Abstract: High-level roof borehole is one of the core technologies for gas control in high-gas mines in China. However, in soft and fragmented rock strata, the influence of mining-induced stress disturbance often causes compression-torsion deformation, borehole wall collapse, or dislocation when the borehole passes through the coal-rock interface due to lithological differences. This results in blockage of the gas flow channel or even borehole failure. Existing borehole protection technologies generally suffer from issues such as heavy screen pipes, low construction efficiency, and difficulty in large-scale application. To address these problems, this study, based on the engineering background of Xin’an Coal Mine, developed a stainless-steel socket-type screen pipe with an “upper large, lower small” structure by systematically analyzing the necessity of borehole protection and the stress characteristics of protective pipes. A stepwise insertion method driven by the drill rig’s jacking system was adopted to achieve full-length borehole protection in soft rock strata. Meanwhile, the YZT-Ⅱ rock formation borehole detector was used to analyze borehole wall stability, and a comparative experiment between protected and unprotected boreholes was carried out at the 14230 working face of Xin’an Coal Mine. The results indicate that the rock formation detector identified the coal-rock interface as the high-incidence zone of borehole collapse, whereas the novel protective screen pipe effectively maintained borehole wall integrity in this zone. The gas drainage concentration of protected boreholes remained stable above 80%, with a pure extraction flow rate of ≥0.2 m3/min, and the total extracted gas volume was 8–10 times higher than that of unprotected boreholes (with extraction concentrations of 30%–45% and pure flow rates of 0.03–0.06 m3/min). Furthermore, based on a fluid-solid coupling model and field data, the optimal spacing between high-level roof boreholes under these geological conditions was determined to be 3.0–3.5 m, with an optimal number of three boreholes. The proposed novel screen pipe and corresponding construction technology effectively solve the problems of borehole collapse and blockage in high-level roof boreholes within soft and fragmented rock strata, significantly improving gas drainage efficiency and borehole utilization. This provides reliable technical support for gas control in mines with similar geological conditions and demonstrates broad application potential.

Abstract: This study provides an integrated morphological, histopathological, ecological, and experimental evaluation of the parasitic copepod Ergasilus celestis infecting the European eel Anguilla anguilla from Lake El-Manzala, Damietta, Egypt. The objectives were to redescribe adult female morphology, assess gill damage caused by infestation, analyze ecological factors affecting parasite prevalence and intensity, and evaluate in vitro antiparasitic activity of selected plant extracts. Ecological assessments involved examining 170 host fishes collected seasonally from October 2023 to September 2024. In vitro bioassays assessed the effects of Curcumin and Myrrh extracts on parasite survival. The results revealed pronounced morphological adaptations in the female parasite related to attachment and reproduction. Infestation induced severe histopathological damage, including epithelial hyperplasia, tissue erosion, and distortion of gill lamellae. Ecological analyses demonstrated a very highly significant seasonal pattern, with peak prevalence and intensity during spring, higher susceptibility in female hosts, and strong correlations between infestation intensity and environmental parameters (P < 0.001). In vitro assays showed a concentration-dependent reduction in parasite survival, with Curcumin exhibiting stronger antiparasitic activity than Myrrh. These findings demonstrate the influence of host biology, environmental factors, and plant extracts on E. celestis infestation, offering insights for effective parasite management and sustainable control in marine ecosystems.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased psychological distress in the general population. This study aimed to examine differences in anxiety and depressive symptoms between individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 and those without a history of infection in a primary healthcare setting. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in April 2022 in Canton Sarajevo. The analysis included 279 participants who completed an online questionnaire and reported no previously diagnosed mental disorder. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales and analyzed as continuous and binary outcomes. Group differences were examined using non-parametric tests, and independent associations were assessed using multivariable regression models adjusted for relevant covariates. Results Among the participants, 138 (49.5%) reported a history of COVID-19 infection. No statistically significant differences in anxiety or depressive symptoms were observed between participants with and without prior COVID-19 infection in either bivariate or adjusted analyses. Although GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores were slightly higher in the COVID-19 group, these differences did not reach statistical significance. In contrast, female sex and the presence of chronic diseases were independently associated with higher levels of anxiety symptoms. Conclusion No independent association was found between prior COVID-19 infection and anxiety or depressive symptoms in this primary care population. The findings suggest that individual and health-related characteristics may be more important determinants of psychological burden than COVID-19 infection itself in the post-pandemic period.

Abstract: In this narrative review, we address the prevention and therapy of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) with oral iron products in pediatric patients. Fortification of complementary foods with iron-containing micronutrient powders is the preferred method for the prevention of IDA in resource-limited settings. In developed countries, the prevention of sideropenia is through the consumption of iron-rich foods of animal origin. Regarding oral iron therapy, ferrous sulfate is the most widely used and cheapest product, but it is less well tolerated due to gas-trointestinal side effects compared to complexes of ferric iron with polysaccharides, and complexes of iron with amino acids in casein, such as iron protein succinylate and iron acetyl aspartylate. These latter products are expensive and available only as single-dose vials with a fixed amount of elemental iron. Intermittent admin-istration of ferrous sulfate, once or twice a week, is equally effective to daily therapy, with fewer side effects, and should be advocated. Oral carbonyl iron has excellent bioavailability and the additional advantage of a high safety margin in cases of accidental overdose compared to iron salts, an important consideration given the po-tentially lethal consequences of iron overdose. Newer liposomal and sucrosomial iron products appear to have better intestinal tolerance and similar efficacy in the treatment of IDA, but limited pediatric data exist. In con-clusion, all oral medicinal iron products are effective when prescribed for the treatment of IDA, if well-absorbed and taken consistently for 3 to 6 months. Physicians should be prepared to use alternative oral agents with better tolerance in case of gastrointestinal side effects.

Abstract: Copper-organic compounds are being investigated as antitumor candidates. Besides their efficacy as cytotoxic agents alone, the oxidative potential of electrochemical Cu2+-to-Cu1+ transition emerges as an attractive approach for elimination of tumor cells otherwise resistant to chemotherapy. To minimize side effects of the potent oxidative burst upon Cu(II) reduction, the metal cations should be delivered to the tumor site. Taking advantage of the ability of bisphosphonates to accumulate in the bone, we synthesized Cu(II) complexes of zoledronic acid (ZA), an FDA-approved drug for prevention of bone destruction. New CuZA complexes obtained upon precipitation of ZA and different copper salts were structurally identical, consisting of two organic moieties coordinated by three metal cations. Combined treatment with water-soluble formulations of CuZA and cysteine triggered rapid death in human cell lines. This effect was achievable with non-toxic concentrations of CuZA and cysteine alone. Importantly, the K562 chronic myelogenous leukemia cells that demonstrated an attenuated response to the 3d generation Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor in the medium conditioned by bone marrow-derived fibroblasts, were readily killed by CuZA-cysteine combination. Thus, oxidative burst upon metal reduction in CuZA complexes emerges as a promising method of eradication of tumor cells in the bone microenvironment.

Abstract: We propose a novel theoretical framework for describing photon--electron interactions and electron collision processes in a unified manner within quantum electrodynamics. Specifically, we develop a method to construct the Dirac operator in curved spacetime using only matrix representations rooted in the basis structure of four-dimensional gamma matrix algebra, without introducing vierbeins (tetrads) or independent spin connections. We realize 16 gamma matrices with two indices as $256\times256$ matrices and embed the spacetime metric directly into the matrix elements. This reduces geometric operations such as covariantization, connection-like operations, and basis transformations to matrix products and trace calculations, yielding a unified and transparent computational scheme. The spacetime dimension remains four, and the number ``16'' represents the number of basis elements of four-dimensional gamma matrix algebra ($2^{4}=16$). Based on the extended QED Lagrangian, vertex rules, propagators, spin sums, and traces can be handled uniformly, making it suitable for automation. As validation of this method, we analyzed four fundamental scattering processes in atomic and particle physics: (i) Compton scattering (photon--electron scattering), (ii) muon pair production ($e^+e^-\to\mu^+\mu^-$), (iii) M{\o}ller scattering (electron--electron collision), and (iv) Bhabha scattering (electron--positron collision). In the flat spacetime limit, we confirmed exact reproduction of standard quantum electrodynamics (QED) results including the Klein--Nishina formula. Furthermore, trial calculations using a metric with off-diagonal components show systematic deviations from flat results near scattering angle $\theta\approx90^{\circ}$, suggesting that metric-induced angular dependence could in principle serve as an observable signature. The matrix representation developed in this work enables unified pipeline execution of theoretical calculations for photon interactions and charged particle collision processes, with expected applications to precision calculations in atomic and particle physics.

Abstract: Fluid jet polishing process (FJP) demonstrates high shape accuracy and surface quality in the machining of nonlinear and complex surfaces, and it achieves precise and adjustable material removal rates through computer control. However, there are still challenges in terms of machining efficiency, system complexity, and stability. Particularly, there is uncertainty in process optimization, especially with higher challenges in optimizing process parameters after changes in working conditions. This study utilizes digital twin technology to propose a new framework for optimizing the FJP process. By reviewing the application of DT in the machining field, this paper identifies the limitations of existing methods and proposes a human-centric design approach that integrates key factors of DT-driven FJP, such as jet kinetic energy, nozzle structure, abrasive type, and machining path. This method encompasses multiple aspects from removal function models to machining path algorithms. By introducing a core method based on transfer learning, this research aims to improve the predictive accuracy, machining efficiency, and stability of the FJP process, realizing efficient and precise polishing operations. Ultimately, this paper validates the proposed method through a case study on 3D printed workpieces, discusses the key enabling technologies, and main challenges. This study not only advances the application potential of FJP process but also provides a new perspective and strategy for optimizing complex machining processes using DT technology.

Abstract: This work presents the \textit{Theory of Spacetime Impedance} (TSI), a phenomenological framework in which the vacuum is modeled as a distributed reactive medium with an effective RLC structure. At the classical level, the vacuum is characterized by the permeability $\mu_0$, the permittivity $\varepsilon_0$, and the impedance $Z_0$, so that the speed of light follows from the vacuum’s constitutive reactive properties. The TSI introduces a reactive--dissipative term $R_H$ as an effective mechanism associated with irreversibility, decoherence, and entropy production, providing a physical basis for the arrow of time. At the quantum level, TSI incorporates a quantum RLC triad associated with the electron, defined by a quantum inductance $L_K$, a quantum capacitance $C_K$, and the von Klitzing resistance $R_K$. When normalized by the Compton wavelength, these quantities admit a direct comparison with $\mu_0$ and $\varepsilon_0$, identifying the fine-structure constant as an impedance scaling factor between classical and quantum regimes. Within this unified reactive picture, inductive, capacitive, and resistive responses are respectively associated with gravitation, electromagnetism, and thermodynamic irreversibility, offering a complementary bridge across quantum, relativistic, and macroscopic domains.

Abstract: Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV, species Circovirus parrot) is the causative agent of psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), characterised primary by death of nestlings, feather loss and presumed immunosuppression in parrots worldwide. BFDV shows marked genetic heterogeneity, particularly in the open reading frame 2 (ORF2) encoding the capsid protein (Cap), but the impact of this diversity on antibody recognition has not been systematically assessed. In this study, we used seven recombinant Cap proteins derived from ORF2 variants selected to reflect the diversity of BFDV strains circulating in psittacine birds. N-terminally truncated, codon-optimised cap gene constructs were expressed in Escherichia coli and tested by semi-quantitative Western blot and indirect ELISA using sera from eight naturally infected, BFDV PCR-positive psittacine birds. Both assays revealed clear antigen-serum dependent differences in reactivity, with several sera failing to produce detectable signals against some Cap variants under the conditions used. These findings provide experimental evidence that amino-acid variation in Cap can be associated with distinct antibody binding patterns in naturally infected birds. The observed heterogeneity in antigen recognition has direct implications for natural infections with BFDV, for the design and interpretation of BFDV serological assays and should be considered in future development of Cap-based vaccines.

Abstract: A radical epistemological reinterpretation of classical mechanics through the formal apparatus of dynamic system identification theory is proposed. Using rigorous definitions from Ljung (1999) --- data informativeness, persistent excitation, Fisher information matrix, and Hankel rank --- it is demonstrated that Newton's laws represent boundaries of information extraction from observations, not ontological statements about reality. The first law is reformulated as data uninformativeness under zero excitation ($\operatorname{rank}(\bar{F}) = 0$). The second law emerges from asymptotic variance of estimates: mass as the conditioning parameter ($\operatorname{Var}(\hat{m}) \propto m^4$). The third law is interpreted as self-consistency for closed systems with finite Hankel rank. It is shown that momentum is the conserved coefficient at $1/s$ in spectral decomposition, energy is the invariant quadratic norm preserved by norm-preserving evolution operators, and coordinates are indices of spectral modes, with center of mass as the unique minimal-rank parameterization. For rotational dynamics, it is demonstrated that phase loss under rotation transforms Fourier modes into Bessel functions, with Bessel zeros marking fundamental identifiability boundaries ($\mathcal{I} = 0$, Cram'er-Rao bound $= \infty$). The Dzhanibekov effect is reinterpreted as an informational event: temporary loss and stochastic restoration of orientation identifiability, yielding testable predictions about observer-dependence. A detailed case study of the lighthouse problem illustrates how identifiability boundaries emerge in practice: spatial observations alone yield a $b \cdot \omega$ degeneracy, resolvable only through extended sensor arrays providing three independent information channels (spectral frequencies, spatio-temporal delays, spatial distribution). It is proved that discrete source configurations are fundamentally limited to $K_{\max} \sim \log(\omega_{\max}/\omega_{\min})/\log M_{\max}$ distinguishable sources due to spectral crowding, while continuous configurations achieve infinite Hankel rank. The variational optimization problem of maximizing Fisher information under geometric constraints yields differential rotation on logarithmic spirals as the unique optimal solution, explaining the ubiquity of spiral structures in nature. The James--Stein phenomenon at $d=2$ is reinterpreted as a physical channel constraint: the electromagnetic observation pathway fundamentally limits identifiability to two dimensions. Pulsars serve as natural laboratories for testing these predictions, where quasi-periodic timing structures provide empirical arbitrators of the theory. A deep mathematical correspondence is established between the lighthouse problem and optical diffraction: rotational averaging in both cases produces Bessel functions, with Airy disks and identifiability boundaries arising from the same spectral topology defined by Bessel zeros. A parable illustrates how all mechanical concepts emerge from minimal observational capabilities: a physicist in total darkness with seeds, two ears, and a rotating chair reconstructs "space", "mass", and "time" purely from identification constraints.

Abstract: Chronotyping is a key methodology for assessment of individual differences in human adaptation to the 24-h periodicity of geophysical and social environment. Throughout the 50-yr period of scientific publications of chronotype questionnaires, they are steadily growing in number and diversity. Therefore, it is getting harder and harder to determine which of these questionnaires can be optimally applied to address a given question of sleep and biological rhythm research. Comparison of chronotype questionnaires can be facilitated using a structured system for their classification based on their properties. The PubMed bibliographic database and 9 previously published reviews were searched for publications of chronotype questionnaires and/or their implementation in chronobiological and sleep studies. In total, 75 questionnaires were identified, 60 and 15 of them were designed to only chronotype and chronotype and something else assessment, respectively. The structured system of questionnaire classification (“questionnaire identifier”) was proposed to help in navigating between numerous published questionnaires for choosing an optimal instrument for self-assessment of individual differences in a study of sleep and biological rhythms and for predicting properties of yet-unconstructed questionnaires. Particularly, a proposed set of 20 questionnaire and questionnaire scale properties allows the distinguishing of any of 60 questionnaires from 59 other such questionnaires.

Abstract: Background: The limited aqueous solubility of basic drugs poses significant challenges for oral bioavailability, necessitating a different formulation approach. This study utilizes acidic or non-ionic polymers (its aqueous solution close to acidic-neutral pH) to stabilize a basic drug via drug-polymer interaction. Due to acid-base super solubilization effects, amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) have good recrystallization inhibition, and improved dissolution and stability. Methods: To prepare nimodipine, a model drug, solid dispersion, spray–drying and melt–quenching techniques were used with carriers like HPC, HPMCAS, HPMCP, and PVP K25 polymers. Drug-polymer miscibility or interaction was carefully evaluated with different modeling to reduce processing temperature and inhibit recrystallization. Results: Based on preparation methods, there were two ASD types: one with a small particle size and low bulk density (spray–drying) and the other with big particle size and high bulk density, prepared at a low temperature to minimize degradation (melt–quenching). The solid–state analysis revealed a low glass transition temperature (Tg), suggesting amorphous forms. The surface morphology of nimodipine and its solid dispersions demonstrated a uniform and consistent system. Nimodipine with HPMCP via spray–drying (NIM.CP.SM) exhibited the highest drug release (89.51%) in phosphate buffer (pH 6.0) after 2 h without recrystallization. The in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles demonstrated a 33–fold increase in Cmax and a 15–fold increase in AUC0–∞ with NIM.CP.SM. Conclusions: These findings suggest that an HPMCP–based polymer combined with spray–drying technique produces a thermodynamically and physico-chemically stable ASD with enhanced in vitro and in vivo drug release.

Abstract: Composite wing structures are widely used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) because of their high specific strength and stiffness, but they are vulnerable to localized impact events such as tool drops, runway debris and small bird or drone strikes. In many aerospace applications, carbon fiber–reinforced polymers (CFRP) are preferred for their high stiffness and weight efficiency, although they tend to fail in a brittle manner and are expensive. E-glass fiber composites, on the other hand, are tougher and cheaper, but usually considered less competitive in stiffness and impact resistance. This study numerically investigates the impact resistance of optimized E-glass fiber composite UAV wing skins compared with aerospace-grade carbon fiber skins, both supported by balsa-wood cores. A 3D finite element (FE) model of a 600 mm semi-span UAV wing segment was developed in Abaqus/Explicit, with a user-defined VUMAT implementing an orthotropic elastic law and a Hashin-type progressive damage model. A rigid spherical impactor (radius 8 mm) with various mass velocity combinations (0.5 kg at 5000 and 10 000 mm/s, and 1.0 kg at 20 000 mm/s) was used to represent low, medium and high energy impacts. E-glass material sets were defined and gradually improved, within realistic mechanical limits derived from published E-glass/epoxy systems, until a “maximum experimental limit” E-glass configuration was obtained. This optimized E-glass wing skin was then compared with carbon-fiber configurations taken as benchmark aerospace. The comparison is based on peak contact force, penetration or non-penetration, absorbed energy, and damage extent in the skin and sub-structure. The study also proposes a coupon- and sub-component-level experimental programme to validate the numerical predictions using drop-weight impact tests on E-glass and carbon-fiber laminates and on a scaled UAV wing segment. These findings indicate that suitably engineered E-glass composites can be a viable, cost-effective alternative to carbon fiber for impact-resistant UAV wing structures.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: There are limited data on the dynamic changes in daily composition of movement behaviors (sleep, moderate to vigorous physical activity; MVPA, light physical activity; LPA, and sedentary time; SED) and their associations with body weight in postpartum women. The purpose of this study was to examine associations of reallocating time in one behavior to an-other with body weight at different times in the first year postpartum. Methods: The study included 86 women who delivered a singleton infant at ≥ 37 weeks gestation. Physical activity and sleep were measured via actigraphy in early, mid, and late postpartum. Body weight was measured at each timepoint. Isotemporal substitution models were used to examine the association of reallocating ten minutes of one behavior (MVPA, LPA, SED, or sleep) to another on body weight. Results: Participants spent most of their day in SED (~52-53%), followed by sleep (~30%), LPA (~12-13%), and then MVPA (~2%) throughout the first year postpartum. In early and mid-postpartum, but not late postpartum, reallocating 10 minutes of MVPA to LPA, SED, or sleep was associated with lower body weight (Range: 3.07-4.03 kg lower). In early and late postpartum, reallocating 10 minutes of SED to LPA was associated with a lower body weight (4.03kg and 1.04kg, respectively). In participants who slept ≥ 7 hours per day, reallocating sleep to LPA in early postpartum, and MVPA time to LPA in mid postpartum was associated with lower body weight. In those who slept < 7 hours, no significant associations with body weight were found when reallocating time from one behavior to another. Conclusions: Encouraging LPA throughout the post-partum period may be beneficial for weight loss and having enough sleep may be especially important for early to mid-postpartum. Future research examining the impact of changes in LPA on body weight in the postpartum period are needed along with postpartum specific 24h-hour movement guidelines.

Abstract: Ultrasound is the primary imaging modality for evaluation of the scrotum and male reproductive tract. While high-frequency linear probes allow detailed assessment of testicular parenchyma, comprehensive visualization of epididymal anatomy and its spatial relationship to the testis may be limited using conventional two-dimensional imaging alone . This limitation is clinically relevant in the evaluation of male infertility, where epididymal abnormalities may contribute to obstructive processes We present a clinical image demonstrating a novel external scrotal application of a conventional three-dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasound probe. The images were obtained in an adult male undergoing infertility evaluation. With generous coupling gel and minimal probe pressure, the transvaginal probe was applied externally over the scrotum. High-resolution 2D images were first obtained, followed by volumetric 3D acquisition. The acquired dataset was analyzed using multiplanar reconstruction and volume-rendering techniques. This approach enabled clear visualization of the epididymal head, body, and tail, along with their anatomical continuity and relationship to the adjacent testis. The volume-rendered images provided an intuitive 3D depiction of epididymal curvature and spatial orientation, features that can be challenging to appreciate using standard linear scrotal ultrasound alone. Importantly, no patient discomfort, adverse effects, or technical complications were observed during the examination. This clinical image highlights the feasibility of repurposing a 3D transvaginal probe for external scrotal imaging to improve anatomical depiction of epididymal structures. While the technique is not intended to replace conventional scrotal ultra-sound, it may offer additional anatomical insight in selected infertility cases. This re-port serves as a hypothesis-generating illustration and supports further evaluation of its diagnostic utility in larger studies.

Abstract: Axial postural abnormalities in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are traditionally assessed us-ing clinical rating scales, although picture-based assessment is considered the gold standard. This study evaluates the reliability and clinical relevance of two markerless body-tracking frameworks, the RGB-D-based Microsoft Azure Kinect (MAK) and the RGB-only Google MediaPipe Pose (MP), using a synchronous dual-camera setup. Forty PD patients performed a 60-second static standing task. We compared MAK with three MP models (at different complexity levels) across horizontal, vertical, sagittal, and 3D joint angles. Results show that lower-complexity MP models achieved high congruence with MAK for trunk and shoulder alignment (ρ > 0.75), while the lateral view signifi-cantly improved sagittal tracking (ρ ≥ 0.72). Conversely, the high-complexity model introduced significant skeletal distortions. Clinically, several angular parameters emerged as robust metrics for postural assessment and global motor impairments, while sagittal angles correlated with motor complications. Unexpectedly, a more up-right frontal alignment was associated with greater freezing of gait severity, suggest-ing that static postural metrics may serve as proxies for dynamic gait performance. In addition, both RGB-only and RGB-D frameworks effectively discriminated between postural severity clusters. These findings demonstrate that MP models are a reliable alternative to RGB-D sensors for objective postural assessment in PD, facilitating the widespread application of objective posture measurements in clinical contexts.

Abstract: In 1992, Hudzik and Landes derived a breakthrough generalization of the triangle inequality for two nonzero elements in normed linear spaces, which was generalized to finitely many nonzero elements independently in 2006 by Dragomir and in 2007 by Kato, Saito and Tamura. We derive a non-Archimedean version of Hudzik-Landes-Dragomir-Kato-Saito-Tamura inequality.

Abstract: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a crop of major socioeconomic importance in Northern and Northeastern Brazil, but its productivity is strongly constrained by infestations of the black aphid Aphis craccivora, which causes direct damage through sap feeding and indirect losses by transmitting plant viruses. Although insecticides are widely used, their intensive application raises concerns related to resistance development and environmental impacts. Silicon (Si) has been investigated as a sustainable alternative for enhancing plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses by strengthening structural barriers and activating biochemical defense pathways. This study evaluated the influence of silicon fertilization on the plant–insect interaction between cowpea genotypes and A. craccivora. Three bioassays were conducted under greenhouse and laboratory conditions to assess aphid preference among genotypes, the effect of silicon on insect attractiveness, and plant susceptibility with and without silicon supplementation. Rice husk biochar and a commercial silicon source were used as Si fertilizers. Although the landrace genotype accumulated higher silicon levels, this did not result in reduced aphid populations or mitigation of plant damage. A negative correlation was observed between silicon accumulation and chlorophyll content, suggesting silicon-associated physiological adjustments under herbivory stress. Overall, under the evaluated conditions, silicon application did not confer effective resistance against A. craccivora, indicating that its role in integrated pest management strategies for cowpea requires further investigation.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Pediatric palliative care seeks to relieve suffering and im-33 prove the quality of life of children with severe conditions and their families. This pro-34 spective cohort study assessed changes in quality of life following enrollment in a pediat-35 ric palliative care program at a tertiary care center in Mexico and explored factors associ-36 ated with these changes. 37 Methods: Children with life-limiting or severe disabling conditions were followed 38 at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Quality of life was measured using the Pediatric 39 Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) Cancer Module for oncologic patients and the Ped-40 sQL™ Family Impact Module for all families. Results: A total of 166 families completed the Family Impact Module questionnaires, 42 and 116 oncologic patients completed the Cancer Module. Mean children’s PedsQL Can-43 cer Module scores improved from 58.9 to 77.9, and family scores improved from 60.1 to 44 78.8 over six months (both p < 0.001). Families of oncologic patients and those residing 45 outside the Mexico City metropolitan area had lower baseline scores (adjusted differences 46 −9.84, 95% CI: −15.9 to −3.77; and −6.9, 95% CI: −12.38 to −1.44, respectively); however, the 47 latter group showed greater improvement over time. Survival varied by diagnosis, with 48 longer survival observed in children with neurologic or intracranial conditions. 49 Conclusions: The quality of life of families and of oncologic pediatric patients im-50 proved after enrollment in a specialist pediatric palliative care program in a middle-in-51 come setting. Equitable access should be ensured for families affected by chronic condi-52 tions, particularly those living beyond major urban areas.

Abstract: Large Language Models (LLMs) have become foundational to modern Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling advanced reasoning, multimodal understanding, and scalable human-AI interaction across diverse domains. This survey provides a comprehensive review of major proprietary and open-source LLM families, including GPT, LLaMA 2, Gemini, Claude, DeepSeek, Falcon, and Qwen. It systematically examines architectural advancements such as transformer refinements, mixture-of-experts paradigms, attention optimization, long-context modeling, and multimodal integration. The paper further analyzes alignment and safety mechanisms, encompassing instruction tuning, reinforcement learning from human feedback, and constitutional frameworks, and discusses their implications for controllability, reliability, and responsible deployment. Comparative analysis of training strategies, data curation practices, efficiency optimizations, and application settings highlights key trade-offs among scalability, performance, interpretability, and ethical considerations. Beyond synthesis, the survey introduces a structured taxonomy and a feature-driven comparative study of over 50 reconstructed LLM architectures, complemented by an interactive visualization interface and an open-source implementation to support transparency and reproducibility. Finally, it outlines open challenges and future research directions related to transparency, computational cost, data governance, and societal impact, offering a unified reference for researchers and practitioners developing large-scale AI systems.