Search Results (8,071)

Entrepreneurship plays a significant role in the economic development of emerging economies, particularly by addressing persistent issues such as youth unemployment and growth challenges. Developing nations perceive their startup ecosystems as critical engines of economic progress. Policymakers in these countries strive to reduce uncertainties and mitigate risks that could impede the growth of this essential sector. However, they face a significant obstacle: the lack of accurate and reliable data necessary to comprehend the challenges and requirements of the startup ecosystem. To effectively navigate these challenges, policymakers must utilize advanced analytical tools and technologies, including big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. These technologies are crucial for the comprehensive collection and analysis of data from diverse sources. This research aims to identify current trends and challenges within the startup ecosystem in developing countries through the meticulous collection and analysis of news data on the topic. To achieve this objective, we developed a detailed plan to collect news data on Iran’s startup ecosystem spanning from 2017 to 2022. By employing advanced natural language processing techniques, we intended to conduct a thorough analysis of the collected data. Our goal is to extract significant insights that will inform and shape effective policymaking. Full article

Human-driven land use change and intensification is a major threat to global biodiversity. High levels of land management intensity may reduce species diversity, change the composition and structure of plant and animal communities and disrupt ecological processes. However, there is still scarce information on the impacts of land management intensity on island pollinator communities and their interactions with plants. Here, we aim to assess how different land use types (natural vegetation, semi-natural pastures, and intensive pastures), representing a gradient of grazing intensification, influence pollinator diversity and plant–pollinator interactions on Terceira Island (Azores). We surveyed 30 sites (10 per land use) and recorded 1453 visits by 41 pollinator species. Alpha diversity did not differ among land uses, but grazing intensification reduced the abundance of several native species while favoring some exotics, such as the honeybee. Network analyses showed changes in structural properties and declines in interactions between native species with increasing grazing disturbance. Introduced species, particularly the honeybee, dominated interactions in intensively managed habitats, replacing native species from key ecological roles. Our findings highlight the vulnerability of island ecosystems to grazing intensification and emphasize the need for conservation measures in the Azores, namely the reduction in grazing intensity, restoration of habitat connectivity, and implementation of pollinator-friendly agri-environmental schemes to enhance native biodiversity and sustain ecosystem services. Full article

In the rapid development process of cities, as important ecological corridors and landscape carriers, the water quality conditions of urban water bodies are not only related to the health of the ecological environment, but also closely linked to the quality of life of residents. The landscape pattern, as an important component of the urban ecosystem, has a potential impact on water quality. As a tropical coastal city, the unique water network pattern of Haikou City is facing the dual challenges of landscape fragmentation and water quality pollution in its rapid urban expansion. In order to study the impact of the landscape pattern of Haikou City on urban water bodies, this study takes the urban water bodies of Haikou City as the research object. By comprehensively applying landscape ecology methods and water quality monitoring techniques, and using landscape pattern indices (such as the number of patches, fragmentation degree, spread degree, etc.) and on-site investigation of water quality parameter data (such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), etc.), and by using correlation analysis and redundancy analysis, we explore the mechanism by which landscape patterns affect water quality. The results show that: (1) There are significant differences in water quality among water bodies. The concentrations of COD and TN in Hongcheng Lake are relatively high. The average values reached 86.603 mg/L and 13.368 mg/L, respectively, mainly affected by the high-intensity construction land around. Jinniu Lake has a high degree of landscape fragmentation and relatively high concentrations of NH3-N and TP. The average values are 2.086 mg/L and 0.154 mg/L, respectively. The Meishe River has a strong water purification capacity due to its good vegetation coverage. (2) The influence of landscape pattern on water quality has a scale effect. Hongcheng Lake, Jinniu Lake, and Meishe River all have the best interpretation rate of water quality in the 2000 m buffer zone landscape pattern. (3) The expansion of construction land has significantly exacerbated water pollution, while natural vegetation landscapes with high connectivity and low fragmentation can effectively improve water quality. The research reveals the correlation between urban landscape planning and water quality protection. It is suggested that by enhancing ecological connectivity, controlling non-point source pollution, and implementing differentiated seasonal management, the self-purification capacity of water bodies can be improved, providing a scientific basis for ecological restoration and sustainable development in Haikou City. Full article

This study develops a systemic framework to conceptualize digital organizational resilience in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as an emergent property of entangled socio-technical systems. Building on theories of distributed cognition, sociomateriality, and resilience engineering, this paper argues that resilience does not reside in isolated elements—such as leadership, technologies, or procedures—but in their dynamic interplay. Four interdependent dimensions—human, technological, organizational, and institutional—are identified as constitutive of resilience capacities. The research design is conceptual and exploratory in nature. Two theory-driven conceptual statements are formulated: first, that natural language mediation in human–machine interaction enhances coordination and adaptability; and second, that distributed cognition and prototyping practices strengthen collective problem-solving and adaptive capacity. These conceptual statements are not statistically tested but serve as conceptual anchors for the model and as guiding directions for future empirical studies. Empirical illustrations from Ecuadorian MSMEs ground the framework in practice. The evidence highlights three insights: (1) structural fragility, as micro and small firms dominate the economy but face high mortality and financial vulnerability; (2) uneven digitalization, with limited adoption of BPM, ERP, and AI due to skill and resource constraints; and (3) disproportionate gains from modest interventions, such as optimization models or collaborative prototyping. This study contributes to organizational theory by positioning MSMEs as socio-technical ecosystems, providing a conceptual foundation for future empirical validation. Full article

The dynamic and time-sensitive nature of online food delivery, along with real-world factors like sudden changes in order volumes and the availability of couriers, distinguishes it from traditional vehicle routing scenarios. Apart from the many studies in the literature that handle this problem from specific angles, our solution proposes a new approach that provides real-time routing with the awareness of the expectations of multiple stakeholders in the ecosystem. For this purpose, we develop a Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) model that minimizes unmet demand and workforce requirements simultaneously to meet platform and courier expectations while maintaining the timeliness of the operation to meet restaurant and customer expectations. Since the model requires more time to provide good results for even small-size problems, we develop a multi-step algorithmic approach supported by strategies that hold or dissolve a part of the solutions to create opportunities for better results. A framework for agent-based simulation was created to implement the strategies and the algorithmic steps, accurately mimicking the operations and movements of couriers. The effectiveness of this solution was evaluated through experiments based on a real-world case study. The results indicate that our solution can generate high-quality results in a short time across various configurations, which are defined by different demand and supply patterns and varying problem sizes. Full article

Grassland ecosystems, a major component of the global carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles, are increasingly impacted by anthropogenic N addition. However, a comprehensive, integrated assessment of all three major greenhouse gas (GHG) responses in grasslands is lacking. Here, we present the first global meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of N addition on all three major GHGs (i.e., nitrous oxide (N₂O), methane (CH₄), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) fluxes) in grasslands. Our results show that N addition significantly and consistently stimulates N₂O emissions, a response primarily modulated by key drivers such as grassland type, management, N addition rate and forms, humidity index (HI), and soil pH, clay, and total nitrogen (TN) content. In contrast, N addition has a minimal and non-significant overall effect on soil CO₂ fluxes. For CH₄, N addition causes a context-dependent reduction in uptake, an effect that is exacerbated by high mean annual precipitation (MAP) and soil bulk density (BD) but alleviated by high soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Notably, both CO₂ and N₂O showed a dose-dependent effect, while soil CO₂ fluxes were unexpectedly suppressed by nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻) addition. Our findings indicate that the pronounced and consistent increase in N₂O emissions is the dominant factor in GHG-related impacts in grasslands, implying a net positive climate forcing in grasslands from N enrichment, even if there is insufficient data to calculate net climate forcing directly. Our study highlights the heterogeneous nature of grassland GHG responses and provides critical insights for developing sustainable N management strategies to mitigate climate change. Full article

Dew is an important water source for natural organisms in arid and semi-arid areas, playing a crucial role in maintaining the stability and sustainability of desert ecosystems. Effectively estimating dew quantity and its long-term changes remains a challenge. Based on conventional meteorological observation data, this study used a Random Forest model to estimate the dew quantity in Nilka, the Southern slope of Boluohuoluo Mountain in middle Tianshan Mountains from June to October in 1970–2022 and analyzed its long-term variations using a statistical method. The results revealed that (1) monthly dewfall varied from 0.74 to 3.88 mm. The 53-year average of the total dew amount in October was significantly higher than in other months (2.81 mm), while the lowest was in August (2.02 mm). In addition, the total dew amount in June, July, and September were 2.27 mm, 2.19 mm, and 2.16 mm, respectively. (2) From 1970 to the beginning of the 21st century, there was a slight decrease in dew from June to October and in every month individually, followed by an increase for about 18 years, after which the dew amount decreased again. During 1970 to 2022, the dew amount exhibited a declining trend when considering the June–October period as a whole or for August and October individually. (3) The change in dew amount was primarily affected by the relative humidity. The findings have implications for assessing the effect of climate change on the dew formation, and could be conducive to further maintaining ecological stability and sustainability in dryland regions amidst global warming. Full article

In this study, 74 bacterial isolates were obtained from sediments of Šibenik Bay, which has historically been impacted by heavy metal pollution. Isolates were tested for tolerance to cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), and zinc (Zn), both individually and in mixtures, and for their biofilm-forming ability. Toxicity followed the trend Hg > Sn > Zn/Cd/Cr > Co/Ni > Pb, with Cu showing resistance across different concentrations. Resistance traits were observed against all tested metals, with some isolates displaying multi-metal resistance to as many as seven metals, reflecting long-term selective pressure in the Bay. The Bacillus species dominated the community (48 isolates across five clusters), confirming this genus as the principal group in metal-polluted sediments. Several less-explored genera, including Ruegeria/Cribrihabitans, Bhargavaea, Pseudoalteromonas, and Lysinibacillus/Sporosarcina, also exhibited notable resistance traits, underscoring their potential as novel candidates for bioremediation. Eleven isolates from Bacillus/Mesobacillus/Cytobacillus, Bacillus/Peribacillus/Rossellomorea, Bacillus/Pseudoalkalibacillus/Alkalibacillus, Lysinibacillus/Sporosarcina, and Ruegeria/Cribrihabitans clusters showed resistance and robust growth under metal mixtures. Among all isolates, 11, 32, 81, and 82 (Bacillus/Mesobacillus/Cytobacillus and Bacillus/Peribacillus/Rossellomorea) combined broad multi-metal tolerance with strong biofilm formation, positioning them as candidates for site-specific, nature-based bioremediation of heavy-metal-impacted coastal ecosystems such as Šibenik Bay. Full article

Forests play a crucial role in climate regulation through atmospheric CO₂ sequestration. However, disturbances like wildfires can severely compromise this function. This study assesses the ecological and economic consequences of a 2018 wildfire in The Roaches Nature Reserve, UK, focusing on post-fire carbon dynamics. A mixed woodland dominated by Pinus sylvestris L. and Larix decidua Mill. was evaluated via satellite imagery (remote sensing indices), dendrochronological analysis (wood cores sampling), and soil properties analyses. Remote sensing revealed areas of high fire severity and progressive vegetation decline. Tree-ring data indicated near-total mortality of L. decidua, while P. sylvestris showed greater post-fire resilience. Soil properties (e.g., soil organic carbon, biomass and microbial indices, etc.) assessed at a depth of 0–5 cm showed no significant changes. The analysis of CO₂ sequestration trends revealed a marked decline in burned areas, with post-fire sequestration reduced by approximately 70% in P. sylvestris and nearly 100% in L. decidua, in contrast to the stable patterns observed in the control stands during the same period. To estimate this important ecosystem service, we developed a novel CO₂ Sequestration Loss (CSL) index, which quantified the reduction in forest carbon uptake and underscored the impaired sequestration capacity of burned area. The decrease in CO₂ sequestration also resulted in a loss of regulating ecosystem service value, with burned areas showing a marked reduction compared to pre-fire conditions. Finally, a carbon loss of ~208 Mg ha⁻¹ was estimated in the burnt area compared to the control, mainly due to tree mortality rather than shallow soil carbon stock. Overall, our findings demonstrate that wildfire can substantially compromise the climate mitigation potential of temperate forests, highlighting the urgency of proactive management and restoration strategies. Full article

The sustainability of Arctic ecosystems that are extremely vulnerable is contingent upon the state of cryosoils. Understanding the principles of ecosystem stability in permafrost conditions, particularly under external natural or human-induced influences, necessitates an examination of the thermal and moisture regimes of the seasonally thawed soil layer. The study concentrated on the variability in the soil’s thermophysical properties in Central Siberia’s permafrost zone (the northern part of Krasnoyarsk Region, Taimyr, Russia). In the industrially affected area of interest, we evaluated and contrasted the differences in the thermophysical properties of soils between two opposing types of landscapes. On the one hand, these are soils that are characteristic of the natural landscape of flat shrub tundra, with a well-developed moss–lichen cover. An alternative is the soils in the landscape, which have exhibited significant degradation in the vegetation cover due to both natural and human-induced factors. The heat-insulating properties of background areas are controlled by the layer of moss and shrubs, while its disturbance determines the excessive heating of the soil at depth. In comparison to the background soil characteristics, degradation of on-ground vegetation causes the active layer depth of the soils to double and the temperature gradient to decrease. With respect to depth, we examine the changes in soil temperature and heat flow dynamics (q, W/m²). The ranges of thermal conductivity (λ, W/(m∙K)) were assessed using field-measured temperature profiles and heat flux values in the soil layers. The background soil was discovered to have lower thermal conductivity values, which are typical of organic matter, in comparison to the soil of the transformed landscape. Thermal diffusivity coefficients for soil layers were calculated using long-term temperature monitoring data. It is shown that it is possible to use an adjusted model of the thermal conductivity coefficient to reconstruct the dynamics of moisture content from temperature dynamics data. A satisfactory agreement is shown when the estimated ($W_{calc}$, %) and observed ($W_{exp}$, %) moisture content values in the soil layer are compared. The findings will be employed to regulate the effects on landscapes in order to implement sustainable nature management in the region, thereby preventing the significant degradation of ecosystems and the concomitant risks to human well-being. Full article

The study of tropical landscape dynamics is of critical importance, particularly within protected areas, for evaluating ecosystem functioning and the effectiveness of natural conservation efforts. This study aims to identify landscape dynamics within the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve (including Cat Tien National Park and the Ma Da Forest) using remote sensing (Landsat and others) and geographic information system methods. The analysis is based on changes in the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), land cover transformations, landscape metrics (Class area, Percentage of Landscape and others), and natural landscape fragmentation, as well as a spatio-temporal assessment of anthropogenic impacts on the area. The results revealed structural changes in the landscapes of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve between 2000 and 2024. According to Sen’s slope estimates, a generally EVI growth was observed in both the core and buffer zones of the reserve. This trend was evident in forested areas as well as in regions of the buffer zone that were previously occupied by highly productive agricultural land. An analysis of Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Land Cover and Land Cover Climate Change Initiative (CCI) data confirms the relative stability of land cover in the core zone, while anthropogenic pressure has increased due to the expansion of agricultural lands, mosaic landscapes, and urban development. The calculation of landscape metrics revealed the growing isolation of natural forests and the dominance of artificial plantations, forming transitional zones between natural and anthropogenically modified landscapes. The human disturbance index, calculated for the years 2000 and 2024, shows only a slight change in the average value across the territory. However, the coefficient of variation increased significantly by 2024, indicating a localized rise in anthropogenic pressure within the buffer zone, while a reduction was observed in the core zone. The practical significance of the results obtained lies in the possibility of their use for the management of the Dongnai biosphere Reserve based on a differentiated approach: for the core and the buffer zone. There should be a ban on agriculture and development in the core zone, and restrictions on urbanized areas in the buffer zone. Full article

The Earth is facing an extinction crisis caused by anthropogenic activities, with a primary goal of today’s conservation management being the protection of species from being lost to the Anthropocene. What is missing from the debate surrounding extinction, and how humanity grapples with this issue, is an acknowledgement that it is a natural phenomenon that has always accompanied biological life, including prior to human evolution. Despite the importance of continued efforts to save species from extinctions, there is a need to differentiate extinctions caused by humans (anthropogenic extinctions) from extinctions that would have occurred in our absence (natural extinctions). We propose that there is a dilemma in halting extinctions altogether and in perpetuity if this also prevents non-anthropogenic extinctions that are a key component of life on Earth, particularly when considering much longer timescales than the current extinction crisis necessitates. From this perspective, we argue that non-anthropogenic extinctions should be allowed if they can be distinguished from anthropogenic extinctions. This perspective is intended for managers to consider the ways in which they actively manipulate ecosystems moving forward in the pursuit of conservation and how extinction needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis to fulfil this process of management. Full article

This review synthesizes the current knowledge of the various natural and human-caused processes that influence the evolution of sandy beaches and explores ways to improve predictions. Short-term storm-driven dynamics have been extensively studied, but long-term changes remain poorly understood due to a limited grasp of non-wave drivers, outdated topo-bathymetric (land–sea continuum digital elevation model) data, and an absence of systematic uncertainty assessments. In this study, we classify and analyze the various drivers of beach change, including meteorological, oceanographic, geological, biological, and human influences, and we highlight their interactions across spatial and temporal scales. We place special emphasis on the role of remote sensing, detailing the capacities and limitations of optical, radar, lidar, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), video systems and satellite Earth observation for monitoring shoreline change, nearshore bathymetry (or seafloor), sediment dynamics, and ecosystem drivers. A case study from the Langue de Barbarie in Senegal, West Africa, illustrates the integration of in situ measurements, satellite observations, and modeling to identify local forcing factors. Based on this synthesis, we propose a structured framework for quantifying uncertainty that encompasses data, parameter, structural, and scenario uncertainties. We also outline ways to dynamically update nearshore bathymetry to improve predictive ability. Finally, we identify key challenges and opportunities for future coastal forecasting and emphasize the need for multi-sensor integration, hybrid modeling approaches, and holistic classifications that move beyond wave-only paradigms. Full article

As an important ecosystem service, water conservation is influenced by land use related to human activities. In this study, we first evaluated spatial and temporal changes in water conservation in Baicheng City, western Jilin Province, from 2000 to 2020. Then, we identified three different scenarios: the natural development scenario (NDS), cropland protection scenario (CPS), and ecological protection scenario (EPS). We coupled the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) and Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) models to predict the distribution of land use types and water conservation in Baicheng City under these scenarios for 2030. The results showed the following: (1) The average water conservation in Baicheng City from 2000 to 2020 was 7.08 mm. (2) Areas with higher water conservation were distributed in the northwest and northeast, while lower water conservation areas were distributed in the central and southwest of Baicheng City. (3) The simulation results of the future pattern of land use show an increasing water conservation trend in all three scenarios. Compared with the other two scenarios, the ecological protection scenario is the most suitable option for the current development planning of Baicheng City. Under the ecological protection scenario (EPS), ecological land is strictly protected, the area of agricultural land increases to some extent, and the overall structure of changes in land use becomes more rational. This study provides a reference for land resource allocation and ecosystem conservation. Full article

Fungi in tropical ecosystems remain an understudied yet critical component of climate change mitigation, particularly within the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. This review highlights their dual role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by regulating carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxides (N₂O) while enhancing long-term carbon sequestration. Mycorrhizal fungi are pivotal in maintaining soil integrity, facilitating nutrient cycling, and amplifying carbon storage capacity through symbiotic mechanisms. We synthesize how fungal symbiotic systems under LULUCF shape ecosystem networks and note that, in pristine ecosystems, these networks are resilient. We introduce the concept of Nature-based Culture (NbC) to describe symbiotic self-cultures sustaining ecosystem stability, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. Case studies demonstrate how the NbC concept is applied in reforestation strategies such as AeroHydro Culture (AHC), the Integrated Mangrove Sowing System (IMSS), and the 4N approach (No Plastic, No Burning, No Chemical Fertilizer, Native Species). These approaches leverage mycorrhizal networks to improve restoration outcomes in peatlands, mangroves, and semi-arid regions while minimizing land disturbance and chemical inputs. Therefore, by bridging fungal ecology with LULUCF policy, this review advocates for a paradigm shift in forest management that integrates fungal symbioses to strengthen carbon storage, ecosystem resilience, and human well-being. Full article