Players In Ecosystem Research Articles

Digital entrepreneurial ecosystem: the role of the sharing economy in driving innovation

ABSTRACT This study examines the role of the sharing economy within digital entrepreneurial ecosystems (DEEs) and its influence on fostering opportunities for digital entrepreneurs. By exploring the complex interactions among businesses, technologies, and markets, the paper highlights how DEEs facilitate the adoption of sharing economy-related digital business practices. Using a qualitative exploratory approach, we conducted open-ended interviews with 88 business managers actively engaged in the sharing economy across various sectors. Thematic analysis was employed to uncover the key challenges and opportunities businesses face in integrating digital transformation processes (DTP) into their strategies. The research introduces key frameworks, including Sharing Economy Digital Infrastructure Governance (SEDIG), Sharing Economy Digital User Citizenship (SEDUC), and Sharing Economy Digital Marketplace (SEDM), to categorize ecosystem players and analyse their collaborative efforts in supporting digital entrepreneurship. Findings emphasize the need for greater consistency in SEDIG approaches across regulatory bodies, as regional disparities in governance create uncertainty for entrepreneurs. The study also underscores the long-term benefits of responsible operations and technological investments, despite initial costs, and calls for policy interventions to address ongoing entrepreneurial ecosystem challenges.

(Invited) Silicon Carbide Technology Scaling: Challenges and Opportunities across the Value Chain

Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology has emerged as a promising solution to address the growing demand for high-performance power electronics in various applications, ranging from automotive to renewable energy systems. As the industry continues to push the boundaries of SiC technology, scaling opportunities and challenges arise across the entire value chain, from material to device fabrication and new package architectures. In addition, it should be noted that scientific understanding, especially in the areas of defect behaviour in the SiC epitaxy layer, threshold voltage instability, interface trap density, and integrity of the gate insulator, would be increasingly important and necessary for the further development of SiC power devices. To address the economics, and mass produce ultra-high-power electronics devices with improved performance and reliability, we partnered with ecosystem players across the value chain from substrate to power module packaging and set up a 200mm SiC specialty open innovation process line.This talk will provide an overview of the key challenges and opportunities associated with SiC technology. We will discuss the high grow rate (≥50µm/hr) SiC epitaxy process and share methodologies to achieve high-quality epitaxy layer with good doping control (≤10%), tight thickness uniformity (≤3%), low surface roughness (≤3Å) and low crystal defect densities (≤0.4 cm-2) on 200mm 4H-SiC substrate. Moving on to the metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) device interface engineering, we will discuss strategies for achieving low interface trap densities (~1011eV-1 cm-2) and improved threshold voltage instability. Beyond device fabrication, we will highlight the importance of the power module packaging technique in realizing the full potential of SiC technology. This includes the double-side liquid cooling system and the power dissipation capability with different designs and material options for the proposed 6-in-1 power module.Overall, by addressing these challenges collaboratively, we can accelerate the adoption of SiC technology and unlock its full potential to drive power semiconductor technology and beyond. Figure 1

Parasites Diversity, Abundance, Prevalence, and Richness Infecting Didelphis aurita (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) in the Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil.

Parasites are key players in ecosystems, influencing population sizes and food webs, yet the impact of environmental factors on their diversity is not well understood. The Atlantic rainforest in Brazil, particularly the Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga (PEFI), exemplifies a biodiversity hotspot facing significant deforestation, housing diverse animal species such as the synanthropic Brazilian common opossum (Didelphis aurita), which serves as a reservoir for multiple zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we investigated parasite diversity, abundance, prevalence, and richness in free-living D. aurita in the PEFI, São Paulo, Brazil. From January 2015 to January 2017, 101 fecal samples of D. aurita were collected in two areas of PEFI, at the Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais (IPA) and the Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia (Cientec), and analyzed using three different parasitological methods. In total, 99% of the samples were positive for at least one parasite. The most prevalent parasite belonged to the order Strongylida (82%), followed by Cruzia sp. (77%), the latter having a significantly higher prevalence at IPA. In contrast, Acanthocephala showed greater prevalence at Cientec. Co-infections were common, with some individuals harboring up to seven different parasites. Our findings reveal significant parasite diversity in the D. aurita population at PEFI, including both helminths and protozoan trophozoites, some of which are reported for the first time in this host species. Further research is essential for accurate species identification of the observed parasites.

Factors influencing the development of the cashless payment system: Comprehending the function of the involved participants

Purpose: The prevalence of cashless payments has increased globally owing to their myriad benefits. Furthermore, the use of cashless payments has also increased. Nevertheless, there is a need for more comprehensive research on the acceptance and current methodologies of cashless transactions. This study aims to gain a thorough understanding by identifying the entities involved and their pivotal functions in the payment ecosystem. Research Methodology: This report seeks to answer two research questions: i) Which factors are involved in the cashless payment ecosystem? What key elements influence the players in adopting a cashless payment ecosystem? Six key ecosystem players and their influencing elements were identified by comprehensively evaluating 63 publications published between 2015 and 2021. Results: Several benefits are associated with cashless payments, which have led to their growing popularity worldwide. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 epidemic, there was a significant increase in the use of cashless payment methods. Limitations: On the other hand, more holistic studies on the widespread use of cashless payment methods and their respective modern behaviors are needed. Contribution: In addition to providing a foundation for further empirical research, this study contributes to resolving adoption-related concerns. Novelty: This study’s original approach to understanding the various elements driving cashless payment system development by focusing on participant roles and functions is unique. Unlike previous studies, this study examines human dynamics rather than technology or regulatory issues.

АЛГОРИТМ ДІАГНОСТИКИ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА ДЛЯ ВИРІШЕННЯ ПИТАНЬ ДЕФІЦИТУ КАДРІВ

The article presents six groups of approaches to addressing the issue of staff shortages, gathered by the authors using own methodology. For practical implementation of these approaches in enterprises, a three-step algorithm has been developed and presented, which should precede the development of a customized strategy for hiring personnel or improving labour productivity. In the first stage, based on the assessment of labour productivity in Ukraine compared to other countries, it is proposed for the enterprises to conduct a self-diagnosis aimed at determining whether a sufficient level of labour productivity has been achieved. Thus, it becomes evident to choose one of three scenarios: quantitative, aimed at attracting additional personnel; qualitative, aimed at radically improving the productivity of existing personnel, processes, and equipment; or a combination of the first two scenarios. The second step proposes conducting a SWOT analysis of the tools selected in the previous step to confirm the feasibility of their further use via comparison of strong and weak sides, available opportunities and existing risks and threats. As an example SWOT analysis of establishing training centres in the sewing industry provided as well as analysis of implementing artificial intelligence tools. In the third step, it is suggested for the enterprises to perform stakeholders mapping to identify key ecosystem players and their roles, distribute the necessary connections and resources for the implementation of the chosen tools. The proposed map includes: the target business, competitors, the broader market, external infrastructure, and external influencers, that will allow enterprises to better understand cooperation mechanisms, optimize resource use, and ensure comprehensive support in the project of implementing tools to overcome the staff shortage issue. The proposed three-step algorithm is an effective foundation for further strategies development and tools selection to solve the problem of workforce shortages or increase productivity, which can significantly enhance the capabilities of Ukrainian enterprises to fulfil orders and develop in the challenging conditions of martial law.

The Explorational Analysis of the Digital Transformation Challenges in the Freshwater Fisheries Industry in Central Java Province Through Group Concept Mapping: a Digital Business Ecosystem Perspective

This research explores the perspective of the challenges of digital business ecosystem players who utilize digital technology in the freshwater fisheries industry in Central Java. Methodology Obtained from ecosystem actor informants through interviews. This research falls under the mix method criteria where qualitative challenge analysis is carried out from triple helix sources (government, universities and industry) which produces challenge clusters so that they are qualitative in nature. natural. in nature. Research can be carried out on SME respondents using number 8. These SMEs assess clusters based on what they face and the obstacles that exist in their industry. Through this mixed method more comprehensive results were obtained, validating the challenge statement. The results of the research show critical clusters that are important and deserve attention for assessing the current situation through quadrant distribution graphs, namely Attitudes and SME Business Actors in Utilizing Digital Business Technology, Business Actors' Mindsets towards Digital Business Technology, Evaluation of Government Support, and Business Readiness Technology Digital. thus creating change for the better as a form of future strategy that is neater and more distributed according to the needs of the actors. Research implications: Data collection using interviews with the group concept mapping method limits researchers in confirming results and invites grouping of collected challenge statements so that the GCM method is not recommended for small studies. In addition, the greater the number of respondents, the more valid the results are for various SME conditions.

The meaning of knowledge transfer in educating engineers for modern manufacturing technologies

The development of modern manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing and other laser-based manufacturing technologies have increased their usage, especially in engineering education. Education must correspond to different applications of these technologies to ensure the quality of their usage in the manufacturing industry. Laser-based technologies have an impact on society through companies and industry in the manufacturing sector as they are employing graduated students, who are more aware of the possibilities of the technologies. Traditional manufacturing industries are facing the era of digital transformation. There are vast differences between industries and different industry players as well as their ability to keep up with the transformation process. The pace of the process can depend on many different items that are related to the company organization and leadership, technology base and to the abilities to modify these. The pace can also depend on the processes of cooperation and development between other ecosystem players e.g., supply chain partners or development drivers such as customer industries. This study concentrates on one of the key issues, namely learning and adoption of new skills to tackle the change. Universities have a major role in the knowledge transfer from education to working life. To develop this, there is a need to identify the factors in university training or pedagogical choices that can speed up the process of transformation. The aim of this research is to identify the factors for knowledge transfer through arranging efficient education for laser-based manufacturing technologies, especially in engineering education. It was concluded that by educating engineers with sufficient knowledge about the technologies, the manufacturing industry can utilize the knowledge and implement laser-based technologies better in their operations.

Microbial degradation and assimilation of veratric acid in oxic and anoxic groundwaters.

Microbial communities are key players in groundwater ecosystems. In this dark environment, heterotrophic microbes rely on biomass produced by the activity of lithoautotrophs or on the degradation of organic matter seeping from the surface. Most studies on bacterial diversity in groundwater habitats are based on 16S gene sequencing and full genome reconstructions showing potential metabolic pathways used in these habitats. However, molecular-based studies do not allow for the assessment of population dynamics over time or the assimilation of specific compounds and their biochemical transformation by microbial communities. Therefore, in this study, we combined DNA-, phospholipid fatty acid-, and metabolomic-stable isotope probing to target and identify heterotrophic bacteria in the groundwater setting of the Hainich Critical Zone Exploratory (CZE), focusing on 2 aquifers with different physico-chemical conditions (oxic and anoxic). We incubated groundwater from 4 different wells using either 13C-labeled veratric acid (a lignin-derived compound) (single labeling) or a combination of 13CO2 and D-labeled veratric acid (dual labeling). Our results show that heterotrophic activities dominate all groundwater sites. We identified bacteria with the potential to break down veratric acid (Sphingobium or Microbacterium). We observed differences in heterotrophic activities between the oxic and anoxic aquifers, indicating local adaptations of bacterial populations. The dual labeling experiments suggested that the serine pathway is an important carbon assimilation pathway and that organic matter was an important source of hydrogen in the newly produced lipids. These experiments also yielded different labeled taxa compared to the single labeling experiments, showing that there exists a complex interaction network in the groundwater habitats.

Meiofauna: Anthropogenic impacts on hidden players in ecosystem

AbstractCertain aspects of meiobenthos research are given detailed and comprehensive attention in Chapter 7 (Hidden players: meiofauna mediate ecosystem effects of anthropogenic Disturbances in the ocean) of the Springer publication ‘New Horizons in Meiobenthos Research; Profiles, Patterns and Potential’ (O. Giere & M. Schratzberger (Eds.). This book review is concerned solely with Chapter 7 which underlines the view that meiofaunal species play a very important part as hidden players in the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances in the ocean, an aspect justifiably arousing global concerns. The chapter constitutes a veritable compendium where much that was previously unsuspected in those ‘untouched reaches’, is revealed under the scrutiny of its many internationally known authors. Of its ten sections, eight deal consecutively with the impact of disturbances caused by anthropogenic activities such as bottom fishing, pollution from organic sources, hydrocarbons, oil and chemical impacts, invasive species and climate change, followed by a section on the resilience of the meiofauna to such disturbances and the scale of their responses, with a final section outlining a forward perspective for future research. In addition, Chapter 7 contains an extensive bibliography which itself constitutes an important reference resource for researchers.

The Spores of Life and Death

Fungi are key players in ecosystems. They sustain life, affect the transformation of life forms, and are crucial actors in recycling carbon and minerals back into the common cycle. In addition to the author, three mushrooms are involved in the constellation of this article. In Western art history, self-portraits are intertwined with the theme of death in multiple ways. This posthumanist art-based study asks how mushrooms challenge our understanding of death. The study is located in the framework of queer death studies. Queering death by providing a basis for fungi to grow is a comforting thought.

Sustainable Development Adoption in the High-Tech Sector: A Focus on Ecosystem Players and Their Influence

In an era marked by increasing concerns about environmental sustainability, the telecommunications industry faces a pressing need to examine its commitment to sustainable development practices. Therefore, this study investigated the drivers and constraints influencing the adoption of such practices within the industry, with particular emphasis on the roles and interactions of ecosystem players. The research employed structural equation modeling (SEM) in AMOS to test the hypotheses and multilayer perceptron (MLP), which is an artificial neural network model, to assess the importance of each variable in the context of sustainable development adoption (SDA). This study analyzed data obtained from a diverse sample of telecommunications professionals, including telecom operators, device manufacturers, technology providers, and content and service providers. The findings reveal that stakeholder expectations held the highest normalized importance, suggesting their paramount influence in driving sustainable practices within the industry. Competitive advantage emerged as the second most significant factor, contributing to the adoption of sustainable strategies by companies. Conversely, cost and ROI concerns presented a constraint that potentially hindered SDA. This research contributes to the comprehensive understanding of sustainable development in the high-tech sector, aiding industry practitioners and policymakers in fostering a more sustainable future for the telecommunications industry. The implications derived from the sensitivity analysis provide valuable insights into prioritizing efforts and resources to enhance sustainable development adoption in the telecommunications sector.

Characterization and Comparative Genomic Analysis of a Deep-Sea Bacillus Phage Reveal a Novel Genus.

As the most abundant biological entities, viruses are the major players in marine ecosystems. However, our knowledge on virus diversity and virus-host interactions in the deep sea remains very limited. In this study, vB_BteM-A9Y, a novel bacteriophage infecting Bacillus tequilensis, was isolated from deep-sea sediments in the South China Sea. vB_BteM-A9Y has a hexametric head and a long, complex contractile tail, which are typical features of myophages. vB_BteM-A9Y initiated host lysis at 60 min post infection with a burst size of 75 PFU/cell. The phage genome comprises 38,634 base pairs and encodes 54 predicted open reading frames (ORFs), of which 27 ORFs can be functionally annotated by homology analysis. Interestingly, abundant ORFs involved in DNA damage repair were identified in the phage genome, suggesting that vB_BteM-A9Y encodes multiple pathways for DNA damage repair, which may help to maintain the stability of the host/phage genome. A BLASTn search of the whole genome sequence of vB_BteM-A9Y against the GenBank revealed no existing homolog. Consistently, a phylogenomic tree and proteome-based phylogenetic tree analysis showed that vB_BteM-A9Y formed a unique branch. Further comparative analysis of genomic nucleotide similarity and ORF homology of vB_BteM-A9Y with its mostly related phages showed that the intergenomic similarity between vB_BteM-A9Y and these phages was 0-33.2%. Collectively, based on the comprehensive morphological, phylogenetic, and comparative genomic analysis, we propose that vB_BteM-A9Y belongs to a novel genus under Caudoviricetes. Therefore, our study will increase our knowledge on deep-sea virus diversity and virus-host interactions, as well as expanding our knowledge on phage taxonomy.

University as an opportunity space enabler in a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem

ABSTRACT Universities are widely recognized as key players in entrepreneurial ecosystems that support entrepreneurial activities to create economic and social value in the region. Previous research has increased our understanding about the role of universities contributing to regional economic development and entrepreneurship through knowledge transfer mechanisms, increasing human capital and innovation activity. However, little is known about the contribution of universities to the actual entrepreneurial processes in spatial context. Utilizing the case study approach, this study examines university as an ecosystem actor, focusing particularly on the enabling role of universities in entrepreneurial opportunity formation. As a result, this study provides a conceptualization of four different entrepreneurial opportunity spaces, bounded by the varying degrees of knowledge applicability and opportunity proximity. This article contributes to research on regional entrepreneurial ecosystems and on the role of universities as ecosystem actors contributing to research knowledge-based entrepreneurial opportunity formation for innovative entrepreneurship.

Institutional factors related to digital entrepreneurship by startups and SMEs in the Latin American context: Two cases in Brazil

AbstractDigital entrepreneurship relies not only on the individual entrepreneurs' skills and effort but also on rules and structures related to institutions, especially in developing contexts such as Latin America. Considering this, we analyse how institutional factors can affect digital entrepreneurship by SMEs and startups and what types of institutional changes are needed to support digital entrepreneurship by these companies. Based on institutional theory as a theoretical lens, we conducted two case studies in Brazil. The research results indicate that the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem's actors perform institutional work that generates changes related to the regulative, normative, and cultural/cognitive institutional pillars. These changes affect both the legitimacy of digital innovations created by SMEs and startups and the legitimacy of these companies as ecosystem players, which is vital for them to access the resources needed to innovate and thrive. Based on these results, we propose a theoretical framework and provide suggestions for practice and public policies related to digital entrepreneurship by SMEs and startups in the context studied.

Unveiling the Role of Structural, Relational and Cognitive Social Capital Dimension in Explaining Female Business Students’ Entrepreneurial Intention in Small Island Developing States: The Maldives

Female entrepreneurship has emerged as a matter of concern in recent years, making a significant contribution towards economic development, job creation and uplifting communities. However, the interplay and nuances of female entrepreneurship and social capital are currently understudied. In context of small island developing states, the present study investigates the role of structural social capital (SSC), relational social capital (RSC) and cognitive social capital (CSC) in shaping female cognitive mechanism which leads to entrepreneurial intention (EI) in Maldives. A total of 325 responses from ten tertiary educational institutions in Maldives were collected and subsequently analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The data subject to revealed that SSC and CSC play an important role in promoting female attitudes towards entrepreneurship (ATE), perceived subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioural control (PBC), while RSC only promotes female ATE and SN, but it negatively affects females’ PBC. These findings provide policymakers and ecosystem players with important insights into social capital, highlighting the need for role models and mentorship in formulating the right environment for women entrepreneurs in Maldives. This study argues for the need to integrate the influence of social capital on female EI.

ПЛАТФОРМИ ЯК БІЗНЕС-МОДЕЛЬ: ЗДОБУТТЯ КОНКУРЕНТНОЇ ПЕРЕВАГИ ЧЕРЕЗ ЕКОСИСТЕМНИЙ ПІДХІД

The object of the article's research is platforms as a business model and their role in achieving competitive advantage using an ecosystem approach. The topicality of the researched problem lies in the perspective of enterprises using the platform to ensure increased efficiency, innovation and cost of products. As a result of the analysis, it was established that platforms contribute to the transformation of traditional business models, providing a convenient infrastructure for interaction between various participants. This allows companies to create an ecosystem where each member brings their knowledge, resources and products that together create value for customers. An ecosystem approach allows businesses to focus efforts on developing their core competencies, share risks, and reduce costs by sharing resources. The obtained results are explained by the fact that the modern business environment requires a more flexible and innovative approach to ensuring competitiveness. Platforms allow enterprises to be more adaptable to changes in market conditions, to respond to new opportunities and challenges, and to attract external partners for joint growth. These results can be used in practice by enterprises of various industries. The integration of the platform approach allows you to create a favorable environment for innovation, the development of new products and services, as well as to ensure sustainable growth thanks to joint interaction with various ecosystem players. The article substantiates the importance of the ecosystem approach in using platforms as a business model to ensure competitive advantage. The results of the study confirm that platforms can become a key tool for enterprises seeking innovative growth and defining new standards in their industries. Platforms as a business model are indeed a powerful tool for achieving competitive advantage through an ecosystem approach. The results of this study indicate that in modern business it is important not only to compete, but also to cooperate, ensuring mutual benefit for all participants of the ecosystem.

Nitrogen‐fixing cushion Astragalus siculus modulates soil fertility, microclimate, plant facilitation, bacterial and fungal microbiota along an elevation gradient

AbstractQuestionCushion‐forming vascular plants are adapted to alpine environments and act as ecosystem engineers by moderating microclimate and creating a fertility island under their canopy. Most of the available studies on cushion ecology have been devoted to plant facilitation, but none used a holistic approach that considers the response of co‐existing plant species with other key ecosystem players. Here, we quantified the biogenic effect and facilitation capacity of Astragalus siculus, a spiny nitrogen‐fixing cushion plant, and test the hypothesis that the facilitation effect would increase with elevation as stress gradient.LocationMount Etna, the highest active volcano in the Mediterranean Basin.MethodsWe combined chemical characterization of the soil with a description of the soil microbiota by high‐throughput sequencing of bacterial and eukaryotic rRNA gene markers carried out at three elevations, that is 1650, 1900 and 2210 m a.s.l. In addition, we analysed the microclimate outside and inside the Astragalus canopy to assess the linkages between above‐ and below‐ground ecosystem compartments and quantified the occurrence of co‐existing vascular plants.ResultsAstragalus cushions have strong biogenic effects on above‐ and below‐ground conditions by dramatically increasing soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks at 1900 and 2210 m elevation. Moreover, a buffering of soil temperature and moisture regimes was recorded, with lower temperatures in summer but higher in winter inside the cushions. Cushions harbour a specific bacterial and fungal microbiota compared to external bare soil. Stem density and cushion height increase significantly with altitude, as does the nurse effect of the cushion on the growth and survival of co‐existing vascular plants.ConclusionsAs a result of cushion biogenic environmental changes, the effect of Astragalus on some of the co‐existing species shifted from negative or null at 1650 m to facilitative along the elevation gradient. Furthermore, our data show a relationship between Astragalus morphological traits and soil biogenic changes related to soil chemistry and microbiota that affect plant interaction and coexistence.

European Rabbit Invasion in a Semi-Arid Ecosystem of Chile: How Relevant Is Its Role in Food Webs?

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is one of the main invasive species in Chile, where it became naturalized ca. 150 years ago. Their high reproductive capacity, lack of specialist predators, and great adaptability favored the settlement of rabbits in diverse mainland and island ecosystems of the country. Recently, rabbits have become central players in semi-arid ecosystems, such as those represented in Las Chinchillas National Reserve in north-central Chile. We undertook to analyze the place and role of rabbits in the food web of that Reserve, based on a bibliographic review and long-term annual data gathered from 1987 until 2022 (36 years). Results showed that the network comprised 77 species, where 69% were primary producers (plants), 18% were mid-level consumers (herbivores), and 13% were top-level consumers (predators). The most connected species in the food web was the rabbit, which positively or negatively affected the species interacting with it. Predators such as Galictis cuja, Geranoaetus polyosoma, Leopardus colocolo, and Puma concolor, and the scavenger Vultur gryphus, could be negatively affected by an eventual decrease (natural or human-caused) in the rabbit population of the Reserve. To the contrary, primary producers such as Oxalis perdicaria, Plantago hispidula, Schizanthus parvulus, Senna cumminggi, and Tropaeolum azureum could be positively affected by an increase in their biomass in response to a decrease in rabbits, favoring native rodents. We consider that analyzing the rabbit-centered food web and its impacts on native interacting species allows a better understanding of the relevance of invasive species in the local community, providing conceptual tools for rabbit management.

Phytoplankton and Microzooplankton Community Structure and Assembly Mechanisms in Northwestern Pacific Ocean Estuaries with Environmental Heterogeneity and Geographic Segregation.

Phytoplankton and microzooplankton are crucial players in marine ecosystems and first responders to environmental changes, but their community structures and how they are shaped by environmental conditions have rarely been studied simultaneously. In this study, we conducted an eDNA metabarcoding sequencing combined with multiple statistical methods to simultaneously analyze the phytoplankton and microzooplankton in Liaohe (LH) and Yalujiang (YLJ) estuaries. The major objective was to examine how plankton community structure and assembly mechanism may differ between two estuaries with similar latitudinal position and climate but geographical segregation and differential level of urbanization (more in LH). Clear differences in diversity and composition of phytoplankton and microzooplankton communities between LH and YLJ estuaries were observed. Richness of phytoplankton was significantly higher in LH than YLJ, while richness of microzooplankton was higher in YLJ. The magnitude of intrahabitat variations in phytoplankton communities was significantly stronger than that of microzooplankton. Some phytoplankton and microzooplankton taxa also showed interhabitat differences in their relative abundances. Phytoplankton showed a stronger geographic distance-decay of similarity than microzooplankton, while significant environmental distance-decay of similarity in microzooplankton was found in the less urbanized YLJ estuary. Community assembly of phytoplankton was, based on the neutral community models, driven primarily by stochastic processes, while deterministic processes contributed more for microzooplankton. Furthermore, we detected wider habitat niche breadths and stronger dispersal abilities in phytoplankton than in microzooplankton. These results suggest that passive dispersal shapes the phytoplankton community whereas environmental selection shapes the microzooplankton community. IMPORTANCE Understanding the underlying mechanisms shaping a metacommunity is useful to management for improving the ecosystem function. The research presented in the manuscript mainly tried to address the effects of habitat geography and environmental conditions on the phytoplankton and microzooplankton communities, and the underlying mechanisms of community assembly in temperate estuaries. In order to achieve this purpose, we developed a metabarcoding sequencing method based on 18S rRNA gene. The phytoplankton and microzooplankton communities from two estuaries with similar latitude and climatic conditions but obvious geographical segregation and significant environmental heterogeneity were investigated. The results of our study could lay a solid foundation for ascertaining phytoplankton and microzooplankton communities in estuaries with obvious environmental heterogeneity and geographic segregation and mechanisms underlying community assembly.

Correction to: Protists: the hidden ecosystem players in a wetland rice field soil

Correction to: Protists: the hidden ecosystem players in a wetland rice field soil