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The ambient noise analysis was performed at ten installed broadband seismic stations of the Eastern Dharwar Craton in Telangana state, India. We calculated the power spectral densities and their corresponding probability density functions, using different types of noise to assess the stations' performance. One year of continuous data from January 2021 to December 2021 was used for the analysis. The results suggest that the observed vertical noise levels are within the defined global noise limits for all stations. In the short-period band, the stations are dominated by cultural noise due to human activities, industrial machinery, automobile traffic, etc., which also causes a strong variation between daytime and night-time. At the long-period band, the vertical component lies above the new low-noise model (NLNM) and the horizontal components marginally overshoot the new high-noise model (NHNM) due to the tilt effect. An assessment of the noise variation was also performed during the partial lockdown due to COVID-19 in 2021 imposed by the Telangana state government in India, which revealed no significant variations in short-period noise levels. It may show the effect of remote installation away from cultural noise. Overall, our estimation suggests stability and validates the performance of all the installed stations of the Eastern Dharwar Craton in Telangana state. Research Highlights: In this study, we performed ambient noise analysis for ten broadband seismic stations of the Eastern Dharwar Craton, in Telangana state. We observed a significant diurnal variation as well as seasonal variation at all stations. We compared the noise variation during the period of partial lockdown in 2021 imposed by the Telangana state government in India and found no significant variations in short-period noise levels before and after partial lockdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the problem of high-volume noise pollution caused by the use of loudspeakers and DJ boxes during festivals in rural areas of West Bengal, India. This issue has become a significant public health crisis, impacting the well-being of the community. Research indicates that the noise levels exceed recommended limits, leading to various health problems. Despite existing regulations, there is a lack of enforcement, and the misuse of these devices has become a cultural phenomenon. The article calls for stricter regulations, a ban on high-volume speakers, and the involvement of government and non-government organizations to address this environmental threat. [Extracted from the article]

Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for diagnosing sinusitis and anatomical variations and a guide for paranasal sinus (PNS) surgeries. High doses of radiation lead to increased risk of head and neck malignancies, radiation-induced cataracts, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of low-dose CT as compared to standard-dose CT in the identification of anatomical variants of paranasal sinus and rhinosinusitis. This was a prospective cross-sectional study consisting of 72 patients who were divided equally into cases (underwent low-dose CT for PNS) and controls (underwent CT for PNS using standard dose protocols). Prevalence of anatomical variants and sinusitis were compared. Image quality was assessed using volume CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP), scan length, and noise. Subjective assessment was done by two radiologists, and scores were given. The comparison and analysis of the quantitative and qualitative variables were done. Anatomical variants were comparable among cases and controls, with post-sellar sphenoid being most common and paradoxical middle turbinate being least common surgically important variant. The difference in mean SD of CTDIvol (mGy), DLP (mGy-cm), effective dose (mSv), globe, and air noise between low and standard doses was statistically significant. A moderate agreement (with kappa 0.50) in cases and substantial agreement (with kappa 0.69) in controls was observed between both observers. Low-dose CT PNS and standard-dose CT PNS are comparable in delineating the paranasal sinus anatomy, with a 3.53× reduction of effective radiation dose to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sensory gating is the cortical phenomenon that involves selective inhibition of responses to task-irrelevant stimuli. Perceiving speech in noise, a situation commonly encountered by humans, requires the irrelevant noise to be inhibited while processing the relevant speech stimulus. We hypothesized that the two (sensory gating and speech perception in noise [SPiN]) might be related and that sensory gating may provide evidence of cortical inhibition involved in SPiN. Method: An observational research following a correlational design was conducted on 10 neurotypical individuals. Auditory sensory gating was assessed using a conditioning--testing paradigm for tone and speech token pairs. The SPiN was measured using standardized sentences in the participants' native language. Results: Differences were observed in the gating index of the P2 peaks of speech and tone pairs. A significant relationship between SPiN and the auditory sensory gating of the P2 peak of the speech-evoked cortical potential was obtained. Conclusion: The results of this preliminary investigation indicate an association between the sensory gating mechanism and neurotypical individuals' ability to perceive speech in noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the issue of noise pollution in the vicinity of the industrial zone of Haridwar city and its correlation with the health of the people in and around the SIDCUL (State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited). The study revealed that noise pollution levels were above the CPCB Standard for the sound level for industrial zones and residential zones. During the period from January to December 2018, noise levels were observed and monitored in both the industrial zone (Site-I SIDCUL) and the residential zone (Site-II Siwalik Nagar). The average noise levels varied throughout the year. At Site-I (Industrial Zone), during the daytime in July, the maximum average noise level recorded was 89.5 dB, while in April; the minimum average noise level was 81.1 dB. During nighttime, in January, the maximum average noise level reached 84.1 dB, and in May, the minimum average noise level was 76.6 dB. In Site-II Siwalik Nagar (Residential Zone), the daytime noise levels were a maximum average noise level of 61.1 dB in May and a minimum average noise level of 58.8 dB in September. During nighttime, the noise level reached a maximum average of 47.2 dB in October and a minimum average of 44.5 dB in May. Overall, the study revealed that noise levels were generally higher in both zones, except for the average nighttime noise level at Site II (residential zone), which was below the prescribed standard limit for noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate prediction of noise levels at outdoor locations requires detailed data of the noise sources and terrain parameters and an efficient model for prediction. However, the possibility of predicting noise with reasonable accuracy using less input data is a challenge and needs to be studied scientifically. The qualities of the noise data, terrain parameters, and prediction model can impact the accuracy of the prediction significantly. This study primarily focuses on the dependency of noise data for efficient noise prediction and mapping. This research article proposes a detailed methodology to predict and map the noise and exposure levels in Ratapur, Uttar Pradesh, India, with various granularities of noise data inputs. The noise levels were measured at various places and at different times of the day at 10 min intervals. Different data input proportions and qualities were used for noise prediction, namely, (1) a large data-based method, (2) a small data-based method, (3) a source point average data-based method, (4) a Google navigation data-based method, and (5) accurate modelling using an ANN-based method, integrating accurate noise data with a sophisticated modelling algorithm for noise prediction. The analysis of the variation between the predicted and measured noise levels was conducted for all five of the methods using the ANOVA technique. Various methods based on less noise data methods predicted the noise levels with accuracies within the ±4–10 dB(A) range, while the ANN-based technique predicted it with an accuracy of ±0.5–2.5 dB(A). Interestingly, the estimation of the noise exposure levels (>85 dB(A)) and the identification of hazard zones around the studied road intersection could also be performed efficiently even when using the data-deficient models. This paper also showcased the possibility of predicting an accurate 3D map for an area by extracting vehicles and terrain features from satellite images without any direct recording of noise data. This paper thus demonstrated approaches to reduce the noise data dependency for noise prediction and mapping and to enable accurate noise-hazard zonation mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Noise pollution in operating theatres has deleterious effects on patient outcomes and staff performance. At the same time, the use of noisy technological equipment in operation theatres has increased in recent years. In light of this trend, it can be assumed that noise pollution in operating theatres remains challenging for patients and providers. Objective: To measures noise levels during laparoscopic procedures in operation theatres of a tertiary care hospital in Southern India and compare them with the recommended standards. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, the noise level in the operating theatre of a tertiary care hospital in Southern India during laparoscopic procedures was evaluated using a Decibel Meter from January 2022 and June 2022. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA. Results: Noise levels between 73.68 dB(A) and 49.30 dB(A) during laparoscopic procedures exceeds national and international recommended standards. The highest noise level is observed in the extubation phase of laparoscopic surgery, followed by the surgery and induction phases. Conclusion: Prolonged exposure to high levels of noise during laparoscopic procedures in operating theatres is a hazard to surgeons, anesthetists, personnel, and patients. Government, healthcare professionals, and other agencies should discuss guidelines for improving measures to reduce noise in operation theatres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soundscape study of an eastern Indian coastal city (Puri) has been investigated. Acoustic data were collected at 36 sampling locations during two time intervals in and around Puri. A number of noise indices, namely, Lmin, Lmax, and Leq, were calculated to demonstrate the noise level of this city. Noise maps are generated using ARC-GIS to investigate the impact of road traffic noise on the soundscape of the city. The response of the public was appraised by a questionnaire. Due to variable traffic features, the equivalent noise level (Leq) as well as peak (L10) and background noise (L90) levels varied with location and time of the day. It was found that socio-demographic characteristics have no bearing on the amount of annoyance. However, a link was observed between age, hearing condition, and noise perception, as well as between gender and impacts of noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise at school poses a serious challenge to the classroom atmosphere with negative impacts on teachers' and students' ability to listen and learn. Kargil town is the gateway to the Ladakh Himalayan region that remains cut from the rest of the world during the winter months. During the summer months, the region experiences a spike in traffic activity. The current study was designed to assess noise exposure levels in schools within the Kargil town administrative boundaries. The result indicates that indoor, as well as the outdoor Equivalent noise level (LAeq), in the schools located in Commercial area (58.3 ± 7.7 & 60.0 ± 1.9 dBA) Highway area (57.4 ± 8.1 & 63.0 ± 2.3 dBA) and Residential area (52.9 ± 9.8 & 60.0 ± 1.9 dBA) was above the permissible limits of World Health Organization and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) India. The highest indoor and outdoor Noise Climate was (15.4 ± 3.9 & 19.8 ± 2.3 dBA) in the school located on the Highway area is due to the flow of heavy vehicular traffic on the Highway and the Traffic Noise Index was also high in schools located on the Highway (97.5 ± 7.6 dBA). The Noise Pollution Level (LNP) value was also found to be high in the Highway area (72.8 ± 10.7 & 82.8 ± 3.0 dBA). The findings of this study will be beneficial for policymakers and stakeholders in the context of noise pollution management in schools with evolving noisescape of Kargil town. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the long-term noise monitoring data for ten consecutive years (2011-2020) acquired from the diversified National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN) set up across 7 major cities of India and consisting of 70 stations for continuous noise monitoring throughout the year. The annual average ambient noise levels observed throughout these ten years in 70 locations under study, including 25 locations in commercial zones, 12 in industrial, 16 in residential, and 17 in silence zones, are described. The noise scenario in these ten years is compared and analyzed. It is observed that no site in residential or silence zones meets the ambient noise limits for the past ten years. The study suggests guidelines for a policy framework for environmental noise management and control to regulate noise pollution in Indian cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient noise tomography is a powerful tool that has found increasing application in reservoir analysis and imaging. The Cachar fold belt in lower Assam, northeast India encompasses several wells under active hydrocarbon production, along with several dry wells. To overcome the lack of active seismic data over the entire fold belt, a passive seismic study was carried out to image the concealed three‐dimensional sub‐surface structures. The data were recorded from February to November 2011 by a network of 65 wideband seismometers spanning an area of about 40 × 60 km2. The data are crosscorrelated in the 2–5 s band, followed by phase‐weighted stacking to estimate noise correlation functions with surface wave signatures. The traveltimes picked from the frequency‐time analysis are utilized in a tomographic inversion for Rayleigh wave group velocities. The group velocity anomalies have a lateral resolution of ~ 3.5 × 5.5 km2 and variations of up to ±20%$\pm 20\%$ for each period. The group velocities are in turn inverted for S‐wave velocity distribution as a function of depth. The three‐dimensional S‐wave velocity tomograms reveal the tight anticlines and broad synclines, with high‐ and low‐velocity zones corresponding to structural highs and lows, respectively. The structural interpretation is supported for the part of the region with producing wells and covered by active seismic data, wherein the post‐stack time migrated seismic section shows anticlinal and synclinal features similar to those obtained from ambient noise tomography. The structures revealed by ambient noise tomography can help identify zones of interest to be targeted by active seismic surveys in the Cachar fold belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voice is the perception of physical complexity of the laryngeal tone modified by a resonating cavity. The voice parameters are the vital signs of an individual to project their personality and gender. The basic acoustical parameters of voice are: Fundamental frequency, Intensity, Jitter, Shimmer and Harmonics to noise ratio (HNR) and among these parameters HNR is the most significant. The voice component represents the periodic and aperiodic signals and predominantly aperiodic signals. There are many research work have been documented on acoustical analysis of voice with narrowed age range at different zonals in India. The motive of the study was mainly focused on the ratio between periodic and aperiodic components of voice and its changes from pre pubertal to post pubertal stages in both the genders. Due to the paucity of literature on changes in HNR in developing children, the present study was conducted to find out how do the changes in HNR occur in both the genders. Observational study design with convenient sampling method was used for the collection of raw data. A total of 198 subjects comprising of group I males (n = 99) and group II females (n = 99). These groups were further subdivided into 9 sub groups in males (n = 99) and females (n = 99) based on the age range. Sustained phonation of /a/ was used as a stimulus for voice sample. The data was analyzed using PRAAT software. The over mean Harmonic to Noise Ratio was found to be higher in males compared to the females. When age wise comparison was done, a significant difference in the Harmonic to Noise Ratio was found in males with no significant changes noticed in females. The transition in the Harmonic to Noise Ratio in males was seen to start at the age of 14–15 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forecasts of Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR: June to September, JJAS) are issued prior to the onset of rainy season. Thus, an assessment of both potential and actual forecast skills for Indian summer monsoon rainfall should be based on a longer lead time. Based upon the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) fifth-generation seasonal forecast system (SEAS5), two lead times are considered: one with an April initial condition (IC) and the other with a May IC from 1981 through 2019 (39 years). Our results show that SEAS5 successfully represents the spatial patterns and variations in the mean JJAS precipitation in the ISMR region compared with the observed rainfall patterns. However, there seem to be significant discrepancies in the simulation of mean precipitation, particularly over topographical regions. SEAS5 is capable of reproducing the observed annual precipitation cycle in India. Moreover, the model is able to better predict the realistic ISMR teleconnections with El Niño-Southern Oscillation and the Indian Ocean Dipole at May ICs. The resulting forecasts across the region are characterized by moderate significant potential and actual skill in both leads, and it decreases as lead time increases. The predictability of SEAS5 is directly related to its ability to correctly predict the forcing of the tropical sea surface temperature and its teleconnections. In spite of this, both lead forecasts have a significant number of unpredicted events and false alarms. This study highlights model discrepancies, shows poor performance in predicting ISMR, and highlights the need for further research on this crucial issue of social relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Tractors emit high intensity noise and prolonged exposure to high intensity noise causes hearing loss to the drivers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure noise intensity at the tractor drivers' ear level and hearing loss among tractor drivers. METHODS: Noise intensity was measured on 6 models of tractors which were operated with 5 different tillage implements. In order to assess hearing loss, audiometric test was performed at 7 frequencies, i.e. 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz, among 30 tractor drivers and 30 control group subjects. All the selected tractor drivers and control group subjects were also interviewed to obtain personal information and noise exposure details. RESULTS: The tractor drivers were exposed to noise intensity in the range of 91.7–97.5 dB(A). Audiogram analysis shows that the hearing threshold levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher among the tractor drivers as compared with the control group subjects. The effect was significantly (p < 0.05) more on the left ear as compared with the right ear among the tractor drivers. Increase in age has significant (p < 0.05) effect on the hearing threshold levels on the left ear. Prevalence of high frequency hearing loss was 50% among tractor drivers as compared with 10% among control group subjects. Hearing loss was significantly (p < 0.05) more in the low frequency as compared with the high frequency among the tractor drivers. CONCLUSION: Indian tractor operators are exposed to high noise levels which may result in hearing loss. It is recommended that hearing conservation programs should be initiated to prevent noise hazards and hearing loss among the tractor drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep disturbance negatively affects recovery and survival of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to measure the noise levels and evaluate the impact of a white noise app on the sleep quality of critically ill patients. Design: A quasi‐experimental time series pre‐test–post‐test control group design with repeated measures was adopted. Methods: The study was conducted in the high dependency unit (HDU) of a selected tertiary care hospital in Mangalore, Karnataka State, India. Conscious oriented patients with systolic blood pressure ranging from 100/70 to 140/90 mm Hg and hearing acuity of at most 20 dB in both ears were included in the study. Noise levels in the HDU were measured using calibrated sound level meter on weekdays/weekends in three different shifts and an average of 24 readings was obtained per shift. A 4‐point Likert scale was used to assess the sleep quality. The intervention included administration of white noise app twice a day, for three consecutive days by using different masking sounds such as white noise on day 1 which resembles to a humming AC conditioner, pink noise on day 2 which resembles to the sound of ocean waves and brown noise on day 3 which resembles a steady rainfall. The app was used with the help of JBL earphones C10SI an excellent noise cancellation and noise isolating earphone. Results: Among the 54 subjects, the mean age of the patients was 40.28 years, majority 34 (63%) were males. The noise level in the ICU was more than 60 dB. There was a significant difference in the sleep quality after the application of the white noise app in the experimental group on Day 1 (Z = −3.996; P =.001), Day 2 (Z = −3.302; P =.001), and Day 3 (−2.822; P =.005) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Adoption of technology driven noise reduction applications would enhance the quality of sleep among the ICU patients. Relevance to clinical practice: The use of a technology‐driven application helps control noise levels which promotes improved sleep quality among critically ill patients in the intensive care units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adverse short-term and long-term health effects following a high level of noise have been established. The current study aims to find the relationship of these effects with an environment-specific level of noise exposure. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 auto-rickshaw drivers and 51 age-matched service-sector employees. The peak average noise exposure in decibels (dB) was measured. The duration of exposure and response regarding perceptions following noise exposure was assessed through a pre-designed pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the participants was 42.24 (±13.72) years. Among the auto-rickshaw drivers, 82% perceived stress, 64% had hearing difficulty, and 74% complained of lack of sleep following exposure to a high level of noise. However, the perceptions were comparable among the comparison group and the differences were not statistically significant. The mean average peak level of noise exposure among drivers and their comparison group was 91.64 (±7.37) dB and 91.98 (± 8.06) dB, respectively, but were not different statistically. Around 52.94% of the service-sector respondents and 48% of the drivers were exposed to the lower cumulative noise levels. Those having a higher level of cumulative noise exposure, had a higher odds of feeling irritated (Odds ratio [OR]: 2.182, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.845-5.636), feeling stressed (OR: 5.805, 95% CI: 1.552-21.708), having palpitation (OR: 3.694, 95% CI: 1.264-10.793), and lack of sleep (OR: 3.020, 95% CI: 1.006-9.066). Conclusion: Stress and lack of sleep were the most important perceived effects of noise exposure. The exposures to the higher cumulative noise level in specified groups were more important in relation to quantifying perceived symptoms than the average peak noise level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceptual restoration occurs when the brain restores missing segments from speech under certain conditions. It is investigated in the auditory modality, but minimal evidence has been collected during speechreading tasks. The authors measured perceptual restoration in speechreading by individuals with hearing loss and compared it to perceptual restoration in auditory speech by normally hearing individuals. Visual perceptual restoration for speechreading was measured in 33 individuals with profound hearing loss by blurring the keywords in silent video recordings of a speaker uttering a sentence. Auditory perceptual restoration was measured in 33 normally hearing individuals by distorting the keywords in spoken sentences. It was found that the amount of restoration was similar for speechreading through the visual modality by individuals with hearing loss and speech perception through the auditory modality by normally hearing individuals. These findings may facilitate understanding of speech processing by individuals with hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Exposure to high levels of noise is a problem among tea factory workers worldwide, but it is poorly studied in India. Aims: This study aimed to assess noise generation in various parts of a black tea factory and find out prevalence of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) and its determinants among employees. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was performed in a black tea processing factory of Darjeeling District. Noise levels and exposure data at different parts of the factory were measured using a sound level meter. Participant characteristics were obtained using a questionnaire and noise-induced hearing loss data obtained by audiometry. A sound map was generated based on noise exposure data and a multivariable logistic regression performed to assess determinants of ONIHL. Results: Sound pressure levels ranged from 58.7 to 90.3 dBA, with the highest levels in the crushing--tearing--curling (CTC) room. Noise exposure of workers was the highest during curling process and the lowest during packaging in the packing room. The prevalence of ONIHL was found to be 28.3%, most of which were of moderate degree, and the highest prevalence was among CTC room workers. Multivariable analysis showed significant association only between daily noise exposure and the presence of ONIHL (AOR 1.68, P value = 0.018). None of the study participants used any hearing protection equipment during work. Conclusions: Generation of high levels of noise is a pertinent problem in the black tea factory, which, coupled with non-use of personal protective equipment, led to a high risk and prevalence of ONIHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Noise pollution and its influence on environmental and quality of human life are a major concern and hot topic of scientific research in the twenty-first century. Aims: Spatial analysis of noise pollution in urban Puducherry, South India. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study conducted in 36 locations of urban Puducherry. Methods and Material: Noise measurements were taken using a calibrated NOR 132 digital sound level meter using the prescribed parameters set by the Central Pollution Control Board. Geo coordinates were taken using Garmin Oregon 550 GPS. Noise measurements were classified according to the Bureau of Indian Standards for town planning into five zones. Statistical Analysis Used: Noise pollution map of urban Puducherry for three time points of the day was generated using ArcGIS Desktop v10.3 with Geo-statistical module and Inverse Distance method. Results: Seventeen percent of the sites are high noise sources (80--90 dB), two thirds (65%) of the study sites fall into concentrated average noise zones (70--80 dB), and less than one fifth (18%) of the study sites are in relatively quiet zones across different measurement time slots. Conclusions: Long-term strategy for noise control should be incorporated in the development of new townships and other infrastructures in accordance with the noise control norms. Implications for future research include monitoring noise pollution levels in rural areas and health effects of noise pollution in bystanders and drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northeast India is a seismically active region, with frequent major earthquakes. The impact of seismicity can be assessed by using the values fundamental resonant frequency (F0) and the site amplification factor (A0) to derive the seismic vulnerability index (Kg). In 2011, a network of 65 stations was installed in the Cachar fold belt, Assam to continuously record data for a continuous period of eleven months. In this study, the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (H/V) method is employed to identify the resonant frequencies and site amplification factors using ambient noise data to assess the seismic hazard potential in the Cachar fold belt. The amplification factors ranged between 1.15 to 6, while the resonance frequencies varied between 0.25 to 5 Hz. The ambient noise interferometry is utilized to estimate surface waves between station pairs and invert the group velocity dispersion curves for the near-surface S-wave velocities. The S-wave velocity for the basement rocks varied between 600 to 1600 m/s. The S-wave velocities are in turn used to derive an empirical relationship between resonant frequency and alluvium thickness valid for the study region. It is found that stations located at regions with subsurface anticlines had a relatively high resonance frequency and low amplification factor, whereas receivers in synclinal locations and with a thick layer of alluvium sedimentary deposits have a substantially higher site amplification factor and lower resonant frequencies. Further, it is observed that regions with a substantial alluvium sediment cover and near the course of the Barak river are more seismically vulnerable and susceptible to natural hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: India has over 50 million workers employed in industries with exposure to very high sound levels, predisposing them to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by using the following criteria: (1) Observational or experimental studies conducted in India; (2) English language studies; (3) Published during January 2010--December 2019; (4) Primary outcome: proportion of participants detected with NIHL. We reviewed bibliographic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and DOAJ) and Google Scholar, and extracted the relevant data. Results: A total of 160 documents were identified after removing duplicates, and 33 full texts were screened, of which 22 studies were included. The mean (SD) effective sample size of the studies was 107.1 (78.9). The pooled proportion of participants with NIHL irrespective of the category was 0.49 (95%CI: 0.22--0.76) and that of hearing loss was 0.53 (95%CI: 0.28-- 0.78). Most studies reported that none of the workers, especially in the informal sectors, used auditory protection. Conclusions: NIHL is a major neglected public health occupational health challenge in India linked with adverse social determinants of health. Sustained advocacy for implementation of legislative and behavior change communication for protecting the hearing of workers is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Keynesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models with various specifications of technology, markup, and interest rate shocks are estimated with Indian data using Kalman filter based pure and Bayesian likelihood estimation. Preference and interest rate shocks are found to be important for output determination, whereas markup and interest rate shocks are important for inflation. News, as contained in stock market variables and arising from anticipated interest rates, affects growth of gross domestic product. Interest rate shock is anticipated at horizon of one quarter and out of total variance explained by interest rate shock, one third is due to the anticipated shock. Anticipated interest rate shock diminishes the share of preference shock in output determination. Although markup shock has a large share, its persistence is low. There is evidence that permanent component of technology is not well anticipated. Once we incorporate this, technology shocks affect output more, although they still remain much below US levels. Implications for policy include forward guidance on interest rates, less reaction to short‐term supply shocks, and allowing technology shocks to play out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise is an underestimated threat that can cause several short- and long-term health problems. It is increasingly becoming a potential hazard to health, physically and psychologically, and affects the general well-being of an individual. The objective of the current study was to examine noise levels at ten different locations in the city of Bhubaneswar, Odisha State, India based on the land use pattern in urban and rural setup. The paper focuses on deploying geospatial techniques using ArcGIS desktop to perform better sampling and further interpolate the statistical data using the Kriging technique to generate a surface representing the distribution of noise levels in various areas. In addition, a health impact survey enabled us to understand the perspectives of the people in and around the monitoring location where health issues like stress, headache, hypertension, and sleeping disorders emerged as some of the most common issues faced. Noise levels were in the range of 43.0 to 74.5 (A) Leq. in rural areas and 61 to 96.5 dB (A) Leq in urban areas. In the current study, noise levels in rural and urban areas exceeded the recommended noise limits as per The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the prevalence of NIHL among rice and flour mill workers exposed to high decibel noise levels at the workplace. One-hundred and seven workers exposed to noise from rice and flour mill machinery and 82 age-matched controls not exposed to noise at the workplace were recruited for the study from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. All the mill workers and the controls were evaluated for their hearing thresholds by pure-tone audiometry. The characteristic bilateral notch in 4000 Hz was detected in 25% of the mill workers, while the prevalence of the unilateral or bilateral notch was observed in 51%. The high-frequency slope (HFS) involving HL at 4000 and 8000 Hz was observed in 23.36 and 29.92% among the left and right ears of the mill workers, respectively. Years of experience and exposure to noise were strongly associated with a bilateral notch in 4000 Hz (the odds of having the notch increased with increased years of noise exposure). Self-reported HL under-represented the rates of actual HL, indicating perception of the HL was absent till audiometric evaluation revealed the loss. Our study demonstrates exposure to high noise levels in this unorganized sector of rice and flour mill workers. Awareness education of NIHL, early detection, and the use of personal hearing protection devices can prevent HL from extending to speech frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Human's day to day lifestyle, Population growth, human activities in urban and rural places have a great impact on the improvement in transportation zone. Mainly the noise level is increased by the traffic Vehicles such as Government vehicles, Private vehicles, commercial vehicles are caused the noise. Noise is created by traffic is causes many harmful effects such as highly increasing of stress, Sleepiness, difficulties in communication and hearing losses (it may be Permanent or Temporary hearing losses) problem. Hence it is required to monitoring the status of traffic noise produced by the number of vehicles. In the present work, monitoring the ambient noise level along a state highway corridor on State Highway(SH-85) passing through Magadi Taluk to Somwarpet Taluk via, Ramangar, Tumkuru, Mandya, Mysuru, Hassan Distrcict has been considered. We studied noise level at different location in Nagamangala. The data was collected from 2 different locations over a period of 6 months and noise level was compared. Noise level monitoring was conducted day and night twice in 6 months, at two different locations and results were discussed. The monitoring ambient noise level results were discussed with Prescribed Standards. Monitoring of Ambient Noise Level, locations, Methods and Methodology's, Results and Discussions are also described in this Paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An occupational hazard is a growing concern for developing countries. The study aims to assess the pattern and the factors associated with morbidity of the steel plant workers and the usage of social security schemes among them. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in two steel plants of the Angul district of central Odisha from May to August 2019. The steel plant workers were assessed for occupational hazard using a structured questionnaire and a physical examination was conducted. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to find out the association. Results: Dust was the most common exposure followed by noise and heat. Myopia (26.7%), generalized weakness (19.0%), hearing impairment (19.0%), respiratory illness (15.9%), hypertension (11.0%), myalgia (10.2%), and peripheral neuropathy (9.1%) were the common morbidities among the steel plant workers. Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, chemicals, and year of exposure is the common determinants of morbidities. Only 63.5% of the study participants availed of different social-security schemes. Conclusions: Pre-placement examination, regular medical check-ups, and the use of proper safety measures during work can reduce the chance of morbidities. Authorities need to sensitize the workers to safety equipment and hazard-prone conditions and also regarding social-security schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper has intended to explore the noise level and vulnerability to noise produced in the stone mining and crushing area and the surroundings in the heavily stressed stone mining and crushing area of Middle catchment of Dwarka river basin of Eastern India. Field-based noise recording has been done at different times in every recorded days. Fuzzy logic-based weighting and integration of eight parameters have been done in four selected cluster for noise susceptibility mapping. For exploring noise annoyance odd and risk ratio have been computed for different communities. From the recorded noise level in stone crushing clusters, it is found that the noise level is > 85 dBA from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the stone crushers are running on and it is above the ambient noise threshold defined by Central Pollution Control Board in 2000. Maximum noise level is recorded as 112.41 dBA which may cause deafness. Noise intensity gradually decreases from crushing centre towards outside and it prevails up to 500–650 m away from the crushing unit. Noise vulnerable areas constructed based on eight noise level addressing and noise effect indicating parameters using fuzzy logic revealed that about 10.46–27.98% areas fall under very high to high noise vulnerable zones. Therefore, the labourers and the peoples who are living at close proximity of crusher units are highly prone to noise pollution along with stone dust pollution. The effect of noise is highly age and sex sensitive due to their differences in physical strength. These findings could effectively be used for saving the exposed communities from noise vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Auditory training is known to improve the speechperception- in-noise (SPIN) skills in children with auditory processing disorders (APDs); however, conventional non-- computer-based trainings are dreary and nonmotivating. This study intended to develop a computer-based noise desensitization training module in Indian English and test the efficacy of the same in children with APD having SPIN deficits. There are no such modules available at present to be used in Indian children. Method: The module incorporated words-in-noise training, with monosyllables and trisyllables as target words in the presence of speech-shaped noise as well as multitalker babble at different signal-to-noise ratios ranging from +20 to -4 dB SNR. The study included 20 children with SPIN deficits diagnosed with APD and who were recruited randomly to the experimental group who received the training (n = 10; Mage = 11.1 years) and to the control group who did not receive any training (n = 10; Mage = 11.4 years). The outcome measures included behavioral measures and electrophysiological measures (auditory long latency responses for speech in quiet and noise). Results: Compared to children in the control group, children in the experimental group exhibited improvements in the SPIN scores as well as temporal processing measures after training. Dichotic consonant--vowel tests and auditory memory and sequencing tests did not yield significant improvement post training. Also, auditory long latency responses in quiet and noise revealed significant reduction in the amplitudes after training. No significant difference was noted in the latencies of auditory long latency responses post training. Control group participants did not show any significant difference in any of the measures between the initial and follow-up evaluations. Conclusions: The developed training module was successful in fetching improvements in behavioral and electrophysiological measures. It would be a great addition to the evidence-based rehabilitation support inventory for children with SPIN deficits in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We aimed to develop sentence lists in Tulu language to measure speech recognition thresholds (SRTs) in noise and verify the equivalence of the developed lists in noise among individuals with normal hearing. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three phases; first, the developmental phase, collection, and development of the sentence material in the Tulu language were carried out. Sentences rated highly familiar/familiar and highly natural/natural by 80% of the raters were considered for the next phase. In the second phase, 22 sentence lists were prepared, with each list containing ten sentences of equal difficulty level in noise. The difficulty level was matched mainly based on the similarity (±1 standard deviation [SD]) of signal-to-noise ratio 50 (SNR-50), the slope of the sentences, the number of content words, and phonemes. The third phase evaluated the equivalency of developed sentence lists. Sixty-two native Tulu speakers with normal hearing sensitivity, aged between 18 and 39 years, participated. Of these 62 participants, twelve were recruited for the first phase, 20 individuals participated in the second phase, and 30 participated in the third phase. Results: Thirteen sentence lists were equivalent and were a reliable measure of SNR-50 in native speakers of Tulu who have hearing sensitivity within normal limits. Using the sentence scoring method, the average SNR-50 of these sentence lists was - 4.19 dB with a SD of 0.21 dB. The developed sentences also had less within-subject variability than between-subject variability. Conclusions: These 13 equivalent sentence lists provide a valid and reliable tool to measure the SRT in noise in native Tulu speakers with hearing sensitivity within normal limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road traffic noise pollution has been recognized as a serious issue which affects human health as well as affects urban regions. Noise maps are very beneficial to identify the impact of noise pollution. A noise mapping study performed to study the propagation of noise in tier-II city along with field measurements. The noise maps are developed using a computer simulation model (SoundPLAN essential 4.0 software). The noise prediction models like U.K's CoRTN, Germany's RLS-90, and their modified versions, which can be used for homogenous road traffic conditions, cannot be successfully applied in heterogeneous road traffic conditions of India. In developing country like India, road traffic noise pollution depends on the composition of heterogeneous traffic volume, variance in road geometrical, honking conditions, un-authorized parking, and varying density of the building on either side of the road. These traffic compositions contain vehicles, which have different sizes, speeds variations, a different dimension of vehicles. Because of fluctuating speeds, lack of lane disciplines, and un-authorized parking on main road lanes, honking events becomes inevitable, which changes and affects the urban soundscape of nations like India. Analysis of noise maps showed that horn honking due to un-authorized parked vehicles contributed an additional increase up to 11 dB (A) noise, which is quite significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Migraine is one of the most common types of headache leading to significant disability; still people do not seek early help in developing countries. Therefore, we planned to conduct a study to assess the clinical profile of migraine, its triggers, comorbidities, and related disability in rural India. Design: An observational study in which 1,245 men and women suffering from migraine were recruited at a tertiary care hospital and were asked to complete a questionnaire related to migraine, its triggers, comorbidities, and disability. Results: Out of 1245 patients, females constituted 75% (937) of the patient pool and rest 25% were males (308). Fatigability (52.7%), nausea/vomiting (42.7%), phonophobia (33.57%), numbness (28.2%), and vertiginous sensation (20.8%) were accompanying features. Stress was the most common trigger impacting 44.9% of the patient population, followed by noise in 44.3% of cases. Exertion and sleep disturbance acted as triggers in 36.1%, smells in 20.5%, hormonal factors in 11.5%, and visual stimuli in 5.1% of patients. Anxiety was identified as the most common comorbidity affecting 542 patients (43.5%), followed by depression in 25.7%of patients. Around 103 patients (8.2%) had other psychiatric illnesses such as panic disorder and bipolar mood disorder. Conclusion: The migraine-related disability is high; therefore we conducted a study to understand its triggers and clinical profile. This was the first observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital on migraine in north India catering to a sizeable rural population however, larger population studies are required to understand migraine more exhaustively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise pollution is considered to be one of the most prevalent environmental challenges affecting human health. Noise pollution is increasing in cities needing techniques to monitor and predict the noise. The monitoring of traffic noise levels in different parts of the cities at different times has become very difficult due to logistic constraints. It is thus required to measure the noise levels at certain strategic locations, such as, near the noise sources (e.g., roads), and then to utilize it to predict the noise levels at surrounding locations. The challenge of monitoring the noise near several road crossings in a city can be reduced using a smartphone-based noise monitoring technique. However, the prediction of noise levels and showcase it as maps require terrain data, noise data, and noise prediction models. The requirement of terrain data can be met using open-source terrain data, from which various terrain parameters can be extracted and integrated with a standard prediction model on the web platform to predict the noise map for an area. Smartphone-based noise monitoring and its subsequent mapping can be a very popular and effective option, which uses a crowdsourcing approach. The entire methodology is tried to be applied over Lucknow city in India. Noise levels are monitored at three different slots, daily, over 14 road crossings using the smartphone-based app. Further, collected noise levels were calibrated against standard noise meter to ascertain accurate noise levels for these locations. Thereafter, three categories of noise environments are chosen from it and mapped using open-source satellite images and standard noise models, over the web on the GIS platform. The predicted noise levels on the maps were verified with the recorded noise data from similar locations using standard noise meter. For these three crossings at different times the predictions are found to be accurate within ±4.5 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted on workers in the wheat mills of Punjab, India. They work for 8-12 h or more daily, during which they face two predominant problems, namely noise and dust. Severe hearing damage and deafness can result due to high noise of the machines in the mills for such prolonged period. Likewise, flour dust during milling and packing operations is dangerous. The present study was conducted to assess the noise levels and dust concentration in wheat milling units at various locations in Punjab. High noise in the flour mills was due to the use of a single power source for running a number of machines and consequent use of long flat belt drive to run them, absence of an electric motor enclosure, poor machine maintenance and inadequate acoustic design of the working zone of the milling units. In case of dust hazard, hopper and flour collection area had higher levels of dust concentration in the milling units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The human auditory system perceives any speech sound through the inherent temporal cues i.e., the temporal fine structure (TFS) and envelope (ENV) cues which has its own predominance for perception across languages. Research in English and Mandarin Chinese language showed the difference between these cues with tonal language employ more of TFS cues and non-tonal language employ ENV cues for perception. Earlier studies on Indian language (Kannada and Malayalam) revealed ENV cues predominance for perception. Based on this, the aim of this study was to compare stimuli in which the TFS and ENV cues had been interchanged (so-called auditory chimeras). The stimuli were Malayalam language sentences delivered through a hearing aid using two compression schemes -- syllabic compression and dual compression -- and processed by a nonlinear 8-channel and 16-channel system. Method: Thirty-five normal hearing individuals were assessed for the perception of chimeric sentences across eight sets of frequency bands (1, 4, 6, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 64 bands). Before the administration of the chimeric sentences all the individuals were assessed for normal hearing abilities through routine audiological evaluations. Results: The results of the present study reveal there is a significant difference across frequency bands on both the syllabic and dual compression processed stimuli using either 8 or 16 channels. The ENV cues were better perceived whether 4, 6, 8, or 16 frequency bands were used, with dual compression being marginally better than syllabic compression for both 8 and 16 channels. However, 16 channels gave overall better perception than 8 channels. Conclusions: The results of the study revealed a better processing of envelope (ENV) cues, which are most important for understanding speech through a hearing aid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategic noise maps are typically prepared for large-scale areas, towns and cities. However, some comparatively smaller industries are given less importance during preparation of noise maps. Very few studies have been reported worldwide providing insight on industrial noise mapping, and similar reports from India are negligible. This study provides a noise map of a forging plant and also investigates noise distribution pattern within 2 km of surrounding area. The complete study is evaluated in two types of scenario; in the first scenario all individual noise sources of the plant were considered as point sources whereas in the second scenario complete plant was treated as an area source. Furthermore, a regression graph is generated between the predicted and measured values for both scenarios individually which gives coefficients of determination of 0.4689 and 0.6382. This study reveals that the second scenario provides more precise noise prediction map than the first scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the relationship between the level-dependent function of efferent inhibition and speech perception in noise across different intensities of suppressor and across different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of speech. Method: Twenty-six young normal-hearing adults participated in the study. Contralateral suppression of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) was measured for 3 levels of suppressor (40, 50, and 60 dB SPL). Speech identification score (SIS) was measured at 5 ipsilateral SNR conditions (quiet, 0, -5, -10, and -15 dB), with and without contralateral broadband noise at 3 levels (40, 50, and 60 dB SPL). Furthermore, SNR-50 was measured with and without the same 3 levels of contralateral broadband noise. Results: The results showed that the suppression magnitude of TEOAE increased with an increase in suppressor level. However, neither SIS nor SNR-50 was influenced by the contralateral noise. In addition, SIS and SNR-50 did not show significant correlation with contralateral suppression of TEOAEs. This was true at all the SNRs and contralateral noise levels used in the study. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the intensity of noise directly influences medial olivocochlear bundle--mediated efferent inhibition. However, the role of the medial olivocochlear bundle in regulating speech perception in noise needs to be revisited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hearing plays a crucial role in the performance of a soldier and is important for communication and speech processing. Service personnel are constantly exposed to high levels of noise and hence predisposed to occupational health disabilities, principally noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus. NIHL is a significantly common impairment in the military and can affect the warfare performances. Parochial awareness about the effects of uproarious noise which exacerbates their hearing, acceptance rate of use of hearing protection devices and follow-up audiological tests have become the major drawback for prevention of NIHL and are less pondered upon.Method: The present study focuses on the effects of noise on the hearing of service crew operating and maintaining military equipment and explores the efficacy of DPOAE's to substitute pure tone audiometry as a quick, easy to operate and implementable test technique for monitoring of hearing status.Results: The results suggest that DPOAE test is important and more coherent than audiometry alone for the early detection of cochlear injury due to noise from military operations and efficacious for detecting NIHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Acceptable Noise Level (ANL) is a measure of an individual's ability to tolerate background noise while listening to speech. Based on their ANL scores, people can be categorised into 'low', 'mid', or 'high' ANL groups. However, there are reports of subtle central auditory effects on the variation of ANL in normal hearing subjects. Because these reports are based on various objective test findings and interpretations, process-based central auditory testing and subjective authentication is essential in order to understand central involvement in individuals with various degrees of ANL. Methods: A total of 106 Kannada-speaking adults with normal hearing sensitivity participated in the study. Their ANLs were measured and they were then classified into 'low', 'mid', and 'high' groups. The temporal resolution abilities in these participants were tested using the Gap in Noise (GIN) test. Results: Descriptive analysis along with parametric statistical evaluations were carried out to compare the GIN scores of the three groups. One-way ANOVA revealed that the GIN scores were not statistically different (p>0.05) between the groups. Conclusions: The result suggests that the temporal resolution of individuals with varying degrees of ANLs is comparable. The absence of temporal resolution difficulties in individuals with varying degrees of ANL do not necessarily contradict earlier reports, as they could have other central auditory processing difficulties. More research is required to clarify these difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The current study aimed at observing how informational maskers with varying degrees of linguistic information affect working memory (WM) performance. The linguistic information in the maskers was varied by increasing the number of speakers in the babbles as well as by time-reversal of these babbles. Method: Backward digit (BD) span was measured on 24 normal-hearing native speakers of Kannada language. BD spans were measured under six background conditions – quiet, 2- and 8-speaker babbles (2SB and 8SB), time-reversed 2- and 8- speaker babbles (2RB and 8RB), and speech spectrum noise. The digits were presented at 75 dB SPL and the SNR was maintained at +5 dB to ensure complete audibility and intelligibility of the target digits. Using an adaptive procedure, BD span was calculated as the average of the last four reversals. Results: One-way repeated measures ANOVA showed that the 2SB caused the greatest deterioration in the BD spans. The 8SB and the two RBs resulted in significantly better scores than the 2SB, but were statistically no different from each other. The speech spectrum noise caused negligible deteriorations on the BD spans and was statistically similar to the quiet background condition. Conclusions: Results showed that the lexical-semantic information in the masker (2SB) causes the greatest deterioration in the WM scores, followed by acoustic–phonetic information (8SB and RBs). Energetic masking resulted in minimal deterioration on the BD spans. These results are further discussed based interpretations from different theories and models of working memory and speech perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the performative digital practices of India's feminist campaign group Blank Noise, with a focus on their 2016 project #WalkAlone. The event sought to explore and challenge embodied notions of female safety and visibility in night-time urban public spaces, by inviting women to walk alone in a place of their choosing between 9pm and midnight. In doing so, Blank Noise called on participants to 'walk alone, together', utilising digital documentation tools and media platforms to network these dispersed embodied acts. Drawing on my participation in #WalkAlone from the remote position of the UK alongside online documentation of the project, I examine how these tools established 'digital proximities' between participants, transforming our solitary acts into collective embodied action. I argue that Blank Noise's project extends Butler's notion of 'plural performativity' (2015) into a digital public sphere, by constructing a mode of embodied assembly within media spaces. Here, digital proximities between dispersed participants forged a concerted enactment from the private and personal actions of individual women, walking on the stage of the nocturnal city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traffic police job is one such job where stress is synonymous with the work and involves a lot of skill, coordination and patience. The large vehicular density in Mangaluru due to being a port city and an industrial hub, leads to high movement of heavy vehicles and makes it one of the busiest place in its district which affects the mental wellbeing of the traffic personnel. The present study was done to estimate the level of stress among the traffic police personnel in Mangaluru. The study was conducted among the traffic police personnel of two police stations: Kadri being situated within the city premised and Surathkal, situated on a major national highway. Method: Data collection was done by organizing a camp. After taking the consent, information regarding the demographic details, habits, existing comorbid conditions was obtained and level of stress assessed using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using statistical package SPSS 16.0. Results were presented in the form of percentages and proportions, and p value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Maximum percentage of participants had a high stress level with 23.5% being < 30 years age. Higher levels of stress was associated with the place of posting i.e. urban and semi urban PS with p value <0.01. Conclusions: Higher level of stress was found in personnel in the younger age group and statistically significant association was seen between the stress levels with the personal habits (smoking and alcohol consumption) and place of posting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issues of soundscape hold special significance in the daily lives of residents of Mumbai, India. "Noise pollution" has become an integral concept in how many Mumbaikars understand and frame auditory experiences of the city, and anxieties over sound figure prominently in public discourse, with local news media and Bombay High Court legal proceedings often fervently debating over the topic. Unlike other large cities with high ambient decibel levels, however, Mumbai's noise pollution most visibly (and audibly) concerns sound from religious sources, most notably Hindu religious festivals taking place during a lengthy "festival season". Close examination of this "festival noise" situation reveals a vastly intricate system involving political strategy, community imagination and labour politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective modelling and prediction of smaller time step rainfall is reported to be very difficult owing to its highly erratic nature. Accurate forecast of daily rainfall for longer duration (multi time step) may be exceptionally helpful in the efficient planning and management of water resources systems. Identification of inherent patterns in a rainfall time series is also important for an effective water resources planning and management system. In the present study, Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) is utilized to forecast the daily rainfall time series pertaining to Koyna watershed in Maharashtra, India, for 365 days after extracting various components of the rainfall time series such as trend, periodic component, noise and cyclic component. In order to forecast the time series for longer time step (365 days-one window length), the signal and noise components of the time series are forecasted separately and then added together. The results of the study show that the method of SSA could extract the various components of the time series effectively and could also forecast the daily rainfall time series for longer duration such as one year in a single run with reasonable accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In open-cast mines, noise pollution has become a serious concern due to the extreme use of heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM).Materials and Methods: This study is focused to measure and assess the effects of the existing noise levels of major operational mines in the Keonjhar, Sundergadh, and Mayurbhanj districts of Odisha, India. The transportation noise levels were also considered in this study, which was predicted using the modified Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) model.Result and Discussion: It was observed that noise induced by HEMM such as rock breakers, jackhammers, dumpers, and excavators, blasting noise in the mining terrain, as well as associated transportation noise became a major source of annoyance to the habitants living in proximity to the mines. The noise produced by mechanized mining operations was observed between 74.3 and 115.2 dB(A), and its impact on residential areas was observed between 49.4 and 58.9 dB(A). In addition, the noise contour maps of sound level dispersion were demonstrated with the utilization of advanced noise prediction software tools for better understanding.Conclusion: Finally, the predicted values at residential zone and traffic noise are correlated with observed values, and the coefficient of determination, R2, was calculated to be 0.6891 and 0.5967, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise mapping is a well-established practice among the European nations, and it has been follow for almost two decades. Recently, as per guidelines of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), India, noise mapping has been made mandatory in the mining expanses. This study is an effort to map the noise levels in nearby areas of mines in the northern Keonjhar district. The motive of this study is to quantify the existing A-weighted time-average sound level (LAeq, T ) in the study area to probe its effects on the human dwellings and noise sensitive areas with the probability of future development of the mines, roads, and industrial and commercial zone. The LAeq, T was measured at 39 identified locations, including industrial, commercial, residential, and sensitive zones, 15 open cast mines, 3 major highways, and 3 haulage roads. With the utilisation of Predictor LimA Software and other GIS tools, the worked out data is mapped and noise contours are developed for the visualisation and identification of the extent and distribution of sound levels across the study area. This investigation discloses that the present noise level at 60% of the locations in silence and residential zone exposed to significantly high noise levels surpasses the prescribed limit of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India. The observed day and night time LAeq, T level of both zones ranged between 43.2-62.2 dB(A) and 30.5-53.4 dB(A), respectively, whereas, the average Ldn values vary between 32.7 and 51.2 dB(A). The extensive mobility of heavy vehicles adjoining the sensitive areas and a nearby plethora of open cast mines is the leading cause of exceeded noise levels. The study divulges that the delicate establishments like schools and hospitals are susceptible to high noise levels throughout the day and night. A correlation between observed and software predicted values gives R² of 0.605 for Ld, 0.217 for Ln, and 0.524 for Ldn. Finally, the mitigation measure is proposed and demonstrated using a contour map showing a significant reduction in the noise levels by 0-5.3 dB(A). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop sentence lists in the Telugu language for the assessment of speech recognition threshold (SRT) in the presence of background noise through identification of the mean signal-to-noise ratio required to attain a 50% sentence recognition score (SRTn).Design: This study was conducted in three phases. The first phase involved the selection and recording of Telugu sentences. In the second phase, 20 lists, each consisting of 10 sentences with equal intelligibility, were formulated using a numerical optimisation procedure. In the third phase, the SRTn of the developed lists was estimated using adaptive procedures on individuals with normal hearing.Study sample: A total of 68 native Telugu speakers with normal hearing participated in the study. Of these, 18 (including the speakers) performed on various subjective measures in first phase, 20 performed on sentence/word recognition in noise for second phase and 30 participated in the list equivalency procedures in third phase.Results: In all, 15 lists of comparable difficulty were formulated as test material. The mean SRTn across these lists corresponded to −2.74 (SD = 0.21).Conclusions: The developed sentence lists provided a valid and reliable tool to measure SRTn in Telugu native speakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to recreational noise, particularly music exposure, is considered one of the biggest public health hazards of our time. Some important influencing factors such as socioeconomic status, educational background, and cross-cultural perspectives have previously been found to be associated with attitudes toward loud music and the use of hearing protection. Although culture seems to play an important role, there is relatively little known about how it influences perceptions regarding loud music exposure in young adults. Purpose: The present study was aimed to explore cross-cultural perceptions of and reactions to loud music in young adults (18-25 yr) using the theory of social representations. Research Design: The study used a cross-sectional survey design. Study Sample: The study sample included young adults (n = 534) from five different countries (India, Iran, Portugal, the United States, and the United Kingdom) who were recruited using convenience sampling. Data Collection and Analysis: Data were collected using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using a content analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and also χ² analysis. Results: Fairly equal numbers of positive and negative connotations (~40%) were noted in all countries. However, the χ² analysis showed significant differences between the countries (most positive connotations were found in India and Iran, whereas the most negative connotations were found in the United Kingdom and Portugal) regarding the informants' perception of loud music. The co-occurrence analysis results generally indicate that the category "negative emotions and actions" occurred most frequently, immediately followed by the category "positive emotions and actions." The other most frequently occurring categories included "acoustics," "physical aliment," "location," and "ear and hearing problems." These six categories formed the central nodes of the social representation of loud music exposure in the global index. Although some similarities and differences were noted among the social representations toward loud music among countries, it is noteworthy that more similarities than differences were noted among countries. Conclusions: The study results suggest that "loud music" is perceived to have both positive and negative aspects within society and culture. We suggest that the health promotion strategies should focus on changing societal norms and regulations to be more effective in decreasing the noise- and/or music-induced auditory symptoms among young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The preterm infants admitted to a high-tech Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are vulnerable to noise in the environment. Aim of the study: To determine the physiological responses of preterm infants exposed to noise in the NICU. Materials and Methods: Noise levels in the NICU were measured using calibrated Sound Level Meter (SLM) i.e, Hand Held Analyzer Type 2250, Brüel and Kjær, Denmark. The physiological responses of preterm infants were recorded in the Phillips IntelliVue MP20 Junior multichannel monitors. Results: The maximum hourly equivalent sound LAeq of 62.12 ± 2.24 dB A was found on the 2nd day of the measurement that was carried out for a week's time. The preterm infants cared for in the open care system were exposed to noise levels as high as 78.89 dB A over a period of 24 hours. There was a slight increase in heart rate (HR) on the second day, third day and sixth day of the measurement. Respiratory rate (RR) and Oxygen saturation (SpO2) were within normal range. Conclusion: The study has found that preterm infants were exposed to noise above the recommended levels on a day-to-day basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In exploring the role of mediated noise in socio-political discourse, this paper discusses how noise as an element of the communication model with interruption as its fixed meaning needs reconsideration. Against the backdrop of criticism by the media critics and analysts about high decibel debates in broadcast media, this paper critically analyses the centrality of mediated noise in the political and public discourse in India. Noise, it argues, has emerged as a political device and a discursive weapon employed by the dominant stakeholders, capable of steering discourse and manipulating the public opinion that diverts attention from the pressing issues and emphasizes the political wrangling between the stakeholders while disrupting the discursive process. It underscores how dominant groups produce, manage, and mediate noise as a part of their discursive strategy that simulates constructed sincerity and its unquestionable existence. It is shown that meticulously crafted and stage-managed debate panels in broadcast media are aimed at creating a visual spectacle and are driven by commercial and political interests rather than the concern for informed discourse and debate. Noise, in this sense, is a sound that persuasively refers to its significance, as it creates a realm of discursive ambiguity and undermines a discursive process and its subsequent knowledge. Thus, noise is argued to be a form of discursive violence that manifests in the form of voices that distort the facts, dismiss, or deride a narrative, suppress opposing viewpoints, negate the possibility of discussion, and sabotage opportunities for discourse by creating an atmosphere of fear and violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]