Central Edinburgh Research Articles

Assessment of cyclists’ exposure to ultrafine particles along alternative commuting routes in Edinburgh

An effective promotion of commuting by bicycle requires a set of complementary actions, with one of the key measures being the definition of bike-friendly routes, both in terms of road safety and exposure to air pollution. In this study, bike commuters’ exposure to ultrafine particles (UFP) was assessed using mobile measurements and video recording along three alternative routes from central Edinburgh to the science and engineering campus of the University of Edinburgh. Results indicate significant differences in UFP exposure across the three alternative routes, with mean particle number counts (PNC) of 7,990, 9,824 and 19,310 particles/cm3 respectively. With respect to the different types of bike infrastructure present along routes, the findings suggest that bicycle boxes (spaces at intersections that allow cyclists to position themselves ahead of vehicle traffic) are effective for reducing UFP exposure and that using shared bus-bike lanes should be avoided where possible. Heavy duty vehicles (i.e. buses and trucks) and construction sites were identified as the main sources of peaks in UFP exposure. All routes in the city of Edinburgh showed markedly lower PNC levels than those reported by studies conducted in other cities. The findings of this study can inform the implementation of bike-sharing schemes and the design of future cycling infrastructure, for example in the context of developing the low emission zone proposed for implementation across Edinburgh for 2020.

Early life in Edinburgh and beyond: 1835–55

Abstract Archibald Geikie was born on 28 December 1835 into a middle class professional family from central Edinburgh, whose principal business for at least four generations had been hairdressing. This paper looks at the life and times of an academic young boy and charts his early years and the factors that helped him to develop. He was clearly driven and certainly had an eye for the best chance. Persevering through bouts of serious illness and family monetary problems in his teenage years, he undertook several geological excursions, published reports and secured introductions to many of the significant natural scientists living in Edinburgh at the time. With the help of these contacts, and shrugging off the difficulties that appeared in his path, he achieved by the age of 20 the first step towards his chosen profession and became a geologist with the newly established Geological Survey of Scotland.

‘An object lesson in how not to get things done’: Edinburgh's Unbuilt ‘Opera House’, 1960–75

This article examines the proposals of 1960–75 for a major new theatre in central Edinburgh. Popularly known as the ‘opera house’, the proposed Castle Terrace Theatre (which was never built) was a ...

Evaluation and calibration of Aeroqual series 500 portable gas sensors for accurate measurement of ambient ozone and nitrogen dioxide

Low-power, and relatively low-cost, gas sensors have potential to improve understanding of intra-urban air pollution variation by enabling data capture over wider networks than is possible with ‘traditional’ reference analysers. We evaluated an Aeroqual Ltd. Series 500 semiconducting metal oxide O3 and an electrochemical NO2 sensor against UK national network reference analysers for more than 2 months at an urban background site in central Edinburgh. Hourly-average Aeroqual O3 sensor observations were highly correlated (R2 = 0.91) and of similar magnitude to observations from the UV-absorption reference O3 analyser. The Aeroqual NO2 sensor observations correlated poorly with the reference chemiluminescence NO2 analyser (R2 = 0.02), but the deviations between Aeroqual and reference analyser values ([NO2]Aeroq − [NO2]ref) were highly significantly correlated with concurrent Aeroqual O3 sensor observations [O3]Aeroq. This permitted effective linear calibration of the [NO2]Aeroq data, evaluated using ‘hold out’ subsets of the data (R2 ≥ 0.85). These field observations under temperate environmental conditions suggest that the Aeroqual Series 500 NO2 and O3 monitors have good potential to be useful ambient air monitoring instruments in urban environments provided that the O3 and NO2 gas sensors are calibrated against reference analysers and deployed in parallel.

An improved chronology for the Arthur’s Seat volcano and Carboniferous magmatism of the Midland Valley of Scotland

Synopsis The Early Carboniferous Arthur’s Seat volcano in central Edinburgh is of geological significance and landscape value but lacks a precise chronology. New 40 Ar/ 39 Ar step-heating plateau analyses date the lowest Lava 1 of the eruptive sequence to 341.2 ± 0.8 Ma (Visean, Holkerian), with Lava 3a at 336.7 ± 4.7 Ma. Intrusive or lava-lake basalts within the Lion’s Haunch Vent are precisely dated at 338 ± 0.6 Ma at Dunsapie and 335.1 ± 0.6 Ma at Crow Hill (Visean, Asbian). Taken together with existing 40 Ar/ 39 Ar dates recalculated to recent decay constant and standard values, and U/Pb dates, a revised magmatic chronology consistent with biostratigraphy is presented for the Midland Valley of Scotland. The Garleton Hills Volcanic Formation is older than the Arthur’s Seat Volcanic Formation, whereas the Clyde Plateau and Arthur’s Seat volcanic formations are partly coeval, requiring minor re-adjustments to existing stratigraphy. Supplementary material: Excel spreadsheets with raw analytical data and recalculation of existing 40 Ar/ 39 Ar ages are available at www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18773 .

Antidepressants for mothers: What are we prescribing?

Prescribing in the perinatal period is based on a risk-benefit analysis, in the context of a limited evidence base, composed primarily of case series and reports. Mothers with depressive illness often present first in the community and effective treatment is paramount for the wellbeing of both mother and child. We aimed at investigating current prescribing practices among general practitioners (GPs) of antidepressants to mothers presenting in first trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. This qualitative study was conducted by way of postal survey to 78 GPs within South Central Edinburgh catchment area. All responses were anonymous and confidential. We discovered inconsistent prescribing patterns among GPs to both pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Only one GP suggested consulting clinical guidelines when making prescribing choices. There was no mention of the continuation of an antidepressant from pregnancy into breastfeeding as a reason of choice. Inconsistent prescribing patterns among GPs could have implications for the wellbeing of mother and child, and may be reflective of an underlying educational need among GPs.

SSCS-Scotland Sponsors Technical Meeting in September, K. Kundert Speaks on Verification of Complex Analog Circuits

K. Kundert Speaks on Verification of Complex Analog Circuits Around 40 people from local industry and academia gathered at the Central Edinburgh offices of Dialog Semiconductor on 28 September, 2008 to hear Dr. Ken Kundert, creator of "The Designer's Guide Community" website, talk about Verification of Complex Analog Integrated Circuits. The event was sponsored by the SSCS-Scotland chapter.

Substance use and unsafe sex amongst homosexual men in Edinburgh

A self-reported behaviour survey using an anonymous critical incident based questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers in 1998. Five hundred and thirty-one homosexual and bisexual men were recruited from gay bars, clubs, cafes, a sauna and 'cruising ground' in central Edinburgh. The use of alcohol and recreational drugs and details of sexual activity over the preceding three months and at the last sexual encounter were recorded. Unsafe sex was defined as anal sex without the use of a condom with a partner of unknown or different HIV status. Safer sex was defined as all other types of sex, including anal sex with a condom and anal sex without a condom with a partner whose HIV status was known to be the same. Of the questionnaires completed, 506 were suitable for analysis; 29 men (6.1%) reported anal sex with a partner of unknown or different HIV status without a condom ('unsafe sex') during their last sexual encounter. A total of 53 men (10.5%) could recall an episode of unsafe sex within the last three months. Men who had used marijuana or inhaled nitrites ('poppers') less than two hours before sex, or whose sexual partners had done so, were more likely to have unsafe sex than those who had not. Although alcohol use was more likely before sex with casual partners, the use of alcohol less than 2 hours before sex was not associated with sex being unsafe.

Using archive data to investigate trends in the sources and composition of urban PM10 particulate matter: Application to Edinburgh (UK) between 1992 and 1997

By extending the method of Stedman (1998), daily data of atmospheric concentrations of gravimetric PM10, black smoke (BS) and sulphate aerosol (SA) from national networks were analysed to determine the trends in time of the contribution of different sources of particulate matter to total PM10 measured in central Edinburgh. Since BS is an indicator of combustion-related primary sources of particulate matter, the quantity obtained by subtraction of daily BS from daily PM10 is indicative of the contribution to total PM10 from other primary sources and from secondary aerosol. This PM10-BS statistic was regressed on SA, since SA is an indicator of variation in secondary aerosol source. For Edinburgh, SA is a considerably better indicator of PM10-BS during summer than winter (reflecting the much greater photochemical generation of secondary aerosol in summer) and there is evidence that the contribution of other secondary aerosol (presumably nitrate aerosol) has increased relative to SA between 1992 and 1997. The concentration of non-combustion primary particulate material (marine aerosol, suspended dust) to PM10 in Edinburgh has not changed over this period but is about twice that calculated as the U.K. national average. The increasing input to PM10 from secondary aerosol sources at regional rather than urban scale has important implications for ensuring local air quality compliance. The method should have general applicability to other locations.

A feasibility study of adolescent sex education: medical students as peer educators in Edinburgh schools.

To determine the feasibility of medical students being involved in sex education in secondary schools, as lesson leaders in peer group discussions. 1. Questionnaires and interviews to determine pupil and professional opinions about the present sex education provision and the possible involvement of medical students. 2. A pilot scheme in one school involving medical students as peer educators. Six central Edinburgh secondary schools; local sex education services; Edinburgh University. 1. Thirty schoolteachers and 205 pupils returned questionnaires. From this, 18 teachers and 12 pupil groups (six to eight pupils each) were interviewed. 2. Pilot scheme involved three sessions with three groups of six to eight pupils per session. Twenty-nine returns for the evaluative (pupil) questionnaire were received. Questionnaire analysis; anecdotal evidence from interviews; evaluative questionnaire given to pupils participating in pilot study. Ninety-four percent of teachers and 93% of pupils were in favour of medical student involvement in schools. Teachers identified large class size and lack of resources for small group work as factors limiting the effectiveness of present sex education. Pupils identified teacher embarrassment in certain issues as a barrier to communication, and 89% found communication to be easier with medical students. Response to the idea of medical student involvement was very favourable from all parties involved, and a continuation of the study has been integrated as an options course into the Edinburgh University undergraduate medical curriculum.

Traffic barriers and pedestrian crossing behaviour

This paper is concerned with the relationships between traffic conditions and pedestrian behaviour which determine the extent of barrier effects. These relationships are examined on a high-density mixed-use street in central Edinburgh. Such streets are generally important routes for both pedestrians and vehicles, where there is maximum potential for conflicts between them. Crossing strategies and pedestrian trip-making activity are shown to be modified in response to changes in traffic conditions, notably to changes in traffic volumes and parking activity. Barrier effects are seen to vary markedly with the age group of pedestrians. The findings are related to pedestrian safety on such streets and to issues involved in the design and implementation of traffic management schemes. It is concluded that barrier effects on pedestrians should be a standard consideration in scheme design and implementation.

Isotopic ratios of lead in contemporary environmental material from Scotland

Lead emitted into the environment, primarily from the combustion of leaded petrol and industrial activities, retains the isotopic signature of the ore(s) from which it is derived. Leaded petrol, atmospheric particulates and street dust sampled in central Edinburgh between February 1989 and December 1991 had mean(206)Pb/(207)Pb ratios of 1.082 ± 0.024, 1.092 ± 0.011 and 1.109 ± 0.016 respectively. These isotope ratios were found to be depleted in(206)Pb compared with a mean of 1.160 ± 0.012 for tap water in contact with lead pipes and %typical ratios of 1.17-1.19 for British lead ore deposits and coal. Paint, with an observed wide range of 20 Pb(207) Pb ratios (1.083-1.183), appears to have significantly influenced house dust and some street dust(206)Pb(207) values. Such overlaps and influences may hinder the quantitative apportionment, via isotope data, of source and route in general population surveys of human exposure to lead.

Blood-lead levels and children's behaviour--results from the Edinburgh Lead Study.

The effect of blood-lead on children's behaviour was investigated in a sub-sample of 501 boys and girls aged 6-9 years from 18 primary schools within a defined area of central Edinburgh. Behaviour ratings of the children were made by teachers and parents using the Rutter behaviour scales. An extensive home interview with a parent was also carried out. Multiple regression analyses showed a significant relationship between log blood-lead and teachers' ratings on the total Rutter score and the aggressive/anti-social and hyperactive sub-scores, but not the neurotic sub-score when 30 possible confounding variables were taken into account. There was a dose-response relationship between blood-lead and behaviour ratings, with no evidence of a threshold.

Harmful Effects of Lead on Learning

Members of the Depts. Community Medicine, Education, Geology, and Med. Statistics Unit, Univ. Edinburgh, have investigated the effect of blood-lead on cognitive ability and educational attainment in a sample of 855 boys and girls aged 6-9 years from 18 primary schools in central Edinburgh.

INFLUENCE OF BLOOD LEAD ON THE ABILITY AND ATTAINMENT OF CHILDREN IN EDINBURGH

The effect of blood-lead on children's ability and attainment was investigated in a sample of 855 boys and girls aged 6-9 years from eighteen primary schools within a defined area of central Edinburgh. The geometric mean blood-lead value was 10·4 μg/dl. In a stratified subsample, 501 children completed individual tests of cognitive ability and educational attainment from the British Ability Scales (BAS). An extensive home interview with a parent was also done. Multiple regression analyses showed a significant negative relation between log blood-lead and BAS combined score, number skills, and word reading when thirty-three possible confounding variables were taken into account. There was a dose-response relation between blood-lead and test scores, with no evidence of a threshold. The size of the effect was small compared with that of other factors. Lead at low levels of exposure probably has a small harmful effect on the performance of children in ability and attainment tests.

The geomorphology of central Edinburgh

Abstract For a 2.0 by 2.8 km. area in central Edinburgh about 1400 borehole records have been collected. From these records three large‐scale maps have been constructed showing respectively rockhead altitude, drift thickness and drift composition. These maps can be of assistance in planning and costing future site investigations. Along with other data the maps also provide information about the geomorphology of the city centre. Trenches cut by glacier ice where deflected by resistant rock masses are clearly revealed and it can be inferred that a thickness of at least 150 m. of rock has been removed near Salisbury Crags and over 105 m. by the Castle Rock. In addition to the well‐known crag‐and‐tail effect some hills appear to have influenced glacial erosion for a considerable distance in the opposite direction. Erosion and deposition by glacial melt‐water rivers has occurred in the area and there is evidence for several former lakes. The presence of lateglacial lake deposits beneath a solifluction layer ma...

The Edinburgh Meeting of the British Association

THE preliminary programme and invitation circular for the eighty-ninth annual meeting of the British Association, to be held in Edinburgh on September 7–14, is now ready for distribution. Members of the Association will receive it shortly if it has not already reached them; others who propose to attend the meeting may obtain a copy on application to the Assistant Secretary of the Association, Burlington House, London, W.i. The circular, which is more comprehensive than has been customary, contains more than a merely preliminary programme, for many of the definitive arrangements for the meeting are set forth and a time-table of the principal engagements is appended. The circular is a pamphlet of sixteen pages with a three-leaf cover. One leaf, detachable at a perforation, provides two reply forms -one for intimation of attendance and the other for intimation of the member's local address-and, in order to assist the organisation of the meeting, members who propose to be present are requested to complete and return these forms at their earliest convenience. On another cover is a useful map of central Edinburgh, on which are indicated the principal buildings, especially those to be used for the meetings, the railway stations, the bus and tram routes, and the principal hotels.

List of the Protocol Books of the City of Edinburgh, with Extracts

A list of protocol books from the City of Edinburgh, information on the number of folios and the dates they were written. The author gives an overview of the contents of these protocol books, mainly consisting of legal documents relating to property ownership. A list of property owners in central Edinburgh and direct quotes from the protocol books are included to illustrate the kind of information that can be gained from this resource.