bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of predatory mites in commercial biocontrol: current status and future prospects
Authors: Knapp Markus , van Houten Yvonne , van Baal Elmer , Groot Thomas
Published: July 2021

Predatory mites play the leading role in commercial augmentative biological control. They are mainly used in protected vegetable and ornamental cultivation systems to control phytophagous mites, thrips and whiteflies. Use in open-field systems and in animal husbandry is still limited. Phytoseiidae species are by far the most important group of commercially available mite biocontrol agents with about 20 species offered worldwide. Out of these, Amblyseius swirskii, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus cucumeris and Neoseiulus californicus are the most important ones, covering together about two thirds of the entire arthropod biocontrol agent market. The widespread use of these leaf-inhabiting predatory mites has stimulated research into their biology and we now have substantial knowledge on, for instance, the interaction between different predatory mite species, that helps to improve biocontrol programmes. Soil predatory mites, for example Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Laelapidae) or Macrocheles robustulus (Macrochelidae) for the control of sciarid fly larvae and thrips pupae are much less frequently used and also much less researched. This makes further development of biocontrol strategies using these mites more difficult. Currently, there appears to be no reliable method to quantify the abundance of these mites in soil samples. In studies at our laboratory, the frequently used Berlese-Tullgren funnels gave very variable results. We observed that soil predatory mites can even multiply during the extraction process. In addition to the control of plant pests, predatory mites can also be used to control parasites of animals like the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae. Good results have been obtained applying a combination of the predatory mites Androlaelaps casalis (Laelapidae) and Cheyletus eruditus (Cheyletidae) in laying hen stables. This paper provides an overview on the current status of commercial biological control using predatory mites and identifies research needs to make the currently available mite biocontrol agents even more successful and extend biological control with mites to other areas.
The family Parasitidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) - history, current problems and challenges
Authors: Hrúzová Kamila , Fenďa Peter
Published: July 2021

The family Parasitidae comprises two subfamilies, Parasitinae and Pergamasinae. A generic concept of this family is not stable and requires a revision. The number of genera varies depending on authors and their view on the systematics of the family, especially on the rank of taxa. We recognize 23 genera within Parasitinae and 22 genera within Pergamasinae, 4 of them are subdivided into subgenera. A dichotomous key for separation of genera and subgenera is provided. A new genus, Coprocarpais n. g. with type species Parasitus copridis Costa, 1963 is proposed and a diagnosis is given. The genus Erithosoma is not assigned to any subfamily because a description of females is missing. The most pressing taxonomic problems at generic and subgeneric levels are discussed. Fourteen new combinations are proposed.
Two new feather mite species of the genus Montesauria Oudemans (Analgoidea: Proctophyllodidae) from thrushes (Passeriformes: Turdidae) in the Indian Subcontinent
Authors: Constantinescu Ioana Cristina , Popa Oana Paula , Popa Luis Ovidiu , Cobzaru Ioana , Mukhim D. Khlur B. , Adam Costică
Published: July 2021

Two new feather mite species of the genus Montesauria Oudemans, 1905, collected from thrushes (Turdidae) in India, are described: Montesauria hernandesi sp. n. from Turdus dissimilis Blyth, 1847 and M. caerulea sp. n. from Myophonus caeruleus (Scopoli, 1786). Both species belong to the merulae species group, being morphologically closest to other two species of the genus, previously described from birds of the family Turdidae in Asia (Japan): M. sibirica Kuroki, Nagahori and Mironov, 2006 and M. aurea Kuroki, Nagahori and Mironov, 2006, respectively. The new species most clearly differ from those described in Japan by the dorsal shield ornamentation. In both sexes of M. hernandesi sp. n., the ornamentation of the prodorsal and hysteronotal shields is represented by round and ovate lacunae, and the ornamentation of the lobar shield of females has few ovate lacunae. In both sexes of M. caerulea sp. n., the ornamentation of the hysteronotal shield is very particular, with large and almost round lacunae in the anterior half and small ovate lacunae in the posterior half.
Redescription of Bryobia pritchardi Rimando, 1962 (Acari: Tetranychidae), with an ontogeny of chaetotaxy
Authors: Li Juan , Yi Tian-Ci , Guo Jian-Jun , Jin Dao-Chao
Published: July 2021

Bryobia pritchardi Rimando 1962, collected from Drymaria cordata in the Hainan province of China, is redescribed with a detailed illustration and description of all life stages. Special attention is given to ontogenetic changes, especially in leg setae, as well as intraspecific variation and asymmetry of these setae.
The true identity of Pascal’s mite and the diachronic use of ciron
Authors: André Henri M.
Published: July 2021

The identity of Blaise Pascal’s mite is examined. Linguistics, morphology, habitat and size reveal that Pascal’s mite is not Acarus siro L., as usually thought, but Sarcoptes scabiei (L.). The diachronic use of the popular term ciron is explored from a number of different perspectives. In everyday language and in Pascal’s time, the term used to designate A. siro L. was mite (used singly, in English and French) and not ciron, a word restricted to the scabies mite; its use is also investigated. The classification of mites in the 17th and 18th centuries is reviewed.
Climatic and cultivar effects on phytoseiid species establishment and seasonal abundance on citrus
Authors: Warburg Sharon , Gafni Roni , Inbar Moshe , Gal Shira , Palevsky Eric , Sadeh Asaf
Published: July 2021

The structure of phytoseiid communities on citrus varies among orchards and seasons, with potential implications for biocontrol services. Such variation may be driven by meteorological conditions and cultivar-specific traits. We conducted an outdoor seedling experiment to determine the effects of different cultivars on the establishment of introduced predatory mites (Euseius stipulatus and E. scutalis) and colonization by naturally occurring phytoseiids (Amblyseius swirskii, Iphiseius degenerans, and Typhlodromus athiasae) across seasons. Euseius stipulatus persisted through the spring only where it was released, regardless of cultivar, and reduced colonization by I. degenerans. In early summer (hot and dry conditions), nearly all phytoseiid species essentially disappeared, and after that only the naturally occurring A. swirskii and T. athiasae re-established. In mid-summer, A. swirskii colonized cultivars differentially, especially where pollen was provisioned, and was negatively related with the colonization of T. athiasae, which is known as its intraguild prey. Additionally, we performed laboratory experiments that simulated daily temperature fluctuations typical to spring and mid-summer seasons, measuring key demographic parameters of A. swirskii and E. stipulatus on leaf disc arenas of two citrus cultivars. Simulated spring temperatures resulted in higher total reproductive output in E. stipulatus than in A. swirskii, whereas mid-summer temperatures resulted in the opposite pattern. Both results are consistent with the seasonal patterns observed in the outdoor experiment. Together with the phytoseiid dynamics observed previously in commercial orchards, these findings emphasize the role of meteorological conditions and cultivars in the structure and function of phytoseiid communities.
Phytoseiidae of Vietnam (Acari: Mesostigmata) with description of a new species
Authors: Kreiter Serge , Bopp Marie-Charlotte , Douin Martial , Nguyen Duc Tung , Wyckhuys Kris
Published: July 2021

Vietnam is a large country of Southeast Asia and a globally recognized hotspot of biodiversity. Until recently, only limited surveys had been carried out on the resident Phytoseiidae fauna and presence of 12 species had been documented, with 11 belonging to the sub-family Amblyseiinae and 1 to the sub-family Typhlodrominae. Here, we present results from 2017 field surveys and add a total of 8 new country records, one of which a newly-described species. At least 5 species (i.e., Neoseiulus longispinosus, Paraphytoseius cracentis, P. orientalis, Amblyseius cinctus and A. herbicolus) are well-known biological control agents (BCA), while two species (Euseius ovaloides and Gynaeseius liturivorus) carries ample potential as BCA agents but necessitates further study. In addition to the intrinsic value of phytoseiid mite biodiversity in tropical environments, demonstration of the natural occurrence of efficient BCAs in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam is of great agricultural and commercial interest.
New Perscheloribates species (Acari, Oribatida, Scheloribatidae) phoretic on beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera)
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , OConnor Barry M.
Published: July 2021

Two new species of oribatid mites of the genus Perscheloribates (Oribatida, Scheloribatidae), phoretic on passalid and zopherid beetles (Coleoptera), are described from the Philippines and U.S.A., based on adults. Perscheloribates paracuriosus n. sp. differs from Perscheloribates curiosus Ermilov, 2016 by the length and morphology of notogastral and adanal setae, the presence of lateral keel-shaped ridge, and the absence of custodium. Perscheloribates parakontumensis n. sp. differs from Perscheloribates kontumensis Ermilov and Frolov, 2019 by the morphology of notogastral setae and the absence of body sculpturing and setae it on leg tarsi I–III.
The first report on the oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) in tundra of the Chunatundra Mountains on the Kola Peninsula, Russia
Authors: Leonov Vladislav D.
Published: July 2021

The aim of this research was to obtain initial data on the fauna and abundance of the oribatid mites from the main types of the mountain tundra habitats of the Chunatundra Mountains. Four plots, including two lichen tundra plots, one dwarf shrub tundra plot and one sphagnum bog in the belt of mountain tundra were investigated. Multidimensional scaling and discriminant function analysis were used to identify trends in the fauna and abundance of oribatid species through the explored plots. A total of 70 species and one subspecies from 37 genera and 24 families were found during the course of this investigation. Nine species, one subspecies, one genus and one family of oribatid mites have been added to the fauna of the Kola Peninsula. The families Brachychthoniidae, Oppiidae and Suctobelbidae are the most diverse in the discovered local fauna. According to literature data, the first two families are characteristic of the low tundra communities, the third family is more common for the boreal zone. The discovered oribatid fauna is similar to the fauna of other tundra sites of the Kola Peninsula studied previously and is significantly different to the local oribatid mite faunae of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The abundance of the adult oribatid mites reached 39 080 ind./m2 in the lichen tundra and 56 200 ind./m2 in the dwarf shrub tundra. The minimum abundance of oribatid mites, 18 640 ind./m2 was found in the sphagnum bog. Differences in the oribatid mite complexes of lichen tundra, dwarf shrub tundra and the sphagnum bog were found. The species Carabodes labyrinthicus, Nothrus borussicus, Sellnickochthonius immaculatus, Mycobates sarekensis, and Tectocepheus velatus were associated with the lichen tundra habitats. Nanhermannia sellnicki, Chamobates borealis and a few species of Oppiella and Suctobelbella were associated with the dwarf shrub tundra. Mucronothrus nasalis, Limnozetes ciliatus, Platynothrus peltifer, Trimalaconothrus foveolatus, Limnozetes cf. rugosus, and Trimalaconothrus maior are most characteristic of the sphagnum bog. The family Suctobelbidae was represented by a large number of species, while the families Ceratozetidae and Camisiidae were much less diverse. The low diversity of Ceratozetidae, a high diversity of Suctobelbidae and relatively high abundance of oribatid mites in the explored tundra habitats may be explained by an ambivalent nature of the oribatid community, which combines boreal and arctic features due to marine climate. Also, this result may be a feature of a local mountain tundra which is surrounded by the underlying belts of the mountain forests that are a source of the increasingly diversity of species.
First report on the occurrence of Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) transvaalensis (Nesbitt) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in India with a redescription of the species
Authors: Sreerama Kumar Prakya , Gupta Salil Kumar
Published: July 2021

This paper reports for the first time the occurrence of Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) transvaalensis (Nesbitt) in India. Morphometric measurements of the Indian specimens collected on an unidentified plant in Ramanagara district of Karnataka are provided along with a redescription of the species, and a comparison with specimens from Japan, Africa, Argentina and La Réunion Island to show similarities and variations in morphological traits of taxonomic importance.
Updated and annotated review of Tetranychidae occurring in mainland Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira Archipelagos
Authors: Naves Pedro , Nóbrega Filomena , Auger Philippe
Published: July 2021

Data on the diversity, distribution, and main hosts of spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) are scarce in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly for Portugal, where only 21 species are recorded on the mainland and in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos. Moreover, the scientific information is mainly available in national publications, and difficult to access for international researchers. In this paper, we review the literature dealing with spider mites in mainland Portugal and the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, compiling and synthesizing the most relevant information on their distribution, hosts and pest potential. Further information was obtained by verifying slides in the acarological collection of the Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV), the most important national collection, and by verifying mites collected on different plant hosts during the period 2018-2020. In total, we found records for 28 spider mite species in Portugal, comprising nine Bryobiinae and 19 Tetranychinae, and including new national records for Stigmaeopsis nanjingensis and Eotetranychus tiliarium. Additionally, we record a new exotic mite species for the mainland, Eotetranychus lewisi, which was found in two localities in the Algarve District on leaves of Euphorbia pulcherrima. This is the first record for continental Europe of an established population in outdoor conditions of this regulated quarantine pest. We also comment on the presence of seven species not reported by international taxonomic databases but already recorded from Portugal: Aplonobia histricina, Eotetranychus rubiphilus, Schizonobia sycophanta, Tetranychus kanzawai and Tetranycopsis horridus (at a national level), and Oligonychus perseae and Panonychus citri (for the mainland). New host records are given for Bryobia praetiosa, Petrobia (Tetranychina) harti, S. sycophanta, E. coryli, E. rubiphilus, Tetranychus kanzawai, Tetranychus lintearius, Tetranychus ludeni and Tetranychus turkestani.
Kinetics of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae growth and an analysis of the allergen expression in semi-synthetic culture medium
Authors: Rodríguez David , Palacios Ricardo , Martínez Jorge , Guisantes Jorge A. , Postigo Idoia
Published: July 2021

Currently, several mite growth culture media used in the production of allergenic extracts contain animal-derived components that limit their use in diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae mites in a semi-synthetic medium without animal-derived proteins to produce highly reproducible allergenic extracts for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes to be more consistent with the regulations of health authorities. Both species of mites showed optimal growth in the semi-synthetic culture medium. The highest expression of allergens Der p 1 and Der f 1 was observed at the last phases of mite growth. Semi-synthetic media without animal-derived proteins facilitated excellent growth rates of house dust mites in cultures. Adjusting the cultivation time to decide the optimal time point for the processing of the extracts is decisive.
Does diet affect morphological parameters of Neoseiulus tunus (De Leon) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)?
Authors: de Melo Ferreira Mizael , Micali Nuvoloni Felipe , de Souza Mondin Alexandre , Lofego Antonio Carlos
Published: July 2021

Neoseiulus Hughes is one of the most diverse genus of Phytoseiidae, with approximately 400 described species. Among them, Neoseiulus tunus (De Leon) is very frequent and abundant in the Neotropical region. Although considerable amount of data about morphological variation of phytoseiid mites are available, the possible causes of intraspecific variations are still poorly understood, being diet and feeding habit usually reported as the main drivers. The present study investigated the influence of three different diets on morphological traits of taxonomic interest of N. tunus, aiming to verify whether diet is a determinant factor in the morphological pattern of this species and which structures are most affected by them. Our results show that based on the diet treatment, populations of N. tunus may be differentiated based on the size of morphological traits. All treatments differ from stock population and among them, except between populations feeding with Aculops lycopersici (Massee) (Eriophyidae) and Tetranychus urticae (Kock) (Tetranychidae). The widest range occurred on the dorsal setae, macrosetae of leg IV, width of the dorsal shield, distance between the bases of the genital’s setae and posterior width of the ventrianal shield. Most of the dorsal setae responded to the treatment with significant variation, being the longest lengths observed when the A. lycopersici was offered as diet. Considering the other two diets, the variation does not present a clear increasing or reducing pattern.
Bioactivity of essential oils for the management of Tetranychus urticae Koch and selectivity on its natural enemy Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor): A promising combination for agroecological systems
Authors: Fidelis de Santana Mauricéa , Câmara Cláudio A. G. , Barbosa Monteiro Vaneska , Ramos de Melo João Paulo , Martins de Moraes Marcilio
Published: July 2021

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, causes damage to crops grown in northeast Brazil. The adoption of biological control methods and curative methods (plant-based insecticides) is an essential practice for pest management in agroecological systems. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the chemical properties, toxicity, and ovicidal activity of essential oils (EOs) from Lippia sidoides, Croton rhamnifolioides, Croton grewioides, Citrus sinensis, Citrus limon, Citrus aurantiifolia and Piper divaricatum for the control of T. urticae and determine the selectivity of these EOs regarding the predator mite Neoseiulus californicus. The chemical analysis (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) of the EOs enabled the identification of 98 compounds. The major constituents were carvacrol (L. sidoides), β-caryophyllene (C. rhamnifolioides), (E)-anethole (C. grewioides), limonene (Citrus spp.), safrole and methyl eugenol (P. divaricatum). All oils exhibited satisfactory toxicity to the eggs and females of T. urticae and were even more toxic than the commercial product Azamax. The L. sidoides oil exhibited greater toxicity compared to the other oils, with LC50 values of 0.05 and 0.09 µL mL-1 for females and eggs, respectively. All oils tested were selective to N. californicus, with RS values ranging from 3.61 to 23.28 for C. aurantiifolia and C. grewioides, respectively. Therefore, the use of products based on the EOs studied in combination with the natural enemy N. californicus is a viable option in agroecological systems for the management of T. urticae.
Mutation status and immunohistochemical correlation of EGFR mutations in gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Ozkayalar H , Ergoren MC , Tuncel G , Kurt S , Cevik E , Ozemri Sag S , Yilmaz Ozguven B , Kabukcuoglu F , Mocan G , Temel ŞG
Published: July 2021

Being one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide and their resistance to conventional treatment methods, made gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) one of the hot topics in medical research areas in the past decade. To investigate molecular alterations underlying the tumor is of great importance to be able to develop new, targeted treatment options. In this study, GIST samples obtained from 40 Turkish patients were analyzed for actionable epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations that are related to treatment regimes in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to understand whether EGFR expression is altered in GISTs. Established alterations in EGFR can make the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors possible, which are currently used in cancer therapy, especially in NSCLC. Our results indicated that EGFR mutations are rare in GISTs. Further research is needed to sequence whole coding regions of the gene to investigate new actionable mutations in EGFR in an increased sample size.
Familial atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome with positive p.S1191L (c.3572C>T) mutation on the CFH gene: A single-center experience
Authors: Ersoy Dursun F , Yesil G , Sasak G , Dursin H
Published: July 2021

The atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and acute kidney injury (AKI), which can exhibit a poor prognosis. Complement factor H (CFH) gene mutations play a key role in this disease, which may be sporadic or familial. We studied 13 people from the same family, investigated for gene mutations of the familial aHUS after a family member presented to our emergency clinic with the aHUS and reported a family history of chronic renal failure. The p.S1191L mutation on the CFH gene was heterozygous in six people from the patient’s family with the aHUS. One of these family members is our patient with acute kidney injury, and the other two are followed at the Nephrology Clinic, Medeniyat University, Goztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, due to chronic renal failure. The other three family members showed no evidence of renal failure. The index case had a history of six sibling deaths; three died of chronic renal failure. Plasmapheresis and fresh frozen plasma treatment were administered to our patient. When the patient showed no response to this treatment, eculizumab (ECZ) therapy was started. The study demonstrated that thorough family history should be taken in patients with the aHUS. These patients may have the familial type of the disease, and they should be screened genetically. Eculizumab should be the first choice in the treatment with plasmapheresis. It should be kept in mind that the use of ECZ as prophylaxis in posttransplant therapy is extremely important for preventing rejection.
PCSK9 gene participates in the development of primary dyslipidemias
Authors: Matías-Pérez D , Pérez-Santiago AD , Sánchez Medina MA , Alpuche Osorno JJ , García-Montalvo IA
Published: July 2021

Dyslipidemias are a group of diseases, which are characterized by abnormal blood concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides and/or low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c). Dyslipidemia is a determinant condition for the progress of an atherosclerotic plaque formation. The resulting atherogenicity is due to at least two mechanisms: first, to the accumulation in the plasma of lipid particles that have the capacity to alter the function of the endothelium and deposit at the atheromatous plaque, and second, at an insufficient concentration of multifactorial type of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), whose function is to protect against the development of atherosclerosis. Its highest prevalence is encountered among individuals with diabetes, hypertension or overweight. Hyperlipidemia is one of the main predisposing factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. Hyperlipidemia can be the result of a genetic condition, the secondary expression of a primary process or the consequence of exogenous factors (food, cultural, socio-economic, etc.), all of which lead to the elevation of plasma lipid levels. The objective of this study was to carry out an analysis of the genes involved in the development of dyslipidemias that lead to cardiovascular disease with special emphasis on the proprotein convertase subtilin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene. The PCSK9 gene participates in the development of primary dyslipidemias, mainly familial hypercholesterolemia, currently the pharmacological treatment of choice to reduce LDL-c are statins, however, it has been observed that these have been insufficient to eliminate cardiovascular risk, especially in subjects with primary forms of hypercholesterolemia related to genetic mutations, or statin intolerance.
Comparative analysis of genes associated with obesity in humans using bioinformatic data and tools
Authors: Musliji ZS , Pollozhani AK , Lisichkov K , Deligios M , Popovski ZT
Published: July 2021

Obesity has become a serious global problem that still needs a solution. One of the factors that leads to obesity is genetic predisposition. The identity and characteristics of the genes involved have not yet been fully confirmed. Analyzing the genetic contribution to obesity is a major step towards the solution. In this in silico study, using online bioinformatics tools, we evaluate the role of four genes that are believed to contribute to obesity. Data were collected and analyzed for the sequences of four so-called obesity genes: FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated protein), PPARG (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ), ADRB3 (adrenergic receptor β 3) and FABP2 (fatty acid binding protein 2). In the first part of the research, information about the genes was collected and organized and data in FASTA, format are extracted from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). In the second part, all genes were analyzed by comparing three species of organisms, Homo sapiens (human), Mus musculus (mouse) and Gallus (chicken). In the third part of this study, phylogenetic trees were constructed for each of the four genes, using blast local alignment search tool (BLAST) and molecular evolutionary genetics analysis (MEGA X) software. Our analysis reveals that the functions of all these genes are associated with overweight and obesity.
A case of glycogen storage disease type 1a mimicking familial chylomicronemia syndrome
Authors: Olgac A , Okur İ , Biberoğlu G , Ezgü FS , Tümer L
Published: July 2021

Glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSD1a) is an autosomal recessively inherited inborn error of metabolism caused by a mutation in the G6PC gene, which encodes the catalytic subunit of glucose-6-phosphatase-α (G6Pase-α) enzyme. This enzyme plays a role in the final step of gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Patients carrying GSD1a show growth retardation, hypoglycemia, hepatomegaly, hepatic steatosis, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia and lactic acidemia. Long-term symptoms include gouty arthritis and uric acid stones, osteoporosis, renal failure, intestinal impairment, cirrhosis and hepatic adenomas, and eventually, hepatocellular carcinoma. Hyperlipidemia is the indicator of poor metabolic control in GSD1a. Patients with variable levels of triglycerides (TGs) have been reported in the literature. We present a case of GSD1a that presented with severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) mimicking familial chylomicronemia syndrome.
Trade Fair Fee as a Source of Income for the Budgets of Municipalities in Poland on Selected Examples
Authors: Szydłowski Cezary
Published: July 2021

The public finance system in force in Poland provides for a trade fair fee (Polish - „opłata targowa”) as part of municipalities’ own revenues. The trade fair fee is collected from persons selling at marketplaces located in the municipality. It constitutes own income for the commune’s budget and is an archaic form of public tribute. According to the legal regulations in force in Poland, communes may waive the collection of the exhibition fee, however, there are still many communes collecting it. The assessment of income to the commune budget from the trade fair fee was carried out on the basis of a survey of income to the budget of selected 10 coastal communes in Pomorskie Voivodeship. The selection of coastal municipalities was determined by their specificity in terms of retail trade on markets and squares. This is because the holiday season attracts many tourists and entrepreneurs who sell the goods they offer in the mode of direct retail trade carried out on local markets, streets or squares (often located near the entrance to local beaches). The analysis of income from the fair fee was carried out on the basis of reports on the implementation of the budgets of communes and reports on the income of communes Rb-27s published by commune authorities on the pages of the Public Information Bulletin of a given local government unit. Verification of the revenue of the selected 10 municipalities from the fair fee for 2016-2019 revealed a very low share of the fair fee in the total revenue to the municipalities’ budgets (maximum 1.60% for the Łeba municipality in 2016). Moreover, the communes incur significant costs related to the collection of the trade fair fee, which are connected with the payment of commissions on the collected amounts up to 25% of the total income from the fee.

The results of the research indicate that it would be reasonable for the authorities of the analysed communes to consider abolishing the trade fair fee in their area, as the revenue is small compared to the costs incurred.

The liquidation of the market fee may attract more traders and improve the image of the commune as a facilitator of business activities involving trade in marketplaces.
Do Fiscal Transfers Foster Regional Economic Growth?
Authors: Mose Naftaly
Published: July 2021

Fiscal transfer development across the world today has been in part driven by assertions of a supposed ‘economic dividend’ linked with the devolved financial spending. There is, however, little empirical evidence to validate these assertions in Kenya. It is against this background that this study was carried out to estimate the end product of fiscal transfer on regional economic growth in Kenya using a secondary panel data set. Using the ARDL estimation technique the long -run and error correction estimates of the model were generated. The findings revealed that increased fiscal transfer in recurrent budgets accelerates regional growth, hence confirming the Keynesian hypothesis. Conversely, fiscal transfer in capital expenditure was insignificant. This study recommends the need for policymakers to put in place policies and strategies that will improve budget allocation and execution in capital budgets so as to improve physical infrastructure and thus boost private productivity and consequently regional income growth.
The Use of Digital Technology Platforms in the Context of Cybersecurity in the Industrial Sector
Authors: Bartczak Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

This study discusses the use of digital technology platforms (DTPs) in the context of cyber-security in the industrial sector, with a focus on digital industry (industrial) platforms (DIPs). A definition of DTPs is presented, including the author's interpretation, as well as the scope of DTP application in the industrial sector, which includes, in particular, European Digital Platforms (EDPs) and Polish Digital Platforms (PDPs), such as non-ferrous metals PDP or intelligent transport systems PDP. This is followed by a section covering the theoretical basis of the study that highlights the key challenges and risks associated with the use of DTPs as well as the methods for their neutralization in the form of specific concepts and systems that can be employed in the industrial sector. The subsequent section of the study is based on results of the author's own survey which collected information from a total of 120 companies operating in Poland, which were granted subsidies under the Operational Program Innovative Economy for investments involving the implementation and development of DTPs. The survey was carried out using a questionnaire developed by the author, which consisted of 23 questions. In this respect, as shown by the author's own studies, of greatest relevance are hardware failures and Internet outage events. Most importantly, concerns about such risks are some of the major factors underlying the negative attitudes of management staff of industrial companies toward DTPs, and therefore, it is so important to ensure that any such risks can be effectively addressed. They can be avoided through the use of certain concepts and systems such as STOE or CVSS. A typical company may know the model of DTPs in the context of challenges in the field of cybersecurity through this study; in particular, it can improve IT security.
MBboard: Validity and Reliability of a New Tool Developed to Evaluate Specific Strength in Rock Climbers
Authors: Marino Thomas , Coelho Daniel , Lima-Silva Adriano , Bertuzzi Romulo
Published: July 2021

In the present study, we analysed the validity and reliability of a new tool designed to assist the measurement of maximal upper-limb strength in rock climbers in a specific way, named MBboard. The MBboard consists of an artificial small climbing hold affixed to a wooden board, which is connected to any cable-motion strength equipment to determine the maximum dynamic strength (MBboard-1RM). Ten male rock climbers (Rock Climbing Group, RCG = 10) and ten physically active men (Control Group, CG = 10) performed, on three separate occasions, a familiarization session with procedures adopted during MBboard-1RM testing and two experimental trials (i.e., test and retest) to determine the construct validity and reliability of the MBboard during unilateral seated cable row exercise. In the first trial, the electromyographic activity (EMG) was recorded from the flexor digitorum superficialis. The self-reported climbing ability was also recorded. The RCG had superior performance (i.e. 37.5%) and EMG activity (i.e. 51%) in MBboard-1RM testing when compared with the CG (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between the MBboard-1RM results and climbing ability (r > 0.72, p < 0.05). Intraclass correlation coefficient analysis revealed good reliability within trials (ICC > 0.79, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the MBboard is a valid and reliable tool to assess rock climbing-specific maximal strength. The validity of MBboard-1RM appears to be related to the finger flexor muscles activation, probably reflecting the specific adaptations resulting from long-term practice of this sport discipline.
Anaerobic Capacity is Associated with Metabolic Contribution and Mechanical Output Measured During the Wingate Test
Authors: Poli Rodrigo , Miyagi Willian , Zagatto Alessandro
Published: July 2021

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between anaerobic capacity, mechanical and anaerobic contribution during the 30-s Wingate Anaerobic Test (30sWAnT). After familiarization, fifteen, male recreational mountain biking practitioners underwent the following sequence of tests: 1) a graded exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake and associated intensity iV˙O2max; 2 and 3) supramaximal exhaustive effort at 115% of iVO2max and 30sWAnT, performed randomly. The glycolytic and phosphagen pathways measured during the supramaximal effort were significantly correlated with peak power (r = 0.85; p < 0.01 and r = 0.57; p = 0.02, respectively), mean power (r = 0.78; p < 0.01 and r = 0.69; p < 0.01, respectively), and total work (r = 0.78; p < 0.01 and r = 0.69; p< 0.02, respectively) measured during the 30sWAnT. A significant correlation was also found between anaerobic capacity and peak power (r = 0.88; p < 0.01), mean power (r = 0.89; p < 0.01), and total work (r = 0.89; p < 0.01). Additionally, anaerobic capacity estimated during the supramaximal effort and the anaerobic contribution measured during the 30sWAnT were not different (p = 0.44) and presented significant good reliability and association (ICC = 0.84; p = 0.001) and good agreement, evidenced by the mean of differences and 95% limits of agreement near to zero (mean bias = 0.11). The results suggest that glycolytic and phosphagen capacity were associated with mechanical performance in the 30sWAnT. In addition, anaerobic contribution during the 30sWAnT seems to be valid for estimating anaerobic capacity in recreational mountain bike cyclists, as well as to estimate the glycolytic and phosphagen contributions.
Hydration to Maximize Performance And Recovery: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among Collegiate Track and Field Throwers
Authors: Judge Lawrence , Bellar David , Popp Jennifer , Craig Bruce , Schoeff Makenzie , Hoover Donald , Fox Brian , Kistler Brandon , Al-Nawaiseh Ali
Published: July 2021

Hydration plays an important role in performance, injury prevention, and recovery for athletes engaged in competitive sports. Therefore, it is important that strength and conditioning coaches understand an athlete’s hydration needs to prevent illness and enhance performance. The purpose of this study was to identify hydration knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of collegiate track and field throwers, as well as identify barriers to hydration and sources of nutritional information. The Rehydration and Refueling in Collegiate Track and Field Throwers Survey was sent to 271 track and field thrower coaches with a request to forward the email to current track and field throwers. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated regarding knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores among the participants in this sample. Differences among response patterns were assessed via Chi-square analysis. Alpha level was set at p = .05. Results demonstrated that 97.3% (n = 287) of respondents knew that dehydration would decrease performance, but 50.5% (n = 149) erroneously believed thirst was the best indicator of dehydration. Chi-square analysis demonstrated a significant difference in reported values between participants who intended to eat a performance-enhancing diet and those who consumed less fluid than recomended values (207 – 295 m)l in the 2-3 hours prior to competition (χ2 = 10.87, p < .05). Pearson correlation coefficients demonstrated a large association between knowledge and behavior (r = .70, p < .05), a medium association between knowledge and attitude (r = .41, p < .05), and a small association between attitude and behavior (r = .21, p < .05). This suggests that strength and conditioning coaches and health staff need to educate and monitor hydration behaviors among collegiate track and field throwers to optimize performance.
The Influence of Sprint Mechanical Properties on Change of Direction in Female Futsal Players
Authors: Baena-Raya Andrés , García-Ortega Dolores , Sánchez-López Sergio , Soriano-Maldonado Alberto , Reyes Pedro , Rodríguez-Pérez Manuel
Published: July 2021

The aim of the present study was to analyze the association of the sprint force-velocity profile [Hzt FV profile] variables with change of direction [COD] performance in female futsal players. Twelve female futsal players (age: 19.83 ± 4.2 years; body height: 160.75 ± 8.37 cm; body mass: 57.64 ± 8.3 kg) volunteered to be evaluated in the following assessments: Hzt FV profile, 505 test, modified 505 test [M505test] and V-cut test. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient [rs] (p < 0.05) was used to determine the relationship of the mechanical variables of the sprint (maximum power output [Pmax], maximum horizontal force production [F0] and maximum velocity [V0]) with COD performance. V0 showed a very large significant association with the 505 test (rs = -0.767; 90% CI: (-0.92 to -0.43); p < 0.01) and a large association with the V-cut test (rs = -0.641; 90% CI: (-0.86 to -0.21); p < 0.05), whereas Pmax was strongly associated with results of the 505 test (rs = -0.821; 90% CI: (-0.94 to -0.55); p < 0.01) and largely associated with the V-cut test results (rs = -0.596; 90% CI: (-0.84 to -0.14); p < 0.05). In conclusion, maximal power and velocity output during sprinting are determinant factors to successful COD in 180º and 45º cuts, thus, the Hzt FV profile should be assessed in female futsal players to better understand the influence of sprint mechanical properties on COD performance and prescribe individualized training programs
Burnout and Coping Perceptions of Volleyball Players Throughout an Annual Sport Season
Authors: Pires Daniel , Ugrinowitsch Herbert
Published: July 2021

Burnout is a psychological syndrome of reaction to chronic stress that occurs in athletes who feel exhausted by a sport activity that was previously pleasurable and enjoyable. One technique to prevent and control the syndrome is through coping, which is the ability to deal with stressful situations. In contrast to traditional cross-sectional approaches, this study aimed to investigate burnout and coping strategy characteristics over time and to analyze the relationship between burnout dimensions and coping strategies. Fifty-four high-level volleyball athletes (twenty-eight men and twenty-six women, age M = 25.57, SD = 4.72, range 18-35) completed paper-and-pencil measures of burnout and coping four times throughout a sport season. The Friedman test presented a significant increase in the reduced sense of athletic accomplishment (X2 = 20.58; p < 0.01) and sport devaluation (X2 = 19.83; p < 0.01) perceptions during the season. However, no coping differences were observed through the longitudinal analysis. Burnout dimensions showed a moderate inverse correlation to confidence/motivation at all measurement points during the season. Overall, the findings suggest that burnout perceptions increase as the season progresses, highlighting the relevance for the periodization of burnout prevention and control
المجلس المفقود في الفيدرالية العراقية
Authors: Kiro Ibrahim Ali
Published: July 2021

إن كل الفيدراليات نشأة كحل للخلافات بين التكتلات القومية والدينية ، واللغوية ، والمصالح داخل الدول في المجتمعات التعددية هنالك أكثر من 25 فيدرالية ناجحة في العالم .
    وتقوم الفيدرالية على مبدأين أساسيين ، هما مبدأ المشاركة في الحكومة الاتحادية ومبدأ الاستقلال الذاتي في الولايات أو الأقاليم الداخلة في الاتحاد ، وضمان نجاح هذه الفيدراليات بفاعلية هي المجلس الاتحادي ، أما في حالة الفيدرالية العراقية نلاحظ الغياب التام لهذا المجلس .
Proximate Composition, In vitro Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Adansonia digitata and Belanites aegyptiaca Seeds
Authors: Badu Mercy , Pedavoah Mary-Magdalene , Boadi Nathaniel O , Dzaye Irene Y
Published: July 2021

This study evaluated the nutritional and medicinal properties of seeds from Adansonia digitata (BSF) and Balanite aegyptiaca (DDSF) plant. Proximate chemical composition, mineral elements composition, flavonoids, phenolics, antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory properties were studied. Results obtained revealed that DDSF had the highest moisture, crude fat and crude protein content of 7.66 %, 42.80 %, 20.37 % respectively, whilst BSF gave the highest ash, crude fibre and carbohydrate content. Elemental analysis revealed BSF had the highest Mg content (313.65 mg/100g) and DDSF gave the highest Ca content (118.62 mg/100g). Additionally, DDSF gave the highest total phenolics (18.89 mg TAE/ 100 g), total flavonoids (8.80 mg QE/ 100 g) as well as the highest total antioxidant capacity of (19.62 mg AAE/ 100 g) dry of extract. Based on results obtained in this study, seeds obtained from the Adansonia digitata and Balanite aegyptiaca could be a potential source of functional food and antioxidant agents.
Automatic Rocks Segmentation Based on Deep Learning for Planetary Rover Images
Authors: Li Haichao , Qiu Linwei , Li Zhi , Meng Bo , Huang Jianbin , Zhang Zhimin
Published: July 2021

Accurate detection and segmentation of obstacles is the key to the smooth operation of the planetary rovers and the basic guarantee of scientific exploration mission. The traditional method of rock segmentation based on boundary detector is affected by the change of illumination and dust storms. To address this problem, this paper proposes an improved U-net-based architecture combined with Visual Geometry Group (VGG) and dilated convolutional neural network for the segmentation of rocks from images of planetary exploration rovers. The proposed method also has a contracting path and an expansive path to get high-resolution output similar with U-Net. In the contracting path, the convolution layers in U-Net are replaced by the convolutional layers of VGG16. Inspired by the dilated convolution, the multiscale dilated convolution in the expansive path is proposed. Furthermore, our method is further optimized in the expansive path. To evaluate the proposed method, extensive experiments on segmentation with the Mars dataset have been conducted. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method produces accurate semantic segmentation and identification results automatically and outperforms state-of-the-art methods.
A repercussão do diagnóstico de HIV positivo em homens: um estudo qualitativo
Authors: Dias Daniele Cabral , Pinto Olívia Paulino , Feitoza Aline Rodrigues , Queiroz Danielle Teixeira , Mota Francisco Gabriel de Andrade , Mota João Victor Farias , Pinto José Reginaldo , Pinto Régila Maria Farias , Gonçalves Valéria Freire , Farias Geysa Maria Nogueira
Published: July 2021

Objetivo: Analisar o significado do diagnóstico de HIV positivo para homens e as suas possíveis repercussões emocionais. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo. A coleta foi realizada mediante entrevista semiestruturada, gravada após consentimento com 20 homens, no período de janeiro a março de 2019 em um serviço de atenção secundária situado no estado do Ceará. A análise se dividiu em duas fases, uma temática e outra interpretativa, foi usado referencial teórico do Interacionismo Simbólico. Resultados: A partir da análise dos depoimentos foram identificadas as seguintes categorias: rejeição e a omissão no conviver com a infecção pelo HIV, que se divide em duas perspectivas em relação ao processo de conviver com o HIV e o significado de ter HIV antes e após o conhecimento aprofundado da doença. Conclusão: Ainda existem dificuldades relacionadas ao nível de conhecimento da doença, o estigma e a omissão da HIV. Porém, é possível, assim como foi relatado a mudança do significado.