VoxLog is a portable voice accumulator, that uses both an accelerometer that measures skin vibrations and a regular microphone to collect data. The goal of the thesis was to implement and evaluate methods that based on this data estimate the three different voice parameters fundamental frequency, phonation and soundpressure level. For pitch, three different methods were evaluated. The different methods all require relatively low computational power since the goal was to implement at least one of them on the digital signal processor in the VoxLog. The results from these evaluations show that the best estimations of pitch were made with a FFT-based approach that uses phase information to get an estimation with high frequencyresolution. Phonation is estimated with an energy based voice activity detection method.This estimation is then used to choose when sound pressure level should be estimated. Here one of the main problems was to make a distinction between when sound pressure level should be estimated for the wearer of the VoxLog or when an estimation should be made for the background noise. This was solved by implementing a time window before and after phonation were neither is estimated. For both pitch and sound pressure level a feedback functionality was implemented. The feedback is given to the user via vibrations in the VoxLog, the feedback is given when estimated parameters break set limits on pitch or sound pressure level.

It is estimated that approximately 360 Million people have a permanent disabling hearing loss (WHO, 2015). The majority of these people live in lower to middle income countries, where screening and follow-up treatment is not always accessible (WHO, 2015). School based hearing screening is one of the procedures that are not always available due to a number of challenges one of which include the high cost of audiometrical headphones. School based hearing screening is performed with an audiometrical headphones and audiometer, it usually can be used to test all school-aged children and adults. In an attempt to reduce the cost of school based hearing screening, this study evaluated the Sennheiser HD 202 II headphone to establish it as a widely available and cost-effective alternative for audiometrical headphones currently used. The headphones were compared to ISO standards (ISO 389-1, ISO 389-5 and ISO 389-9) and IEC standards (IEC 60318-1 and IEC 60645-1). The following characteristics of the headphone were compared: equivalent threshold sound pressure levels, attenuation, maximum permissible ambient noise levels, force of the headband, total harmonic distortion and frequency response. After evaluation the Sennheiser HD 202 II does not show the same standard as audiometrical headphones for diagnostic testing. The headphone can however be used for screening purposes if a few measures are taken into account. The correct ETSPL values should be used, disruptive background noise should be avoided and only the frequencies from the research (250- 1600 Hz) can be tested. once these measures are taken into account the Sennheiser HD 202 II proves to be a cost-effective alternative headphone for screening purposes. / Dissertation (MCommunication Pathology)--University of Pretoria 2016. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / MA / Unrestricted

Noise is a circumstance of ordinary life and mainly originated by continually growing dynamic and the rapid development of society. In the industrial environment there are noise-intensive parts that influence the condition of present operators negatively. Thus, measures of noise abatement have been investigated intensely by industrial companies as well as federal agencies. As a subdomain of fluid power pneumatics is especially known for characteristic noise emission by the use of air as power transmission. The transient decompression of air from pressure levels up to 8 bar and partly high flow rates nearby sonic speed cause the emergence of direct airborne noise at vent ports of pneumatic components. The following paper outlines the mechanisms that induce the emission of high sound pressure levels. In order to achieve reproducible results a test bench for varying pneumatic standard components is introduced. Based on a selection of those components results are compared to standardized measurement procedures whether fulfilling the standardizations’ requirements. In conclusion, two benefits are achieved. Firstly, standardization is derived enabling neutral comparison of standard pneumatic components’ noise emission. Secondly, the measures can be evaluated to determine the most promising way to redesign pneumatic components of lower noise emissions.

Abstract Noise has become an increasing public health problem and has become serious environment pollution in our daily life. This indicates that it is in time to control and reduce noise from traffic and installations in homes and houses. Today a plethora of products are available for business, but none for the private market. The project describes a start up of development of a sound absorbing wall panel for the private market. It will examine whether it is possible to make a wall panel that can lower the sound pressure level with 3 dB, or reach 0.3 s in reverberation time, in a normally furnished bedroom and still follow the demands of price and environmental awareness. To start the project a limitation was made to use the textiles available per meter within the range of IKEA. The test were made according to applicable standards and calculation of reverberation time and sound pressure level using Sabine’s formula and a formula for sound pressure equals sound effect. During the project, tests were made whether it was possible to achieve a sound classification C on a A-E grade scale according to ISO 11654, where A is the best, with only textiles or if a classic sound absorbing mineral wool had to be used. To reach a sound classification C, a weighted sound absorption coefficient (αw) of 0.6 as a minimum must be reached. The project resulted in that it is technical possible to achieve a sound classification C with only textiles even though for this project another combination was chosen for proceeding with the calculations, because of account to price and environmental awareness. The calculations showed that it is possible to lower the reverberation time to 0.3 s in a normally furnished bedroom with 7 wall panels, and to achieve a lowering of the sound pressure level with 3dB with 7 wall panels. This project showed promising results and leave openings for further research with only textiles and further calculations where more factors are taken under consideration to get more precise and reliable results. / Program: Textilingenjörsutbildningen

Os fatores físicos que envolvem a incubação artificial são determinantes no desenvolvimento embrionário, eclosão e desempenho das aves. Muitos deles são bem-conceituados, mas acredita-se que ainda existem questões que possam prover melhorias ou adaptar este processo as novas demandas da produção animal. Nesta pesquisa, a bioacústica é colocada como uma dessas questões, motivando a investigação da estimulação sonora na incubação artificial, dados os efeitos do ruído dos incubatórios comerciais e a adição de vocalizações da espécie em respostas fisiológicas, produtivas e comportamentais de pintos de corte. Inicialmente, o Capítulo 3 apresenta a mensuração do nível de pressão sonora (NPS) no interior dos ovos. Para isso, desenvolveu-se um sensor de tamanho reduzido (decibelímetro-miniaturizado) utilizando a plataforma Arduíno®. O sensor foi calibrado e testado, o que forneceu informações como o isolamento da onda sonora pela casca dos ovos e valores de NPS próximos aos embriões. Em sequência realizaram-se incubações experimentais com a aplicação de tratamentos determinados pela associação de dois NPS do ruído de incubadoras [70 ou 90 dB (A)] com ou sem a adição de vocalizações da espécie (estímulos naturais). Estes tratamentos foram avaliados no crescimento embrionário e em respostas da eclosão (Capítulo 4) e no desempenho de pintos de corte na primeira semana (Capítulo 5). Diferente do esperado, a exposição ao maior NPS, que simulava o ruído de incubatórios comerciais, adiantou o tempo para o início das eclosões, aumentou a eclodibilidade e a qualidade do umbigo e jarretes dos pintos. Todavia, as vocalizações da espécie só se mostraram influentes se associadas ao NPS de 70 dB (A). Nas respostas de desempenho a exposição ao NPS inferior resultou em um maior consumo de ração e em uma pior conversão alimentar, com melhores resultados na exposição a 90 dB (A) ou na presença das vocalizações. Por fim, no Capítulo 6, testes comportamentais como o de imobilidade tônica, isolamento social e campo aberto foram realizados com os pintos eclodidos dos tratamentos de incubação descritos anteriormente. Na realização destes testes consideraram-se três períodos no pós-eclosão (24, 72 e 120 horas) e duas condições (testes em silêncio ou com vocalizações ao fundo). Os efeitos da estimulação sonora foram verificados somente em 24 horas pós-eclosão, de modo que a exposição às vocalizações no desenvolvimento embrionário reduziu a movimentação e o nível de vocalização dos pintos, o que foi associado ao menor estresse. Conclui-se que a estimulação sonora na incubação artificial é capaz de alterar respostas produtivas e o comportamento de pintos após a eclosão. / The physical factors that involve artificial incubation are determinant to the embryonic development, hatching and performance of chicks. Although many of them are highly regarded, there are other issues capable of improving or adapting the process to new animal-production demands. The current research addresses the bioacoustics as one of such issues, which motivated the investigation of the sound stimuli in artificial incubation, relating the noise of the commercial hatcheries and the addition of vocalizations of the species with physiological, productive and behavioral of chicks. Initially, the Chapter 3 presents the measuring the sound pressure level (SPL) inside eggs. To do so, a small sensor (miniaturized decibel meter) was developed in the Arduino® platform. The sensor was calibrated and tested under specific conditions to collect information, such as sound wave isolation by egg shells and SPL values close to the embryos. Experimental incubations with treatments based on the association between two noise SPLs of the hatcheries [70 or 90 dB (A)] with, or without, the addition of species-specific vocalizations (natural stimulus). These treatments were evaluated on embryo growth and hatch responses (Chapter 4) and chicks performance in the first week of life (Chapter 5). Against all expectations, egg exposure to the highest SPL, which simulated the noise of commercial hatcheries, reduced the time necessary for hatching, besides increasing the hatchability, as well as the quality of the navel and hocks, of chicks. On the other hand, species-specific vocalizations were only influential when they were associated with 70 dB SPL (A). The exposure to lower NPS resulted in higher feed intake and lower feed conversion with better results in exposure to 90 dB (A) or in the presence of vocalizations. Finally, in Chapter 6, behavioral tests such as tonic immobility, social isolation and open field tests applied to chicks hatching from the incubation treatments described above. The tests comprised three post-hatching periods (24, 72 and 120 hours) and two conditions (silence or species-specific vocalizations in the background). The effects of incubation treatments were just observed in some responses and 24 hours after hatching. The exposure to the vocalizations during embryonic development reduced chicks\' movement and vocalization level, which was associated with lower stress. It is concluded that sound stimulation in hatcheries can alter productive responses and behavior of chicks after hatching.

Sound wave has much better transmission in ocean environment than electromagnetic waves, therefore sonar systems are widely applied in underwater investigations. However, not only the target signal is received by the sonar but also the noise from different directions. The noise will affect the performance of the sonar, so the understanding of ocean ambient is an important issue both in academic study and military applications. The ambient noise data of this research was collected by a passive acoustic recording system deployed in the southwest sea of Taiwan, along with the information of wind velocity in the experimented area. The influence on noise level fluctuations by the variation of the wind velocity was first discussed in light of correlation analysis. The fluctuations were expressed in terms of statistic distribution, mean value, standard deviation in different time series. As results, 500 Hz and 1.5k Hz were saturated by high levels signal from unknown sources in spring and summer, so the average sound levels were higher than in fall and winter, about 10 dB and 5 dB higher for 500 Hz and 1.5k Hz respectively. In seasonal analysis, 2.4k and 3.6k Hz have quite stable the mean levels and their standard deviations were around 3 dB. Especially, the noise level of 3.6 Hz has the least fluctuation throughout the year than any other frequencies analyzed. It was also observed that the noise level was decreased with the increase of frequency. Calculated by linear regression, this research worked out the estimation equation for the ambient noise level at high wind speed. However, the estimated values are higher than the measured data, it is due to the distribution of wind velocity. The wind data in this study was skewed towards the lower velocity, consequently the predicted values were overestimated.

Submitted by LAÍS MONIQUE MENDES SALLES (laismoniquems@gmail.com) on 2018-05-29T14:47:15Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação_Laís_Salles.pdf: 3116151 bytes, checksum: a926dc1c26c90b48c73a7ebf5d913a93 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Cristina Alexandra de Godoy null (cristina@adm.feis.unesp.br) on 2018-06-04T11:58:55Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 salles_lmm_me_ilha.pdf: 3116151 bytes, checksum: a926dc1c26c90b48c73a7ebf5d913a93 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-06-04T11:58:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 salles_lmm_me_ilha.pdf: 3116151 bytes, checksum: a926dc1c26c90b48c73a7ebf5d913a93 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-08-31 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O presente trabalho tem como proposta o desenvolvimento de um dispositivo de medição de ruído utilizando componentes e dispositivos eletroeletrônicos de baixo custo para uso no monitoramento de ruído em ambientes de trabalho. No desenvolvimento e implementação do sistema de medição foram estudas duas proposta de dispositivos, uma com base na plataforma Arduino e outra com base no sistema OpenWrt em conjunto com um roteador. Os circuitos de captação do ruído foram desenvolvidos com base em circuitos de captação de sinais já existentes, identificando o que melhor se adaptou a proposta. O sistema de medição contempla ainda a proposta de operação remota, por meio da telemetria, de forma que o operador possa controlar as medições sem estar no local. Para isso, foi utilizado um módulo Wireless no Arduino e o próprio roteador usado sistema OpenWrt. Os dispositivos de medição propostos podem ser usados tanto para o monitoramento do ruído, como para o registro dos níveis de ruído de forma continua ou em intervalos de tempo predefinidos, possibilitando assim, a obtenção do histórico do ambiente. Para avaliação de desempenho dos dispositivos foi utilizado um sistema de medição de ruído comercial e as especificações e requisitos de normas técnicas. Os resultados mostraram que o dispositivo implementado com base no sistema OpenWrt apresentou um melhor desempenho, principalmente, em relação sua taxa de amostragem que é maior, não necessitando ajustes e a busca de soluções para aumentar da taxa de amostragem verificados no Arduino. / The present work proposes the development of a noise measurement device, using components and electronic devices of low cost for use in the monitoring of noise in work environments. In the implementation of the measuring system were studied two proposals of devices one based on the platform Arduino and another based on the OpenWrt system together with a router. The noise pickup circuits were developed based on existing signal pickup circuits, identifying what best suited the proposal. The measurement system also contemplates the proposal of remote operation, by telemetry, so that the operator can control the measurements without being in place. For this, a wireless module was used in the Arduino and the router itself in the OpenWrt system. The proposed devices can be used both for noise monitoring and recording of noise levels continuously or at predefined time intervals, thus enabling the achievement of environmental history. For performance evaluation of the devices a commercial noise measurement system was used and the specifications and requirements of technical standards. The results showed that the system implemented based on the OpenWrt system presented a better performance, mainly in relation to its sampling rate that is higher, requiring no adjustments and the search for solutions to increase the sampling rate verified in the Arduino.

Orientador: João Antônio Perreira / Resumo: O presente trabalho tem como proposta o desenvolvimento de um dispositivo de medição de ruído utilizando componentes e dispositivos eletroeletrônicos de baixo custo para uso no monitoramento de ruído em ambientes de trabalho. No desenvolvimento e implementação do sistema de medição foram estudas duas proposta de dispositivos, uma com base na plataforma Arduino e outra com base no sistema OpenWrt em conjunto com um roteador. Os circuitos de captação do ruído foram desenvolvidos com base em circuitos de captação de sinais já existentes, identificando o que melhor se adaptou a proposta. O sistema de medição contempla ainda a proposta de operação remota, por meio da telemetria, de forma que o operador possa controlar as medições sem estar no local. Para isso, foi utilizado um módulo Wireless no Arduino e o próprio roteador usado sistema OpenWrt. Os dispositivos de medição propostos podem ser usados tanto para o monitoramento do ruído, como para o registro dos níveis de ruído de forma continua ou em intervalos de tempo predefinidos, possibilitando assim, a obtenção do histórico do ambiente. Para avaliação de desempenho dos dispositivos foi utilizado um sistema de medição de ruído comercial e as especificações e requisitos de normas técnicas. Os resultados mostraram que o dispositivo implementado com base no sistema OpenWrt apresentou um melhor desempenho, principalmente, em relação sua taxa de amostragem que é maior, não necessitando ajustes e a busca de soluções para aumentar da ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The present work proposes the development of a noise measurement device, using components and electronic devices of low cost for use in the monitoring of noise in work environments. In the implementation of the measuring system were studied two proposals of devices one based on the platform Arduino and another based on the OpenWrt system together with a router. The noise pickup circuits were developed based on existing signal pickup circuits, identifying what best suited the proposal. The measurement system also contemplates the proposal of remote operation, by telemetry, so that the operator can control the measurements without being in place. For this, a wireless module was used in the Arduino and the router itself in the OpenWrt system. The proposed devices can be used both for noise monitoring and recording of noise levels continuously or at predefined time intervals, thus enabling the achievement of environmental history. For performance evaluation of the devices a commercial noise measurement system was used and the specifications and requirements of technical standards. The results showed that the system implemented based on the OpenWrt system presented a better performance, mainly in relation to its sampling rate that is higher, requiring no adjustments and the search for solutions to increase the sampling rate verified in the Arduino. / Mestre

This thesis focuses on the noise pollution in sow farming. The first part of the thesis theoretically examines topics concerning noise, sow farming and a proper agricultural practice. The other part of the thesis introduces the aim of the work, describes the measuring technology, the locations objects and the method of the whole measuring process. The obtained values are later on shown in the form of graphs and compared with the hygienic limits. With the occurrence of any violation of these limits, an anti-noise action is suggested.

Os fatores físicos que envolvem a incubação artificial são determinantes no desenvolvimento embrionário, eclosão e desempenho das aves. Muitos deles são bem-conceituados, mas acredita-se que ainda existem questões que possam prover melhorias ou adaptar este processo as novas demandas da produção animal. Nesta pesquisa, a bioacústica é colocada como uma dessas questões, motivando a investigação da estimulação sonora na incubação artificial, dados os efeitos do ruído dos incubatórios comerciais e a adição de vocalizações da espécie em respostas fisiológicas, produtivas e comportamentais de pintos de corte. Inicialmente, o Capítulo 3 apresenta a mensuração do nível de pressão sonora (NPS) no interior dos ovos. Para isso, desenvolveu-se um sensor de tamanho reduzido (decibelímetro-miniaturizado) utilizando a plataforma Arduíno®. O sensor foi calibrado e testado, o que forneceu informações como o isolamento da onda sonora pela casca dos ovos e valores de NPS próximos aos embriões. Em sequência realizaram-se incubações experimentais com a aplicação de tratamentos determinados pela associação de dois NPS do ruído de incubadoras [70 ou 90 dB (A)] com ou sem a adição de vocalizações da espécie (estímulos naturais). Estes tratamentos foram avaliados no crescimento embrionário e em respostas da eclosão (Capítulo 4) e no desempenho de pintos de corte na primeira semana (Capítulo 5). Diferente do esperado, a exposição ao maior NPS, que simulava o ruído de incubatórios comerciais, adiantou o tempo para o início das eclosões, aumentou a eclodibilidade e a qualidade do umbigo e jarretes dos pintos. Todavia, as vocalizações da espécie só se mostraram influentes se associadas ao NPS de 70 dB (A). Nas respostas de desempenho a exposição ao NPS inferior resultou em um maior consumo de ração e em uma pior conversão alimentar, com melhores resultados na exposição a 90 dB (A) ou na presença das vocalizações. Por fim, no Capítulo 6, testes comportamentais como o de imobilidade tônica, isolamento social e campo aberto foram realizados com os pintos eclodidos dos tratamentos de incubação descritos anteriormente. Na realização destes testes consideraram-se três períodos no pós-eclosão (24, 72 e 120 horas) e duas condições (testes em silêncio ou com vocalizações ao fundo). Os efeitos da estimulação sonora foram verificados somente em 24 horas pós-eclosão, de modo que a exposição às vocalizações no desenvolvimento embrionário reduziu a movimentação e o nível de vocalização dos pintos, o que foi associado ao menor estresse. Conclui-se que a estimulação sonora na incubação artificial é capaz de alterar respostas produtivas e o comportamento de pintos após a eclosão. / The physical factors that involve artificial incubation are determinant to the embryonic development, hatching and performance of chicks. Although many of them are highly regarded, there are other issues capable of improving or adapting the process to new animal-production demands. The current research addresses the bioacoustics as one of such issues, which motivated the investigation of the sound stimuli in artificial incubation, relating the noise of the commercial hatcheries and the addition of vocalizations of the species with physiological, productive and behavioral of chicks. Initially, the Chapter 3 presents the measuring the sound pressure level (SPL) inside eggs. To do so, a small sensor (miniaturized decibel meter) was developed in the Arduino® platform. The sensor was calibrated and tested under specific conditions to collect information, such as sound wave isolation by egg shells and SPL values close to the embryos. Experimental incubations with treatments based on the association between two noise SPLs of the hatcheries [70 or 90 dB (A)] with, or without, the addition of species-specific vocalizations (natural stimulus). These treatments were evaluated on embryo growth and hatch responses (Chapter 4) and chicks performance in the first week of life (Chapter 5). Against all expectations, egg exposure to the highest SPL, which simulated the noise of commercial hatcheries, reduced the time necessary for hatching, besides increasing the hatchability, as well as the quality of the navel and hocks, of chicks. On the other hand, species-specific vocalizations were only influential when they were associated with 70 dB SPL (A). The exposure to lower NPS resulted in higher feed intake and lower feed conversion with better results in exposure to 90 dB (A) or in the presence of vocalizations. Finally, in Chapter 6, behavioral tests such as tonic immobility, social isolation and open field tests applied to chicks hatching from the incubation treatments described above. The tests comprised three post-hatching periods (24, 72 and 120 hours) and two conditions (silence or species-specific vocalizations in the background). The effects of incubation treatments were just observed in some responses and 24 hours after hatching. The exposure to the vocalizations during embryonic development reduced chicks\' movement and vocalization level, which was associated with lower stress. It is concluded that sound stimulation in hatcheries can alter productive responses and behavior of chicks after hatching.