NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: VSimulators: Human factors simulation for motion and serviceability in the built environment
Funder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Abstract: VSimulators is a worldwide unique facility for exploring how people experience motion and vibrations in the build environment, such as sway in tall buildings, vibration of lively floors, or movement of footbridges. The facility consists of a pair of simulators located at the Universities of Bath and Exeter providing complementary capability in mimicking motion and environmental factors in the built environment. Using hydraulic actuators driving a climate controlled room, the Bath machine can simulate biaxial movement at ultra-low frequencies with large amplitudes primarily to study comfort and health of occupants in tall and super tall buildings which are proliferating in cities across the world. The Exeter machine uses a 6-axis electric 'hexapod' actuation system supporting a rigid 4 meter square platform. This will simulate multi-axis motion primarily to study comfort of humans using footbridges, floors and grandstands vibrating in response to occupant dynamic forces. The Bath machine will incorporate peripheral video displays of internal and external environment, systems for sophisticated environmental control and measurement of occupant physiological and psychological reactions, while the Exeter machine will use sophisticated virtual reality and full capability for force identification and motion capture of occupants. Using shared equipment (e.g. treadmills, inertial sensors, optical motion capture) and technical support the complementary capabilities will be applied to research human-structure interaction (based upon human comfort, well-being and productivity), assisted mobility and rehabilitation and populate a spectrum of vibration serviceability guidance. The facility will provide a worldwide unique capability available to researchers and practitioners from a range of industries and backgrounds. Together with this multi-disciplinary network of people, VSimulators' unique capability will transform what research we are able to do and how we carry out that research.

Lay abstract: Redacted

Research activity codes: 1.2 PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC PROCESSES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;NEUROLOGICAL;MENTAL HEALTH
Title: A Small-Angle Scattering Study of the Self-Assembly of Amyloid Peptide Fragments and Copolymers
Funder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Abstract: The mechanisms and kinetics of fibrillisation of fragments of the amyloid peptide responsible for diseases such as Alzheimers and type II diabetes will be investigated. We will perform time-resolved x-ray scattering at the new Diamond synchrotron in order


Research activity codes: 1.1 NORMAL BIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTIONING;2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;NEUROLOGICAL;METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE
Title: Development of a simple tool for diagnosis of impending water-loss dehydration in the community.
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: Dehydration occurs when we don’t drink enough for our needs. In older people severe dehydration increases the risk of confusion, falls and sudden hospital admission. We don’t yet have a method to recognise dehydration early, before it becomes severe. We will recruit 200 care home residents to develop a way of recognising early water-loss dehydration. We will work with residents and staff to ensure acceptability and practicality of the tool then re-check that it works in another group of older people. Finally we will develop and disseminate guidelines and training on recognising dehydration in older people.


Research activity codes: 7.2 END OF LIFE CARE;4.2 EVALUATION OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: Equilibrium contrast imaging; development and validation in the liver and heart
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: Background: In many diseases fibrosis expands the space between cells (interstitium). Objectives: To develop and validate a novel imaging method “equilibrium contrast imaging” as a practical, safe method of assessing organ interstitium. Design: Equilibrium imaging will be developed using magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography and tested in patients with diseases of the liver, heart and bowel against current reference standards, notably histology. Outcomes: Validation of equilibrium imaging as a robust measure of fibrosis in the heart, liver and bowel Health improvement: A simple imaging technique to measure organ fibrosis could replace invasive biopsy, improving patient comfort and safety


Research activity codes: 4.2 EVALUATION OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: Measures and tools for disinfection byproducts (DPBs) minimisation strategies
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description The aim of this project is to investigate a range of measures that may be of value in disinfection by-product (DBP) minimisation strategies. Policy and Regulatory Context:Current regulation requires water companies to minimise DBP formation without prejudicing disinfection. Over 600 DBPs have been identified, most of these at trace quantities, and it would not be rational to attempt to monitor for all of these.Guidance has been given on the range of compounds likely to be formed under different treatment regimes and some of the principal steps to minimise formation. The Chief Inspector’s Report3 has also highlighted HAAs and THMs as the two most abundant group of DBPs and cites a World Health organisation comment that they can serve as indicators for monitoring DBP performance overall. As an alternative to direct monitoring of DBPs a number of other gross water quality measures may be of value in minimisation strategies. These include: UV absorbance; total and dissolved organic carbon (TOC and DOC); specific UV absorbance (SUVA); total and adsorbable organic halide (TOX and AOX); differential UV absorbance; and fluorescence techniques, including measurement of fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) and excitation emission matrices (EEM). Some of these may be monitored on line and may form part of the routine operational monitoring, for example, for coagulation control. The purpose of this study is to understand whether these and other measures are of value in minimisation DBPs. Objective The objectives are to:1. Conduct a systematic review of the literature on the use of measures for DBPs, including but not necessarily limited to TOC, DOC, UV, SUVA, differential UV spectroscopy, TOX, AOX and fluorescence techniques. 2. Identify four treatment works two upland and two lowland with known potential to form high levels of DBPs 3. Design and conduct laboratory based treatment test using raw water from each site 4. Analyse the resultant samples for DBPs and selected measures for DBP5. Examine the data for correlation between DBP measures and DBP concentrations 6. Collect relevant monitoring data from the works for DBPs and any measure and compare with the result from the laboratory phase of the study 7. Summarise the findings in final report and advise whether further treatment works scale studies would be of value.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.5 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGIES (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: Understanding the Use of Flow Cytometry for Monitoring Drinking Water
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description The aim of this research project is to establish the current position regarding the use of the flow cytometry technique for measuring the microbial water quality of water intended for human consumption across the water industry in England and Wales. Flow cytometry is a technique which uses fluorescence dyes and laser measurement techniques to enumerate and characterise the cell make up in fluids. This enables measurements to be made to help quantify the microbial safety of the fluid, in this case drinking water. The potential use of this promising technique to supplement both operational and regulatory monitoring will be investigated and any potential limitations of the method reported. Potential future development of the methodology to monitor for specific pathogens will also be investigated. Objective The objectives are to:1) Conduct a literature review and report the current scientific position of how the flow cytometry technique is being used in water quality sciences including novel applications of the method, accuracy compared to other established techniques and how it may be used for particular pathogen identification.2) Contact water companies in England and Wales to obtain information as to how the industry is currently using the methodology for monitoring of water quality and at what stages of the supply chain (source to tap). Gain an understanding of how the companies are using the results (e.g. operational monitoring, water safety planning, monitoring reservoirs and distribution) and any future plans for development of the technique. 3) Report on any evidence of perceived limitations of the methodology when applying to drinking water quality analysis, including consideration of how accurate the method is and how the accuracy compares to other established techniques.4) Report on the potential use of the methodology for regulatory compliance monitoring compared to the existing established techniques. Is there the potential to replace specific regulatory parameters, and can a pass/fail criteria be defined? Can the technique give insight into disinfection and what are it strengths and weaknesses in that respect. Include details of the speed of analysis and cost compared to the other analytical methods. 5) Investigate how reliable is the distinction between high and low nucleic acid categories of organisms, and how accurately does the former reflect ‘actively growing’ bacteria.6) Report on the potential use of the flow cytometry method for identification of specific pathogens (e.g. Cryptosporidium) in untreated and disinfected waters.7) Detail current areas of future development/research.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.5 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGIES (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: Viruses in Groundwater Research Project
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description The aim of this research project is to establish whether there is a potential risk of contamination of groundwater, abstracted for human consumption in England and Wales, by viruses emanating from sewage or other pollution sources. Objective The scope of the research project will include:1. Literature review summary of current published research into the prevalence and measured quantities of enteric viruses in groundwater from studies previously conducted in England and Wales.2. Collation of operational virus sampling data from groundwater held by the water companies and other bodies to gain an understanding of how water companies currently routinely monitor for viruses in groundwater.3. Select suitable sites used for public supply reflecting range of risk scenarios. 4. Conduct a sampling programme from different underground strata to determine the levels of any virus contamination using the latest PCR methodology.5. Quantification of the risk of virus contamination of water intended for human consumption sourced from groundwater at sites with minimal treatment (where either marginal chlorination or ultra violet irradiation are the only treatment stages) in England and Wales and the impact of seasonal variation.6. Any recommendations for the industry for monitoring of viruses in groundwater following a risk based approach and any minimum treatment requirements to render such viruses harmless.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;3.2 INTERVENTIONS TO ALTER PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: Removal of Microplastics by drinking water treatment processes
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description The project will provide an understanding of potential exposure of consumers to microplastics through drinking water and provide a starting point for assessing any associated risk. Objective The project will include:1) Review existing literature on occurrence of microplastics in water sources, drinking water, the relative importance of different sources of inputs to water and removal by drinking water processes. 2) Review the methods of analysis that have been used to determine microplastics in water.3) Summarise existing knowledge on human exposure to microplastics through food, water and air and any associated risk assessments.4) Conduct bench scale experiments to determine the efficiency of removal of a different sizes and types of microplastics by a range of drinking water treatment processes.5) Based on the findings of the bench study and other aspects, propose an approach to monitoring a small number of final waters for microplastics.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;3.2 INTERVENTIONS TO ALTER PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: Sink to River River to Tap: A review of potential risks from nanoparticles & microplastics
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description Sink to River – River to Tap : A review of potential risks from nanoparticles & microplastics Objective A. To clarify current risks to potable water supply from engineered nanoparticles. B. To understand the risks and the presence of microplastics in potable water.C. Assuming that microplastics are found in Objective B, then Objective C is to understand the risks, the sources and the presence of microplastics in raw water (i.e. water sources for potable production). D. To understand the risks, and the presence of microplastics in the sludge products from both Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) and Water Treatment Works (WTW).E. To understand the water industry’s contribution and potential risks linked to microplastics in the aquatic environment from both continuous and intermittent wastewater discharges.F. To confirm the best analytical methods to assess the type, the size and the quantity of microplastics.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.5 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGIES (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: Persistent, Mobile and Toxic Substances Hazard to drinking water in England and Wales
Funder: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abstract: Description The aim of this project is to understand the likelihood of a range of persistent mobile and toxic substances reaching drinking water in England and Wales and to inform the need to monitor for them. Objective The objectives are to: 1) Critically appraise the technical paper2) Check the persistence, mobility, toxicity, occurrence and usage (relative emission rank) data for the 58 substances in the abridged list (Annex 1) and revise based on literature data. 3) Gather data on the nature of uses to which the substances are put and the amount used in England and wales; 4) Estimate the likely concentration in water sources/drinking water in England and Wales . 5) Produce a report describing the findings of the objectives 1-4 of the study.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;3.2 INTERVENTIONS TO ALTER PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: Digital Health: On-organ Sensing For Bowel Monitoring - A Bottom Up Approach
Funder: Medical Research Council

Abstract: Bowel issues arise from a wide range of health conditions, leading to a reduction in quality of life, embarrassment and substantial healthcare resource use. For example, constipation affects over 20% of the population (Werth et al 2019) and around 1.5% of the population suffer from faecal incontinence (Perry et al., 2002). The BIG Cost of Constipation report from the Bowel Interest group (2019) highlighted that in England constipation cost the NHS £162 million in 2017/18 and that over 6.5 million people in the UK have some sort of bowel problem. These are areas where individuals would generally prefer to self-manage their condition with a technological solution. Solving this would empower individuals to lead more active lives with corresponding social and emotional benefits. Our goal is to empower individuals with bowel conditions to have greater autonomy, activity and positive lifestyles, via discreet digital technologies. To do this, we propose creating flexible, implantable sensors that attach to the surface of the soft tissue of the bowel and track its motion as stool moves through the body. We will sense these physical changes and the data will be transmitted to a user's receiver to provide early warnings of bowel movements (for incontinence or constipation). The data will also provide potential for further clinical interpretation to identify patterns in their body's behaviour. Technical work will focus on the creation of the sensor device, devising methods for attaching the sensor and for novel mechanical (pressure) and acoustic sensing. Substantial codesign with clinicians and patients will be used to guide the sensor design and ensure it is usable with the potential for translation and take-up. More widely, this area is important because bowel tissue changes substantially with different diseases - for example, in inflammatory or degenerative diseases (e.g. Crohn's, Colitis, Parkinson's), trauma-induced injuries (e.g. spinal cord injury) and after chemotherapy. Being able to understand how this organ changes over time and with lifestyle (diet, stress, activity), will provide a greater window to understand and manage these conditions. More widely, the sensing approach in this project will establish a platform for future on-organ monitoring.


Research activity codes: 4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES;7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: A New Approach to Identify Determinants of Strain in the Micro-structure of Biomedical Composites
Funder: Barts Charity

Abstract: Light-activated resin-polymer-composites, widely used as dental fillings, demonstrate poor longevity compared with traditional silver-mercury amalgam due to the formation of residual strains, intrinsic to the setting of the material. Despite extensive chemical characterisation, the physico-chemical mechanisms which mediate stress formation are poorly understood and consequently, material performance has not improved in more than a decade amid ongoing research. In this project, highly innovative and unique in situ characterisation approaches exploiting deuterium labelling combined with synchrotron x-rays, neutrons and infra-red spectroscopy will be used to discriminately evaluate the contribution of chemical constituents of clinically relevant experimental composites to the formation of stresses in relation to the underlying chemical structure, composition and rate of polymerisation. The findings from this highly novel approach will deliver transformative new insights into polymer network formation and stress-strain generation in light-activated composite systems and a methodologically driven platform will enable targeted systematic approaches to identify and design material components to mitigate the formation of stresses. Key knowledge outcomes will generate a translational basis to inform current strategies to repair teeth and inform the development of the next generation of dental composites with fewer structural defects, enhanced clinical efficacy and ultimately longer service lifetimes.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;1.3 CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: Investigating the mechanosensory crosstalk between the Drosophila intestinal epithelium and basement membrane
Funder: Wellcome Trust

Abstract: The gut is the most rapidly self-renewing tissue in the adult body. This depends on intestinal stem cells which divide and differentiate to replace cells lost during digestion, injury or infection. Intestinal stem cells use signals from their surrounding environment to decide whether to divide or differentiate. For example, intestinal cells are located on top of a structure called the basement membrane, which is known in other contexts to influence stem cell behaviour. However, how basement membrane composition, structure and remodelling affect intestinal stem cell behaviour is not fully understood. To investigate this, I will use different types of microscopes to look at the intestinal basement membrane of fruit flies, which surprisingly share several similarities with mammals. I will use flies which are unable to make different basement membrane components or receptors, and see whether the behaviour of their intestinal stem cells is affected. Understanding how the basement membrane affects intestinal stem cells' ability to divide and differentiate is important as the basement membrane is known to be altered in intestinal inflammatory diseases and cancers. Therefore this research could be relevant to further understanding these diseases.


Research activity codes: 1.1 NORMAL BIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTIONING
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL