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University of Bath student helps Vent-Axia win two environmental industry awards

University of Bath

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Roben tested various materials made from recycled plastic.

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Credit: Vent-Axia

Leading ventilation manufacturer, Vent-Axia, is delighted that the valuable work University of Bath student Roben Els undertook during an industry placement at the company contributed to it winning two environmental industry awards.

Roben Els, who is now in his final year studying a BSc in Natural Sciences (Chemistry/Physics), at the University of Bath, undertook the placement last year as part of his degree.

The project Roben worked on at Vent-Axia was helping set up and run the company’s new materials testing database on recycled plastic. This groundbreaking work was recently recognised by the industry with Vent-Axia winning the H&V News Awards 'Low Carbon Impact' award, and the BEAMA ‘Net-Zero Collaboration Award’, entering the latter with electricals retailer AO.

Roben joined Vent-Axia on an industry placement in the third year of his four-year degree. He arrived at Vent-Axia at an exciting time with the company undergoing a manufacturing transformation, moving from using virgin plastic to recycled plastic. As the first ventilation company to set such high ambitions regarding using recycled plastic in its manufacturing, it initially faced a challenge since test houses would not certify products made from recycled material due to recycled plastic content variations and the absence of materials data. To overcome this, Vent-Axia took a proactive approach and tasked Roben with helping test recycled plastic and collect the data that was needed.

Initially, during the first few months, Roben familiarised himself with the new testing equipment Vent-Axia had invested in, as well as the relevant industry standards. Once familiar, following guidance, Roben began batch-testing the materials. The next step was to create a database of evidence to ensure all recycled plastics were tested and the results were traceable. Finally, Roben compiled weekly graphs on recycling rates for use in the business. The creation of a new database was unchartered territory and it paved the way for the ventilation sector. By batch-testing recycled plastics in Vent-Axia’s own labs and creating a materials database to share with test houses, Roben’s work has helped enable product certification and third-party accreditation.

“It is really exciting to see everything I have worked on at the company being recognised with the two award wins, especially since people don’t generally see the time and resources that goes into making such changes. I was pleased to be able to work on a project that was useful to Vent-Axia and to have left something for the company that could be built on,” said Roben. “My year’s placement at Vent-Axia was really enjoyable and dynamic. I liked all the practical work, I could be in the mould shop, product testing, or at my desk so it was quite varied. I learned about industry standards and how a business runs. I also witnessed how important sustainability is to Vent-Axia and how it innovates to ensure it never compromises on quality.”

The placement has also had a big influence on Roben’s career path. Before the placement, Roben was majoring in chemistry but he has now changed to majoring in physics since he enjoyed the physics involved in the placement. Meanwhile, if he were to work in a science-based job in the future rather than working in research, he would now like to work in analysis. The placement has also given Roben confidence while preparing him for his career after university.

Dr Simon Freakley, Senior Lecturer and Placement Tutor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bath said: "It's wonderful to see our placement students applying their chemistry skills to tackle global challenges, such as finding new uses for waste plastics. We're thrilled that Roben's contributions have been recognised, and we look forward to hearing about many more real-world impacts from our students' work in the future."

“We are delighted that the project Roben was working on has been recognised by the industry,” said Alexis Roberts, Channel Marketing Manager at Vent-Axia. “At Vent-Axia we are committed to investing in people and we’re pleased to be able to offer students a placement so they can experience working in industry and to guide them on their career path. We are so pleased Roben was able to be part of our sustainability journey.”

Vent-Axia won the ‘Low Carbon Impact Award: Commercial or Industrial’ at the prestigious H&V News Awards. Vent-Axia received the accolade for its ground-breaking manufacturing transformation, transitioning from virgin to recycled plastic, including the work Roben undertook on creating the pioneering materials database.

Vent-Axia, and electricals retailer AO, won the prestigious BEAMA Net Zero Collaboration Award. Recognising outstanding partnerships that contribute to advancing Net Zero, sustainability, and circularity within the electrical industry, the companies scooped the accolade for their pioneering initiative transforming AO’s recycled fridge plastic into high-quality Vent-Axia ventilation products. This innovative partnership represents a significant step in sustainable UK manufacturing.

Vent-Axia aims to be Net Zero by 2040, a decade ahead of the Government’s target. By the end of FY2025, the company targets 70% of its sales revenue to be from low-carbon products and 90% of the plastic used in its own manufacturing to be from recycled sources. This manufacturing transformation involves transitioning from virgin to recycled plastic. Meanwhile, Vent-Axia is dedicated to designing innovative low-carbon products to help its customers decarbonise with heat recovery ventilation at the forefront of further growth.

Vent-Axia has now welcomed a new University of Bath student, Luke Tucker, for this year’s placement. While Roben focused on injection moulding, Luke is tasked with focussing on extrusion and PVC.

 

New study warns of cybersecurity threats to smart grids from false data injection attacks

Higher Education Press

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Training process of the attack vector generator.

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Credit: Zengji Liu et al.

A recent study published in Engineering has shed light on a significant cybersecurity risk facing smart grids as they become more complex with the increasing integration of distributed power supplies. The research, conducted by Zengji Liu, Mengge Liu, Qi Wang, and Yi Tang, focuses on false data injection attacks (FDIAs) targeting data-driven algorithms in smart grids.

As smart grids expand with the addition of distributed power sources like battery energy storage systems and photovoltaic installations, data-driven algorithms have become crucial for managing the complex power systems. However, these algorithms are vulnerable to cyberattacks. FDIA is a type of disruption that can compromise system operations by hijacking or tampering with data.

The researchers introduced a novel black-box FDIA method. Unlike traditional approaches that manipulate data in communication networks, this new method directly injects false data at the measurement modules of distributed power supplies. It uses a generative adversarial network (GAN) to generate stealthy attack vectors. One of the key advantages of this method is that it requires no detailed knowledge of the target system, making it a practical threat in real-world scenarios.

The study also proposed an estimation method for controller and filter parameters of distributed power supplies, which simplifies the execution of the black-box attack. A false data injection technique was developed to introduce the attack vector into the power system through the measurement module of distributed power supplies. To enhance the efficiency of the attack and minimize errors, a piecewise process for generating the attack vector was described.

To validate the effectiveness of the proposed attack method, the researchers conducted a case study on the New England 39-bus system. They targeted the transient stability prediction (TSP) approach based on a deep convolutional neural network. The results showed that the attack could significantly reduce the prediction accuracy of the TSP model. For example, the prediction accuracy dropped from 98.75% to 56.00% after the attack.

The attack method was also tested on different neural network architectures and various IEEE bus systems. The findings indicated that the attack vector could deceive different targets, and the attack was effective across different system scales. Larger systems, such as the IEEE 118-bus and 145-bus systems, were more affected, highlighting the need for robust defense mechanisms in smart grids.

This research serves as a wake-up call for the smart grid industry. As smart grids continue to evolve, it is essential to develop effective security measures to protect data-driven algorithms from FDIA threats. Future studies may focus on developing countermeasures to defend against such attacks and strengthening the security of smart grid systems.

The paper “False Data Injection Attacks on Data-Driven Algorithms in Smart Grids Utilizing Distributed Power Supplies,” authored by Zengji Liu, Mengge Liu, Qi Wang, Yi Tang. Full text of the open access paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2024.11.025. For more information about the Engineering, follow us on X (https://twitter.com/EngineeringJrnl) & like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EngineeringJrnl).

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Journal

Engineering

DOI

10.1016/j.eng.2024.11.025 

Article Title

False Data Injection Attacks on Data-Driven Algorithms in Smart Grids Utilizing Distributed Power Supplies

uOttawa team develops innovative animal model for studying limb spasticity

 THEY GREW A MOUSE TEST SUBJECT

University of Ottawa

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“Our team has created a transgenic mouse model where we can activate specific nerves in the hind paws using blue light.”

Tuan Bui

— Chair and Professor in the Department of Biology at uOttawa

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Credit: University of Ottawa

Researchers at the University of Ottawa have made a significant advancement in the field of spinal cord injury research, developing a novel optogenetic mouse model that could lead to improved treatments for limb spasticity.

Spasticity, characterized by involuntary and sustained muscle contractions, affects approximately two-thirds of Canadians with spinal cord injuries. This new model addresses the limitations of previous research methods, offering a more reliable and consistent approach to studying this debilitating condition.

“Our team has created a transgenic mouse model where we can activate specific nerves in the hind paws using blue light. This allows us to reliably trigger the neural circuits potentially responsible for spasticity after spinal cord injury,” explains Tuan Bui, Chair and Professor in the Department of Biology at uOttawa. “By utilizing optogenetics, we were able to activate specific sensory pathways with light, allowing us to induce spasticity in a controlled manner.”

The research, conducted over the past three years at the Motor Circuits Laboratory at the University of Ottawa, involved generating a unique transgenic mouse model and developing a method to induce limb spasticity consistently. This innovative approach enables researchers to study the underlying causes of spasticity more effectively and could accelerate the development of new treatments.

The study was a collaborative effort involving PhD graduate Sara Goltash, honours undergraduate student Riham Khodr, and postdoctoral fellow Alex Laliberte. Their work not only advances our understanding of spasticity but also showcases the University of Ottawa's commitment to cutting-edge research in neuroscience and rehabilitation.

Alex Laliberte, last author of the study, emphasizes the potential impact of this research: “Our new animal model could significantly facilitate the study and discovery of new therapeutics for the treatment of spasticity. By providing a more reliable experimental platform, we're opening doors to better understand and potentially alleviate this challenging condition.”

“Our study shows that spasticity starts as early as two weeks after spinal cord injury, a critical timeframe for intervention. Understanding the differences between sexes in spasticity responses could also lead to more targeted treatments in the future,” Laliberte notes.

This breakthrough comes at a crucial time, as the need for effective treatments for spinal cord injury complications continues to grow. The team's innovative approach could pave the way for more targeted and efficient therapies, potentially improving the quality of life for millions of people worldwide affected by spasticity.

The study titled “An optogenetic mouse model of hindlimb spasticity after spinal cord injury” is published in the journal Experimental Neurology.

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Journal

Experimental Neurology

DOI

10.1016/j.expneurol.2025.115157 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Animals

Article Title

An optogenetic mouse model of hindlimb spasticity after spinal cord injury

 

The US weather enterprise: A national treasure at risk

A statement of the American Meteorological Society

American Meteorological Society

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The American Meteorological Society today released the following statement:

"U.S. leadership in scientific innovation is at risk due to the recent and ongoing reductions in U.S. federal science capabilities. The consequences to the American people will be large and wide-ranging, including increased vulnerability to hazardous weather.

The federal science workforce and federal investments in science are central to the success of the weather enterprise–the partnership between public, private, academic, and non-governmental organizations that provides information and services to protect people, businesses, and the environment. Estimates of the value of weather and climate information to the U.S. economy exceed $100 billion annually,1 roughly 10 times the investment made by U.S. taxpayers through the federal agencies involved in weather-related science and services. It is an internationally recognized and highly respected means of multiplying value and benefits to the American people.

Recent terminations within the government workforce for science are likely to cause irreparable harm and have far-reaching consequences for public safety, economic well-being, and the United States' global leadership.

The federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which includes the National Weather Service, is a vital partner in the weather enterprise, providing critical weather and climate information that helps keep the people of the United States informed, prepared, and safe. NOAA also provides crucial foundational support for the enterprise. This support includes collecting scientific observations and conducting scientific research, developing and improving weather and climate models, and the provision of public services such as weather forecasts and warnings, fisheries management, and marine protection. These products and services are freely accessible to all people, businesses, NGOs, and academic institutions. Other federal agencies, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA), the Department of Energy's Office of Science, and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), also provide foundational observations, scientific understanding, computational resources, and services for the enterprise. 

Private businesses and NGOs use this foundation of science and services to create innovative, value-added products for their clients. Universities rely on NOAA data and models to advance knowledge and train the workforce of the future. As a result of these collaborative partnerships throughout the enterprise, the American people are safer, healthier, and more prosperous.

This unique private-public partnership didn't happen by accident but by design and through persistent effort. Roles and responsibilities of private businesses, universities, the federal government, and NGOs in the enterprise have developed and adapted over decades to provide timely weather forecasts and information that protect people, improve livelihoods, save money, and add tremendous economic value to our nation.  

To ensure the continued success of the enterprise and the American people who depend upon it, the AMS urges strong support for NOAA and the other federal science agencies and extreme caution in altering federal roles and responsibilities within the weather enterprise."

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1. Lazo, J. 2024: Communicating Forecast Uncertainty (CoFU) 2: Replication and Extension of a Survey of the US Public’s Sources, Perceptions, Uses, and Values for Weather Information. An AMS Policy Program Study. The American Meteorological Society, Washington, D.C. https://doi.org/10.1175/cofu2-2024

 

About the American Meteorological Society

The American Meteorological Society advances the atmospheric and related sciences, technologies, applications, and services for the benefit of society. Founded in 1919, AMS has a membership of around 12,000 professionals, students, and weather enthusiasts. AMS publishes 12 atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic science journals; sponsors more than 12 conferences annually; and offers numerous programs and services. Visit us at https://www.ametsoc.org/.

 

How London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone is changing the school run

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is transforming children’s journeys to school by making streets safer, improving perceptions of air quality and encouraging children to live healthier lives.

University of Cambridge

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London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is transforming children’s journeys to school by making streets safer, improving perceptions of air quality and encouraging children to live healthier lives. A new study published today in BMJ Open, and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), highlights its benefits, with many families noticing cleaner air and safer roads. However, it also reveals challenges, particularly for those living in outer boroughs who are more reliant on the car and may struggle to adapt.

Road traffic is a major source of air pollution in London, posing serious health risks. One in 11 children in the city has asthma, a condition worsened by poor air quality. Car use also limits opportunities for active travel, such as walking and cycling, which help prevent obesity and chronic illness.

Introduced in 2019, the ULEZ charges high-polluting vehicles that enter all London boroughs. According to Transport for London (TfL), it has reduced levels of the pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) by 53% in central London, 24% in inner London, and 21% in outer London, while also cutting traffic.

The research published today in BMJ Open — led by scientists from the University of Cambridge and Queen Mary University of London — examines the ULEZ’s impact on school travel. This work is part of the Children’s Health in London and Luton (CHILL) Study, which previously found that 42% of children who travelled by car switched to active travel modes after the ULEZ was introduced. Through in-depth interviews with 21 families from the CHILL study and seven teachers from CHILL schools, the researchers identified key drivers of change and ongoing challenges in adapting to the policy.

Families reported the rising costs of car travel and reduced convenience made active travel more appealing. Those who already walked or cycled discussed how improved air quality made the journey more enjoyable and healthier. With less traffic, some families took longer scenic routes home, which meant they spent more time together being active. Teachers observed fewer asthma related symptoms among students and noted that safer streets encouraged more outdoor play.

Despite its benefits, adapting to the ULEZ has been hard for many families outside central London. The scrappage scheme helped some families to upgrade their vehicles, but it was not enough to fully cover the cost of a new ULEZ compliant car. Public transport was often described as expensive or poorly connected in these areas. Some families parked outside the zone and walked, while others felt forced to continue driving as it remained the most affordable and convenient option. The study highlights inequalities in access to cleaner, greener travel, calling for faster investment in affordable, well-connected transport options across all boroughs.

Dr Olivia Alliott, lead author from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, said: "Policies like the ULEZ play a crucial role in promoting a healthier school journey for many families. However, a fundamental part of their success is making sure that everyone experiences these benefits by ensuring such policies are implemented alongside accessible and affordable alternatives to driving.

“Our previous work found that the ULEZ has encouraged children to take up walking and cycling to school. This work identifies some of the possible reasons for that, and highlights both the positive and negative experiences of the ULEZ which are reflected in an individual’s ability to pay the charge and the alternative travel modes available”

The study reinforces the importance of policies like the ULEZ in shaping healthier, sustainable cities while also ensuring that solutions are inclusive and equitable. It offers valuable insights for policymakers worldwide considering similar initiatives to improve air quality and public health.

Joint senior author Professor Chris Griffiths from the Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, said: “This important study brings yet another perspective telling us how the ULEZ can affect the way families can live, travel and experience the environment. These systemic effects on society go beyond simply ‘cleaning the city air’”

The interviews were conducted between November 2022 and March 2023, and the results do not include experiences of the ULEZ expansion in August 2023 to cover the majority of Greater London.

The study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North Thames and the Medical Research Council. The study was conducted in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London, Imperial College London, University of Bedfordshire, University of Exeter, University of Edinburgh, University of Oxford and University of Southern California.

Reference

Alliott, O, et al. London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone and active travel to school: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of children, families and teachers. BMJ Open; 03 March 2025; DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-091929

 

ENDS

 

Contact details

Dr Paul Browne
Senior Communications Manager
MRC Epidemiology Unit

University of Cambridge
Tel: +44 (0)1223 763381

Mob: +44 (0)7991 536387
Email:paul.browne@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk

A copy of the paper under embargo is available on request.

 

About the University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s leading universities, with a rich history of radical thinking dating back to 1209. Its mission is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence.

The University comprises 31 autonomous Colleges and over 100 departments, faculties and institutions. Its 24,000 students include around 9,000 international students from 147 countries. In 2023, 73% of its new undergraduate students were from state schools and more than 25% from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Cambridge research spans almost every discipline, from science, technology, engineering and medicine through to the arts, humanities and social sciences, with multi-disciplinary teams working to address major global challenges. In the Times Higher Education’s rankings based on the UK Research Excellence Framework, the University was rated as the highest scoring institution covering all the major disciplines.

A 2023 report found that the University contributes nearly £30 billion to the UK economy annually and supports more than 86,000 jobs across the UK, including 52,000 in the East of England. For every £1 the University spends, it creates £11.70 of economic impact, and for every £1 million of publicly-funded research income it receives, it generates £12.65 million in economic impact across the UK.

The University sits at the heart of the ‘Cambridge cluster’, in which more than 5,000 knowledge-intensive firms employ more than 71,000 people and generate £21 billion in turnover. Cambridge has the highest number of patent applications per 100,000 residents in the UK.

www.cam.ac.uk

 

About the MRC Epidemiology Unit

The MRC Epidemiology Unit is a department at the University of Cambridge. It is working to improve the health of people in the UK and around the world. Obesity, type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders present a major and growing global public health challenge. These disorders result from a complex interplay between genetic, developmental, behavioural and environmental factors that operate throughout life. The mission of the Unit is to investigate the individual and combined effects of these factors and to develop and evaluate strategies to prevent these diseases and their consequences. www.mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk

 

About the Medical Research Council

The Medical Research Council is at the forefront of scientific discovery to improve human health. Founded in 1913 to tackle tuberculosis, the MRC now invests taxpayers’ money in some of the best medical research in the world across every area of health. Thirty-three MRC-funded researchers have won Nobel prizes in a wide range of disciplines, and MRC scientists have been behind such diverse discoveries as vitamins, the structure of DNA and the link between smoking and cancer, as well as achievements such as pioneering the use of randomised controlled trials, the invention of MRI scanning, and the development of a group of antibodies used in the making of some of the most successful drugs ever developed. Today, MRC-funded scientists tackle some of the greatest health problems facing humanity in the 21st century, from the rising tide of chronic diseases associated with ageing to the threats posed by rapidly mutating micro-organisms. The Medical Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation. https://mrc.ukri.org/

 

About Queen Mary University of London  

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.  

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.    

Our reformer heritage informs our conviction that great ideas can and should come from anywhere. It’s an approach that has brought results across the globe, from the communities of east London to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.    

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.   

www.qmul.ac.uk     

 

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)

The mission of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. We do this by:

• Funding high quality, timely research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care;
• Investing in world-class expertise, facilities and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services;
• Partnering with patients, service users, carers and communities, improving the relevance, quality and impact of our research;
• Attracting, training and supporting the best researchers to tackle complex health and social care challenges;
• Collaborating with other public funders, charities and industry to help shape a cohesive and globally competitive research system;
• Funding applied global health research and training to meet the needs of the poorest people in low and middle income countries.

NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. Its work in low and middle income countries is principally funded through UK Aid from the UK government.

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Journal

BMJ Open

DOI

10.1136/bmjopen-2024-091929 

Method of Research

Data/statistical analysis

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone and active travel to school: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of children, families and teachers

Article Publication Date

3-Mar-2025