Alondra Perez's Blog

Step 1: Determine the facts in the situation – obtain all of the unbiased facts possible. Clearly state
-We want to examine the water
-We need the cooperation of the locals
-Our success is dependent upon the accuracy/quality/quantity of the data we are able to collect in the time we
have been allotted.
-Ethical issue: What will the people of the community in Lesotho gain from cooperating with the researchers
for providing transportation or guidance to the water sources?
–>No short term benefits
–>There is also no clear long term benefits (there could be but not guaranteed)

Step 2: Define the Stakeholders – those with a vested interest in the outcome/
Step 3: Assess the motivations of the Stakeholders
Locals (Community in Lesotho who is accessing water sources)
-We should leave the community unchanged, or better, than we found it.
-Their lives should stay the same or be better (from their perspective)
-Building relationships with other cultures.
-Decreasing possible risk of being exposed to disease-causing pathogens
-Attracting outsiders to Lesotho→ This research will make it public that they are actively working towards
safer water sources
World population (people who are infected with the disease-causing pathogen)
-Getting a better understanding of how to treat water sources and the pathogens that could be found in them so
that communities beyond Lesotho could protect themselves from future outbreaks
Researchers (The 10 researchers who will be directly working with the Lesotho communities, You)
-Reputation
-Credibility
-Personally driven to help Lesotho communities
-Learn about the pathogen
University (The individuals who are publishing the data)
-all of the papers that are published with the data will be credited to the university
-reputation
-Credibility
–>Develop their “brand” and excellence for future ventures
–> More funding opportunities
Drug company/funding (Company that will produce the chemical additives for the sources of water in Lesotho)
-Help people who are negatively affected by the pathogen
–>If it costs less to kill the pathogen than cure the disease
-Improve drinking water
-Reputation
-Credibility
-Possible Financial gains
Research community (Scholars, educators, and specialists invested in the literary contributions to their respected communities)
-They will be invested in the accuracy of the data methodology
-Credibility

Step 4: Formulate (at least three) alternative solutions – based on information available, using
basic ethical core values as guide

Solution 1:Research the locals before the trip or make connections with individuals who understand the local
customs
Ethical Principle/code:Do no harm or disrespect (beneficence)–>Need to respect cultural customs
–>For example, someone brought up how other cultures will not be okay with women being driven
up to the water sources by strangers (especially men)
Pros:
-We get to learn about another culture
-The locals get exposure to our culture(s) and intentions
Cons:
-It will take time up front before the trip to learn about the culture
-It might be difficult to find someone who understands the culture
-Extra time investment

Solution 2:Incentivize locals to participate in the research: Teach the locals how to test the water→ provide them with some resources possibly
Ethical Principle/Code: Do not disrespect (Make sure you do not cut them short and realize they are in desperate conditions)–>Justice
Pros:
-Local participants’ participation and dedication
-They know the area
-More accurate research
Cons:
-Incorrect collection procedures due to carelessness of people not being incentivized

Solution 3:Work with a local university or governmental agency
Ethical Principle/Code: Do not be invasive (Show you are collaborating)
Pros:
-Stronger data
-Credibility because you are working with sectors that are from Lesotho
-Connections
-Could fulfill the cultural gaps that may be experienced along the way
Cons:
-How will we incentivize the students?
-Will it be enough for them to just receive recognition in publications?

Step 5: Seek additional assistance, as appropriate – engineering codes of ethics, previous cases, peers, reliance on personal experience, inner reflection
Talk to the people in power of the Lesotho communities to see if they are willing to help the researchers connect with the “right” people to get us to the water sources. Khanjan’s scenario where he finds his top four locals to help by meeting many, by offering an incentive (pre-approved by the community leader) and then having the community help identify the best helpers. Khanjan’s approach is helpful in considering the best solution because from what he expressed it works out very well for him. As an outsider, you do not want to be invasive when entering a community. You also want to avoid any feelings of uselessness amongst the community. Make it transparent that you need them in order for you to be successful. This will allow you to feel part of the project and not just a random person of the community you are entering. They should feel valued and respected, which would lead to an easy collaboration with them.

I also had a professor who went to a community in Mexico where he was conducting research. He always seemed appreciative and was willing to provide incentives to the community members like purchasing food and providing rides for them. Of course, the researchers are going to have some form of dependence on the Lesotho communities when conducting research but there should be a comfortable, mutual relationship of dependence.I believe this is crucial in order to get the best help from them to assure you are receiving the most impactful and accurate data.

In the scenario, I feel as if the researchers were not valuing the relationship that needs to be built. “You do not see the need to pay the community members, considering if someone asked you about your water source, you would not mind driving them up to the lake!” The researchers are not realizing that these Lesotho communities are in more desperate conditions, so they need to value their participation through some measure of an incentive.

Step 6: Select the best course of action – that which satisfies the highest core ethical values.

Best course of action: Incentivize locals to participate in the research: Teach the locals how to test the water→ provide them with some resources possibly

–>Providing them with an incentive that is beneficial in the short term
–>Khanjan described last semester how developing communities tend to not think as long term as us
–>At least providing knowledge that will better educate them on how to treat water
–>Class examples:
–>Junior brought up the idea to provide water bottles
-But no eco-friendly (wasteful)
–>Having the community member send the water samples to us
-Taking an incredible amount of risk
-Could mess up your research if the water samples are carelessly collected
–>Avoid the saviorism mindset
–>Just because our research is to an extent benefitting the Lesotho communities they still deserve
some form of an incentive

• While trying to develop a low-cost syringe for the developing world context, you (the designer) hit a cross-roads. Constructing the syringe to auto-disable after a single use, an important safety feature, significantly adds to the cost of the design – making it potentially unaffordable for some hospitals and clinics. However, if you don’t add the safety feature, you are enabling the potential for the spread of disease. How do you as a designer proceed?

Step 1: Determine the facts in the situation – obtain all of the unbiased facts possible. Clearly state:
-We are developing a syringe for a developing country.
-An additional safety feature making the syringes auto-disable piles up more costs.
-Due to the possible increase in costs, some hospitals and clinics may not be able to provide the syringe to
their patients.
-Not adding a safety feature can lead to a potential spread of disease.
-Ethical issue: How can I, as the designer, develop a syringe model or process that will avoid second uses
to avoid an outbreak of a disease while also ensuring that the accessibility is not stripped away from some
hospitals and clinics that will not be able to afford the extra costs of a safety feature?
–>We want to avoid any form of classism. All the people of this developing country deserve to benefit
from a syringe model or process that wants to avoid any potential spread of a disease.
–>If some hospitals and clinics that have financial barriers are not considered when developing the
safety feature, this could lead to even bigger ethical issues.

Step 2: Define the Stakeholders – those with a vested interest in the outcome/Step 3: Assess the motivations of the Stakeholders:
(1)Hospitals/Clinics (The facilities that will be providing access to syringes and safety measures)
–>Avoidance of a potential spread of disease
–>They will be the ones dealing with the cases of a potential spread of disease in the future if
precautions are not taken in advance.
–>The safety feature (Model or process) is provided, followed, and enforced.
(2)World population (people who are at risk of being infected with a disease spreaded through second uses of
syringes, people using syringes)
–> Reducing the risk of a potential spread of disease
–>Providing a syringe with a safety measure or process taking precaution that can be utilized globally.
(3)Designer (Developer of a safety feature, You)
–>Reputation
–>Want to help communities of all socioeconomic backgrounds to combat spread of disease
(4) Locals (The people of the developing country)
–>Decreasing possible risk of a potential spread of disease.
–>Not excluding anyone

Step 4: Formulate (at least three) alternative solutions – based on information available, using
basic ethical core values as guide:

Solution 1: Retractable syringes
Ethical Principle/code: Do not harm or provide any chances of a spread of a disease.
(Consequence-based thinking)
Pros:
-Leaves little room for any potential spread of a disease through syringes
-Medical prescriptions that require syringes to be taken home are not a concern
-Not solely relying on trust that the users will follow guidelines and safety measures
Cons:
-EXTRA COSTS
-Discusses the huge difference based on American websites in step 5 and 6
-Excluding hospitals and clinic that will not be able to afford the extra costs

Solution 2: Incentivize users to return syringes to hospital and clinics to ensure the proper disposal.
Ethical Principle/Code: Do not exclude individuals from services, Do not harm
Pros:
-Educating users on the risks of second uses
-Developing a relationship with users that will make them aware of their role in the action plan
Cons:
-Risking the possibility of second uses, careless and improper disposal of
syringes.

Solution 3: A thermal heater could be installed in each clinic, hospital, and pharmacy which will allow the burning of the used syringes. If a syringe is part of a medical prescription, make it mandatory that the syringes are brought back to receive refills.
Ethical Principle/Code: Do not exclude individuals from services (Justice→ Virtue-
Based Thinking)
Pros:
-No extra costs pile up due to not adding any complex components
-Not stripping away accessibility
Cons:
-may place extra stress on an already overworked group of people: medical
professionals.
– Not completely eliminating threat but reducing it
-People may need to bring syringes home because of daily prescriptions.
–>Interval of time that will allow second uses→ Increasing chances of
the spread of a disease
-Extra stress placed on users
–>Not to lose or get syringes stolen
-Designer has no control over whether the hospitals and clinic will enforce
measures upon users that need to take syringes home.

Step 5: Seek additional assistance, as appropriate – engineering codes of ethics, previous cases, peers, reliance on personal experience, inner reflection:
-I prefer to have a country have more accessibility to syringes than stripping it
away leading to individuals becoming more desperate.
–>Desperation could lead to a possible increase of second uses of already
existing syringes that do not have the added safety feature on it.
-Personal Experience: Philadelphia Prevention Point
–>Philadelphia has a huge issue with second uses of syringes
–>Syringes could be found scattered through local neighborhoods of
Kensington: one of the nation’s largest narcotic markets for heroin
–>Prevention Point provides new, clean syringes because of the potential
spread of disease through second uses of syringes (Used for shooting up
heroin and other narcotics)
–>Great way to address the issue but also not addressing the
issues occurring due to users just throwing the used syringes on
the floor
–>Pavements and streets of a locals
–>What if a child is walking and falls leading her to
accidentally get her wrist punctured by a syringe lying on
the floor

-Box of Retractable syringes (100 ct) retail price: $78.26 compared to a Box of
regular syringes (100 ct) Retail Price: $15-$20

Step 6: Select the best course of action – that which satisfies the highest core ethical values.Explain reasoning and justify. Discuss your stance vis-a-vis other approaches discussed in the class:

The best course of action is solution 3: Installing a thermal heater
-As I analyzed the different solutions, I started to realize how other issues in
the world start to clash with a solution to another problem.
–>ethical decision making led me to developing my solution based on
priorities
–>#1 Priority: Accessibility
-Still risk but bigger issues can arise if people are stripped away from syringes
needed for existing illnesses and diseases people are combatting-
-We are not eliminating the possibility of a potential disease spread but it is
beyond the designers’ duties at this point
-In class, one person brought up how there can be a reach out to non-profits or
government agencies to provide the gap in funding to allow the safety measure to
be accessible for everyone
–>However, this is beyond the role of the designer.
-Weak healthcare system
–>Even the US, a developed country, is struggling
-In class Ideas
–>Khanjan shared one of ideas which was to design a syringe with Color
indicators→ Green:never used, Red: Used
->This is a great approach, but some people who are not given any
access to syringes will care less about what color the syringe
is.
–>Reach out for extra funding
->Goes beyond the duties of the designer
->Who will do this?

Since the low-cost syringe is needed in a developing country, finances become a huge burden. Although retractable syringes could be distributed, the costs would be stripping the availability of a syringe at all from many which causes an even bigger issue. Therefore, my approach has a focus on making the syringe completely unusable without the extra fancy components that pileup costs. A thermal heater could be installed in each clinic, hospital, and pharmacy which will allow the burning of the used syringes. 

 

Some medical prescriptions do require syringes which means that it will be mandatory for some individuals to leave the hospital premises with syringes in hand. Therefore, the hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies should develop a program that will stress the importance of returning used syringes. Unfortunately, the designer has no part in this. This will be up to the stakeholders distributing the syringes to enforce. One example of a program that could be used is to make the return of syringes mandatory in order to receive the next prescription. This will then have users be cautious and careful of where the syringes are placed and who gets access to them.

 

Like always, there are blurry aspects of this solution that I recognized. For instance, what if the syringe is reused by a family member or friend of the original user? We have no control over what may occur between the interval of time between syringe returns and prescription pick-ups. However, we are still limiting the amount of second uses significantly compared to allowing users to keep syringes forever. The users should not be trusted to properly dispose of syringes causing them to fall into the wrong hands which is a huge issue in a local neighborhood of mine. Kensington is a local neighborhood that is known as the nation’s largest narcotic market for heroin. During a recent neighborhood clean-up, I noticed that syringes cover the streets and pavement. Many of the syringes are selfishly and improperly disposed of because of users knowing how easy it is to get new ones without any issues being given from a local non-profit organization named Prevention Point. If a log was kept that tracked who were receiving syringes and when it was received, this will allow the enforcement of returning the syringes. It will make people aware and could clean up the streets loaded with used syringes that are ticking time bombs waiting for a spread of disease. Another con of my solution is that it may place extra stress on an already overworked group of people: medical professionals. 

 

If the United States, a developed country is even having issues with syringes this clearly gets even more complex when addressing a developing country. Of course, I do not want both the spread of disease to occur and finances to become a barrier. Unfortunately, the finances and accessibility needs to be prioritized though. There are different strategies to encourage people to not reuse syringes while there really is not a way to fix healthcare systems that are already extremely limiting and damaged. I prefer to have a country have more accessibility to syringes than stripping it away leading to individuals becoming more desperate and finding ways around the auto disable syringes. 

 

Some ideas that were discussed in class all had its pros and cons as well along with every solution. One solution that was directly suggested by Khanjan was simple and effective if we lived in a world that did not strip away healthcare access. Khanjan’s idea was to have color indicators on syringes. The syringes would have a green mark if it was not ever used and a red mark if it was. This is a great approach, but some people who are not given any access to syringes will care less about what color the syringe is. They are desperate and are willing to take the risk of a possible spread of disease. On the other hand, my group initially said retractable syringes were the best approach but how will you assure that people still can afford the syringes since the extra component needed will develop more costs. 

 

As I analyzed the different solutions more and more, I started to realize how other issues in the world start to clash with a solution to another problem. The cycle feels never ending, so I used ethical decision making led me to developing my solution based on priorities.

Question 1: Income Statement (We are just starting out so our income statement is for the next two years since we won’t be making money for a while)

Revenue: +
-Subscription income
-Premium profile income

Cost of Revenue: –
-Functional Services (domain fee + fees for features in the
app)
-Administrative Services
-IT Support Services (App updates/maintenance)
-Marketing cost
Gross Profit: Revenue – Cost of Revenue

Operating Expenses (Overhead): –
-Web Developers (Those that create website/app)
-Webmaster (Person that updates and overviews the
website/app in the long run)
-Domain
-Pay for air quality data usage (License)

Net Profit: (Gross Profit) – (Overhead)

Question 2: Funding Sources
1. Design Phase
a.) Angel Investors
i. These would be very good for our project because
they typically fund the early-stages of projects,
which we are in right now. They could also add a
lot of value to our project besides money. Since
we are still in the early stages it would be great
to have someone that is also able to help us with
which directions to go in order to make our project
successful. This funding source could help us with
funding for web development and app design.
b.) Federal Government?
i. This source of funding aligns well with our
venture because we are serving as a way to spread
public health awareness, therefore; aiding the
federal government. This funding could
specifically help strengthen or solidify our
information maybe through accreditation or
certification. If there was a way to get our
information certified it could mare easily foster
trust with customers in the next phase.
2. Dissemination Phase
a.) Strategic Partners
i. Our strategic partners that we pick would be a
great funding source for the later phases of our
project. Especially if we have web development
companies as partners. They could help fund the
maintenance and continuing development of our app
as well as paying for domain fees and functional
services that have costs
b.) Federal Government?
i.Having the Almaty government as a funding source
for our project would be a huge benefit in terms of
getting the government to start taking action and
helping the city combat air quality. They could
also help us get into the healthcare system and
fund
c.) Let the business pay for itself?
i. As a software/ online-based venture our cost of
revenue is not a lot. So technically after getting
past the design phase, we could rely on the venture
to cover some cost in the dissemination phase.
Especially the aspects of spreading awareness of
our application.

Question 3: Partnerships
1. IQAir
a.) IQAir is an air quality data collection website that tracks different pollutants all over the world. We need them to be able to advance our project because we need to have access to real time air quality data that we can feed into our app. It will help us achieve scale since it will be able to justify our warnings and notifications that we want to distribute to people so that our app is more trustworthy and reliable. IQAir already has data that we can use, but by partnering with us it could help them sell more of their air quality devices and be able to access even more data in Almaty
2. Hospitals and the Almaty health care system
a.) Partnering with hospitals and the health care system
will help us reach a lot more people that are
suffering from air pollution-related health issues
like respiratory diseases, asthma, and cardiovascular
diseases. If we take a telemedicine approach and
have doctors prescribing our app to their patients to
help them reduce their air pollution intake, we would
be able to reach a lot more people that need our app
the most. They might be willing to work with us
because we are giving the doctors a way to help their
patients stay aware of the air pollution they are
bringing into their lungs. Doctors will also be able
to monitor exactly how much exposure their patients
are receiving and can help adjust their medications
better.
3. Web developers for development and maintenance
a.) Partnering with a web development company could be
very beneficial for us to keep our app running
quickly and efficiently. We’re going to need someone
that is good with not only app maintenance, but also
updates and adding new features. This will help us
scale our product because as we get more users we are
going to need a bigger and bigger team to be able to
manage all the information that the app is taking in
and distributing. A company that does web
development would be willing to partner with us
because we are creating something that has never been
done before and could, if successful, be implemented
in a lot of other countries and areas for helping
track air pollution.
4. NGO’s
5. Power plant
a.) Partnering with the power plants in Almaty would be a really great way for us to help individuals that are more at risk from suffering from air pollution health issues. All the workers in the power plant are being heavily exposed to air pollution and it would be great if we could reach all those individuals. The power plants would be willing to work with us because a lot of their workers are being put at risk of health issues and our app can reduce the liability that the power plant has for causing those health issues.

1.) Develop a Business Model for your venture using the Osterwalder Business Model Canvas
a.)Offer
-Expert System that gives people the tools to make informed decisions and change lifestyle habits to reduce their exposure to air quality
b.)Customer Relationships:
-Automated service
-User community
c.) Distribution Channels
-Expert system
d.) Customer Segments
-City residents of Almaty
(1.) People susceptible to air pollution effects
e.) Revenue Streams
-Subscription Based
-Licensing
f) Key Activities
-Platform/network
g.) Key Resources
-Experts in web/app development
-Data from IQAir
h.) Partner Network
-University in Almaty
-Company partner that collect air quality data
-Users
-Cost Structure
(1.) App/web development
(2.) Advertisement

2.) Ten lessons learned from the eye-care video:

a.) Developing a system that will make the provided services accessible all around the world to all types of people
(i) Break the access barriers
b.) Equitable system that does not exclude any people (class, finances,etc)
c.) Having reliable and skilled staff is crucial to making sure that the system flows and productivity is high
d.) Navigating how to be efficient both financially and productivity
(i). Aravind had a very effective amount of productivity but at much lower costs
compared to the UK
–> <1% of what it cost in the UK to provide the eye care services e.) Not everything has to be centered in India, they had information going from patients to expert doctors in other areas to observe the patient's eye screens and then send results back f.) Even with producing a product at low cost or no cost to some patients, they still made a profit (i). Taking individual’s financial background to account g.) Establishing a culture of compassion and problem ownership is paramount in a need based service delivery h.) Efficiency in providing the eye care to people, created an efficient supply chain to get care to people quickly and effectively (i.) Having people get checked, going right to the buses, having an efficient surgical room, and going back to the buses to go home i.) “...there is no exploitation/ It is ourselves we are helping/ It is ourselves we are healing.” (i). Don’t measure a venture’s success solely on profit. The amount of people who were able to receive the eye care services are an indicator of success as well. j.) A venture takes time to expand. (i). Networking and collaboration to make the system flow more efficiently

List five compelling takeaways from the Art of the Start:
-It’s not about the money your venture will make, it’s about the value it brings to the society and the world through the increasing quality of life
-Have your mission statement be specific and simple, three to four key terms.
-Don’t ask people to do something that you wouldn’t
-Higher people that are better than yourself (i.e. smarter, more proactive, more creative, etc…)
-Have the ability to provide a unique product or service that gives value to the customer

Articulate your value propositions for your diverse customer segments:
We want Almaty residents to improve their quality of life by limiting air pollution causes. We want them to breathe fresh air. Changing the current mindset about the effects of poor air quality in Almaty could potentially save people from obtaining respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Fewer people diagnosed means less money spent on hospital bills and medical costs. Currently, there is little to nothing being done for the people who are at risk in Almaty. Through our guidelines, we give a starting place for people to begin living healthier lives. This project also seeks to change the habits of the people of Almaty so that their daily routines do not put their health at risk. Finally, all our information will be accessible online.

Discuss your Total Available Market and Total Addressable Market. List all your assumptions and hypotheses:
Almaty had 1,863,000 residents in 2019. We can assume that the residents with health conditions, children, parents, and the elderly will have heard or been influenced by our efforts to minimize exposure to pollution. If our group can create a solid product and service, then we can have it become profitable in some way in the future. Since we don’t have a product with value in money on it we can’t assume our total addressable market.

1.) Summarize and report out on the results of the SKS exercise. (start, keep, stop)

2 things we want to start doing as a team:
–>Delegating tasks effectively according to each team member’s strengths and weaknesses. Having a record of what tasks are completed, in progress, and upcoming.
–> Generating fresh ideas and not being reluctant to share them with each other even if they seem minor. Have SMART tasks and goals.
2 things we want to keep doing as a team:
–>Keep committing time outside of the classroom to be able to collaborate
–>Keep being open-minded with constructive criticism on ideas and not being afraid of changing the direction of the project
2 things we want to stop doing as a team:
–>Stop assuming everyone knows what you are doing and communicate to the team what is being done and what needs to be done. Also not being afraid to ask for help
–>Stop setting goals and then not upholding them.
2.) Develop a detailed Collaboration Plan for your team clearly articulating your Goals (Small and Big), Roles, Procedures, and Relationships.
Goals:
–>Have a rough draft completed of the paper we are
submitting to the IEE CHTC Conference in Seattle
by mid-April
-Send to Prof. Mehta so that he can review
before submitting
–>Touching base with our connections in Kazakhstan
-Formulating a plan with them
–>Have a model laid out for the website by the end
of April
Roles:
–>Alondra
Implementer, Monitor-evaluator,
–>Hugo
Specialist
–>Josue
Team worker, resource investigator
–>Nathaly
Monitor-evaluator: critically analyze information
before coming to conclusions
–>Completer/finisher: detects errors and omissions;
ensures adherence to deadlines
–>Rebecca
Implementer: actually gets things done; turns
ideas into actual plans
Resource investigator: develop external contacts;
negotiate for the team’s resources
–>Ulan
Shaper: maintains a positive mental attitude;
finds the best ways to overcome challenges facing
the team
Specialist: expert knowledge in a particular area
–>Professor Duvanova
Team worker, coordinator, specialist
Procedures:
Decision Making:
-Majority Rule
-If we are split down the middle, we will use
our advisor as a mediator to help come to a
consensus.
Effective Meetings:
-Setting up goals for each meeting
-Checking in with each other→ Where people are
with their designated tasks, etc.
Splitting up work so that we are being proactive and productive with the time we work on tasks
Creating documents that have everyone’s assigned tasks for the week so we know how to check up on eachother
Communication:
Best time to work: In the mornings, any day of the week, preferably the end of the week
Frequency: Meet at least once a week besides our weekly advisor meetings
Location: Online
Type of Technology: Google Docs and Zoom
Relationships
Make sure to consider everyone’s perspective
Do not get frustrated with each other

3. If we can’t go in the summer what will we do?
Trying to finalize the design/function of our website
Creating online surveys that we can send out to people in Almaty
Formulating algorithms to help organize survey data and determining the best forms of advice
Learning more about the country through partners in Kazakhstan
Good communication with the Kazakhstan students

1.) Does your work require IRB approval?

Our plan to address the air quality issue in Kazakhstan is being developed. We have many different ideas floating around regarding our plan, so we are still working out the specifics. However, based on the rough draft of our plan, we will need IRB approval. One component of our plan is to interview locals regarding the air quality problem in their city. The interviews will allow us to strengthen our approach to the issue by learning about the first-hand experience of living in Almaty with the challenges of dangerous air quality.

We are aware that people are extremely concerned just by scrolling through Facebook pages. For example, there is a Facebook page named, “SMOG ALMATY” which is used as a platform for Almaty locals and allies to discuss their concerns and opinions on the way people in power are handling the air quality issue.

Although we will be receiving a lot of constructed criticism regarding our plan and presentations before abroad fieldwork, the most impactful criticism will come directly from the people of Almaty.

We might also set up a survey that provides feedback for our project. As a result, in order to interview, we need IRB approval. According to the certification that my group completed, we learned that any research that will consist of surveying requires IRB approval to make sure that we protect any revealing information of the participants.

Another idea that we are working towards finalizing are nasal filters. In order for my group to review whether or not our filters are effective and used amongst the Almaty population, it will involve having locals test them out. We might not be the exact group of undergraduate students that will have this filter finalized because of it being a long process of lab work and engineering. However, we recognize that this type of research needs to be reviewed by IRB in order for any of it to be implemented and continued.
If yes, articulate your detailed IRB strategy.
If not, explain why you don’t need IRB approval and identify situations when you might need IRB approval.

2.) Develop an outline for your mid-semester presentations. What supporting evidence will you provide for each point? How will you boost your credibility every step of the way?

Introduction slide:
Picture of Almaty’s mountains and introduce team members
1st Slide: (problem/ solution)/ Alondra
Jumps right into the problem with a statistic or two about the severity of the air quality problem in Almaty
Picture of Almaty on a day with bad air quality
State our proposed solution: Detecting -> Transmission -> Public Awareness/ Public Safety
Increasing data collection points
Mappings of specific areas that are suffering more due to air pollution (include image)
Creating an easily accessible server for the population to access data
Giving strategies to minimize exposure to air quality
2nd Slide: Nathaly
List causes of the problem in Almaty
Traffic
Power plant
Coal-burning furnaces
Bad air circulation, cold weather
Sighting health risks from being exposed to air pollution
Cardiovascular disease death rates
3rd Slide: Potential Solutions (ULAN MIRLANOV)
Addressing possible solutions (our ideas of what we came up with or ones other cities have tried implementing)
Public services announcements
Government policy
Increasing greenery
Creating new power plant filters (nasal strips, other)
4th Slide: Details on our solution- Hugo ramos
Showing app we found that isn’t reliable
Providing images of what it looks like
Data and statistics is provides
Including single data points
Improving the quality of data (Account for more air pollutants)
Getting more air quality detecting devices to distribute throughout the city
Including public areas like parks, walkways, schools, neighborhoods…
5th Slide: Existing Kazakhstan Proposed solutions- Josue
Government Regulation
Improve Transportation with efficiency and reliability
Reliable Bike Lanes (Promoting bike riding)
Greenway
Investigate Airflow in city
All long term solutions, no short term
Public announcements on when pollution is high and low
6th Slide: Prototype- Josue
What kinds of air quality testers are we going to use?
Still pending, but have a meeting with an expert on 3/3
Sustainable, maintainable, cheapish
Pollutants we are trying to target
PM 2.5
CO, SO2, NO2
7th Slide: Our overall plan Rebecca Gjini
What are we planning to do with the data
Create understandable models and analyzing the impacts of specific polluted areas
Connecting info to health advice and actable things to do to minimize exposure
Detecting -> Transmission -> Public Awareness/ Public Safety

Potential new slide: Analyzing the information gaps between income classes about their knowledge on the air pollution issues
Do they know what they’re doing that could be causing it
Do they know some of their own actions are adding to the air pollution?
Do they feel helpless?
Do they think someone else is going to fix it
Do they know the actual health outcomes from it