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Comparative analyses of interspecific differences in response to climate change can provide important insights into the factors initiating seasonal onset of reproduction in various species and subsequent fitness consequences. We present a comparative analysis based on a 30-year breeding survey of two related migratory songbird species [Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus (RW) and Great Reed Warbler A. arundinaceus (GRW)], which coexist in reedbeds by means of various interspecific interactions. The RW advanced breeding by 15 days and shortened its breeding time window, which is a combined effect of higher temperatures, alleviated competition as a consequence of population declines in the dominant GRW, and reduced RW population. Although the breeding period of GRW changed only slightly, its clutch initiation was likewise related to temperature. Most probably, advanced breeding in RW is favoured by changes in food supply and accelerated reed growth, which provides the necessary nest concealment earlier, whereas this does not affect the GRW, a species less vulnerable to nest predation. Clutch size decreased later in the season, so that earlier breeding produced a net increase in both species. An additional increase of clutch size in GRW can be explained by the use of higher-quality territories in today's smaller population. The main causes of nest losses were predation in RW and adverse weather in GRW, but reproductive success increased over the study period in both species, which was a consequence of larger clutches in RW, but of favourable weather during rearing and fewer total losses in GRW. Our results document that different causal mechanisms are involved in the reproductive changes of the two congeneric species living in the same habitat: RW breeding earlier by making use of competitive release and other ecological improvements, and GRW by benefiting from better rearing conditions. As species respond differentially to climate change depending on ecosystem and biotic interactions, predictions of population dynamics will remain vague until the specific response mechanisms have been elucidated.

Purpose This study aims to apply the modified Walker-Unger model to show the degree of attractiveness of a country for Mexican-based money launderers to send their illicit funds for the 2000–2015 time period. Design/methodology/approach The modified Walker-Unger model is used to conduct the analysis, as it combines several independent variables related to an illicit financial activity. These allow the researcher to investigate the attractiveness of a market to money launderers and the possible economic effects of money laundering. In total, 13 categories of indicators were used, namely, gross national product per capita; banking secrecy; government attitude; society for worldwide interbank financial telecommunication membership; financial deposits; conflict; corruption; Egmont group membership; language; trade; culture, colonial background; and physical distance. Findings Model results suggest the preferred destinations for Mexican-based money launderers from 2000 to 2015 were Bermuda (i.e. from 2000–2004), Canada (i.e. in 2005 and 2006) and Monaco (i.e. from 2007–2015). Research limitations/implications Timing and availability of reliable data after 2015. Practical implications Aids in continuing to empirically validate the Walker-Unger model. There is little literature on models that quantify money laundering activity. Social implications May aid policymakers in targeting anti-money laundering policy to more relevant countries. Originality/value The first empirical investigation that looks to quantify money launderer activity in Mexico. Contributes to the limited literature of quantitative investigations on money laundering.

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Over the course of calendar year 2019, businesses around the globe have experienced supply chain disruption due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The strategic significance of the supply chain has been thrust into the forefront for businesses, economies, and society at large. It has become recognized by researchers and industry that there is a need for higher efficiency within the supply chain while remaining responsive to consumer needs. However, the fragmented and diverse nature of supply chain management, coupled with the complex accountancy and financial outputs of the supply chain, has resulted in limited development of a theoretical foundation specific to supply chain management. The aim of this investigation was to develop a new model (the Supply Chain Efficiency Ratio) that measures supply chain efficiency using financial ratios and by extending the Efficiency Model. Data for this investigation were obtained from U.S.-based public discount stores in the United States. The results of the multiple regression performed indicated that the Supply Chain Efficiency Ratio holds predictive value of an organization's supply chain efficiency p<.0005. From the study it was found that the Supply Chain Efficiency Ratio can be used as an indicator of supply chain efficiency in discount stores.

Summary Why do Woodlarks need field-forest ecotones? -An analysis of possible factorsIn the breeding season of 1995 the ecological function of field-forest ecotones for Woodlarks (Lullula arborea) was examined on an ex-military area of heath in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The hypothesis of competition with Skylark (Alauda arvensis) was tested by analysis of territoriality and agonistic behaviour as well as foraging-sites behaviour. The possible indispensability of perches was investigated by an artificial perch experiment. Flight behaviour was tested in comparison with the Skylark. Woodlark and Skylark showed neither interspecific territoriality nor a high level of interspecific agonistic interactions. Even though some perches were used frequently, Woodlarks did not change territories in grassland areas because of the artificial perches. On closer examination of anti-predationstrategies it became clear that forest edge is not a factor of woodlark-territories but the habitat of that species. As Skylarks try to escape by overflying or hiding in grass, Woodlarks mostly flew to the forest. Together with morphological and singing aspects both nest type and flight-behaviour show obvious adaptations to field-forest ecotones.