Figure 1 - uploaded by William J Davies
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Flow diagram of respondent groups at each stage of data collection.
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Context 1
... earlier, simpler stages funnelled through into more detailed and specific investigations. The relationship between respondent groups at each stage is indicated by the flow chart in Figure 1. The number of participants in each stage is indicated on this figure. ...
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The presentation slide, which was used in the conference, can be found in Linked Data item. Also, The conference paper recently has been published in a journal paper: T Yoshida, T. Okuzono, K. Sakagami, Numerically stable explicit time-domain finite element method for room acoustics simulation using an equivalent impedance model, Noise Control Engi...
(introduction) Building certification schemes have expanded to include both the environmental impact of the construction and operation of the building, as well as the building’s influence on the occupants. Drawing attention to the indoor environmental quality, thus the well-being of the occupants, means evaluating a building’s impact on all 5 of th...
Citations
... Several studies have recently focused on integrating IEQ and elderly people in order to develop elderly-friendly interiors, particularly for care facilities. The approach to this issue is related to elderly room interior design, which includes indoor air quality [6][7][8], visual comfort [9,10], acoustical comfort [11,12], and thermal comfort [13][14][15]. The literature highlights that, due to strong correlations between IEQ components, changing just one of them could have negative effects on the others. ...
It is known that the elderly usually spend the last years of their lives indoors, with little contact with others and the outside environment. Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) conditions related to lighting, air quality, thermal comfort, and acoustics directly affect their quality of life. In this study, the main focus is on the design of institutional care rooms for elderly people to create an indoor comfort. However, considering all four factors of IEQ in one model is a challenging task. A multi-objective problem is formulated based on a weighted sum of IEQ components in a parametric modelling environment using computational design methods. Several simulation tools are utilised, and a Self-Adaptive Ensemble Differential Evolution Algorithm is proposed to tackle this complex problem. The results show that optimal ranges for each IEQ component are achieved, with average values reaching 72% of the ideal benchmarks after the algorithm is converged. Results reveal strong correlations between IEQ components. This significant improvement in indoor environmental quality (IEQ) demonstrates the efficacy of the optimisation algorithm used. This study emphasises the flexibility and relevance of these findings for wider implementation in similar settings.
... This results in a cacophony of noise amplified directly into the resident's ear. It is not uncommon for them to respond by removing their hearing aid, preferring the silence and inability to interact in conversation to the loud, undistinguishable sounds surrounding them (Davies, Cox, Kearon, Longhurst, & Webb, 2001). Acoustical codes for restaurants can be reviewed when designing dining facilities for health care. ...
... A significant issue is the interference of background noise with speech Establishing Acoustical Standards… 8 comprehension. The presence and intensity of reverberation, background (or "white") noise, and background speakers in large rooms all contribute to this problem (Davies, et al, 2001;Tun & Wingfield, 1999). Davies article also points out that improper insulation increases the difficulty elderly individuals encounter in their surrounding environments when listening to "reproduced sound," including televisions and radios. ...
Currently one in twenty-five people are at retirement age; in the near future, this figure will jump to one in eight (Weinstein, 2000, p. 10). This demographic curve represents the cohort commonly referred to as “baby-boomers,” who will retire as an influential, active, and expectant body of individuals (Levin, 2002; Peck, 2003; The Growth of America’s Older Population, 2000). Despite anticipating this growing older population, acoustical standards are not being considered in even most award-winning long term care (LTC) facilities, where an estimated one in three residents have some form of hearing impairment (Dugan, 2003, p. 22; Healthcare Design, 2002; Healthcare Design 2003). These unique acoustical issues include understanding hearing within the aging process, application of existing acoustical standards and research to health care facilities, and discussing what should be built to maintain a high quality of life for residents in LTC environments.
Background
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, professional caregivers caring for the elderly may experience more vocal tract problems in addition to regular high vocal demands while wearing face masks/coverings.
Methods and participants
Vocal tract discomfort (VTD) was assessed in 64 caregivers in one home for the elderly (64% participation rate) in June 2020 using the German version of the VTD scale.
Results
More than one-half of the participating caregivers experienced VTD, described mostly as dryness, irritability, and tightness. Approximately, 80% reported that sensations were not perceived before enhanced infection prevention standards were implemented.
Conclusions
Among caregivers caring for the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic, special care should be focused on the voice and vocal tract well-being.
Village halls exist up and down the UK, seeking to serve the immediate local community in providing indoor space(s) for activities encompassing either speech, music or a combination of both. Often such spaces have been developed and built with little or no consideration to the acoustic environment (Village and Community Halls, (2001), whether due to ease of maintenance, budgetary controls or acoustic knowledge available at the point of construction.
Increased interest has also been afforded to more sustainable materials for construction. These are less harmful to handle than, for example, glass wool, which is a type of Synthetic Vitreous Fibre (SVF), which is known to potentially cause respiratory irritation in the installer and is not generally broken down in the environment. (Toxicological Profile for Synthetic Vitreous Fibers, 2004, Page 2)
This study has taken a cross section of four community halls, varying in age, architectural features and surface finishes. Pre-treatment, onsite testing has been undertaken in all four halls, using test methodology as defined (ISO 3382:1997).
With the assistance of Odeon Auditorium software (Odeon 2017), investigative ray tracing analysis has been undertaken on two contrasting hall shapes. Temporary acoustic treatment shall be applied within the model and space and commissioning measurements undertaken within sample halls in the study.
Post-treatment onsite testing undertaken with hall C (barrel shaped ceiling), showed significant improvements were made when placing panels on an otherwise hard floor surface in a random manner. Additionally, flutter echoes (Acoustics of schools; a design guide, (2015)) were sufficiently mitigated (Appendix C5).Further study should be undertaken to investigate fire retardant properties of completed acoustic panels and those of building regulation compliance for internal linings within non-domestic buildings (Approved Document B, 2018).
In conclusion, final onsite testing in the two selected halls has demonstrated that beneficial advances in the control of reverberation, using natural based materials (Acoustic characterisation of natural fibres for sound absorption, 2015) can be undertaken in a cost-effective manner.
