Article published on the effect on speech intelligibility of face masks

The January Acoustics Bulletin, published by the Institute of Acoustics, featured a study authored by Professor Peter Mapp into the acoustic and communication effects of face masks. The study carried out in Peter’s own electroacoustics laboratory during lock down, measured the sound transmission properties of over 20 facemasks and found some surprising effects. Clear masks and masks with clear panels, specifically designed to aid lip reading, essential for the deaf and hard of hearing, were ironically found to attenuate and distort speech the most.  Peter is now continuing the research and looking at both mechanical and electroacoustic methods of improving speech transmission and has received interest from several national hearing charities.

Testing a new IoT Environmental Noise Meter

 
Environmental Sensors Ltd have kindly offered a new Internet of Things based Convergent Instruments sound level meter for testing. The microphone which is based on MEMS technology make this environmental meter a much cheaper solution than traditional sound meters. Current tests show the meter calibrates well, has good frequency response (using 24 kHz sampling) and has a noise floor of 32 dBA.  More tests to come!

Abstract accepted for 27th ICSV July 2021

An abstract of a paper submitted to the 27^th International Congress on Sound and Vibration (ICSV) has been recently accepted by the conference reviewers’ panel. The paper abstract is entitled “The effect of inflation on room acoustic parameters obtained from balloon pop excitation”. It has been written by Dr Luis Gomez-Agustina and former LSBU MSc-Acoustics student Pedro Vazquez-Barrera. It is confirmed that the international congress will take place in-person or online between 11 and 15 July 2021. Luis and Pedro hope to see you at the conference and enjoy the paper
 

Dr Gomez-Agustina becomes external examiner for the MSc in Applied Acoustics at the University of Derby

Dr Luis Gomez-Agustina has become the external examiner of the Masters programme in Applied Acoustics at Derby University (UK). He has been personally known to the Acoustics team at Derby University from the courses re-accreditation carried out by the institute of Acoustics (IOA) in 2019 in which Luis was co-lead of the accreditation panel. On this appointment Luis mentioned that this is a good opportunity to learn from good practice implemented at other leading universities. He added that new role will help to strengthen the links between the two universities and stimulate future teaching, enterprise and research collaborations. Congratulations and best wishes for the future in this appointment!

IOA ECG webinar series - Further education in the time of a pandemic

The Institute of Acoustics Early Career Group has organised a webinar on Further Education in the time of a pandemic. Professor Stephen Dance has been invited to present on the response of London South Bank University to enhance the student experience by providing a "Lab in a Box". Representatives form all UK taught acoustics courses will be there. Here's the link to join on-line set for Monday 8th February 2021 at 5:30pm. Hope to see you there to discuss a potential new future in education.  

New IOA award named after the late Dr Bob Peters

The Institute of Acoustics have recently approved a new award named after the late Dr Bob Peters in recognition to his outstanding service to acoustics education and and his long standing commitment to teaching and student success. For 20 years Dr Bob Peters was part of the LSBU Acoustics Group teaching staff and contributed greatly to the good education standing that the group holds. The award was conceived and proposed by Dr Luis Gomez-Agustina, a former student of Dr Bob Peters. The first nominations will be considered this autumn 2021 for 2022. The award will be biannual and for a single outstanding or significant contribution to acoustics education and training or a sustained long-term activity in this respect.

Best 2019-20 IOA Diploma Final project at LSBU announced

At the IOA London Branch meeting held online on 20th January, the three best IOA Diploma final student projects undertaken at LSBU were presented as part of the annual NTI-Audio sponsored best LSBU Diploma final project award competition. Rory Hendrick presented on Vibration in Fibre Reinforced Concrete Composite, Courtney Hawkins on Weather conditions in building acoustics design and James Allen presented his work on Aircrew helmets hearing protection. NTI-Audio Managing director Charles Greene and Diploma course director Dr Luis Gomez-Agustina presented the award to the winner: Rory Hendrick.  Many congratulations to Rory and to the other two finalists. We wish you all the best for the future

 

The Quiet Project starts monitoring Lockdown 3

 
Lockdown 3 has started, and as such the Quiet Project is monitoring the change in environmental noise. From 11th January 2021 monitoring stations have been erected around the country. Again I have to thank Campbell Associates for their kind assistance with the instrumentation. Let's see the effect of the slight difference in policy between Lockdowns.