https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/22 2026-10-18T01:21:28Z 2026-10-18T01:21:28Z Pokhrel, Subhash Hanney, Stephen https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/34003 2026-10-16T02:01:19Z 2026-09-21T00:00:00Z

Title: ESIC Series: Paper 9 Estimating initial costs of Evidence Synthesis Infrastructure Collaborative solutions: assumptions and overall results Authors: Pokhrel, Subhash; Hanney, Stephen Abstract: Aim: To estimate the initial costs of implementing the Evidence Synthesis Infrastructure Collaborative (ESIC) solutions and therefore provide funders with a costed menu of options for strengthening global evidence synthesis systems. Background: ESIC was established to enhance the timeliness, relevance, and affordability of evidence synthesis worldwide. Five Working Groups and a Governance Planning Group were tasked with identifying priority solutions to address systemic gaps in infrastructure, capacity, and governance. We were tasked with costing these solutions from a funder’s perspective to inform strategic investment decisions. Methods: We followed a structured approach with planning of the costing occurring concurrently with the solutions being identified by the groups. We identified resource requirements, measured quantities, and applied unit costs. Inputs included personnel, tools, and system requirements, with indirect costs set at 20% of direct costs and an additional 5% for monitoring, evaluation, and learning. Data were gathered through resource-use questionnaires, literature reviews, and consultations with ESIC groups. Salary costs were estimated using a 3×3 matrix of seniority and geographic bands (Global North; Global South—high/upper-middle income; Global South—low/lower-middle income). Sensitivity analyses addressed uncertainties, particularly in salary assumptions. A separate costing exercise was conducted for a Vanguard Suite, a prioritised collection of 100 living evidence syntheses. Results: The total estimated cost for all 40 solutions identified by the groups was US$278.3 million (range: US$257.2–299 million). Employment costs accounted for the largest share, with 80% of staff time and 78% of senior roles allocated to the Global South, reflecting ESIC’s equity goals. Individual group costs ranged from US$9.1 million (Governance) to US$70.5 million (Data solutions). The suite of living evidence syntheses was costed at US$19.2 million. Conclusion This costing exercise provides transparent, equity-focused information to assist funders when selecting scalable solutions aligned with ESIC’s mission. While estimates involve assumptions, they offer a pragmatic basis for investment planning and demonstrate ESIC’s commitment to affordability, inclusivity, and global impact.

2026-09-21T00:00:00Z AL-Timimi, Iman AJ Al Yasiri, Mohammed J Murad, Diya MA Jassim, Amar Yasser Jassim, Nawras T Onwukwe, Uche K https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33987 2026-10-14T02:01:41Z 2026-10-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Harnessing the Sustainable Approach for Copper Nanoparticle Biosynthesis: Investigation of Antiviral and Antioxidant Efficacy and an In Silico Study Authors: AL-Timimi, Iman AJ; Al Yasiri, Mohammed J; Murad, Diya MA; Jassim, Amar Yasser; Jassim, Nawras T; Onwukwe, Uche K Abstract: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and other virus threats has renewed interest in nanoparticles as potential antivirals. Green synthesis of nanoparticles using biological methods offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to conventional approaches. In this study, copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) were biosynthesized using Artemisia sieberi (A.s) florets extract, which acts as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent. The synthesized Cu-NPs/A.s were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Visible spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The antiviral and antioxidant activities of Cu-NPs/A.s were evaluated, and molecular docking was performed to explore possible interactions between Cu-NPs/A.s with SARS-CoV-2 main protease and influenza A virus RNA polymerase as a hypothesis-generating approach. Structural and morphological characterisations confirmed successful nanoparticle formation, and Cu nanoparticles exhibited smaller particle dimensions (particle size of 63.7 ± 19.5). The Cu-NPs/A.s demonstrated notable antioxidant activity (55% scavenging in phosphomolybdate assay) compared to ascorbic acid and a strong inhibitory effect against influenza A virus (IAV) (70.67%). Docking studies indicated favorable binding energy interactions between chlorogenic acid - copper nanoparticles (CGA-Cu NPs /A.s) and SARS-CoV-2 are -8.22 kcal/mol; similarly, the influenza A virus (IAV) gives the binding energy -9.22 kcal/mol, which may inform future experimental investigations. The DFT parameters indicate that the Cu-complex possesses favourable electronic properties, a substantial charge transfer capability, and elevated reactivity. To assess organ-specific toxicity, bioavailability and metabolic interactions, a full computational toxicological evaluation using ProTox-3.0 is performed based on a chemical model for a combination hearing aid.

2026-10-01T00:00:00Z Frutos-Myro, Enrique Lazaro Nebreda, Jaime Subroto, Tungky Barbatti, Carla Scamans, Geoffrey https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33969 2026-10-10T02:01:38Z 2026-10-05T00:00:00Z

Title: Profilometry-Based Indentation Plastometry for Rapid Mechanical PropertyEvaluation of 6xxx Aluminium Extruded Profiles with Increased Iron Content Authors: Frutos-Myro, Enrique; Lazaro Nebreda, Jaime; Subroto, Tungky; Barbatti, Carla; Scamans, Geoffrey Abstract: Mechanical characterisation of aluminium extrusion products is commonly performed using tensile testing. While this method provides reliable measurements of strength and ductility, it requires extensive specimen machining, relatively large material volumes, and is inherently destructive. These limitations can be particularly restrictive when assessing local variation in mechanical properties within industrial extruded profiles. ...

2026-10-05T00:00:00Z Lazaro Nebreda, Jaime Shurkin, Pavel Barekar, Nilam Frutos-Myro, Enrique Subroto, Tungky Barbatti, Carla Scamans, Geoffrey https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33968 2026-10-10T02:01:40Z 2026-10-05T00:00:00Z

Title: 3D evaluation of Fe-rich intermetallics in DC-cast 6xxx aluminium alloy billetsof varying size and recycled content using X-ray Tomography Authors: Lazaro Nebreda, Jaime; Shurkin, Pavel; Barekar, Nilam; Frutos-Myro, Enrique; Subroto, Tungky; Barbatti, Carla; Scamans, Geoffrey Abstract: The increasing use of recycled aluminium in industrial applications is requiring greater tolerance to impurity elements, such as iron which tends to form FE-rich intermetallic compounds (Fe-IMCs) during solidification [1,2] ...

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