ABSTRACT This study demonstrates the usage of primarily discarded waste – pomegranate peel as secondary raw material – biosorbent for broader applications. The focus was on the optimisation of key cationic dye methylene blue (MB) – pomegranate peel (PP) adsorption process parameters, as well as cost analysis assessing the possibility of scaling up. The optimal values of the key parameters were pH 6, biosorbent mass 100 mg, contact time of 50 min, and initial analyte concentration 100 mg/L for MB removal from aqueous solutions providing high removal efficiency values > 88%. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that MB adsorption on PP was presumably via hydrogen bonds with the OH groups present in PP. Changes noted via elemental composition analysis given by electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the sorption of MB. Biosorption occurred mainly as a pseudo-second-order kinetic reaction combined with phase III of the intraparticle diffusion model (both R2 ≥ 0.92). Through a simple and fast batch MB sorption process with many advantages compared to literature data, a maximum sorption capacity of 384.61 mg/g could be achieved. Pomegranate peel was identified as a low-cost adsorbent with excellent potential for MB removal, economically viable (0.74 $/mol), demonstrating great possibilities for industrial application. Highlights Biosorption of phenothiazine dye on novel waste material from pomegranate peel in its native form. A univariate general procedure was performed, FTIR, SEM, and EDS characterisation of biosorbents. An optimal pH value was determined to be 6, while the optimal mass was 100 mg. A maximum biosorption capacity of 384.61 mg/g could be achieved. The mechanism of adsorption is best obeyed by the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The total analysis expenses for the entire procedure were just 0.74 $/mol. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

B-1 cells are innate-like immune cells abundant in serosal cavities with antibodies enriched in bacterial recognition, yet their existence in humans has been controversial1–3. The CD5+ B-1a subset expresses anti-inflammatory molecules including IL-10, PDL1 and CTLA4 and can be immunoregulatory4–6. Unlike conventional B cells that are continuously replenished, B-1a cells are produced early in life and maintained through self-renewal7. Here we show that the transcription factors TCF1 and LEF1 are critical regulators of B-1a cells. LEF1 expression is highest in fetal and bone marrow B-1 progenitors, whereas the levels of TCF1 are higher in splenic and peritoneal B-1 cells than in B-1 progenitors. TCF1–LEF1 double deficient mice have reduced B-1a cells and defective B-1a cell maintenance. These transcription factors promote MYC-dependent metabolic pathways and induce a stem-like population upon activation, partly via IL-10 production. In the absence of TCF1 and LEF1, B-1 cells proliferate excessively and acquire an exhausted phenotype with reduced IL-10 and PDL1 expression. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of B-1 cells lacking TCF1 and LEF1 fails to suppress brain inflammation. These transcription factors are also expressed in human chronic lymphocytic leukaemia B cells and in a B-1-like population that is abundant in pleural fluid and circulation of some patients with pleural infection. Our findings define a TCF1–LEF1-driven transcriptional program that integrates stemness and regulatory function in B-1a cells.

Integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems with green roofs presents a synergistic approach to urban sustainability. Many existing flat-roof PV installations, often east–west oriented with limited elevation, present integration challenges for green roofs and are therefore understudied. This study addresses this by investigating the microclimatic effects of retrofitting an extensive green roof beneath such an existing PV array. Over a two-year period, continuous measurements of sub-panel air temperature, relative humidity, and module surface temperature were conducted. Results show that the green roof reduced average midday sub-panel air temperatures by 1.7–2.2 °C, with peak reductions up to 8 °C during summer, while nighttime temperatures were higher above the green roof. Relative humidity increased by up to 8.1 percentage points and module surface temperatures beneath the green roof were lowered by 0.4–1.5 °C, though with greater variability. Computational fluid dynamics simulations confirmed that evaporative cooling was spatially confined beneath the panels and highlighted the influence of structural features on airflow and convective cooling. Despite limited vegetation beneath the panels, the green roof retained moisture longer than the gravel roof, resulting in particularly strong cooling effects in the days following rainfall. The study highlights the retrofitting potential for improving rooftop climates, while showing key design recommendations for enhanced system performance.

Sex cord-stromal tumors are rare ovarian neoplasms, with fibromas comprising approximately 4% and thecomas accounting for 0.5%–1% of all ovarian tumors. The occurrence of these tumors outside the ovaries is exceptionally rare and diagnostically challenging, often mimicking malignancy when associated with ascites, elevated CA-125 levels, or Meigs-like syndrome. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the histopathological, immunohistochemical, radiological, and molecular features of ovarian fibroma-thecoma group tumors and highlight their clinical relevance. We report two postmenopausal women with large abdominal masses located extraovarian: one in the broad ligament and the other adherent to the omentum and intestines. In the first case, markedly elevated CA-125, ascites, and pleural effusion initially suggested Meigs syndrome. The second case presented with an abdominal mass and ascites. Imaging studies indicated the possibility of malignant ovarian tumors in both patients, leading to surgical excision. Histopathological examination revealed spindle-to-oval tumor cells arranged in fascicular or storiform patterns, with focal lipid-rich theca-like cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the tumors were positive for vimentin, WT1, progesterone receptor (PR), and variably for estrogen receptor (ER), CD56, inhibin, and calretinin, while being negative for markers of epithelial, melanocytic, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. A review of the literature identified only 11 well-documented cases of extraovarian fibroma-thecoma group tumors, which most commonly arise in the broad ligament or pelvic cavity. These cases are frequently associated with ascites and elevated CA-125 levels and are often misdiagnosed preoperatively as malignant disease. Our cases underscore the importance of considering extraovarian fibromas and thecomas in the differential diagnosis of pelvic and abdominal masses presenting with similar features. Accurate pathological assessment can prevent unnecessary radical surgeries and promote more favorable patient outcomes.

This three-year study evaluated the effects of various soil amendments on growth parameters and heavy metal (HM) accumulation in above- and belowground biomass of Miscanthus x giganteus (MxG), assessing its phytoremediation potential. A randomised complete block design included four treatments: I—control, II—sludge, III—mycorrhiza, and IV—MxG ash. All experimental pots were filled with soil spiked with Cd (100 mg kg−1) and Hg (20 mg kg−1). Aboveground biomass yield ranged from 3.44 to 5.59 tDM ha−1, with Cd and Hg concentrations in biomass varying from 5.98 to 14.62 mg Cd kg−1 and 41.8 to 383.9 μg Hg kg−1, respectively. Belowground biomass mass ranged from 6.90 to 8.30 tDM ha−1, with Cd and Hg concentrations between 44.3 and 57.2 mg Cd kg−1 and 4.24 to 6.05 mg Hg kg−1, respectively. Enrichment coefficients (EC) in aboveground biomass ranged from 0.060 to 0.146 for Cd and 0.002 to 0.019 for Hg. Belowground biomass EC values ranged from 0.44 to 0.57 for Cd and 0.21 to 0.30 for Hg. The translocation factor (TF) varied from 0.104 to 0.145 for Cd and 0.008 to 0.024 for Hg. Our findings suggest that miscanthus is more effective for heavy metal phytostabilisation and biomass production in moderately contaminated soils than for phytoextraction.

Last-mile delivery remains a significant logistical challenge, requiring cost-effective automation to optimize routes, resource allocation, and package handling. This paper presents a low-cost automation framework for last-mile delivery that integrates a capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP) with dynamic pickups, 3D bin packing, and multi-modal optimization. We propose scalable algorithms that leverage computer vision for volume estimation, heuristic-based route planning, and dynamic scheduling to minimize operational costs while maximizing efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate reduced travel distances, improved load utilization, and enhanced delivery reliability. Our approach provides a practical and scalable solution for automating last-mile logistics, ensuring timely and cost-efficient deliveries.

ABSTRACT Bioaugmentation, the process of soil restoration by introducing microorganisms capable of degrading pollutants, is a promising and cost-effective strategy for environmental remediation. Aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and p-xylene (BTEX), are highly toxic environmental contaminants that could be transformed to less harmful products through the inoculation of certain organisms capable of BTEX degradation. However, a barrier to successful bioaugmentation is the inoculant’s failure to establish within the resident microbial community. In an effort to improve inoculant proliferation, we have investigated phosphite as a phosphorus source for selective nutrient supply. Phosphite is an inaccessible form of phosphorus to organisms that lack the capacity for phosphite oxidation to phosphate. We introduced a phosphite dehydrogenase-coding gene (ptxD) into the genome of the toluene-degrading bacterium Pseudomonas veronii 1YdBTEX2 to couple phosphite metabolism and aromatic hydrocarbon clearance. When inoculated in either soil matrix or liquid soil extract, P. veronii proliferates in a phosphite- and toluene-dependent manner in both growing and stable synthetic soil microbial communities, although the selective effects of phosphite and toluene were not additive in a carbon-limited context. Once toluene is metabolized, P. veronii abundance decays, and the microbial community recovers diversity and abundance resembling the uninoculated controls. Additional members of the microbial community were also enriched in the presence of phosphite, and genomic analysis suggests that these microorganisms utilize an alkaline phosphatase, phoV, for phosphite assimilation. IMPORTANCE Bioaugmentation is a promising solution to soil contamination, but its practical application is limited due to poor inoculant establishment in the native soil community. This can often be attributed to low nutrient availability and resource competition with native microorganisms. We proposed the use of phosphite as a selective nutrient source to support the growth of a toluene-degrading bacterium, Pseudomonas veronii, in a model soil system. We engineered a strain of this organism that was capable of using phosphite as a phosphorus source and saw that phosphite application enhanced the abundance of the inoculant sixfold within a synthetic soil community. In this study, we present the first investigation of a phosphite selection system in the soil microbiome and characterize the environmental conditions in which it is effective. By demonstrating the potential of formulated nutritional niches in soil microbiome interventions, we provide significant insights into the field of microbiome engineering. Bioaugmentation is a promising solution to soil contamination, but its practical application is limited due to poor inoculant establishment in the native soil community. This can often be attributed to low nutrient availability and resource competition with native microorganisms. We proposed the use of phosphite as a selective nutrient source to support the growth of a toluene-degrading bacterium, Pseudomonas veronii, in a model soil system. We engineered a strain of this organism that was capable of using phosphite as a phosphorus source and saw that phosphite application enhanced the abundance of the inoculant sixfold within a synthetic soil community. In this study, we present the first investigation of a phosphite selection system in the soil microbiome and characterize the environmental conditions in which it is effective. By demonstrating the potential of formulated nutritional niches in soil microbiome interventions, we provide significant insights into the field of microbiome engineering.

Conformers have shown great results in speech processing due to their ability to capture both local and global interactions. In this work, we utilize a self-supervised contrastive learning framework to train conformer-based encoders that are capable of generating unique embeddings for small segments of audio, generalizing well to previously unseen data. We achieve state-of-the-art results for audio retrieval tasks while using only 3 seconds of audio to generate embeddings. Our models are almost completely immune to temporal misalignments and achieve state-of-the-art results in cases of other audio distortions such as noise, reverb or extreme temporal stretching. Code and models are made publicly available and the results are easy to reproduce as we train and test using popular and freely available datasets of different sizes.

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Background The concept of flipped classrooms (FCs) is gaining attention in medical education as it aligns with the digital age’s demand for more interactive and accessible learning experiences. By shifting the delivery of instructional content outside of the classroom, an FC allows students to engage with materials at their own pace, thereby maximizing in-class time for discussions, problem-solving, and other active learning activities. Objective This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis to appraise the comparative effectiveness of FC instruction in contrast to traditional pedagogical modalities, with a particular focus on postepidemic analyses within specific subfields of medical education. Methods The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were systematically searched for studies comparing academic outcomes between the FC and traditional learning approaches in medical education. The primary outcome measures were knowledge assessment and students’ satisfaction. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as a measure of the overall effect, and subgroup analysis was performed according to the study design (randomized controlled trial [RCT] vs observational). The Cochran Q test and Baujat plots were used to estimate heterogeneity, coupled with I2. Highly influential studies were identified; sensitivity analyses and metaregression were performed. Results In total, 141 studies were included in the systematic review; 127 (90.1%) studies with 21,171 participants were included in the meta-analysis of students’ knowledge assessment, of which 37 (29.1%) were RCTs. FCs had significantly better outcomes than the traditional method in knowledge test scores in both observational studies and RCTs (SMD 0.90, 95% CI 0.59-1.20, P<.001 and SMD 0.93, 95% CI 0.65-1.22, P<.001, respectively). There was substantial heterogeneity among included studies (I2=95.2%, τ2=1.614; P<.001). The funnel plot showed high asymmetry with significant small study effects (P<.001). However, the effect estimate remained robust to the exclusion of highly influential studies in the sensitivity analysis. In total, 27 (21.3%) studies with a total of 5842 participants reported students’ satisfaction. Higher student satisfaction scores for FCs were demonstrated in contrast to control groups (SMD 0.82, 95% CI 0.45-1.19; P<.001). There was substantial heterogeneity among the included studies (I2=97.8%, τ2=0.913; P<.001) but no evidence for publication bias, and no studies were found to be influential. Conclusions The FC method is associated with better knowledge achievement and greater student satisfaction than the traditional approach in medical education, paving the way for its broader integration into medical school curricula. However, it is essential to consider various factors, such as the availability of resources, faculty readiness, and student preferences when implementing any new educational approach. This study holds promise for advancing medical education by exploring innovative teaching methodologies that leverage technology to enhance learning outcomes.

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are increasingly being deployed in critical applications, such as eHealth systems, enabled by advancements in 5G technology, which offer more than 100 Mbps of throughput, less than 5 ms of latency, and $99,999 \%$ of reliability. However, to overcome computing limitations and security measures, IoT devices rely on cloudbased solutions to outsource data processing. This dependency introduces significant security concerns, as sensitive data must be transmitted over the network and processed in external environments, increasing the risk of interception, unauthorized access, and data breaches. To mitigate these security risks, within the scope of the MOZAIK project, we deploy Network Slicing to ensure end-to-end inter-slice and intra-slice isolation across all network domains i.e., 5G Core (5GC), Transport Network (TN), and Radio Access Network (RAN). We deploy a synergy across the entire network infrastructure i.e., $5 \mathrm{GC}, \mathrm{TN}$, and RAN, to isolate the IoT data flows from the moment the data is generated until it reaches the cloud, safeguarding sensitive data during transmission. The results of our real-life experiments demonstrate that our proof of concept provides robust isolation between slices, effectively addressing the security concerns of IoT devices and enhancing the reliability and security of IoT applications. Additionally, we also include aspects of secure data storage and secure data processing, covered in the MOZAIK project.