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.

/pdf/an-updated-roadmap-for-the-integration-of-metal-organic-4ryw3jm11n.pdf

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

The objective of this work was the development of an onroad
in-vehicle emissions measurement technique
utilizing a relatively new, commercial, portable Fourier
Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectrometer capable of
identifying and measuring (at approximately 3 second
intervals) up to 51 different compounds. The FTIR was
installed in a medium class EURO1 spark ignition
passenger vehicle in order to measure on-road
emissions. The vehicle was also instrumented to allow
the logging of engine speed, road speed, global position,
throttle position, air-fuel ratio, air flow and fuel flow in
addition to engine, exhaust and catalyst temperatures.
This instrumentation allowed the calculation of massbased
emissions from the volume-based concentrations
measured by the FTIR. To validate the FTIR data, the
instrument was used to measure emissions from an
engine subjected to a real-world drive cycle using an AC
dynamometer. Standard analyzers were operated
simultaneously for comparison with the FTIR and the
standard analyzer results showed that most pollutants
(NOx, CO2, CO) were within ~10% of a standard analyzer
during steady state conditions and within 20% during
transients. The exception to this was total HC which was
generally 50% or less than actual total HC, but this was
due to the limited number of hydrocarbons measured by
the FTIR. In addition to the regulated emissions, five
toxic hydrocarbon species were analyzed and found to
be sensitive to cold starts in varying proportions. Finally,
FTIR data was compared to results from a commercially
available on-road measurement system (Horiba OBS-
1000), and there was good agreement.

/pdf/application-of-a-portable-ftir-for-measuring-on-road-4n3fa8hpv9.pdf

Application of a Portable FTIR for Measuring On-road Emissions

The Ageing of Fixed-time Traffic Signal Plans

This article presents a new approach to microscopic road traffic exhaust emission modelling. The model described uses data from the SCOOT demand-responsive traffic control system implemented in over 170 cities across the world. Estimates of vehicle speed and classification are made using data from inductive detector loops located on every SCOOT link. This data feeds into a microscopic traffic model to enable enhanced modelling of the driving modes of vehicles (acceleration, deceleration, idling and cruising). Estimates of carbon monoxide emissions are made
by applying emission factors from an extensive literature review. A critical appraisal of the development and validation of the model is given before the model is applied to a study of the impact of high emitting vehicles. The article concludes with a discussion of the requirements for the future development and benefits of the
application of such a model.

/pdf/towards-a-real-time-microscopic-emissions-model-1zbpmtkuvj.pdf

Towards a real-time microscopic emissions model

https://eprints.ncl.ac.uk/file_store/production/217460/BF60C868-9FAF-4DEF-8C0D-90BA4915A308.pdf

Margaret Bell

Papers

Application of a Portable FTIR for Measuring On-road Emissions

The Ageing of Fixed-time Traffic Signal Plans

Towards a real-time microscopic emissions model

Measurement and analysis of household carbon: The case of a UK city

Real-world comparison of probe vehicle emissions and fuel consumption using diesel and 5% biodiesel (B5) blend