Traffic Density-Related Black Carbon Distribution: Impact of Wind in a Basin Town.

Black carbon is one of the riskiest particle matter pollutants that is harmful to human health. Although it has been increasingly investigated, factors that depend on black carbon distribution and concentration are still insufficiently researched. Variables, such as traffic density, wind speeds, and ground levels can lead to substantial variations of black carbon concentrations and potential exposure, which is even riskier for people living in less-airy sites. Therefore, this paper "fills the gaps" by studying black carbon distribution variations, concentrations, and oscillations, with special emphasis on traffic density and road segments, at multiple locations, in a small city located in a basin, with frequent temperature inversions and infrequent low wind speeds. As wind speed has a significant impact on black carbon concentration trends, it is critical to present how low wind speeds influence black carbon dispersion in a basin city, and how black carbon is dependent on traffic density. Our results revealed that when the wind reached speeds of 1 ms-1, black carbon concentrations actually increased. In lengthy wind periods, when wind speeds reached 2 or 3 ms-1, black carbon concentrations decreased during rush hour and in the time of severe winter biomass burning. By observing the results, it could be concluded that black carbon persists longer in higher altitudes than near ground level. Black carbon concentration oscillations were also seen as more pronounced on main roads with higher traffic density. The more the traffic decreases and becomes steady, the more black carbon concentrations oscillate.

Features influencing policy recommendations for the promotion of zero-emission vehicles in Slovenia, Spain, and Poland.

ABSTRACT: To make society more sustainable, cleaner transportation technologies, such as zero-emission vehicles and sustainable mobility, are being investigated, promoted, and supported by different policy measures. The emphasis of this paper is determining the zero-emission vehicle features that can influence specific policy recommendations; this understanding can boost zero-emission vehicle use as a potential cleaner transportation technology among different consumer segments in different EU member states. A customer-oriented study of over 1500 Slovenians, Spaniards, and Poles revealed the most relevant zero-emission vehicle-purchasing features are: (a) vehicle price and (b) fuel economy. The percentage of potential zero-emission vehicle buyers is said to rise to 80% should the price of electric cars decrease and fuel price increase accordingly, i.e. by 30% and 50%, respectively. Concerning the car price, Slovenian and Polish consumers' preferences are similar, and 40% of them (and up to 85% of Spaniards) would consider buying one if the price drops by 25%. Women in all three studied countries are more interested in zero-emission vehicles than men are. Different policies should be used in Poland, where people are not as interested in zero-emission vehicles as Spanish and Slovenian consumers are. Customer segmentation in all three groups pointed out that Poland has the highest share (19%) of "No-green" consumers, whereas Spain has the highest share (60%) of "Go-green" consumers, i.e. consumers who would consider buying a zero-emission vehicle in the foreseeable future.

Slovenian practice story: 10 years of e-counselling service for teenagers.

This is Me is the largest youth counseling web portal in Slovenia, providing teens with a friendly, simple, fast, free, anonymous and efficient public access to expert information and problem-solving assistance. Network of web counselors includes 38 experts (medical specialists, psychologists, social pedagogues, social workers, and teachers), who are volunteers from 12 different institutions. In the course of ten years, experts have answered almost 21,000 questions about dilemmas and problems faced by teens. The program was created by the Institute of Public Health Celje. This is Me supports adolescents in their problem-solving efforts. The program focuses on development of positive mental health, with emphasis on self-image, social and life skills. The program responds to the adolescents needs and makes efficient use of web technology. Youth web portal is a response to the current teen lifestyle. Most users are between ages of 13 and 18.