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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.


Papers
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01 Jan 2009
TL;DR: A new pervasive sensors network, developed at Newcastle, is described in the context of the project MESSAGE, jointly funded by EPRSC and the DfT, to evaluate automatically the impacts of traffic demand management strategies on congestion and the environment.
Abstract: This paper describes the use of a new pervasive sensors network, developed at Newcastle, in the context of the project MESSAGE, jointly funded by EPRSC and the DfT, to evaluate automatically the impacts of traffic demand management strategies on congestion and the environment. Analysis of the calibrated data from static (located on street furniture) and mobile (in car) pervasive sensors, called “motes”, deployed in a case study area (Gateshead) will be presented. Next the mechanism by which the mote data are used to validate parameters of traffic simulation models (flows, queues, travel times, etc) across the urban network will be shown. A simple dispersion model that uses the emissions estimation from the traffic micro-simulation is validated using pervasive sensor data collected along the links in the study area. Results presented in this paper are at an early stage but will highlight the benefits of pervasive sensors and how they can complement legacy systems through covering detection gaps in existing urban networks.

4 citations

Journal Article
TL;DR: The paper describes a new way of observing registration plates, decided that it was not possible to track all vehicles accurately enough using roadside interviews, travel diaries, video recording, or time-lapse photography.
Abstract: This paper is the first in a series of three that describe the survey design and the computer methods that were used in measuring turning movement from traffic detector flows, monitored across a signal- controlled network in the City of Leicester, England. Leicester's traffic network is a series of connected radial and ring roads; in 1988, its fixed-time signal control system was replaced by the demand-responsive traffic signal control system SCOOT. The SCOOT Region 'R' was chosen for the study, because its spatial geometry offers alternative routes to traffic entering and leaving the city centre. Numberplate matching was adopted, because it was decided that it was not possible to track all vehicles accurately enough using roadside interviews, travel diaries, video recording, or time-lapse photography. The paper describes a new way of observing registration plates. One challenge that was met was the training of 50 people to use the method, and ensuring that they were sent to the right places at the right time. Each observer was given a training session of one hour. Reports from supervisors and random checks on the reliability of the data transcription both verified that information transfer was accurate. The use of a wide range of recording equipment was investigated, including portable data-loggers and hand-held computers.

4 citations

01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: In this article, a new generation of low-cost wireless pervasive sensors (Motes) with Urban Traffic Management and Control (UTMC), meteorological and precision pollution monitoring systems are integrated.
Abstract: Newcastle University Integrated Database and Assessment Platform (NUIDAP) has been developed to integrate a new generation of low cost wireless pervasive sensors (Motes) with Urban Traffic Management and Control (UTMC), meteorological and precision pollution monitoring systems. NUIDAP provides access to the Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique (SCOOT) traffic model data which is used to estimate capacity sensitive link emissions. These cycle by cycle estimates facilitate the assessment of the impact of Traffic Demand Management Strategies on the environment in near real-time. The new capacity sensitive emissions model and meteorological conditions monitoring are input to a dispersion model to predict the pollution concentrations within canyon streets. These are validated using data captured by the pervasive sensors and Automatic Urban and Rural Network) (AURN). These validated empirically based estimates along with the, mote data compliment the legacy systems measurements through their ability to cover detection gaps in existing urban networks. In this way NUIDAP has the ability to monitor the environment status of the network, characterise problems, explore strategies and assess their impact. This paper presents evidence that the self calibration algorithms for temperature and humidity sensitivity of the chemical sensors with R2 value of 0.61 for nitric oxide shows promise and the accuracy of the mote measurements will improve as the volume of data increases. The SCOOT emission/canyon dispersion estimated concentrations tended to overestimate peak pollutant levels however this is believed to be due to localized natural ventilation effects which are not accounted for with the more idealized street canyon models

4 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
07 May 2014-Trials
TL;DR: Effective publication guidelines must be comprehensive, implemented early in a trial, and require active management by study investigators to serve as a model for others involved in multidisciplinary and multicenter research programs.
Abstract: Background: The timely publication of findings in peer-reviewed journals is a primary goal of clinical research. In clinical trials, the processes leading to publication can be complex from choice and prioritization of analytic topics through to journal submission and revisions. As little literature exists on the publication process for multicenter trials, we describe the development, implementation, and effectiveness of such a process in a multicenter trial. Methods: The Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) trial included a data coordinating center (DCC) and clinical centers that recruited and followed more than 1,000 patients. Publication guidelines were approved by the steering committee, and the publications committee monitored the publication process from selection of topics to publication. Results: A total of 73 manuscripts were published in 23 peer-reviewed journals. When manuscripts were closely tracked, the median time for analyses and drafting of manuscripts was 8 months. The median time for data analyses was 5 months and the median time for manuscript drafting was 3 months. The median time for publications committee review, submission, and journal acceptance was 7 months, and the median time from analytic start to journal acceptance was 18 months. Conclusions: Effective publication guidelines must be comprehensive, implemented early in a trial, and require active management by study investigators. Successful collaboration, such as in the HALT-C trial, can serve as a model for others involved in multidisciplinary and multicenter research programs. Trial registration: The HALT-C Trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00006164).

4 citations


Cited by
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is demonstrated how air pollution data can be analysed quickly and efficiently and in an interactive way, freeing time to consider the problem at hand.
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.

1,303 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Waist circumference provides a simple yet effective measure of truncal adiposity in children and adolescents.

1,023 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a review of models for assessing intraurban exposure under six classes, including proximity-based assessments, statistical interpolation, land use regression models, line dispersion models, integrated emission-meteorological models, and hybrid models combining personal or household exposure monitoring with one of the preceding methods is presented.
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.

1,023 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review highlights the research aimed at the implementation of MOFs as an integral part of solid-state microelectronics and discusses the fundamental and applied aspects of this two-pronged approach.
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.

908 citations