Quantifying the impact of raindrop dynamics on soil erosion in grass–shrub slopes: theoretical, experimental, and modeling perspectives

Raindrop impact and overland flow scouring are primary drivers of slope soil erosion, while vegetation cover plays a crucial role in mitigating these erosive forces. However, limited understanding of the dynamic interactions between vegetation and rainfall processes hampers the advancement of process-based erosion models. To systematically investigate the combined effects of vegetation composition and rainfall characteristics on erosion dynamics, a total of 495 controlled rainfall simulations were conducted using runoff plots with 33 distinct grass–shrub cover ratios (shrub cover: 0–70 %; grass cover: 0–70 %), across five rainfall intensities (I) (60–120 mm h−1) and three slope gradients (θ) (5°–15°). The results demonstrated that mixed grass–shrub communities significantly enhanced the regulation of runoff and erosion compared to single-species covers. Specifically, under mild slope and rainfall conditions (θ = 5°, I = 60 mm h−1), the grass–shrub combinations reduced the runoff rate by 22–26 % and the erosion rate by 26–40 %, thereby demonstrating their practical significance for soil conservation. To further elucidate the mechanistic basis of erosion processes, a theoretical model was developed to quantify raindrop impact force (FR), revealing a power-law relationship with the erosion rate (ER) (adjusted R2 = 0.627–0.995). Building on this, an erosion prediction model was formulated that integrates vegetation cover, raindrop impact (FR), and stream power (ω). The model was subjected to error and sensitivity analyses, and the evaluation metrics demonstrated strong performance across datasets (adjusted R2 > 0.80; Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency, NSE > 0.65), surpassing the predictive capability of the widely applied WEPP model (adjusted R2 = 0.276; NSE =  −0.153). While the model shows high accuracy and generalizability within experimental conditions, parameter recalibration is recommended for applications beyond the tested domain. These findings contribute to a deeper mechanistic understanding of vegetation–rainfall–erosion interactions and offer a novel framework for improving the fidelity of process-based soil erosion modeling

Promoting inclusive recruitment within children’s social care research trials: lessons from the Reflective Fostering Study’s InCLUDE project

It is widely acknowledged that those participating in clinical trials generally do not represent the intended beneficiaries of that research. This pattern is mirrored in trials within children’s social care settings, where underserved communities are often not adequately represented. This paper shares learning from the Reflective Fostering Study, a clinical trial that evaluated the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the Reflective Fostering Programme, a support programme for foster and kinship carers. The trial included a distinct workstream, the ‘InCLUDE project’, aiming to better understand the barriers preventing specific underserved groups (male carers, South Asian and kinship carers) from taking part in the study, as well as identifying facilitators for their active and meaningful involvement. Learning was used to iteratively modify the recruitment processes within the trial, with the aim of improving representation of groups initially underrepresented. Over the course of the trial, representation of specific underserved groups improved, as evidenced by the analysis of study data from the later phases of the study and compared to national data. Drawing on all the learning from InCLUDE, the paper presents broader recommendations for enhancing inclusion and representation in future children’s social care research trials

Neuro-lymphaphotonics opens new horizons of the future technologies for the therapy of brain diseases

Pharmacological treatment of brain diseases is hampered by the blood-brain barrier that prevents the vast majority of drugs from entering the brain. For this reason, the pharmaceutical industry is reluctant to invest in the development of new neurotropic drugs. Even if effective pharmacological strategies for the treatment of brain diseases will be found, it will take 10-15 years between the emergence of an idea and the introduction of a drug to the market. This creates priority for the development of neuro-lymphaphotonics based on the development of promising non-pharmacological strategies for managing functions of the meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs). MLVs play a crucial role in the removal of toxins and metabolites from brain as well as in regulation of brain homeostasis and its immunity. Since MLVs are located on the brain surface, light penetrating the skull easily reaches MLVs and affects their functions. Therefore, MLVs are an ideal target for photobiomodulation (PBM). The pioneering studies have shown that PBM of MLVs is a promising strategy for the treatment of a wide range of neuropathology, including Alzheimer's or age-related brain diseases, brain tumor, intracranial hemorrhage, brain damages caused by diabetes. It has recently been discovered that sleep enhances the therapeutic effects of PBM and is a "therapeutic window" in overcoming the limitations of PBM in the elderly. Considering that the PBM technologies are non-invasive and safe with commercially viable possibilities (portability and low cost), neuro-lymphaphotonics open up promising prospects for the development of future technologies for the effective therapy of brain diseases

Revitalising the periphery:How support organisations drive the inclusive evolution of entrepreneurial ecosystems

This study investigates how support organisations for marginalised entrepreneurs (SOMEs), typically peripheral members within entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs), facilitate the inclusive evolution of EEs. Employing boundary theory and ethnographic research conducted over three years within a refugee entrepreneurship support organisation in Birmingham, UK, this study identifies a four-stage boundary work process: Knowledge brokering, Boundary buffer spacing, Boundary object developing, and Boundary practice institutionalising. These interconnected strategic stages enable SOMEs to reconfigure the knowledge-cognitive, resource-opportunity, and social network exclusionary boundaries of EEs progressively, facilitating EEs' adaptation to marginalised entrepreneurs' diverse needs and pursuits within the overarching growth-orientation of EEs. Theoretically, this study introduces a “periphery-to-centre” model of inclusive evolution, expanding the prevalent centre-driven perspective of EE inclusive evolution, and demonstrates how inclusion could coexist with EE's growth-orientation because of SOMEs' boundary work. The study also unfolds enablers for such effective boundary work, emphasising the effects of SOMEs' dual knowledge capabilities, dual network embeddedness, institutional rhetoric, and the path dependency of evolution

Cutting-edge synthetic strategies and interaction mechanisms in polymeric nanostructures: Bridging preformed polymers with polymerization-induced self-assembly

Recent progress in nanosized drug delivery carrier design has immensely contributed to the development of next-generation smart healthcare facilities, offering enhanced solubility, prolonged circulation time, reduced toxicity to healthy cells and real-time monitoring. Among various materials, polymeric nanocarriers (PNCs) stand out due to the customizable properties of polymer molecules, which can further be tailored to fulfill specific requirements. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the different intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions, and host-guest interactions, that influence the self-assembly processes during PNC design. It also explores a range of fabrication techniques for PNCs, including emulsion-evaporation, nanoprecipitation, dialysis, gelation, salting-out, supercritical fluid technology, coacervation, and molecularly imprinted polymerization. Additionally, the impact of experimental conditions on controlling the size of PNCs is analyzed in detail. The review further evaluates the process of polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) in conjunction with various polymerization methods, highlighting the potential for advanced PNC fabrication. Lastly, it discusses the prospects and challenges associated with PNC design, considering both preformed polymers and PISA methodologies

Paramagnetic Rim Lesions in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Their Association With Brain Tissue Atrophy

Background and objectives Paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs), visible on susceptibility-based imaging (SbI), reflect chronic active inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). In adult-onset MS, PRLs are associated with a more aggressive disease course.The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of PRLs in children with MS and to examine how baseline PRL count relates to clinical disability and brain tissue volume loss, both cross-sectionally and over short-term follow-up.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed pediatric patients from 4 UK tertiary neuroimmunology centers who met the 2017 McDonald diagnostic criteria and had 3D T1-weighted, T2-weighted, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, and SbI MRI available. PRLs were identified per North American Imaging in MS criteria and anatomically classified. Brain volumes were segmented using Mindglide, with z-scores derived from NIH normative data. Associations between baseline PRL burden, clinical variables, and brain volumes were assessed using univariable and multivariable stepwise regression. Linear mixed-effects models evaluated the predictive value of baseline PRL burden on longitudinal brain volume changes.ResultsFifty-four patients (mean age 14.0 ± 2.2 years; 75.9% female) were included. At least 1 PRL was seen in 74.1% of patients, with a median number of 2 PRLs (interquartile range [IQR] = 0-6), predominantly in periventricular regions, and accounting for 25% of total T2-weighted hyperintense lesions. In multivariable Poisson regression, at baseline, shorter disease duration (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.987, 95% CI 0.975-0.999, p = 0.035), and greater number (IRR 1.045, 95% CI 1.035-1.054, p < 0.001) and volume (IRR 1.018, 95% CI 1.004-1.032, p = 0.012) of T2-hyperintense lesions were associated with higher PRL count. Cross-sectionally, a higher PRL count was associated with lower cortical (β = -0.139, 95% CI -0.231 to -0.047, p = 0.016) and deep (β = -0.096, 95% CI -0.166 to -0.026, p = 0.032) gray matter volume z-scores. No significant association was observed between clinical disability and PRL count. In 45 patients followed up for a median 17 months (IQR 12-24), a higher baseline PRL count predicted greater deep gray matter volume loss over time (β = -0.020, 95% CI -0.034 to -0.006, p = 0.036).DiscussionPRLs are common in pediatric MS and are linked to greater lesion burden and gray matter atrophy. These findings suggest that PRLs are promising imaging biomarkers of more severe brain tissue damage although their ability to predict future disability requires confirmation in longer term studies

Harnessing biotechnology for sustainable metal valorization from solar panel waste

Rapid expansion of the renewable energy sector has generated a growing stream of discarded solar panels, posing a formidable environmental challenge in our environmentally conscious world. Bioleaching, a process involving various microbe-enzyme mediated techniques, is emerging as a transformative approach for valorizing solar panel waste into valuable resources. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of enzyme- and microbe-driven bioleaching techniques for extracting various elements such as copper or aluminum, from solar panels, incorporating the latest research findings spanning the last decade. Particular attention is given to the removal of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) resins, a common solar panel component, along with a detailed table of biopolymers used in selective and non-selective metal recovery, highlighting their principles, advantages, and disadvantages. This synthesis aims to illuminate the evolving landscape of bioleaching technologies and their pivotal role in promoting sustainable solar panel recycling

When digital technologies meet lean production: A socio-technical system perspective for operational efficiency and innovativeness

In this work, we sought to theoretically hypothesize and empirically investigate the effect of digital technologies on firms’ operational performance and the moderating effect of lean production (LP) on this relationship, from the perspective of the socio-technical systems theory. The hypothesized relationships are examined based on an event study of 303 lean manufacturing companies adopting digital technologies in China between 2010 and 2021. Results demonstrate that the effect of digital technologies on enhanced operational efficiency is more pronounced for firms implementing people-oriented LP practices, while LP’s effect on diminished innovativeness is more obvious for firms undertaking process-oriented LP practices

What's beyond harvest? A sustainable livelihoods approach to rice straw bioenergy adoption in the Philippines

Rice straw is often perceived as an agricultural waste that leads to environmentally harmful disposal methods such as open field burning. This study rethinks rice straw as a resource for bioenergy innovation and examines its potential to enhance sustainable livelihoods in rice-producing communities in the Philippines. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as an analytical lens, this research explores the allocation of key resources, stakeholder perceptions of challenges and opportunities, and priorities within the rice value chain. A gamified participatory approach was employed to engage stakeholders in structured decision-making. Mixed methods were used to analyse the data. Friedman Test and Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance assessed rankings and consensus on priority resources, challenges, and opportunities in rice production, while thematic analysis provided qualitative insights. Findings reveal climate change as a compounding challenge that disrupts planting cycles and exacerbates livelihood vulnerability. Financial and natural capital emerged as the most crucial factors influencing decision-making. Structural barriers constrain farmer agency, such as debt dependency, limited post-harvest access, and weak market linkages. Social capital, while underutilised, holds transformative potential for collective action and equitable value distribution. The results of this study underscore the need for targeted interventions, including governance frameworks that support food production, bioenergy investment, farmer capacity-building initiatives, and multi-stakeholder partnerships to integrate bioenergy solutions into existing agricultural systems

Enhancing Early Medical Education Through Patient Engagement: Creation of a Toolkit Informed by Experts by Experience

Incorporating the patient voice into health professional education enhances empathy, promotes person-centred care and enriches learning. This cocreation article describes the development of a practical, feedback-informed toolkit to support early medical education through expert by experience (EBE) engagement. EBEs from The Silverlining Brain Injury Charity contributed to the design via a qualitative study using open-ended questionnaires. Thematic analysis identified six key themes: the importance of respectful engagement, logistical challenges, clarity of session expectations, recognition of EBE expertise, personal benefits of participation and ethical concerns. EBEs emphasised the need for dignity, structured facilitation, emotional safeguards and flexible delivery methods. The resulting toolkit is mapped directly to these themes. It includes guidance on planning, facilitation, ethical considerations, orientation and evaluation. Designed for Level 3 of the patient engagement spectrum, where EBEs share lived experiences in faculty-facilitated teaching, the toolkit promotes meaningful, sustainable involvement. It responds to growing calls for coproduction in health education and serves as a replicable model for integrating patient insights into curriculum design and delivery. While based on a small, specialised sample, the depth and clarity of EBE feedback offer strong foundations for this resource. Future work should explore its adaptability across different healthcare disciplines and settings. To increase accessibility, the toolkit is available in two formats: as a shareable webpage and a navigable PDF document. This approach enables wider reach and sustained use by educators, ensuring that patient voices remain central to shaping future health professionals