Ecosystem Development Research Articles

Association Between Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and Entrepreneurial Behavior & Attitudes

Entrepreneurship ecosystem and entrepreneurial behaviour & attitudes are significantly associated with several variables associated with social development, economic development, science & technological development, intellectual property right regime, geographical location, government policies, demographical profile, and cultural aspects of the people. This study creates entrepreneurship ecosystem development index (EEDI) and entrepreneurial behaviour & attitude index (EBAI) to explain the relative performance of entrepreneurship ecosystem and entrepreneurial behaviour & attitudes, respectively. Different indicators associated with entrepreneurship ecosystem and entrepreneurial behaviour & attitudes, respectively used to create EEDI and EBAI. These indicators are recognized as a key element of entrepreneurship ecosystem and entrepreneurial behaviour & attitudes by global entrepreneurship monitor (GEM). Subsequently, it examined the association of estimated EEDI and EBAI by including some relevant indicators as control variables in proposed empirical models.

Reconstructing the rapid transitions of ecosystems during the mid-late Holocene: A pollen record from Haixing wetland in Bohai Bay, North China

Vegetation in coastal regions is sensitive to climate and sea-level changes. However, currently there is still a lack of understanding about the stability of the Holocene coastal ecosystem and the rapid conversion processes of different coastal wetland ecosystems. In this study, the high-resolution vegetation succession history of the southwest coast of Bohai Bay during the mid-late Holocene was revealed, based on pollen analysis and REVEALS model, and the rate of vegetation change was estimated. Furthermore, the characteristics and mechanisms of different ecosystem changes were explored. The results indicate that there was a prolonged transition from shallow sea to lagoon before the formation of the Haixing wetland during the interval of 7500–4100 cal yr BP. The rate of watershed vegetation change increase significantly under the common influence of the 4.2 ka event and human activities, causing a regime shift in the mountain forest ecosystems and a decrease in landscape resilience. It was characterized by a substantial reduction in broad-leaved forests (from>30% to<5%), especially for Quercus (∼3%), which have not recovered to pre-event levels since the end of the 4.2 ka event. Since 3500 cal yr BP, the Haixing area was completely detached from the influence of the Bohai Sea, forming freshwater wetlands. The local vegetation rapidly shifted from alkali-tolerant communities that followed the sea retreat to freshwater marsh plant communities. During 2000–1100 cal yr BP, under the strong impact of human activities, the succession of forest and grassland communities in the basin became more frequent. The area of coastal salt marshes expanded, with salt-tolerant plant communities taking the absolute advantage. The wetland vegetation landscape became closer to the modern appearance. Overall, our study provides new evidence for understanding the rapid evolution of coastal ecosystems in East Asia influenced by a combination of climate, hydrology and humans. It will help guide the coastal regions in facing the challenges of future global climate changes.

A Digital Learning Ecosystem through Metaverse Experiences to Develop Modern Digital Entrepreneurs Competencies

This study explores the development and evaluation of a digital learning ecosystem through metaverse experiences aimed at enhancing the competencies of modern digital entrepreneurs. The objectives were as follows: (1) to study the digital learning ecosystem through metaverse experiences, (2) to design and develop a digital learning ecosystem using a metaverse experience, and (3) to study the results of using the digital learning ecosystem through metaverse experiences. The research method was divided into three phases based on these objectives. The first phase involved studying the digital learning ecosystem through metaverse experiences. In the second phase, the digital learning ecosystem for design and development was evaluated for its effectiveness by twelve experts using a suitability assessment form. The third phase examined the outcomes of using the digital learning ecosystem through metaverse experiences, focusing on digital entrepreneurs&amp;rsquo; competencies and innovative thinking skills. The study included 30 participants from higher education institutions in Thailand. The findings revealed a significant improvement in learners&amp;rsquo; digital competencies post-intervention with a large effect size (Cohen&amp;rsquo;s d = 1.72), indicating the substantial impact of the digital learning ecosystem through metaverse experiences. Additionally, there was a notable enhancement in innovative thinking skills as evidenced by high mean scores in creativity, problem-solving, value creation, presentation, and implementation. The experts found the digital learning ecosystem through metaverse experiences to be highly appropriate and effective.

Forecasting Carbon Sequestration Potential in China’s Grasslands by a Grey Model with Fractional-Order Accumulation

This study aims to predict the carbon sequestration capacity of Chinese grasslands to address climate change and achieve carbon neutrality goals. Grassland carbon sequestration is a crucial part of the global carbon cycle. However, its capacity is significantly impacted by climate change and human activities, making its dynamic changes complex and challenging to predict. This study adopts a fractional-order accumulation grey model, using 11 provinces in China as samples, to analyze and forecast grassland carbon sequestration. The study finds significant differences in grassland carbon sequestration trends across the sample regions. The carbon sequestration capacity of the grasslands in Xizang (Tibet) and Heilongjiang province is increasing, while it is decreasing in other provinces. The varying prediction results are influenced not only by regional climatic and natural conditions, but also by human interventions such as overgrazing, irrational reclamation, excessive mineral resource exploitation, and increased tourism development. Therefore, more region-specific grassland management and protection strategies should be formulated to enhance the carbon sequestration capacity of grasslands and promote the sustainable development of ecosystems. The significance of this study lies not only in providing scientific guidance for the protection and sustainable management of Chinese grasslands, but also in contributing theoretical and practical insights into global carbon sequestration strategies.

AI-enabled smart manufacturing boosts ecosystem value capture: The importance of servitization pathways within digital-intensive industries

Understanding successful pathways for manufacturers to capture value within the service ecosystem framework is a recent and still nascent area of research that requires further investigation and growth. Within industrial settings, artificial intelligence (AI) constitutes an enabling technology that can be integrated across a network of products and systems, driving the transformation of these service ecosystems. From this perspective, this study proposes that the symbiotic convergence between AI-enabled smart manufacturing, which facilitates process and product enhancements, and servitization, which enables product availability and customization, contributes to a higher level of ecosystem value capture. To address this issue, a research model employing Smart Partial Least Squares was developed to examine the interplay between these constructs. By using survey data from a purposively selected sample of servitized manufacturing firms, the findings reveal the synergistic effects of integrating AI-enabled smart manufacturing and servitization. Furthermore, the results indicate variances across industrial sectors, and highlight that in digitally-intensive industries, service business models have undergone more substantial transformations, fostering accelerated ecosystem development streamlined by customization. Conversely, in digitally-augmented industries, where inputs are digital but products are predominantly analog, digital capabilities are primarily confined to production processes.

Seawater spray as a significant nitrogen source across coastal dune vegetation gradients

BackgroundNitrogen significantly influences plant performance and vegetation development in nutrient-poor ecosystems like coastal dunes. While various sources contribute nitrogen, including N2 fixation and marine inputs, the significance of seawater spray remains understudied. In this study, we aimed to assess the relevance of seawater spray as a source of nitrogen input and its potential role in plant community composition in dune ecosystems. MethodsThe δ15N, δ13C, N, and C content of leaves from the most abundant 21 species were measured in 6 positions across a beach inland gradient in a Mediterranean dune system in SW Spain. Soil samples at different depths were collected in each position and N, C, P, K, NH4+, NO3=, and organic matter were measured. Salt spray accumulation was determined on Achillea maritima leaves across the gradient. ResultsLeaf nitrogen content did not exhibit a beach-inland gradient, but δ15N decreased with distance from the sea. Species displayed three distinct N uptake strategies along the gradient: species from Upper Beach and Foredune communities showed high δ15N values, suggesting a marine origin; species distributed across the gradient exhibited decreasing δ15N patterns from the Upper Beach to the Inland, indicative of seawater spray influence; species farthest from the sea relied on non-marine nitrogen sources. ConclusionsThese results indicate the importance of seawater nitrogen income for the dune system vegetation and evidence that dune plant species exhibit varied N uptake strategies influenced by their position across the beach-inland gradient.

Trends in the Research and Development of Soil Nitrogen Mineralization in Forests from 2004 to 2024

Nitrogen (N) is a vital mineral nutrient for plant growth and occupies a pivotal position in biogeochemical systems. Soil nitrogen mineralization (SNM) in forests represents a significant limiting factor in terrestrial ecosystem productivity in the context of global climate change. To understand the research status and development trends of SNM in forests, 3576 articles spanning 2004 to 2024 from the Web of Science (WOS) database were analyzed using CiteSpace software. The results indicated that (1) the mean number of articles published in the recent ten-year period is 193, marking an approximate 17.8% increase compared to the preceding ten-year period (2004–2013), highlighting the continuous development of SNM research; (2) among the sampled articles, Soil Biology and Biochemistry, Forest Ecology and Management, Plant and Soil, and Biogeochemistry emerged as leading international journals that played a key role in shaping the development of the field and laid a solid foundation for future research efforts; (3) the USA and China emerged as the most productive countries in this field, with the Chinese Academy of Sciences standing out as a prominent institution at the forefront of this research domain; and (4) recent research is focusing on understanding the interactions between microbial communities and the environment during SNM. In summary, this study offers valuable insights into the research status and development trends of SNM in forests. It underscores the importance of ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation to further enhance our understanding of key ecological processes. Future research on SNM in forests is encouraged to delve deeper into its associations with forest productivity, carbon cycling, microbial functions, and global change. Additionally, exploring sustainable land management and process optimization is recommended to promote the healthy and sustainable development of forest ecosystems.

Teaching Reform of RFID Principles and Application Course with Information Industry Integration for System Capability Cultivation

The rapid development of the domestic information industry ecosystem has put forward higher requirements for the quality of computer talent training in colleges and universities. In response to the current issues of outdated course content and lagging teaching strategies in RFID principles and application courses at applied undergraduate institutions, measures have been proposed to promote the cultivation of talent for the autonomous and controllable RFID industry, taking the system capability as the main line. Under the guidance of the engineering education certification standards, based on the Tyler curriculum development model, domestic RFID platforms are introduced into the classroom. Through innovative reforms of the objectives, content, methods, and evaluation system of the RFID principles and application courses, the integration into the information industry ecosystem is actively promoted, enhancing the effective integration of the education chain, industry chain, innovation chain, and talent chain, contributing to the national strategy of independent control.

Contribution of Climatic Change and Human Activities to Vegetation Dynamics over Southwest China during 2000–2020

Southwest China is an important carbon sink area in China. It is critical to track and assess how human activity (HA) and climate change (CC) affect plant alterations in order to create effective and sustainable vegetation restoration techniques. This study used MODIS NDVI data, vegetation type data, and meteorological data to examine the regional and temporal variations in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in Southwest China from 2000 to 2020. Using trend analysis, the study looks at the temporal and geographical variability in the NDVI. Partial correlation analysis was also used to assess the effects of precipitation, extreme climate indicators, and mean temperature on the dynamics of the vegetation. A new residual analysis technique was created to categorize the effects of CC and HA on NDVI changes while taking extreme climate into consideration. The findings showed that the NDVI in Southwest China grew at a rate of 0.02 per decade between 2000 and 2020. According to the annual NDVI, there was a regional rise in around 85.59% of the vegetative areas, with notable increases in 36.34% of these regions. Temperature had a major influence on the northern half of the research region, but precipitation and extreme climate had a notable effect on the southern half. The rates at which climatic variables and human activity contributed to changes in the NDVI were 0.0008/10a and 0.0034/10a, respectively. These rates accounted for 19.1% and 80.9% of the variances, respectively. The findings demonstrate that most areas displayed greater HA-induced NDVI increases, with the exception of the western Sichuan Plateau. This result suggests that when formulating vegetation restoration and conservation strategies, special attention should be paid to the impact of human activities on vegetation to ensure the sustainable development of ecosystems.

Machine learning-based estimation of evapotranspiration under adaptation conditions: a case study in Heilongjiang Province, China.

The prediction of evapotranspiration (ET0) is crucial for agricultural ecosystems, irrigation management, and environmental climate regulation. Traditional methods for predicting ET0 require a variety of meteorological parameters. However, obtaining data for these multiple parameters can be challenging, leading to inaccuracies or inability to predict ET0 using traditional methods. This affects decision-making in critical applications such as agricultural irrigation scheduling and water management, consequently impacting the development of agricultural ecosystems. This issue is particularly pronounced in economically underdeveloped regions. Therefore, this paper proposes a machine learning-based evapotranspiration estimation method adapted to evapotranspiration conditions. Compared to traditional methods, our approach relies less on the variety of meteorological parameters and yields higher prediction accuracy. Additionally, we introduce a 'region of evapotranspiration adaptability' division method, which takes into account geographical differences in ET0 prediction. This effectively mitigates the negative impact of anomalies or missing data from individual meteorological stations, making our method more suitable for practical agricultural irrigation and ecosystem water resource management. We validated our approach using meteorological data from 25 stations in Heilongjiang, China. Our results indicate that non-adjacent geographical areas, despite different climatic conditions, can have similar impacts on ET0 prediction. In summary, our method facilitates accurate ET0 prediction, offering new insights for the development of agricultural irrigation and ecosystems, and further contributes to agricultural food supply.

Winter forage crops influence soil properties through establishing different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities in paddy field

Winter planting is promising for improving the utilization rate of fallow paddy fields in southern China by establishing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities. However, the effects of different winter forage crops on AMF community construction remain unknown. The AMF community establishment of different winter planting forage crops were conducted in oat, rye, Chinese milk vetch, and ryegrass, with winter fallow as a control. The AMF colonization rate, soil AMF spore density, community structure and diversity, and soil physicochemical properties were determined. The results showed that the total nitrogen and available nitrogen in winter Chinese milk vetch were 11.11% and 16.92% higher than those in winter fallow (P < 0.05). After planting winter forage crops, the AMF spore density in winter oat, rye, Chinese milk vetch, and ryegrass soil were 127.90%, 64.37%, 59.91%, and 73.62% higher than that before planting, respectively (P < 0.05). Claroideoglomus was the dominant AMF genus in the soil of winter planting oat, rye, and ryegrass. The average membership function value of winter Chinese milk vetch was the highest, indicating that it had the best comprehensive effect on soil physicochemical properties, AMF community structure and diversity, and fresh forage yield. Winter forage crops could increase the spore pool of soil AMF and improve the soil AMF community structure and diversity. Winter Chinese milk vetch in paddy field had the best comprehensive effect on soil physicochemical properties and soil AMF community according to the comprehensive evaluation. These findings provide a theoretical basis for sustainable development and utilization of the southern rice paddy ecosystem.

Quality and Safety of Extracted Humic Substances as Fundamental Factor of Natural Regulation for the Sustainable Development

Humic substances as natural biogeochemical macromolecules have been formed over tens of millions of years as a result of the processes of natural destruction of biological systems with a high degree of chemical diversity. The prospects and realities of today’s use of humic substances by humans in agriculture, pharmaceuticals and medicine raise the issue of strict safety control of various drugs derived from these natural substances. These technologies for the extraction and purification of final humic preparations should be carried out in accordance with the balanced development of natural ecosystems and biosafety requirements. In this publication we raise the issue of creating a single standard for the quality and safety of purified humic substances on a global scale.

Changing circulations challenge the sustainability of cold water mass and associated ecosystem under climate change

Bottom cold water mass provides abundant nutrients and cool water in summer, playing a pivotal role in the productivity of marine ecosystem and sustainable aquaculture development. Located in the most densely populated region, the Yellow Sea cold water mass (YSCWM) is a unique one influencing hundreds of millions of people living in the rim of the Yellow Sea. As anthropogenic carbon emissions continue, how the YSCWM will be altered by climate change becomes a pressing issue, but remains elusive. Using an unprecedented set of climate models with high resolution and biogeochemical components, we find that the volume of the YSCWM will shrink by 48% to 2040–2050, along with the bottom temperature warming of 0.4 ± 0.1 °C dec−1 and the dissolved oxygen concentration declining of 0.09 ± 0.04 mg (L dec)−1. The significant destruction of the YSCWM is driven by the strengthened Yellow Sea Warm Current (YSWC). The reduced land-sea thermal contrast is the cause of the circulation change, by weakening the East Asian winter monsoon. Due to the resultant profound habitat reduction for marine life, predicting the change of the YSCWM will have far-reaching influences on the future policy-making for sustainable development of offshore aquaculture.

Impacts of urbanization on urban-rural VPD disparities across different subregions in China: A quantitative analysis based on station-pairing and partial differential methods

The climatic disparities between urban cores and surrounding rural areas have become increasingly pronounced due to rapid urbanization. The vapor pressure deficit (VPD) serves as a critical meteorological indicator reflecting atmospheric aridity, and identifying the contributions of urban and rural climate factors on the urban-rural VPD disparities plays an important role in understanding urban climate and ecosystem development patterns. This study introduces a quantitative method, utilizing partial differential equations, to assess the relative contributions of two crucial meteorological factors—air temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH)—toward urban-rural differences in VPD. Analyzing daily scale data from 116 pairs of urban and rural stations across mainland China for the period 2000–2017, we derived several key findings: Urban areas generally exhibit higher VPD than surrounding rural areas, with a relative difference in annual VPD of about 21.6 %, and the disparity increases over time. Furthermore, the influence of urbanization on VPD responds differently across seasons and geographical conditions. The simulated trends in VPD urban-rural differences using the partial differential method align closely with the actual observed trends, validating the effectiveness of our quantitative analysis approach. The VPD urban-rural disparity shows greater sensitivity to shifts in RH, with sensitivity coefficients exceeding 1.5 times to changes in T in most cases. RH is the primary factor causing VPD urban-rural differences in mainland China, and the relative contribution of RH is about 2.5 times of T. The patterns of sensitivity and the contribution of factors exhibit notable variation among subregions. This study enhances the understanding of how urbanization affects regional climate and provides insights for assessing the environmental impacts of future urban expansion.

A set of Models for Device Positioning in Sixth Generation Networks. Part 1. Methods Survey and Problem Statement

Relevance. Today, terahertz radio systems are considered as a technological basis for integrating methods and means of radio communication and radar in promising sixth-generation networks. If in 4G LTE networks the capabilities of positioning user equipment using the infrastructure of base stations were considered as auxiliary options, then in 5G NR networks, location determination technologies (LDTs) have become full-fledged services, the requirements for which are specified along with communication services. A new trend in positioning in 5G NR networks, compared to 4G LTE networks, has become a single-position assessment of the coordinates and orientation of the user equipment based on signals from a single base station with the ability to distinguish between direct and reflected signals. 6G networks are still in their infancy, but it can already be stated that they mark the next stage in the evolution of digital ecosystems, which is characterized by the convergence of communication technologies, localization and sensing of radio air and the surrounding space by radio engineering means.Purpose. This work opens a research cycle devoted to the review of models, methods and algorithms for positioning devices in 6G networks. The goal of the cycle is to find and justify new radio engineering means for achieving decimeter accuracy in 6G device coordinate estimates. The first part of the cycle provides an overview of the methods and formalization of the model for collecting primary measurements.Method is an analytical review of the state of the problem based on current scientific publications, conceptual modeling, categorical approach, expert combination, comparative analysis, formalization, mathematical and simulation modeling.Results. As a result of the review of device positioning methods during the transition to 6G networks, key performance indicators and LDT scenarios are updated. As a result of the comparative analysis of 5G and 6G networks, new factors, advantages and disadvantages of positioning technologies during the transition from millimeter wave networks to terahertz networks are systematized. A formalized mathematical model for collecting primary measurements is used in the simulation model for assessing the accuracy of device positioning in the second part of the cycle.Novelty. This cycle is the first such study in the Russian scientific segment on network positioning of the sixth generation of the terahertz range, in which the author's version provides an overview of methods and a systematization of a set of new factors of the OMP in communication networks.The theoretical significance of the review-analysis lies in the establishment of both technological obstacles and new opportunities for increasing positioning accuracy during the transition to 6G networks.The practical significance of the formalized mathematical model lies in its subsequent software implementation for numerical justification of the limits of positioning accuracy in 6G networks.

Trade-offs and synergies pattern evolution of ecosystem structure-resilience-activity-services (SRAS) in the Belt and Road Initiative region

This study develops an analytical framework comprising “ecosystem pattern – trade-off and synergy process – multidimensional response mechanism – future risk management” to investigate the evolution of trade-off and synergy patterns of SRAS performance and its sustainability among BRI nations and 80 representative cities. The synergistic levels of SRAS in BRI countries declined, but will increase in the future, the increased trend of BRI cities will transfer to decline in the future. The interaction of multi-dimensional human urban activities could achieve a stronger impact on SRAS performance synergies of BRI countries and cities, and the PD-LU and PD-ED were the dominant interaction influence chains, respectively. This study was the first one to holistically reveal the evolution of trade-off and synergy patterns of SRAS performances, at both nation and city levels, in the BRI region. It also contributes new perspectives from the BRI region to the sustainable urban planning, terrestrial ecosystems conservation, and urban ecological governance programs.

Study of integration processes in the pharmaceutical market in the context of the development of territorial pharmaceutical ecosystems

Introduction. The ecosystem approach to the organization of business processes in the pharmaceutical market meets the prevailing trends, so the growth index of e-commerce in the retail sector of medicines for 5 years amounted to 1.87. The market distribution sector of medicines in the Russian Federation is characterized by a shift in corporate governance towards marketing cooperation based on aggregation electronic trading platforms (AETPS). Development of territorial pharmaceutical ecosystems (TFE) As a new integrative tool for managing the pharmaceutical development – production – distribution cycle, in order to achieve the target model of PHARMA 2030 at the territorial level, it requires the development of regulatory mechanisms for managing the supply of medicines. Objective: characteristics of integration processes in the industrial, wholesale and retail sectors of the pharmaceutical market to assess the potential competitiveness of territorial pharmaceutical ecosystems. Material and methods. The primary data for the analysis were: volumes of wholesale commodity residues of medicines produced in the Ural Federal District (461 registration certificates; proprietary Price and Distribution Test data for 230 trade names of LP EMIS data 2021–2022; Alpharm data 2021–2022; Datainsight 2022. In the course of the study, a structural analysis of the pharmaceutical market, a functional analysis of participants in the pharmaceutical product chain, and a marketing analysis were carried out. Results. It was found that the dynamics of the AETP segment development corresponds to the outstripping growth of highly integrated platforms: the short-term growth index of 5-pl AETP (Uteca) is 164%, 4-pl (Eapteca) is 55%, 3pl-AETP (averaged) is 36.5%. The absence of formal mechanisms of regional protectionism for the sale of finished dosage forms of local manufacturers in the Ural Federal District has been revealed. We have obtained the results of evaluating the effect of ecosystem integration of certain types of pharmaceutical market participants. For manufacturers of medicinal products, it was determined that the median coefficient of penetration of the local assortment of medicinal products into the pharmaceutical market in the context of ATX groups of level 2 is 0.67, which indicates a significant diversification of the assortment portfolio and the possibility of its aggregation without a barrier of internal competition. In the wholesale drugs sector, the potential for saving margins on medicines has been identified when implementing the scenario of localization of supplies in production regions in low and medium-low price ranges (30 – 550 rubles/unit), varying between 53–67%. It was found that the median share of regional distribution in the Ural Federal District (in packages) is 20.72%. It has been established that the Ural Federal District is one of the leaders in terms of the share of omnichannel consumers in the pharmaceutical market (63%), which is a significant incentive for the integration of organizations in the retail sector of the pharmaceutical market into the ecosystem 5pl platform. Conclusion. Situational analysis of the morphology of cooperative interactions in the pharmaceutical market allowed us to identify the prerequisites for the formation of ecosystem-organized management structures in the pharmaceutical market system – territorial pharmaceutical ecosystems. We have systematized incentives for ecosystem determination of medicines supplies, and found that: an additional channel for the market distribution of the industrial range of medicicnes in the Urals is not associated with a barrier to internal competition of pharmaceutical plants; the inclusion of regional suppliers in TFE will allow to form additional competitiveness in the “buyer's market” in conditions of market dominance of federal suppliers; the omnichannel approach to the distribution of the retail range of TFE in pharmacy organizations has a high projected conversion rate. A detailed assessment of integration processes in certain sectors of the pharmaceutical market did not reveal critical barriers to the introduction of TFE.

The changes in diversity of vegetation and foliar stable isotopes during the terrestrial plant succession of a subtropical forest and their ecological implications

The disturbed forest system can be restored through successional processes, where changes in the diversity of plant species serves as key indicators of processes. Meanwhile plant water use efficiency and nitrogen dynamics are important factors influencing photosynthesis-water coupling and nutrient stress in plants, respectively, during forest recovery. Analyzing these factors is crucial for understanding forest recovery and promoting sustainable ecosystem development. In this study, traditional vegetation surveys and biodiversity indices, along with foliar stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses, as well as nitrogen content analyses, were conducted in a subtropical forest with various successional stages following human and natural disturbances in Sichuan province, China. These analyses were used to assess species diversity patterns, evaluate water use efficiency, and assess nitrogen dynamics in primary, secondary, and artificial forests. The results showed distinct stage-specific differences in succession among forest types. Primary forests exhibited the highest successional stage but were limited by water stress and high nitrogen competition, with the highest δ13C values (i.e., −29.0 ‰), lowest δ15N values (i.e., −3.6 ‰), and the lowest nitrogen contents (i.e., 3.6 %) on average. Artificial forests had the lowest species diversity due to species dominance and nitrogen competition, with the lowest δ13C values (i.e., −29.7 ‰), relatively low nitrogen contents (i.e., 4.0 %), and high δ15N values (i.e., −1.8 ‰). Secondary forests, with longer recovery periods, reached higher successional stage due to sufficient nitrogen and water, which is indicated by the highest δ15N values and nitrogen contents (i.e., −1.7 ‰ and 4.5 %), and the relatively low δ13C values (i.e., −29.4 ‰), leading to accelerated vegetation growth. This study highlights not only the importance of analyzing plant diversity, but also the material cycles, especially water use efficiency, and nitrogen dynamics, to understanding forest recovery. These findings can support effective conservation and sustainable development of subtropical forest ecosystems.

Impact of university-industry R&amp;D collaboration on innovation transfer and startup performance

Effective partnership of education and business is a catalyst for innovation transfer, startup ecosystem development and sustainable economic growth. The research aims to identify the impact of university-industry R&amp;D collaboration on startups performance, taking into account existing knots and gap intervals. The study sample was formed for 100 world countries, represented in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index rating. The formed base includes data of the University-industry R&amp;D collaboration indicator within the Global Innovation Index 2023 by WIPO and data of the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2023 by StartupBlink. In the first stage, the procedures for checking the significance of investigated indicators were applied, including descriptive statistics, checking the distribution law and regression analysis. The second stage covers the construction of median-spline plots, scatter plots and spline modelling using the STATA 18 program complex. The range of values of the University-industry R&amp;D collaboration index was determined on the condition of reaching which the maximum statistically significant value of the indicator of startup productivity is predicted. The obtained results confirm the importance of an entrepreneurial university concept for innovation transfer and their commercialization and provide a view of the targeted value of the University-industry R&amp;D collaboration on average at the world level.

Research on International Marine Pollution Control Issues: Based on the Fukushima Pollution Incident in Japan

The international marine environment has increasingly become a critical focus of global environmental concerns, with marine pollution worsening significantly. The Fukushima sewage incident in Japan has notably heightened awareness of marine environmental pollution, impacting the marine environment, economic development, food safety, and human health in surrounding countries, making marine pollution control an urgent priority. This paper analyzes the Fukushima pollution incident in Japan, reviewing the current status of international marine pollution control legal treaties and international cooperation efforts. It proposes new governance ideas grounded in climate change advisory opinions, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to tackle emerging pollution challenges. Furthermore, the paper examines both theoretical and practical problems within the existing framework of international marine pollution control, identifying gaps and inconsistencies that hinder effective management. Based on this analysis, the paper offers comprehensive countermeasures and suggestions aimed at enhancing the efficacy of international treaties, improving coordination among nations, and strengthening the overall governance structure to better address marine pollution. This holistic approach is essential for ensuring the sustainable development of marine ecosystems and the long-term health and prosperity of human societies.