Abstract: Small, isolated oceanic islands, exemplified by the Azores Archipelago, are especially vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions and human impact. The structure and dynamics of avian communities associated with various land form in an urbanized landscape in one of the nine islands of the Azores Archipelago were subjects of this study. Studies were conducted in the second half of April 2024. The line transect method (43 transects with a total of 37.4 km) has been employed to count all bird species breeding in the study area. The number of breeding species was much higher in green land (n=20) than in built-up lands (n=10-14 species). The number of breeding species were also different in particular subcategories of the built-up lands ranging from 8 to 12, being the lowest in the oldest most densely built-up lands. The number of dominant species (n=5-9), cumulative dominance (>85%) and dominance index were relatively high. Both cumulative dominance and dominance index were much higher in built-up urbanized lands than in green urbanized lands. Two main feeding guilds were distinguished in the study area: granivores and insectivores. The former guild clearly dominated over the later one in all major land categories distinguished. Clearly the proportion of granivores increased with the urbanization. A general trend is recorded: the higher the level of urbanization, the lower the percentage of green land forms, and in consequence, the lower the number of bird species and diversity indices, but the higher the cumulative dominance and dominance index. The overall density of birds remain, however, distinctively similar.

Abstract: Total 150 samples of complete wild freshwater yellow eel (7.5 – 46.9 cm; 0.42 – 174.3 g wet wt.) were analyzed for percentage water and content of ash and Kcal (i.e. energy) from bomb calorimetry. Content of protein per g dry wt. was calculated from values of Kcal, and content of lipid per g dry wt. was calculated as a difference between contents of protein and ash. Percentage water was highly negative correlated with eel body mass g wet wt. Lipid content per g body wet wt. increased highly with eel body mass. This was in contrast to the constant contents of protein and ash per g wet wt. over varying eel body masses. Kcal per g wet wt. from bomb calorimetry (represent energy in protein + lipid + carbohydrate) was inverse correlated with percentage water. Calculated Kcal (calculated from contents of protein + lipid) was highly correlated, but 5% higher, compared with observed Kcal from bomb calorimetry and suggest, that the factor for converting lipid to Kcal is too high and that the content of carbohydrate was not included. The results were compared with proximate analysis of domesticated rainbow trout maximal fed with high energy food. In general, rainbow trout had a lower energy content and content of lipid per g body wet wt. compared to yellow eel. In contrast to yellow eel, the content of protein per g wet wt. in rainbow trout was highly increasing with decreasing water content. We suggest that this is because the high-energy content in food and very high growth rate of domesticated rainbow trout. The constants for calculating energy from protein and lipid was discussed.

Abstract: RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) in 5'-UTRs represent complex regulatory elements capable of both inhibiting and activating mRNA translation through diverse mechanisms. This review analyzes the evolution of our understanding of 5'-UTR rG4-mediated translation regulation, from early discoveries of simple translation inhibitors to the current recognition of their multifaceted regulatory roles. We discuss canonical and non-canonical rG4 structures, their interactions with regulatory proteins including helicases and FMRP, and their function in both cap-dependent and IRES-mediated translation. Special attention is given to the synergistic effects between rG4s and upstream open reading frames (uORFs), stress-responsive translation regulation, and their role in repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation linked to neurodegenerative diseases. We critically evaluate methodological challenges in the field, including limitations of current detection methods, reporter system artifacts, and the necessity to verify rG4 presence in endogenous transcripts. Recent technological advances, including genome editing and high-throughput sequencing approaches, have revealed that rG4 effects are more complex and context-dependent than initially thought. This review highlights the importance of developing more robust methodologies for studying rG4s at endogenous levels and carefully reevaluating previously identified targets, while emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets in various diseases.

Abstract: Background: Seed storability is a crucial agronomic trait indispensable for the safe storage of rice seeds and grains. Nevertheless, metabolite mechanisms of governing rice seed storability under natural condition are still poorly understood. Methods: Therefore, storage tolerance of global rice core germplasm stored for two years under natural aging conditions were identified and compared by UPLC-MS/MS metabolomic analysis. Results: Our results proved that different rice core accessions showed significant variability in storage tolerance, metabolite analysis of two Indica rice pools exhibited different levels of storability. A total of 103 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) between the two pools was obtained, of which 38 were upregulated and 65 were downregulated, respectively. Further analysis disclosed that aging-resistant rice accessions had higher accumulation levels of flavonoid, terpenoid, phenolic acid, organic acid, lignan, and coumarin while exhibiting lower levels of lipid and alkaloid compared to storage-sensitive rice accessions. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that several biosynthesis pathways were involved in the observed metabolites differences, including alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, butanoat metabolism, and propanoate metabolism. Notably, inhibition of the linolenic acid metabolic pathway could enhance seed storability. Additionally, increased accumulation of organic acids such as succinic acid, D-malic acid, and methylmalonic acid in the butanoate and propanoate metabolisms was identified as a beneficial factor for seed storage. Conclusions: These new findings will deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of governing rice storability and offer a valuable avenue for improving rice storability through breeding program.

Abstract:

The cold-pressed oil from Japanese quince seeds (JQSO) possesses a favorable fatty acid composi-tion profile, a low oxidation rate, and contains antioxidants, sterols, and carotenoids, as reported in numerous publications addressing these chemical properties. This work is intended to add more information on physical characterization on molecular level on JQSO and the minor components present in the oil, using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), monolayer studies, and spec-troscopic methods—including UV-Vis absorption, total fluorescence, and FTIR. DSC was used to investigate the transitions during cooling and heating and to obtain thermodynamic parameters related to the melting and crystallization profiles of triglycerides (TGA) present in JQSO. Deconvo-lution of the melting profile indicated the presence of five main TGA structures. Langmuir mono-layer studies on JQSO revealed its high compressibility, indicating its good emulsification proper-ties. Meanwhile, viscoelastic modulus values suggest stronger intermolecular interactions, imply-ing that the oil monolayer is more resilient and can maintain its structural integrity under stress—a property typically associated with oils rich in saturated or monounsaturated fatty acids. Pres-ence of strong peaks in UV range of absorption spectrum indicates presence of phenolic acids, to-copherols, phenolic and carotenoid molecules. Multicomponent presence of bioactive molecules was investigated using Total Fluorescence Spectra which provide a comprehensive overview of all fluorescent molecules, with the most intense regions observed at 290 nm/330 nm and 360 nm/440 nm. The Total Synchronous Fluorescence spectra revealed two strong intensity areas with Δλ/excitation-emission pairs at 10–50 nm/300 nm and 40–140 nm/360 nm, indicating the presence of tocopherols, phenols, polyphenols, flavones, carotenoids, and their derivatives. No spectroscop-ic evidence on the chlorophyll presence in JQSO was found. ATR-FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of groups characteristic for fatty acids and triacylglycerols, with special emphasizes on high degree of esterification of JQSO and indicating dominant presence of unsaturated fatty acids in this oil. The methods used provided the opportunity to perform a label-free, fast, and reliable determination of the properties of JQSO. Moreover, the presented data confirmed and visualized that crude, cold-pressed JQSO contains all the valuable ingredients reported elsewhere.

Abstract: Multi-stage hydraulic fracturing is a key technology adopted in the energy industry to make shale gas and shale oil fields profitable. Post-frac fluid soaking before putting wells into production has been found essential for enhancing well productivity. Finding the optimum time to terminate the fluid-soaking process is an open problem to solve. Post-frac shut-in pressure data from six wells in two shale gas fields were investigated in this study based on Pressure Transient Analysis (PTA) to reveal fluid-soaking performance. It was found that pressure derivative data become scattering after 1 day of well shut in. The overall trend of pressure derivative data after the first day of well shut-in should reflect the effectiveness of fluid-soaking. Two wells exhibited flat (zero-slope) pressure derivatives within one week of fluid-soaking, indicating adequate time of fluid-soaking. Four wells exhibited increasing pressure derivatives within one week of fluid-soaking, indicating inadequate time of fluid-soaking. This observation is consistent with reported well’s Estimated Ultimate Recovery (EUR). This study presents a new approach to assessment of post-frac fluid-soaking performance with real-time shut-in pressure data.

Abstract: Background: Currently, the relationship between resilience and emotional intelligence and its influence on military personnel has become an object of research in recent years, since today's combatant faces significant physical and psychological challenges. Therefore, the general objective of this study was to analyze the psychological variables resilience and emotional intelligence in military personnel of the Spanish Army and their relationship as a function of civilian status. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. The sample consisted of 739 military personnel (officers, non-commissioned officers and troops), with a mean age of 33.29 years (SD = 7.48) (where 87.7% were men and 12.3% women) who filled in the ad hoc questionnaire on soci-odemographic variables and the Resilience Scale (RS) and the Emotional Intelligence Inventory (EQ-i-M20). Results: The results showed the existence of positive relationships between resilience and emotional intelligence. No differences were reported between resilience and emotional in-telligence between men and women, but there were differences with respect to marital status, with Spanish Army military personnel with a married marital status having lower levels of resilience and emotional intelligence than those who were single, married or divorced. In addition, the regression model showed the direct effect of resilience on emotional intelligence. Conclusion: In conclusion, we recommend the design of intervention programs in resilience and emotional in-telligence in military personnel in general given their advantages. In military personnel with widowed marital status, so that they are provided with the resources and psychological strategies to successfully face adverse situations and present greater well-being.

Abstract: Large Language Models (LLMs) have introduced a paradigm shift in how computers understand and generate language, elevating artificial intelligence to unprecedented levels. These powerful models, anchored in the Transformer architecture, demonstrate unparalleled proficiency in tasks like text interpretation and generation. This review delineates LLMs into three predominant categories: Interpretive AI (iAI) for contextual understanding, Generative AI (gAI) for text generation, and Transformative AI (tAI) that combines both capabilities. We delve into their mechanisms, diverse applications, and the ethical challenges they introduce. By tracing their evolutionary journey, we provide insights into the rapid progression of linguistic technology and speculate on its future trajectory. As LLMs gain traction, a balanced understanding of their advantages and inherent challenges becomes paramount. This report presents a comprehensive overview of LLMs, highlighting their significance and implications for the future of AI.

Abstract: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine effectively reduces HPV-related cancers. Understanding the primary target populations' perceptions of HPV vaccination is critical. We examined the perspectives of Ghanaian adolescent students on HPV vaccination. We conducted four focus group discussions among students from Junior High and Senior High Schools in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Ten open-ended questions guided the discussions. Two independent coders transcribed and analyzed the data thematically using NVivo software. Fifty-nine students (mean age: 14.97 years, SD = 1.55) participated in the study. Themes emerged from the discussions included: (a) low knowledge of HPV vaccines but a strong understanding of the benefits of vaccines. (b) Barriers to accepting HPV vaccine include perceived side effects (e.g., pain, fear of injection, potential death), misconceptions (e.g., infertility, "destroying the womb," growing lean), and vaccine cost. (c) Facilitators to accepting vaccines include vaccine effectiveness, normative beliefs (e.g., parents, doctors, and friends), exposure to school-based vaccine education (e.g., seminars), and altruistic reasons (e.g., protecting others from infection). (d) No adolescent-parent communication, but adolescents indicated a willingness to communicate with parents when received accurate information. These findings underscore the need for targeted HPV education campaigns to improve vaccine uptake.

Abstract: Based on the understanding of relativity and quantum mechanics, this paper demonstrates that gravity is the result of spatial shape and dimension changes. The concept of space as dimension is expounded, and the difference between gravitational field space and material space is distinguished. The reason why the photon moves in space at a constant speed of c is explained. The concept of positive and negative energy is discussed, and the microscopic performance of positive energy as compression space and negative energy as stretching space is explained. Trying to understand increases the understanding of micro-uncertainty in dimensions. It explains how matter generates new dimensions in the process of collision, especially through elastic collision to generate different dimensions and energy forms. The hierarchical control of dimension formation and how to achieve dimension balance are mentioned. The influence of dimension on life is discussed, especially how the change of dimension affects the basic properties of matter. proposed four forces that are most easily observed in any dimensional matter and explained their relationship to dimensional change. Through the mapping phenomenon of memory and reality, the role of residual energy is discussed. The concepts of π and e in mathematics are used to explain the process of dimension formation and energy transmission. The application of Riemann hypothesis and in understanding physical phenomena is mentioned. The imbalance between positive energy and negative energy is emphasized. It explains why quantum is both a particle and a wave, and how this characteristic is related to the change of dimension. The only possibility to explain the universe before the change from the vibration. Explain the reason of path integral, so as to judge whether there is superposition state. Explain why there is a minimum unit of radiation energy and it shows a multiple relationship. It is proposed that the time in quantum motion is only a parameter, which further strengthens the relationship between gravity and spatial shape. Explain how gravity causes the universe to expand. By combining mathematics, physics and philosophical thinking, the article reveals the complex and subtle mechanisms hidden behind nature.