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Mid-IR standoff measurement of ageing-related spectroscopic changes in bitumen in the 6 µm (1700 cm−1) region. Part 2: instrument development and results
No full textThe development and experimental performance of instrumentation to measure ageing-related spectroscopic changes in bitumen is described. Oxidation of bitumen at the surface increases the number of carbonyl (C=O) bonds, and this can be measured in the 6 μm region (1700 cm−1) of the mid-infrared. Standoff measurements of surface reflectivity were performed using 4 discrete wavelengths, 3 for the carbonyl absorption and the fourth as a spectral reference. The standoff height of 20 cm caused problems resulting from the presence of numerous strong absorption lines of atmospheric water in the optical path, which was solved by use of wavelengths centred within available “water windows” and a pathlength-matched reference channel. The instrument was tested using bitumen samples aged artificially using UV exposure. Results illustrating the instrument’s response to bitumen age, along with tolerance to changes in height and tilt, are shown. Measurements made during preliminary field trials on outdoor asphalt are also demonstrated. Part 1 of this paper describes the scientific challenges involved in designing this instrument.Funding for this work was provided by National Highways under the SPATS programme (Spectrographic Analysis of Pavements at Traffic Speed) Work Package 1-408 (reference PIN 601344) and the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (grant EP/N002520/01).Scientific Report
The interplay of agile capabilities in crisis response
Get PDFPurpose
Large-scale disruptions that lead to extreme environmental uncertainty, combined with perceived threats and time pressure, have prompted some organizations to rapidly form new networks. This research aims to focus on how actors in these newly formed networks leverage their agile capabilities in response to extreme disruptions.
Design/methodology/approach
Grounded in the agility literature, this study employs an abductive research approach and a multi-case design. Data were collected from 18 actors embedded in four newly formed networks located in the United Kingdom, Italy, Colombia and the USA.
Findings
Through six propositions and an empirically derived model of supply chain agility under extreme uncertainty, the findings reveal a dynamic interplay among agile capabilities. They also illustrate how the utilization of these capabilities shifts in environments characterized by severe unpredictability.
Practical implications
The research underscores the importance of allocating equal attention to both cognitive and physical dimensions of agility. Under conditions of extreme uncertainty, firms may need to adopt more entrepreneurial behaviors to enhance agility; however, this can increase risk exposure, which must be managed proactively.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the body of knowledge on supply chain agility by identifying the interrelationships between agility dimensions and demonstrating how extreme uncertainty influences their practical application.International Journal of Operations & Production Managemen
Toward in-vivo cancer detection: X-ray scattering on thick phantom samples
Get PDFThis article belongs to the Section PhotochemistryAs the number of new breast cancer cases grows around the world, there is an unmet need for fast, accurate, and low-cost methods of early cancer detection. It was previously shown that X-ray scattering on lipid molecules can provide the necessary structural biomarker. However, these measurements were performed on small ex vivo samples, and to ensure the progress to in vivo diagnostics, the approach should be extended to larger tissues. We use the phantom fat samples to establish such a procedure. In the obtained X-ray scattering patterns, we observe the characteristic features for the inter-fatty-acid molecular distance. The large size of the samples led to the peak broadening; however, the features remain visible up to 10 cm in thickness. The experimental data are in excellent agreement with the Monte Carlo simulations based on the form factors obtained from the small samples. Our results usher the way for the in vivo monitoring of the structural biomarkers of breast cancer.Molecule
Venturia inaequalis can initiate sexual reproduction prior to leaf‐fall: new electron microscopy evidence
No full textApple scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis, is a major disease of cultivated apples (Malus × domestica) worldwide. Annually, there is one cycle of sexual reproduction (ascospores) in V. inaequalis between strains of two opposite mating types. Sexual reproduction mainly occurs on leaf litter over the winter, and mature ascospores readily infect young leaves the following spring. We do not yet know whether sexual reproduction is initiated before or after leaf‐fall in autumn. The timing of sexual reproduction initiation can significantly impact the exchange of genetic information among pathogen strains. In this study, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the timing of sex initiation, in particular, whether sex can initiate between lesions on the same leaf prior to leaf‐fall. SEM images showed that pseudothecial structures begin to develop before leaf‐fall on leaves with either multiple lesions or a single lesion. Following an overwintering period under laboratory conditions, however, the pseudothecia on leaves with multiple lesions were larger and more mature than those on leaves with a single lesion, where initial pseudothecial structures were present but did not develop further. Thus, the results suggest that the initiation of sexual reproduction in V. inaequalis can occur prior to leaf‐fall in autumn, limiting the opportunities for sexual recombination among strains from different leaves.This study was supported by the BBSRC and the Collaborative Training Partnership for Fruit Crop Research (CTP-FCR).Plant Patholog
Aerodynamics of a short intake at high incidence
Get PDFThis work assesses the aerodynamics of a short aero-engine intake for a new rig that is planned to be tested at the Large Low-Speed Facility of the German Dutch Wind Tunnels (LLF-DNW) in 2025. A range of computations were performed to assess if the expected aerodynamics in this arrangement encompass the envisaged range of flow field characteristics of the equivalent isolated configuration. The effect of massflow capture ratio and angle of attack are investigated. In addition, an intake flow separation taxonomy is proposed to characterize the associated flows. The wind tunnel analysis is based on two different modelling approaches: an aspirated isolated intake and a coupled fan-intake configuration. The coupled configuration uses a full annulus model with a harmonic mixing plane method. Across the range of operating conditions with changes in massflow capture ratio and angle of attack, there are attached and separated flows. The main separation mechanisms are diffusion-driven and shock-induced, which shows the different aerodynamics that may be encountered in a short intake. Overall, this work provides an initial evaluation of the aerodynamics of the new fan/intake test rig configuration, provides guidance for the wind tunnel testing, and lays a foundation for subsequent unsteady coupled fan-intake studies.This research was funded in scope of the 6th Federal Aeronautical Research Program (LuFo VI-1) by the German Federal Ministery of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK, formerly BMWi) and is part of the project ModeGo (FKZ: 20T1914A).16th European Turbomachinery Conference (ETC16) Turbomachiner
Assessing uninstalled hydrogen-fuelled retrofitted turbofan engine performance
Get PDFHydrogen as fuel in civil aviation gas turbines is promising due to its no-carbon content and higher net specific energy. For an entry-level market and cost-saving strategy, it is advisable to consider reusing existing engine components whenever possible and retrofitting existing engines with hydrogen. Feasible strategies of retrofitting state-of-the-art Jet A-1 fuelled turbofan engines with hydrogen while applying minimum changes to hardware are considered in the present study. The findings demonstrate that hydrogen retrofitted engines can deliver advantages in terms of core temperature levels and efficiency. However, the engine operability assessment showed that retrofitting with minimum changes leads to a ~5% increase in the HP spool rotational speed for the same thrust at take-off, which poses an issue in terms of certification for the HP spool rotational speed overspeed margin.14th EASN International ConferenceEngineering Proceeding
A paper-microfluidic platform for viral RNA and protein detection in saliva for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis
No full textRapid and sensitive diagnostic methods for infectious diseases are critical for public health management. The reliance of immunoassays on humoral immune responses results in lower detection rates during early infection compared to nucleic acid tests. To address this limitation, we presented a paper-microfluidic platform for rapid and low-cost SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis that simultaneously detected viral RNA and proteins in saliva. The system integrated a streamlined saliva processing protocol, a paper-based colorimetric reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for viral RNA detection (LOD: 10 copies/μL; Dynamic range: 10–107 copies/μL), and a paper-based ELISA (p-ELISA) assay for immunoglobulin titer quantification (LOD: 0.5ng/μL; Dynamic range: 0.5–60ng/μL). Lyophilized reagents ensured operational simplicity and long-term stability, while results were interpreted visually or via smartphone imaging. The entire assay was completed within 60min, with recoveries of 93%–106% in saliva samples. By facilitating non-invasive saliva analysis and concurrent assessment of viral load and antibody titers, this platform will provide a comprehensive diagnostic solution, particularly valuable in resource-limited settings.This project was supported by UK Research and Innovation Natural Environment Research Council Fellowship grant (NE/R013349/2), National Wastewater Epidemiology Surveillance Programme (NE/V010441/1), and Leverhulme Trust Research Leadership Awards (RL-2022–041).Sensors and Actuators B: Chemica
Locomotion of Multi Arm Robot for In-Orbit Operations (MARIO) in lab environment
No full textThis paper presents the control architecture and experimental validation of MARIO, a multi-arm robotic platform developed by Cranfield University for In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing (IOSM) task demonstration in a laboratory environment. MARIO comprises three ROS-enabled, 6-degree-of-freedom robotic arms with a 5 kg payload capacity, mounted on a pneumatic air-bearing platform that enables near-frictionless planar movement over an epoxy floor. Each arm is equipped with onboard cameras and end-effectors to perform locomotion, assembly, and manipulation tasks with high precision. The developed ROS2-based control framework integrates a multi-layered architecture, combining a collision-free trajectory planner, synchronized multi-arm coordination, and hardware-level execution for smooth and accurate motion. The platform is experimentally validated in the laboratory through arm-based locomotion and coordinated base-arm movements using standard interfaces. The resulting control architecture can be used as the foundation for developing a common framework of the multi-arm robot in orbital application.Towards Autonomous Robotic Systems 26th Annual Conference, TAROS 2025Towards Autonomous Robotic System
Metal additive manufacturing MSc—a pioneering global master’s course for leaders of future manufacturing
No full textThis chapter covers the design of world’s first MSc in Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) with industry- and academia-driven considerations and objectives, as addressed in the European-Commission-funded project that saw the course developed over a period of three years. Then, the chapter covers the delivery and evolution of the course at Cranfield University, with its unique strengths and far-reaching activities in the field of large-scale metal AM. Finally, the chapter also covers case studies and innovative pedagogical tools introduced since 2019, providing a useful reference to broader stakeholders.Additive Manufacturing Teaching and Training Case Studie
Transformative governance and community renewable energy adoption: integrating decentralized solutions for sustainable energy transitions in northern Nigeria
No full textShrimpton, Elisabeth - Associate SupervisorThis thesis examines how decentralized governance and citizen participation can
accelerate renewable energy (RE) adoption in Nigeria. Working within a Community
Renewable Energy–Multi-Level Governance (CRE-MLG) framework, the research
integrates a household survey (n=559) and semi-structured stakeholder interviews
(n=15) to identify determinants of adoption and practical pathways for implementation.
Quantitatively, a multinomial logit model estimated in STATA, interpreted via average
marginal effects (AMEs) and robustness checks, shows that income, education, and
awareness are the most consistent predictors of readiness to adopt, with occupation
adding important nuance (civil service/NGO > informal sector). At 15–20% above
baseline income, the probability of high commitment rises by 44% points, and by 52%
points at >20%, while awareness alone increases commitment by nearly 15% points.
Interaction terms reveal diminishing returns to generic awareness at higher incomes
and education-sensitive effects, indicating that adoption does not follow a simple linear
path. Qualitative findings indicate that adoption depends as much on credible,
proximate institutions as on affordability or information. Fragmented mandates, slow
approvals, and weak accountability blunt household willingness to act. The thesis
operationalizes this governance gap through Renewable Energy Desk Officers
(REDOs) embedded in the local government(s) to coordinate approvals, consumer
protection, data flows, and targeted information campaigns. Overall, the results
position Nigeria’s energy transition as fundamentally governance-oriented; awareness
converts to action where finance is accessible, information is trusted, and delivery is
reliable. Policy recommendations include income-segmented finance (subsidies,
micro-finance, Pay-As-You-Go), education-sensitive messaging, occupation-routed
outreach, and regulatory coherence implemented through REDOs. Re-channelling
substantial private spending on backup generation toward decentralized renewables,
under credible local delivery, can advance national targets while improving equity and
reliability.PhD in Energy and Powe