Potential for natural flood management and land management practices to mitigate flooding in upland catchments

PhD ThesisThere is an increasing uptake of Natural Flood Management (NFM) and land use management (LUM) schemes to tackle excessive, rapid runoff in rural catchments. At the local scale, there is a growing knowledge base regarding the impacts of NFM and LUM. However, evidence and understanding of how these local impacts manifest at a larger catchment scale is less well understood. There are many types of model that have been used for investigating NFM and LUM impacts at larger scales (>10 km2), ranging from the comparatively simple lumped conceptual approaches to more complex, physically-based, distributed models. How best to represent NFM and LUM impacts in models is ambiguous. This thesis presents research into impact modelling of flood mitigation measures from the hillslope to the catchment scale, using the lumped FEH rainfall-runoff model and a novel physicallybased, distributed model, Juke. A Flood Impact Modelling (FIM) methodology is proposed for rapid impact assessment using the FEH approach; FEH hydrographs are generated for sub-catchments and routed to the outlet. The impact of changes in timing and runoff generation in specific sub-catchments on the downstream hydrograph can be investigated to inform catchment planning. The Juke methodology is designed to make best use of field observations and existing GIS datasets for parameterising the runoff and routing components. Juke uses some of the knowledge embedded in the FEH approach regarding the timing and runoff generation and applies it spatially. Juke is capable of emulating the FEH, but also allows consideration of spatial changes in LUM. Two catchments in the north of England have been instrumented to characterise the rainfall-runoff behaviour and understand what causes the largest flood events, where NFM and LUM have taken place. This knowledge informs the LUM and NFM scenarios explored as well as for model parametrisation. Results from the lumped FEH modelling suggest that the mitigation of flood flow by managing the volume and timing of fast runoff will have the greatest impact on floods caused by short duration, high intensity rainfall events. The Juke modelling also suggests that the impact of NFM and LUM is likely to be minimal (<10 % flood peak reduction for 12 % coverage of riparian woodland) and depends on the duration and intensity of rainfall events and the internal synchronisation of the component sub-catchments. The flood peaks for some events ii may increase due to the effects of timing and synchronisation of flows from the landscape elements. The outcomes of this thesis recommends flood managers make field observations to better understand the causes of flooding within a catchment. Schemes using NFM and LUM are likely to be most beneficial for comparatively small catchments (<10 km2) that suffer from frequent flooding from short duration, high intensity rainfall.combination of Defra, through the Demonstration Test Catchments (DTC) and the Environment Agency (EA: Great Ayton Flood mitigation

N1-Src kinase is required for primary neurogenesis in Xenopus tropicalis

The presence of the neuronal-specific N1-Src splice variant of the C-Src tyrosine kinase is conserved through vertebrate evolution, suggesting an important role in complex nervous systems. Alternative splicing involving a N1-Src specific microexon leads to a five or six amino acid insertion into the SH3 domain of Src. A prevailing model suggests that N1-Src regulates neuronal differentiation via cytoskeletal dynamics in the growth cone. Here we have investigated the role of n1-src in the early development of the amphibian Xenopus tropicalis, and find that n1-src expression is regulated in embryogenesis, with highest levels detected during the phases of primary and secondary neurogenesis. In situ hybridisation analysis, using locked nucleic acid (LNA) oligo probes complementary to the n1-src microexon indicate that n1-src expression is highly enriched in the open neural plate during neurula stages and in the neural tissue of adult frogs. Given the n1-src expression pattern, we investigated a possible role for n1-src in neurogenesis. Using splice site-specific antisense morpholino oligos, we are able to inhibit n1-src splicing, whilst preserving c-src expression. Differentiation of neurons in the primary nervous system is reduced in n1-src knockdown embryos, accompanied by a severely impaired touch response in later development. These data reveal an essential role for n1-src in amphibian neural development and suggest that alternative splicing of C-Src in the developing vertebrate nervous system evolved to regulate neurogenesis

N1-Src kinase is required for primary neurogenesis in Xenopus tropicalis

The presence of the neuronal-specific N1-Src splice variant of the C-Src tyrosine kinase is conserved through vertebrate evolution, suggesting an important role in complex nervous systems. Alternative splicing involving a N1-Src specific microexon leads to a five or six amino acid insertion into the SH3 domain of Src. A prevailing model suggests that N1-Src regulates neuronal differentiation via cytoskeletal dynamics in the growth cone. Here we have investigated the role of n1-src in the early development of the amphibian Xenopus tropicalis, and find that n1-src expression is regulated in embryogenesis, with highest levels detected during the phases of primary and secondary neurogenesis. In situ hybridisation analysis, using locked nucleic acid (LNA) oligo probes complementary to the n1-src microexon indicate that n1-src expression is highly enriched in the open neural plate during neurula stages and in the neural tissue of adult frogs. Given the n1-src expression pattern, we investigated a possible role for n1-src in neurogenesis. Using splice site-specific antisense morpholino oligos, we are able to inhibit n1-src splicing, whilst preserving c-src expression. Differentiation of neurons in the primary nervous system is reduced in n1-src knockdown embryos, accompanied by a severely impaired touch response in later development. These data reveal an essential role for n1-src in amphibian neural development and suggest that alternative splicing of C-Src in the developing vertebrate nervous system evolved to regulate neurogenesis

Chirped guided-mode resonance biosensor

Advanced biomedical diagnostic technologies fulfill an important role in improving health and well-being in society. A large number of excellent technologies have already been introduced and have given rise to the "lab-on-a-chip" paradigm. Most of these technologies, however, require additional instrumentation for interfacing and readout, so they are often confined to the laboratory and are not suitable for use in the field or in wider clinical practice. Other technologies require a light coupling element, such as a grating coupler or a fiber coupler, which complicates packaging. Here, we introduce a novel biosensor based on a chirped guided-mode resonant grating. The chirped grating combines the sensing function with the readout function by translating spectral information into spatial information that is easily read out with a simple CMOS camera. We demonstrate a refractive index sensitivity of 137 nm/RIU and an extrapolated limit of detection of 267 pM for the specific binding of an immunoglobulin G antibody. The chirped guided-mode resonance approach introduces a new degree of freedom for sensing biomedical information that combines high sensitivity with autonomous operation. We estimate that the cost of components is U.S. $10 or less when mass manufactured, so the technology has the potential to truly transform point-of-care applications

Chirped guided-mode resonance biosensor

Advanced biomedical diagnostic technologies fulfill an important role in improving health and well-being in society. A large number of excellent technologies have already been introduced and have given rise to the "lab-on-a-chip" paradigm. Most of these technologies, however, require additional instrumentation for interfacing and readout, so they are often confined to the laboratory and are not suitable for use in the field or in wider clinical practice. Other technologies require a light coupling element, such as a grating coupler or a fiber coupler, which complicates packaging. Here, we introduce a novel biosensor based on a chirped guided-mode resonant grating. The chirped grating combines the sensing function with the readout function by translating spectral information into spatial information that is easily read out with a simple CMOS camera. We demonstrate a refractive index sensitivity of 137 nm/RIU and an extrapolated limit of detection of 267 pM for the specific binding of an immunoglobulin G antibody. The chirped guided-mode resonance approach introduces a new degree of freedom for sensing biomedical information that combines high sensitivity with autonomous operation. We estimate that the cost of components is U.S. $10 or less when mass manufactured, so the technology has the potential to truly transform point-of-care applications

The Difference that Makes the Difference - Final evaluation of the first place-based programmes for Systems Leadership: Local Vision

1.This report outlines findings from Phase 2 of the evaluation of Systems Leadership: Local Vision, conducted by Bristol Leadership Centre on behalf of the Systems Leadership Steering Group. It is the third in a series of reports capturing the learning and outcomes of the first cohort of Local Vision projects.2.In this report we focus on the outcomes and effects of Local Vision projects in different localities and consider how local context enables or constrains the potential for sustainable change. This analysis is based on case studies, interviews and secondary data.3.Overall, the findings suggest that Local Vision has had a positive impact within each of the areas investigated, complementing existing initiatives and catalysing change and engagement amongst partners and communities. 4.There is good evidence of Local Vision projects raising awareness of systems leadership amongst stakeholders in different localities – in particular in relation to thinking systemically, working collaboratively, engaging with service users, and fostering shared leadership.5.Likewise, there is good evidence that Local Vision has been regarded as a success in most localities, producing benefits and value for a diversity of stakeholders, such as influencing strategy, generating income and opportunities, engaging professionals, and improving services and client outcomes. 6.Whilst, in many cases it is still a little too early to determine the legacy and any lasting change arising from Local Vision, there is good evidence of its ability to catalyse change, influence new ways of working, and build commitment and momentum in relation to ‘wicked’ issues. 7.The case studies conducted during this phase of the evaluation enable the identification of a number of trends across projects that suggest some important ingredients of effective systems leadership interventions. These include start-up conditions (including the nature of the problem/challenge, level of intervention, prior experience of systems working, and imperative for change); local context (including alignment with other initiatives, project ownership, dedicated project support, and senior-level organisational and political engagement); process (including choice of Enabler, engagement with local communities, memorandum of understanding, King’s Fund learning network, and scale and timing of projects); and planning for sustainability (including project leadership, Enabler exit conditions, roll-out, and evaluating outcomes).8.Alongside the collection and analysis of evidence from Local Vision project partners and Enablers, the evaluation also collated and analysed a wide range of independent metrics on localities and the nature and scale of the ‘wicked’ issues that projects were tackling. Whilst these analyses did not reveal many insights into the Local Vision projects themselves, they do illuminate the challenges of benchmarking complex change interventions, and highlight the potential value of data as a leadership tool for galvanising action in complex and contested environments. 9.The report concludes with a summary of key outcomes and recommendations for future activity on Local Vision and related systems leadership initiatives. The evidence from this evaluation suggests that Local Vision can be regarded as a successful initiative that has succeeded in developing and embedding learning about systems leadership and change in the majority of localities where it has operated. As a place-based intervention, supported by skilled ‘Enablers’, Local Vision has successfully catalysed collaboration between multiple stakeholders to address shared challenges.10.The evaluation findings prove testament to the skill and tenacity of the Local Vision Enablers, project partners and the Leadership Centre (who coordinated and supported the initiative on behalf of the Systems Leadership Steering Group) in brokering relationships, facilitating difficult conversations and (re)connecting diverse communities to a shared sense of purpose. In most localities, there are now people committed to thinking systemically, working collaboratively, engaging with service users, and fostering shared leadership that will continue to have an impact for many years to come

Reframing, Realignment and Relationships - Interim evaluation of the first place-based programmes for Systems Leadership: Local Vision

In Autumn 2014 Bristol Leadership Centre at the University of the West of England was commissioned to undertake evaluation of the Local Vision programme.The evaluation is designed in two phases. This interim report sets out our findings for Phase 1, with a primary focus on identifying and exploring key criteria that may shape efficacy and impact. This will inform the developing evaluation framework, collective ‘sense making’ and deeper exploration of programme outcomes planned for Phase 2 of the evaluation, with a final report to be published in autumn 2015