Margaret Bell

Bio: Margaret Bell is an academic researcher from Newcastle University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Air quality index & Traffic congestion. The author has an hindex of 34, co-authored 209 publications receiving 3864 citations. Previous affiliations of Margaret Bell include University of Nottingham & University of Leeds.

Field Deployments of the MESSAGE System for Environmental Monitoring

Abstract: This paper describes how the technologies developed in the MESSAGE project have been deployed in a series of real-world experiments to examine the relationship between transport and air pollution. Three different sensor systems have been developed to allow deployment on infrastructure, people, and vehicles for both short- and long-term studies. This paper describes the field trials conducted using each of these systems in turn. The initial conclusions regarding the coordinated use of these sensors in the management of transport and air pollution are presented.

Study of the Emissions Generated at Intersections for a SI Car under Real World Urban Driving Conditions

Abstract: A precision in-vehicle tail-pipe emission measurement system was installed in a EURO1 emissions compliant SI car and used to investigate the variability in tail-pipe emission generation at an urban traffic junction Exhaust gas and skin temperatures were also measured along the exhaust pipe of the instrumented vehicle, so the thermal characteristics and the efficiency of the catalyst monitored could be included in the analysis Different turning movements (driving patterns) at the priority T-junction were investigated such as straight, left and right turns with and without stops The test car was hot stable running conditions before each test, thereby negating cold start effects To demonstrate the influence of the junction on tail-pipe emissions and fuel consumption, distance based factors were determined that compared the intersection drive-through measurements with steady speed (state) runs Fuel consumption was increased at intersections by a factor of 13~59 CO, THC and NOx emission were increased by a factor of 8~26, 6~21 and 25~10 respectively Benzene emissions were also increased by a factor of 4~21 Through fine-scale analysis of real-world driving profiles and tail-pipe emissions, this research makes a contribution to our understanding of the variability in driving parameters and emission production in urban areas The results of this study will be useful in advising the development of combined traffic/ emission models for urban areas and developing optimal traffic management strategies to minimise emissions

Effects of traffic management and transport mode on the exposure of schoolchildren to carbon monoxide

Abstract: The exposure to CO of schoolchildren was assessed in the town of Northampton, UK, both by direct measurement and by GIS-based activity modelling. Personal measurement of CO showed that exposures when travelling by car were significantly greater than those when walking, although journey times by car were shorter. However, journey exposures had little effect on maximum 8h mean CO exposures. CO concentration fields in the study area were modelled from current traffic flows, and those expected under different traffic management scenarios. These fields were then used, in combination with children's home and school location, and their activity profiles, to simulate frequency distributions of exposure for different transport modes and traffic management scenarios. The results show a large variability in the effect of traffic management interventions, depending on the child's home and school location.

openair - An R package for air quality data analysis

Abstract: openair is an R package primarily developed for the analysis of air pollution measurement data but which is also of more general use in the atmospheric sciences. The package consists of many tools for importing and manipulating data, and undertaking a wide range of analyses to enhance understanding of air pollution data. In this paper we consider the development of the package with the purpose of showing how air pollution data can be analysed in more insightful ways. Examples are provided of importing data from UK air pollution networks, source identification and characterisation using bivariate polar plots, quantitative trend estimates and the use of functions for model evaluation purposes. We demonstrate how air pollution data can be analysed quickly and efficiently and in an interactive way, freeing time to consider the problem at hand. One of the central themes of openair is the use of conditioning plots and analyses, which greatly enhance inference possibilities. Finally, some consideration is given to future developments.

A review and evaluation of intraurban air pollution exposure models

Abstract: The development of models to assess air pollution exposures within cities for assignment to subjects in health studies has been identified as a priority area for future research. This paper reviews models for assessing intraurban exposure under six classes, including: (i) proximity-based assessments, (ii) statistical interpolation, (iii) land use regression models, (iv) line dispersion models, (v) integrated emission-meteorological models, and (vi) hybrid models combining personal or household exposure monitoring with one of the preceding methods. We enrich this review of the modelling procedures and results with applied examples from Hamilton, Canada. In addition, we qualitatively evaluate the models based on key criteria important to health effects assessment research. Hybrid models appear well suited to overcoming the problem of achieving population representative samples while understanding the role of exposure variation at the individual level. Remote sensing and activity-space analysis will complement refinements in pre-existing methods, and with expected advances, the field of exposure assessment may help to reduce scientific uncertainties that now impede policy intervention aimed at protecting public health.

An updated roadmap for the integration of metal–organic frameworks with electronic devices and chemical sensors

Abstract: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are typically highlighted for their potential application in gas storage, separations and catalysis. In contrast, the unique prospects these porous and crystalline materials offer for application in electronic devices, although actively developed, are often underexposed. This review highlights the research aimed at the implementation of MOFs as an integral part of solid-state microelectronics. Manufacturing these devices will critically depend on the compatibility of MOFs with existing fabrication protocols and predominant standards. Therefore, it is important to focus in parallel on a fundamental understanding of the distinguishing properties of MOFs and eliminating fabrication-related obstacles for integration. The latter implies a shift from the microcrystalline powder synthesis in chemistry labs, towards film deposition and processing in a cleanroom environment. Both the fundamental and applied aspects of this two-pronged approach are discussed. Critical directions for future research are proposed in an updated high-level roadmap to stimulate the next steps towards MOF-based microelectronics within the community.