Abstract The internal properties of materials, such as density, rigidity and damping, directly influence the sound insulation capacity of vertical partitions against airborne noise, and increasing sound insulation requires knowledge of these properties. Among the materials used in Brazilian civil construction, gypsum block stands out, as it has dimensions that increase its productivity and lower density than ceramic and concrete blocks. However, its sound insulation capacity is not different from conventional building systems. Faced with the need to increase the sound insulation capacity of gypsum block partitions, this research analyzed the sound insulation index of built walls with gypsum blocks, 50mm thick and water/gypsum ratio of 1.0, and built walls with gypsum blocks composites of natural perlite, expanded perlite, vermiculite and alumina. The sound insulation of the composite blocks of natural perlite and expanded perlite provided an increase in sound insulation of 3dB and 4dB, respectively. On the other hand, the composite blocks of vermiculite and alumina showed the highest efficiency, promoting an increase of up to 7dB in the sound reduction index, in relation to the standard gypsum block, with only 5% of addition. The results presented in this paper contribute to the production of gypsum blocks with greater acoustic efficiency, providing the market with alternatives to guarantee the necessary sound insulation.

Resumo As propriedades internas dos materiais, como densidade, rigidez e amortecimento, influenciam diretamente na capacidade de isolação sonora de vedações verticais ao ruído aéreo, e aumentar a isolação sonora requer conhecimento dessas propriedades. Entre os materiais utilizados na construção civil brasileira destaca-se o bloco de gesso, pois possui dimensões que aumentam sua produtividade e menor densidade que os blocos cerâmico e de concreto. Contudo, sua capacidade de isolação sonora não é diferente dos sistemas construtivos convencionais. Diante da necessidade de aumentar a capacidade de isolação sonora das vedações em bloco de gesso, esta pesquisa analisou o índice de isolação sonora de paredes executadas com blocos de gesso, espessura de 50 mm e relação água/gesso de 1.0, e paredes executadas com blocos de gesso compósitos de perlita natural, perlita expandida, vermiculita e alumina. A isolação sonora dos blocos compósitos de perlita natural e perlita expandida proporcionaram aumento na isolação sonora de 3 dB e 4 dB, respectivamente. Já os blocos compósitos de vermiculita e alumina apresentaram a maior eficiência, promovendo ganhos de 7 dB, em relação ao bloco de gesso padrão, com apenas 5% de adição. Os resultados apresentados neste trabalho contribuem para produção de blocos de gesso com maior eficiência acústica, fornecendo ao mercado alternativas para garantir o isolamento acústico necessário.

RESUMO: O uso da mecanização na cafeicultura tem se mostrado de suma importância na colheita do cafeeiro, reduzindo custo e tempo desta operação. Entretanto, a intensificação da colheita mecanizada, sem o controle dos riscos ocupacionais tem exposto trabalhadores aos níveis elevados de ruído ocupacional capazes de comprometer sua saúde auditiva. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o nível de ruído ocupacional emitido por colhedoras automotrizes na colheita do cafeeiro, bem como os limites de exposição e nível de ação do operador e auxiliar. Para as avaliações foram utilizadas três colhedoras automotrizes: Case-IH® modelo COFFE EXPESS 200, com cabine; OXBO® modelo 9220, com cabine; KORVAN® modelo 9200, sem cabine. A coleta dos dados foi realizada utilizando dosímetro de ruído modelo DOS-700. Foi avaliado o nível de exposição ao ruído do operador e auxiliar das colhedoras. Foram realizadas cinco repetições, sendo cada repetição formada por duas horas de avaliações. Os dados obtidos foram comparados com o nível de ação e limite de exposição das normativas NHO 01 e NR 15. O nível de ação das normativas NHO 01 (82 dB) e NR 15 (80 dB) foram ultrapassados no operador e auxiliar nas três colhedoras avaliadas. Em relação ao limite de exposição (85 dB), o nível foi ultrapassado no operador das colhedoras KORVAN® e Case-IH® de acordo com a NHO 01. Na normativa NR 15, o limite de exposição ficou acima de 85 dB no operador da colhedora KORVAN®. No auxiliar todas as colhedoras emitiram níveis de ruídos acima de 85 dB tanto na normativa NHO 01 quanto na NR 15.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the level of occupational noise emitted by automotive harvesters during coffee harvest. For the evaluations, three self-propelled harvesters were used: Case-IH® model Coffee Express 200, with cabin; Korvan® model 9200, without cabin; and Oxbo® model 9220, with cabin. Data were collected using a noise dosimeter model DOS-700. Noise levels were assessed for the operator and assistant of each harvester. Five repetitions were performed for the operator and assistant, with each repetition consisting of 2 h of evaluation. Results obtained were compared with the action level and exposure limit of the Regulatory Norms (NR) 15 and Occupational Hygiene Norms (NHO) 01. The action levels of the NHO 01 (82 dB) and NR 15 (80 dB) regulations were exceeded for the operator and assistant in the three evaluated harvesters. Regarding the exposure limit (85 dB), the level was exceeded for the operator of the Korvan® and Case-IH® harvesters in accordance with NHO 01. In the NR 15 regulation, the exposure limit was > 85 dB for the operator of the Korvan® harvester. For the assistant, all harvesters emitted noise levels > 85 dB based on both the NHO 01 and NR 15 regulations.

Resumo Os ruídos de impacto nas edificações multipavimentos são reduzidos com a execução de piso flutuante, caracterizado pela inclusão de um material resiliente entre o contrapiso e a laje. Nesse estudo, buscou-se avaliar a influência da compressão desse material no desempenho acústico do sistema. Dois materiais resilientes foram comparados, um produzido em laboratório (placas cimentícias com resíduos EVA -PEVA1,8), e outro comercial (manta recicladas de resíduos PET - MantaPET). As medições visando relacionar a rigidez dinâmica dos materiais e o desempenho acústico ocorreram em três anos. Adicionalmente, foram feitas estimativas de comportamento para dez anos, baseando-se em modelos teóricos e teste de fluência à compressão. Enquanto a PEVA1,8 apresentou redução em sua rigidez dinâmica (20,0MN/m³ para 17,7 MN/m³) ao longo do tempo, a MantaPET teve aumento nesse parâmetro (2,0 MN/m³ para 3,5 MN/m³), porém ambas mantiveram o desempenho intermediário (conforme NBR 15575-3:2013) ao ruído de impacto, com L’nT,w igual a 60 dB e 56 dB em um piso de testes respectivamente. As estimativas para dez anos indicaram deformação menor para PEVA1,8 (3,42%)comparativamente à MantaPET (20,15%) e confirmaram a tendência de variação distinta na rigidez dinâmica, sem comprometimento do desempenho acústico desses materiais.

Abstract Impact noise in multi-floor buildings is reduced with the execution of a floating floor, which has a resilient material between the subfloor and the slab. In this study, the evaluation of the influence of compression of this material on the acoustic performance of the system was sought. Two resilient materials were compared, one being produced in the laboratory (cementitious plates with EVA - PEVA1,8 waste), and the other commercially (blanket recycled from PET waste - MantaPET). The measurements aiming to relate the dynamic stiffness of the materials and the acoustic performance were up to three years. Additionally, estimates were made for ten years, based on theoretical models and creep compression tests. While PEVA1,8 decreased its dynamic stiffness (20.0 MN/m³ to 17.7 MN/m³) over time, MantaPET increased (2.0 MN/m³ to 3.5 MN/m³), but both maintained intermediate performance (according to NBR 15575-3:2013) to impact noise, presenting L’ nT,w equal to 60 dB and 56 dB in a test floor, respectively. Estimates for ten years indicated less deformation for PEVA1,8 (3.42%), compared to MantaPET (20.15%) and confirmed the trend of changes in the dynamic stiffness, without compromising the acoustic performance of these materials.

Abstract Introduction Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is a disabling otologic urgency whose ethiopathogenesis is still controversial. Only in recent years metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been implicated as a possible aggravating factor in the prognosis of recovery from ISSHL. Objective To assess whether the preexistence of MetS interferes on hearing recovery levels. Methods Retrospective cohort study composed of adult (> 18 years old) ISSHL patients admitted for treatment between January 2015 and December 2019. To diagnose ISSHL, we used pure-tone audiometry, and identified MetS patients based on the criteria of the United States National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEPATP III). The treatment protocol comprised hospitalization for five days for the intravenous administration of dexamethasone, audiometric surveillance, imaging and blood analyses, and, based on recovery, the planning of rescue treatments (intratympanic administration of dexamethasone and/or hyperbaric oxygen). The Siegel criteria were used to evaluate the hearing outcomes. Results The final sample was composed of 81 patients, 48 without MetS (nMetS) and 33 with MetS. Regarding the Siegel recovery category, the nMetS group had significantly better results (p = 0.001), with 44% of complete recoveries against 6% in the MetS, and 58% of the MetS patients had the worst outcome, contrasting with 27% in the nMetS group. The nMetS group had an overall better evolution in terms of hearing recovery and had a significant improvement in the median hearing gain (20.6 dB versus 8.8 dB; p = 0.008). Additionally, the multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of MetS is a significant risk factor for a worse outcome (odds ratio [OR] = 0.30; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 0.10–0.85). Conclusion Regardless of age, gender, the initial audiometry threshold, and autoimmunity, MetS is a clear risk factor for a worse outcome regarding the recovery of hearing after ISSHL.

ABSTRACT The effect of different calcium levels and two limestone granulometries on performance, egg quality, biometry of digestive organs and bone characteristics of light laying hens were evaluated. A total of 270 laying hens were used during 112 days, distributed in a completely randomized design in a 3 x 2 factorial scheme, with 3 levels of calcium (3.8, 4.0 and 4.2%) and 2 limestone granulometries (0.222 and 1.922 mm), totaling 6 treatments with 5 repetitions each. The parameters evaluated were: feed intake, egg production, egg weight and mass, feed conversion per mass and per dozen eggs, albumen, yolk and shell percentage, specific gravity of eggs and shell thickness. In addition, the relative weight of the heart, proventricle, gizzard, liver, pancreas, intestine weight and length, and bone characteristics were also evaluated. A significant interaction was observed for tibia mineral matter. Egg production was influenced by the limestone granulometry, presenting greater value in the treatments which contained fine granulometry limestone. Higher calcium levels of 4.0 and 4.2% provide greater specific density of eggs. Biometric variables and bone characteristics were not influenced by the treatments. In conclusion, it is recommended to use fine-grained limestone (0.222 mm) and a 4% calcium level in diets for light commercial hens, as they improve performance and quality of eggs, without interfering in biometrics of digestive organs and bone characteristics.

Resumo A doença de Behçet (DB) é caracterizada por ser uma doença rara, crônica, recidivante, inflamatória e multissistêmica. Quanto ao diagnóstico, não existe nenhum teste universalmente descrito; logo, ele é feito de maneira clínica, por meio da presença da sua tríade clássica de sinais: úlceras orais, úlceras genitais e uveíte (inflamação do trato uveal do olho). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a importância do tratamento endovascular na doença de Behçet, sendo que a revisão de literatura para obter essa resposta foi realizada a partir de 30 artigos publicados entre 2002 e 2021. A DB acomete tanto o sistema venoso quanto o arterial. A ruptura de aneurismas é a principal causa de morte e necessita de tratamento, podendo ser clínico, cirúrgico aberto ou por via endovascular. A cirurgia endovascular vem ganhando espaço no tratamento cirúrgico nos casos de aneurismas arteriais, inclusive nos relacionados com DB, apesar de a terapia de escolha ainda ser controversa.

Abstract Behçet’s Disease (BD) is a rare, chronic, relapsing, inflammatory, and multisystemic disease. There is no universally described test for confirming diagnosis, so it is made clinically, on the basis of its classic triad of signs: oral ulcers, genital ulcers, and uveitis (inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye). The aim of this study is to evaluate the importance of endovascular treatment in Behçet’s disease. The literature review conducted to achieve this objective covered 30 articles published between 2002 and 2021. Behçet’s Disease affects both the venous and arterial systems. Rupture of aneurysms is the main cause of death and thus requires treatment, which can be clinical, open surgical, or endovascular. Endovascular surgery has been gaining ground for surgical treatment of arterial aneurysms, including those related to BD, although the therapy of choice is still controversial.

Abstract Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is one of the leading enabling technologies of the Internet of Things (IoT) at low cost and high granularity scenarios. The cost of implementing IoT applications concerns the development and operation of receiver systems for reading labels. In this paper, we propose a low-cost receiver system based on off-the-shelf components allied to the development of a microstrip antenna. The proposed system is capable of receiving and processing digital signals scattered back from a passive RFID tag. The proposal relies on a Python application embedded in Raspberry Pi hardware, in which a bank of digital filters processes the signal. The proposal separates the received signal into sub-bands and implements a decision-maker that detects and codes radiofrequency carriers’ presence in sub-bands. Simulation using artificial random noise proves that the proposed and implemented decision-maker achieves 92% reliability for a Signal-to-Noise ratio between 1.6 dB and 2.3 dB. The evaluation of the printed dipole antennas pair for the RFID receiver system indicates a return loss of 19.22 dB for operation at 915 MHz.

ABSTRACT Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been identified as a risk factor for the development of mental health and behavioural outcomes throughout life, including delinquent behaviours. This article focuses on the relationship between ACEs and delinquent behaviour (DB), seeking to identify predictors and mediating variables. Methods: The quantitative study comprised 175 Portuguese adolescents, aged 12 and 17 years of age (M = 14.99, SD = 2.26). Results: ACEs and exposure to traumatic events (ETE) are predictive of DB. Antisocial traits (AT) was found to be mediating the relationship between ACEs and DB, as well as the relation between ETE and DB. Conclusion: The results indicate that it is necessary that professionals in health behaviour field prevent and intervene in ACEs and in ETE, both predictors of DB. The results of this study allow to understand the role of ACEs in DB and its mediating variables, which must be considered to mitigate the harmful impact of ACEs in DB.

Abstract The use of high permittivity materials on substrates of a microstrip antenna was developed with Bismuth Niobate ceramic doped with vanadium Oxide (BiNbO4 (V2O5)) and compared with an antenna of silicon dioxide substrate (SiO2) using Ansys software HFSS and CST Studio. The ceramic antenna has -20 dB at 3.5 GHz and the silicon dioxide antenna -24.7 dB of reflection coefficient. The bandwidth values are 80 MHz for the bismuth ceramic antenna and 100 MHz for the silica antenna. The results demonstrate that the proposed BiNbO4 antenna has great advantage compared to those mentioned in terms of volume reduction, presenting results similar to those antennas with higher volume. In addition, we use copper periodic structures (EBG) in order to increase the gain in associated with the use of BiNbO4 with addition of V2O5 on the antenna substrate leading to a reduction in the total volume. Therefore, the proposed Bismuth Niobate antenna proves to be an excellent alternative for 5G technology and microwave S band (2-4 GHz) devices, highlighting the mentioned advantages.

Abstract In this work, a compact ultra-wide-band microstrip antenna loaded with C-shaped parasitic elements, for Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial (DVB-T) and LTE 450 / 700 signal reception, is designed and presented. The proposed antenna is named “HI Monopole”, and its geometry has been designed to be simple, lightweight, and compact. Fabrication process is inexpensive and suitable for electronic gadgets. The HI Monopole operates with ultra-wide bandwidth characteristics, encompassing Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial (DVB-T) standard (470-890 MHz), LTE-450 and LTE-700 bands. This feature has been accomplished by inserting an indent in its ground plane, adjusting dimensions of the feeding line, and adding two C-shaped parasite elements onto the region posterior to the antenna's main radiating element. It was verified via electromagnetic measuring that this device is capable of covering the 429-1022 MHz range. Hence, its total bandwidth is 593 MHz. The superior and inferior cutoff frequencies have been defined using the -10 dB return loss reference level. Therefore, the proposed antenna can be employed for receiving DTV and LTE signals broadcasted in any country, independently of its adopted standard.

Resumo Percebe-se uma maior preocupação com o desempenho das edificações habitacionais após a publicação da NBR 15575 (ABNT, 2013a), tornando indispensável a avaliação e possível adequação de sistemas construtivos e seus materiais para atendimento dos requisitos. Dentre as imposições relativas à habitabilidade, encontra-se o desempenho acústico, imprescindível na concepção de projetos em ambientes urbanos, dadas as inúmeras fontes sonoras potentes existentes. O objetivo deste artigo foi de verificar a influência da espessura de revestimentos de argamassa estabilizada, aplicados em alvenarias com dois tipos de blocos cerâmicos, com variação nas espessuras internas e externas de argamassa, verificando a relação entre o incremento de massa, a curva de isolamento e o índice de redução sonora ponderado (Rw). Os ensaios foram executados em ambiente laboratorial, seguindo as prescrições da ISO 10140-2 (INTERNATIONAL..., 2010b). Foi possível relacionar a espessura de revestimento com o desempenho acústico, resultando na redução de insumos, custos e peso próprio da edificação. Identificou-se que o incremento de 5 cm de revestimento de argamassa acarretou em um aumento de até 7 dB no isolamento sonoro entre ambientes.

Abstract After the publication of NBR 15575 (ABNT, 2013a) concern with the performance of residential buildings has grown markedly, leading companies to evaluate and adjust construction systems and materials in order to meet the requirements. One of the requirements is acoustic design, due to the powerful and complex sound sources. The aim of this study is to analyse the influence of the thickness of stabilised mortar coatings applied to masonry made with two types of ceramic blocks, with variation in the internal and external mortar thicknesses, verifying the relation between mass increase, the insulation curve and the weighted sound reduction index (Rw). The tests were performed in a laboratory environment, following the requirements of ISO 10140-2 (INTERNATIONAL..., 2010b). The tests demonstrated that there was a correlation between the thickness of the coating and the acoustic performance, resulting in the reduction of raw materials, costs and dead weight of the building. They also showed that an increase of 5 cm in the mortar coating resulted in an increase of up to 7 dB in sound insulation between rooms.

Resumo Introdução: O potencial evocado auditivo cortical tem sido o foco de estudos científicos. Alguns autores observaram que a detecção automatizada de respostas é eficaz na exploração desses potenciais em lactentes, mas poucos relataram sua eficácia na busca de limiares. Objetivo: Analisar a latência, a amplitude e os limiares do potencial evocado auditivo cortical em recém-nascidos, com o uso de um dispositivo de detecção automática de resposta. Método: Estudo transversal, observacional. Os potenciais evocados auditivos corticais foram registrados em resposta a estímulos de tons puros nas frequências de 500, 1000, 2000 e 4000 Hz e apresentados em uma faixa de intensidade entre 0-80 dBNA, com o uso de gravação de canal único. O P1 foi feito de forma exclusivamente automática, com o uso do teste estatístico T2 de Hotelling. A latência e a amplitude foram obtidas manualmente por três examinadores. O estudo incluiu 39 recém-nascidos com até 28 dias de ambos os sexos, com presença de emissões otoacústicas e sem fatores de risco para perda auditiva. Resultados: Com o protocolo usado, as respostas dos PEAC foram detectadas em todos os indivíduos em alta intensidade e limiares. Os limiares médios foram 24,8 ± 10,4 dBNA, 25 ± 9,0 dBNA, 28 ± 7,8 dBNA e 29,4 ± 6,6 dBNA para 500, 1000, 2000 e 4000 Hz, respectivamente. Conclusão: Foram obtidas respostas confiáveis na avaliação dos potenciais auditivos corticais em recém-nascidos com um dispositivo para detecção de resposta automática.

Abstract Introduction: The evaluation of cortical auditory evoked potential has been the focus of scientific studies in infants. Some authors have reported that automated response detection is effective in exploring these potentials in infants, but few have reported their efficacy in the search for thresholds. Objective: To analyze the latency, amplitude and thresholds of cortical auditory evoked potential using an automatic response detection device in a neonatal population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study. Cortical auditory evoked potentials were recorded in response to pure-tone stimuli of the frequencies 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz presented in an intensity range between 0 and 80 dB HL using a single channel recording. P1 was performed in an exclusively automated fashion, using Hotelling's T2 statistical test. The latency and amplitude were obtained manually by three examiners. The study comprised 39 neonates up to 28 days old of both sexes with presence of otoacoustic emissions and no risk factors for hearing loss. Results: With the protocol used, cortical auditory evoked potential responses were detected in all subjects at high intensity and thresholds. The mean thresholds were 24.8 ± 10.4 dB NA, 25 ± 9.0 dB NA, 28 ± 7.8 dB NA and 29.4 ± 6.6 dB HL for 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz, respectively. Conclusion: Reliable responses were obtained in the assessment of cortical auditory potentials in the neonates assessed with a device for automatic response detection.

RESUMO O ruído é um dos agentes físicos nocivos e estressantes presente no ambiente de trabalho. Pesquisas realizadas com a geoestatistica para ajuste de semivariograma de ruído de tratores foram feitos por meio do modelo gaussiano e esférico. Dessa forma, objetivou-se mapear a variabilidade espacial do ruído emitido por um trator de rabiça, por meio do modelo de onda senoidal e testando outros métodos de ajuste, visando identificar zonas de salubridade para os trabalhadores. O experimento foi desenvolvido com um trator de rabiça agrícola (10.3 kW) colocado em regime de trabalho (1500 rpm), acoplado a uma roçadora, e um decibelímetro digital para a coleta dos ruídos em pontos distribuídos numa malha amostral regular de 2.0 × 2.0 m ao redor do trator. A dependência espacial do ruído foi analisada por meio de ajuste de semivariograma por diferentes métodos e pelo modelo wave para obtenção do mapa de distribuição espacial interpolados por krigagem. Foi possível caracterizar a estrutura e a magnitude da dependência espacial dos níveis de ruído emitidos pelo trator, bem como realizar o mapeamento da distribuição espacial. Observou-se valor máximo de nível de ruído de 96.5 dB próximo ao trator, valor acima do limite permitido de 85.0 dB para 8 h de exposição diária (NR-15). Assim, o uso de protetores auriculares é recomendado tanto para o tratorista quanto para os profissionais que dão suporte à operação agrícola em um raio de 6 m da fonte emissora, nas condições estudadas.

ABSTRACT Noise is one of the harmful and stressful physical agents present in the workplace. Research performed with geostatistics to adjust the semivariogram of tractor noise were performed using the Gaussian and spherical model. In this way, the aim was to map the spatial variability of the noise emitted by a power tiller through the sine wave model, besides testing other fitting methods, in order to identify health zones for the workers. The experiment was performed with an agricultural power tiller (10.3 kW) placed in a working regime (1500 rpm), coupled to a brushcutter, and a digital sound level meter to collect noises in points distributed along a regular grid sampling of 2.0 × 2.0 m around the tractor. The spatial dependence of noise was analyzed through semivariogram fitting by different methods and by the wave model to obtain the spatial distribution map interpolated by kriging. It was possible to characterize the structure and the magnitude of the spatial dependence of the noise levels emitted by the tractor, as well as to map the spatial distribution. A maximum noise level of 96.5 dB was observed close to the tractor engine, a value above the limit of 85.0 dB for 8 h of daily exposure (NR-15). Thus, the use of ear protectors is recommended for both the tractor driver and the professionals who support agricultural operation within a radius of 6 m from the emitting source under the conditions studied.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar os efeitos de dois níveis de ruído sobre tarefas de atenção e de escrita e leitura em estudantes de três níveis de escolaridade. Método 162 sujeitos entre o 3º, 4º e 5º ano do Ensino Fundamental foram alocadas em três grupos conforme a escolaridade: controle (GC), experimental A (GEA) e experimental B (GEB). Todos os grupos foram submetidos aos testes de Atenção Concentrada de Cambraia; Avaliação de Leitura e Palavras Isoladas; Subteste Escrita sob Ditado do International Dyslexia Test. Os grupos GEA e GEB realizaram os testes em ambiente com ruídos de 20 dB e 40dB respectivamente. Os resultados foram analisados com teste de Kruskal-Wallis e correlação de Spearman com significância em 5%. Resultados Foi observado que quanto maior o escore no teste de atenção, menor o tempo gasto na leitura e menor o número de erros no ditado. Não houve diferenças nos três anos de escolaridade para o grupo GEA quanto à influência do ruído sobre a atenção e o desempenho de leitura e escrita. O grupo GEB apresentou decréscimo nos testes de atenção com aumento de erros no ditado. Comparando a escolaridade no teste de leitura, o 4º ano diminuiu o tempo de leitura enquanto os sujeitos dos 3º e 5º ano gastaram mais tempo de leitura. Conclusão A interferência auditiva é capaz de influenciar a capacidade de foco de atenção assim como o desempenho de leitura e de escrita em níveis de ruído mais intenso. Não foram observadas influências da escolaridade sobre os efeitos distratores.

ABSTRACT Purpose This study investigated the effects of two levels of noise on the performance of young students of three educational levels and tested their ability to maintain attentional focus in reading and writing tasks. Methods 162 school children in the third, fourth and fifth grades were placed in three groups according to their educational level: Control Group (CG), Experimental Group A (GEA) and Experimental Group B (GEB). All groups were submitted to a Sustained Attention Test, Reading Assessment and Isolated Words Test and Writing Dictation Sub-test (part of the International Dyslexia Test). The GEA and GEB performed the tests in a noisy environment: 20dB and 40dB, respectively. The CG was assessed in the usual school environmental noise at the same time of the day. The data was submitted to an ANOVA, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation test. Results The higher the score on the Sustained Attention Test, the shorter the time spent reading and fewer errors in the dictation task. There were no differences across the three grades within the GEA (lower levels of noise) with regard to the effect of noise on attention and in the reading and writing task performance. The higher levels of noise for the GEB, however, decreased the attention levels, therefore increasing mistakes on the dictation test. Comparing the performance across educational levels on the reading tasks, the fourth grade presented decreased reading time, while the third and fifth grades spent more time reading. Conclusion Auditory interference can influence the ability to focus attention as well as worsen performance in reading and writing tasks at more intense noise levels.

RESUMO Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar o ambiente de trabalho em uma fábrica de produção de ferramentas. Este processo envolve as atividades de corte, orvado, viragem, forjadora, têmpera, inserção de cabos, esmeril, envernizamento e soldagem. Para avaliar o conforto térmico foi utilizado o IBUTG, para medir a velocidade do vento o anemômetro, luxímetro para avaliar a luminosidade e decibelímetro para analisar a exposição dos trabalhadores ao ruído. Os dados de IBUTG variaram em média de 20,9°C a 27,3°C. A forjadora apresentou os maiores valores de IBUTG em média durante todo o processo produtivo. Todas as atividades apresentaram velocidade do vento abaixo de 0,75 m/s, sendo aceitável para a jornada de trabalho. A iluminância, em média oscilou de 42,9 lux a 393,3 lux. As atividades de envernizamento, têmpera, forjadora e inserção de cabos apresentaram médias de iluminância abaixo dos 150 lux necessários durante toda a jornada de trabalho. Todas as atividades apresentaram ruídos acima de 85 dB(A), exceto o envernizamento e o corte. Os níveis de ruído variaram em média de 79,7 dB(A) no envernizamento às 8 h a 95,7 dB(A) no esmeril às 13 h.

ABSTRACT This research aimed to evaluate the work environment in a tool manufacturing factory. This process involves the cutting activities, orvado, turning, forger, temper, cable insertion, grinding, welding and varnishing. To evaluate the thermal comfort was used IBUTG to measure the wind speed anemometer, lux meter to evaluate the brightness and decibel meter to analyse the exposure of workers to noise. The data ranged IBUTG on average 20.9°C at 27.3°C. The forger had the highest IBUTG values averaged over the entire production process. All activities had wind speeds below 0.75 m/s, being perfectly acceptable for the entire workday. The average luminance oscillated from 42.9 lux to 393.3 lux. The activities of varnish, temper, forger and cable insertion had average illuminance below 150 lux required throughout the workday. All activities presented noise above 85 dB(A), except the varnishing and cutting. Noise levels ranged on average of 79.7 dB(A) in varnishing at 8 hours 95.7 dB (A), in the grinding at 13 hours.