The science of the total environment

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.

openair - An R package for air quality data analysis

Evaluation of waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and the conicity index as screening tools for high trunk fat mass, as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, in children aged 3–19 y

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.

A review and evaluation of intraurban air pollution exposure models

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.

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

In recent years progress has been made in Britain to integrate and co-ordinate transport in urban areas. However, such a policy has been pursued in West Germany for some 20 years. Its main element has been to establish joint marketing companies--"Verkehrsverbunde", the first of which was formed in Hamburg in 1965; others followed in Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and the Rhine-Ruhr area. The operation of the "Hamburger Verkehrsverbund" is described in detail, and the activities of the other companies are outlined. The major elements in the success of the "Verkehrsverbunde" are the restriction of modes to their most appropriate roles, the integration of routes to give the best overall level of service, the construction of interchanges and park-and-ride sites, and the unification of all fare schemes. (Author/TRRL)

Transport co-ordination and integration in west germany

Towards autonomic transport systems in a multi-modal environment

R.N. Colvile, S. Kaur, S. Belcher, M. Bell, R. Britter, M. Nieuwenhuijsen, A. Robins, A. Tomlin, D. Shallcross Imperial College London, Department of Environmental Science & Technology, London, UK University of Reading Department of Meteorology, Reading, UK University of Leeds Institute for Transport Studies, Leeds, UK University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering, Cambridge, UK University of Surrey, School of Mechanical Engineering, Guildford, UK University of Leeds Department of Fuel & Energy, Leeds, UK University of Bristol Department of Chemistry Bristol, UK

/pdf/personal-exposure-to-air-pollution-at-a-street-canyon-3jeu8kj4sa.pdf

Personal exposure to air pollution at a street canyon intersection: implications for air quality management in the context of sustainable development

Investigation of the emission and air quality impacts of Low Emission Zone (LEZ) scenarios in Newcastle and Gateshead, UK

This paper describes a study of roadside levels of carbon monoxide to quantify the effect of controlling traffic with demand-responsive rather than fixed-time. Moving car observer surveys were carried out to assess the network performance firstly with the outdated fixed-time control, then with SCOOT constrained to run according to an updated fixed-time plan, and finally with full SCOOT operation. Kerbside levels of carbon monoxide and traffic characteristics data were collected continuously. This paper presents the survey methodology, data collection procedures and the results of the statistical analysis of the data relating to carbon monoxide levels, moving car observer survey and traffic characteristics. On the whole significant benefits were achieved by updating the old fixed-time plan and these were maintained after a period of a month of SCOOT operation. SCOOT operation demonstrated a reduction in peak levels over fixed-time control.

Margaret Bell

Papers

Transport co-ordination and integration in west germany

Towards autonomic transport systems in a multi-modal environment

Personal exposure to air pollution at a street canyon intersection: implications for air quality management in the context of sustainable development

Investigation of the emission and air quality impacts of Low Emission Zone (LEZ) scenarios in Newcastle and Gateshead, UK

Quantifying changes in carbon monoxide levels following the installation of SCOOT