Publications

Abstract
We developed a fast, simple and highly-efficient enrichment procedure for trace levels of semi volatile organic compounds from air and surfaces and combined it with ion mobility spectrometry as field-deployable and rapid analytical technique. Our new technique, the sprayed liquid-gas extraction, was developed and optimized to allow the enrichment of semi volatile organic compounds.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to develop an EU sociotechnical systems (STSs) map to represent a harmonised concept of operations (CONOPS) as a future development platform for technologies used in multi-services emergency responses to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incidents.

Abstract
Security and defence discussions are now filled with speculation about robot weapons and artificial intelligence (AI). The problem is, security cannot be built on robotic weapons, autonomous systems or AI alone. Autonomous systems are more like operating platforms and firing systems than weapons per se. For example, electro-optical weapons, firearms, missiles, and nuclear weapons are defined by their impact. Robotised features simply increase that impact.

To continue reading please click on the link below.

Abstract

The objective of our study was to investigate whether one may quickly and reliably discriminate different microorganism strains by direct monitoring of the headspace atmosphere above their cultures. Headspace samples above a series of in vitro bacterial cultures were directly interrogated using an aspiration type ion mobility spectrometer (a-IMS), which produced distinct profiles (“fingerprints”) of ion currents generated simultaneously by the detectors present inside the ion mobility cell. Data processing and analysis using principal component analysis showed net differences in the responses produced by volatiles emitted by various bacterial strains. Fingerprint assignments were conferred on the basis of product ion mobilities; ions of differing size and mass were deflected in a different degree upon their introduction of a transverse electric field, impacting finally on a series of capacitors (denominated as detectors, or channels) placed in a manner analogous to sensor arrays.

Abstract
Detecting anomalies from any image data, especially hyperspectral ones, is not a trivial task. When combined with the lack of apriori labels or detection targets, it grows even more complex. Detecting spectral anomalies can be done with numerous methods, but the detection of spatial ones is vastly more complicated affair. In this thesis a new way to detect both spatial and spectral anomalies at the same time is proposed.

Abstract
In order to deliver reliable results for a multitude of different scenarios, e.g. emergency preparedness, environmental monitoring, nuclear decommissioning and waste management, there is a constant process of method development in the field of radioanalytical chemistry. This work presents the results of a method comparison exercise aimed at quantifying 90Sr and 239,240Pu in environmental soil samples, with the intention of evaluating the performance and applicability of different methods. From the methods examined in this work, recommendations are given in order to find a radioanalytical measurement procedure, for 90Sr and 239,240Pu analysis, which is fit-forpurpose for a particular scenario.

Work over the first eighteen months of the project has identified metabolomic markers of exposure to pesticides and toxic alcohols. A publication by Prof Thomas's Loughborough group reported identification of the toxic alcohols methanol, ethylene glycol, and 1,3-propandiol, and their metabolites, as well as ethanol in human saliva.

Abstract
Biological toxins are a heterogeneous group of compounds that share commonalities both with biological and chemical agents. Based on their availability, toxicity, and the lack of medical countermeasures as well as their known history of military research, toxins such as ricin, botulinum neurotoxins, staphylococcal enterotoxins, and saxitoxin are classified as toxins of bioterrorism risk.

Abstract
The forehead was studied as a possible sampling site for capturing changes in volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles associated with psychological-stress. Skin-VOCs were sampled with a polydimethylsilicone (PDMS)-coupon and the resulting VOCs were recovered and analysed with two-stage thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The TOXI-triage project is mentioned in the paper Mapping Emergency Responders’ Current Procedures in the Event of a CBRNe Incident, included in the proceedings of the Healthcare Ergonomics & Patient Safety (HEPS) conference held in Toulouse on the 5-7 October 2016. (pages 432-434)