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University of California Berkeley

University of California Berkeley

6 Projects, page 1 of 2
  • Funder: UK Research and Innovation Project Code: NE/Z000254/1
    Funder Contribution: 248,812 GBP

    Understanding how melt aggregates in our planet's deep interior, i.e. its mantle, during melting remains a critical and fundamental open question in the Earth Sciences. This has important impliactions for topics as diverse as geodynamics and volcano science. Although the transport of melt in the mantle has been typically modelled as being a diffuse process, a variety of geological, geochemical, experimental and theoretical results suggest that this might occur via a network of channels that are 10s of m to km in width during long-distance (100s of km) lateral melt transport. However, it has been challenging to validate these theoretical models via natural observations and assess the importance of melt channelisation in the mantle across different tectonic settings. One geodynamic setting that provides an ideal natural laboratory to understand this channelised transport of melt is the interaction of mantle plumes with nearby mid-ocean ridges (< 1000 km distance). This is because melts derived from a mantle plume provide a distinct geochemical tracer for tracking melt transport processes. The key observed characteristic of this type of interaction is the presence of linear chains of volcanoes (volcanic lineaments). A classic example is the Wolf-Darwin Lineament in Galápagos, a ~ 200 km long volcanic feature extending from above a region where there is currently melting taking place within a mantle plume located ~ 250 km south of the Galápagos Spreading Centre. In our previous work we find that a variety of geophysical and geochemical observations for the Galápagos lineaments are naturally explained in a model where they overlie a network of volatile- and melt-rich channels connecting the Galápagos plume to the Galápagos Spreading Centre. Such volcanic lineaments are found in other plume-ridge interaction settings worldwide (e.g. Reunion, Easter, and Discovery). We propose to use a combination of newly collected geophysical data and novel geochemical observations of the Galápagos lineaments and the Galápagos Spreading Centre. Specifically, we propose to use an array of ~ 60 state-of-the-art broadband marine instruments, dropped overboard from the research ship, to measure electrical conductivity in sections at depths of ~60 to 100 km along and across the volcanic lineaments and the plume-affected ridge segments. Synthetic modelling demonstrates that the conductivity signals associated with the melt channels that we hypothesize are very likely to be detectable. We will couple the results from the geophysical survey with geodynamical models for Galápagos plume flow towards the ridge in order to test our findings and discern among the different possible melt channelisation mechanisms. Finally, while the geophysical instruments are recording data, we propose to dredge samples of igneous rocks along both the northern Galápagos volcanic lineaments and the lineament-spreading ridge intersections. We will analyse these for their geochemistry in order to constrain the contribution of melts from the mantle plume. This work will lead to significant, if not transformative, advances in our understanding of how mantle plumes generated near Earth's core-mantle boundary interact with 'shallow' tectonic features (mid-ocean ridges), and mantle melt transport processes in general. Furthermore, our work will shed important light on the interaction of deep Earth processes on surface systems. This is because the volcanic lineaments that we believe represent the surface expressions of melt transport in the mantle in the Galapagos are fundamental to the migration of marine species in the eastern Pacific (e.g. whale sharks). Our study will provide important constraints on how these topographic features form on the ocean floor and also their potential long-term influence on marine ecosystems.

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  • Funder: UK Research and Innovation Project Code: MR/Z504087/1
    Funder Contribution: 1,556,830 GBP

    Millions of people in the UK struggle with anxiety and depression. These problems have a large negative impact on our physical and mental health and are costly in financial terms and to society. The most common psychological treatment for anxiety and depression is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT. There is strong evidence that CBT is effective for these problems. NHS Talking Therapies are the main provider of mental health treatments in England, including CBT. In 2021/22 they treated 664,000 people. Just over half recovered, and around two-thirds showed at least some improvement. However, many do not benefit. One reason for this is that many people leave treatment after just 2-4 sessions, whereas UK guidelines recommend 6-12 sessions to be effective. Whilst CBT is a 'talking' therapy, it also involves practical tasks that are vital for overcoming problems. For example, someone anxious about social situations might learn strategies for chatting with others. Patients are encouraged to practise what they have learned between therapy sessions. However, many patients struggle with this. It is hard to remember and apply what you have learned, especially if anxiety and depression reduce your concentration and motivation. Unfortunately, patients do not typically receive any support from their therapist between sessions. Lack of such support could be a major contributor to patients leaving early. Currently, we know little about what patients do between sessions, how they use their learning, what they find helpful or difficult, and how this impacts their progress. We need to understand this so we can design ways to support patients between sessions, using efficient digital methods. Aims To enhance the benefits of CBT by: 1) Understanding how patients work on their treatment between sessions and how this links to treatment progress 2) Providing patients with between-session digital support 3) Evaluating the impact of this support Methods Phase 1: What do people do between sessions? An online study of patients receiving CBT for anxiety or depression. I will ask how participants worked on their treatment between recent sessions, and relate participants' responses to their treatment progress. I will also interview participants about their between-session experiences. Phase 2: What should support look like? A package of between-session digital support, developed together with patients and therapists. This might include encouragement, guidance in taking action and reminders, using text messages or emails. The Phase 1 results will help determine what is most likely to support patients in reducing anxiety and depression. Phase 3: Is the between-session support package practical and value-for-money? A preliminary study to compare enhanced CBT using the new between-session support, with standard CBT. This study will test if the between-session support is possible to deliver, helpful to patients, and if it shows promising results. I will measure how much it costs and interview participants about their experiences. The results will show if a future larger study should go ahead and inform how to do this. Impact This research could help many patients achieve bigger reductions in anxiety and depression in a shorter time. It aims to help patients complete a full course of therapy instead of leaving early. It will provide crucial information for patients, carers and families about how best to use the time between sessions. Results will be shared with patients and their families, therapists, NHS organisations, researchers and the wider public.

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  • Funder: UK Research and Innovation Project Code: EP/Z533427/1
    Funder Contribution: 1,149,640 GBP

    CONTEXT In today's rapidly urbanizing world, the need for innovative, sustainable, and efficient infrastructure solutions has never been greater. Underground construction presents a promising avenue to address this challenge, providing the means to expand vital transportation networks, utility systems, and storage facilities while minimizing surface disruption. As urban populations continue to grow, the demand for underground infrastructure will surge, requiring novel approaches that can deliver resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious solutions. This fellowship seeks to harness the power of advanced digital technologies to transform underground construction, aligning with the ongoing global push for smarter, more efficient infrastructure development. CHALLENGE & APPLICATION Underground construction offers immense potential, but it also comes with significant hurdles. The complexity of soil-fluid-structure interactions (SFS) poses challenges that impact construction processes, project timelines, and costs. Traditional methods often struggle to accurately model and simulate these interactions, leading to uncertainties and suboptimal designs. This fellowship addresses this challenge by integrating cutting-edge digital tools, including Building Information Modeling (BIM), digital twins, and advanced data analytics. By doing so, it aims to revolutionize how we approach underground construction, enabling accurate prediction of SFS interactions and optimizing construction methodologies. AIMS & OBJECTIVES The primary aim of this fellowship is to reshape the landscape of underground construction by seamlessly integrating digital technologies. The project's objectives are: 1. Develop advanced digital modeling techniques that accurately predict complex SFS interactions in underground construction scenarios. 2. Create a comprehensive digital twin that integrates real-time data, enabling continuous monitoring and predictive maintenance of underground construction processes. 3. Identify and deploy optimal real-time monitoring technologies to gather data for improving the accuracy of the digital twin. 4. Apply advanced data analytics to optimize construction processes, enabling what-if scenario forecasting and predictive maintenance models. 5. Facilitate knowledge transfer and dissemination of research outcomes to industry professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders, driving the adoption of digital technologies in underground construction.

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  • Funder: UK Research and Innovation Project Code: MR/Y018397/1
    Funder Contribution: 1,860,150 GBP

    Novel deep fake technology poses a serious and imminent threat to society and work is urgently needed to better protect ordinary people. Deep fakes (also termed synthetic media) refer to audio, image, text, or video that has been automatically synthesised by a machine learning system. Although such technological advances can have impressive and entertaining applications, they are already being weaponised for the purposes of image-based sexual abuse, financial fraud, and amplifying disinformation campaigns. Over 90% of deep fake videos are non-consensual porn and, of those, 99% feature women, yet most research focuses on technical approaches for protecting celebrities and world leaders. In my FLF I will examine how psychological science can help find ways to detect deep fakes and protect ordinary people from the harms that deep fake technologies present. I will work with partners including the police, the public, government, and technology experts to co-design and develop an innovative forensically assured verification system to detect deep fake pornography. This system will be built using state-of-the-art facial recognition technology and ongoing partner consultation will ensure development of a practically useful, usable, trusted, and sustainable system that protects ordinary people. In this ever-evolving space, my work will also examine emerging threats from the newest wave of deep fakes and seek to appreciate the effectiveness of currently available protective tools. In this FLF I will adopt an interdisciplinary approach to undertake six interrelated research and dissemination work package (WP)s: WP1 draws on state-of-the-art facial recognition software to develop a forensically assured verification system (FAVS) to address the challenge of deep fake pornography. The system will be developed and refined as a proof of concept using non-sexual material before being applied to the detection of deep fake pornography (refinements also based on relevant learnings from other WPs). Accuracy across different sociodemographic groups will be examined to check and improve algorithmic fairness. WP2 combines methodologies and theory from psychology and computer science to examine 1) the realism of the latest deep fake media, 2) modality-based individual differences in detection ability by comparing typical, early-blind, and early-deaf individuals' detection of image, audio, video deep fakes, and 3) how neuropsychological theory unpinning the results can be used to inform and create sociotechnical tools to tackle the threats from deep fakes. WP3 uses interviews and focus groups with the police, public, and tech experts to gain in-depth understanding of the current and emerging threats from deep fake technology, victim reporting and police response, and to allow co-design and development of FAVS. The findings will feed into the development of FAVS (WP1) to ensure the system is useful, usable, trusted, and sustainable. WP4 is a collaboration with Google to examine the effectiveness of their latest tools aiming to protect ordinary people from visual misinformation. Drawing on psychological theory and experimental methods I will analyse their approach and recommend ways to improve their tools. WP5 explores optimal aftercare provision for victim-survivors of online image-based sexual abuse through interviews with victim-survivors who have publicly spoken about being targets of online sexual abuse. I will also talk to senior representatives from relevant Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) charities. WP5 will also include a systematic review of the literature on 'what works' in the provision of aftercare and justice for victim-survivors of image-based sexual abuse. The findings will feed into the development of FAVS (WP1) to ensure responsible innovation. WP6 focuses on career development, knowledge sharing, and impact, ensuring clear scientific advances, strong practical impacts, and the legacy of the research.

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  • Funder: UK Research and Innovation Project Code: EP/Y034643/1
    Funder Contribution: 8,545,520 GBP

    Civil infrastructure is the key to unlocking net zero. To achieve the ambitious UK targets of net zero by 2050, we require innovative approaches to design, construction, and operation that prioritise energy efficiency, renewable resources, and low-carbon materials. Meeting net zero carbon emissions will require not only significant investment and planning, but also a radical shift in how we approach the design and management of our civil infrastructure. Reliable low carbon infrastructure sector solutions that meet real user needs are essential to ensure a smooth and safe transition to a net zero future. To address these challenges, the UK must develop highly skilled infrastructure professionals who can champion this urgent, complex, interconnected and cross-disciplinary transition to net zero infrastructure. This EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero (FIBE3 CDT) aims to lead this transformation by co-developing and co-delivering an inspirational doctoral training programme with industry partners. FIBE3 will focus on meeting the user needs of the construction and infrastructure sector in its pursuit of net zero. Our goal is to equip emerging talents from diverse academic and social backgrounds with the skills, knowledge and qualities to engineer the infrastructure needed to unlock net zero, including technological, environmental, economic, social and demographic challenges. Achievable outcomes will include a dynamic roadmap for the infrastructure that unlocks net zero, cohort-based doctoral student training with immersive industry experience, a CDT which is firmly embedded within existing net zero research initiatives, and expanded networks and outward-facing education. These outcomes will be centred around four thematic enablers: (1) existing and disruptive/new technologies, (2) radical circularity and whole life approach, (3) AI-driven digitalisation and data, and (4) risk-based systems thinking and connectivity. FIBE3 doctoral students will be trained to unlock net zero by evolving the MRes year to include intimate industry engagement through the novel introduction of a fourth dimension to our successful 'T-shaped' training model and designing the PhD with regular outward-facing deliverables. We have leveraged industry-borne ideas to align theory and practice, streamline business and research needs, and provide both academic-led and industry-led training activities. Cohort-based training in technical, commercial, transferable and personal skills will be provided for our graduates to become skilled professionals and leaders in delivering net zero infrastructure. FIBE3's alignment with real industry needs is backed by a 31 strong consortium, including owners, consultants, contractors, technology providers and knowledge transfer partners, who actively seek engagement for solutions and will support the CDT with substantial cash (£2.56M) and in-kind (£8.88M) contributions. At Cambridge, the FIBE3 CDT will be embedded within an inspirational research and training environment, a culture of academic excellence and within a department with strategic cross-cutting research themes that have net zero ambitions at their core. This is exemplified by Cambridge's portfolio of over £60M current aligned research grant funding and our internationally renowned centres and initiatives including the Digital Roads of the Future Initiative, the Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction, Cambridge Zero and Cambridge Centres for Climate Repair and Carbon Credits, as well as our strong partnerships with UK universities and leading academic centres across the globe. Our proposed vision, training structure and deliverables are exciting and challenging; we are confident that we have the right team to deliver a highly successful FIBE3 CDT and to continue to develop outstanding PhD graduates who will be net zero infrastructure champions of the future.

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