Birmingham City University

Demand-weighted edge betweenness centrality for identifying critical pipes in water distribution networks

ABSTRACT Graphical abstract summarising the DWEBC workflow: a WDN is converted to a weighted graph; EPANET hydraulic outputs and demand data are used to compute DWEBC; and high-ranking pipes support resilience screening, maintenance prioritisation, and digital-twin decision-makin...

Beyond similarity retrieval: governance fidelity, consistency, and minimality in long-term conversational memory

Abstract Conversational language model systems persist user constraints, preferences, identity, commitments, and assigned roles across turns. The dominant memory architecture stores this alongside ordinary episodic content in a vector index and retrieves the top- k items by simil...

Inferring latent system risk in interdependent construction systems using digital twins

Purpose This paper aims to seek to develop a digital twin (DT)–based framework for identifying systemic delivery risk in construction projects through latent performance–loss states. Conventional monitoring approaches rely primarily on observable indicators such as productivity o...

Suppressing Catalyst Reconstruction via Electric-Field-Enhanced Cu–Sn Alloying for Stable CO2 Electroreduction

Abstract The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) on copper (Cu) catalysts holds great promise for the sustainable production of value-added carbonaceous chemicals and fuels. However, these Cu nanostructures suffer from severe surface reconstruction due to Cu’s oxi...

Differences in weight loss practices and perceptions between medalists and non-medalists in national-level adolescent Sanda athletes

Objectives This study aimed to compare weight loss (WL) practices and perceptions between medalists and non-medalists among Chinese national-level adolescent Sanda athletes. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among national-level adolescent Sanda athletes using the Ra...

A systematic review of the effects of educational interventions on health literacy knowledge and communication techniques among healthcare professionals

Abstract Background Low health literacy (HL) undermines patient safety and health outcomes by hindering effective communication. This systematic review aggregated evidence on the impact of educational interventions on healthcare professionals’ (HCPs’) HL competency, specifically...

Whispered Speech Recognition Enhancement Using Teager Energy Operator with PLP Features

Abstract Whispered speech poses persistent challenges for automatic speech recognition (ASR) owing to the absence of vocal fold vibration and the dominance of turbulent airflow excitation, which substantially alters spectral and temporal energy distributions. Conventional front-e...

Adapting but not in rhythm: the realities of integrated care leadership

Purpose To explore the nature and realities of integrated care leadership through the perspectives of systems leaders and the theoretical lens of adaptive leadership. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology involving interviews and focus groups with twenty-seven par...

On-Surface Molecular Design and Synthesis of Discrete Metal–Fullerene Complexes on Graphite

Abstract On-surface synthesis enables the fabrication of molecular complexes, which cannot be obtained through traditional solution chemistry. Generally, metal substrates have been used due to their catalytic properties. Here, a tripod-like magnetic molecular complex, (C60)3–Co,...

Beyond Narrative and Tabular Synthesis: Introducing an Approach–Rationale–Note (ARN) Framework for Thematic Evidence Synthesis in Economic Evaluation Reviews

Conventional evidence synthesis in systematic literature reviews (SLRs) of economic evaluations typically provides a narrative description of modelling approaches used across studies and rarely examines the underlying rationale for these choices or their interpretation. This stud...

The economic burden of functional neurological disorder

We provide an analysis of the economic burden of functional neurological disorder (FND). For a condition that is complex to diagnose and treat, estimating its true prevalence and incidence can be challenging. This estimation challenge has economic implications in terms of directi...

The interplay of social capital, digital transformation and sustainability for designing international marketing strategies: a systematic literature review

Purpose This study systematically reviews the current literature on the role of social capital in adopting digital technologies and achieving sustainability. The current investigation identifies key insights across social capital, digital transformation and sustainability paradig...

Explaining social group disparities in ever tobacco use among women aged 45 years and older in India: a nonlinear decomposition analysis

Abstract Background Social group differences in tobacco use among Indian women are well documented; however, most existing studies remain descriptive, reporting associations without explaining disparities in ever tobacco use between Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) and non...

Capability-driven international scale-up: the moderating role of co-creation and technology

Purpose This paper investigates how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in resource-constrained regions build international scale-up intentions and convert them into internationalization performance. Drawing on a dynamic capabilities perspective, the study examines how capa...

Reducing Sedentary Working in a University Setting: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Three Workplace Feasibility Interventions

Background: Sedentary working is a major risk factor for chronic diseases. Workplace health and wellbeing-related interventions that focus on creating opportunities for physical movement may help mitigate prolonged sitting. The aim of this study was to evaluate three different in...

Management of Acute Periodontal Conditions—The EFP S2k Level Clinical Practice Guideline

BACKGROUND: The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) has developed Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for the treatment of periodontitis and for the management of peri-implant diseases. In accordance with the 2018 Classification, acute periodontal conditions are character...

Understanding the Lived Experience of Fetal and Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia: A Qualitative Study

Objective Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a rare alloimmune disease of pregnancy. This study aimed to better understand the disease burden of FNAIT and its impact on families through qualitative research. Study Design This exploratory, qualitative study...

Rituximab therapy achieves comparable remission to cyclophosphamide in ANCA-associated vasculitis with severe KIDNEY involvement

Abstract Introduction The RAVE/RITUXIVAS trials established rituximab (RTX) therapy in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). However, RAVE excluded patients with severe renal involvement (creatinine > 354 µmol/L). Whilst RITUXIVAS did not, treatment included RTX with 2 cyclophosphami...

Mast cells enhance venous thrombus stability and lung fibrin deposition in murine sepsis.

Venous thrombo-embolism is a serious complication of sepsis despite standard thromboprophylaxis. Mast cells (MCs) promote deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in sterile murine models, but their contribution during sepsis remains unknown. We explored the role of MCs in DVT in lipopolysacch...

Oral health and systemic health outcomes: A call for interdisciplinary action

Abstract Objectives To make the case, from periodontology and dental public health, for interdisciplinary action on oral and systemic health, and to set out recommendations for practice, policy, education, and research. Materials and Methods A joint working group of the European...