Level changes of traffic noise in Kerman city, southeast Iran

The purpose of this research was to determine the traffic noise level and changes in the Kerman City, southeast Iran in recent years. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2008 to investigate the existing noise situation in Kerman. Sound levels [L[max], L[min], L[eq], L[99], L[90], L[50] and L[10] were determined throughout 13 stations using sound level measurement system [model, CEL-440]. Number of passing vehicles was also assessed at the sampled stations. Sound level in all sampled stations was higher than Iran and World Health Organization guidelines. Comparison of L[eq] in different hours using statistical tests showed significant difference between different hours with 95% confidence coefficient [P=0.01]. Comparison of L[eq] throughout the week also showed that there was a significant difference [P=0.001] between Friday and workday. The comparison of L[eq] with the number of passing vehicles using Pearson correlation statistical test showed significant difference between the number of heavy vehicles passed and the level of L[eq] [P=0.001]. It also showed that number of heavy vehicles caused the most noise levels. The results of this study compared to a similar study conducted in 1999 showed an increasingly high noise level. Noise level increased from 1999 to 2008 by 3.89% which is indicative of an increase in noise emission sources

[Evaluation of illumination intensity and ultraviolet radiation at Kerman Medical University Libraries]

Adequate lighting in work environments can increase productivity and concentration and reduced fatigue. Light and illumination studies have been done mainly in industrial environments, and public or administrative environments were less under consideration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultraviolet radiation and illumination level at Kerman Medical Sciences University libraries. In this study, the total, natural and artificial amount of illumination was measured at two different times, at the center of the designated stations in 14 study halls and the height of 30 inches by Hagner [Model EC[1]] luxmeter. Also, ultraviolet radiation [UVB and UVA] was measured by Hanger [Model S4] equipped with UVB and UVA detectors. The results of ultraviolet radiation and illumination level measurements were compared with standard by Excel. The overall, natural and artificial illumination level, in 28.57%, 100% and 71.42% study halls was less than the National and IESNA standard [300 lux]. The School of Nursing has the highest amount of UVB and UVA radiation in both total and natural light measurements. The Shahid Bahonar Hospital, men's section had the highest amount of UVB and UVA radiation in artificial light measurements. Initiatives such as proper alignment of bulbs, periodic dusting and cleaning, regular replacing of burnt bulbs, using study desks with the appropriate level of brightness, placing lamps at appropriate heights, and using bulbs with less UV radiation can improve the lighting situation in libraries