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Environmental and Earth Sciences
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Phytase Overdose in Diets with Reduced Calcium and Phosphorus Levels for Pigs from Weaning to Slaughter: Effects on Performance, Carcass and Meat

Cristina Satie Hideshima Marques

,

Marco Aurélio Callegari

,

Cleandro Pazinato Dias

,

Kelly Lais de Souza

,

Claudia Cassimira da Silva Martins

,

Vitor Barbosa Fascina

,

Alexandre Oba

,

Rafael Humberto de Carvalho

,

Caio Abércio da Silva

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the extra-phosphoric effect of increasing doses of bacte-rial phytase (RONOZYME HiPhos) in corn and soybean meal-based diets on perfor-mance, carcass yield, and meat quality in pigs during the nursery, growing, and fin-ishing phases (GT). Two hundred and fifty pigs, castrated males and females, with an initial weight of 6.08 ± 0.748 kg and 21 days of age, were subjected to 5 treatments: PC: positive control diets, supplemented with inorganic phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca), meeting their full nutritional requirements; NC: negative control diets, with re-duced available phosphorus (-0.18%) and calcium (-0.16%); 1000FYT: NC + 1,000 FYT/kg of feed; 2000FYT: NC + 2,000 FYT/kg of feed; 3000 FYT: NC + 3000 FYT/kg of feed. Average daily gain (ADG) in the nursery phase did not differ between the groups supplemented with 1,000; 2,000 and 3,000 FYT/kg (0.430 kg, 0.441 kg and 0.428 kg respectively) and PC (0.481 kg), but was higher (P< 0.05) than NC (0.398 kg). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the same phase was similar between PC (1.546) and the groups supplemented with phytase (1.516; 1.535; 1.519), all being better (P< 0.05) than NC (1.676). The quadratic effect for phytase was verified for FCR in the phase, with the best inclusion of 2,320 FYT/kg of feed. In the GF phases and in the overall experi-mental period (21 to 156 days), the results for daily feed intake (DFI), ADG and FCR favored PC and the groups supplemented with phytase compared to the NC (P< 0.05). A quadratic effect was observed for FCR considering the entire GF phase, with the best inclusion of 1,923 FYT/kg of feed. Groups supplemented with phytase and PC obtained better carcass results compared to NC (P< 0.05). Linear effects were observed to percentage and quantity of lean meat in the carcass. There was no difference be-tween treatments for meat quality. Supplementation with phytase in corn and soy-bean meal-based diets with severely reduced inorganic P and Ca improved pig per-formance at all stages, with optimized inclusion values of approximately 2,200 FYT/kg of feed, and dose-dependent benefits on carcass characteristics.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0110.v1

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Cell and Developmental Biology
Converging Signaling Networks Drive Taste Bud Morphogenesis, Turnover, and Regeneration

In Young Jo

,

Jin-Woo Kim

,

Beomjong Song

,

Yujeong Song

,

Jae Kyeom Kim

,

Jeong-Oh Shin

Abstract: Taste buds are continuously renewed sensory organs in which development, adult maintenance, and repair share overlapping molecular circuitry. During embryogenesis, WNT/β-catenin signaling promotes taste placode formation and placodal Shh expression, whereas SHH refines papilla spacing and restricts neighboring papilla formation. SOX2 functions as a taste-competence and progenitor-maintenance factor. In adults, LGR5/LGR6-RSPO-WNT signaling sustains progenitor activity, and gustatory neurons provide RSPO2 as a niche signal that maintains epithelial renewal. HH signaling from epithelial and neuronal sources further supports SOX2-dependent progenitor homeostasis. Lineage allocation is controlled by transcriptional programs that include POU2F3/SKN-1a for sweet, umami, and bitter type II taste receptor cells and ASCL1 with posterior-field NKX2-2 for type III presynaptic/sour cells. After denervation or irradiation, regeneration depends primarily on LGR5+/KRT14+ progenitors and may be supplemented, in specific injury contexts, by plasticity of a subset of K8-lineage taste receptor cells that acquire KRT14/SOX2/PCNA progenitor-like features. Key unresolved issues include the direct chromatin targets of taste lineage regulators (which remain to be defined by ChIP-seq in native taste progenitors), the identity of the type I cell selector, the contribution of dedifferentiation across injury models, and the extent to which mouse-derived networks are conserved in human taste biology.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0109.v1

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Life Sciences
AI-Driven Design of Quantum Dots for Drug Delivery and Pharmacological Applications: A Comprehensive Review

Vikrant Shinde

,

Nilima Harname

,

Pranal Sonawane

,

Gaurav Sangle

,

Jayesh Patil

Abstract: Quantum dots (QDs) are tiny semiconductor particles with unique light and electronic properties that can be adjusted by changing their size. They are widely usedin drug delivery, bioimaging, and theranostic applications. However, designing the best QDs is difficult because there are many possible combinations, makingtraditional trial-and-error methods slow and inefficient. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have improved this process by helping scientistspredict properties, design better QDs, and automate experiments. This review explains how various AI methods, including supervised learning, graph neuralnetworks, generative models, Bayesian optimisation, and active learning, are applied to QD-based drug delivery. These approaches have helped improve QDsynthesis, control drug release, and target specific areas such as tumours and the brain. AI has also supported applications in cancer treatment, neurological diseases,infections, and gene delivery. Despite these benefits, there are still challenges, such as a lack of reliable data, difficulty applying models to real-world conditions,and a limited understanding of how AI models make decisions. New technologies such as self-driving labs, advanced AI models, and quantum computing areexpected to further advance this field. Overall, combining AI with nanotechnology is making drug delivery faster, smarter, and more precise.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0108.v1

Article
Physical Sciences
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Timeflow Gravity: A Thermodynamic Theory of Spacetime

Mikhail Trofimov

Abstract: This paper presents Timeflow Gravity (TG), a framework in which gravity emerges as a thermodynamic, entropic force driven by the wave mechanics of a continuous $U(1)$ spacetime medium. Building on T. Jacobson’s derivation of Einstein’s equations from the Clausius relation, we derive the Einstein field equations as an emergent macroscopic equation of state. Within this framework, we interpret dark matter and dark energy effects as wave-mechanical projections of the underlying phase space. At galactic scales, constructive phase interference between baryonic matter and the vacuum recovers MOND-like dynamics. By incorporating kinematic phase decoherence, the theory offers a potential resolution to MOND’s mass discrepancy in galaxy clusters, as well as the spatial offset observed in the Bullet Cluster. On cosmological scales, conservation of the one-dimensional topological phase boundary yields parameter-free matter and vacuum density parameters, offering a possible resolution to the cosmological coincidence problem. This result yields a dynamical dark energy equation of state (\( w \approx -0.84 \)) consistent with recent DESI observations. Finally, we establish a falsifiability criterion: the intrinsic scatter of the Radial Acceleration Relation (RAR) should systematically anti-correlate with the local macroscopic kinematic entropy of the system.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202511.1365.v4

Article
Social Sciences
Law
Restorative Justice in the Italian Criminal System: A Doctrinal Reading of the Cartabia Reform Three Years On

Francesco Alessi Longa

Abstract: This article presents a doctrinal analysis of the way restorative justice has entered the Italian criminal system through Legislative Decree No. 150 of 10 October 2022, the so-called Cartabia reform, as later integrated by Legislative Decree No. 216 of 27 December 2024. The central theme of the paper is the model of complementarity between restorative programs and the ordinary criminal proceeding, considered in the light of Directive 2012/29/EU and Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)8 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. After reviewing the notion, the models and the application mechanisms of restorative justice, the article focuses, on the doctrinal plane, on three areas of friction within the new regulatory architecture. They concern the access of restorative programs to all stages of the proceeding, the question of safeguards in cases of intimate partner violence and gender-based crime, and the institutional design of the new Centres for restorative justice. For the third issue, the article keeps its claims at the level of the legislative text and treats any proposition on territorial variation, on the functioning of the Centres or on the implementation deficit as a hypothesis for future empirical research. On the whole, the Italian regulatory intervention looks relevant, albeit with some critical issues, and to be kept under observation for future application developments. In particular, it seems possible to assert that the reform has formally opened the doors to a relational paradigm of justice, but the cultural transition, from a criminal-centric system towards a model of relational justice, will depend, in fact, on the practical choices of judges, mediators and local authorities in the coming years.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0104.v1

Article
Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Numerical Investigation of Spray Impingement Heat Transfer in the Film Boiling Regime

Mattia Pelosin

,

Gianluca D’Errico

,

Tommaso Lucchini

,

Paolo Albertelli

Abstract: Heat removal by spray impingement is widely used in different industrial processes. A cooling regime of particular interest occurs when the temperature of the cooled surface exceeds the Leidenfrost temperature of the spray. An accurate numerical model of this cooling regime could help to optimise many industrial applications where spray cooling is used, such as cryogenic machining and spray quenching. In this paper, an Eulerian-Lagrangian Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT) model designed for spray impingement above the Leidenfrost temperature is proposed. Two different sub-models are implemented to quantify the heat transfer between the droplet and the solid. The heat transfer models are validated through a literature experimental campaign, showing accurate and flexible prediction of heat transfer characteristics across diverse operating conditions, temperature levels, and spray configurations.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0101.v1

Article
Physical Sciences
Theoretical Physics
Gravity with a Dynamically Generated Yukawa-Type Potential: A Unified Description of Galactic Rotation Curves and Cluster Lensing

Jau Tang

Abstract: We present a framework for gravity in which the effective interaction is described by a dynamically generated Yukawa-type potential arising from nonlinear field self-interactions. In this approach, the characteristic scale is not imposed but emerges directly from the field equations, leading to a scale-dependent gravitational interaction. The resulting potential is intrinsically non-perturbative and reduces to standard General Relativity in high-density regimes. We show that this framework naturally reproduces flat galaxy rotation curves and the Tully–Fisher relation, while also providing enhanced gravitational lensing consistent with cluster observations. Using representative fits to dwarf and spiral galaxies, as well as cluster convergence profiles, we demonstrate that a single dynamical mechanism can account for both kinematic and lensing phenomena without invoking dark matter or empirical acceleration scales. These results suggest that gravity may be fundamentally a self-interacting field with an emergent, environment-dependent range.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0103.v1

Article
Computer Science and Mathematics
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Riding AI to Utopia or Dystopia? NLP, LLM and News Informatics Insights for Artificial Intelligence Impacts on Education, Healthcare, Robotics and Careers, Changing Human Society

Tanya Khanna

,

Zarak Khan

,

Udit Goel

,

Jim Samuel

,

Julia Esguerra

,

Radha Jaganathan

,

Soumitra Bhuyan

Abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is accelerating societal transformation at an unprecedented pace, generating both utopian aspirations and dystopian anxieties. Human civilization has undergone fundamental changes through every technological revolution starting with the Industrial Age and continuing through the digital era as AI emerges as the next paradigm shift. This paper studies the public discourse on AI by analyzing extensive news headlines on AI using natural language processing (NLP) methods. Our research applies sentiment analysis and topic modeling to a global dataset across education, healthcare, robotics, careers, and society to identify the dominant narratives shaping public perception. Media coverage presents AI as a dual force that brings human benefits and existential dangers according to our research findings. By moving beyond the utopia-dystopia dichotomy, we show that AI's social effects will emerge from the dynamic relationship between governance systems, ethical protections, and human-enhancive AI (HEAI) frameworks. We provide practical insights about AI's future impact and present strategies for maximizing AI benefits while mitigating its risks.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0112.v1

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy
Genome Sequencing, In Vitro Assays, and Metabolomics Reveals Biocontrol and PGP Traits of a Rhizobacterium, Streptomyces cavourensis SAI-25

Sachidanand Nayak

,

Prasad Gandham

,

T. Swaroopa Rani

,

Srinivas Vadlamudi

,

Pradeep Ruperao

,

Rachit Saxena

,

Abhishek Rathore

,

Vivek Thakur

,

Subramanium Gopalakrishnan

Abstract: A rice rhizosphere Streptomyces strain SAI-25 was previously reported to exhibit bicontrol activity against a limited range of agricultural pests, leaving its broader agricultural potential unexplored. In this study, we performed whole genome sequencing, untargeted metabolomics and in-vitro assays to examine its full agricultural potential. Genome similarity confidently re-assigned SAI-25 as a new strain of S. cavourensis. The comparative genome analysis revealed the presence of unique proteins and genomic islands with diverse functions highlighting its genomic novelty. Among the predicted Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCs) for secondary metabolites, majority were annotated having biocontrol and plant growth promoting (PGP) activities. Three of them were detected in untargeted metabolomics of secretome on Iron deficiency or Salinity stress, which includes a siderophore (desferrioxamine B), an osmoprotectant (ectoine), and a broad-spectrum antimicrobial (valinomycin). Beyond the annotated BGCs, at least eight additional agriculturally relevant secondary metabolites were also detected. For the previously reported insecticidal diketopiperazine derivative produced by SAI-25, two key enzymes capable of diketopiperazine core biosynthesis were predicted. Finally, the in-vitro assays revealed its broad range PGP activities. Overall, the SAI-25’s versatile secondary metabolites and potent PGP enzymes highlight its potential as a promising biopesticide/biofertilizer candidate.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202504.2632.v4

Short Note
Chemistry and Materials Science
Organic Chemistry
3-(Diphenylamino)-4-Ethoxycyclobut-3-Ene-1,2-Dione

Nathan Long

,

Emanuela Paval

,

Joseph C. Bear

,

Jeremy K. Cockcroft

,

Stephen P. Wren

Abstract: The title compound 3-(diphenylamino)-4-ethoxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione (6), was prepared by reaction of diphenylamine (2) with diethyl squarate (DES; 5) as part of our ongoing studies on monosquarate-amides. Following purification and recrystallisation, the product was isolated as a green crystalline solid. Its structure was established by spectroscopic methods including: FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS and was unambiguously confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. This work provides access to a previously unreported diphenylamino substituted squaric acid derivative.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0093.v1

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Physical Chemistry
Confirmation of Photo-Tailed Low-Molecular Weight Heparin

Fathi Elashhab

,

Lobna Sheha

,

Nada Elzawi

Abstract: Heparin is a highly sulfated polyelectrolyte, and its properties depend a lot on its shape in solution. In this study, we closely examined the structural behaviour of UVC-irradiated low-molecular-weight heparin. By using controlled photodegradation, we created native, small, and ultra-small molar mass fractions, which allowed us to study how structural properties change with molecular weight. We examined how molar mass, radius of gyration, second virial coefficient, and critical overlap concentration are related to one another to understand different conformational states. Our results showed that as molar mass decreased, the chain diameter and persistence length also dropped, while the overlap concentration increased. This means the hydrodynamic volume went down and the chains became more flexible. The positive second virial coefficient values showed that polymer–solvent interactions remained favourable after photo-tailing. The scaling exponents suggest that degraded heparin behaves as a semi-flexible polyelectrolyte and adopts an extended-coil shape in water with electrolytes. Further analysis showed that the characteristic ratio and stiffness of the chains decreased as the chains were broken by irradiation. Overall, UVC phototailing provides a reliable way to modify the structure of these molecules while maintaining solution stability. These findings show a clear link between reduced molecular weight and changes in shape, which is useful for developing better low-molecular-weight heparins for pharmaceutical and medical use.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0099.v1

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Biomaterials
Hydrogels for Healing Radiation-Injured Tissues and Organs

David Pawłowski

,

Kinga Słomska

,

Jakub Telszewski

,

Marcel Pilarski

,

Kamil Klimkowski

,

Julia Witkowska

,

Elżbieta Jankowska

Abstract: Radiotherapy remains one of the main pillars of cancer treatment and is used in more than half of all oncological patients. Despite continuous technological improvements, ionizing radiation inevitably causes damage to surrounding healthy tissues, leading to acute and chronic complications affecting multiple organs, including the skin, mucosa, heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Radiation-induced injuries significantly impair patients’ quality of life, limit therapeutic doses, and represent a major unmet clinical challenge. Hydrogels have emerged as a highly promising class of biomaterials for the management of radiation-associated tissue damage due to their high water content, tunable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix. In recent years, significant advances have been made in the design of functional hydrogels, including stimuli-responsive, injectable, adhesive, and bioactive systems capable of delivering drugs, growth factors, antioxidants, or living cells. This review provides a comprehensive overview of radiation-induced injuries in different organs and summarizes current strategies employing hydrogel-based systems for their treatment. We discuss both therapeutic and preventive applications of hydrogels, highlighting their potential to protect healthy tissues, reduce inflammation and fibrosis, and promote tissue regeneration.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0079.v1

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Medicinal Chemistry
Galactosylation of Cosmetic Preservatives to Reduce Skin Permeation and Cytotoxicity

Muhammad Raza

,

Su-Hong Kim

,

Min-Sik Kang

,

Jae-Hyeob Kim

,

Gi-Seong Moon

,

Arunporn Itharat

,

Jun-Sub Kim

,

Hyang-Yeol Lee

Abstract: Cosmetic preservatives should have reduced percutaneous absorption to lower the risk of systemic exposure and skin irritation. In this work, Escherichia coli β-galactosidase was used to enzymatically modify several of the commonly used cosmetic preservatives to produce their corresponding galactosylated derivatives: benzyl alcohol β-D-galactopyranoside 7, 2-phenoxyethanol β-D-galactopyranoside 8, chlorphenesin β-D-galactopyranoside 9, 1,2-hexanediol β-D-galactopyranoside 10, 1,2-octanediol β-D-galactopyranoside 11, and 2-phenylethyl β-D-galactopyranoside 12. HPLC and NMR spectroscopy were used to analyze the synthesized derivatives. The Franz diffusion cell assay was used to evaluate skin penetration. 2-phenoxyethanol (PE), chlorphenesin (CPN), and 2-phenylethanol (PhE), exhibited measurable skin penetration with flux values ranging from 3.82 to 7.34 µg·h⁻¹·cm⁻² and permeability coefficients (Kp) between 1.38 and 3.00 ×10⁻³ cm·h⁻¹. In contrast, their galactosylated derivatives showed markedly reduced permeation under the same experimental conditions. Moreover, brine shrimp lethality assays indicated that galactosylated derivatives had significantly higher LD₅₀ values (1.6–2.1 mg/mL) than their parent compounds (0.1–0.79 mg/mL), suggesting lower cytotoxicity. These findings suggest that enzymatic galactosylation can significantly decrease skin permeability and the toxicity of cosmetic preservatives, highlighting its potential as a strategy to improve the safety of cosmetic ingredients.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0095.v1

Article
Public Health and Healthcare
Public Health and Health Services
An Innovative, Multimedia-Based Intervention for Promoting Changes in Lifestyle in Italian Families

Iolanda Chinellato

,

Annamaria Acquaviva

,

Mary Lista

,

Loreto Nemi

,

Eva Da Ros

,

Benedetta Morlupi

,

Manuela Maione

,

Renata Carraro

,

Laura Lodi

,

Alessandra Micozzi

+4 authors

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Several studies have confirmed a high prevalence of obesity among both children and adults, with significant consequences on human health. This study is aimed to develop and test effective tools (i.e., a dedicated website and social media) to promote healthy lifestyles, with the goal of re-engaging Italian families with the Mediterranean diet, an effective approach for preventing cardiovascular diseases. Methods: The study included 329 children (149 boys, 180 girls) and 122 female adults who underwent nutritional assessment and lifestyle surveys, before and after our educational intervention. Results: At baseline, Body Mass Index (BMI) analysis revealed a high incidence of overweight and obesity among children (55%), adolescents (56%), and adults (48%). Our action targeted improvements in eating habits and lifestyle in all the groups. After 210 days, adolescents showed the largest improvement in BMI, with a 15% reduction in overweight and obesity, while we observed a 2% and 11% reduction in children and adults, respectively. Furthermore, physical activity adherence increased by 9.4%. Excellent adherence to the Mediterranean diet was observed, both in children (+14.6%) and adults (+24.6%), with particular improvements in vegetable, fruit, and fish consumption. Conclusions: This study confirms the effectiveness of social media and digital platforms as tools for health promotion and nutrition education when managed by health professionals.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0088.v1

Article
Physical Sciences
Astronomy and Astrophysics
A Geometric Reinterpretation of FLRW Cosmology: Gnomonic Holography and an Absorptive Framework Independent of Temporal Dynamics

Joseph Mullat

Abstract: This work introduces a novel conceptual framework that integrates gnomonic visualization techniques with cosmological geometry. Specifically, we reinterpret the gnomonic holography of three-dimensional crystal structures onto a two-dimensional plane within the three-dimensional spatial sector of the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) metric, formulated following the Landau–Lifshitz approach. Within this framework, the surface of a four-dimensional hypermanifold (a 4D sphere) is heuristically and conjecturally interpreted as exhibiting topological features analogous to the “inside–outside” structure of a Klein bottle. This analogy is not intended as a strict topological identification, but rather as an illustrative conceptual device to motivate geometric intuition about global structure. This geometrical perspective provides a foundation for analyzing the mass–energy budget of the Universe as determined by the Planck mission. We examine the present mass–energy composition—including the relative contributions of visible (baryonic) matter and dark energy, identified here with the zero-point field (ZPF)—within a differential geometric setting. These components are ultimately represented through a gnomonic holography–based formulation of the Planck observational mass–energy budget.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202603.1101.v2

Hypothesis
Biology and Life Sciences
Neuroscience and Neurology
The Energy-Deficit Hypothesis of Autism: Multi-Cytokine Convergence on Mitochondrial Dysfunction under Chronic Low-GradeInflammation as a Prenatal Origin of Neurodevelopmental Risk

Byul Kang

Abstract: Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1-2% of children worldwide, yet its etiology remains incompletely understood. Emerging evidence suggests that offspring of parents with autoimmune diseases show elevated autism prevalence. Notably, children of parents with psoriasis (OR 1.59), type 1 diabetes (OR 1.49-2.36), and rheumatoid arthritis (OR 1.51) demonstrate particularly strong associations.Hypothesis: I propose that autism may be conceptualized as an immune-metabolic disorder in which multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines—including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ—act through distinct molecular pathways yet converge on a common endpoint of mitochondrial dysfunction and cerebral energy deficiency. This convergence implies that it is the cumulative prenatal inflammatory burden, rather than any single cytokine, that drives the energy deficit. The resulting energy shortage may impair three critical processes: (1) synaptic pruning during neurodevelopment, (2) real-time social cognition including gaze processing and emotion recognition, and (3) protein synthesis of critical synaptic scaffolding molecules.The proposed mechanism is a chronic low-grade pro-inflammatory cytokine state—clinically silent, yet biologically consequential—arising from inherited inflammatory susceptibility and/or direct fetal exposure to elevated maternal inflammatory signaling during pregnancy. Unlike high-grade inflammatory states in which maternal and fetal survival are acutely threatened, low-grade cytokine elevations may proceed without conspicuous symptoms or detectable clinical signs, particularly when chronic. Although seemingly quiet, such a state may be insufficient to endanger maternal or fetal survival, yet sufficient to disrupt fetal brain bioenergetics during sensitive gestational windows—producing neonates who appear outwardly healthy at term while their neurodevelopmental trajectories have already been altered.I further propose that the well-documented "firstborn effect" in autism reflects maternal immune maladaptation during primigravid pregnancies. Additionally, for cases without parental autoimmune history, a speculative secondary mechanism is proposed: mitonuclear immune conflict, where paternal immune genes may partially recognize maternal mitochondria as non-self, generating endogenous pro-inflammatory signaling.Implications: This framework may provide an integrative account of disparate observations about autism pathophysiology and suggests that pro-inflammatory immune pathways and mitochondrial protection strategies merit further investigation for potential risk modification, particularly in pregnancies identified as high-risk through parental autoimmune or inflammatory disease. If supported by sufficient subsequent evidence, prenatal cytokine monitoring and corresponding clinical management—currently not part of routine obstetric care—may merit consideration by the medical community as a candidate strategy for autism risk reduction.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202512.2808.v7

Review
Computer Science and Mathematics
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Bridging Human Deception to AI Exploitation: A Systematic Review of Psychological Strategies in LLM Model Manipulation

Noah Schiffman

,

Jimmy Ardis

Abstract: The rapid advancement of large language models (LLMs) has introduced unprecedented capabilities in human-AI interaction, yet it has also created new opportunities for exploitation and manipulation. This systematic literature review investigates the psychological tactics behind the exploitation of LLMs, establishing connections between human deception and AI manipulation. This study seeks to integrate prior investigations into the methods by which adversarial entities manipulate LLMs, identify deficiencies in present knowledge, and propose avenues for subsequent research to address these threats. The review methodically organizes research into core dimensions such as deception and manipulation in LLMs, vulnerabilities related to circumventing restrictions, attacks based on psychological manipulation, and ethical implications, while also examining the cognitive and behavioral dimensions of LLM engagements. The findings indicate large language models are vulnerable to many adversarial approaches, numerous resembling conventional human deceit methods, thus highlighting the necessity for resilient detection and assessment strategies. The results highlight the importance of interdisciplinary methods, integrating aspects of cognitive psychology, computer science, and ethics, to address the growing difficulties of LLM misuse. In conclusion, this analysis advances comprehension of the mental processes underlying LLM control and presents practical suggestions for improving model security and robustness in effective implementations.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0075.v1

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Cell and Developmental Biology
Protocol Waists and the Developmental Hourglass

Steven A. Frank

Abstract: Mid-stage embryos of different species often look more alike than early embryos or adults. Early and late development diverge, leading to a broad-narrow-broad hourglass pattern. I propose that mid-embryogenesis coincides with protocol waists, narrow interfaces that standardize communication between otherwise distinct processes. For example, continuous spatial geometry is translated into a morphogen gradient protocol readable by gene regulatory networks. This architecture arises because the physical space-time geometry of early development cannot directly instruct late gene regulatory programs. They require a translator. The need for domain translation distinguishes protocols from generic canalization and bottlenecks. Translation protocols explain the hourglass: a protocol screens off upstream inputs, allowing early diversification, and decouples downstream responses, enabling late radiation. A protocol waist often remains evolutionarily frozen as the essential common language that keeps these diverging halves compatible. Perturbations of protocol waists tend to cause widespread system failure, concentrating fragility. Protocol waists provide a framework to interpret domain translators, such as morphogen gradients for geometry-to-molecules, Notch/Delta lateral inhibition for topology-to-fates, the vertebrate segmentation clock for time-to-space, and Hox axial patterning for position-to-identity. Sequential domain translators form a protocol stack, matching the common architecture of robust complex systems in engineering.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0072.v1

Article
Physical Sciences
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Gibbs Energy Redistribution Theory (GERT): A Thermodynamic Cosmology for the Hubble Tension and Beyond

V. P. Dutra

Abstract: Background: Persistent cosmological tensions — particularly in the Hubble constant (H0) — motivate physically grounded alternatives to ΛCDM. We propose the Gibbs En- ergy Redistribution Theory (GERT): a thermodynamic framework in which matter- and Λ-like contributions are promoted to density-controlled functions derived from the Gibbs free energy criterion. GERT interprets dark components as emergent manifestations of a single Primordial Enthalpic Reservoir, without new fields or fine-tuning. Methods: The dynamical H(z) is obtained by promoting FLRW source terms to thermodynamic functions fM (ρ) and fL(ρ), calibrated via MCMC against CMB, BAO, and Type Ia supernova data. Model complexity is reduced from 12 to 2 free parameters through thermodynamic priors. Results: The two-parameter implementation achieves χ2/dof ≈ 0.99 and infers H0 ≈ 72.5 km s−1 Mpc−1, consistent with local distance-ladder determinations. GERT outper forms ΛCDM on WAIC and AIC. Conclusions: GERT provides a thermodynamically causal account of cosmic evolution. The frozen parameter set constitutes a quantitative prediction accessible to future low-redshift probes.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202603.0279.v3

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy
Chemotype Diversity, Cultivation Potential, and Quality Assessment of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) in Ukraine

Ivan Salamon

,

Myroslava Hrytsyna

,

Abhishek Gupta

,

Ruslan Firman

Abstract: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) is an important medicinal and aromatic crop in Ukraine, where it’s dried flower heads (Chamomillae anthodium) are officially registered and standardized according to the European Pharmacopoeia. Despite its economic relevance, information on population-level variability in essential oil yield and chemical composition remains limited. This study evaluated twenty wild chamomile populations distributed across major agroclimatic regions of Ukraine to identify valuable chemotypes for cultivation, breeding, and commercial standardization. Clus-ter analysis revealed a partial relationship between flower head mass and both qualitative and quantitative essential oil traits, while environmental conditions showed only weak influence. Over all, Ukrainian wild chamomile predominantly belonged to Type B chemotype (/-/-α-bisabolol oxide A > /-/-α-bisabolol > /-/-α-bisabololoxide B). Southern populations with medium-sized flower heads and moderate oil content were dominated by the phytotherapeutic valuable /-/-α-bisabolol chemotype. These findings provide a scientific basis for chemotype-based selection, region-specific cultivation, and improvement of commercial chamomile quality and its products. In the conditions of special agricultural production in Ukraine, the technology of growing medicinal chamomile is not sufficiently developed. New agrotechnical issues are being studied in accordance with adaptive varieties, which are the domestic Perlyna Lisostepu, Azulena and the foreign: Bodegold (Germany), Zloty Lan (Poland). However, these are chamomile varieties with an average content of essential oil, which has a high content of bisabololoxides. However, the needs for technologies for harvesting and processing chamomile drugs are currently not sufficiently resolved. These facts affect the low visual and herbal quality of teas in the consumer network, which are produced by the Ukrainian companies.

Posted: 04 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.0071.v1

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