Low-cost sensors are a current trend in citizen science projects that focus on air quality. Until now, devices incorporating such sensors have been tested primarily for their technical capabilities and limitations, whereas their usability and acceptability amongst the public rarely goes beyond proof of concept, leaving user experience (UX) unstudied. The authors argue that UX should be taken into account to make sure that products and services are fit for purpose. Nineteen volunteers tested and evaluated a prototype device and provided feedback through semi-structured interviews and during focus group sessions. Their UX was then coded using mixed coding methods regarding device functionality and recommendations for future product development. The results indicate that UX can identify potentially problematic design aspects while giving deeper insights into user needs. For example, UX recognized that one of the most important aspects of user involvement and motivation was successful data harvesting, which frequently failed. This study recommends that future developers of low-cost portable air quality sensor systems prioritize reliable data transmission to minimize data loss. This will ensure an efficient and positive UX that supports user engagement in citizen science based research where collecting sensor-based data is the primary objective.
COBISS.SI-ID: 31833383
Introduction: Fireworks also contribute significantly to the pollution of outdoor air with ultra fine fines (or nanoparticles) (UFP). Due to fireworks, large amounts of UFP are released into the atmosphere, which can be tied to some toxic elements and other toxic chemicals. From the latest epidemiological studies examining evidence of the impact of UFP on health, it is evident that, from the point of view of health effects, exposure during fireworks is an important risk factor. Purpose: The purpose of the paper was to evaluate the potential exposure of the UFP population at a selected location in Ljubljana based on ultra - fine particles measurements in the atmosphere and calculate the inhaled dose of UFP [number of particles per kg body weight per day] during fireworks. Methodology: Measurements included numerical UFP concentrations in eight size classes from 10 nm to 800 nm. The administered doses of UFP were calculated (a) on the basis of monthly average concentrations of UFP in each month from October 2016 to August 2017; (b) on the basis of daily concentrations of the number of UFPs for each day in the period from 28 December 2016 to 4 January 2017 (during this period, New Year's fireworks or large-scale pyrotechnic articles were used) and (c) on the basis of daily concentrations of UFP for each day in the period from 23 June 2017 to 1 January. 7. 2017 (during this period, two fireworks were carried out or pyrotechnic devices used in the large area were used). Results: The number of UFPs was the highest in the winter months; in this period (from October 2016 to March 2017) the measured value of UFP was more than twice as high as in the summer months (April% august 2017). During the whole period, the most constant number of particles was in the N3 size class (20% 30 nm), while the greatest fluctuation in the measured values ??was in the N7 size class (100% 200 nm). During the fireworks on June 27, 2017, the potential exposure of UFP was greater than the UFP exposure in the period before and after the fireworks. The inhaled dose of UFP [number of particles / kg body weight / day] was the highest for age groups from 1 to 2 years, from 2 to 3 years and from 3 to 6 years. Conclusion: The research indicated a link between the higher numerical concentration of UFP in the atmosphere and fireworks in Ljubljana. The inhabitants of the observed area were potentially exposed to a larger number of UFP during the fire.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4187365
There is a growing number of studies on the association between ambient air pollution and adverse pregnancy outcomes, but their results have been inconsistent. Consequently, a comprehensive review of this research area is needed. There was a wide variability in studied pregnancy outcomes, observed gestational windows of exposure, observed ambient air pollutants, applied exposure assessment methods and statistical analysis methods Gestational duration, preterm birth, (low) birth weight, and small for gestational age/intrauterine growth restriction were most commonly investigated pregnancy outcomes. Gestational windows of exposure typically included were whole pregnancy period, 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester, first and last gestational months. Preterm birth was the outcome most extensively studied across various gestational windows, especially at the beginning and at the end of pregnancy. Particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide were the most commonly used markers of ambient air pollution. Continuous monitoring data were frequently combined with spatially more precisely modelled estimates of exposure. Exposure to particulate matter and ozone over the entire pregnancy was significantly associated with higher risk for preterm birth: the pooled effect estimates were 1.09 (1.03–1.16) per 10?µg/m3 increase in particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10?µm or less (PM10),1.24 (1.08–1.41) per 10?µg/m3 increase in particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5?µm or less (PM2.5), and 1.03 (1.01–1.04) per 10 ppb increase in ozone. For pregnancy outcomes other than PTB, ranges of observed effect estimates were reported due to smaller number of studies included in each gestational window of exposure.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4260325