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Item Recent advances in carbon-based sensors for food and medical packaging under transit: a focus on humidity, temperature, mechanical, and multifunctional sensing technologies—a systematic review(MDPI, 2025-04-18) Guo, Siting; Radecka, Iza; Eissa, Ahmed; Ivanov, Evgeni; Stoeva, Zlatka; Tchuenbou-Magaia, Fideline Laure; Research Institute of Healthcare Sciences, School of Pharmacy & Life Sciences; Centre for Engineering Innovation and Research, School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematical SciencesAll carbon-based sensors play a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of smart packaging while enabling real-time monitoring of parameters such as humidity, temperature, pressure, and strain during transit. This systematic review covers the literature between 2013 and 16 November 2024 in the Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and Wiley databases, focusing on carbon-based sensor materials, structural design, and fabrication technologies that contribute to maximizing the sensor performance and scalability with particular emphasis on food and pharmaceutical product packaging applications. After being subjected to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 164 studies were included in this review. The results show that most humidity sensors are made using graphene oxide (GO), though there is some progress toward cellulose and cellulose-based materials. Graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are predominant in temperature and mechanical sensors. The application of composites with structural design (e.g., porous and 3D structures) significantly improves sensitivity, long-term stability, and multifunctionality, whereas manufacturing methods such as spray coating and 3D printing further drive production scalability. The transition from metal to carbon-based electrodes could also reduce the cost. However, the scalability, long-term stability, and real-world validation remain challenges to be addressed. Future research should further enhance the performance and scalability of carbon-based sensors through low-energy fabrication techniques and the development of sustainable advanced materials to provide solutions for practical applications in dynamic transportation environments.Item 3D printed titanium TPMS for personalised tibial bone implant(Elsevier, 2025-04-23) Appiah, Martin; Arafat, Abul; Gupta, Abhishek; Arjunan, Arun; Baroutaji, Ahmad; Robinson, John; Wanniarachchi, Chameekara; Singh, Manpreet; Ashwood, Neil; Vance, Aaron; Additive manufacturing Research Group, University of Wolverhampton; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and EngineeringPorous titanium scaffolds offer hope for reducing stress shielding and encouraging new bone growth, moving the field closer to personalised load bearing implants. This study explores four triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) tibial scaffolds informed by Gyroid (GSC), Lidinoid (LSC), Diamond (DSC), and Schwartz Primitive (SSC) unit cells. These scaffolds were made using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) 3D printing, with a targeted porosity of 60 % to closely match the mechanical behaviour of natural tibial bone. Mechanical testing of these scaffolds revealed an elastic modulus of 10.42 to 13.62 GPa and compressive strengths ranging from 209 to 393 MPa, meeting the requirements for load-bearing tibial implants. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, AHP and TOPSIS, were applied to evaluate the designs, considering four favourable factors of relative importance in the order porosity>yield strength>elastic modulus>ultimate strength. This analysis identified SSC scaffold featuring Schwartz Primitive architecture as the most promising candidate for load-bearing applications. The biological compatibility of these scaffolds was also found to be equally compelling. In vitro testing with U-2OS osteosarcoma cells confirmed high cell viability, underscoring the cytocompatibility of these TPMS designs and reinforcing their potential for biomedical applications. Together, these findings offer a path toward the use of titanium scaffolds in orthopaedics, setting the stage for further in vivo studies and a potential breakthrough in functional bone implant design.Item Enhancing user verification and data security scheme for fog computing using self sovereign identification(Elsevier, 2025-12-31) Umoren, Otuekong; Ali, Amjad; Pervez, Zeeshan; Ali, Farman; Singh, Raman; Dahal, Keshav; Al-Fuqaha, Ala; School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science and EngineeringDue to the advancements in technology, the number of connected devices in a data processing and computing environment of edge and Internet of Things (IoT) has increased exponentially. Thus, proliferation of electronics by billions has raised serious security concerns. Therefore, designing effective coordination mechanisms and ensuring user verification and data security pose significant challenges in edge environments. Moreover, dispersed architecture of fog computing presents challenges related to privacy, secure authentication, and fog device security. Therefore, to address these drawbacks, in this paper, we propose an novel approach to enhance user verification and data security in edge environment. Our proposed scheme leverages the intrinsic properties of the Ethereum blockchain to develop a smart contract-based solution for registering and verifying digital identities securely to mitigate security and privacy concerns associated with traditional authentication techniques. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme via experiments and simulations conducted on the Ethereum blockchain environment. The results indicate that the proposed scheme outperform than other state-of-the-art techniques in terms of transaction gas and execution cost for both identity registration and verification.Item Microclimatic, physiological, and structural changes of tomato seedlings during wind-based overgrowth inhibition in vegetable nursery(Elsevier, 2025-04-22) Yang, Peiji; Liu, Ying; Hao, Jie; Li, Zhiguo; Tchuenbou-Magaia, Fideline Laure; Ni, JihengWind disturbance has emerged as a potential eco-friendly method for seedling cultivation. In this study, an electromechanical device was designed and built to investigate the effects of airflow on the micro-environment and physiological activities of tomato seedlings in seedbeds by controlled experiments. The results indicated that airflow could enhance CO2 concentration near the seedling canopy, accelerate water evaporation from the seedling substrate, and reduce fluctuations in the temperature and humidity in microclimate. The photosynthetic rates of leaves at the 4th, 7th, and 10th positions in seedlings subjected to airflow increased by 25.04%, 8.23%, and 8.47%, respectively, whereas the transpiration rates increased by 15.59%, 22.28%, and 13.26%, respectively when compared to the control group. Additionally, the strong seedling index of seedlings treated with airflow and exogenous iron element increased by 26.02% and 31.5%, respectively. Compared to seedlings treated with exogenous iron element, the geometric mean diameter of the pith tissue cells in the stems of seedlings subjected to airflow disturbance was reduced by approximately 18.66%, while the elastic modulus and bending strength of the stems increased by 10.01% and 5.89%, respectively. Similarly, the volume of root tissue cells decreased by 19.22%, but the elastic modulus of the roots increased by 6.46%. This study confirms that airflow significantly enhances seedling resilience to abiotic stress, yielding similar or better outcomes than exogenous iron application. It provides both theoretical and practical support for using airflow disturbance as a green technology for cultivating robust seedlings.Item Sustainable mining principles: optimizing its application to enhance small-scale gold mining in developing countries(CITC Global, 2025-02-28) Ogan, Deinsam Dan; Moses, Tochukwu; Yenneti, Komali; Hampton, Paul; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of WolverhamptonThe global gold mining industry has long faced environmental and social challenges, particularly in small-scale operations prevalent in developing countries. This study delves into the integration of sustainable principles within the context of small-scale gold mining, aiming to optimize practices for enhanced environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Focusing on developing countries, where small-scale mining plays a pivotal role in local economies, this research explores how the application of sustainable gold mining principles can be tailored to mitigate environmental impact, promote ethical labour practices, and contribute to community development. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, using a partisan-systematic research methodology that incorporated geological, environmental, and socio-economic perspectives to develop a comprehensive set of recommendations. Consequently, by addressing some unique challenges faced by small-scale operations, this research aims to provide actionable insights and guidelines for policymakers, mining communities, and industry stakeholders to foster a more sustainable and responsible trajectory for small-scale gold mining in developing countries. Through the optimization of sustainable practices, the research envisions a future where gold mining contributes positively to both the environment and the well-being of local communities, aligning with global efforts towards responsible resource extraction.Item Compressive performance of polyurethane bonded basalt-plastic-rubber porous composite paving material(Elsevier, 2025-04-18) Wanniarachchi, Chameekara; Singh, Manpreet; Bari, Dr. Klaudio; Bock, Marina; Arjunan, ArunThis study presents the development and optimisation of a sustainable polyurethane (PU)-bonded basalt-plastic-rubber composite for paving applications, addressing the ecological concerns associated with traditional asphalt and concrete. By integrating basalt aggregates with recycled plastic and rubber in a PU binder, the research aims to deliver an eco-friendly alternative that balances mechanical performance with environmental sustainability. Quasi-static compression testing was used to characterise the elastic modulus, yield strength, and ultimate strength of the composite material, while X-ray computed tomography (XCT) analysis confirmed a porosity range of 24.21 %–25.83 %, ensuring adequate permeability for water drainage. The influence of the proportion of basalt, plastic and rubber was characterised through the development of a mixture-model capable of predicting the mechanical performance of the composite sample representing a novel contribution to the field. The mixture-model also revealed the influence of basalt, plastic and rubber distribution within the PU matrix on the stiffness and strength of the composite. This approach enables the development of composite material with targeted performance simply by varying the material composition within the PU matrix. The optimal composite formulation of 60 vol % basalt, 20 vol % plastic, and 20 vol % rubber, derived from mixture modelling and ANOVA analysis, yielded superior mechanical properties achieving an elastic modulus of 37.84 MPa and strength of 1.01 MPa, offering a sustainable paving material. This work offers insights into the mechanical interplay of sustainable composite mixture materials for various paving applications.Item The use of digital technologies in construction safety: a systematic review(MDPI, 2025-04-21) Daniel, Emmanuel Itodo; Oshodi, Olalekan S.; Nwankwo, Nnaemeka; Emuze, Fidelis A.; Chinyio, Ezekiel; School of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Science and EngineeringThe global construction industry faces serious safety challenges, characterised by high rates of accidents and fatalities. A systematic review that analysed 95 academic articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases investigated the current use of digital technologies (DTs) in construction safety management across developed and developing countries. The research discovered that digital technology applications in construction safety primarily focus on developing models and simulations. These technologies are making significant contributions by enhancing worker training, improving risk prediction capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring, facilitating better communication, and supporting more proactive safety interventions. The most frequently utilised digital technologies in this domain include virtual reality (VR), building information modelling (BIM), machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the promising potential of these technologies, their actual implementation remains somewhat limited, especially in developing countries. This study identified critical knowledge gaps, specifically the limited understanding of digital technology trends in construction safety management across different economic contexts, the insufficient research on strategies to increase digital technology adoption in the construction sector, and the need for more comprehensive investigations into how the technology adoption divide can be bridged. This research aimed to facilitate future empirical studies that can advance the understanding of digital technologies and the development of strategies to integrate them more comprehensively into construction safety practices. By providing a detailed overview of current digital technology applications, highlighting research limitations, and suggesting future research directions, this review seeks to contribute to both academic understanding and practical improvements in global construction industry safety.Item Exploring best practices and policies to reduce the gender gap in the UK construction industry(Emerald, 2025-04-21) Bains, Sonia; Daniel, Emmanuel Itodo; Chinyio, Ezekiel; Marte Gomez, Jose Amauris; Adah, Christiana Ada; School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of WolverhamptonThe construction industry globally, including that of the UK, is still plagued with gender imbalance despite the invaluable roles women play in bridging the gap caused by skills shortage. This qualitative study explored best practices and policies to reduce the gender gap in the UK construction industry. Twelve construction professionals were interviewed on the factors contributing to gender imbalance and the effectiveness of existing gender equality policies. The data collected were transcribed and qualitatively analysed using code-based content analysis. The findings confirmed that the prominent factors contributing to the gender imbalance in the construction industry are lack of education, masculine culture, lack of flexibility, and discrimination. The study then identified networking groups, increased exposure, and work–life balance as the most effective approaches for bridging the gender gap. The study identified areas that construction industry policymakers and stakeholders need to re-evaluate in existing gender policies to effectively address the barriers women in construction face, which are also responsible for the gender imbalance in the construction industry.Item Strategies to redress the resilience of residential buildings following climatic impacts: perspectives from the UK construction industry(MDPI, 2025-04-11) Onus, Ehis Lawrence; Chinyio, Ezekiel; Daniel, Emmanuel Itodo; Gerges, Michael; School of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Science and EngineeringHousing environments are designed to provide comfort and protection but climate change has compromised the resilience of residential buildings. This study examines the impacts of climate change on UK residential buildings, identifying key vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies. A qualitative approach was used, involving ten semi-structured interviews with experts. A thematic analysis of the interview transcripts using NVivo (V.14) software revealed connections between climate change drivers and building factors such as location, age, orientation, typology, and material integrity. Adverse effects on buildings and occupants include structural degradation, increased energy demands, and indoor discomfort. This study underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration among housing owners, community members, construction professionals, and policymakers to enhance the resilience of buildings. Construction professionals are seen as key players in the implementation of mitigation and adaptation measures. This study emphasises the need for proactive adaptation measures, informed policy interventions, and improved construction practices to safeguard housing against climate change. It contributes to understanding the effects of climate change on UK residential buildings and offers strategic insights for improving their resilience.Item An Exploration of the feasibility of using plastic waste for sustainable road construction in Nigeria: a qualitative approach(Purdue University, 2025-12-31) Lawal, Rosheedat Adeola; Daniel, Emmanuel Itodo; Gyoh, Louis; Chinyio, Ezekiel; Umeokafor, Nnedinma; School of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Science and EngineeringEvery country, both developed and developing, has problems with waste management, specifically plastic waste. Plastic wastes are non-biodegradable and can decompose between 100 to 500 years. The negative impact of plastic waste is felt by the environment and all forms of living things, either on the land, in the air, or underwater, because of the chemical composition of plastic and its poor management. Nigeria, as a developing country, is faced with a poor and inadequate road network with about 200,000km road network and only 50,000km paved; therefore, there is a need to make more roads that are environmentally friendly, socially comfortable and accessible, and economically feasible. Thus, this research identifies and evaluates the factors that could promote or hinder the adoption of plastic waste for road construction. Highway construction professionals in Nigeria were interviewed and the data analysed thematically. The findings showed that awareness, government policy, funding, technical know-how, political will, equipment, standardised methodology, practicalknowledge gap and a sample trial hinder the adoption of plastic waste for road construction in Nigeria. However, the enables include global warning concerns, government policies and environmental awareness. Based on this research, it is evident that raising awareness and training amongst stakeholders, the balance between hands-on and classroom training, pilot construction, funding, and government policy is important for adopting plastic waste for road construction.Item Enabling trust and security in digital twin management: a blockchain-based approach with Ethereum and IPFS(MDPI, 2023-07-01) Onwubiko, Austine; Singh, Raman; Awan, Shahid; Pervez, Zeeshan; Ramzan, Naeem; School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland; School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK.The emergence of Industry 5.0 has highlighted the significance of information usage, processing, and data analysis when maintaining physical assets. This has enabled the creation of the Digital Twin (DT). Information about an asset is generated and consumed during its entire life cycle. The main goal of DT is to connect and represent physical assets as close to reality as possible virtually. Unfortunately, the lack of security and trust among DT participants remains a problem as a result of data sharing. This issue cannot be resolved with a central authority when dealing with large organisations. Blockchain technology has been proposed as a solution for DT information sharing and security challenges. This paper proposes a Blockchain-based solution for digital twin using Ethereum blockchain with performance and cost analysis. This solution employs a smart contract for information management and access control for stakeholders of the digital twin, which is secure and tamper-proof. This implementation is based on Ethereum and IPFS. We use IPFS storage servers to store stakeholders’ details and manage information. A real-world use-case of a production line of a smartphone, where a conveyor belt is used to carry different parts, is presented to demonstrate the proposed system. The performance evaluation of our proposed system shows that it is secure and achieves performance improvement when compared with other methods. The comparison of results with state-of-the-art methods showed that the proposed system consumed fewer resources in a transaction cost, with an 8% decrease. The execution cost increased by 10%, but the cost of ether was 93% less than the existing methods.Item Development of a novel packaging box with on-demand ripening function for fast kiwifruit logistics(Elsevier, 2025-04-12) Liu, Ying; Hao, Jie; Yang, Peiji; Li, Zhiguo; Tchuenbou-Magaia, Fideline Laure; Tang, Wenzhi; School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science and EngineeringThe acceptance of kiwifruit by consumers is significantly affected by its prolonged post-ripening period and slow ripening. In this study, a novel type of kiwifruit packing box, containing ripening function was developed for fast logistics. The box utilizes an integrated circuit board to precisely control the ultrasonic atomization release of the ripening agent. The partition board divides the packaging box into two ripening allowing on-demand fruit ripening in different areas of packaging box based on the consumer's preference. The optimal ripening method, concentration, and dosage of a model ripening agent, ethephon, were determined. Results showed that spraying 12.5 mL of 1000 mg/kg ethephon solution achieved the best ripening effect. ‘Cuixiang’ kiwifruit required only 2 days to reach ready-to-eat status, 6 days earlier than the untreated group, whereas ‘Xuxiang’ kiwifruit required only 3 days, 12 days earlier than the untreated group. Faster ripening was achieved with a one-time application of ethephon when compared with other method including multiple application treatment, the solid ethylene treatment, traditional mixed fruit packaging with apple and banana-induced ripening and untreated fruit. This revolutionary kiwifruit e-packaging with ripening function provides consumers with a self-controlled ripening device and solution after purchasing kiwifruit, effectively meeting the demand for ready-to-eat kiwifruit.Item Evaluating the role of offsite construction in achieving net zero building in Nigeria’s construction industry(University of Purdue, 2025-12-31) Letsuwa, Jesse; Daniel, Emmanuel Itodo; Chinyio, Ezekiel; Obi, Lovelin; Gyoh, Louis; School of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Science and EngineeringThis study explores the role of off-site construction in achieving net zero buildings in the Nigerian construction industry, which is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. Therefore, the research aims to evaluate Off-Site Construction's contribution to Nigeria's sustainability goals by evaluating the challenges of Off-site construction in achieving net zero. In addressing the aim of the study, a quantitative research approach was adopted; the questionnaire was distributed to Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) professionals across Nigeria's six geo-political zones, gathering data on the challenges and contribution of OSC in achieving net zero building in Nigeria construction industry. The key challenges hindering OSC from achieving net-zero results include quality control issues, technological integration, resistance to change, and high upfront costs. The results of the obstacles were analysed using Spearman’s correlation analysis to assess the direction and strength of the connection between two ranking variables. This method is beneficial when the data does not necessarily follow a normal distribution or when dealing with ordinal variables. The highlight of the study is the positive contribution of OSC, which includes enhanced energy efficiency, reduced carbon footprint, and alignment with Nigeria's green goals. Despite these challenges, OSC is a promising approach to achieving net zero building and promoting sustainability in Nigeria's construction industry. This study addresses a critical gap in understanding how OSC can contribute to achieving net zero in Nigeria's construction industry. The findings will guide policymakers, industry stakeholders, and investors in adopting sustainable construction practices, aligning Nigeria’s growing construction sector with environmental sustainability targets.Item EE133 Cost-effectiveness of intensive and local neonatal care units in England: a real-world evidence analysis of a national birth cohort(Elsevier, 2024-12-31) Rivero-Arias, Oliver; Pillay, Thillagavathie; Ratushnyak, Svetlana; Boyle, Elaine; Modi, Neena; Campbell, Helen; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of WolverhamptonItem Strategies for improving maternal care for ethnic minority women with obstetric anal sphincter injuries in the UK(BMC, 2025-02-25) Olakotan, Olufisayo; Sudhakar, Vedhapriya; LIM, Jennifer NW; Bhavsar, Mina; Siddiqui, Farah; Ayaz, Rabina; O’Brady Henry, Gillian; Pillay, Thillagavathie; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of WolverhamptonBackground Women from minority ethnic groups in the UK have the highest prevalence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI), including third- and fourth-degree perineal tears sustained during childbirth. Incorporating the voices of mothers at higher risk of OASI is crucial in developing strategies to improve care and well-being. Aim To identify strategies perceived as important by women with lived experience of OASI in Leicester, UK, to improve their care and well-being. Methodology Women at high risk of and with lived experience of OASI in Leicester, UK, were invited, through our local maternity and neonatal voices partnership, to participate in a virtual focus group discussion (FGDs). Two FGDs were conducted to accommodate participants' availability. The first session included seven women, while the second session included three women. All participants were from underrepresented groups with lived experiences of OASI within the past one to ten years. A discussion guide was used to explore participants’ perceptions and experiences of OASI care, as well as their views on culturally and linguistically sensitive maternal care strategies. The discussion was recorded and transcribed. The data were analysed using the six-step thematic analysis approach by Braun and Clarke. Results The participants identified strategies to provide culturally appropriate care for obstetric anal sphincter injuries, including linguistically accessible prenatal resources, comprehensive midwifery training, updated prenatal education, standardized postpartum care, the inclusion of fathers in prenatal education, empathetic care, building trust, and community engagement and education. Conclusion This study highlights disparities in maternal healthcare outcomes for women from diverse ethnic backgrounds who experience OASI. Addressing these inequalities requires incorporating the voices of those directly affected to inform culturally sensitive policies and practices in maternal care.Item Improving outcomes for very preterm babies in England: does place of birth matter? Findings from OPTI-PREM, a national cohort study(BMJ Publishing Group, 2024-12-27) Pillay, Thillagavathie; Seaton, Sarah E.; Yang, Miaoqing; Bountziouka, Vasiliki; Banda, Victor; Campbell, Helen; Dawson, Kelvin; Manktelow, Bradley; Draper, Elizabeth; Modi, Neena; Boyle, Elaine; Rivero-Arias, Oliver; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of WolverhamptonObjective Babies born between 27+0 and 31+6 weeks of gestation contribute substantially towards infant mortality and morbidity. In England, their care is delivered in maternity services colocated with highly specialised neonatal intensive care units (NICU) or less specialised local neonatal units (LNU). We investigated whether birth setting offered survival and/or morbidity advantages to inform National Health Service delivery. Design Retrospective national cohort study. Setting LNU, NICU, England. Patients UK National Neonatal Research Database whole population data for births between 27+0 and 31+6 weeks of gestation, discharged from/died within neonatal units between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018. We linked baby-level data to mortality information from the Office for National Statistics. Outcome measures Death during neonatal care, up to 1 year (infant mortality), surgically treated necrotising enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, severe brain injury (SBI), bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Intervention Birth in NICU versus LNU setting. We used an instrumental variable (maternal excess travel time between the nearest NICU and LNU) estimation approach to determine treatment effect. Results Of 18 847 babies (NICU: 10 379; LNU: 8468), 574 died in NICU/LNU care, and 121 postdischarge (infant mortality 3.7%). We found no effect of birth setting on neonatal or infant mortality. Significantly more babies born into LNU settings experienced SBI (mean difference −1.1% (99% CI −2.2% to −0.1%)). This was attenuated after excluding births at 27 weeks, and early postnatal transfers. Conclusions In England, LNU teams should use clinical judgement, risk assessing benefits of transfer versus risk of SBI for preterm births at 27 weeks of gestation. 28 weeks of gestation is a safe threshold for preterm birth in either NICU/LNU settings. Trial registration number NCT02994849/ISRCTN74230187.Item Optimising neonatal services for very preterm births between 27+0 and 31+6 weeks gestation in England: the OPTIPREM mixed-methods study(NIHR, 2025-04-10) Pillay, Thillagavathie; Rivero-Arias, Oliver; Armstrong, Natalie; Seaton, Sarah E.; Yang, Miaoqing; Banda, Victor L.; Dawson, Kelvin; Ismail, Abdul Qader; Bountziouka, Vasiliki; Cupit, Caroline; Paton, Alexis; Manktelow, Bradley; Draper, Elizabeth; Modi, Neena; Campbell, Helen; Boyle, Elaine; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of WolverhamptonAim To investigate, for preterm babies born between 27+0 and 31+6 weeks gestation in England, optimal place of birth and early care. Design Mixed methods. Setting National Health Service neonatal care, England. Methods To investigate whether birth and early care in neonatal intensive care units (tertiary units) compared to local neonatal units (non-tertiary units) influenced gestation-specific survival and other major outcomes, we analysed data from the National Neonatal Research Database, for 29,842 babies born between 27+0 and 31+6 weeks gestation and discharged from neonatal care between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018. We utilised an instrumental variable (maternal excess travel time between local neonatal units and neonatal intensive care units) to control for unmeasured differences. Sensitivity analyses excluded postnatal transfers within 72 hours of birth and multiple births. Outcome measures were death in neonatal care, infant mortality, necrotising enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, severe brain injury, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and receipt of breast milk at discharge. We also analysed outcomes by volume of neonatal intensive care activity. We undertook a health economic analysis using a cost-effectiveness evaluation from a National Health Service perspective and using additional lives saved as a measure of benefit, explored differences in quality of care in high compared with low-performing units and performed ethnographic qualitative research. Results The safe gestational age cut-off for babies to be born between 27+0 and 31+6 weeks and early care at either location was 28 weeks. We found no effect on mortality in neonatal care (mean difference −0.001; 99% confidence interval −0.011 to 0.010; p = 0.842) or in infancy (mean difference −0.002; 99% confidence interval −0.014 to 0.009; p = 0.579) (n = 18,847), including after sensitivity analyses. A significantly greater proportion of babies in local neonatal units had severe brain injury (mean difference −0.011; 99% confidence interval −0.022 to −0.001; p = 0.007) with the highest mean difference in babies born at 27 weeks (−0.040). Those transferred in the first 72 hours were more likely to have severe brain injury. For 27 weeks gestation, birth in centres with neonatal intensive care units reduced the risk of severe brain injury by 4.2% from 11.9% to 7.7%. The number needed to treat was 25 (99% confidence interval 10 to 59) indicating that 25 babies at 27 weeks would have to be delivered in a neonatal intensive care unit to prevent one severe brain injury. For babies born at 27 weeks gestation, birth in a high-volume unit (> 1600 intensive care days/year) reduced the risk of severe brain injury from 0.242 to 0.028 [99% confidence interval 0.035 to 0.542; p = 0.003; number needed to treat = 4 (99% confidence interval 2 to 29)]. Estimated annual total costs of neonatal care were £262 million. The mean (standard deviation) cost per baby varied from £75,594 (£34,874) at 27 weeks to £27,401 (£14,947) at 31 weeks. Costs were similar between neonatal intensive care units and local neonatal units for births at 27+0 to 29+6 weeks gestation, but higher for local neonatal units for those born at 30+0 to 31+6 weeks. No difference in additional lives saved were observed between the settings. These results suggested that neonatal intensive care units are likely to represent value for money for the National Health Service. However, careful interpretation of this results should be exercised due to the ethical and practical concerns around the reorganisation of neonatal care for very preterm babies from local neonatal units to neonatal intensive care units purely on the grounds of cost savings. We identified a mean reduction in length of stay (1 day; 95% confidence interval 1.029 to 1.081; p < 0.001) in higher-performing units, based on adherence to evidence- and consensus-based measures. Staff reported that decision-making to optimise capacity for babies was an important part of their work. Parents reported valuing their baby’s development, homecoming, continuity of care, inclusion in decision-making, and support for their emotional and physical well-being. Conclusions Birth and early care for babies ≥ 28 weeks is safe in both neonatal intensive care units and local neonatal units in England. For anticipated births at 27 weeks, antenatal transfer of mothers to centres colocated with neonatal intensive care units should be supported. When these inadvertently occur in centres with local neonatal units, clinicians should risk assess decisions for postnatal transfer, taking patient care requirements, staff skills and healthcare resources into consideration and counselling parents regarding the increased risk of severe brain injury associated with transfer. Study registration This study is registered as Current Controlled Trials NCT02994849 and ISRCTN74230187. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: 15/70/104) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 13, No. 12. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.Item The effect of localized magnetic fields on the spatially controlled crystallization of transition metal complexes(MDPI, 2025-04-07) Butler, Ian R.; Williams, Rhodri M.; Heeroma, Alice; Horton, Peter N.; Coles, Simon J.; Jones, Leigh; School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and EngineeringA series of nickel (II) bis-phosphine organometallic complexes along with two pseudo [M7] (M = Ni(II), Zn(II)) metallocalix[6]arene complexes and a dysprosium acetate coordination polymer have each been crystallised in the presence of localized magnetic fields set up using neodymium magnets, using custom made Magnetic Crystallization Towers (MCTs). In all cases, whether the product complex is diamagnetic or paramagnetic, a complex spatial patterning of the crystals occurs based on the orientation of the magnetic field lines. When using magnetic block towers, the crystallization generally occurs adjacent to the magnet face. The effects of nucleation and solution concentration gradients on the crystallization process are also explored. These observations show how the crystallization process is affected by magnetic fields and thus these results have far-reaching effects which most certainly will include crystallization and ion migrations in biology.Item Monitoring perinatal health in Europe: strengths and challenges of the Euro-Peristat Project(Wiley, 2025-12-31) Pillay, ThillagavathieItem Analytical deflection modelling of symmetric non-prismatic reinforced laterite-concrete slabs(Elsevier, 2025-04-09) Ogbo, Ocholuje Samuel; Momoh, Emmanuel Owoichoechi; Ndububa, Emmanuel E.; Adeshina, Mutolib Kehinde; Department of Civil Engineering, School of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Science and EngineeringThis study investigates the intricate interplay between geometric attributes and mechanical characteristics of non-prismatic concrete slabs. Analytical models were derived which showed the extent to which the geometry, as well as the mechanical properties of non-conventional constituent materials, influence the flexural response of non-prismatic slabs. This study adapted the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory as well as the theory of plates and shells to derive a time-dependent model. The derived time-deflection response includes a Weierstrass function which was resolved through the assumptions of appropriate boundary conditions. Experiments were also carried out to obtain basic mechanical properties of reinforced laterite-concrete prismatic beams which were used as input parameters in the analytical model for the non-prismatic slabs. The singly reinforced concrete slab model investigated showed a non-linear relationship between the anchorage bond and the shear adequacy due to the addition of laterite, thereby increasing the shear capacity of the slab by over 70 % at a replacement of total aggregate volume by 22 % of laterite. The optimization of aggregate proportion was obtained using a pseudo-inverse model, with coefficients of determination of 99.91 % and 99.95 % for the respective grades of concrete, hence indicating the robustness of the findings. This study is expected to contribute to the development of more precise analytical models for designing and optimizing non-prismatic concrete slabs.