The Acoustic Environment and University Students' Satisfaction with the Online Education Method during the COVID-19 Lockdown.

The acoustic environment has been pointed out as a possible distractor during student activities in the online academic modality; however, it has not been specifically studied, nor has it been studied in relation to parameters frequently used in academic-quality evaluations. The objective of this study is to characterize the acoustic environment and relate it to students' satisfaction with the online learning modality. For that, three artificial neural networks were calculated, using as target variables the students' satisfaction and the noise interference with autonomous and synchronous activities, using acoustic variables as predictors.

Machine fault detection methods based on machine learning algorithms: A review.

Preventive identification of mechanical parts failures has always played a crucial role in machine maintenance. Over time, as the processing cycles are repeated, the machinery in the production system is subject to wear with a consequent loss of technical efficiency compared to optimal conditions. These conditions can, in some cases, lead to the breakage of the elements with consequent stoppage of the production process pending the replacement of the element.

Community Response to Noise from Hot-Spots at a Major Road in Quito (Ecuador) and Its Application for Identification and Ranking These Areas.

Environmental legislation in Ecuador is advancing with the legitimate aspiration of providing citizens with new standards of quality and environmental health. In the context of environmental noise, these legislative advances are based on the experience accumulated in other countries, which is an advantage that must be managed with caution by incorporating local factors into noise management procedures. This study advances two lines of work.

Modeling acoustic metamaterials based on reused buttons using data fitting with neural network.

Metamaterials are designed by arranging artificial structural elements according to periodic geometries to obtain advantageous and unusual properties when they are hit by waves. Initially designed to interact with electromagnetic waves, their use naturally extended to sound waves, proving to be particularly useful for the construction of containment and soundproofing systems in buildings. In this work, a new metamaterial has been developed with the use of a polyvinyl chloride membrane on which buttons have been glued.

Acoustic, Visual and Spatial Indicators for the Description of the Soundscape of Waterfront Areas with and without Road Traffic Flow.

High flows of road traffic noise in urban agglomerations can negatively affect the livability of squares and parks located at the neighborhood, district and city levels, therefore pushing anyone who wants to enjoy calmer, quieter areas to move to non-urban parks. Due to the distances between these areas, it is not possible to go as regularly as would be necessary to satisfy any needs. Even if cities are densely populated, the presence of a sea or riverfront offers the possibility of large restorative places, or at least with potential features for being the natural core of an urban nucleus after a renewal intervention.

Assessment of noise exposure for basketball sports referees.

Dosimetric measurements carried out on basketball referees have shown that whistles not only generate very high peak sound pressure levels, but also play a relevant role in determining the overall exposure to noise of the exposed subjects. Because of the peculiar geometry determined by the mutual positions of the whistle, the microphone, and the ear, experimental data cannot be directly compared with existing occupational noise exposure and/or action limits. In this article, an original methodology, which allows experimental results to be reliably compared with the aforementioned limits, is presented.