Staff publications - Cranfield University at Silsoe

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Open Access
Agricultural Futures and Implications for the Environment.
(2005-11-01T00:00:00Z) Morris, Joe; Audsley, Eric; Wright, Iain A.; McLeod, Jim; Pearn, Kerry R.; Angus, Andrew; Rickard, Sean
In this context, the overall aim of project is to explore possible long term futures for agriculture in England and Wales in order to inform decision-making on environmental policy and provide a 2 framework for Defra research on sustainable agriculture, climate change and other environmental issues.
Open Access
Amperometric biosensor for formic acid in air
(Elsevier, 2000-11-01) Sandström, K. J. Mattias; Newman, Jeffrey D.; Sunesson, Anna-Lena; Levina, Jan-Olof; Turner, Anthony P. F.
The possibility of developing a simple, inexpensive and specific personal passive ”real-time” air sampler based on biosensor technology was investigated. Formic acid was used as a model substance. The sensor is based on the enzymatic reaction between formic acid and formate dehydrogenase with NAD+ as a cofactor and Meldola’s blue as mediator. An effective way to immobilise the enzyme, cofactor and Meldola’s blue on screen-printed electrodes was found to be in a mixture of glycerol and phosphate buffer covered with a gas-permeable membrane. When the sensor was introduced into an atmosphere containing formic acid, it gave a distinct and rapid amperometric response.
Open Access
Anglian Region: River Yare, River Wensum, Woldgrift Drain
(National Rivers Authority, 1996) Dunderdale, J. A. L.; Morris, J.
This document describes methods, results and conclusions of a study to evaluate the impacts of alternative river maintenance strategies on the River Yare and Wensum and the Woldgrift Drain in the Anglian Region. Its main purpose are to provide supporting information for R&D Note 456 'River Maintenance Evaluation' and to provide data which supports routines for the prioritisation and programming of river maintenance.
Open Access
Approaches to allergy detection using aptasensors
(Taylor and Francis, 2007) Brys, Emile; Tombelli, Sara; Minunni, Maria E.; Mascini, Marco; Turner, Anthony P. F.
1. Immunoglobulins and IgE Antibodies are glycoprotein molecules which are produced by plasma cells in response to an immunogen (1). They belong to a class of spherical proteins called globulins and are hence known as immunoglobulins (Igs). Their primary function is to mediate the host immune response by binding to antigens.
Open Access
Artisan Business Training Programme, Luwero Diocese Water Project.
(Cranfield University, 1999) Rwamwanja, R.
This report contributes to the findings, implications, and future plans of a project, initiated by Cranfield University (Silsoe, UK) entitled “Private Sector Participation in Low Cost Water Well Drilling”.
Open Access
Background documentation: guidelines for river vegetation maintenance
(National Rivers Authority, 1996) Ward, D. E.; Holmes, N. T. H.; Andrews, J. H.; Gowing, D. J. G.; Kirby, P.
This report sets out the methodology employed in preparing guidelines for the incorporation of environmental criteria into the planning and appraisal of river vegetation management. This work was carried out under Project 536 (environmental Impact Assessment) under the umbrella of Project No. 317 - River Maintenance Evaluation, being undertaken for the National Rivers Authority (Severn Trent Region) by Silsoe College. Its aim is to provide the environmental basis for making decisions on the optimum method and timing of vegetation control on rivers which will integrate satisfactorily with operational demands and will maintain or enhance existing environmental interests.
Open Access
Biotin–specific synthetic receptors prepared using molecular imprinti
(Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam., 2004-02-16T00:00:00Z) Piletska, Elena V.; Piletsky, Sergey A.; Karim, K.; Terpetschnig, E.; Turner, Anthony P. F.
The composition of new molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) specific for biotin was optimised using molecular modelling software. Three functional monomers: methacrylic acid (MAA), 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid (TFAA) and 2-acrylamido- 2-methyl-propanesulfonic acid (AMPSA), which demonstrated the highest binding scores with biotin, were tested on their ability to generate specific binding sites. The imprinted polymers were photografted to the surface of polystyrene microspheres in water. The affinity of the synthetic "receptor" sites was evaluated in binding experiments using horseradish peroxidase-labelled biotin. A good correlation was found between the modelling results and the performance of the materials in the template rebinding study. The dissociation constants for all MIPs were 1.4-16.8 nM, which is sufficient for most analytical applications where biotin is used as a label.
Open Access
Calibration methodology for mapping within-field crop variability using remote sensing
(Elsevier Science, 2003-04) Wood, G. A.; Taylor, John C.; Godwin, R. J.
A successful method of mapping within-field crop variability of shoot populations in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is demonstrated. The approach is extended to include a measure of green area index (GAI). These crop parameters and airborne remote sensing measures of the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) are shown to be linearly correlated. Measurements were made at key agronomic growth stages up to the period of anthesis and correlated using statistical linear regression based on a series of field calibration sites. Spatial averaging improves the estimation of the regression parameters and is best achieved by sub-sampling at each calibration site using three 0·25 m2 quadrats. Using the NDVI image to target the location of calibration sites, eight sites are shown to be sufficient, but they must be representative of the range in NDVI present in the field, and have a representative spatial distribution. Sampling the NDVI range is achieved by stratifying the NDVI image and then randomly selecting within each of the strata; ensuring a good spatial distribution is determined by visual interpretation of the image. Similarly, a block of adjacent fields can be successfully calibrated to provide multiple maps of within-field variability in each field using only eight points per block representative of the NDVI range and constraining the sampling to one calibration site per field. Compared to using 30 or more calibration sites, restricting samples to eight does not affect the estimation of the regression parameters as long as the criteria for selection outlined in this paper is adhered to. In repeated tests, the technique provided regression results with a value for the coefficient of determination of 0·7 in over 85% of cases. At farm scale, the results indicate an 80–90% probability of producing a map of within crop field variability with an accuracy of 75–99%. This approach provides a rapid tool for providing accurate and valuable management information in near real-time to the grower for better management and for immediate adoption in precision farming practices, and for determining variable rates of nitrogen, fungicide or plant growth regulators.
Open Access
Carrier systems and biosensors for biomedical applications.
(2007-10-31T00:00:00Z) Davis, Frank; Higson, Seamus P. J.
This chapter addresses both carrier systems and biosensors which are often applied directly to tissues, either as skin patches, implanted or ingested by a variety of routes. It follows that there is a common theme between these applications and many of those discussed elsewhere within this book. Any device, scaffold or implant within the body must usually display extreme biocompatibility if it is not to cause harm to the patient. The techniques of tailoring surfaces to ensure no adverse reactions are a common theme running throughout this work on tissue engineering.
Open Access
Compatible measurements of volumetric soil water content using a neutron probe and Diviner 2000 after field calibration.
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 2006-12-01T00:00:00Z) Burgess, Paul J.; Reinhard, Berend Richard; Pasturel, P.
Field calibrations for a neutron probe and a capacitance sensor (Diviner 2000) for measuring the soil water content of a shrinking–swelling clay soil were substantially different from commonly used default values. Using our field calibrations, the two instruments estimated similar changes in the cumulative water content of a soil profile (0–1 m depth) over one growing sea
Open Access
Compilation of Work on Siting Methodology and Hydrogeological Potential of the Pounder Rig.
(Cranfield University, 2001) Tindimugaya, C.; Luutu, A.; Danert, Kerstin; Carter, Richard C.
This report contributes to the findings, implications, and future plans of a project, initiated by Cranfield University (Silsoe, UK) entitled “Private Sector Participation in Low Cost Water Well Drilling”.
Open Access
Compost liquor bioremediation using waste materials as biofiltration media.
(Elsevier, 2005-03) Savage, A. J.; Tyrrel, Sean F.
Compost liquor results from the percolation of precipitation through composting waste; the release of liquids from high moisture content feedstocks; and as a result of runoff from hard surfaces and machinery. This research aimed to establish the potential for waste materials to act as media for low-cost compost liquor biofilters. Six types of potential biofilter media were packed into experimental biofilters (1 m long x 0.11 m diameter) and irrigated with compost liquor (organic loading rate of 0.6 kg/m3/d) for three months. The pH, BOD5, NH3/NH4+, and phytotoxicity of the effluent was monitored regularly. Natural, organic materials (oversize, compost and wood mulch) performed best, when compared to synthetic materials such as polystyrene packaging or inert materials such as broken brick. On average, the best media achieved 78% removal of both BOD5 and ammoniacal nitrogen during the study period. Although significant improvements in liquor quality were achieved, the effluent remained heavily polluted.
Open Access
Contractor Drilling with Pounder II
(Cranfield University, 2001-06) Danert, Kerstin; Carter, Richard C.
This report contributes to the findings, implications, and future plans of a project, initiated by Cranfield University (Silsoe, UK) entitled “Private Sector Participation in Low Cost Water Well Drilling”.
Open Access
Custom synthesis of molecular imprinted polymers for biotechnological application: preparation of a polymer selective for tylosin
(Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam., 2004-02-16T00:00:00Z) Piletsky, Sergey A.; Piletska, Elena V.; Karim, K.; Foster, G.; Legge, C.; Turner, Anthony P. F.
A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) selective for tylosin was designed and synthesised using a computational method (MIP “dialling”). In re-binding experiments the MIP demonstrated high affinity for tylosin in aqueous solutions and in organic solvents. The synthesised polymer was tested for re-binding with the template and related metabolites such as tylactone, narbomycin and picromycin. The HPLC analysis showed that the computationally designed polymer is specific and capable of separating the template from its structural analogues. The MIP was capable of recovering tylosin from broth samples. The polymer capacity for tylosin was estimated as 6.4 mg/g for MIP, which was suitable for practical application and tylosin recovery from broth samples. Among the advantages of this was the possibility to adsorb tylosin from a complex media with easy removal of oils and other impurities which are present in significant quantities, which can create problems for its chromatographic purification procedure. The MIP “dialling” procedure can have a general significance for the fast preparation of specific adsorbents for biotechnological appli
Open Access
Design review of the Pounder Rig, following field trials of the prototype
(1999-11-01T00:00:00Z) Ball, Peter D.
Field trials of the prototype Pounder Rig were undertaken in Mpigi District, Uganda in the second half of 1999. The first phase of these trials gave rise to an initial evaluation of the equipment, which is included here as an Appendix. The trials themselves are fully reported under separate cover (Ball, P and Danert, K (1999) Field Trials of the Prototype Pounder Rig, Uganda, 20 th August – 13 th November, 1999. Report of DFID KAR Project R7126 “Private Sector Participation in Low Cost Water Well Drilling”, Cranfield University). This document is a review of the design of the Pounder Rig, and a discussion of pertinent aspects of its use and management, following the completion of the trials. It forms the basis for the move from prototype to production
Open Access
Detection of TP53 mutation using a portable Surface Plasmon Resonance DNA-based biosensor
(Elsevier, 2005-02-02T17:36:22Z) Jiang, Tieshan; Minunni, Maria E.; Wilson, P. K.; Zhang, Jian; Turner, Anthony P. F.; Mascini, Marco
A DNA-based Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) biosensor has been developed for the detection of TP53 mutation using the inexpensive and commercially available instrument, SPREETATM SPR-EVM-BT, from Texas Instruments. A direct immobilization procedure, based on the coupling of thiol-derivatised oligonucleotide probes (Probe-C6-SH) to bare gold sensor surfaces, was optimized using synthetic oligonucleotides. Hybridization reactions between the immobilized probe and a short sequence (26 mer) complementary, non-complementary and one point mutation DNA were then investigated. The main analytical parameters of the sensor system were studied in detail including selectivity, sensitivity, reproducibility and analysis time. Finally, the sensor system was successfully applied to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified real samples, DNA extracted from both normal, wild type, (Jurkat) and mutated (Molt 4), carrying the mutation at codon 248 of the TP53 cell lines. The results obtained demonstrate that the DNA-based SPR biosensor was able to distinguish sequences present in the various samples that differ only by one base and hence it appears to be a strong candidate technique for the detection of gene mutation.
Open Access
Developing strategies for spatially variable nitrogen application in cereals II: wheat
(Elsevier Science, 2003-04) Welsh, J. P.; Wood, G. A.; Godwin, R. J.; Taylor, John C.; Earl, R.; Blackmore, S.; Knight, S. M.
For precision agriculture to provide both economic and environmental benefits over conventional farm practice, management strategies must be developed to accommodate the spatial variability in crop performance that occurs within fields. Experiments were established in crops of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) over three seasons. The aim of which was to evaluate a set of variable rate nitrogen strategies and examining the spatial variation in crop response to applied N. The optimum N application rate varied from 90 to in excess of 160 kg [N] ha−1 in different parts of the field, which supports the case for applying spatially variable rates of N. This, however, is highly dependent on seasonal variations, e.g. the quantity and distribution of rainfall and the effect that this has on soil moisture deficits and crop growth. Estimates of yield potential, produced from either historic yield data or shoot density maps derived from airborne digital photographic images, were used to divide experimental strips into management zones. These zones were then managed according to two N application strategies. The results from the historic yield approach, based on 3 yr of yield data, were inconsistent, and it was concluded that that this approach, which is currently the most practical commercial system, does not provide a suitable basis for varying N rates. The shoot density approach, however, offered considerably greater potential as it takes account of variation in the current crop. Using this approach, it was found that applying additional N to areas with a low shoot population and reducing N to areas with a high shoot population resulted in an average strategy benefit of up to 0·36 t ha−1 compared with standard farm practice.
Open Access
Developing Strategies for spatially variable nitrogen application in cereals, I: Winter barley
(Elsevier Science, 2003-04) Welsh, J. P.; Wood, G. A.; Godwin, R. J.; Taylor, John C.; Earl, R.; Blackmore, S.; Knight, S. M.
For precision agriculture to provide both economic and environmental benefits over conventional farm practice, management strategies must be developed to accommodate the spatial variability in crop performance that occurs within fields. Experiments were established in crops of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) over three seasons. The aim of which was to evaluate a set of variable rate nitrogen strategies and examining the spatial variation in crop response to applied N. The optimum N application rate varied from 90 to in excess of 160 kg [N] ha−1 in different parts of the field, which supports the case for applying spatially variable rates of N. This, however, is highly dependent on seasonal variations, e.g. the quantity and distribution of rainfall and the effect that this has on soil moisture deficits and crop growth. Estimates of yield potential, produced from either historic yield data or shoot density maps derived from airborne digital photographic images, were used to divide experimental strips into management zones. These zones were then managed according to two N application strategies. The results from the historic yield approach, based on 3 yr of yield data, were inconsistent, and it was concluded that that this approach, which is currently the most practical commercial system, does not provide a suitable basis for varying N rates. The shoot density approach, however, offered considerably greater potential as it takes account of variation in the current crop. Using this approach, it was found that applying additional N to areas with a low shoot population and reducing N to areas with a high shoot population resulted in an average strategy benefit of up to 0·36 t ha−1 compared with standard farm practice.
Open Access
Development and application of a soil classification-based conceptual catchment- scale hydrological model
(Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam., 2005-10-01T00:00:00Z) Marechal, David; Holman, Ian P.
A conceptual, continuous, daily, semi distributed catchment-scale rainfall- runoff model that has the potential to be ultimately used in ungauged catchments is described. The Catchment Resources and Soil Hydrology (CRASH) model is developed from the basis that the transformation of rainfall into simulated river discharge can be parameterised using pre-existing national datasets of soil, land use and weather; and that the spatial variability in soil properties and land use are important to the hydrological response of a catchment and should be incorporated into the catchment representation. Both infiltration- excess and saturation-excess runoff mechanisms are simulated, with water movement through each soil layer simulated using a capacitance approach limited according to layer physical properties. The hydrological linkage between the response unit and catchment is parameterised using the existing national Hydrology of Soil Types (HOST) classification. The HOST classification groups all UK soil types into one of 29 hydrological classes for which nationally calibrated values of Base Flow Index and Standard Percentage Runoff are provided. CRASH has been calibrated and validated for three catchments in England with contrasting soil characteristics and meteorological conditions. The model was successful at simulating time series and flow duration curves in all catchments during the calibration and validation periods. The next development stage will be to test CRASH for a large number of catchments covering a wider range of soils, land uses and meteorological conditions, in order to derive a set of regionalised model parameters based upon the HOST classification. The successful cross-scale linkage between water movement through the response unit and the catchment-scale hydrological response using the HOST classification, which incorporates the scale effects between plot and catchment, suggests that such national soil hydrological classifications may provide a sound and consistent framework for hydrological modelling in both gauged and ungauged catchments which should be extended to other regions.
Open Access
The distribution of peatland in Europe.
(Jointly by International Mire Conservation Group and International Peat Society, 2006) Montanarella, Luca; Jones, Robert J. A.; Hiederer, Roland
This paper derives the distribution of peatland in Europe as the extent of peat and peat-topped soils indicated by soil databases. The data sources were the 1:1,000,000 European Soil Database (v1.0) and a data set of organic carbon content (%) for the topsoils of Europe at 1km x 1km resolution that was recently published in map form. The strong influences of vegetation and land use on soil organic carbon (OC) content were taken into account in computing the 1km (OC) data set, as was the influence of temperature. The areas of peat and peat-topped soils estimated from the European Soil Database are generally in close agreement with those obtained using the Map of OC in Topsoils of Europe. The results reveal a strong northern bias in the distribution of organic soils across Europe. Almost one-third of the peatland resource of Europe is in Finland, and more than a quarter is in Sweden. The remainder is in Poland, the UK, Norway, Germany, Ireland, Estonia, Latvia, The Netherlands and France. Small areas of peat and peat-topped soils also occur in Lithuania, Hungary, Denmark and the Czech Republic. For most European countries, the distribution of peat and peat-topped soils is probably more accurately portrayed by the Map of OC in Topsoils of Europe than by the European Soil Map and Database. Such baseline data are important for the conservation of peat and for making much more precise estimates of carbon stocks in topsoil than have been possible hitherto. The results are also relevant to the planning of effective soil protection measures at European level.