Environmental Quality Research Articles

An investigation of soundscape perception in oncology polyclinics' waiting area based on biophilia hypothesis paradigm: a field and laboratory survey study

The present study employed an in-between investigation to examine changes in soundscape perception in two waiting areas of Ankara City Oncology assessing both audio-visual environments. For the investigation, a questionnaire survey procedure was employed based on a Biophilia Hypothesis Paradigm in the field and laboratory. While it is important to establish a baseline from a soundscape perspective within the paradigm, the latter establishes an investigation procedure that claims a positive affective outcome. Important measures for this study are Biophilic Quality using the Biophilic Interior Design Index (BIDI), Affective Attributes, Sound Overall Quality, Appropriateness, and Sound Source Dominance following ISO/TS 12913-2:2018., Method A. For the visual environment, Visual Appropriateness and Overall Quality were assessed. For the laboratory setting, audio and visual environments are digitally reproduced using still images and binaural recordings accordingly. Overall, 112 subjects completed the survey considered for further analysis. Significant differences were tested separately with the t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. The biophilic quality between waiting areas in the field varies from low to moderate biophilic, while the sound descriptors identify an eventful, annoying, monotonous, and chaotic sound environment for both waiting areas and settings based on mean scores.

CO2 Levels in Classrooms: What Actions to Take to Improve the Quality of Environments and Spaces

CO2 Levels in Classrooms: What Actions to Take to Improve the Quality of Environments and Spaces

Monitoring of indoor environmental quality and acoustic comfort in university classrooms

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in university classrooms affects students' well-being, comfort and learning performance, thus its evaluation is strongly needed. This work presents an in-field study on the acoustic monitoring, along with thermal, visual and air quality domains, in four recently built university classrooms of Politecnico di Torino. The monitoring was performed in the spring/summer and winter periods, through wall mounted multi-sensor devices. While the monitoring was ongoing, students attending lessons were asked to answer an online anonymous questionnaire on comfort perception, which included questions regarding the four domains and additional personal information. Results show that students are more satisfied with the overall conditions in classroom 3P and more dissatisfied with the overall conditions in classroom 4P. The less satisfying domains are the thermal and air quality ones, whereas the more satisfying are the acoustic and visual ones. Furthermore, at the increasing of TVOC and CO2 concentrations the overall satisfaction decreases. The final aim of this project, based on the monitoring results, is the optimization of the building systems management to reduce energy consumptions and ensure occupants' well-being and comfort.

A pilot study: developing acoustic model for immersive environment

In the landscape of higher education in Malaysia, the adoption of immersive technologies still in its infancy, particularly within the field of building science education. This research endeavors to elevate the learning experiences of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) concepts, with a specific focus on lighting and acoustics. The ongoing study seeks to revolutionize current learning methodologies by converting traditional modules into an immersive virtual environment, offering learners an interactive, and sensory-rich experience with the subject matter. To ensure the effectiveness of the acoustic immersive environment, this paper prioritizes the initial step of developing the acoustic simulation model. In an early pilot study, on-site measurements of sound pressure levels were recorded at various points within a basic classroom setting and an acoustic model will be developed subsequently. Consequently, the alignment between the developed acoustic model and real-world physical measurements establishes a solid foundation for the subsequent calibration process, during which the acoustic model will be tailored to meet VR-ready specifications delve into immersive environment model. This finding ensures a seamless transition of real-world acoustic conditions into the virtual realm, amplifying the authenticity and educational impact of the VR learning experience, thereby contributing to the advancement of immersive technologies in higher education.

From Health Risks to Environmental Actions: Research on the Pathway of Guiding Citizens to Participate in Pocket-Park Governance

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the demand for urban pocket parks near residential areas, posing new challenges for environmental governance. However, there is a lack of research on how to engage citizens in pocket-park governance to address both potential and unforeseen risks. This study combines social information processing theory with a norm activation model to develop a framework that identifies the shaping stages and influencing factors of citizens’ intentions to participate in pocket-park governance. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling, this research analyzed the relationships among external factors, attitudes, moral norms, and intentions to participate based on 719 responses from an online survey targeting Chinese citizens in November and December 2023. Results indicate that health risks and pocket-park environmental quality positively affect perceived usefulness. Attitudes and moral norms are indeed important factors mediating the positive effect of the external environment on the intention to participate. The pathway of guiding citizens to participate in pocket-park governance is clarified, which helps bolster the resilience of urban green spaces and improve the quality of life of residents after public crises.

Assessing the indoor soundscape approach among university students' home study places

University students spend a considerable time at study places. The acoustical quality of these study places is one of the indoor environmental qualities (IEQ) that can have an impact on student's health, comfort, and performance. The indoor soundscape approach has been introduced to better understand occupants' sound perception and experience of sounds in relation to the environment. This study aims to explore the indoor soundscapes of home study places of these students by conducting semi-structured interviews with 23 university students with different profiles. For qualitative analysis, open coding was used. Sub-categories, based on the codes, and categories were created and assigned to the soundscape themes that are defined in ISO 12913-1. An affinity diagram consisting of the themes, categories, and sub-categories was initially developed. Then, it was validated through two workshops with participants. The results showed that the interpretation of the sound environment, responses, and outcomes differed among the students. In a previous study, 451 students were clustered in 5 clusters with similar acoustical preferences (profiles). Therefore, it is recommended to consider making the indoor soundscape approach applicable for different profiles of occupants.

Conscious walk: integrating soundscape, biodiversity, and air quality metrics for holistic urban environmental assessment

The impact of environmental noise, poor biodiversity, and air pollution on urban populations poses a significant challenge to public health. Addressing these concerns requires a comprehensive approach that considers the perceptual experiences of citizens and objective environmental data. The Conscious Walks introduce a hybrid methodology designed to address the perceptive impact of citizens on their environment. Conscious Walks are citizen-science participative projects that combine the active involvement of citizens with scientific data collection. Implemented and tested in Barcelona, Conscious Walks provide a unique opportunity to assess urban soundscapes, and this contribution specifically evaluates the soundscapes of the Ciutadella Park in Barcelona for three consecutive years. The gathered data is carefully cross-referenced with information on air quality and biodiversity obtained during the walks. The novelty of this research lies in the development of integrated indicators that comprehensively capture the interplay between biodiversity, noise pollution, and air pollution. These indicators provide an understanding of urban environmental quality, offering valuable insights for sustainable urban planning and policy-making. The results presented in this contribution underscore the significance of adopting holistic methodologies to address the complex challenges posed by urban environments, emphasizing the need for integrated indicators in assessing the multifaceted aspects of urban sustainability.

Multimodal Hong Kong: a multisensory study of environmental perception of places through sight, sound, and smell

Despite the importance of soundscape and smellscape in intangible cultural heritage, little is known about multisensory interactions. To explore the impact of multiple senses on environmental perception, the present study focused on six stalls at Shek Kip Mei wet market in Hong Kong. In the first part of the study, an online survey collected perceptual ratings of whole, auditory, and visual environmental quality, as well as free-form responses of imaginations of smell. Participants (N = 36) were presented with 12 audiovisual captures where audio was either matched with video or mismatched. ANOVA was used to examine the influence of three independent factors - scenes, modes, and a priori valence groups - on the ratings. The imagined smells were analysed through frequency counts of keywords. The results demonstrate participants' capacity to notice changes in audio modes and to perceive the environment through the recognition of scene context and multisensory interactions. In the second part of the study, not discussed in the present paper, we will extend this experimental method to include smells in a laboratory setting. We discuss the importance of understanding multisensory interactions between sight, sound, and smell for environmental perceptions and Hong Kong's intangible cultural heritage and urban studies.

The Relationship of Individual Characteristics and Farm Biosecurity Implementation with The Incident of Contact Dermatitis

Poultry workers risk contracting diseases due to physical or biological exposure. One such disease is contact dermatitis. This study aims to analyze the individual and the application of livestock biosecurity that can be associated with cases of contact dermatitis in cage workers. This study a descriptive-quantitative that uses a cross-sectional approach. The research was conducted at PT. X in June 2022. The sample of this study was 43 people who were taken through simple random sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The results were then tested using Chi-Square and Odds Ratio (OR) with a Confidence Level of 95%. The study showed that two variables were associated with contact dermatitis, namely cage ventilation (OR= 5.45; 95% CI: 1.21 - 24.43; P=0,020) and frequency of hand washing (OR= 2.70; 95% CI: 2.57 - 282.99; P=0,001). Meanwhile, variables that were not significantly related were age (P=0.306), gender (P=0.206), length of work (p=0.698), floor (P=1.000), and PPE usage (P=0.245). Poor environmental quality and personal hygiene practices could affect contact dermatitis in workers. Therefore, efforts are needed, such as occupational safety and health education for workers, routine health checks, and environmental inspections at PT. X.

Introducing the concept of acoustic personalised environmental control systems (Acoustic PECS) within the framework of IEA EBC Annex 87

The availability of systems that can locally adjust environmental parameters holds the potential to enhance building occupant satisfaction by considering individual sensitivities, expectations, and needs. To this aim, Personalised Environmental Control Systems (PECS) are being studied as solutions that can provide individually controlled environments in the immediate surroundings of an occupant, without affecting directly the entire space and other occupants' environment. The concept has been primarily developed to address individual control of the thermal environment and perceived air quality, as in chairs with heating/cooling functions and desks equipped with personalized ventilation systems. By extending the concept of PECS to the acoustic domain, a framework on Acoustic PECS is here introduced and exemplified. The study builds on ongoing research within the IEA EBC - Annex 87, dedicated to investigating the Energy and Indoor Environmental Quality Performance of Personalised Environmental Control Systems.

Towards a simplified model for partially open windows - connecting acoustic and thermal comfort

Traditionally, the internal environmental quality (IEQ) aspects of acoustic and thermal comfort have been considered and designed separately. However, where occupants rely on opening or closing windows to achieve these dimensions, they are not independent in use. To consider both simultaneously, it is crucial to have a simple model of a partially open window that can predict both acoustic and thermal conditions internally. CIBSE TM59 defines the assessment method for adaptive thermal comfort. In the thermal model the ventilation performance of open windows can be described with an "Equivalent Area" (EA). We propose to use the EA to calculate the facade sound insulation based on a simple assessment according to Annex D of ISO 12354-3, i.e. as a facade element with an area of EA and zero sound insulation. This study presents field measurements of sound insulation according to ISO 16283-3 with road traffic sound sources, to evaluate the acoustic uncertainty of using the EA to calculate internal sound levels. Results show encouraging correlation between measurements of element-normalized level difference, Dn,e,w + Ctr and calculations based on the EA. This model is considered adequate for acoustic design purposes, and represents a significant simplification compared with previous proposals.

Differentiated strategies for synergistic mitigation of ammonia and methane emissions from agricultural cropping systems in China

Ammonia (NH3) and methane (CH4) emissions from agricultural cropping systems in China have substantially impacted environmental quality and climate change, which become the key sector for synergizing pollution control and carbon reduction. However, the experiences of synergistic NH3 and CH4 emission governance at fine scales in this sector are still lacking. Here, we estimated NH3 and CH4 emissions from agricultural cropping systems in China in 2019 and identified regional characteristics of these emissions using advanced spatial analysis techniques. Subsequently, we developed an innovative synergistic mitigation zoning identification method to establish targeted and spatially differentiated reduction measures, addressing a critical gap in mitigation strategies for agricultural cropping systems in China. The results showed that NH3 and CH4 emissions from the three most important crops were 3.04 Tg N yr-1 and 8.13 Tg C yr-1, respectively. NH3 and CH4 emissions exhibited the highest values in Eastern China, but the highest emission densities of NH3 (49.8 kg N ha-1 yr-1) and CH4 (394 kg C ha-1 yr-1) were observed in Northwest and South China, respectively. Further, bivariate local indicators of spatial association (LISA) maps revealed that the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River were hotspots for simultaneous high emissions of NH3 and CH4. Finally, based on the identified eight categories of zones, region-specific mitigation measures were proposed, including improved fertilization practices, irrigation methods, and straw management. These targeted, spatially differentiated mitigation strategies provide a reference framework and feasible approach for synergistic pollution control and carbon reduction in China's agricultural sector.

Aligning residential acoustic design guidance with the health evidence: a new proposal for the UK

BS 8233 is a British Standard widely used for its residential design guidance. The current version specifies guidelines for internal sound levels within dwellings with partially open or closed windows. However, the epidemiological evidence on the health effects of environmental noise is largely expressed in terms of external sound levels. We propose a change to a two-step approach. First the external sound levels are used as the primary design driver for good environmental acoustic design, to align with the noise and health evidence. Good environmental acoustic design is a process that can minimise external sound impact through appropriate measures such as site layout, building orientation, massing, landscaping, and noise barriers. The impact of environmental sound is quantified in terms of its health effect (DALYs) and monetary social cost (GBP) to define categories of adverse effect that can help inform decision-making. Once external levels are minimised through good environmental acoustic design, the building envelope can provide mitigation to achieve a good internal environmental quality. The proposed approach moves away from prescribing fixed internal targets in all cases. Instead, it considers ventilation needs for indoor air quality and provisions for mitigating overheating risks holistically alongside internal acoustic conditions.

The role of noise as part of neighborhood quality and its impact on well-being in German preschoolers: Results from the Equal-Life project

Current research confirms the significant role of environmental quality in children´s well-being and mental health. Respective studies targeting young children focused on characteristics of the families´ immediate housing situation, e.g., household chaos. In the framework of the Equal-Life project, we investigated the relationships between neighborhood quality and mental health in preschoolers (N=111). Data were acquired through parent questionnaires. Stepwise regression analysis identified noise and air pollution as the most important predictors of overall neighborhood quality ratings. As expected, different components of neighborhood quality were significantly correlated, confirming a gap between favorable and unfavorable conditions in children´s environments. All components of neighborhood quality were significantly associated with children´s well-being (KIDSCREEN-10), but stepwise regression analyses identified noise and air pollution as the most important predictors. In contrast, children´s mental health problems (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire) were unrelated to all components of neighborhood quality. Furthermore, lower neighborhood quality was associated with higher parental stress, which in turn was a significant predictor of children´s mental health problems and well-being. These findings underline the interdependencies of psychosocial and physical exposures, and thereby the necessity to adopt an holistic (exposome) approach in order to design environments that foster children´s mental health.

Impact of energy consumption on life expectancy in lower-middle-income West African countries

Life expectancy is a key determinant of a nation’s health and well-being. However, West African countries face several challenges in improving life expectancy, such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, corruption, poor sanitation, and environmental quality due to environmental degradation. In addition, energy accessibility is an important determinant of health outcomes and environmental quality. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 7, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are directly linked with energy access; achieving these goals will lead to an improvement in energy access. Therefore, in this study, using data obtained from the World Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin, we investigated the impact of energy consumption and corruption on life expectancy in lower-middle-income West African countries from 1990 to 2021. The results of the cross-sectional auto-regressive distributed lag technique showed that renewable energy has a positive and significant impact on life expectancy in lower-middle-income West African countries in both the short and long run. However, non-renewable energy was found to have a significant and negative impact on life expectancy in the long run and a negative but non-significant impact in the short run. Corruption had a debilitating effect on life expectancy in both the short and long run. We recommend that policymakers should make a conscious and deliberate push toward transitioning to renewable energy through public–private partnerships to provide affordable and clean energy while tackling corruption.

Comparison and Contrast of Calcite vs. Dolomite after Heat Treatment to Enhance Toluidine Blue Removal from Water

Significant increase in use of color dyes in modern society exerted a great pressure on environmental and water qualities. As such, studies for the removal of color dyes from water have been conducted extensively. In this study, common Earth materials dolomite and calcite were evaluated and contrasted for their removal of toluidine blue (TB), a cationic dye, before and after heat treatment. An increase by a factor of 3 in TB removal capacity from 3.5 to 10 mmol/kg was achieved after dolomite (Dol) was heated to 800 °C (designated as HDol). In contrast, the TB removal capacity increased by more than 100 times from 2 to 220 mmol/kg after calcite (Cal) was heated to 1000 °C (designated as HCal). For Dol and HDol, the TB removal increased as the solution’s pH increased but decreased with increases in the solution’s ionic strength. For Cal and HCal, the influence of the equilibrium solution’s pH and ionic strength on TB removal was negligible. The free energy of TB sorption on Dol, HDol, and Cal were −7 to −15 kJ/mol. The results suggested different removal mechanism for TB by Dol vs. Cal. X-ray diffraction data for Dol showed a slight increase in calcite content after heat treatment. For Cal, CaO was produced after heating, which converted back to calcite after 24 h of mixing with TB solutions. The significant TB removal by HCal could be attributed to its reaction with CaO. Thus, the best solution is to use freshly treated Cal for the removal of TB from solution.

Exploring Saudi Arabia’s 2060 net zero-emission paths via fractional frequency Fourier procedures. The imperatives of resource efficiency, energy efficiency, and digitalization

ABSTRACT By applying the novel fractional frequency Fourier ARDL technique, we unraveled the intricacies underpinning resource efficiency, energy efficiency, digitalization, and environmental sustainability in Saudi Arabia. Compelled by the conflicting narratives of prior investigations and the need for updated insights, the analyzed time series spanning 1990–2022 periods divulged interesting insights amenable to policy optimization. First, the fractional frequency Fourier ADL cointegration procedure reveals a long-term association among all the enlisted series. Second, resource and energy efficiencies, as well as digitalization, improved environmental quality by limiting carbon intensities and ecological footprint with some heterogeneous attributes across the timeframes. Notably, while resource efficiency is more effective toward ecological footprint mitigations, energy efficiency proves more efficient for carbon intensity reductions. Lastly, the fractional frequency Fourier Toda-Yamamoto causality test affirms the predictive attributes of the enlisted series on environmental performance. Hence, these factors are critical to KSA’s environmental sustainability paths. Based on these empirical discoveries, policymakers in KSA must pay adequate attention to the efficient utilization of resources and energy to complement other steps toward realizing Saudi Arabia’s 2060 net zero-emission. Likewise, policymakers must ensure the efficient allocation of income to environmentally sensitive ventures to curtail its negative repercussions on the environment. Other relevant steps to curtail carbon intensities and ecological footprint for optimal environmental performance in KSA have been highlighted.

Towards an environmental quality standard (EQS) for lithium in fresh water

Lithium (Li), because of its widespread and increasing use in Li-ion batteries, is an element of vital importance to the energy transition away from fossil fuels and toward clean, renewable energy (green energy). Extraction and refining operations, as well as utilisation in a growing number of applications, are expanding and thus increasing the environmental releases of Li. In order to evaluate consequences of such releases, and to risk assess the accumulation of Li in aquatic ecosystems, environmental quality standards (EQS) are needed so that measured concentrations can be evaluated. Satisfactory EQS for Li are yet to be established and therefore derivation of Predicted No Effect Concentrations (PNECs), or interim EQS, are vital for environmental protection. This study compiled Li freshwater ecotoxicology data from global literature, screened and evaluated it, and then employed it to derive PNECs for short term exposures (i.e. concentrations unlikely to cause harm if their duration is short) and PNECs for standard condition exposures (i.e. concentrations unlikely to cause harm if their duration is continuous) in freshwater ecosystems. The generated dataset comprised 194 individual ecotox endpoints from 31 reference sources, spanning 28 species from 10 separate taxonomic groups (broad organism types). The derived PNECs recommended for consideration in environmental regulation are 0.622 mg/L for short term exposures and 15.2 μg/L for standard condition exposures, but with potential adjustment for site specific water conditions incorporating water hardness, dissolved organic carbon concentration and pH.

Indoor environmental quality assessment in passively ventilated classrooms in Germany and estimation of ventilation energy losses

In this field study we present an approach for the comprehensive and room-specific assessment of parameters with the overall aim to realize energy-efficient provision of hygienically harmless and thermally comfortable indoor environmental quality in naturally ventilated non-residential buildings. The approach is based on (i) conformity assessment of room design parameters, (ii) empirical determination of theoretically expected occupant-specific supply air flow rates and corresponding air exchange rates, (iii) experimental determination of real occupant-specific supply air flow rates and corresponding air exchange rates, (iv) measurement of indoor environmental exposure conditions of T, RH, cCO2, cPM2.5 and cTVOC, and (v) determination of real energy demands for the prevailing ventilation scheme. Underlying assessment criteria comprise the indoor environmental parameters of category II of EN 16798-1: Temperature T = 20 °C–24 °C, and relative humidity RH = 25 %–60 % as well as the guide values of the German Federal Environment Agency for cCO2cPM2.5 and cTVOC of 1000 ppm, 15 μg m−3, and 1 mg m−3, respectively.Investigation objects are six naturally ventilated classrooms of a German secondary school. Major factors influencing indoor environmental quality in these classrooms are the specific room volume per occupant and the window opening area. It is concluded that the rigorous implementation of ventilation recommendations laid down by the German Federal Environment Agency is ineffective with respect to anticipated indoor environmental parameters and inefficient with respect to ventilation energy losses on the order of about 10 kWh m−2 a−1 to 30 kWh m−2 a−1.

Enhancing environmental quality and economic growth through potential effects of energy efficiency and renewable energy in Asian economies

This study examines the potential impacts of energy efficiency and renewable energy on economic growth proxies by gross domestic product and environmental quality proxies by carbon dioxide emissions across eight selected Asian countries from 2000 to 2020. This study contributes by calculating green total factor productivity and carbon total factor productivity based on the famous Solow’s residual via employing a modified extensive growth accounting model that internalized ignored factors such as energy efficiency and renewable energy. The employed panel cointegration techniques confirm that all variables are co-integrated with carbon dioxide emissions and economic growth. The pooled mean group/autoregressive distributed lag model analysis results indicate that energy efficiency is positively associated with both environmental quality and economic growth. Renewable energy hurts economic growth but has a positive effect on environmental quality which suggests the necessity of implementing an effective strategy for renewable energy alongside energy efficiency measures to enhance economic growth and environmental quality in the selected Asian countries. The findings from the fully modified ordinary least squares estimator are consistent with the environmental quality model. The average growth rate of green total factor productivity is positive despite negative contributions from energy efficiency and renewable energy. Similarly, the average growth rate of carbon total factor productivity is negative despite positive contributions from labor and capital. This discrepancy may be attributed to the beneficial effects of labor and capital as input productivity-driven. Embracing renewable energy sources can take significant steps toward improving environmental quality for future generations. Focusing on green technologies that enhance energy efficiency can substantially promote environmental quality and stimulate sustainable economic growth through innovation and climate change integration to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.