Brain Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(5), P. 439 - 439
Published: April 24, 2025
Railways are considered an environmentally sustainable mode of transportation but can pose significant environmental challenges due to their operation and associated activities. Among these, noise generation is a persistent source public complaints. In Korea, maximum distance 100 m from buildings has been proposed for new railway developments in residential areas, although this guideline lacks solid foundation based on experimental evidence. Noise barriers often installed as mitigation measure; however, there no standardized height relation effectiveness at varying distances. The distances altitudes set study took into account accessibility the actual sites. particular, we examined effects altitude above site under assumption that prefrontal cortex would be physiologically affected by exposure. study, conducted first analysis Korea cerebral blood flow changes response noise, assess quantitatively stress caused from, above, railway. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), measured activation 10 adult males (average age: 33.2 years). Brain was evaluated different (40 m) (1st 4th floors building) through paired-sample t-test analysis. Discomfort felt relatively close railway, were differences perceived discomfort between floors. highest channel 43 (left DLPFC) (floor) 37 FPC) distance. Significant observed corresponding Brodmann (p < 0.05). These results provide valuable scientific data preliminary design phase developments, particularly with regard determining appropriate barrier specifications, enhance comfort nearby residents. Furthermore, they may contribute improvement quality life reducing noise.
Language: Английский