NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: Development of a self administered Clinical Assessment Tool (IPF-CAT) to assess and monitor health status in Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, rapidly progressive lung disease associated with debilitating symptoms of breathlessness, cough, fatigue, anxiety, and gastritis. This study will engage patients with IPF to identify concepts that accurately describe their symptom experience and the utility of the descriptors used in existing quality of life and generic symptom measures. Patient's perspectives of living with IPF will be collected from focus groups and incorporated into an electronic survey. Items will be reduced using Delphi and Rasch methodologies. The resulting instrument will be tested for repeatability, validity and stratified for disease severity in a hand-held spirometry programme.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS;7.3 MANAGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY
Title: MRC/DH Centre for Environment and Health
Funder: Medical Research Council

Abstract: The environment and its possible effects on health have become major issues affecting public health and public perception of risk. Chronic exposure to potentially toxic substances in the environment is a fact of modern life. Chemicals and other physical agents in the environment are thought to contribute, in part, to the occurrence of various childhood and chronic diseases including reproductive effects, cardio-respiratory illness, and several cancers. Epidemiological and toxicological studies are required to study the effects of environmental pollutants on health among the general population, and to investigate mechanisms Improved methods and new integrated approaches are required to provide high-quality and robust scientific evidence to inform risk assessment and underpin environmental health policies. The proposed Centre, to be held jointly between Imperial College (lead institution) and King?s College London, adopts such an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. It involves leading scientists in environmental, respiratory and air pollution epidemiology, toxicology, exposure modelling, biostatistics and biomarkers. The main conceptual thrust is to integrate individual-level and small-area analyses of environmental exposures and health ? using advanced geographical information systems and statistical modelling techniques, combined with experimental data, biomarker and mechanistic studies, and analyses of large population cohorts ? to tackle environmental health problems of public health and scientific importance. The Centre will take advantage of, and develop the national Small Area Health Statistics Unit (SAHSU) databases at Imperial College which include individual-level health data, and data on populations, environmental exposures and sources of environmental pollution. Aims encompass both research and training in environment and health: i) Research and its application will include a) methods development, involving spatial and statistical modelling and environmental toxicology and mechanisms; b) investigation of priority questions in environment and health, through two integrated research themes: health effects of sources and emissions of environmental contaminants, including mixtures of chemicals from contaminated land, major industrial sources, agriculture and the water supply, and combined effects of different pollutants; and air pollution and health, including short-, medium- and long-term effects of air pollution, pollutant mixtures, and allergens; c) improving the science base underlying translation into policy. There will be a research focus on vulnerable groups, especially children, the elderly, and risk of adverse reproductive effects. ii) Training will involve establishment of an extensive programme with short courses, Masters courses, 3- and 4-year PhD studentships, and mentoring of junior and senior researchers, to foster the next generation of researchers and research leaders in environmental health.


Research activity codes: 2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY
Title: Modelling Ambient Air Quality (MAAQ)
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description Requirement to model and map ambient air quality across the UK for a range of air quality pollutants. Objective Some elements of this contract, in particular the EU compliance assessment, take place on an annual basis and therefore these actions and associated deliverables need to be delivered in each year of the contract. Other elements will be one-off pieces of work to support Defra on specific issues. The contract includes a mixture of fixed price tasks for which the Defra requirements are known at the outset of the work and call-off tasks for which Defra will require a more flexible response because the detailed specification, and timetable, for the work required will develop during the contract. The specifications for the call-off tasks will be developed by the Defra contract officer and air quality science team and kept under review by the Defra contract officer and the contractor’s project manager throughout the contract. The nature of different pieces of work is highlighted in the specification


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY
Title: Central Management and Control Unit (CMCU201518) for the Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN)
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description Inform the public about air quality in near-real time• Check if statutory air quality standards, objectives, target and limit values are met• Assess effects of air pollution on health and the environment• Provide information for local air quality review and assessments within the UK Air Quality Strategy.• Inform and support the development of cost-effective planning solutions and identify long-term trends and sources of pollution


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY
Title: Quality Assurance/Quality Control contract for the Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN)
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description To let a contract for Quality Assurance and Quality Control Services (QA/QC) for data acquired from the Automatic Urban and Rural Air Quality Monitoring Network (AURN) and London Air Quality Monitoring Network (LAQMN). These networks provide national monitoring arrangements including those areas covered by Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government and Department for Environment (in Northern Ireland), collectively known as the Devolved Administrations. The contract is being let by Defra on behalf of Central Government and the Devolved Administrations . Management of each network is the responsibility of a Central Management and Control Unit (CMCU). Data from network monitoring sites are collated by the CMCU and passed hourly to a contractor responsible for dissemination of air quality data. The contractor for this Air Quality Communications contract provides daily or hourly updates of air pollution levels through a number of media. The data are also provided to the European Commission under the reporting requirements of the AQD 20081111.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY
Title: Hydrocarbons monitoring network (20152018)
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description To deliver statutory fixed monitoring for benzene as well as ozone precursor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including 1,3-butadiene for the purposes of annual compliance reporting inline with Air Quality Directive 2008. Benzene is measured at sites where the assessment regime review reports that benzene is above the lower assessment threshold and these are predominantly monitored using fixed non-automatic methods. Automatic monitoring is conducted at 2 rural and 2 urban background site locations and measures a suite of VOCs alongside benzene. Objective To report benzene and 1,3-butadiene (together with ozone precursor VOCs) for the purposes of compliance reporting.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY
Title: Metals monitoring nerwork (20152018)
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description In order to demonstrate compliance with legislation that provides limit and target values relating to ambient air and to measure human and environmental exposure, the total concentration levels of ambient metals, at multiple sites on nationwide air quality monitoring networks, need to be measured. The UK Heavy Metals Monitoring Network is a regulatory air quality monitoring network that discharges the majority of the UK’s obligation under the EC Air Quality Directives relating to the monitoring of the mass concentrations of Pb, Ni, As and Cd, in the PM10 phase of ambient air, and total gaseous mercury [referred to as: Hg(v)]. Objective •To achieve compliance with monitoring requirements set out in European legislation;•To provide data to the UK Government and European Commission on the UK’s performance against the limit values, target values, and data quality objectives described in the relevant legislation;•To assess impacts around ‘hot spots’ of metallic pollution to air, particularly in industrial areas;•To produce accurate and reliable data for dissemination to the general public and for use by scientific and medical researchers and the air quality community.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY
Title: Monitoring airborne particulate matter (PM) concentrations & numbers in the UK 20152018
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description The cleanliness of the air we breathe remains of concern to a number of groups such as central & local government, the scientific and medical communities, the press, environmental groups, and the general public. This is mainlly because many components in are known to cause detrimental effects to human health and environmental sustainability. As a result, air quality is regulated by European & UK legislation and in additiona continuing scientific research is undertaken in order to understand better the origins, behaviour and effect of air pollution. Objective • To maintain the measurement and monitoring arrangements using instrumentation and analytical procedures to understand the composition of PM;• To identify and develop new technical and geographical opportunities for measuring fine and ultrafine particles in the UK;• To recommend and implement any developments of the measurement programme and instrumentation that the Authority may wish to pursue;• To analyse data from the network, and information from other available sources, to improve understanding of the characteristics and behaviour of particulate matter in the UK.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY
Title: Support for the Task Force on Emission Inventories and Projections (TFEIP)
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description The TFEIP supports Parties in the reporting of official air pollutant emissions and projections data to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP). It also provides a technical forum and expert network to identify emission factors, establish methodologies for the estimation of emissions, and identify problems related to data reporting. Defra fund specific roles within the TFEIP:• Chair of the TFEIP;• Chair of the TFEIP’s Projections Expert Panel;• Secretariat Support for these roles. Objective 1. Oversee the collation and delivery of the annual work plan; 2. Plan and deliver the TFEIP annual meeting, workshop and management meetings; 3. Manage the contributions from the expert panel leaders and prioritise the improvements to the guidebook and emissions inventory evidence base; 4. Contribute to the continuous improvement of emission inventories reported to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP); 5.Contribute to the strategic direction of EMEP and the CLRTAP.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY
Title: National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (20162020)
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description The overall aim of the project is to fulfil the UK's national requirements for the reporting of UK emissions of Air Quality Pollutants (AQP) and Green House Gases (GHG). Defra fund the AQP Inventory and BEIS fund the GHG Inventory and together they are known as the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory. Objective The overall aim of the project is to fulfil the UK's national requirements for the reporting of UK emissions of Air Quality Pollutants (AQP) and Green House Gases (GHG).


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY
Title: International Cooperative Programme on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops 20172020
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description The International Cooperative Programme on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops (ICP Vegetation) was established in 1987 under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP). It is led by the UK and currently has its Programme Coordination Centre at the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) in Bangor. It is one of seven ICPs and Task Forces that report to the Working Group on Effects (WGE) of CLRTAP on the effects of atmospheric pollutants on different components of the environment (e.g. forests, fresh waters, materials) and health in Europe and North-America. The Protocols of the LRTAP Convention commit countries to reducing pollutant emissions by specific target years and/or by specific measures. Results from the ICPs/Task Forces are used in both the development of these Protocols, and in monitoring their success in reducing the impacts of air pollution on health and the environment. Objective The current Programme Coordination Centre of ICPVEG has negotiated a work programme with CLRTAP after consideration of the Convention’s long-term strategy, discussion with ICP Vegetation participants and Defra. The proposed activities are split into five work-packages (WP1-WP5). Work Package 1: Coordination and reporting to CLRTAP and DefraWork Package 2: Development and application of risk assessment methodologies for ozone, including knowledge transfer to LMICs Work Package 3: Collation of evidence of the negative effects of ozone pollution on vegetation in developing countriesWork Package 4: Modelling the global impacts of ozone on food security for a range of scenariosWork package 5: Quantifying deposition of air pollutants (heavy metals, nitrogen and persistent organic pollutants) to vegetation using mosses


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY
Title: Support for National Air Pollution Control Strategies 20132015
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description The proposed project is to maintain and develop tools for the analysis of the impacts of policy proposals on air quality. Objective The contract is focused on providing technical support for development of policy on air quality in the UK. It includes further development and maintenance of modelling tools linking emissions, their spatial pattern dispersio , impacts and costs of control options. The work consists of a number of inter-connected work pachkages;WP1 is the mainenance and devleopment of the UK Integrated Assessment Model. Specific work includes the monestisation of environmental benefits.WP2 is the development of a simplified spread-sheet tool to allow the rapid analysis of source retated policy proposalsWP3 is to generate source-receptor modelling based on updated emissions inventories.WP 4 is to develop and update the Multi-pollutant MEasures data base and to extend it to cover agriculture. Further if covers the updating of the economic parts of the MACC toolsWP5 is to provide assistance with the scientific aspects of IMpact AssessmentsWP6 is to explore the modelling and assessment of options to reform the Clean Air ActWP7 is to support national and international research through attendance at meetings and seminars.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY
Title: Research to understand public attitudes to air quality
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description A mixed methods research project to understand current public behaviours, attitudes to, and knowledge of, issues surrounding air quality. The methodology involved an online survey to 3252 members of the UK public plus seven discussion groups. The overarching aim of the research was to enhance understanding of current public behaviours, attitudes to, and knowledge of, issues surrounding air quality. Through addressing gaps in the evidence-base the research will serve to inform Defra policy and public communications, thus contributing to the Department’s wider aim of improving air quality. Objective The specific project objectives were to:Provide reliable statistical data on current public behaviours, attitudes to, and knowledge of, issues surrounding air quality.Explore in depth people’s behaviours, attitudes to, and knowledge of air quality issues, including how these are formed.To provide evidence to help inform future air quality initiatives and public communications around these.Highlight differences between key groups, including: socio-demographic characteristics (e.g. gender; age; socio-economic group); those most at risk of the negative effects of poor air quality; urban vs. rural residents; those with certain key behaviours (e.g. drivers; those making regular use of public transport; those using solid fuel in their homes).


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY
Title: A Further Update of the UK’S Persistent Organic Pollutants Multimedia Emissions Inventory
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description To allow the UK to fulfil international obligations under the Stockholm Convention. Drawing up and maintaining release inventories for dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs, (total), HCB and further listed POPs for air, water and land is a requirement under the Stockholm Convention


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY
Title: Countryside Stewardship and air quality
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description This project will examine to what extent the schemes are helping to mitigate ammonia emissions to air and hence protecting natural ecosystems from air pollution impacts. Furthermore, it will discuss options for optimising the capacity of current and future schemes to deliver ammonia benefits for biodiversity, alongside other benefits. The project has potential to inform several cross cutting policy areas, including air quality, biodiversity and ecosystems services, water quality, and agri-environment schemes. Objective Project objectives:1. Confirm the ammonia relevant options/measures within each of the five schemes (see section 2.2) and determine ammonia mitigation factors for each of the relevant options/measures.2. Assess the uptake of the ammonia relevant scheme options/measures.3. Assess the spatial pattern of uptake and how this relates to sensitive protected sites/habitats and Natural England’s Ammonia Priority Areas. 4. Estimate the effect of these interventions on ammonia emissions and ammonia concentrations both locally and nationally. 5. Produce a set of farm ammonia case studies from each of the schemes. 6. Discuss options, supported by evidence, for future scheme design to optimise ammonia reduction - setting out the costs, benefits and potential interactions with other environmental objectives for each option at different scales of uptake.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;RESPIRATORY