Acoustic Classification of Buildings: Impact of Acoustic Performances of a High Energy-Efficient Building on Quality and Sustainability Indicators
According to similar experiences of other countries, also Italian standards are defining procedures about acoustic classification of buildings, aiming at the determination of indoor acoustic comfort. Acoustic parameters influence building quality in different ways and amounts: the aim of the paper is to attest acoustic performances of buildings, taking into account different noise sources and people expectations. A voluntary certification model was proposed to assess indoor overall quality, which includes a specific Acoustic Performance index (AP) concerning human protection against noise into buildings. According to existing standards, noise measurements were carried out in order to assess acoustic performances of walls, facades, floors and systems in a high energy-efficient multifamily building as a case study. The paper shows a feasible approach to perform indoor acoustic comfort and to support sustainable buildings: a comparison was carried out between impact of acoustic performances on proposed assessment of building quality and on certification of building environmental sustainability introduced by law at regional level.
Severity of Impact of Music Acoustics on Sustainability Performance of Buildings in Anambra State Nigeria
This study examined the severity of the impacts of loud music sounds on the sustainability performance of buildings across three main cities in Anambra State Nigeria. Being a survey research, questionnaires were distributed to the users and occupiers of different classes of buildings in the study area. The survey results were analysed using means score index and severity index percent. The study found that loud music sounds severely affect the sustainability performance of buildings socially, environmentally, economically and technically with average means scores and severity index percent ranging from 3.73 to 4.64 and 54.89% to 100% respectively. The study further found that there was no significant difference in the severity of the impacts of loud music sounds on the sustainability performance of the buildings between the three main cities in Anambra State except for social sustainability which was due to differences in the social status of the three cities. Based on this, the study calls for change in the design and construction of buildings that would incorporate the provisions of National Building Code as regards to sound control in buildings. It suggested a review and reactivation of existing zoning laws and policies in the State, and a need to borrow a leaf from Lagos State Government by enacting a law against noise pollution. It further suggested promotion of acoustic practices that would improve sustainability performance of the buildings and reduce the consequential effects of music sounds in buildings.
Rational Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of γ-CD-Containing Cross-Linked Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel as a Prednisone Delivery Platform
This study describes the in-silico rational design, synthesis and evaluation of cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels containing γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CDHSAs) as platforms for the sustained release of prednisone (PDN). Through in-silico studies using semi-empirical quantum mechanical calculations, the effectiveness of 20 dicarboxylic acids to generate a specific cross-linked hydrogel capable of supporting different amounts of γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) was evaluated. According to the interaction energies calculated with the in-silico studies, the hydrogel made from PVA cross-linked with succinic acids (SA) was shown to be the best candidate for containing γ-CD. Later, molecular dynamics simulation studies were performed in order to evaluate the intermolecular interactions between PDN and three cross-linked hydrogel formulations with different proportions of γ-CD (2.44%, 4.76% and 9.1%). These three cross-linked hydrogels were synthesized and characterized. The loading and the subsequent release of PDN from the hydrogels were investigated. The in-silico and experimental results showed that the interaction between PDN and γ-CDHSA was mainly produced with the γ-CDs linked to the hydrogels. Thus, the unique structures and properties of γ-CDHSA demonstrated an interesting multiphasic profile that could be utilized as a promising drug carrier for controlled, sustained and localized release of PDN.