Birmingham City University Open Access Repository
Not a member yet
8823 research outputs found
Sort by
High-Confidence Clustering and Lightweight U-Net for SAR Change Detection
No full textSynthetic aperture radar (SAR) image change detection (CD) involves identifying changes between images captured at different times over the same geographical region. SAR provides significant advantages for disaster-related remote sensing due to its all-weather capabilities and ability to penetrate clouds and darkness. However, Synthetic aperture radar change detection under severe speckle is challenging yet essential for reliable all-weather monitoring. We introduce a hybrid framework that fuses classical and deep learning techniques: after edge-preserving denoising, three standard difference maps are combined into a single change indicator, on which a two-cluster Fuzzy C-Means selects high-confidence “changed” and “unchanged” pixels as training seeds. A compact three-level Mini-U-Net, trained with a weighted Binary Cross-Entropy and Dice loss, then refines the remaining uncertain areas via sliding-window inference. Experiments on three diverse SAR datasets demonstrate that our method achieves higher overall accuracy, F1 score, and IoU than state-of-the-art approaches, delivering robust speckle suppression and precise change delineation
War and National Memory: Georgian, Polish and British Perspectives
No full textEssentialist understandings of ethnicity and nationhood suggest that ethnic or national identities are set in stone and hence immutable, but we argue that they are continuously developed into existence through past and present narratives, as they are articulated through historical accounts, national myths and stories of the dead. The most emotionally powerful symbols of historical memory supporting those narratives are war memorials and museums, where the nation’s dead are remembered. We explore the ways human war casualties are remembered -and not remembered- through the study of memorials and museums in three different national contexts: in Georgia, in Poland and in Great Britain
The Mediating Role of Customer Satisfaction in the Relationship between Service Quality and Customer Loyalty in Multi-Channel Retail Banking
No full textThis study examines the interrelationships among service quality (SQ), customer satisfaction (CS), and customer loyalty (CL) in the context of multi-channel retail banking. While customer satisfaction measures a customer’s present evaluation of service, customer loyalty reflects their long-term commitment to an organisation. Service quality assessment involves comparing perceived service delivery against customer expectations. Convenience sampling was used to obtain 466 responses from bank customers. Using structural equation modelling, this research analyses primary data from 466 bank customers in Durban, South Africa using a self-administered questionnaire to investigate these relationships. A refined model demonstrates that service quality indirectly affects customer loyalty through customer satisfaction, reinforcing the importance of customer experience in multi-channel banking. Furthermore, the results show that satisfied customers demonstrate stronger bank allegiance in a multichannel banking environment. Unlike previous studies that focus on traditional banking models, this research investigates multichannel banking environments where customers interact across multiple platforms. This study contributes new insights into the mediating role of satisfaction in the service loyalty relationship, highlighting the importance of integrating service strategies. The findings provide actionable insights for banks aiming to enhance service quality across multiple channels
Navigating an environment lacking supportive government policies: The case of migrant entrepreneurs in Ghana
No full textCurrent research suggests that effective and favourable policies in host countries are an important driver of migrant entrepreneurial activities. However, there is a dearth of knowledge about how migrants enact entrepreneurship in host countries where formal migrant entrepreneurship support is lacking. In this regard, we explore how migrant entrepreneurs navigate the lack of institutional support in host countries, with specific emphasis on the coping strategies they use. Leveraging the new institutional economics perspective and building on interviews with migrant entrepreneurs in Ghana, we unpack three phenomena that underlie the conceptualisation of weak institutional support (i.e. policy voids, nationalistic policy support, and anti-immigration sentiment) two main sources of migrant entrepreneurial apprehension (social risk and political risk) and four coping strategies for addressing apprehension (localisation, political connections, social ties and spiritualism). Our findings make important contributions to the migrant entrepreneurship literature and generate valuable implications for policy and practice
Correlates and determinants of physical activity among older adults of lower versus higher socio-economic status: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackground
Understanding socio-economic differences in the factors influencing physical activity among older adults is essential for developing comprehensive interventions. We aimed to quantify the associations of modifiable correlates and determinants on physical activity among older adults of lower versus higher socio-economic status in the United Kingdom.
Methods
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Scopus from inception to December 2023, for peer-reviewed studies published in English, investigating associations between a modifiable factor as an independent variable and physical activity as a dependent variable, by socio-economic status (defined according to various area- and individual-level indicators, including neighbourhood deprivation, wealth or income, education, and occupational class), in samples of community-dwelling older adults aged 60+ years in the United Kingdom. Hospitalised and institutionalised populations were excluded. Random effects meta-analyses were performed separately for people of lower and higher socio-economic status. Risk of bias was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. This study was registered with the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42022351708).
Results
Searches identified 11,472 references; seventy-seven studies met the selection criteria, of which fifty-one contributed to meta-analyses (N range = 134–29,280). Of the exposures positively associated with physical activity, physical function, social participation, and perception of general health had the largest effect sizes (standardised mean difference [SMD] range = 0.53–0.81; I 2 range = 54.81–91.00%). Estimates were comparable among older adults of lower and higher socio-economic status, except for the presence of built physical activity facilities, access to walking and cycling infrastructure, and less smoking, which were positively associated with physical activity only among individuals of lower socio-economic status.
Conclusions
Our results suggest researchers need to better understand discrepancies in the prevalence of the assessed correlates (e.g., fewer participants of lower socio-economic status reported good physical function) to inform policies that reduce inequalities in older adults’ physical activity levels. However, most studies were cross-sectional. Future longitudinal and experimental research should gauge the suitability of these correlates as intervention targets
Friends or foes: Can large-scale mining companies partner with small-scale miners? Yes, they can?
No full textThis paper (re)examines the nexus between large-scale mining (LSM) activities and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations. Broadly speaking, the existing combative resource politics between the two mining entities has created room for the emergence of divergent opinions on sustainable solutions encapsulated in standpoints of ‘cohabitation’ vis-à-vis ‘autonomy’. Employing ‘partnership’ as an analytical lens, this study provides a refreshing perspective of the ‘cohabitation’ of LSM and ASM where they develop and flourish together. Firmly rooted at the base of this success, however, is the formalisation canon that has long ignored the partnership opportunities for ASM operations in many resource-rich countries. We, therefore, argue for formalisation policies to design cohabitation agreements that focus on creating synergies devoid of resource conflicts. Further, we discuss ways through which resources that cannot be fully enclosed by LSM companies can become sources of compromise and negotiation rather than of conflict and violence
Acute and delayed effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on the postural control of elite judokas: focus on mobility and dynamic balance performance
No full textBackground
Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) induces significant physiologic changes, including alterations in sleep patterns, energy intake, and hydration status, which may affect athletic performance. Given the importance of postural control in judo, understanding the impact of RIF on mobility and dynamic balance is crucial for optimizing performance and injury prevention.
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the acute and delayed effects of RIF on postural control in elite judokas, with a specific focus on mobility and dynamic balance performance .
Methods
Ten elite judokas (23.5 ± 2.3 years, 172.6 ± 7.4 cm, and 71.6 ± 3.9 kg) completed three morning test sessions assessing postural mobility and dynamic balance using the walk across (WA) and limit of stability (LoS) tests. Assessments were conducted before Ramadan (BR), during the third week of fasting (DR), and 3 weeks after Ramadan (AR). Anthropometric measures and daily energy intake were also recorded.
Results
Significant reductions in total daily energy intake, body mass, and body mass index were observed at DR compared to BR and AR ( p < 0.05). In the WA test, step length, and movement speed significantly decreased during DR ( p < 0.001), while step width remained unchanged. In the LoS test, reaction time and sway velocity increased ( p < 0.001), while directional control decreased ( p < 0.001) at DR compared to BR and AR. No significant differences were found for maximum excursion across conditions.
Conclusion
RIF transiently impaired both mobility and dynamic postural control in elite judokas, likely due to a combination of sleep disturbances, reduced energy intake, and dehydration. These impairments resolved 3 weeks after Ramadan. Coaches and athletes should consider targeted nutritional and sleep strategies to mitigate these temporary declines in postural stability during fasting periods
Systematic Literature Review of Condition Assessment of Buried Infrastructure: Techniques and Future Direction
No full textPurpose:
The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic literature review of current techniques used in the condition assessment of buried infrastructure. Each of existing methods suffer from certain pitfalls. For example, acoustic methods or geophysical techniques, face significant challenges like noise interface and limited penetration, which hinder accurate assessment. This shortcoming necessitates that these techniques should be used in complementary and should be selected based on certain criteria to best suit the scenario. In view of this, the study aims to address the lack of integrated analysis of these techniques, offering new insights and a foundation for future advancements in underground utility management.
Design/methodology/approach:
This study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) approach, analysing 64 papers on various techniques for mapping and assessing the condition of buried infrastructure. The research categorises these techniques based on environmental conditions and the materials of the buried structures, highlighting their practical applications, limitations, and the potential of digital twin technology.
Findings:
The review identifies that while various methods are available for assessing buried infrastructure, each has its own advantages and limitations, often requiring a combination of techniques for effective condition assessment. The study also highlights the emerging role of digital twins and BIM in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of underground infrastructure management.
Originality/value:
The paper’s originality lies in its integrated analysis and comprehensive categorisation of condition assessment techniques for buried infrastructure. It provides significant value to researchers and practitioners by highlighting the practical applications, challenges, and future directions for digital technologies in this critical area of infrastructure managemen
A Mixed Methods Exploration into Clinical Decision-Making, Moral Distress and Coping-Related Constructs Amongst Nursing Professionals.
No full textClinical decision-making is a core competency of the nursing role, one that is derived from clinical skill, knowledge and experience. However, little is known about how decision-making relates to nurses’ wellbeing. Moral distress is a common challenge throughout the nursing workforce and describes the psychological response that arises when one identifies a correct action to take but is constrained from implementing this in practice. This experience is particularly prevalent across the nursing profession, with nursing professionals demonstrating a heightened susceptibility to this phenomenon due to the nature of the nursing role. It is therefore important to consider potential associations between clinical decision-making and moral distress, with consideration to potential elements of support. The main aim of the current thesis was to examine nurses’ experience of clinical decision-making and any impact on health and wellbeing. Further consideration was given to the role of coping behaviours, health-promoting behaviours and self-compassion and their role in mitigating any potential negative effect. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to explore these areas, with an initial exploratory quantitative phase, followed by a qualitative exploration of key findings. The first phase of data collection consisted of four cross-sectional studies. Findings revealed that clinical decision-making was indeed associated with nurses’ wellbeing, demonstrating significant associations with physical health, psychological wellbeing and moral distress. Interestingly, control decision-latitude, grazing, self-compassion, coping behaviours, personality and philotimo were all seen to influence the observed relationships, offering insight into potential areas of support for nurses’ wellbeing. The second phase of data collection utilised qualitative methods to offer further insight into the relationships observed within the initial quantitative phase and examine findings further. This phase consisted of two studies. Chapter 7 details the first qualitative study, which utilised semi-structured interviews to explore nurses’ experience of clinical decision-making. Three key 3 themes were derived from the data: We’re not doctors handmaidens anymore, the impact of clinical decision-making, we’re not trained to make clinical decisions. Overall findings from this chapter highlight that the nursing role has become increasingly autonomous, and nurses possess high levels of responsibility for clinical decision-making. However, training and support is not yet sufficient which ultimately impedes nurses’ ability to manage the impact of decision-making. The final chapter details a dissemination study whereby participants discussed the research findings and offered practical insight into how findings could be implemented in reality. Discussions centred around the need for greater models of clinical supervision and training opportunities tailored towards nurses’ decision-making specifically. Overall, this research offers insight into the impact of clinical decision-making on nurses’ wellbeing and offers suggestion for both person-centred and organisation-led intervention to mitigate any negative effect
The Biography in Performance
No full textSince the 1950s, Sean O’Casey’s own life has repeatedly been a source of fascination for dramatists, and there have been a number of dramatic reconstructions of his life, often based on his own autobiographical writings. In 1956, Paul Shyre adapted the first of O’Casey’s autobiographies in a production staged at New York’s Kaufmann auditorium. David Krause and Patrick Funge followed with theatrical versions of O’Casey’s autobiographies staged at the Lantern Theatre in Dublin between 1965 and 1972