bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of microarthropods across altitude and aspect in the sub-Antarctic: climate change implications for an isolated oceanic island
Authors: Hugo-Coetzee Elizabeth A. , Le Roux Peter C.
Published: July 2021

Current climate change is altering the distribution of species across both broad and fine scales. Examining contemporary species distributions along altitudinal gradients is one approach to predicting species future distributions, as species occurrence patterns at cold, high altitudes are expected to resemble the species distribution patterns currently observed at warmer, lower altitudes if warming occurs. Strong changes in climate have been observed in the sub-Antarctic over the last 50 years, with a 1.5 °C increase in mean temperature and a c. 30% decrease in mean precipitation recorded on Marion Island. In this study, the distribution patterns of mites and springtails inhabiting the cushion-plant Azorella selago were studied on Marion Island. Mite and springtail species richness and springtail abundance were significantly higher on the western aspect of the island, possibly due to higher rainfall and greater cloud cover on the windward side of the island. Mite abundance did not differ between aspects of the island, which may be due to the higher desiccation tolerance of mites. Mite and springtail species richness and springtail abundance were significantly lower at high altitudes coinciding with lower temperatures and generally harsher environment at higher altitudes. Plant characteristics generally did not contribute to explaining species patterns, suggesting that at the island-scale abiotic variables, rather than biotic factors, appeared to be the more important determinants of community structure. Therefore, despite species responding individualistically, it is clear that a warmer and drier climate will dramatically change the microarthropod community structure within A. selago on Marion Island.
The first DNA barcodes for the Australian platypus tick Ixodes ornithorhynchi Lucas, 1846 (Acari: Ixodidae) to facilitate conservation efforts for a declining parasite and its host
Authors: Kwak Mackenzie L. , Griffiths Josh , Barry Dylan , Begent Mikayla , Hoang Tyrone , Taafua Luisa , Chiovitti Anthony
Published: July 2021

Ixodes ornithorhynchi is one of Australia’s most cryptic tick species and is found only on the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). The first cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) sequences for this species are presented to facilitate molecular identification and conservation of both this tick species and its host.
A new species of the genus Molothrognathus Summers and Schlinger (Acari: Caligonellidae) from Kurdistan province, Iran
Authors: Amini Fatemeh , Khanjani Mohammad , Khanjani Masoumeh
Published: July 2021

Molothrognathus kurdistaniensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on females collected from soil under apple trees, Qorveh, Kurdistan province, Iran. A key to all known Iranian species of the genus Molothrognathus is provided.
Ticks (Acari: Ixodida) of the genus Haemaphysalis Koch, 1844 in Senegal: a review of host associations, chorology, and identification
Authors: Sylla Massamba , Ndiaye Mady , Souris Marc , Gonzalez Jean-Paul
Published: July 2021

The Haemaphysalis genus (Acari, Ixodidae) in Senegal is reviewed. This embodies a summary of specimens collected from vertebrate hosts over three decades. 454 collections were performed over this period (408 from mammals and 46 from birds), representing a total of 5752 ticks in different developmental stages. Seven Haemaphysalis spp. were collected, identified, and inventoried including: H. (Kaiseriana) rugosa, H. (Ornithophysalis) hoodi, H. (Rhipistoma) houyi, as well as four other species belonging to the leachi group, namely H. (Rhipistoma) leachi, H. (Rh.) moreli, H. (Rh.) muhsamae and H. (Rh.) spinulosa. Vertebrate hosts of Haemaphysalis species were identified and listed in different ecological zones of Senegal. An identification key of the haemaphysalids of Senegal is proposed, which is also applicable to the haemaphysalid fauna of the Occidental sub-region of the Afrotropical zoogeographical region. The role of these species as potential vectors of zoonotic diseases in Senegal is also discussed.
Edaphic characteristics and environmental impact of rubber tree plantations on soil mite (Acari) communities
Authors: N’Dri Julien K. , Pokou Pacôme K. , Séka Fabrice A. , N’Da Rodolphe A. G. , Lagerlöf Jan
Published: July 2021

The objective of the investigation was to determine the response of different taxa of mites across the land use types and demonstrate that soil mites could be used as an indicator of environmental change after the conversion of secondary forests into rubber plantations. The sampling was performed during the dry season on 12 sampling areas, consisting of four land use types: secondary forests, 7-year-old rubber plantations, 12-year-old rubber plantations, and 25-year-old rubber plantations, with three replications of each treatment. Soil cores were sampled along a 40 m transect with a steel corer. The soil mites were extracted using modified Berlese-Tullgren funnels during a 10 day period. Soil physico-chemical parameters were measured on each sampling area. The conversion of secondary forests into rubber plantations was characterized by a modification of the mean values of mite density (+103 and +262%), species richness (-11 and +32%), water content (-41 and -5%), bulk density (+6 and -3%) and soil organic carbon (-73 and -59%) respectively, after 7 and 25 years of conversion. The density of mites, species richness and soil water content increased with the aging of the rubber plantations, demonstrating an improvement in soil ecological quality and environmental conditions. These results are confirmed by the values of the Maturity Index of Gamasid mites, which increased with the increasing age of rubber plantations. In other words, the severity of environmental impact decreased with the aging of the rubber plantations and was ranked as follows: 25-year-old rubber plantations < secondary forest < 12-year-old rubber plantations < 7-year-old rubber plantations. The Maturity Indexes estimated that 25-year-old rubber plantations (0.84) and in secondary forests (0.74) are relatively similar and characterize stable habitats, which are potentially dominated by Gamasid species with K selection.
Mites associated with egg masses of the viburnum leaf beetle Pyrrhalta viburni (Paykull) on Viburnum tinus L.
Authors: Desurmont Gaylord A. , Kerdellant Elven , Pfingstl Tobias , Auger Phillipe , Tixier Marie-Stéphane , Kreiter Serge
Published: July 2021

The viburnum leaf beetle Pyrrhalta viburni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a specialist Viburnum leaf-feeder that is native to Eurasia and invasive in North America. Eggs of P. viburni are laid in round cavities excavated by the ovipositing female beetle and covered with a protective secretion. We document in this paper the mite fauna associated with P. viburni egg masses on Viburnum tinus in southern France. We then report the results of experiments investigating the seasonal patterns of mite infestation and the effects of the most common mite found within egg masses, Trichoribates trimaculatus (Oribatida: Ceratozetidae), on P. viburni egg survivorship. A diverse mite fauna of 18 species was found on V. tinus twigs, often living within P. viburni egg masses, including predaceous, phytophagous, and detritivorous species. Mite abundance and diversity were higher on Viburnum twigs containing at least one intact egg mass and were positively correlated with the number of intact egg masses per twig. Detritivorous mites were more abundant on twigs nine months after oviposition than one and four months after oviposition. Finally, we found no evidence that T. trimaculatus impacts P. viburni egg survivorship and overwintering success. These findings show that P. viburni egg masses and their associated cavities form a microhabitat favorable for the establishment of several mite species. It seems likely that these associations are cases of commensalism where mites benefit from the presence of food and shelter in these protected cavities, with no direct negative impact on P. viburni eggs.
Two new genera and two new species of the mite family Neopygmephoridae (Acari: Heterostigmata) associated with small mammals from USA
Authors: Khaustov Alexander A. , Whitaker John O. Jr.
Published: July 2021

Two new monotypic genera and two new species of the mite family Neopygmephoridae (Acari: Pygmephoroidea) associated with small mammals are described from USA: Crossdania gen. nov. with the type species Crossdania tubulosa sp. nov. associated with Northern grasshopper mouse, Onychomys leucogaster (Rodentia: Cricetidae) and Great Basin pocket mouse, Perognathus parvus (Rodentia: Heteromyidae), and Theriodania gen. nov. with the type species Theriodania venusta sp. nov. associated with Merriam's kangaroo rat, Dipodomys merriami (Rodentia: Heteromyidae).
Effects of temperature on a Chinese population of Amblyseius andersoni (Acari: Phytoseiidae) fed with Tetranychus urticae
Authors: Li Yu-Jing , Liu Qing-Yan , Chang Jing , Jia Yong-Hong , Meng Rui-Xia
Published: July 2021

The development and fecundity of Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) fed with Tetranychus urticae Koch was studied at five different temperatures (17, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) and life parameters of the population were calculated. The development, reproduction, longevity, and life table parameters of A. andersoni were significantly affected by the different temperatures. The duration of the egg, larval, protonymph, deutonymph and total immature stages were reduced when the temperature increased. The total oviposition of A. andersoni was highest at 25 °C and lowest at 35 °C, and the daily average oviposition increased as the temperature increased, but few eggs were laid at 17 °C. The values of the intrinsic rate of increase (rm, 0.108--0.200), net reproduction rate (R0, 18.71--36.47) and the mean generation time (T, 14.68--29.73) significantly differed among the five temperatures. The highest net reproduction rate (R0 = 36.47) was obtained at 25 °C. The results of this study indicated that A. andersoni has a high inherent potential for the control of the T. urticae at certain temperatures.
Mite fauna of a coffee agroecosystem (Coffea arabicaL.) in the municipality of Monte Alegre do Sul, São Paulo State, Brazil. Part I.
Authors: Berton Luiz Henrique Chorfi , Mineiro Jeferson Luiz de Carvalho , Sato Mário Eidi , de Azevedo Filho Joaquim Adelino , Raga Adalton
Published: July 2021

This study aims to assess the mite fauna of coffee plants in the municipality of Monte Alegre do Sul, SP. The sample period was from April 2004 to February 2008. Each month, we sampled 480 leaves and 1,920 fruits from plants of the Coffea arabica L. cv. Mundo Novo. In total 16,062 adult individuals from 30 families representing 81 species of mite (and 1 incertae sedis). Among them, 95% were obtained from leaves, with the Mesostigmata contributing 23 species and 1,805 specimens. The phytoseiid mites were the most abundant, with 1,793 specimens. Seventeen families of Prostigmatid mites were recorded, represented by 48 species and 12,485 individuals. On fruits, the Mesostigmatid mites included three families and eight species. The Prostigmatid mites included nine families and 18 species, totalling 852 individuals. Brevipalpus sp. was the most abundant and frequent species, representing approximately 92% of the Prostigmatid mites. The present work reveals the occurrence of predator mites on coffee plants in the region: Euseius alatus, Amblyseius herbicolus, Iphiseiodes matatlanticae, Armascirus sp.1 and Dactyloscirus sp..
Occigamasus, a new genus of pergamasine mites, with description of two new species from the west coast of North America (Parasitiformes: Gamasina: Parasitidae)
Authors: Juvara-Balş Ilinca
Published: July 2021

Occigamasus n. gen., O. lindquisti n. sp. and O. makarovae n. sp. from Vancouver Island (Canada) and Oregon (U.S.A.) are described. Five other new species and their sites are noted but not enough specimens were available for adequate descriptions. Cycetogamasus californicus (Banks) sensu Hennessey and Farrier, 1988 is transferred to Occigamasus as a new combination.
Is Geckobiella stamii (Acari: Pterygosomatidae) a hyperparasite or phoretic on Amblyomma dissimile (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with Iguana iguana from Panama?
Authors: Domínguez Lillian G. , Lezcano Juan J. , Rodríguez Indra , Miranda Roberto J. , Bermúdez Sergio C.
Published: July 2021

In this work, we present the first report of an interaction between Geckobiella stamii and Amblyomma dissimile removed from green iguanas (Iguana iguana) of Panama. From 3045 A. dissimile examined, one larva, two females and one male had mites adhered to the body and 23 female and 3 male ticks had mite eggs on the ventral surface of the idiosoma. The eggs were covered with white finger-like covers. The possible nature of the interaction between G. stamii and A. dissimile is discussed.
Factors influencing the level of infestation of Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) on Lacerta agilis and Zootoca vivipara (Squamata: Lacertidae)
Authors: Gwiazdowicz Dariusz J. , Gdula Anna K. , Kurczewski Rafał , Zawieja Bogna
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to analyse selected factors determining the level of infestation of Ixodes ricinus ticks on Lacerta agilis and Zootoca vivipara lizards found in Central Europe. Both environmental factors (habitats within protected areas and areas transformed as a result of human activity) as well as morphological factors (age, sex and size of lizards, location of ticks on the lizard’s body) were assessed. We found that the age and size of a lizard played a significant role in the level of infestation, but this depended on the species and habitat. Females of both species differed significantly in their level of tick infestation; females of L. agilis had lower infection than Z. vivipara. In contrast, there was no difference in levels of infection between juveniles and males of the different species. We also found that the impact of body size changed in the different habitats: the number of ticks increased with body size in natural areas only. In addition, more frequently ticks were found in the front groin area (336 individuals) and forelimbs (202), less often on the neck (12) and never in the hind groin area. These differences might be because it is easier to infest a larger individual than a smaller one, and areas of the front of the lizard might be more accessible whilst foraging. This study provides additional information about tick infestation that may be relevant to the conservation of the species of lizards.
New records of the water mite genus Arrenurus Dugès, 1834 from South America (Acari: Hydrachnidia: Arrenuridae), with the description of five new species and one new subspecies
Authors: Smit Harry
Published: July 2021

New records are presented of the water mite genus Arrenurus from Argentina, Bolivia and Surinam. Five new species are described, i.e. Arrenurus mansoensis n. sp., A. niger n. sp., A. stagnalis n. sp., A. surinamensis n. sp. and A. tempelmani n. sp., and one new subspecies, i.e. A. tenuicollis lacustris n. subsp. Arrenurus soesilae Makan, 2005 is synonymized with A. epimerosus Marshall, 1919.
House dust mites (Acari: Astigmata) from mattresses in Panama
Authors: Lezcano Juan J. , Murgas Ingrid L. , Barrera Olga M. , Miranda Roberto J.
Published: July 2021

The name “house dust mites” is commonly used to refer to species of mites belonging mainly to the Pyroglyphidae family (Astigmata) that are found in association with dust in the human dwellings. They represent the main source of allergens in the home and can cause allergic diseases. Mattresses often provide ideal conditions for mite colonization. In order to compare the diversity of house dust mites in the provinces of Panama and Panama Oeste in 2015, we collected dust from the surfaces of mattresses over an area of one square meter using the vacuum method. We obtained 50 samples using the vacuum method and recovered 10,225 mites. We found that the mites in our samples belonged to 15 families, 15 genera and 22 morphospecies. Relatively, high mean densities of mites per gram of dust on mattresses were obtained in the provinces of Panama (3,577 mites/g of dust) and Panama Oeste (6,273 mites/g of dust). The mite Blomia tropicalis was the most abundant species in mattresses in the Province of Panama and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most frequent one in Panama Oeste. Our results indicate that the mite community in mattresses is similar between PA and PO. However, our results differ significantly from those found in bedroom floors in a previous study. These differences correspond to a lower species richness, higher density and relative abundance of Astigmata mites in mattresses.
Distribution and biological features of Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) recki (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Tetranychus urticae, T. evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Aculops lycopersici (Acari: Eriophyidae)
Authors: Tixier Marie Stephane , Douin Martial , Rocio Oliva , Gonzalez Lucia , Pount Benjamin , Kreiter Serge
Published: July 2021

The mite family Phytoseiidae contains predatory species used in biological control. However, among the 2,521 valid species, only a few are presently considered for pest management. The study focuses on a species, frequently observed in agrosystems, but whose biology is almost totally unknown: Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) recki. The objectives were to assess its distribution and to determine under laboratory conditions: (i) the development of three populations fed on three tomato pests (Tetranychus urticae, T. evansi, Aculops lycopersici), (ii) the dispersion along the tomato stem, and (iii) the dispersion from mint to infested tomato leaf discs. Based on its distribution, this species seems to be adapted to Mediterranean climate, and is preferentially found on Boraginaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae. Results show that T. (A.) recki is a generalist predator, with good performance regarding the number of prey consumed. Differences were observed between the populations considered; one population out of the three tested shows even a higher mean consumption of T. urticae than that recorded for Neoseiulus californicus and N. cucumeris. It is attracted by food source and is able to walk along the tomato stem. These results are encouraging enough to consider T. (A.) recki as a good natural enemy candidate for biological control (especially based on biodiversity conservation). Further experiments should be developed to test the predatory ability of this species at larger scale (entire tomato plants and tomato fields or greenhouses).
Two new feather mites of the subfamily Proctophyllodinae (Acariformes: Proctophyllodidae) from the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) in Canada
Authors: Mironov Sergey V. , Galloway Terry D.
Published: July 2021

Two new feather mite species, Nycteridocaulus sulcatus sp. n. and Tyranniphyllodes empidonicus sp. n. (Astigmata: Proctophyllodidae), are described from the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Empidonax flaviventris (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae), in Canada. The clearest distinguishing characteristic of N. sulcatus is the structure of the supranal concavity in males, which is parallel-sided, heavily sclerotized and opened posteriorly. Tyranniphyllodes empidonicus readily differs from the only previously known species, T. pitangi Hernandes et al. 2007, by the absence of setae d1 in both sexes and in having strongly elongated epimerites IVa and the genital sheath in males not extending to the tip of the aedeagus, and long anterolateral extensions of the prodorsal shield in females. This is the first record of the genus Tyranniphyllodes in North America.
Phytoseiid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) of Anjouan Island (Comoros Archipelago)
Authors: Kreiter Serge , Payet Rose-My , Azali Hamza Abdou
Published: July 2021

Anjouan is one of the four main islands constituting Comoros Archipelago, with Mayotte, Mohéli and Grande Comore Islands. It is the second Island closer from Madagascar after Mayotte. So far, no species of the mite family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) had been reported from this island. In this paper, 18 species are recorded from a survey conducted at the end of 2018 in Anjouan Island.
New records of water mites from Chile (Acari: Hydrachnidia), with the description of three new species
Authors: Smit Harry
Published: July 2021

Abstract. Three new species of water mites are described from Chile, viz. Pseudohydryphantes chilensis n. sp. (Hydryphantidae), Rhynchaturus dispar n. sp. and Rhynchaturus rucuensis n. sp. (Hygrobatidae). Andesobates magellanicus (Tuzovskij and Stolbov, 2016) is synonymized with A. longipalpis Smit, 2002. The first description is given of the females of Omartacarus ferradasae Cook and Rhynchaturus projectus Cook, and the male of Hygrobatella coriacea quiponensis Cook. Moreover, many new records are given, and two species are reported new for the fauna of Chile (not including the new species described in this paper).
New faunistical and taxonomic data on oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) of Taiwan
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Liao Jhih-Rong
Published: July 2021

The present study is based on oribatid mite material collected in Taiwan in 2017–2019. A list of identified taxa, including 141 species/subspecies from 88 genera and 47 families is provided; of these, 36 species/subspecies, 13 genera and five families are recorded for the first time in the Taiwan fauna, and eight species and one genus are recorded for the first time in the Oriental region. Two new species are described. Tyrphonothrus nivnu n. sp. (description based on adult) is similar to Tyrphonothrus altissimus (Piffl, 1971), T. cajamarcensis (Hammer, 1961) and T. wallworki (Starý and Block, 1995) in general morphological traits (notogastral ridges developed; tridactylous legs; notogastral setae e2, h1, h2, and p2 long, setiform, with attenuate tip, other setae of medium length, setiform; high number of genital setae; absence of notogastral ornamentation; and comparatively large body size), but differs from these listed species by the barbed notogastral setae and comparatively long notogastral setae c1, c2, c3, and e1. Jacotella puyuma n. sp. (description based on adult and tritonymph) is similar to Jacotella neonominata Subías, 2004 in general morphological traits (centrodorsal notogastral part with two longitudinal ridges, posteriorly fused, each ridge with two lateral transverse branches; absence of notogastral ornamentation; notogastral seta h1 distinctly longer than other notogastral setae), but differs from the latter by the narrowly elongate bothridial head, flagellate notogastral setae h1 and p1, the length of notogastral setae, and the absence of additional longitudinal ridges connected lateral branches of median ridges (in adult); and by the long gastronotic seta h1 similar in length to bothridial seta, seta h2 similar to h3 and lp and seta dm clearly longer than da on larval exuvium (in tritonymph).
Stylostome of the trombiculid mite larvae Neotrombicula talmiensis (Schluger, 1955) (Acariformes, Trombiculidae) feeding on two host species in the Russian Far East
Authors: Shatrov Andrey B. , Antonovskaia Anastasia A.
Published: July 2021

Stylostome and skin inflammatory reaction during feeding of Neotrombicula talmiensis (Schluger, 1955) (Acariformes, Trombiculidae) larvae on the naturally infected host animals – voles Myodes rufocanus Sundevall, 1846 and Asian chipmunk Tamias sibiricus (Laxmann, 1769) were studied by histological methods. In addition, larvae were studied in scanning electron microscope (SEM). The apical hypostomal portions form a temporal sucker, which applies to the host skin during feeding. Larval feeding on both naturally infected voles and chipmunks causes an epidermal hyperkeratosis and a permanent delayed inflammation with predominance of neutrophil leukocytes, dilation of dermal capillaries and local hemorrhages. Larvae tend to feed in tight groups and may attach themselves to both ‘living’ epidermis and hypertrophic stratum corneum. The stylostome is organized nearly identically in the two host species, which points to the species-specific character of the feeding tube in trombiculid larvae. The stylostome does not penetrate the epidermis through, so it may be classified as belonging to the epidermal type. The stylostome is produced by a solidifying larval secretion and composed of the proximal eosinophil cone and the main stylostome tube, both pale-pink in azure-II-eosin with a greyish peripheral portion more pronounced in voles. No longitudinal and transverse stratification is found in the stylostome composition. In contrast with other trombiculid larvae studied so far, larvae of N. talmiensis also ingest, besides liquefied nutrients, a pure blood that reveals a possibility for trombiculid larvae to be natural bloodsuckers.
"We feed the world": the political ecology of the Corn Belt's driving narrative
Authors: Rissing Andrea Lukacs
Published: July 2021

Industrial grain production occupies most of Iowa's farmland. Around the edges of corn and soybean monocultures, however, small-scale, diversified farmers establish alternative agricultural operations and sell to local markets. One narrative, "we feed the world", stretches across these two spheres; its roots lie in post-World War II geopolitics, and its contemporary iterations reflect the actions of private agricultural interest groups. As a rhetorical strategy, asserting "we feed the world" invokes neo-Malthusian fears to reposition differences in agricultural production systems within a moral framework where yield primarily determines agricultural legitimacy. This article ethnographically analyzes how this narrative intersects the lives and livelihoods of conventional and alternative farmers alike. Today, the narrative serves three functions: defending industrial agricultural systems against criticisms,justifying the pursuit of ever-higher yields on moral grounds, and gatekeeping agricultural legitimacy. Examining this discursive mechanism yields insight into the diversity of strategies through which actors within the industrial agricultural system reproduce particular land use practices in service of their own interests.
Simultaneously both expression of LMP-1 and methylation of E-cadherin: Molecular biomarker in stage IV of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Lao TD , Truong PK , Thieu HH , Nguyen DH , Nguyen MT , Le TAH
Published: July 2021

The phenome of E-cadherin gene methylation and the expression of latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) gene are associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In order to determine whether cooperative LMP-1 expression or methylation of E-cadherin could serve as the potential molecule biomarker target for diagnosis and therapy of NPC, a case-control study including 93 NPC biopsy samples and 100 non cancerous nasopharyngeal swab samples were examined, as well as the strength of association among them by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and nested-methylation-specific PCR methods. The significantly higher frequency of LMP-1 expression and E-cadherin methylation in NPC biopsy samples, accounting for 76.34 and 73.12%, respectively, compared to non cancerous samples, accounting for 0.00 and 30.00%, respectively, were observed. The significant correlation between the LMP-1 expression and E-cadherin methylation in NPC samples was reported. In detail, in the stage IV of NPC, in case of LMP-1-positive samples, 35 of 37 samples (accounting for 94.60%) were positive for methylation of E-cadherin. It was demonstrated that cooperative LMP-1 expression and E-cadherin gene methylation could serve as a molecular biomarker in NPC.
Regional Policy Financial Instruments in the Szczecin Metropolitan Area
Authors: Ociepa-Kicińska Elżbieta
Published: July 2021

The progressing “metropolisation” of the economy is connected with the intensive development of some cities considered to be metropolises or potential metropolises. One of the prerequisites needed to achieve a good rate of development is providing support to enterprises in the form of financial instruments constructed in such a way that their implementation will contribute to stimulation of the economy within a given area. The aim of this paper is to review and systematise the concept of regional policy financial instruments operating in the Szczecin Metropolitan Area (SMA). In the academic literature on the subject, the concept is rarely addressed, and it accounts for only some areas of financing or focuses on selected sources of finance. On that basis, an analysis was made along with a selection of regional policy financial instruments that are in place in the SMA. The specific entities functioning within the business environment institutions in the SMA are discussed along with the kinds of financial instruments offered by them.The analysis resulted in identifying 11 institutions whose range of operations include offering regional policy financial instruments to entrepreneurs.
Production and Securitization of Foregin Infrastucture by “Team Korea”
Authors: Hong Dasom
Published: July 2021

The financialization of infrastructure has emerged as a resolution for alleviating government budget pressures derived from chronic underinvestment in infrastructure and post-global financial crisis recession. Two interrelated phenomena are considered central features of the financialization of infrastructure: the transformation of infrastructure into an alternative asset class and the growth of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure development. In particular, the expansion of global PPPs has attracted the attention of various entities, including state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Recently, SOEs have participated in foreign infrastructure PPPs as private sector entities. Unlike conventional private sector involvement in infrastructure PPPs, SOEs aim to achieve public objectives and mobilize both public and private resources to enhance competitiveness within the global PPP market. In this paper, the specificities of SOEs participating in foreign infrastructure PPPs and their implications for the financialization of infrastructure are analyzed using a South Korean SOE: Korean Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation (KIND). This reveals why and how SOEs engage in foreign infrastructure PPPs via the drivers and business strategies of KIND. Moreover, it examines infrastructure PPPs managed by KIND to reveal how the business strategies of KIND work in practice. Consequently, this paper suggests that SOEs engaging in foreign infrastructure PPPs attempt to achieve policy objectives through the production and financialization of foreign infrastructure. In the process, SOEs actively take advantage of entities and resources from both the public and private sectors.
Expanding TAM and Investigating the Factors that Effect Consumer Intention to Adopt Mobile Banking in Palestine
Authors: Jouda Haitham
Published: July 2021

Purpose The main objective of this study is to expand the technology acceptance model (TAM) by examining the factors affecting the adoption of mobile banking services by the customers of Palestinian banks and to design a comprehensive model based on TAM and TPB and additional constructs.

Design/methodology/approach This study used the quantitative approach with cross sectional research design and a questionnaire as a data tool. From the six big cities in Palestine, we surveyed 1000 banking consumers. The samples include different characteristics. For construct relationship analysis this study applied partial least squares (PLS).

Findings The study framework provides a complete view of mobile banking services. This framework takes into consideration more determinants for prediction than other studies on the adoption of innovations. The results of using this model managed to clarify nearly 77.4 percent of the dependent variable (intention to adopt mobile banking service) variation. This is a much greater value than those of the previous studies. Moreover, this study found that the perceived risk has a negative effect on consumers’ intention to use mobile banking services. Attitude, facilitating conditions, perceived ease of use, website usability, and perceived trust were identified as the important variables that have a significant positive effect on the consumers’ intention to use mobile banking services in Palestine.

Originality/value – the findings can be used by financial institutions and banks to enhance the usage rate of consumers’ adoption and to develop their strategies.
Whistleblowing as a Mechanism of Fraud Risk Management in Economic Practice
Authors: Skoczylas-Tworek Agnieszka
Published: July 2021

The phenomenon of fraud and abuse remains relevant, as evidenced not only by studies published in this area, but also by the measures taken by economic operators to reduce it. Whistleblowing is an increasingly common tool for detecting fraudulent activities. It involves informing the organization’s management or external entities of any ethically, fraudulently or corruptly motivated irregularities. The level of interest in whistleblowing among Polish market entities is relatively low, mainly due to the lack of appropriate organizational culture, which is influenced by both internal and external factors within which the company operates. An important barrier in the implementation of whistleblowing in economic structures are both the ethical and sociological aspects and the low level of trust of potential whistleblowers towards their personal security for disclosing information about the signs of a prohibited act. Therefore, this tool is not very popular due to the lack of safeguards under national law, as well as internal regulations of entities using it. The aim of the publication is to verify the extent to which the whistleblowing tool is used to counteract the risk of abuse by economic entities listed on the Polish Stock Exchange, covered by the WIG 30 Index.
Digital Finance, Green Finance and Social Finance: Is there a Link?
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: July 2021

Identifying the intersection between digital finance, green finance and social finance is important for promoting sustainable financial, social and environmental development. This paper suggests a link between digital finance, green finance and social finance. Using a simple conceptual model, I show that digital finance offers a smooth, efficient and seamless channel for individuals and corporations to fund social projects that deliver a social dividend, and green projects lead to a sustainable environment. The implication is that digital finance is both an enabler and a channel for efficient green financing and social financing.
Application of Predictive Methods to Financial Data Sets
Authors: Habibi Reza
Published: July 2021

Financial data sets are growing too fast and need to be analyzed. Data science has many different techniques to store and summarize, mining, running simulations and finally analyzing them. Among data science methods, predictive methods play a critical role in analyzing financial data sets. In the current paper, applications of 22 methods classified in four categories namely data mining and machine learning, numerical analysis, operation research techniques and meta-heuristic techniques, in financial data sets are studied. To this end, first, literature reviews on these methods are given. For each method, a data analysis case (as an illustrative example) is presented and the problem is analyzed with the mentioned method. An actual case is given to apply those methods to solve the problem and to choose a better one. Finally, a conclusion section is proposed.
Post-Eccentric Flywheel Underwater Undulatory Swimming Potentiation in Competitive Swimmers
Authors: Crespo Esteban , Ruiz-Navarro Jesús , Cuenca-Fernández Francisco , Arellano Raúl
Published: July 2021

Underwater undulatory swimming (UUS) influences overall swimming performance, therefore swimmers should try to maximize it. This research aimed to: 1) assess the effects of an activation protocol based on post-activation performance enhancements upon UUS; and 2) evaluate the differences between males and females. Seventeen competitive swimmers (male = 10; female = 7) participated in a cross-sectional study designed to test performance in UUS at 10 m after a traditional swimming warm-up (TRA) and after adding to the TRA 4 maximal half-squat repetitions on an inertial flywheel device (PAPE). A speedometer and an electronic timing system were used to obtain kinematic variables such as time, frequency and velocity at 10-m, which were processed with MATLAB®. A paired sample t test was applied to determine the differences of the kinematic variables between the TRA and PAPE. An independent sample t test was used to determine the effects of the PAPE in males and females. Participants reduced the time to cover 10 m after PAPE compared to the TRA (males: 5.77 ± 0.44 to 5.64 ± 0.46; females 6.34 ± 0.80 to 6.09 ± 0.66; p < 0.05). In addition, trends towards improvements in UUS velocity were obtained for males and females. However, push-off velocity and frequency showed a different tendency between genders (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the warm-up including repetitions on the flywheel device improved UUS performance. Some differences were obtained between genders after PAPE. Further research should confirm if the benefits obtained after the eccentric overload would depend either on gender or on other components such as fiber type composition.
Assessing Inter-Limb Asymmetries in Soccer Players: Magnitude, Direction and Association with Performance
Authors: Madruga-Parera Marc , Dos’Santos Thomas , Bishop Chris , Turner Anthony , Blanco David , Beltran-Garrido Vicente , Moreno-Pérez Victor , Romero-Rodríguez Daniel
Published: July 2021

In this study, we aimed to analyze the magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetries in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), power (using iso-inertial devices), and a neuromuscular skill (change of direction). Secondarily, we aimed to determine the relationship between inter-limb asymmetry scores for each test and also between these scores and the scores for the different performance tests. Sixteen semiprofessional male soccer players (age: 25.38 ± 6.08 years; body height: 1.78 ± 0.64 m; body mass: 79.5 ± 14.9 kg) participated in this study. We calculated inter-limb asymmetries using five tests: ankle dorsiflexion ROM, change of direction (COD 180º), and iso-inertial resistance tasks in the open (leg extension strength (LE), leg curl strength (LC)) and closed (crossover step (CRO)) kinetic chain. Our results showed that asymmetry magnitudes differed between all tests with highest inter-limb asymmetries displayed during iso-inertial overloading. In addition, we observed that the direction of asymmetries varied depending on the test-specificity, and that the CRO asymmetries had a negative association with LE and CRO performance. These findings highlight the independent nature of asymmetries and that CRO could be an appropriate test to detect asymmetries related with the performance of soccer-specific actions (such as changes of direction). Practitioners are encouraged to use multiple tests to detect existing inter-limb differences according to the specific characteristics of each sport.
Slow fashion
Authors: Tella Bárbara , Favero Marcela Bortotti
Published: July 2021

A indústria do varejo de moda é grande responsável pela movimentação da economia e também por produzir muitos poluentes do meio ambiente. Diante disso há a preocupação por parte da indústria e dos consumidores em mudar suas escolhas, buscando se adaptar a modelos sustentáveis, porém com receio do impacto financeiro dessa mudança. Com essa problemática em mente se faz necessário apresentar propostas de adaptabilidade que provenham como solução ambiental, mas também que mantenham a situação financeira do setor positiva. Para isso foi feito um estudo de caso com base em uma ficha de custo de um produto de vestuário para se entender o impacto dessa mudança, que inclui conceito sustentável, proposta inovadora e produto diferenciado. Após feito o estudo, uma análise apresenta as possibilidades tangíveis à indústria que esteja disposta a rever sua relação com o ambiente e mudar o seu curso para garantir que no futuro converse com o consumidor mais informado e responsável ambientalmente. É mostrado em forma de projeção possibilidades para que o mercado de moda se engaje na proposta sustentável sem impactar em rentabilidade, incentivando a implementação de produtos de cadeira circular, com material sustentável, mas mantendo a margem de lucro para a empresa.
Colombia en la era de las transiciones: lineamientos geoestratégicos para el siglo XXI desde un neorrealismo ecológico
Authors: Britto Londoño Carlos Rafael
Published: July 2021

El término era de las transiciones, acuñado por Newt Gingrich en 2000, denota en su sentido original la revolución tecnológica que conduce a la fusión y convergencia de los mundos biofísico, humano y tecnológico. Este artículo retoma y amplía el concepto a fin de proponer que la actual era, la cual se manifiesta como una transición geopolítica, un cambio sistémico y una crisis civilizacional, va acercándose gradualmente a una real y efectiva confrontación hegemónica. Sus actores geoestratégicos principales son Estados Unidos y China por gozar de mayores capacidades, voluntad política y dinamismo. Al analizar la interacción entre ambos, guiados por sus respectivos imperativos geopolíticos en términos de competencia geoestratégica —en especial, por la inteligencia artificial y los recursos naturales estratégicos—, este artículo expone cómo dicha competencia ha ido dando forma a una nueva estructura internacional enmarcada en las dos megatendencias globales de nuestro tiempo: la cuarta revolución industrial y la crisis ecológica. Aunque el concepto de Gingrich no incluye este último factor, este texto considera que la crisis ecológica es el signo definitorio de nuestra era que revela las vulnerabilidades de ambas potencias en cuanto a sus biocapacidades. Partiendo del entorno geoestratégico que se describe y desde la perspectiva de un neorrealismo ecológico, este artículo busca responder la pregunta ¿qué debe hacer Colombia para lograr un mejor posicionamiento en el sistema internacional en el transcurso de la próxima década? Finalmente, desde la perspectiva anunciada y en torno a las biocapacidades de Colombia, se proponen tres geoestrategias para ser implementadas en la presente transición. Esta es la contribución del presente artículo.
ASIMETRI INFORMASI MEMODERASI PENGARUH EARNING PERSISTENCE DAN INCOME SMOOTHING TERHADAP FUTURE EARNING RESPONSE COEFFICIENT
Authors: Rachmawati Sistya
Published: July 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk memperoleh bukti empiris pengaruh earning persistence dan income smoothing terhadap future earning response coefficient (FERC) dengan asimetri informasi sebagai variabel moderasi. FERC merupakan informasi yang memungkinkan perusahaan memiliki pengetahuan tertentu mengenai future earnings pada saat perusahaan mengetahui current stock price, sehingga harga saham dapat merupakan sinyal terhadap future earnings. Metodologi penelitian yang digunakan adalah Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA), sampel penelitian adalah 86 perusahaan manufaktur yang terdaftar pada Bursa Efek Indoensia selama periode 2013 s/d 2017 dengan demikian terdapat 430 observasi, metode pengambilan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling. Penelitian menunjukan bahwa hanya variabel income smoothing yang memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap future earning respon koefisien, selanjutnya asimetri informasi mampu memperkuat pengaruh income smoothing terhadap future earning response koefisien. Sedangkan variabel kontrol yang memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap future earning respon koefisien hanya variabel invesment opportunity set dan audit committe. Kontribusi penelitian ini agar perusahaan dapat memperhatikan faktor-faktor yang dapat mempengaruhi FERC agar dapat memprediksi laba di masa yang akan datang.
CEO-CFO SOCIAL TIES, KOMPETENSI AUDITOR INTERNAL, DAN MANAJEMEN LABA
Authors: Yulita Khairanis
Published: July 2021

Social ties can be a synergy to increase or decrease a distortion. Jiwasraya phenomenon in Indonesia is one example of the social ties between Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer being abused to conspire and beautify financial reports by earnings management. Internal auditor have a role to ensure that all company operations do not deviate from existing standards and regulations. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Chief Exeutive Officer-Chief Financial Officer social ties on earnings management and to interact that effect with internal auditors competency, which is the difference between this study and previous research. The research samples are non-financial state-owned companies listed on the IDX for the 2015-2019 period with a total of 79 companies. The research method uses Moderated Regression Analysis. The results show that Chief Exeutive Officer-Chief Financial Officer social ties has a negative effect on earnings management and internal auditor’s competency doesnt not moderate that effect. The conclusion of this study is the social ties that exist between the board directors, especially CEO and CFO can increase synergy and cooperation in the way to minimize opportunistic behavior. Future research can consider another proxy for social ties especially personal ties and also internal audit function.
PENGARUH KECERDASAN EMOSIONAL (EQ) MAHASISWA DAN METODE PENGAJARAN DOSEN TERHADAP TINGKAT PEMAHAMAN AKUNTANSI
Authors: Baradja Lutfi , Oktaviani Ayu Aulia
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of students' emotional intelligence and lecturer teaching methods on accounting understanding level. This study used questionnaire techniques. The sample used was 69 respondents with a purposive sampling method. The analytical technique used in this study is multiple regression. The results shown are that emotional intelligence affects the level of accounting understanding, while the teaching method of lecturers has no effect on the level of accounting understanding. Through the results of this research, it is expected that universities can strive to increase the students emotional intelligence as a measure of accounting understanding level because it can improve the quality of graduates. This research is important in education, especially universities which certainly wants the highest quality graduates, and for students to improve material understanding.
PENGARUH CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, UKURAN PERUSAHAAN DAN PROFITABILITAS TERHADAP AGRESIVITAS PAJAK PERUSAHAAN
Authors: E.G Delitha Magfira , Murtanto Murtanto
Published: July 2021

The objective of this research is to examine and analyze the effect of corporate governance, firm size and profitability towards tax aggressiveness. The sampel was extracted using purposive sampling method, which is 61 mining companies that listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period of 2017-2019. This research uses multiple linear regression analysis method. The result from this research showed that independent commissioners and firm size have negative impact towards tax aggresiveness, while institusional ownership have a positif impact towards tax aggressiveness, and audit committee and profitability have no impact towards Tax Aggressiveness.