bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outsourcing logistics activities in Turkey
Authors: Aktas E. , Ulengin F. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis research aims to determine the current situation of outsourcing logistics activities in Turkey, a country which has a great potential for logistics activities among the surrounding continents because of its geographical location.Design/methodology/approachSurvey analysis was conducted with 250 of the top 500 Turkish firms specified by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce for the year 2001. These firms are selected based on the firms' total sales volume, profitability, and other financial performance indicators. The responses were evaluated statistically using SPSS software. Factor and cluster analyses were utilized to determine the behavior of respondents against their logistics service providers and to categorize the respondents.FindingsThe focus of the part of the survey is basically in the following areas: logistics functions outsourced by Turkish firms; the extent to which logistics functions in general and transportation functions in particular are outsourced by Turkish firms; and the criteria used to select and evaluate the performance of the outsourcing firms. The performance of the first three outsourcing firms currently used by Turkish firms.Originality/valueThis study shows that the power of third party logistics (3PL) firms in Turkey is underestimated. The firms that outsource their logistics activities in Turkey are 95 percent foreign capitalized. Turkish businessmen think that they should do their business themselves and they are not aware of the benefits of outsourcing logistics activities. In fact, in selecting the transportation carrier, they consider different criteria but the general tendency is either to select the carrier that has a good reputation and/or the one which is easy to collaborate with.
Addressing uncertainty and inequality in nuclear policy
Authors: Laes E. , D'haeseleer W. , Weiler R. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis paper analyses the justification of technological choices and options in the context of nuclear energy policy. We argue that “society” increasingly demands a justification with regard to the level of uncertainty and inequality a certain technological choice induces. We aim to demonstrate that policy makers in fact do address these issues, but depending on how they define the problem, this is done in a more explicit (overt) or implicit (covert) way.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the changing context with regard to the justification of technological choices is briefly sketched. We draw the attention to the link between the way a certain (energy) policy problem is defined, and the way the framework for political decision‐making is set up in response to the problem. In order to clarify this observation, we make use of a scheme derived from policy sciences, mapping out policy problems in two dimensions: the (lack of) certainty concerning the kinds of knowledge a problem may require, and the (lack of) consensus on relevant values (i.e. “the common good”, “basic rights”, etc.). Each type of policy problem requires a distinct solution strategy. A so‐called Type III‐error occurs when the wrong problem is solved by employing a strategy which does not apply to the problem at hand. In that case, political theory predicts strategic behavior in order to actively suppress or blur value differences. The Belgian decision to phase out nuclear power is used as a case study to illustrate some of the theoretical implications of the scheme.FindingsSeveral Type III‐errors could be demonstrated in the case of the Belgian phase out. In this case, social learning was severely hampered by different methodological approaches; lack of data; different perceptions of relevant time scales; different framing of the problem; institutional barriers; lack of communication; strategic use of scientific assessments by different stakeholders; and insufficient knowledge of scientific assessments.Originality/valueThe paper aims to broaden the debate on energy policy outside the boundaries of institutional decision‐making. We conclude with some practical recommendations for future energy policy, regarding problem structuring, defining possible options, goal and strategy formulation and monitoring of choices.
The importance of population origin and environment on clonal and sexual reproduction in the alpine plant Geum reptans
Authors: PLUESS A. R. , STÖCKLIN J. 
Published: May 2005

Summary

Reproductive behaviour of plants may change in contrasting habitats. In two separate glasshouse experiments, we studied effects of population origin (early vs. late successional and low vs. high altitudinal habitats) and environmental effects (competition and temperature) on plant size and sexual vs. clonal reproduction in Geum reptans L.
Plant size and reproduction differed significantly among populations, but only plant size differed between contrasting habitats.
If plants grew with competition or at warm temperature, plant size and reproduction were reduced and more plants reproduced only with stolons. Individuals with flowers were larger than those that reproduced only with stolons, indicating a smaller minimum plant size for clonal than for sexual reproduction.
Populations of different origin changed little in their response to environmental treatments. Plants from early successional habitats tended to produce more flowers in the competition‐free treatment, whereas in plants from late successional habitats the opposite was true.
The results indicate limited adaptation in reproductive behaviour to contrasting habitats. Nevertheless, great size‐dependent plasticity in the proportion of sexual vs. clonal reproduction ensures population persistence and reproduction in a large range of habitat conditions.
Effect Of Height On Tree Hydraulic Conductance Incompletely Compensated By Xylem Tapering
Authors: ZAEHLE S. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryThe hydraulic limitation theory proposes that the decline of forest productivity with age is a consequence of the loss of whole‐plant and leaf‐specific hydraulic conductance with tree height caused by increased friction. Recent theoretical analyses have suggested that tapering (the broadening of xylem vessel diameter from terminal branches to the base of the stem) could compensate completely for the effect of tree height on hydraulic conductance, and thus on tree growth.The data available for testing this hypothesis are limited, but they do not support the implication that whole‐tree and leaf‐specific hydraulic conductance are generally independent of tree height. Tapering cannot exclude hydraulic limitation as the principle mechanism for the observed decline in growth.Reduction of the leaf‐to‐sapwood area ratio, decreased leaf water potential, loss of leaf‐cell turgor, or osmotic adjustments in taller trees could reduce the effect of increased plant hydraulic resistance on stomatal conductance with height. However, these mechanisms operate with diminishing returns, as they infer increased costs to the tree that will ultimately limit tree growth. To understand the decline in forest growth, the effects of these acclimation mechanisms on carbon uptake and allocation should be considered.
Ecological correlates of seed survival after ingestion by Fallow Deer
Authors: MOUISSIE A. MAARTEN , VAN DER VEEN CARMEN E. J. , VEEN G. F. (CISKA) , VAN DIGGELEN RUDY 
Published: May 2005

Summary

The survival and retention of seeds was studied by feeding known quantities of seeds of 25 species to four captive Fallow Deer (Dama dama L.). To test for ecological correlates, plant species were selected to represent large variation in seed size, seed shape, seed longevity and habitat fertility.
Seeds of 24 out of 25 fed plant species survived ingestion and defecation by Fallow Deer. Seed survival ranged between 0·5 and 42% of germinable seeds fed. Time to recover 50% of all seeds defecated by Fallow Deer in faeces averaged 25 h, and ranged from 13 to 38 h.
Seed survival was negatively related to seed mass (R = 0·65) and variance of unit seed dimensions (R = −0·56), and positively related to seed longevity (R = 0·40), but not related to habitat fertility. Log10 of (seed mass × variance of seed dimensions) was the best predictor of seed survival (R = −0·68).
The ecological correlates of seed survival presented here can help us to estimate the ability of plant species to disperse seeds over long distances.
How should toxic secondary metabolites be distributed between the leaves of a fast‐growing plant to minimize the impact of herbivory?
Authors: LAMBDON P. W. , HASSALL M. 
Published: May 2005

Summary

This paper considers the possibility that the key determinant of leaf age feeding preferences in foliovores is not the concentration of either nutrients or secondary metabolites, but is the ratio of the two.
In some fast‐growing plants, nitrogen is most heavily defended by defensive toxins in the young leaves. This empowers the use of a simple model of leaf‐age preference, based on the conflict between maximizing nutrient intake and minimizing toxicosis.
Young leaves are particularly valuable, not only because they lock up nitrogen, but also because their assimilative value is high. We calculate the loss of value due to herbivory and find that, if the herbivore is moderately intolerant of toxicity and feeds selectively on its predicted optimal leaf age, the costs of damage are greatly reduced. However, efficient toxin distribution protects the plant only if it grows rapidly, so that the well protected young foliage retains a high value.
The trends are reconcilable with observed leaf‐age preferences of both polyphagous and oligophagous species. There is, as yet, little empirical evidence to substantiate the model, but it may be useful for future studies to focus on the toxin : nutrient ratio as a potentially important determinant of feeding preferences.
Nutrient resorption of wetland graminoids is related to the type of nutrient limitation
Authors: GÜSEWELL S. 
Published: May 2005

Summary

Nitrogen or phosphorus limits plant growth in many wetlands. If specific mechanisms reducing losses of the growth‐limiting nutrient have been favoured by selection, the N and P resorption efficiency (RE) during leaf senescence (NRE, PRE: the fraction of N or P resorbed) might depend on the type of nutrient limitation.
The size, mass, and N and P concentrations of green and senesced leaves were determined for 10 graminoid species at Dutch and Swiss wetland sites, with N : P ratios in leaves (6–27 by mass) indicating N or P limitation.
During senescence, leaf area decreased by 8–19%, and leaf mass by 8–38%; NRE ranged from 0 to 87%, and PRE from 30 to 96%. PRE correlated strongly with NRE (r = 0·91) but was, on average, 17% higher. Within the Swiss or Dutch sites, NRE and PRE did not correlate with foliar N : P ratios, indicating that RE was not directly adjusted to the type of nutrient limitation.
NRE and PRE were, on average, higher at the P‐limited Swiss sites than at the N‐limited Dutch sites. Because PRE exceeded NRE, high RE would be most beneficial when P limits plant growth. This may have contributed to the dominance of graminoids with high RE in P‐limited wetlands.
Metals and amyloid‐β in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Maynard Christa J. , Bush Ashley I. , Masters Colin L. , Cappai Roberto , Li Qiao‐Xin 
Published: May 2005

SummaryMounting evidence is demonstrating roles for the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its proteolytic product Aβ in metal homeostasis. Furthermore, aberrant metal homeostasis is observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and this may contribute to AD pathogenesis, by enhancing the formation of reactive oxygen species and toxic Aβ oligomers and facilitating the formation of the hallmark amyloid deposits in AD brain. Indeed, zinc released from synaptic activity has been shown to induce parenchymal and cerebrovascular amyloid in transgenic mice. On the other hand, abnormal metabolism of APP and Aβ may impair brain metal homeostasis as part of the AD pathogenic process. Aβ and APP expression have both been shown to decrease brain copper (Cu) levels, whereas increasing brain Cu availability results in decreased levels of Aβ and amyloid plaque formation in transgenic mice. Lowering Cu concentrations can downregulate the transcription of APP, strengthening the hypothesis that APP and Aβ form part of the Cu homeostatic machinery in the brain. This is a complex pathway, and it appears that when the sensitive metal balance in the brain is sufficiently disrupted, it can lead to the self‐perpetuating pathogenesis of AD. Clinical trials are currently studying agents that can remedy abnormal Aβ–metal interactions.
Concepts for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: molecular mechanisms and clinical application
Authors: Pietrzik Claus , Behl Christian 
Published: May 2005

SummaryTo date, various strategies have been developed in order to prevent or to slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite the medical need for an effective therapeutic treatment of AD, progress towards this goal is painstakingly slow. Although AD is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and a large amount of primary basic and clinical research has been performed already, it appears very difficult to identify appropriate targets, which would promise fast, effective and safe strategies to combat the disease onset and progression. In this review, we present some of clinically applied treatment options, which may improve AD symptoms for a short period but so far lack the ability to prevent or halt this devastating disease. Additionally, we summarize some of the experimental approaches in AD therapy, which might lead to the development of more promising drugs in the future.
Adaptation to thermal stress in lichen‐eating webspinners (Embioptera): habitat choice, domicile construction and the potential role of heat shock proteins
Authors: EDGERLY J. S. , TADIMALLA A. , DAHLHOFF E. P. 
Published: May 2005

Summary

Embiids are a unique group of web‐spinning insects, which construct silk domiciles. In sunny habitats, silk may provide a shady refuge, or exacerbate exposure to high temperatures. Here we present the first description of the thermal biology of embiids, focusing on Notoligotoma hardyi from Magnetic Island, Australia.
We recorded natural colony positions and temperature of silk domiciles relative to incident radiation, and manipulated locations of domiciles on sunny (north‐facing) and shady (south‐facing) rock faces to test whether silk dampens thermal exposure. We also compared responses to laboratory heat stress in N. hardyi with two other embiids: Australembia incompta (Magnetic Island) and Antipaluria urichi (rainforest).
Temperatures of air (TA), rocks (TR) and domiciles (TD) are significantly hotter for north‐ than south‐facing colonies. North‐facing colonies have less extensive silk coverings and are found in crevices. For natural and experimentally manipulated north‐facing colonies, TD was cooler than TR but hotter than TA, whereas TD and TA were similar for south‐facing colonies. Individuals living in north‐facing colonies adjusted position to remain in the shade. Ability to recover from heat exposure was greatest in Australian embiids and was linked to expression of heat shock proteins.
In sunny microhabitats, silk reduces but does not prevent exposure to physiologically stressful temperatures. N. hardyi tolerates thermal extremes using a combination of behavioural thermal regulation, microhabitat selection and a robust heat shock response.
Predator‐specific changes in the morphology and swimming performance of larval Rana lessonae
Authors: WILSON R. S. , KRAFT P. G. , VAN DAMME R. 
Published: May 2005

Summary

We investigated the morphological responses of larval Rana lessonae to the presence of two predators with substantially different prey‐detection and capture techniques; larval dragonflies (Aeshna cyanea) and the Pumpkinseed Sunfish (Lepomis gibossus).
We also examined the functional implications of any predator‐induced morphological variation on their swimming ability by assessing performance during the initial stages of a startle response.
We found the morphological responses of larval R. lessonae were dependent on the specific predator present. Tadpoles raised in the presence of dragonfly larvae preying upon conspecific tadpoles developed total tail heights 5·4% deeper and tail muscles 4·7% shallower than tadpoles raised in a non‐predator environment, while tadpoles raised with sunfish possessed tails 2% shallower and tail muscles 2·5% higher than non‐predator‐exposed tadpoles.
Predator‐induced morphological variation also significantly influenced swimming performance. Tadpoles raised with sunfish possessed swimming speeds 9·5 and 14·6% higher than non‐ and dragonfly predator groups, respectively.
Thus, the expression of these alternative predator‐morphs leads to a functional trade‐off in performance between the different environments.
Relative importance of plastic vs genetic factors in adaptive differentiation: geographical variation for stress resistance in Drosophila melanogaster from eastern Australia
Authors: HOFFMANN A. A. , SHIRRIFFS J. , SCOTT M. 
Published: May 2005

Summary

Heritable clinal patterns for stress resistance traits have been described in a number of invertebrate species but patterns are usually characterized on populations reared under constant conditions. Here we examined the impact of simulated seasonal variation in temperature/photoperiod as well as constant conditions on stress resistance in eight Drosophila melanogaster populations from eastern Australia across a latitude range of 27 degrees.
Desiccation resistance was relatively higher under summer compared with winter/constant conditions, but this trait and starvation resistance did not exhibit clinal variation. Winter conditions increased cold resistance as measured by chill coma recovery time, and decreased heat resistance as measured by time to knock down in a vial.
Clinal patterns were evident for the thermal resistance traits regardless of conditions, and involved increased heat resistance and decreased cold resistance in tropical populations. Latitudinal patterns were steeper for cold resistance than for heat resistance.
To compare the relative impact of plastic vs genetic changes along the cline, differences in trait means were expressed relative to differences between populations from cline ends. For cold and heat resistance, differences between environmental conditions were approximately 1·5× greater than the heritable differences.
The effect of slug grazing on vegetation development and plant species diversity in an experimental grassland
Authors: BUSCHMANN H. , KELLER M. , PORRET N. , DIETZ H. , EDWARDS P. J. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryGeneralist herbivores such as slugs have the potential not only to reduce plant density and biomass, but also to alter species diversity within vegetation. Their impact on species diversity may be either negative, if they concentrate feeding on less abundant plant species, or positive, if they feed on the most abundant species.This study investigated the influence of slugs on plant species diversity in experimental swards produced by sowing aLolium perenne/Trifolium repensseed mixture in field plots with a large seed bank of mainly arable species. Half of the plots were grazed byArion lusitanicusMabille. Plant cover, above‐ground biomass and number of plant species were measured over a 3‐year period.Vegetation cover increased in the control plots from 50% in the first year to 90% in the third year. Cover was significantly lower in the slug plots in the first year (>22%), while there were only small differences between treatments in the third year. Slugs reduced total above‐ground biomass by >25% in both the first and third years.Slugs had a negative impact on plant species diversity in the first year, particularly by reducing forb species. In contrast, plant species diversity after 3 years was higher in the slug plots than in the controls, because of the higher number of forb species. Under slug grazing, the biomass and cover of annual and palatable species were reduced, but not the numbers of these species.Our results suggest that slugs can have a significant effect on plant species diversity in plant communities, but that the direction of the effect changes during the course of succession. In the earliest stages, when most species are present as seedlings or juveniles, slug grazing leads to reduced species diversity because favoured species are eliminated. In closed vegetation, in which competitive interactions are important, slugs may reduce the dominance of the more competitive species and thus provide gaps in which plants can establish from seed. As a consequence, slugs tend to cause an increase in plant species diversity, and may also reduce the rate of successional change by promoting the persistence of annual species.
Floral and inflorescence effects on variation in pollen removal and seed production among six legume species
Authors: KUDO G. , HARDER L. D. 
Published: May 2005

Summary

Most flowering plants display multiple flowers, so that the interaction with pollinators that determines their mating success can vary with both the characteristics of individual flowers and aggregate properties of the entire floral display, especially the number of open flowers (floral display size). These effects are seldom examined in concert and their collective consequences for interspecific differences in reproductive performance have not been considered previously.
In this paper, we characterize the relation of pollen removal and seed production to differences in floral and inflorescence characteristics among six species of herbaceous legumes (Fabaceae).
Several aspects of reproductive performance varied significantly among species with either plant traits or aspects of pollinator behaviour that depend on plant traits. Pollinator visitation, as measured by the ratio of pollen removal during 24 h to first‐visit removal, varied positively with both nectar production per flower and floral display size. Bumble‐bees visited more flowers per inflorescence on species with large floral displays, with no increase in the proportion of flowers visited. Pollen removal during a flower's first visit varied negatively among species with the mean number of flowers visited by bees per inflorescence.
These results indicate that floral and inflorescence traits act together to influence both pollinator energetics, which affects a plant species’ attractiveness, and the rate of pollen removal, which should affect pollen export. In contrast, neither pollen removal during 24 h, nor female fecundity varied significantly with floral or display characteristics.
Climatic variability and hemispheric differences in insect cold tolerance: support from southern Africa
Authors: SINCLAIR B. J. , CHOWN S. L. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryInsects generally survive subzero temperatures by utilizing either freeze tolerance or freeze avoidance. Comparative analyses from a limited data set have indicated that freeze tolerance may be predominant among species at temperate latitudes in the southern hemisphere, while freeze avoidance dominates in the north.We investigated the cold tolerance strategies of cockroaches and beetles from cold regions in southern Africa, including the Cederberg mountains, the Karoo desert and the Drakensberg mountains.We found that 8 of 11 species are freeze tolerant.Overall, 77% of species investigated in the southern hemisphere (n = 27) were freeze tolerant, which is significantly different from the 29% (n = 258) in the north (P < 0·001).There are regular, unpredictable subzero temperature events in the southern African habitats; such variability appears to be a general feature of many cold habitats in the southern hemisphere, which may lead to the observed interhemispheric discrepancies in cold‐tolerance strategies.