Quiet Office Research Articles

Abstract P319: Effects of Environment and Noise on Blood Pressure Readings: The (Decibel(s)) Trial

Background: While guidelines emphasize quiet settings for blood pressure (BP) measurement, large-scale hypertension screening is often conducted in noisy, public spaces (e.g., health fairs). However, the influence of noise and environment on BP readings is unknown. Methods: We conducted a randomized crossover trial of community dwelling adults in Baltimore, MD to determine the BP effect of noise and public environment. Participants were randomly assigned to the order of triplicate BPs in 3 spaces: private quiet office (private quiet 1 [reference]); noisy public space (public loud); noisy public space + earplugs (public quiet). To account for intrinsic BP variability, all participants underwent a 4th set of BP measurements in a private quiet office (private quiet 2 ). Between each set of triplicate BPs with a WelchAllyn ProB 2000 device and appropriately sized cuff, participants walked for ≥2 minutes, rested for 5 minutes, and had arm/back/feet supported. We conducted difference in difference analysis, overall and stratified by baseline SBP (≥ vs. < 130mmHg) and age (≥ vs. <60yrs). Results: N=108, mean age 56 (SD 17) yrs (55% ≥60 years), 91% Black race, and 44% female. 45% had SBP≥130mmHg. Mean private quiet 1 and private quiet 2 BP was 129/74 and 127/74 mmHg (SBPΔ -1.6 (SD 7.1)/DBPΔ -0.2 (SD 4.0)). The average noise level in public loud was 74 db and in private quiet was 37 db. Public loud and public quiet BPs were slightly different than private quiet 1 BPs, with difference in differences minimal (Table): [Public loud: SBPΔ 0.97 mmHg (95%CI: -0.61, 2.55)/DBPΔ 1.86 mmHg (95%CI: 0.94, 2.78); Public quiet: SBPΔ 1.72mmHg (95%CI: 0.05, 3.39)/DBPΔ 1.66 mmHg (95%CI: 0.79, 2.54)]. The patterns were generally consistent across subgroups by SBP and age. Conclusion: BP readings in noisy public spaces resulted in small overestimation of BP compared to readings in a quiet private office, but the difference was minimal. Large-scale hypertension screening programs in public loud places may be an acceptable option, especially in low resource settings.

Examination of Sound Environment Design Method for the Behavior of Office Workers

In recent years, offices have changed due to work style reforms and the impact of the corona crisis. In contrast to the conventional belief that a quiet office is desirable, studies are underway to create an office environment in which office workers can perform comfortably and efficiently by adding pleasant sounds. We have implemented a nature sound environment control system that provides relaxation and concentration through embracing biophilic design, high-quality sound reproduction and direction control to realize a comfortable space that suits people. While introducing this system in multiple office spaces and proceeding with demonstration experiments, it has become clear that the type of sound source and listening level that make people feel comfortable differ depending on the office work situation. Therefore, in order to quantify the effects on humans such as relaxation and concentration, we used psychological methods (adjustment method and rating scale method) to verify the type of sound and listening level suitable for the office situations, such as working or taking a break. In our paper, we examined the effect of the sound environment on workers' psychological impressions in paperwork and breaks, which are the main worker actions in the office.

Placed-Based Experiences of the Young Adult Inmates in Nsukka Correctional Centre

Considering the peculiarities of the young adults in their transition period from adolescence to adulthood, this study aims to explore the place based experiences among young adult inmates in Nsukka Correctional Centre. Exploratory qualitative research design was employed. 15 young adults that have spent between 1 month and 10 years were purposely selected for the study. Informed consent form was signed by the participants after due explanations of the research purpose. Data were collected through face to face in-depth interviews done in a quiet office to maintain privacy. The data were transcribed, analyzed thematically and emergent themes were supported by quotes from the respondents. Findings from the study showed that the young adults were depressed, longed for freedom to become productive, regretted past mistakes and bored of regimented life. Recommendations were made for the reduction of the number of young adult inmates, by ensuring access to opportunities and increased support that enhance restoration from any long-term negative physical and mental health effects of incarceration and skills needed for resilience and effective functioning for sustainable national transformation when re-integrated into the society.

Test-retest evaluation of a notched-noise test using consumer-grade mobile audio equipment

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether consumer-grade mobile audio equipment can be reliably used as a platform for the notched-noise test, including when the test is conducted outside the laboratory. Design Two studies were conducted: Study 1 was a notched-noise masking experiment with three different setups: in a psychoacoustic test booth with a standard laboratory PC; in a psychoacoustic test booth with a mobile device; and in a quiet office room with a mobile device. Study 2 employed the same task as Study 1, but compared circumaural headphones to insert earphones. Study sample Nine and ten young, normal-hearing participants completed studies 1 and 2, respectively. Results The test-retest accuracy of the notched-noise test on the mobile implementation did not differ from that for the laboratory setup. A possible effect of the earphone design was identified in Study 1, which was corroborated by Study 2, where test-retest variability was smallest when comparing results from experiments conducted using identical acoustic transducers. Conclusions Results and test-retest repeatability comparable to standard laboratory settings for the notched-noise test can be obtained with mobile equipment outside the laboratory.

Using mobile audiometry (Wulira App) to assess noise induced hearing loss among industrial workers in Kampala, Uganda: A cross-sectional study.

Occupational noise is a common cause of hearing loss in low-income countries. Unfortunately, screening for hearing loss is rarely done due to technical and logistical challenges associated with pure tone audiometry. Wulira app is a valid and potentially cost-effective alternative to pure tone audiometry in screening for occupational hearing loss. We aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational hearing loss among workers in a metal industry company in Kampala district. We recruited 354 participants conveniently from a steel and iron manufacturing industry in Kampala. All eligible participants answered a pretested and validated questionnaire and were assessed for noise induced hearing loss in a quiet office room approximately 500 meters from the heavy machinery area using the Wulira app. Descriptive statistics such as proportions were used to describe the study population while inferential statistics were used to determine associations. Of the 354 participants sampled, 333 (94.1%) were male, and the median age was 27, IQR (25-30). Regarding the risk factors of hearing loss, fourteen (3.9%) had history of smoking and more than half (65.5%) had worked in the industry for more than 2 years. The overall prevalence of hearing loss among industrial workers was 11.3% (40/354). 16.2% and 9% had mild hearing loss in the right and left ear respectively. Bilateral audiometric notch was present where fourteen (4%) of the participants had notch in their right ear while seven (2%) had notch in their left ear. Residing outside Kampala district was associated with hearing loss (OR, 95% CI, 0.213 (0.063-0.725), p = 0.013). One in 10 workers in a metal manufacturing industry in Kampala had occupational hearing loss. Industrial workers residing outside Kampala were likely to develop hearing loss. Periodic screening should be done for early detection and intervention to prevent progression of hearing loss in this population.

Informational Masking and Listening Effort in Speech Recognition in Noise: The Role of Working Memory Capacity and Inhibitory Control in Older Adults With and Without Hearing Impairment.

The study aimed to assess the relationship between (a) speech recognition in noise, mask type, working memory capacity (WMC), and inhibitory control and (b) self-rated listening effort, speech material, and mask type, in older adults with and without hearing impairment. It was of special interest to assess the relationship between WMC, inhibitory control, and speech recognition in noise when informational maskers masked target speech. A mixed design was used. A group (N = 24) of older (Mage = 69.7 years) individuals with hearing impairment and a group of age normal-hearing adults (Mage = 59.3 years, SD = 6.5) participated in the study. The participants were presented with auditory tests in a sound-attenuated room and with cognitive tests in a quiet office. The participants were asked to rate listening effort after being presented with energetic and informational background maskers in two different speech materials used in this study (i.e., Hearing In Noise Test and Hagerman test). Linear mixed-effects models were set up to assess the effect of the two different speech materials, energetic and informational maskers, hearing ability, WMC, inhibitory control, and self-rated listening effort. Results showed that WMC and inhibitory control were of importance for speech recognition in noise, even when controlling for pure-tone average 4 hearing thresholds and age, when the maskers were informational. Concerning listening effort, on the other hand, the results suggest that hearing ability, but not cognitive abilities, is important for self-rated listening effort in speech recognition in noise. Speech-in-noise recognition is more dependent on WMC for older adults in informational maskers than in energetic maskers. Hearing ability is a stronger predictor than cognition for self-rated listening effort. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.21357648.

Willingness to Pay for Green Office: Evidence from Shanghai.

The construction sector is a critical contributor to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission. Promotion of green buildings may be a good way to tackle environmental problems. In this study, a choice experiment was undertaken to explore preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for various attributes of green office buildings in Shanghai, with a sample of 309 respondents. Results of the mixed logit reveal that respondents value attributes relating to indoor comfortability and health, including Quiet Office Environment, Eco-Friendly Construction and Decoration Material, and Indoor Air Purification. Higher WTP is also observed for features of Power Saving and Water Saving, which provide both private and public benefits. According to heterogeneity analysis, people working in offices with a higher rent are more likely to pay for air purifier installation. In general, construction & manufacturing firms have higher WTP for Power Saving while lower WTP for Soundproof. On average, foreign firms are willing to pay more for eco-friendly materials. Finally, implications and suggestions for policymakers and building developers are discussed.

Pilot studies of noise annoyance in relation to time, amplitude and frequency characteristics of sound

Noise is any unwanted sound that may be disruptive or harmful to health or increase the risk of an accident at work. Noise as a stressor can contribute to the development of various types of diseases, cause distraction, make work difficult and reduce its efficiency. Aim of the pilot studies was to asses noise annoyance in relation to time, amplitude and frequency characteristics of sound in typical office environment. The Vienna Test System was used for this purpose. Virtual office acoustic environments were developed with different psychoacoustic parameters, but with a constant A-weighted sound pressure level of 55 dB - environment with conversations, environment with office equipment (computers, printers, telephones), environment D with all office noise sources together. The reference environment was a quiet office room with no additional noise sources. Recorded real noise sources were transferred to a virtual 3D sound environment and converted into binaural sound, which was then played back on headphones. During the exposure to each of the acoustic environments, the subjects performed the ALS test (work performance series) and then assessed the given environment using a questionnaire. The tested acoustic environments were assessed in the range from not at all annoying to very annoying. On average, environments with office noise were rated as moderately annoying. However, subjective feelings of the respondents were not reflected in the results of psychological tests.

Continuing care following residential alcohol and other drug treatment: Continuing care worker perceptions.

Little is known about the experiences of continuing care workers (CCW) in the implementation of continuing care programs. The current study sought to understand CCWs and supervisor perceptions of the successes and challenges of implementing a telephone-based continuing care intervention following residential alcohol and other drug treatment services. It also aimed to provide recommendations for treatment providers wishing to integrate continuing care into their treatment model, including the resources, training and supervision needs of CCWs. The participants were eight CCWs and two independent supervisors who completed semi-structured interviews. Interview coding and analysis was guided by Iterative Categorisation procedures and an implementation framework. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used. Telephone delivery was advantageous, but even more enhanced, when there was a face-to-face session first to build rapport. Other key successes included CCWs who were confident and competent, as well as a match between the organisation's values and the philosophy of the continuing care program. Key challenges faced by CCWs related to a perceived lack of support from managers, difficulties accessing quiet office spaces and participant disengagement. Interviews revealed several factors that may influence successful delivery of continuing care as part of alcohol and other drug treatment. These included features of the intervention (e.g. telephone delivery, evidence-based content), characteristics of the individual CCWs (e.g. flexibility in delivery of the intervention while maintaining fidelity), organisational culture (e.g. alignment of organisational values with continuing care) and resources (e.g. office space, flexible work schedules).

Evaluation of Acoustic Analyses of Voice in Nonoptimized Conditions.

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the fidelity and accuracy of a smartphone microphone and recording environment on acoustic measurements of voice. Method A prospective cohort proof-of-concept study. Two sets of prerecorded samples (a) sustained vowels (/a/) and (b) Rainbow Passage sentence were played for recording via the internal iPhone microphone and the Blue Yeti USB microphone in two recording environments: a sound-treated booth and quiet office setting. Recordings were presented using a calibrated mannequin speaker with a fixed signal intensity (69 dBA), at a fixed distance (15 in.). Each set of recordings (iPhone-audio booth, Blue Yeti-audio booth, iPhone-office, and Blue Yeti-office), was time-windowed to ensure the same signal was evaluated for each condition. Acoustic measures of voice including fundamental frequency (fo), jitter, shimmer, harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR), and cepstral peak prominence (CPP), were generated using a widely used analysis program (Praat Version 6.0.50). The data gathered were compared using a repeated measures analysis of variance. Two separate data sets were used. The set of vowel samples included both pathologic (n = 10) and normal (n = 10), male (n = 5) and female (n = 15) speakers. The set of sentence stimuli ranged in perceived voice quality from normal to severely disordered with an equal number of male (n = 12) and female (n = 12) speakers evaluated. Results The vowel analyses indicated that the jitter, shimmer, HNR, and CPP were significantly different based on microphone choice and shimmer, HNR, and CPP were significantly different based on the recording environment. Analysis of sentences revealed a statistically significant impact of recording environment and microphone type on HNR and CPP. While statistically significant, the differences across the experimental conditions for a subset of the acoustic measures (viz., jitter and CPP) have shown differences that fell within their respective normative ranges. Conclusions Both microphone and recording setting resulted in significant differences across several acoustic measurements. However, a subset of the acoustic measures that were statistically significant across the recording conditions showed small overall differences that are unlikely to have clinical significance in interpretation. For these acoustic measures, the present data suggest that, although a sound-treated setting is ideal for voice sample collection, a smartphone microphone can capture acceptable recordings for acoustic signal analysis.

Influence of the Intensive Care Unit Environment on the Reliability of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.

Background: Neuropsychological screening becomes increasingly important for the evaluation of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and stroke patients. It is often performed during the surveillance period on the intensive (ICU), while it remains unknown, whether the distraction in this environment influences the results. We aimed to study the reliability of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in the ICU environment.Methods: Consecutive stable patients with recent brain injury (tumor, trauma, stroke, etc.) were evaluated twice within 36 h using official parallel versions of the MoCA (ΔMoCA). The sequence of assessment was randomized into (a) busy ICU first or (b) quiet office first with subsequent crossover. For repeated MoCA, we determined sequence, period, location effects, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).Results: N = 50 patients were studied [n = 30 (60%) male], with a mean age of 57 years. The assessment's sequence [“ICU first” mean ΔMoCA −1.14 (SD 2.34) vs. “Office first” −0.73 (SD 1.52)] did not influence the MoCA (p = 0.47). On the 2nd period, participants scored 0.96 points worse (SD 2.01; p = 0.001), indicating no MoCA learning effect but a possible difference in parallel versions. There was no location effect (p = 0.31) with ΔMoCA between locations (Office minus ICU) of −0.32 (SD 2.21). The ICC for repeated MoCA was 0.87 (95% CI 0.79–0.92).Conclusions: The reliability of the MoCA was excellent, independent from the testing environment being ICU or office. This finding is helpful for patient care and studies investigating the effect of a therapeutic intervention on the neuropsychological outcome after SAH, stroke or traumatic brain injury.

Facilitators and barriers to education for chiropractic students with visual impairment.

The purpose of this study was to document the academic experiences of students with visual impairment in a doctor of chiropractic program. Ten participants were recruited, including 3 students who are "legally blind," 2 student notetakers, 3 faculty members who taught students with visual impairment, and 2 staff members from the Disability Services Office. For this qualitative study, the students were recruited through the Disability Services Office. The participants were audiotaped during approximately 1-hour interviews conducted in a semistructured manner within a private setting (a quiet office) on the campus during office hours. Thematic analysis was conducted using a deductive method for codes and an inductive method for themes. We identified facilitators and barriers to the education of students with visual impairment. Notable facilitators were planning for accessible educational materials, accessibility of workable space, and support systems, such as notetakers and close interaction with faculty. Notable barriers were attitudes of students with visual impairment toward their education, lack of personnel training, and lack of disability awareness in the campus community. Meticulous planning of resources and communication are key to enriching academic experiences of students with visual impairment.

An inexpensive sensor for noise

ABSTRACTNoise is a pervasive workplace hazard that varies spatially and temporally. The cost of direct-reading instruments for noise hampers their use in a network. The objectives for this work were to: (1) develop an inexpensive noise sensor (<$100) that measures A-weighted sound pressure levels within ±2 dBA of a Type 2 sound level meter (SLM; ∼$1,800); and (2) evaluate 50 noise sensors for use in an inexpensive sensor network. The inexpensive noise sensor consists of an electret condenser microphone, an amplifier circuit, and a microcontroller with a small form factor (28 mm by 47 mm by 9 mm) than can be operated as a stand-alone unit. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate 50 of the new sensors at 5 sound levels: (1) ambient sound in a quiet office; (2) 3 pink noise test signals from 65–85 dBA in 10 dBA increments; and (3) 94 dBA using a SLM calibrator. Ninety-four percent of the noise sensors (n = 46) were within ±2 dBA of the SLM for sound levels from 65–94 dBA. As sound level increased, bias decreased, ranging from 18.3% in the quiet office to 0.48% at 94 dBA. Overall bias of the sensors was 0.83% across the 75 dBA to 94 dBA range. These sensors are available for a variety of uses and can be customized for many applications, including incorporation into a stationary sensor network for continuous monitoring of noise in manufacturing environments.

Tracking developmental trajectories on neurocognitive testing in young athletes ages 5–12

ObjectiveDespite increased attention to sports-related concussion, there is a lack of research on younger athletes. The purpose of this study was to establish developmental trajectories on neurocognitive testing in younger athletes ages 5 to 12.DesignPre-Test Only Design.SettingMulti-site study from numerous locations in the Eastern USA and Canada.ParticipantsA total of 788 youth athletes, 73% male, assigned to groups on the basis of age: Ages 5–6 (N=128), Ages 7–8 (N=282), Ages 9–10 (N=284), Ages 11–12 (N=94).InterventionAn iPad-based Paediatric version of the ImPACT test was administered individually to participants in a quiet office setting.Outcome measuresAccuracy scores were documented on: Word List Learning (Immediate, Delayed, Recognition); and accuracy and timing scores on Design Rotation, Choice Reaction Time, Visual Sequencing and Visual Memory.Main resultsOne-way ANOVAs with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, and Scheffé post-hoc comparisons were conducted between age groups on the dependent measures. All measures showed statistically significant changes (p&lt; 0.001) across the developmental age groups, with better performance in older participants and lower performance in younger participants.ConclusionsYouth athletes between the ages of 5 and 12 are underrepresented with respect to age-appropriate assessment measures, and these results document the need for developmentally- and age-appropriate measures and normative data, in order to capture neurocognitive change across developmental stages.Competing interestsDr. Schatz serves on the ImPACT Scientific Advisory Board.None.

Constructing the Irish Presidency: The Early Incumbents, 1938–1973

Eamon de Valera's 1937 constitution created the office of President. Initially viewed with suspicion and interpreted by some as a step towards dictatorship, the presidency gradually came to be seen as a remote office and place of retirement for elder statesmen. The age profile of the three presidents examined in this article and their collective time in office initially appear to confirm such observations. Theirs tended to be a quiet office with days filled entertaining or dealing with correspondence. However, the first three presidents should not be considered as passive. Their willingness to exercise their discretionary powers was an important part of ensuring that the office functioned properly and effectively. It was also during these early years that the protocols and procedures of the office were decided. Though less remarkable than the later, more active presidents, the first three office holders played an important role in ensuring the smooth emergence of the presidency.

Clinical evaluation of a computerized self-administered hearing test

Objective: To establish the reliability and validity of a computerized self-administered hearing test. Design: Cross-sectional within a comparative study of subjects. Study sample: Subjects were 100 Chinese adults who attended the audiology clinic in a hospital for a hearing test. Results: There was no significant difference in the thresholds of unmasked air-conduction hearing obtained with the computerized self-administered hearing test via a smartphone and those obtained with standard pure-tone audiometry. High test-retest reliability was observed with the self-administered hearing test (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95), and was comparable with that observed in standard pure-tone audiometry (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.97). The thresholds of the self-administered hearing test measured in a sound-proof booth were not significantly different from those measured in a quiet office room. Conclusions: The results suggest that the computerized self-administered hearing test is a reliable and valid measure of unmasked air-conduction hearing thresholds.

To investigate how disruptive interruptions are on paediatric dispensary accuracy checkers

ObjectiveTo measure the impact that interruptions have on dispensary accuracy checkers. It is well documented that interruptions impact adversely on task performance.1–3 What is less well known is the impact...

The quiet office—noise abatement in office buildings by means of smart structures

Noise is a serious form of environmental pollution believed to affect the lives of some 100 million European citizens. The cost of the associated damage is estimated at more than ten billion euro per year. Noise leads to serious health problems, limits the capability to learn and effects the occupant comfort and performance in buildings. In this context, advanced noise abatement concepts are being developed in the demonstration project “Quiet Office” within the LOEWE-Center AdRIA (Adaptronics – Research, Innovation, Application), a large interdisciplinary research project funded by the German federal state of Hessia. As underlying principle for noise reduction concepts, Active Structural Acoustic Control (ASAC) is primarily being considered. Applying ASAC concepts, the noise radiation is controlled either by controlling the structural vibration of the radiating structure or by controlling the structure borne sound path. This paper will present the most recent concepts and results from the “Quiet Office”. Starting from more generic concepts, concepts specifically designed for office applications including smart windows will be discussed. Examples presented will include distributed absorbers, shunt technologies with piezoelectric ceramics, smart Helmholtz resonators and fully active noise and vibration control.

The Effect of Technology and Testing Environment on Speech Perception Using Telehealth With Cochlear Implant Recipients

In this study, the authors evaluated the effect of remote system and acoustic environment on speech perception via telehealth with cochlear implant recipients. Speech perception was measured in quiet and in noise. Systems evaluated were Polycom visual concert (PVC) and a hybrid presentation system (HPS). Each system was evaluated in a sound-treated booth and in a quiet office. For speech in quiet, there was a significant effect of environment, with better performance in the sound-treated booth than in the office; there was no effect of system (PVC or HPS). Speech in noise revealed a significant interaction between environment and system. Subjects' performance was poorer for PVC in the office, whereas performance in the sound-treated booth was not significantly different for the two systems. Results from the current study were compared to results for the same group of subjects from an earlier study; these results suggested that poorer performance at remote sites in the previous study was primarily due to environment, not system. Speech perception was best when evaluated in a sound-treated booth. HPS was superior for speech in noise in a reverberant environment. Future research should focus on modifications to non-sound-treated environments for telehealth service delivery in rural areas.

프린터 부품 소음원에 따른 감성소음 평가시스템의 개발

The printer noise consists of the noise of the various components and parts such as motor, fan and solenoid. And the human`s printing sound recognition shows various aspects when the printer starts to print papers because the components operate at the same time. Especially, printers are usually installed in the quiet office room. Therefore the printing noise is related to its competitiveness in the market. The importance of the printer sound qualities is increasing and it is necessary to develop the sound quality evaluation system, so it is a key point to identify the noise source of the printer and develop the sound quality index to each component. By using this evaluation system, it is possible to evaluate the sound quality of a prototype printer compared to the already existing one. In this paper, the printer sound quality evaluation system was developed by the following steps. Firstly, the signal processing method was applied to the recorded printing sound to identity and split the noise of components. Secondly, the MLR(multiple linear regression) method and the psychoacoustics were used to develop the sound quality index. Finally, the improvement of the printer sound quality is possible by using the result of the MLR and the path analysis. The output of this research will be applied to the development of a new printer.