Regional Genetic Structure in the Aquatic Macrophyte Ruppia cirrhosa Suggests Dispersal by Waterbirds

The evolutionary history of the genus Ruppia has been shaped by hybridization, polyploidisation and vicariance that have resulted in a problematic taxonomy. Recent studies provided insight into species circumscription, organelle takeover by hybridization, and revealed the importance of verifying species identification to avoid distorting effects of mixing different species, when estimating population connectivity. In the present study, we use microsatellite markers to determine population diversity and connectivity patterns in Ruppia cirrhosa including two spatial scales: (1) from the Atlantic Iberian coastline in Portugal to the Siculo-Tunisian Strait in Sicily and (2) within the Iberian Peninsula comprising the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition. The higher diversity in the Mediterranean Sea suggests that populations have had longer persistence there, suggesting a possible origin and/or refugial area for the species. The high genotypic diversities highlight the importance of sexual reproduction for survival and maintenance of populations. Results revealed a regional population structure matching a continent-island model, with strong genetic isolation and low gene flow between populations. This population structure could be maintained by waterbirds, acting as occasional dispersal vectors. This information elucidates ecological strategies of brackish plant species in coastal lagoons, suggesting mechanisms used by this species to colonize new isolated habitats and dominate brackish aquatic macrophyte systems, yet maintaining strong genetic structure suggestive of very low dispersal.Fundacao para a Cincia e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) [PTDC/MAR/119363/2010, BIODIVERSA/0004/2015, UID/Multi/04326/2013]Pew FoundationSENECA FoundationMurcia Government, Spain [11881/PI/09]FCT Investigator Programme-Career Development [IF/00998/2014]Spanish Ministry of Education [AP2008-01209]European Community [00399/2012]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Antecedents and consequences of effectuation and causation in the international new venture creation process

The selection of the entry mode in an international market is of key importance for the venture. A process-based perspective on entry mode selection can add to the International Business and International Entrepreneurship literature. Framing the international market entry as an entrepreneurial process, this paper analyzes the antecedents and consequences of causation and effectuation in the entry mode selection. For the analysis, regression-based techniques were used on a sample of 65 gazelles. The results indicate that experienced entrepreneurs tend to apply effectuation rather than causation, while uncertainty does not have a systematic influence. Entrepreneurs using causation-based international new venture creation processes tend to engage in export-type entry modes, while effectuation-based international new venture creation processes do not predetermine the entry mod

Whisker touch guides canopy exploration in a nocturnal, arboreal rodent, the Hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius)

Dormouse numbers are declining in the UK due to habitat loss and fragmentation. We know that dormice are nocturnal, arboreal, and avoid crossing open spaces between habitats, yet how they navigate around their canopy is unknown. As other rodents use whisker touch sensing to navigate and explore their environment, this study investigates whether Hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) employ their whiskers to cross between habitats. We analysed high-speed video footage of dormice exploring freely in flat and climbing arenas in near darkness and using infrared light illumination. We confirm that, like rats and mice, dormice move their whiskers back and forth continuously (~10 Hz) in a motion called whisking and recruit them to explore small gaps (<10 cm) by increasing the amplitude and frequency of whisking and also the asymmetry of movement between the left and right whisker fields. When gaps between platforms are larger than 10-15 cm dormice spend more time travelling on the floor. These findings suggest that dormice can actively and purposively move their whiskers to gather relevant information from their canopy at night. As this species is vulnerable to threats on the ground, we also provide evidence that joining habitat patches between dormouse populations is important for promoting natural behaviours and movement between patches

Exploring the relationship between media coverage and participation in entrepreneurship : initial global evidence and research implications

Using a set of variables measured in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) study, our empirical investigation explored the influence of mass media through national culture on national entrepreneurial participation rates in 37 countries over 4 years (2000 to 2003). We found that stories about successful entrepreneurs, conveyed in mass media, were not significantly associated with the rate of nascent (opportunity searching) or the rate of actual (business activities commenced up to 3 months old) start-up activity, but that there was a significant positive association between the volume of entrepreneurship media stories and a nation&rsquo;s volume of people running a young business (that is in GEM terminology, a business aged greater than 3 but less than 42 months old). More particularly, such stories had strong positive association with opportunity oriented operators of young businesses. Together, these findings are compatible with what in the mass communications theory literature may be called the &lsquo;reinforcement model&rsquo;. This argues that mass media are only capable of reinforcing their audience&rsquo;s existing values and choice propensities but are not capable of shaping or changing those values and choices. In the area covered by this paper, policy-makers are committing public resources to media campaigns of doubtful utility in the absence of an evidence base. A main implication drawn from this study is the need for further and more sophisticated investigation into the relationship between media coverage of entrepreneurship, national culture and the rates and nature of people&rsquo;s participation in the various stages of the entrepreneurial process.<br /

Empowering Women-Led Innovations: Key Players In Realising The Long-Term Vision For Rural Areas

Abstract The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5, seek to attain gender equality and empower all women and girls. While rural women face multiple challenges, the innovative and entrepreneurial leadership of women in farming and rural areas can foster resilient and sustainable rural communities. Although studies on women and innovation are increasing, a clear definition of women-led innovation is missing. One objective of this paper is to outline what makes women-led innovations a distinct kind of innovation, and why that should matter for policy. Drawing on the conceptual framework devised for the EU Funded Horizon Europe FLIARA (Female-Led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas) project, we propose a context to understand women-led innovation on farms and in rural areas within the geographical scope of the European Union, while also identifying a set of distinguishing features that make women-led innovation categorically different from other types of innovations. Furthermore, another key objective is to show how a better understanding of the distinctiveness of women-led innovations can contribute to policy by using the European Commission Long-term Vision for Rural Areas as an example. We conclude by advocating for an increased focus on women-led innovations in policymaking for a number of compelling reasons. Firstly, women have significant potential to drive progress in rural development, sustainability, and equality. They have a unique perspective and approach which can offer transformative solutions to the challenges facing rural communities. Moreover, supporting women-led innovations serves as a catalyst for revitalising rural areas in an evolving rural landscape. Additionally, prioritising equal opportunities for all individuals and genders in rural areas is not only an issue of common sense, but is a moral imperative. By making sure women have the same access to education, resources, and opportunities as their male counterparts, we endorse basic principles of fairness and justice.Abstract The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5, seek to attain gender equality and empower all women and girls. While rural women face multiple challenges, the innovative and entrepreneurial leadership of women in farming and rural areas can foster resilient and sustainable rural communities. Although studies on women and innovation are increasing, a clear definition of women-led innovation is missing. One objective of this paper is to outline what makes women-led innovations a distinct kind of innovation, and why that should matter for policy. Drawing on the conceptual framework devised for the EU Funded Horizon Europe FLIARA (Female-Led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas) project, we propose a context to understand women-led innovation on farms and in rural areas within the geographical scope of the European Union, while also identifying a set of distinguishing features that make women-led innovation categorically different from other types of innovations. Furthermore, another key objective is to show how a better understanding of the distinctiveness of women-led innovations can contribute to policy by using the European Commission Long-term Vision for Rural Areas as an example. We conclude by advocating for an increased focus on women-led innovations in policymaking for a number of compelling reasons. Firstly, women have significant potential to drive progress in rural development, sustainability, and equality. They have a unique perspective and approach which can offer transformative solutions to the challenges facing rural communities. Moreover, supporting women-led innovations serves as a catalyst for revitalising rural areas in an evolving rural landscape. Additionally, prioritising equal opportunities for all individuals and genders in rural areas is not only an issue of common sense, but is a moral imperative. By making sure women have the same access to education, resources, and opportunities as their male counterparts, we endorse basic principles of fairness and justice

The changing form of Antarctic biodiversity

Antarctic biodiversity is much more extensive, ecologically diverse and biogeographically structured than previously thought. Understanding of how this diversity is distributed in marine and terrestrial systems, the mechanisms underlying its spatial variation, and the significance of the microbiota is growing rapidly. Broadly recognizable drivers of diversity variation include energy availability and historical refugia. The impacts of local human activities and global environmental change nonetheless pose challenges to the current and future understanding of Antarctic biodiversity. Life in the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean is surprisingly rich, and as much at risk from environmental change as it is elsewher

Why and how does shared language affect subsidiary knowledge inflows? A social identity perspective

We draw on social identity theory to conceptualize a moderated mediation model that examines the relationship between shared language among subsidiary and HQ managers, and subsidiaries’ knowledge inflows from HQ. Specifically, we study (1) whether this relationship is mediated by the extent to which subsidiary managers share HQ goals and vision, and the extent to which HR decisions are centralized; and (2) whether subsidiary type moderates these mediated relationships. Building on a sample of 817 subsidiaries in nine countries/regions, we find support for our model. Implications for research on HQ-subsidiary knowledge flows, social identity theory and international HRM are discussed