redirected from the main residential areas to alternative road links and the revised exposure levels were determined. The results show that the extent of noise exposure in Dublin is considerable, and in relative terms, it is worse for the night-time period. In addition, the results suggest also that traffic management measures have the potential to lead to significant reductions in the level of noise exposure provided that careful consideration is given to the impact of traffic flows on residential populations.Not applicabl

Scenario analysis and noise action planning : modelling the impact of mitigation measures on population exposure

This paper reports on strategic noise mapping research conducted in Dublin, Ireland. Noise maps are constructed for the day–evening–night-time and night-time periods and levels of population exposure are estimated for the same periods. In methodological terms, the research uses the UK’s calculation of road traffic noise (CRTN) method for calculating noise levels in the study area. This method has been adopted as the interim calculation method by the Irish authorities responsible for meeting the obligations set out in the EU Environmental Noise Directive (END). The research also investigates the usefulness of three noise mitigation measures for ‘acoustical planning’ purposes: traffic reductions, speed reductions and erection of acoustical barriers. The results indicate that levels of population exposure during night-time are extremely high relative to guideline limits set down by the World Health Organisation. In addition, the results highlight the significant role that certain noise mitigation measures can play in good ‘acoustical planning’.Not applicabl