Envisioning present and future land-use change under varying ecological regimes and their influence on landscape stability

7siopenClimate change plays an important role in shaping ecological stability of landscape systems. Increasing weather fluctuations such as droughts threaten the ecological stability of natural and anthropogenic landscapes. Uncertainty exists regarding the validity of traditional landscape assessment schemes under climate change. This commentary debates the main factors that threaten ecological stability, discussing basic approaches to interpret landscape functioning. To address this pivotal issue, the intimate linkage between ecological stability and landscape diversity is explored, considering different approaches to landscape stability assessment. The impact of land-use changes on landscape stability is finally discussed. Assessment methodologies and indicators are reviewed and grouped into homogeneous classes based on a specific nomenclature of stability aspects which include landscape composition, fragmentation and connectivity, thermodynamic and functional issues, biodiversity, soil degradation, and ecological disturbance. By considering land-use change as one of the most important factors underlying climate change, individual components of landscape stability are finally delineated and commented upon. In this regard, specific trajectories of land-use change (including agricultural intensification, land abandonment, and urbanization) are investigated for their effects on ecological stability. A better understanding of land-use impacts on landscape stability is crucial for a better knowledge of processes leading to land degradation.openProkopova M.; Salvati L.; Egidi G.; Cudlin O.; Vcelakova R.; Plch R.; Cudlin P.Prokopova, M.; Salvati, L.; Egidi, G.; Cudlin, O.; Vcelakova, R.; Plch, R.; Cudlin, P

Uncovering the role of biophysical factors and socioeconomic forces shaping soil sensitivity to degradation: insights from Italy

Following an operational framework derived from earlier research, our study research estimates the specific contribution of biophysical and socioeconomic factors to soil sensitivity to degradation at two-time points (Early-1990s and Early-2010s) in Italy, a Mediterranean hotspot for desertification risk. A total of 34 variables associated (directly or, at least, indirectly) with different processes of soil degradation (erosion, salinization, sealing, contamination, and compaction) and climate change were considered here, delineating the predominant (underlying) cause (i.e., biophysical or socioeconomic). This set of variables represented the largest (quantitative) information available from national and international data sources including official statistics at both national and European scale. Contribution of biophysical and socioeconomic dimensions to soil sensitivity to degradation was heterogeneous in Italy, with the level of soil sensitivity to biophysical factors being the highest in less accessible, natural areas mostly located in hilly and mountainous districts. The highest level of soil sensitivity to socioeconomic drivers was instead observed in more accessible locations around large cities and flat rural districts with crop intensification and low (but increasing) population density. All these factors delineated an enlarged divide in environmental quality between (i) flat and upland districts, and between (ii) Northern and Southern Italian regions. These findings suggest the appropriateness of policy strategies protecting soils with a strong place-specific knowledge, i.e., based on permanent monitoring of local (biophysical and socioeconomic) conditions

Кey trends in the financial services digital transformation in Russia and their influence on consumer experience: forecast of expertsm

Purpose: forecasting the key avenues for financial services digital transformation in Russia and its influence on customer experience based on expert surveys.Methods: a set of general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as marketing research methods – desk and field research. The field research included qualitative method: in-depth interviews with financial market experts. The obtained data were analyzed using content analysis and summarized. Results: the authors provided analysis of secondary data on the main global and local digitalization trends in the financial services market and conducted analytical aggregation of expert opinions on the most likely future changes in the financial services market in the process of digitalization. Analysis of the obtained data enabled to describe three avenues for financial services digital transformation – means of payments digital transformation, payments infrastructure digital transformation and customer interaction models digital transformation. The authors also presented and described the positive and negative influence of the results of digital transformation on the consumer experience.Conclusions and Relevance: the results of this study emphasize the role of financial services digital transformation in the process of new consumer experience creation. The means of payments digital transformation will ensure the total dominance of digital money within the money circulation system positively affecting consumer experience in terms of growing convenience, speed and cost-cutting. Payment infrastructure digital transformation will positively influence on consumer experience by simplifying the customer identification systems and reducing errors. Customer interaction models digital transformation will enhance the level of seamlessness leading to the full integration of financial services in the day-to-day customer activities. The results of the study can be used to develop strategies enabling to achieve the highest level of competitiveness for the financial service providers in the market

Управление потребительским опытом на рынке востребованных в кризис финансовых услуг

Purpose: to provide differentiated marketing solutions for manage customer experience based on various demographics, behavioral characteristics and customer values in the process of servicing for investing in gold.Methods: the current study was based upon general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, applied methods of marketing research. The field market research and analysis of customer experience were carried out in relation to investment opportunities available in banks: physical gold and depersonalized metal accounts. A qualitative research method included “Mystery shopper” – a covert participant observation research of 8 banks in Moscow – the major players offering services for investing in gold.Results: the authors found out that investing in gold becomes in demand during the crisis time. Gold, as an investment opportunity, is a protective asset and retains its value in a long term. The target segments potentially interested in investing in gold can be determined by demographic and behavioral characteristics, desired benefits and values. The authors analyzed the customer experience journey of two segments in the process of investing in through different banking channels. The customer experience was illustrated with customer experience maps that propose management solutions for banks that desire to offer gold investment services.Conclusions and Relevance: in the context of geopolitical and economic instability, the demand for investment opportunities in gold remains high. While customers value high level of services and investment appeal banks are interested in obtaining a stable income. To provide a mutually beneficial cooperation it is important to create a level of service that would fully meet consumer demand. The basis to create a high-quality service for investing in gold include specific management strategies enabling to receive omnichannel (both digital and non-digital) customer experience in various customer segments.Цель работы – представить дифференцированные маркетинговые решения по управлению опытом конечных потребителей с различными демографическими и поведенческими характеристиками и ценностями при продаже услуг по инвестированию в золото.Методы: Для выполнения задач исследования были использованы общенаучные методы анализа и синтеза, прикладные методы маркетинговых исследований. Полевое исследование и анализ потребительского опыта проведены в отношении объектов инвестирования, доступных в банках: физическое золото и обезличенные металлические счета. Применен качественный метод исследования «тайный покупатель»: скрытое включенное наблюдение за моделями продаж 8-ми банков г. Москвы – крупнейших игроков, предлагающих услуги по инвестированию в золото.Результаты работы. Авторами показано, что одной из финансовых услуг, востребованных в кризис, является инвестирование в золото. В процессе исследования были определены потенциальные целевые потребительские сегменты, готовые инвестировать в золото через различные инструменты, доступные в банках. Целевые сегменты отличаются демографическими и поведенческими характеристиками, искомыми выгодами, ценностями. Проанализирован клиентский путь целевых сегментов потребителей при инвестировании в золото в разных каналах банковского обслуживания. Предложены дифференцированные решения по управлению потребительским опытом потребителей целевых сегментов при продаже услуг инвестирования в золото, иллюстрированные картами потребительского опыта.Выводы. В условиях геополитической и экономической нестабильности интерес со стороны частных инвесторов к услуге инвестирования в золото остается высоким. Для взаимовыгодного обмена ценностями в данных условиях, получения потребителями искомых ценностей и стабильного дохода банками, важно создать такое предложение, качество и количество которого будут соответствовать потребительскому спросу. Основой создания качественного предложения услуг по инвестированию в золото являются дифференцированные стратегии управления потребительским опытом целевых сегментов в цифровых и нецифровых каналах сбыта и коммуникаций, базирующиеся на принципах омниканальности коммуникаций и сбыта

Ключевые тенденции цифровой трансформации финансовых услуг в России и их влияние на потребительский опыт: прогнозы экспертов

Purpose: forecasting the key avenues for financial services digital transformation in Russia and its influence on customer experience based on expert surveys.Methods: a set of general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as marketing research methods – desk and field research. The field research included qualitative method: in-depth interviews with financial market experts. The obtained data were analyzed using content analysis and summarized. Results: the authors provided analysis of secondary data on the main global and local digitalization trends in the financial services market and conducted analytical aggregation of expert opinions on the most likely future changes in the financial services market in the process of digitalization. Analysis of the obtained data enabled to describe three avenues for financial services digital transformation – means of payments digital transformation, payments infrastructure digital transformation and customer interaction models digital transformation. The authors also presented and described the positive and negative influence of the results of digital transformation on the consumer experience.Conclusions and Relevance: the results of this study emphasize the role of financial services digital transformation in the process of new consumer experience creation. The means of payments digital transformation will ensure the total dominance of digital money within the money circulation system positively affecting consumer experience in terms of growing convenience, speed and cost-cutting. Payment infrastructure digital transformation will positively influence on consumer experience by simplifying the customer identification systems and reducing errors. Customer interaction models digital transformation will enhance the level of seamlessness leading to the full integration of financial services in the day-to-day customer activities. The results of the study can be used to develop strategies enabling to achieve the highest level of competitiveness for the financial service providers in the market.Цель: прогнозирование ключевых направлений цифровой трансформации российского рынка финансовых услуг и влияния цифровой трансформации на потребительский опыт на основе оценок экспертов.Методы или методология проведения работы: совокупность общенаучных методов анализа и синтеза, а также кабинетные и полевые методы маркетинговых исследований. Полевые методы маркетинговых исследований представлены глубинными интервью с экспертами финансового рынка. Полученные данные были проанализированы с помощью контент-анализа, систематизированы и обобщены.Результаты работы. Проведен анализ вторичных данных о текущих тенденциях цифровизации рынка финансовых услуг в мире и России. Выполнен анализ первичных данных: мнений экспертов финансового рынка о наиболее вероятных изменениях на рынке финансовых услуг в контексте цифровизации. В результате систематизации и обобщения полученных данных сформулированы три направления цифровой трансформации рынка финансовых услуг до 2030 года: трансформация средств платежей, трансформация инфраструктуры и трансформация моделей взаимодействия с потребителем. В ходе анализа выделенных направлений описано положительное и отрицательное влияние цифровой трансформации на потребительский опыт финансового обслуживания в будущем.Выводы. Результаты исследования показывают особую роль цифровой трансформации финансовых услуг в формировании нового потребительского опыта. Цифровая трансформация средств платежей обеспечит абсолютное доминирование цифровых денег, что улучшит потребительский опыт в части удобства, скорости обслуживания и снижения издержек денежного обращения. Трансформация цифровых платежных решений окажет положительный эффект на потребительский опыт в части упрощения механизма идентификации пользователя и снижения вероятности ошибок транзакций. Трансформация цифровых моделей взаимодействия с потребителем обеспечит высокий уровень «бесшовности» обслуживания и приведет к полной интеграции финансового взаимодействия с повседневной жизнью потребителя. Результаты исследования могут быть использованы хозяйствующими субъектами рынка финансовых услуг при разработке стратегий развития в целях достижения высокого уровня конкурентоспособности на рынке

Land degradation and metropolitan expansion in a peri-urban environment

The couple rapid urbanization and policy failure in controlling urban expansion was sometimes associated to soil and land degradation phenomena in both developing and developed countries. This work points to investigate the link between exurban development and soil/land degradation in the region of Athens (Greece) as a typical semiarid Mediterranean area experiencing a shift from a land-saving compact urban form to a dispersed, low-density urban expansion. The examined area is among the most populated areas in the Mediterranean basin showing an enormous population growth during the last 60 years. While low-density, dispersed urban settlements mainly developed over the decade (2000–2010) in the investigated area occupied mostly land classified at poor soil quality, the overall assessment of vegetation, climate and soil quality layers renders a complex picture in which exurban development consumed high-quality land that were classified as non-vulnerable to land degradation. On the contrary, compact urban settlements prevail in land with intermediate (or even high) soil quality but with inadequate climatic and vegetation conditions, which are classified as highly vulnerable to land degradation. Urban planning should integrate multi-dimensional indicators of soil, climate and vegetation quality to evaluate the environmental impact of exurban development

The DESCARTES-Nantes survey of kidney transplant recipients displaying clinical operational tolerance identifies 35 new tolerant patients and 34 almost tolerant patients

Nephrolog