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Trade-offs associated with changing cropping patterns in semi-arid areas of Morocco
Get PDFWe developed a model-based framework to support land-use and management decision-making. This framework integrates data and models to support an assessment of scenarios related to crop choices and irrigation management. The framework includes the IPCC models to describe nutrient losses, the Rothamsted carbon model to predict soil organic carbon and Cornel's Environmental Impact Quotient model to predict impacts from pesticides (fungicides, herbicides and insecticides). We used Monte Carlo simulations to quantify model uncertainties. Shaded arrays were used to communicate the uncertainties to end users of the framework. We parameterised our framework to explore outcomes for an irrigated agricultural area in a semi-arid region of Morocco. We used the framework to explore scenarios that were codesigned with farming stakeholders. The scenarios related to crop diversification, and to recent policies on the expansion of olive cultivation and the adoption of efficient irrigation technologies. For the outcomes considered (production, profitability, soil carbon, nutrient losses, pesticide impacts), there were clear trade-offs associated with the cropping system choice. Compared to the baseline scenario of rotated crops, olive production led to greater carbon sequestration (average 4 % increase by doubling olive production), reduced water use (average 3 % reduction by doubling olive production), and reduced emissions (average 42 % reduction by doubling olive production) but was less profitable and provided fewer edible calories. Additionally, olive cultivation was associated with higher environmental impacts from pesticides. Diversified systems, while less profitable, were associated with less harmful pesticide use. Drip irrigation was associated with positive outcomes for profit (average 23 % increase), water use (average 13 % reduction in water use), and reduced nitrogen leaching (average 40 % reduction) with negligible changes in other metrics. However, we did not account for factors associated with increased groundwater depletion. We conclude that such frameworks are a useful means for policy-stakeholders to explore the outcomes of their decisions, thereby, helping to minimise unintended consequences.This work is part of the SAFA (Sustainable Agriculture for Africa) project which is funded by OCP, Morocco. The project is a collaboration between Cranfield University (CU), Rothamsted Research (RRes), and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P).Science of The Total Environmen
Performance evaluation of thin acoustic emission sensors in a laminated composite for structural health monitoring
Get PDFAcoustic emission (AE) is a viable technique for structural health monitoring.
Structures can be monitored by placing the AE sensors on the surface. However,
with polymer-reinforced composites, it is possible to embed the acoustic emission
sensor within the structure. The embedding process is postulated to increase the
sensor’s sensitivity and thus detect subtle structural changes. However,
researchers have differed on whether the sensitivity increases or not. To
investigate the sensitivity of the sensors, the acoustic emission source used can
be either artificial or natural.
Artificial acoustic emission sources such as the pencil lead breaking and
transducer methods were investigated for their precision and accuracy. To
increase the versatility of the transducer method, repositionable double-sided and
thin double-sided tapes were assessed as removable and repositionable
couplants. The PLB and transducer methods were found to have different
frequency responses on both the metal and the composite. The results also
indicate that the transducer must be coupled permanently or at least not
repositioned for best performance.
The artificial acoustic emission sources, PLB and transducer methods were used
to investigate the sensitivity of the fully embedded AE sensor. A test was set up
with pre-determined AE initiation locations (surface and sub-surface) and pre-
determined receiving sensor’s location (surface and sub-surface) to ensure any
sensitivity increase was evident. The results indicated that the sensitivity of the
sensors was influenced by the frequency of the artificial acoustic emission
source.
The sensitivity was then analysed using natural acoustic emission sources by
inducing failure using mechanical loading. Two mechanical testing methods are
used: three-point bend and double cantilever beam (DCB) mode I. Three AE
sensors were tested. The results suggested that the sensitivity is more related to
the crack’s frequency than the crack initiation point.PhD in Manufacturin
Fusion vs. Isolation: evaluating the performance of multi-sensor integration for meat spoilage prediction
Get PDFHigh-throughput and portable sensor technologies are increasingly used in food production/distribution tasks as rapid and non-invasive platforms offering real-time or near real-time monitoring of quality and safety. These are often coupled with analytical techniques, including machine learning, for the estimation of sample quality and safety through monitoring of key physical attributes. However, the developed predictive models often show varying degrees of accuracy, depending on food type, storage conditions, sensor platform, and sample sizes. This work explores various fusion approaches for potential predictive enhancement, through the summation of information gathered from different observational spaces: infrared spectroscopy is supplemented with multispectral imaging for the prediction of chicken and beef spoilage through the estimation of bacterial counts in differing environmental conditions. For most circumstances, at least one of the fusion methodologies outperformed single-sensor models in prediction accuracy. Improvement in aerobic, vacuum, and mixed aerobic/vacuum chicken spoilage scenarios was observed, with performance enhanced by up to 15%. The improved cross-batch performance of these models proves an enhanced model robustness using the presented multi-sensor fusion approach. The batch-based results were corroborated with a repeated nested cross-validation approach, to give an out-of-sample generalised view of model performance across the whole dataset. Overall, this work suggests potential avenues for performance improvements in real-world, minimally invasive food monitoring scenarios.This research was funded as part of the Horizon 2020 ‘DiTECT’ project, (Grant Agreement No 861915)—https://ditect.eu and the Horizon Europe FOODGUARD Project, (Grant Agreement No 101136542)Food
An assessment of the Eurocode provisions for the wind loading on low-rise buildings
No full textThe Eurocode provisions are cheaper alternatives to wind tunnel studies in the consideration of wind loading on a structure. Very tall buildings and large structures have enough economic justification for expensive wind tunnel studies in their design stage. Such wind tunnel studies feature simultaneous scanning and acquisition of loading data from hundreds of pressure tappings with subsequent high-speed computer data processing and analysis. This is not the case for low-rise buildings which do not find their way into the wind tunnel except in the case where they are unusual edifices. However, low-rise buildings are the most damaged in wind storms. In addition, their shapes are increasingly different from the traditional and generic forms considered in the Eurocode. Additionally, the current data acquisition techniques are more advanced than were used for the wind tunnel studies in the 80s from which the Eurocode provisions were collated. Pressures are now sampled simultaneously at all taps rather than sequentially, and tubing response is now corrected numerically rather than by optimized tubing methods. Thus, it is of interest to assess the performance of the Eurocode on present building shapes. This defined the aim of the study and its focus on low-rise buildings. In addition, the limit on the required number of pressure tapping to obtain adequate and reliable wind loading information from wind tunnel studies is investigated. The study is based on models of a simple cuboidal building, a quasi-rectangular building with inset faces in its plan, and a building plan featuring a re-entrant corner possessing curved surfaces at the internal and external junctions of its wings. It is concluded that adapting the Eurocode wind loading provisions to irregular building plans characteristic of modern times may give unsafe solutions. The variations of pressure with wind direction on the internal walls of the wings and the curved surface at the internal junction of the re-entrant corner follow coherent wave forms that are mutually similar. These can be further investigated for codification purposes.The European Physical Journal Plu
Comprehensive strategies for the remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): mechanisms, technologies, and future perspectives
No full textPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of synthetic compounds extensively used in industrial and consumer products owing to their exceptional thermal stability, hydrophobicity, and resistance to chemical degradation. However, these same physicochemical properties that make PFAS valuable in manufacturing have resulted in their persistent accumulation across environmental matrices, including soil, sediments, water bodies, and biota. Elevated PFAS concentrations are commonly detected at aqueous film-forming foam application sites, fluoropolymer manufacturing facilities, landfills, and biosolid-amended agricultural lands. The removal of PFAS through conventional treatment methods is further constrained by the generation of toxic byproducts, degradation of treatment materials, and high operational costs. The pervasive presence of PFAS adversely affects human health, disrupts soil microbial diversity, impairs plant growth, and damages benthic ecosystems, while posing risks of bioaccumulation and trophic transfer. Detection and remediation of PFAS remain particularly challenging due to their chemical stability, complex mixtures, and typically low environmental concentrations. Moreover, microbial degradation of PFAS remains limited, although certain enzymes (like oxidoreductases, hydrolases) have shown potential to transform several PFAS and their precursors. Regulatory control is further complicated by the vast diversity of PFAS compounds, the scarcity of comprehensive toxicity data, and the lack of standardized guidelines for managing their environmental release and human exposure. Therefore, this review consolidates current knowledge on the environmental distribution, ecological impacts, and challenges associated with the PFAS remediation.Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)This article was supported by the Magan Centre of Applied Mycology (MCAM) through funding from Research England, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), United Kingdom. The authors also acknowledge support from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) grant BB/Y008332/1.Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safet
Advanced single-phase non-isolated microinverter with time-sharing maximum power point tracking control strategy
No full textThis article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Control Strategies for Photovoltaic Energy SystemsPartial shading poses a significant challenge to photovoltaic (PV) systems by degrading power output and overall efficiency, especially under non-uniform irradiance conditions. This paper proposes an advanced time-sharing maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control strategy implemented through a non-isolated single-phase multi-input microinverter architecture. The system enables individual power regulation for multiple PV modules while preserving their voltage–current (V–I) characteristics and eliminating the need for additional active switches. Building on the concept of distributed MPPT (DMPPT), a flexible full power processing (FPP) framework is introduced, wherein a single MPPT controller sequentially optimizes each module’s output. By leveraging the slow-varying nature of PV characteristics, the proposed algorithm updates control parameters every half-cycle of the AC output, significantly enhancing controller utilization and reducing system complexity and cost. The control strategy is validated through detailed simulations and experimental testing under dynamic partial shading scenarios. Results confirm that the proposed system maximizes power extraction, maintains voltage stability, and offers improved thermal performance, particularly through the integration of GaN power devices. Overall, the method presents a robust, cost-effective, and scalable solution for next-generation PV systems operating in variable environmental conditions.This studentship of the first author was funded by Libyan Cultural Affair/London, Libya with Grant ID 13840.Energie
Systematic valorisation and circular bioeconomy prospects from potato wastes: a review
No full textPotato is among the most widely cultivated and consumed food crops worldwide, with production steadily rising to meet global food demands. Alongside this growth, industrial processing of potato-based products generates substantial amounts of waste streams, including peels, mash, pulp, and process water, that are often discarded without commercial utilization. These residues are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and bioactive compounds, making them attractive substrates for extraction and bioconversion into a wide range of value-added products. Emerging studies demonstrate their potential for producing biofuels, organic acids, enzymes, carotenoids, lipids, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, as well as fertilizers and bioenergy-related products. Valorization of potato residues not only enhances resource efficiency but also supports circular economy principles and reduces environmental burdens. This review synthesizes current advances through a bibliometric and systematic analysis of SCOPUS-indexed publications (2015–2025), complemented by keyword co-occurrence mapping using VOSviewer to capture research hotspots, technological pathways, and sustainability linkages. The findings highlight that potato waste valorization contributes significantly to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly by promoting responsible production and consumption (SDG12), enabling clean and renewable energy generation (SDG7), and mitigating negative environmental impacts (SDGs 6, 11, 13, 14, and 15). Furthermore, integrating potato residue valorization into industrial symbiosis strengthens innovation, infrastructure, and economic growth (SDGs 8 and 9). Overall, potato waste represents a versatile feedstock for biorefinery applications, offering a holistic model that integrates circular economy strategies with sustainable development objectives.Bioresource Technology Report
Conceptual design methodologies appropriate to blended wing body aircraft with boundary layer ingestion
Get PDFZare Shahneh, Amir - Associate SupervisorBlended wing body aircraft equipped with boundary layer ingestion technology
represent a paradigm leap in aircraft design, one that provides significant
aerodynamic and environmental benefits while reducing fuel consumption.
Although there are numerous advantages to this structure, there are also various
issues that arise as a result of the highly integrated nature of the configuration
and the disciplinary couplings that ensue. This project develops a conceptual
design methodology appropriate to the blended wing body commercial passenger
transport with boundary layer ingestion and applied this methodology into the
Cranfield multidisciplinary design analysis and optimisation environment –
GENUS. The GENUS framework integrates a variety of aerodynamic analysis
tools, an efficient geometry parameterization method, a semi-empirical mass
breakdown model, and an effective boundary layer ingestion analysis model to
enable the synthesis of a realistic conceptual design and exploration of the design
space for this novel class of aircraft. The comparative case studies of blended
wing body airplanes and conventional airplanes in three different sizes find that
the blended wing body is more advantageous at larger aircraft sizes, which
achieve 10.4% reduction in fuel consumption for 14000km-mission-range, 555-
passenger class and the benefit could be expanded to 16.9% with the application
of boundary layer ingestion. The parameter sensitivity analysis shows that the
central body sweep is a key parameter for the design of the blended wing body
aircraft, and the optimal central body sweep with the minimum fuel consumption
increases as the cruise Mach number increases. In the final optimisation part, the
geometry at Mach 0.74 has the lowest fuel consumption, but the one at Mach
0.86 has the highest productivity. The optimised geometry with boundary layer
ingestion leads to a 10.8% reduction in the fuel consumption but an 0.8% higher
structure weight compared to the optimised geometry without boundary layer
ingestion.PhD in Aerospac
From metallic liquids to metallic glasses: in-situ monitoring the atomic structure evolution by synchrotron X-ray diffraction
Get PDFAlthough ubiquitous in nature and technology, a deep understanding of glass formation and glass transition is still missing. It is assumed that the remarkable slowdown of kinetics towards vitrification can be traced back to structural changes in the undercooled liquid. Therefore, a continuous monitoring of the atomic structure during cooling from the equilibrium liquid to the glass is inevitable. However, the high critical cooling rates usually necessary for vitrification of metallic alloys make this a challenging, but at the same time very exciting, endeavor. Only in recent years, it has been technologically possible to achieve in-situ monitoring of the evolving structure for a small number of metallic-glass-forming alloys. Currently, only high-energy X-rays from synchrotron sources as probes in combination with fast two-dimensional detectors can capture diffraction images from usually containerlessly levitated samples with the necessary scattered intensity as well as resolution in space and time. Here, results for those materials where in-situ monitored vitrification has been experimentally accomplished are reviewed, and approaches to experiment and data processing are compared. Insights into the structural behaviour during vitrification derived from these experiments are discussed. Results from accompanying simulations are also included. In addition to the in-situ observation of vitrification, structural indications of possible liquid-liquid crossovers in the alloys are considered as well.We wish to acknowledge financial support in part from the EPSRC-DTP studentship “Bulk Metallic Glasses: Revealing the Structural Pathway of Liquid Metals to Vitrification” [project reference 2043971] within the framework of the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership with Cranfield University [EP/N509450/1] and in part from the Cranfield University 75th Anniversary Research Fellowship scheme.Critical Reviews in Solid State and Materials Science
Development of the hydrogen market and local green hydrogen offtake in Africa
Get PDFCreating a hydrogen market in Africa is a great opportunity to assist in the promotion of sustainable energy solutions and economic growth. This article addresses the legislation and regulations that need to be developed to facilitate growth in the hydrogen market and allow local green hydrogen offtake across the continent. By reviewing current policy and strategy within particular African countries and best practices globally from key hydrogen economies, the review establishes compelling issues, challenges, and opportunities unique to Africa. The study identifies the immense potential in Africa for renewable energy, and, in particular, for solar and wind, as the foundation for the production of green hydrogen. It examines how effective policy frameworks can establish a vibrant hydrogen economy by bridging infrastructural gaps, cost hurdles, and regulatory barriers. The paper also addresses how local offtake contracts for green hydrogen can be used to stimulate economic diversification, energy security, and sustainable development. Policy advice is provided to assist African authorities and stakeholders in the deployment of enabling regulatory frameworks and the mobilization of funds. The paper contributes to global hydrogen energy discussions by introducing Africa as an eligible stakeholder in the emerging hydrogen economy and outlining prospects for its inclusion into regional and global energy supply chains.Hydroge