Papers by Margret Engel
Current Pollution Reports, 2024
Purpose of review This study aims to investigate anthropogenic noise impact on avian species by m... more Purpose of review This study aims to investigate anthropogenic noise impact on avian species by means of a systematic review of literature. Recent findings Based on previous anthropogenic noise impact frameworks, it was possible to: clarify the impacts of noise on birds; optimise the existing frameworks with findings produced over 44 years; recategorise noise impacts into more appropriate categories, indicating which are the positive and negatives, as well as acute and chronic impacts caused by anthropogenic noise; provide a significant cluster model of anthropogenic noise impacts on avian species subdivided into impacts on 'Behaviour' and 'Communication/Perception' (Cluster 1) and 'Physiology' (Cluster 2); and show how avian hearing frequency range overlaps noise source frequency range. Summary This research adopted the database of Peacock et al. [1, 2] regarding avian species due to its vast coverage across taxa. A systematic literature review of 50 peer-reviewed papers about anthropogenic noise impact on birds was undertaken. A Two-Step Cluster analysis was calculated, showing the data subdivided into two clusters. Cluster 1 (76.9%) showed behavioural responses mainly composed of negative and auditory perception and communication impacts, presenting positive or negative noise impacts. Cluster 2 (23.1%) mainly showed negative impacts on physiological outcomes caused by traffic, anthropogenic, and background noise.
Plos One, 2024
The study of the perceived affective qualities (PAQs) in soundscape assessments have increased in... more The study of the perceived affective qualities (PAQs) in soundscape assessments have increased in recent years, with methods varying from in-situ to laboratory. Through technological advances, virtual reality (VR) has facilitated evaluations of multiple locations in the same experiment. In this paper, VR reproductions of different urban sites were presented in an online and laboratory environment testing three locations in Greater Manchester (‘Park’, ‘Plaza’, and pedestrian ‘Street’) in two population densities (empty and busy) using ISO/TS 12913–2 (2018) soundscape PAQs. The studied areas had audio and video recordings prepared for 360 video and binaural audio VR reproductions. The aims were to observe population density effects within locations (Wilcoxon test) and variations between locations (Mann-Whitney U test) within methods. Population density and comparisons among locations demonstrated a significant effect on most PAQs. Results also suggested that big cities can present homogenous sounds, composing a ‘blended’ urban soundscape, independently of functionality. These findings can support urban design in a low-cost approach, where urban planners can test different scenarios and interventions.
Current Pollution Reports, 2024
Purpose of Review: This review collates and analyses data on noise exposure of birds in relation ... more Purpose of Review: This review collates and analyses data on noise exposure of birds in relation to avian hearing system performance. It provides new insights into the mechanistic pathways of anthropogenic noise impact on avian species.
Recent Findings: Noise impacts both humans and wildlife. Birds are of conservation concern, given the recent reports of major global declines in bird populations and that one in eight bird species is threatened with extinction. Studies of noise impacts on birds have been, and continue to be, published. Whilst many of these studies report associations between noise and a response in birds, relatively few provide clear demonstration of the mechanisms of impact.
Summary: Anatomical and physiological datasets were compiled for species representing nineteen avian orders. Information on noise sources, propagation path and habitat selection was also collated. Bird order was not a good predictor of bird hearing frequencies, but body dimensions were. In general, smaller birds were found to have higher peak hearing frequencies than larger birds. Cranium height was the strongest predictor of peak hearing frequency for birds. These findings provide mechanistic context to noise impacts on birds and a potential basis for predicting responses of avian species to different noise environments.
Current Pollution Reports, 2018
Purpose of Review This article reviews the literature and presents the current status of the use ... more Purpose of Review This article reviews the literature and presents the current status of the use of socio-acoustic surveys in soundscape studies, through the indication of appropriate question formats, types, and topics for each data collection method (soundwalks, interviews, listening tests, and focus group) for the involved public and acoustic stimuli. Recent Findings The ISO 12913-2 establishes ways of data collection and reporting requirements for soundscape studies (International Organization for Standartization 2017), including the triangulation technique. This standard recommends some data collection methods, like soundwalks and interviews. Even so, some authors are using different methods to collect data, such as focus group and listening tests. Summary This study investigated through 52 peer-reviewed papers published on the last 20 years the current status of socioacoustic studies regarding question topics and types, used stimuli, and characteristics about the participants, using the four major adopted data collection methods in soundscape studies: soundwalks, interviews, listening tests, and focus group. Some topics like Bsoundscape quality^and Bsound sources identification and evaluation^are common in the recent studies, as well as the adoption of some question types such as semantic differential scale, the staple scale, and ranking order scale.
Cities, 2018
Factors such as air and sound quality are important aspects of the urban environment with potenti... more Factors such as air and sound quality are important aspects of the urban environment with potential impacts on public health, especially in walkable areas where the public is constantly using the public space for their daily activities, accessibility, leisure and recreation. Knowing which are user's preferences regarding acoustic and air quality environments is a big advantage for public spaces management. This paper aims at investigating the correlation between air quality and sound perception in walkable areas, through subjective evaluations and onsite measurements of particulate matter, acoustic and psychoacoustic data. For this purpose, a Canonical Correlation Analysis was carried out. This paper found out correlations regarding background sound qualities and air quality perception (Rc = 0.485), as well as correlations between background sound acceptance & cognitive aspects and air quality perception (Rc = 0.532), on data collected at urban parks. The involved objective parameters which led to those results are sharpness, roughness, hearing model roughness ½ Bark, PM 1 , PM 2.5 and PM 10. In busy street areas there are correlations between background sound qualities and air quality perception (Rc = 0.450). For this correlation the correlated objective parameters are sound pressure level (SPL), sharpness, tonality, PM 1 , PM 2.5 and PM 10 .
Revista Nacional de Gerenciamento de Cidades
The present study aims to characterise the soundscape of two parks in Curitiba (Bacacheri Park an... more The present study aims to characterise the soundscape of two parks in Curitiba (Bacacheri Park and Botanical Garden), along with a relaxation phase of sanitary containment measures of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, during the year 2021. The authors collected subjective data from 200 participants (100 in each park) about perceived sound sources, sound annoyance generated by specific sources, functionality and familiarity of the parks, demographic data, and motivation for using the parks. The equivalent sound pressure levels were monitored over 15 minutes at various spots inside parks. Subjective data were analysed using the IBM SPSS 27® statistical software, and a Two-step Cluster Analysis was adopted. The cluster analysis results satisfactorily demonstrated the soundscape characterisation of the investigated parks. Such results showed that users are not bothered by the sounds of the region in Bacacheri Park and are slightly or moderately bothered by traffic sounds in the Botani...
Revista Nacional de Gerenciamento de Cidades, 2021
The management of urban spaces and environmental health has been growing in recent years, and the... more The management of urban spaces and environmental health has been growing in recent years, and the sound aspects were highlighted during the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Locations that generally showed noises from vehicle traffic presented a diversity of sounds, generally not perceived in everyday situations before the pandemic. Awareness of the sound impacts generated before the pandemic has provided a broad discussion between the scientific community and managers regarding developing tools to improve urban planning and environmental health in cities. This study aims to characterise the soundscape of two parks in Curitiba by triangulating evaluation methodologies proposed in the ISO/TS 12913-2 (2018). Such triangulation included the descriptive analysis of objective and subjective sound data, analysis and elaboration of sound and perception maps, providing a systemic overview of the sonic environment of the investigated parks.
Revista Nacional de Gerenciamento de Cidades, 2021
The acoustic quality of classrooms has a strong influence on the teaching and learning process.... more The acoustic quality of classrooms has a strong influence on the teaching and learning process. This interference assessed using the impulsive technique to measure the rate of speech transmission (STI), reverberation time (RT) and sound definition (D50). These are the most relevant acoustic descriptors in the assessment of classrooms, where verbal exposure is the means of communication between teachers and students. The evaluation took place in two buildings of the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), built in the 1960s and another in 2016. The measured values of STI, provided in the classrooms' actual acoustic conditions, were used as an adjustment parameter for simulations made with the software ODEON. After carrying out the measurements and simulations, the dimensioning of improvements was possible. The acoustic simulations presented suggestions to qualify the quality of the classrooms' acoustic comfort, ensuring that teaching and learning to do not suffer losses due ...
Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, 2013
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the efficiency of factor analysis and multinomial lo... more The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the efficiency of factor analysis and multinomial logistic regression in analyzing a set of objective (noise measurements) and subjective data (results of interviews about noise perception in an urban setting) in a noise pollution study conducted in the city of Curitiba, in southern Brazil. In this study, noise was monitored at 23 points along three parallel streets covering a distance of 5 km, and 397 interviews were conducted with residents living in the vicinity of these points. The interview script consisted of 21 questions (variables). To reduce these variables, the main factors (seven factors) were extracted and then added to the objective part (noise measurement data). This was followed by a multinomial logistic regression. The dependent variable in this regression was called ''Interviewee symptoms and reactions to environmental noise.'' The outcome of these two statistical procedures led to the conclusion that 85.2 % of the symptoms and reactions could be attributed to the combination of these seven factors with the noise measurement data.
Cities, 2013
The purpose of this research was to characterize the environmental noise on the campus of the Pol... more The purpose of this research was to characterize the environmental noise on the campus of the Polytechnic Center of the Federal University of Paraná, Brazil. This research was divided into two parts: (1) Objective-in situ measurements of the equivalent continuous sound pressure level L Aeq followed by noise mapping of the whole campus area, using B&K Predictor 7810 software; (2) Subjective-involving the preparation and application of a questionnaire to a sample of 389 people from the campus population to gather information about their reactions to noise. The L Aeq data were compared with the noise immission limits for outdoor environments in educational areas recommended by WHO-L Aeq = 55 dB(A). The results indicated that 89.65% of the 58 evaluated points exceeded the 55 dB(A) limit. Concentration difficulties and irritation were the most cited effects in all educational sectors evaluated. Together, these two effects were cited by 61% of the interviewed people in the Biological Science Sector, 81% in the Exact Science Sector, 69% in the Earth Science Sector and 74% in the Technological Sector. Further, there were strong positive correlations between measured noise levels and reports of annoyance from noise levels perceived by the interviewed campus population.
Science of The Total Environment
Current Pollution Reports
This work reviews the literature of 46 peer-reviewed papers and presents the current status on th... more This work reviews the literature of 46 peer-reviewed papers and presents the current status on the use of psychoacoustic indicators in soundscape studies. The selection of papers for a systematic review followed the PRISMA method. Afterwards, descriptive analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were realised. For the PCA, the following parameters extracted from the papers were analysed: psychoacoustic indicator, hypothesis, statistical units, data collection method and major findings for each investigated psychoacoustic indicator. The results show an overview of the use of psychoacoustic indicators, through main hypothesis and findings for each psychoacoustic indicator i.e. the importance of statistical units, such as percentiles, to investigate the hypothesis related to the description of auditory descriptors and perceptual attributes. Another important finding is that many papers lack the specification of computation methods limiting the comparability of study results and i...
Noise Control Engineering Journal, 2017
The purpose of this study was to assess the noise generated by a major urban expressway (Green Li... more The purpose of this study was to assess the noise generated by a major urban expressway (Green Line) and ascertain the influence of its propagation in the surrounding area. To this end, noise was monitored on the expressway and adjacent thoroughfares at a total of 31 measurement points. Noise mapping was also performed, and noise perception interviews were held with 397 interviewees. Noise measurements were taken using B&K 2238, B&K 2260 and B&K 2250 sound level meters. Noise mapping was performed using B&K Predictor 7810 software. The results of the noise measurements and mapping indicated that the urban expressway under study contributes significantly to noise pollution in the region, as well as to noise coming from the secondary thoroughfares. However, owing to the urban zoning of the area in question, the interviewees stated that the noise in the region does not annoy them (56%), while those that feel annoyed (44%) complained most frequently about the noise coming from the secondary thoroughfares adjacent to this major urban expressway.
Books by Margret Engel
This chapter describes methods for the diagnosis of environmental noise in communities, based on ... more This chapter describes methods for the diagnosis of environmental noise in communities, based on quantitative (noise monitoring and mapping) and qualitative data (sound perception interviews), as well as a method for consolidating data in geospactial format. The maps generated througth this data consolidation enable a better spatiotemporal interpretation of urban soundscapes, facilitating decision-making about urban planning issues, environmental control and environmental licensing.
Conference Papers by Margret Engel
DAGA 2024 - 50. JAHRESTAGUNG FÜR AKUSTIK, 2024, 2024
Over the last ten years, researchers have been concerned about the influence of geometrical featu... more Over the last ten years, researchers have been concerned about the influence of geometrical features and the use of different materials on the soundscapes of urban scenarios. This study aims to investigate how the overall composition of a soundscape should sound from the perspective of the quality of sound sources. With the help of a soundscape reference, the investigated scenarios were recorded and reproduced randomly for 39 participants in a listening experiment. Afterwards, the same samples were reproduced with alterations in the sound features by lowering or increasing psychoacoustic components, e.g., loudness, sharpness, roughness, fluctuation strength and tonality. The participants provided, through a continuous slide scale, perception responses for the following soundscape dimensions 1) intensity; 2) comfort; 3) annoyance; 4) restoration; 5) pitch; 6) variety; 7) naturalness; 8) harmony. The characterization of the psychoacoustic alteration of the sound features was done through descriptive analysis, and non-parametric tests were performed to verify how different the altered soundscape samples were from the reference samples. To complement, a Sankey diagram was used, which showed how the perceptual responses were distributed regarding the sound preferences of the participants.
Acoustics 2023 - Institute of Acoustics, 2023
The Habitats project integrates research in the fields of ecological impacts and environmental no... more The Habitats project integrates research in the fields of ecological impacts and environmental noise to facilitate development of management tools and processes needed for sustainable development. This conference paper summarises the content and outcomes of a workshop at the University of Salford on 15th December 2022, focused on the development of a UK network on anthropogenic noise impact assessment in wildlife. Topics covered included biodiversity assessment using acoustic techniques, behavioural changes in different systems, industrial and consultancy best practices, and the formation of a network for support and funding for subsequent workshops and projects. Participants discussed the difficulty of methods standardisation, the importance of characterising anthropogenic noise exposure of wildlife, and the potential use and improvement of sensors and robotics in producing reliable datasets. The workshop identified topics for further discussion, including the repeatability and reproducibility of research on noise impact assessment in wildlife, linking stressors to end points, and the potential to use evolutionary changes in anatomy to predict species differences in hearing. The summary perspectives from industry, academia and government provided an important step in defining the knowledge gap between the state-of-the-art and societal need. Overall, the workshop concluded that the creation of an international, collaborative, multidisciplinary network of experts is a key step in developing a comprehensive framework for assessing
Acoustics 2023 - Institute of Acoustics, 2023
In recent years, several studies have shown how anthropogenic noise impacts wildlife. The methodo... more In recent years, several studies have shown how anthropogenic noise impacts wildlife. The methodologies used to quantify noise appear to influence data reliability and subsequent findings. Therefore, it is appropriate to review the robustness of acoustic measurement procedures to understand the extent to which studies can be relied upon. In 2023, the UK Acoustics Network produced "Good practice guidelines for long-term ecoacoustic monitoring in the UK". These guidelines will be used for the methodological parametrisation of our investigation. This study quantifies the reliability of existing studies on anthropogenic noise impacts on birds without confounding factors (on an acoustic basis only) through a systematic literature review. The criteria investigated are: equipment used, calibration, frequency range and duration. Additionally, data on how birds are influenced by anthropogenic noise and the indices used were extracted to quantify and qualify noise impact. The screening of manuscripts will follow the Prisma procedure for systematic reviews, and the results will be clustered according to geographical location. This work expects to summarises how anthropogenic noise impacts birds worldwide and how the robustness of the acoustic measurements influences these results.
10th Convention of the European Acoustics Association - Forum Acusticum 2023, 2023
Since the definition of the Environmental Noise Directive 2002/49/EC, various tools, reports, and... more Since the definition of the Environmental Noise Directive 2002/49/EC, various tools, reports, and action plans have been developed to assess and improve the sonic environment according to human perception and wellbeing. Few methodologies and reports consider the measurement of the impacts of anthropogenic sounds on wildlife at a European level. Noise pollution can impact communication, species richness, reproductive success, population size and distribution of wildlife. This study aims to analyse the impacts of anthropogenic sounds on birds in three parks and one public garden with different sizes and functionalities in Aachen, Germany. The data collection happened between 2015 and 2016 through soundwalks and sampled 192 omnidirectional recordings. The analyses of impacts consider: 1) acoustic, bioacoustic and psychoacoustic characterisation of the sonic environments; 2) birds call detection and characterisation using BirdNET, type of vocalisation and richness estimations at each location; 3) dominance of anthropogenic sounds in the sampled recordings; 4) assessment of the sound thresholds for humans, as well as the quality of the Quietness Suitability Index (QSI) for quiet areas (EEA, 2014), are considered. The results show an attempt to assess anthropogenic noise impacts on urban wildlife, aiming for a healthy urban sonic environment for humans and wildlife.
DAGA 2023 - 49. JAHRESTAGUNG FÜR AKUSTIK, 2023
Over the recent years, it became more evident in soundscape studies realised in urban parks the i... more Over the recent years, it became more evident in soundscape studies realised in urban parks the importance of natural sound sources as a restorative resource for human health and well-being. This study investigates psychoacoustic and bioacoustics patterns of natural sound sources in urban soundscapes to understand and enhance restorative environments. Four areas with garden and park functionalities in Aachen, Germany, were investigated. In one of the surveyed areas, it is possible to verify seasonality differences. Sound classification is possible with the help of Machine Learning techniques, subdividing the recordings’ sound sources into anthropogenic, geophonic, and biophonic sounds. Subjective responses help with the sound quality information of these sound sources. After the categorisation of sound sources, psychoacoustic and bioacoustics indicators are analysed. These indicators help to understand the sound qualities of natural sound sources in urban areas.
ICA 2022 - 24th International Congress on Acoustics, 2022
Soundmarks started to be investigated in the 1970s by the composer Murray Schafer. The term was c... more Soundmarks started to be investigated in the 1970s by the composer Murray Schafer. The term was created based on association with landmarks, referring to community sound with specific qualities linked to a geographical area. The identification of soundmarks is significant due to anthropological reasons, as those sounds make the community's acoustic life unique. They deserve to be protected, reinforcing the anthropological characteristics of a community, and enriching the soundscape. The present work aims to systematically collect data on reported soundmarks in different urban scenarios in the German city of Aachen. The classification considers perceptual parameters [sound qualities, emotions, and memories composites], socio-cultural aspects, and objective parameters, such as acoustic and psychoacoustic indicators of the corresponding reported soundmarks.
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Papers by Margret Engel
Recent Findings: Noise impacts both humans and wildlife. Birds are of conservation concern, given the recent reports of major global declines in bird populations and that one in eight bird species is threatened with extinction. Studies of noise impacts on birds have been, and continue to be, published. Whilst many of these studies report associations between noise and a response in birds, relatively few provide clear demonstration of the mechanisms of impact.
Summary: Anatomical and physiological datasets were compiled for species representing nineteen avian orders. Information on noise sources, propagation path and habitat selection was also collated. Bird order was not a good predictor of bird hearing frequencies, but body dimensions were. In general, smaller birds were found to have higher peak hearing frequencies than larger birds. Cranium height was the strongest predictor of peak hearing frequency for birds. These findings provide mechanistic context to noise impacts on birds and a potential basis for predicting responses of avian species to different noise environments.
Books by Margret Engel
Conference Papers by Margret Engel
Recent Findings: Noise impacts both humans and wildlife. Birds are of conservation concern, given the recent reports of major global declines in bird populations and that one in eight bird species is threatened with extinction. Studies of noise impacts on birds have been, and continue to be, published. Whilst many of these studies report associations between noise and a response in birds, relatively few provide clear demonstration of the mechanisms of impact.
Summary: Anatomical and physiological datasets were compiled for species representing nineteen avian orders. Information on noise sources, propagation path and habitat selection was also collated. Bird order was not a good predictor of bird hearing frequencies, but body dimensions were. In general, smaller birds were found to have higher peak hearing frequencies than larger birds. Cranium height was the strongest predictor of peak hearing frequency for birds. These findings provide mechanistic context to noise impacts on birds and a potential basis for predicting responses of avian species to different noise environments.
the traditional noise mapping is not considering the perception response of residents and users of those areas. Sound
perception mapping can improve and support the urban planning with indicating the areas that need assistance. It also
demonstrates the expectations from residents and users of public spaces. The aim of this study is to show maps of sound
perception and related noise control expectations in an urban park and its surroundings. It has been studied through
subjective data collection via soundwalks and interviews with residents.