| 1. |
- Ageborg Morsing, Julia, et al.
(författare)
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Wind Turbine Noise and Sleep: Pilot Studies on the Influence of Noise Characteristics
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 15:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The number of onshore wind turbines in Europe has greatly increased over recent years, a trend which can be expected to continue. However, the effects of wind turbine noise on long-term health outcomes for residents living near wind farms is largely unknown, although sleep disturbance may be a cause for particular concern. Presented here are two pilot studies with the aim of examining the acoustical properties of wind turbine noise that might be of special relevance regarding effects on sleep. In both pilots, six participants spent five consecutive nights in a sound environment laboratory. During three of the nights, participants were exposed to wind turbine noise with variations in sound pressure level, amplitude modulation strength and frequency, spectral content, turbine rotational frequency and beating behaviour. The impact of noise on sleep was measured using polysomnography and questionnaires. During nights with wind turbine noise there was more frequent awakening, less deep sleep, less continuous N2 sleep and increased subjective disturbance compared to control nights. The findings indicated that amplitude modulation strength, spectral frequency and the presence of strong beats might be of particular importance for adverse sleep effects. The findings will be used in the development of experimental exposures for use in future, larger studies.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Bakker, Roel H., et al.
(författare)
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Impact of wind turbine sound on annoyance, self-reported sleep disturbance and psychological distress
- 2012
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Ingår i: Science of the Total Environment. - Amsterdam : Elsevier. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 425, s. 42-51
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose of the research: The present government in the Netherlands intends to realize a substantial growth ofwind energy before 2020, both onshore and offshore. Wind turbines, when positioned in the neighborhood ofresidents may cause visual annoyance and noise annoyance. Studies on other environmental sound sources,such as railway, road traffic, industry and aircraft noise show that (long-term) exposure to sound can havenegative effects other than annoyance from noise. This study aims to elucidate the relation between exposureto the sound of wind turbines and annoyance, self-reported sleep disturbance and psychological distress ofpeople that live in their vicinity. Data were gathered by questionnaire that was sent by mail to a representativesample of residents of the Netherlands living in the vicinity of wind turbinesPrincipal results: A dose–response relationship was found between immission levels of wind turbine soundand selfreported noise annoyance. Sound exposure was also related to sleep disturbance and psychologicaldistress among those who reported that they could hear the sound, however not directly but with noiseannoyance acting as a mediator. Respondents living in areas with other background sounds were less affectedthan respondents in quiet areas.Major conclusions: People living in the vicinity of wind turbines are at risk of being annoyed by the noise, anadverse effect in itself. Noise annoyance in turn could lead to sleep disturbance and psychological distress. Nodirect effects of wind turbine noise on sleep disturbance or psychological stress has been demonstrated,which means that residents, who do not hear the sound, or do not feel disturbed, are not adversely affected.
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| 4. |
- Blicharska, Malgorzata, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Shades of grey challenge practical application of the Cultural Ecosystem Services concept
- 2017
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Ingår i: Ecosystem Services. - : Elsevier BV. - 2212-0416 .- 2212-0416. ; 23, s. 55-70
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Despite rapid advances in development of the ecosystem services (ES) concept, challenges remain for its use in decision making. Cultural ES (CES) have proven particularly difficult to pin down and resultant “shades of grey” impede their consideration by decision-makers. This study undertakes a literature review of CES to highlight the shades of grey, briefly illustrates findings by reference to the Swedish mountain landscape, then addresses potential implications for practical decision making. The concept of CES is complex and difficult to operationalize. The root of confusion appears to be a lack of rigour in identifying CES, hindering identification of proper methods for determining: the ecosystem elements that underpin CES; the beneficiaries of CES and how they value benefits delivered; and how CES may vary in space and time. We conclude by proposing a framework of questions, which we relate to the ES cascade model, that is intended to help researchers and decision-makers to reflect when considering CES. Answers to the questions should enable decision-makers to prioritise policy development or implementation in relation to the differing needs of potentially competing beneficiaries and what needs to be done or not done to the ecosystem, where, when and by whom.
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| 5. |
- Blomsterberg, Åke, et al.
(författare)
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Tenants Acceptance or Rejection of Major Energy Renovation of Block of Flats - IEA Annex 56
- 2015
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Ingår i: Energy Procedia. - : Elsevier BV. - 1876-6102. ; 78, s. 2346-2351
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To meet EU energy and climate targets, energy efficiency of the existing building stock must be drastically improved. Within IEA EBC Annex 56 one of the best practice examples of energy renovations is a group of multi-family buildings in Sweden, recently thoroughly renovated. For this group of buildings the residents' perception of renovations and appraisal of implemented measures were captured by interviews with tenants and a literature review. Residents' possible acceptance of energy renovations are related to improvements that are directly experienced and visible. Resident participation is beneficial. Crucial is the collaboration between all stakeholders. Long-term environmental benefits or financial gains are arguments that might not be sufficient.
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| 6. |
- Blomsterberg, Åke, et al.
(författare)
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User acceptance of cost-effective energy and carbon emissions optimization in building renovation.
- 2015
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- To meet EU energy and climate targets, energy efficiency of the existing building stock must be drasticallyimproved. Within IEA ECB Annex 56 one of the best practice energy renovations is a group of multi-familybuildings in Sweden, recently thoroughly renovated. Residents' perception of renovations and appraisal ofimplemented measures were captured by interviews with tenants and a literature review. Residents'possible acceptance of energy renovations are related to improvements that are directly experienced andvisible. Resident participation is beneficial. Crucial is the collaboration between all stakeholders. Long-termenvironmental benefits or financial gains are arguments that might not be sufficient.
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| 8. |
- Brorsson, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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12-weeks of hand exercise provides better hand function, muscle balance and muscle strength in the rheumatoid arthritis hand
- 2010
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Ingår i: Abstract Archive Sessions Index 2010. - : EULAR.
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background:Impaired grip ability in RA is due to reduced strength in the flexor muscles as well as by dysfunctional extensor muscles leading to inability to open the hand. Furthermore the extensor muscles are important for stabilization during flexion force production and active for developing a controlled grip force. There is today scientific evidence showing that various forms of hand exercise are beneficial for improving hand function and strength in RA patients (Ronningen and Kjeken 2008; Brorsson, Hilliges et al. 2009). However, comparatively little research has evaluated and specific designed hand exercise program for the extensor muscles controlling the hand and fingers (Weiss, Moore et al. 2004; O'Brien, Jones et al. 2006).Objectives:The objectives for this study were to evaluate the effect of an exercise program on hand strength, hand function and perceived function of daily life activities among RA patients and to explore the possibility to improve the balance between the extensor and flexor muscle forces in the hand.Methods:The study group comprised of 20 patients with RA (median disease duration 20 years) that performed a hand exercise program for twelve weeks. The finger extension force was measured with a newly developed device (EX-it), finger flexion force was measured with the Grippit. Hand function was evaluated with the Grip Ability Test (GAT) and self reported questionnaire Disability Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH).Results:Hand strength (both extension and flexion force) and hand function improved significantly after twelve weeks. The RA group showed improvement in the results of the DASH questionnaire (p < 0.05), but on individual level, the result was partly significant. The relation between extension and flexion force in the hand was not correlated, however, after the exercise there was a strong association between flexion and extension force (p < 0.001). The result on individual level is related to age and duration time.Conclusion:Twelve weeks of hand exercise significantly improved hand strength, hand function and perceived function for RA patients. Furthermore, exercise improved the relation between the finger extension and flexion force. Hand exercise is thus an effective intervention for RA patients, providing better strength and function.References:Brorsson, S., M. Hilliges, et al. (2009). A six-week hand exercise programme improves strength and hand function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. J Rehabil Med 41(5): 338-42.O'Brien, A.V., P. Jones, et al. (2006). Conservative hand therapy treatments in rheumatoid arthritis–a randomized controlled trial. Rheumatology (Oxford) 45(5): 577-83.Ronningen, A. and I. Kjeken (2008). ffect of an intensive hand exercise programme in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Occup Ther: 1-11.Weiss, A. P., D. C. Moore, et al. (2004). Metacarpophalangeal joint mechanics after 3 different silicone arthroplasties. J Hand Surg [Am] 29(5): 796-803.
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| 9. |
- Brorsson, Sofia, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
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Relationship between finger flexion and extension force in healthy women and women with rheumatoid arthritis
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. - Uppsala, Sweden : Stiftelsen Rehabiliteringsinformation. - 1650-1977 .- 1651-2081. ; 44:7, s. 605-608
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Balance between flexor and extensor muscle activity is essential for optimal function. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the relationship between maximum finger flexion force and maximum finger extension force in women with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy women.METHODS: Twenty healthy women (median age 61 years) and 20 women with rheumatoid arthritis (median age 59.5 years, median disease duration 16.5 years) were included in the study. Finger extension force was measured with an electronic device, EX-it, and finger flexion force using Grippit. The Grip Ability Test and the score from the patient-reported outcome Disability Arm Shoulder and Hand were used to evaluate activity limitations.RESULTS: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed significantly decreased hand function compared with healthy controls. A correlation was found between extension force and flexion force in the healthy group (r = 0.65, p = 0.002),but not in the rheumatoid arthritis group (r = 0.25, p = 0.289).CONCLUSION: Impaired hand function appears to influence the relationship between maximum finger flexion and extension force. This study showed a difference in the relationship between maximum finger flexion and extension force in healthy controls and those with rheumatoid arthritis. © 2012 Foundation of Rehabilitation Information.
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| 10. |
- Cerwén, Gunnar, et al.
(författare)
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The Role of Soundscape in Nature-Based Rehabilitation: A Patient Perspective
- 2016
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Ingår i: International journal of environmental research and public health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Nature-based rehabilitation (NBR) has convincing support in research, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study sought to increase understanding of the role of soundscapes in NBR, an aspect paid little attention thus far. Transcribed interviews with 59 patients suffering from stress-related mental disorders and undergoing a 12-week therapy programme in the rehabilitation garden in Alnarp, Sweden, were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis (IPA). Described sounds were categorised as natural, technological or human. The results showed that patients frequently referred to natural sounds as being part of a pleasant and "quiet" experience that supported recovery and induced "soft fascination". Technological sounds were experienced as disturbing, while perception of human sounds varied depending on loudness and the social context. The study further uncovered how sound influenced patients' behaviour and experiences in the garden, through examination of three cross-theme dimensions that materialised in the study; sound in relation to overall perception, sound in relation to garden usage, and increased susceptibility to sound. The findings are discussed in relation to NBR; the need for a more nuanced understanding of susceptibility to sound among people suffering from mental fatigue was identified and design considerations for future rehabilitation gardens were formulated.
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