scholarly journals Molecular systematic investigation of Philippine puddle frogs (Anura: Dicroglossidae: Occidozyga Kuhl and Van Hasselt, 1822) reveals new candidate species and a novel pattern of species dyads

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Species Coexistence ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Molecular Systematic ◽  
Phenotypic Data ◽  
Natural History Studies ◽  
Candidate Species ◽  
Variable Species

Focusing on the phylogenetic relationships of puddle frog populations spanning the biogeographic interface between Sundaland (Borneo) and the Philippines, we demonstrate, for the first time, a widespread geographic pattern involving the existence of multiple divergent and co-distributed (sympatric) evolutionary lineages, most of which are not each other’s closest relatives, and all of which we interpret as probable distinct species. This pattern of co-occurrence in the form of pairs of ecologically distinct puddle frog forms (dyads), prevails throughout northern Borneo, Palawan, Tawi-Tawi, the Sulu Archipelago, and western Mindanao (Zamboanga). Previously obscured by outdated taxonomy and logistical, legal, and security obstacles to field-based natural history studies, this pattern has remained hidden from biogeographers and amphibian biologists by an uncontested proposal that Philippine Occidozyga laevis is a single, “widespread,” and “highly variable” species. In this paper we use an integrative synthesis of new genetic data, organismal phenotypic data, historical literature reports, and ecological observations to elucidate an interesting and potentially widespread pattern of puddle frog species coexistence at the Sundaland–Philippine biogeographic interface. Calling attention to this pattern opens promising possibilities for future research aimed at understanding the scope of this dyads pattern, and whether it extends to the more northern reaches of the Philippines. On either side of Huxley’s and Wallace’s lines, data suggest that the majority of puddle frog dyads at a given locality are not each other’s closest relatives (are more distantly related, or non-monophyletic) and, thus, assembled ecologically, likely coexisting now as a result of their ecological tendencies toward distinct microhabitats (warmer stagnant pools in open areas, versus cool, flowing streams enclosed in forest). If these pairs of species types are determined to be the geographic norm among the more isolated, central, and northern, Philippine faunas, an obvious question will be whether they have evolved into dual ecological forms, possibly in response to ecological opportunity and/or reduced competition. KEYWORDS: biogeography, taxonomy, microhabitat, cryptic species

scholarly journals From Social Trust and Happiness to Government Trust: The Moderating Role of Political Systems and Governance in the Philippines

PCD Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 305
Author(s):  
Erickson D Calata ◽  
Reginald G. Ugaddan
Keyword(s):  
Legal System ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Social Trust ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Trust In Government ◽  
Political Systems ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

There are frequent calls to enhance citizens' trust in government to pave the way towards a new paradigm of participatory governance and strong citizen support for government. In various realms, citizens may directly or indirectly engage with the government through various available mediums, even though, despite the availability of various policies and services provided by the government, citizens are generally passive and adamant in trusting the public sector. While many studies have explored a set of determinants that influence citizens' trust in government (i.e., central government, local government, parliament, and the legal system), few studies have ascertained the relationship and the role of social trust, happiness, governance, and political systems. These are critical factors that may influence trust in government. To address this gap, this study draws on the theoretical lens of social capital theory, proposing that cognitive social trust and citizen happiness—environment and performance—are the most likely predictors of citizen trust in government. This study assumes that citizens' perceptions of governance and political systems will moderate the effect of social trust and happiness on trust in government. Using data from the Asia Barometer Survey 2007, and focusing on data collected from the Philippines, this study tests a latent model employing the structural equation modelling technique. It finds that happiness negatively predicts trust in the central government and the legal system, while all other predictors do not have a significant effect. The findings also show that the political system moderates the impact of social trust and happiness on trust in government. Finally, this article points out its theoretical, empirical, and practical implications and provides directions for future research.

scholarly journals The Significance of Self-directed Learning Readiness, Academic Self-efficacy, and Problem-solving Ability Among Filipino Nursing Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 83-94
Author(s):  
Johnny J. Yao
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Learning Readiness ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Indirect Association ◽  
Academic Self Efficacy

A professional skill that permits nursing students to carry out nursing interventions in the workplace is the ability to solve health care problems. This is essential if they want to become professional nurses. Educators have been attempting to establish effective instructional techniques to improve nursing students’ problem-solving abilities. This study examined the relationship between problem-solving ability, academic self-efficacy, and self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) among nursing students. This study utilized a descriptive correlational study and recruited 170 nursing students in a private higher education institution in the Philippines. Standardized questionnaires were distributed, and data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results show that there is a significant indirect association between problem-solving ability and SDLR (r = -0.525, p < 0.001). Secondly, there is a significant direct association between SDLR and academic self-efficacy (r = 0.549, p < 0.001). Lastly, there is a significant indirect association between academic self-efficacy and problem-solving ability (r = -0.505, p < 0.001). The findings substantiate the assumptions of the study that academic self-efficacy, SDLR, and problem-solving ability of students have relationships with each other. Thus, students who are self-directed learners and are confident with their abilities of success in school tasks are able to solve complex problems or issues. Future research may be explored using longitudinal designs to be able to ascertain the causal link and directionality of the variables related to the present study.

Species Size and Reproductive Economy in Herbaceous Vegetation

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Tracey
Keyword(s):  
Species Coexistence ◽  
Plant Size ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Traditional Theory ◽  
Old Field ◽  
Critical Question ◽  
Self Fertilization ◽  
Reproductive Economy ◽  
Competition For Resources

According to traditional theory, larger plants generaly have an advantage with respect to competition, especially for light. It seems a paradox then that most species that coexist within natural vegetation are relatively small; specis size distributions are right-skewed at virtually every scale. The critical question then becomes: if bigger is better in competition for resources, why then are there so many small plants? A potential explanation for this paradox is that smaller species may have greater reproductive economy-i.e. the ability to reproduce despite suppression from intense competition. Selection for greater reproductive economy may be associated with smaller seed sizes, increased rates of self-fertilization and/or clonality, and in the case of this study, smaller size at reproductive maturity. Random plots in an old field at Queen's University Biological Station were sampled and the largest and smallest reproductive individuals of each species were collected, dried and weighed - to test the hypothesis that smaller species can reproduce at a smaller proportion of their maximum potential plant sizes. The results did not support this, but the hypothesis that smaller plants have greater reproductive economy could not be rejected as it was not possible to record data for the largest possible plant size for each species (since even the largest plants were subjected to competition from neighbours). This provides a focus for future research. Understanding the role of plant size in affecting the process of species assembly has important implications for species coexistence and mechanisms of biodiversity preservation, and thus efforts involving conservation and ecosystem management.

Self-Concept of College Students: Empirical Evidence from an Asian Setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 26-37
Author(s):  
Jonah C. Balba ◽  
Manuel E. Cainigcoy
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Emotional Adjustment ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Guidance Services ◽  
Bachelor Of Science ◽  
High Level

Individuals with high self-concept will likely have high life satisfaction, they easily get adjusted to life, and they communicate their feeling more appropriately. However, it was not certain whether self-concept would decline or improve as individuals age, or whether self-concept would vary between genders and ethnic groups.  To prove, a study was carried out to compare the self-concept of college students in an Asian context. The inquiry utilized the cross-sectional design in finding out significant differences in the self-concept of participants in terms of age, gender, and ethnicity. A 22-item questionnaire was adapted and administered to 222 Bachelor of Public Administration and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration students from the satellite campus of Bukidnon State University in the Philippines. Initially, a sample was randomly drawn from the population. During the actual data collection, the researchers had difficulty getting the responses from the randomly selected individuals due to internet connection and it was done amidst a pandemic. Instead, it took all responses from those who were available, have access to the internet, and could accomplish the google forms. The data were analyzed using Mean, Standard Deviation, T-test for independent sample, ANOVA and Post Hoc test. The results revealed that college students at the locale have a high level of self-concept in self-fulfilment, emotional adjustment, and honesty. Yet, they only had a moderate level of self-concept in autonomy. Further, there were significant differences in college students’ autonomy and honesty in terms of age and gender. Furthermore, there were significant differences in their emotional adjustment and self-fulfilment as to their ethnicity. The results have implications for instruction, administration, guidance services, and future research.

Taxonomic status of Protankyra ramiurna and Protankyra benedeni (Holothuroidea: Apodida: Synaptidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4324 (3) ◽  
pp. 518 ◽  
Author(s):  
JÉSSICA PRATA ◽  
MICHELA BORGES ◽  
CYNTHIA L. C. MANSO ◽  
MARTIN LINDSEY CHRISTOFFERSEN
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
First Record ◽  
Brazilian Coast ◽  
Single Variable ◽  
Variable Species

This study presents a review of the species Protankyra ramiurna Heding, 1928 and Protankyra benedeni (Ludwig, 1881) from the Brazilian coast. Some authors consider that these two taxa represent a single variable species. Our comparative analysis of external characters, anatomy and ossicle morphology indicates that they represent distinct species. This is the first record of Protankyra ramiurna from Brazil. 

Morphological and molecular systematic investigation of Laurencia karachiana sp. nov. (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from Karachi, Pakistan

Phytotaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 404 (1) ◽  
pp. 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
RABIA BIBI ◽  
VALÉRIA CASSANO ◽  
ROSÂNGELA DA SILVA MEDEIROS ◽  
SHAHNAZ RASHID ◽  
MUNAWWER RASHEED
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Genetic Divergence ◽  
Novel Species ◽  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Molecular Systematic ◽  
Interspecific Divergence ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
Open Question ◽  
Rbcl Phylogeny

Laurencia karachiana sp. nov. is described from the Karachi coast of Pakistan, based on rbcL and COI-5P genes sequences. The molecular analyses for both markers positioned L. karachiana within Laurencia sensu stricto and it possesses all vegetative and reproductive structures typical of the genus. Laurencia karachiana grouped with Laurencia sp. from Sri Lanka for both markers. The genetic divergence between these taxa for rbcL was only 0.27%, whereas for COI-5P was much higher, 2.7%. The latter is within ranges of interspecific divergence for Laurencia s.s. The discrepancy of divergence between these markers and the lack of description and illustrations of Laurencia sp. from Sri Lanka for comparison leave the identity of Laurencia sp. as an open question. The rbcL phylogeny resolved L. karachiana and Laurencia sp. as sister to a subclade formed by sequences of Laurencia pumila and L. pumila var. dehoopiensis from South Africa, diverging by 1.7–1.8%. This genetic divergence and also morphological differences observed support the recognition of L. karachiana as a novel species. Our finding shows that this complex from Pakistan requires major revision, because its diversity is likely underestimated.

Blowing the whistle on workplace corruption: the role of ethical leadership

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-294
Author(s):  
Ma. Regina M. Hechanova ◽  
Jason O. Manaois
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Leadership ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Norms

Purpose The purpose of this study is to provide a structural model of the role of ethical leadership on intent to whistle blow workplace corruption using the theory of planned behaviors. Design/methodology/approach The study used a mixed method, sequential design. Interviews were conducted in the first phase to identify corrupt practices and validate the salience of the variables in the study. The second phase administered surveys to test the hypotheses of the study. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was done to analyze structural relationships among variables. Findings SEM results showed an adequately fit model, indicating ethical leadership predicting organizational norms and controls. It also found that ethical leadership has indirect effect toward employees’ attitude toward corruption through organizational norms and control. Furthermore, ethical leadership also has indirect effect on intent to whistle blow through organizational controls. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted in the Philippines, a high-power distance culture. In such a culture, the influence of leadership is crucial, as it dictates standard behaviors of members and the organization as a whole. Future research may wish to explore whether the findings would also apply in low-power distance cultures. Practical implications The finding suggests that ethical leadership is crucial in shaping organizational norms and controls, which in turn, influences employees’ attitude toward corruption and their intention to whistle blow. Originality/value The study contributes to corruption literature by providing empirical evidence of the structure model how the role of ethical leadership shapes organizational norms and controls that, in turn, influences employee attitude toward corruption and intent to whistle blow.

Alexithymia, Prior Trauma, Alcohol Use, and Sexual Aggression Perpetration: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of a Moderated Mediation Model

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 107906322091245
Author(s):  
Lindsey G. Hawkins ◽  
Natira Mullet ◽  
Antover P. Tuliao ◽  
Travis Gudenrath ◽  
Derek Holyoak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Sexual Aggression ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Moderated Mediation ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mediation Model ◽  
Moderated Mediation Model ◽  
Prior Trauma

In this study, we examined the relationships between prior trauma, alexithymia, and sexual aggression perpetration among 610 U.S. college students and 107 college students from the Philippines utilizing a cross-sectional retrospective design. We tested a moderated mediation model with alexithymia as the mediator between prior trauma and sexual aggression perpetration, and alcohol use as a moderator of the alexithymia–sexual aggression link. Moreover, given that cultural norms may influence these relationships, we also examined the structural invariance of the proposed moderated mediation model. Path analyses and multiple group analysis were used to examine the moderated mediation model, and examine model differences between samples. We did not find evidence for alexithymia as a mediator, but there was a significant interaction between alcohol use severity and alexithymia on sexual aggression perpetration across both samples. Alexithymia is a key variable in understanding the alcohol use–sexual aggression perpetration relationship. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research are also discussed.

Early divergence of an Azorean endemic species in the moss genus Rhynchostegiella (Brachytheciaceae)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 210 (1) ◽  
pp. 60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alain Vanderpoorten ◽  
Jairo PatiÑo ◽  
Gerard Dirkse ◽  
TOM BLOCKEEL ◽  
Lars Hedenäs
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Species ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Recent Common Ancestor ◽  
Width Ratio ◽  
Most Recent Common Ancestor ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
Variable Species ◽  
The One ◽  
A New Species

Using the moss genus Rhynchostegiella (Brachytheciaceae) as a model, we address the question of whether taxonomic shortcomings account for the extremely low rates of endemism reported in the Azorean bryophyte flora. Eight accessions initially assigned to three of the four previously reported species in the Azores were identified as a distinct species using the Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent method in the context of a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the genus. Rhynchostegiella azorica sp. nov. is therefore described as a new species that is endemic to the Azores. Its morphological features intergrade with those observed in other species, with a seta that ranges from almost smooth to rough; a length to width ratio of the laminal cells that matches the one of the R. curviseta group; but a leaf apex that is typical of the R. tenella group. This suggests that previous reports of four Rhynchostegiella species from Azores are erroneous and that a single, morphologically variable species, R. azorica, occurs in the archipelago. Rhynchostegiella azorica is sister to the remainder of the species of the genus, whose most recent common ancestor was dated at 4–20 Ma. This points to a more ancient origin in comparison with other Macaronesian endemic species of the genus. The unexpected discovery of an Azorean endemic species in Rhynchostegiella suggests that patterns of endemicity in the Azorean bryophyte flora are not well estimated from traditional taxonomic knowledge and point to the necessity of an extensive integrative taxonomic revision.

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