Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The changing face of competencies for club managers

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to update previous studies conducted on important managerial competencies used by private club managers by examining the importance and frequency of use of management competencies applied to the private club industry.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 800 randomly selected private club managers was used for this study. The study included only active members of the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA). Findings – The results indicate a change in what club managers do between 2002 and today. Except the added competency domains, results are very similar to previous studies. Accounting and finance, human resources and food and beverage competencies remain highly important as well as the most frequently used. The overall importance rating of the leadership domain was categorized as an essential competency with a mean score over 4.50. The other competency domains/clusters overall ratings were categorized as considerably important managerial competencies with .
Asperger's Syndrome and Cortical Neuropathology

Asperger's disorder or syndrome is characterized by impaired social interaction, normal intelligence, and adequate language skills in the areas of grammar and vocabulary. The symptoms are pervasive in nature and usually manifested in childhood. Despite the gravity and chronicity of the condition, the medical literature remains sparse and offers no information about possible neuropathologic underpinnings. The present study is a case report on two patients with Asperger's syndrome. Neuropathologic examination revealed no degenerative changes or gliosis. A more detailed assessment with computerized image analysis indicated abnormalities in the minicolumnar organization of the three areas examined (9, 21, 22) (P = .032). Specifically, minicolumns were smaller, and their component cells were more dispersed than normal. A similar neuropathology has recently been reported for autism and disputes the uniqueness of these findings. The minicolumnar changes provide a possible link to receptive field abnormalities and a useful clinicopathologic correlate to Asperger's syndrome. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:142-145).
RODENT COMMUNITIES IN ACTIVE AND INACTIVE COLONIES OF BLACK-TAILED PRAIRIE DOGS IN SHORTGRASS STEPPE

Abstract Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) alter shortgrass-steppe landscapes in ways that are expected to affect other mammals. I sampled rodent populations at 31 sites on the Pawnee National Grasslands, Colorado, including 18 active colonies, 6 colonies that had been unoccupied for >6 years (inactive), and 7 grassland sites without prairie dogs (controls). Rodents were livetrapped for 4 consecutive nights at each site between May and August 2004 to estimate relative abundance. I also measured vegetation and habitat characteristics. Northern grasshopper mice (Onychomys leucogaster) and 13-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) were captured on most (≥87%) of the sites and comprised 40% and 34% of individuals captured, respectively. Species richness ranged from 1 to 6 species, but most sites had only these 2 species. Grasshopper mice tended to be more abundant on colony sites than on controls, although differences were not statistically significant. Ground squirrels were least abundant on active colonies, and most abundant on inactive colonies, followed by controls. Habitat types did not differ in their abundance of any other species or in total rodent abundance; however, active colony area influenced total rodent abundance, with small colonies supporting fewer individuals. Controls supported the most rodent species, in part because these sites consistently had taller grass, which presumably provided habitat and food for less common species (Chaetodipus hispidus, Perognathus flavus, and Reithrodontomys megalotis). In shortgrass steppe, active colonies provided habitat for grasshopper mice, which may be involved in maintenance and spread of plague, but did not support consistently higher rodent species richness than the surrounding grasslands.
Does financial development reduce the motivation to hoard foreign reserves

Managing capital flows and liquidity demand have been central issues for emerging market countries. This paper analyzes the effects of financial development and capital flows on foreign reserve accumulation in East Asian economies. Using annual data from 12 Asian economies between 1980 and 2009, the empirical results suggest that financial development can reduce a central bank’s motivation to hoard foreign reserves by reducing the impact of capital flows on foreign reserve demand. Based on the empirical observations, this study then constructed a simple model of foreign reserve accumulation in which the optimal level of foreign reserves depends on the level of financial development. With an asymmetric preference in exchange rate, the actual level of foreign reserves held by a central bank is usually higher than the optimal level of foreign reserves needed for liquidity supply.
IgE and IL‐33−mediated triggering of human basophils inhibits TLR4−induced monocyte activation

Basophils are circulating granulocytes, best known as effector cells in allergic reactions. Recent studies in mice suggest that they might also participate in the suppression of chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of purified human basophils to modulate monocyte responses upon IL‐33 and IgE triggering. Activation of human basophils with IL‐33 induced the production of IL‐4 and the release of histamine, and enhanced their IgE‐mediated activation. In addition, basophils triggered with IL‐33 and anti‐IgE significantly suppressed the LPS‐induced production of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF‐α and the upregulation of the costimulatory molecule CD80 by monocytes. These effects were mainly explained by the release of histamine, as they could be inhibited by the histamine receptor 2 antagonist ranitidine, with a smaller contribution of IL‐4. In contrast, basophil‐derived IL‐4 and histamine had opposing effects on the expression of the inhibitory Fc γ receptor IIb and the production of IL‐10 by monocytes. Our data show that basophils can influence monocyte activation and suggest a previously unrecognized role for human basophils in the modulation of monocyte‐mediated immune responses, through the balanced secretion of histamine and IL‐4.
NESTING SUCCESS AND BEHAVIOR OF NORTHERN HARRIERS ON A RECLAIMED SURFACE MINE GRASSLAND IN KENTUCKY

ABSTRACT Grasslands are among the most threatened habitats in North America and populations of many grassland birds, including Northern Harriers (Circus cyaneus), are declining. While native grasslands are disappearing, current procedures for reclaiming surface mines have produced large areas of grasslands in the eastern United States. Currently, little is known about the use of such grasslands by raptors. The objective of this study was to examine the nesting behavior of Northern Harriers on a reclaimed surface mine grassland in Kentucky. Over two breeding seasons (April–July 2002–03), 46 harrier nests were located, and young fledged from 10 (21.7%) of these nests. All but one nest were located in dry, upland areas, and the increased vulnerability of nests in such sites to predation may have contributed to this relatively low nesting success. Successful nests were located in denser vegetation than unsuccessful nests, suggesting that greater concealment may reduce predation risk. The percentage of breeding females that were subadults (44.4%) was higher in this Kentucky population than reported elsewhere, although nest success did not differ with female age. Most prey items delivered to nestlings were small mammals (134 of 139; 96.4%), with male harriers capturing most prey and, in aerial exchanges, transferring those prey to females for delivery to the nest. These results suggest that Northern Harriers can breed successfully on reclaimed surface mine grasslands.
Human T-cell receptor V beta gene polymorphism and multiple sclerosis.

Population-based genetic associations have been reported between RFLPs detected with probes corresponding to the genes encoding the beta chain of the T-cell receptor for antigen (TCRB) and a variety of autoimmune disorders. In the case of multiple sclerosis (MS), these studies have localized a putative disease-associated gene to a region of approximately 110 kb in length, located within the TCRB locus. In the current study, all 14 known TCRBV (variable region) genes within the region of localization were mapped and identified. The nucleotide sequences of these genes were determined in a panel of six MS patients and six healthy controls, who were human-leukocyte antigen and TCRB-RFLP haplotype matched. Nine of the 14 TCRBV genes studied showed evidence of polymorphism. PCR-based assays for each of these polymorphic genes were developed, and allele and genotype frequencies were determined in a panel of DNA samples from 48 MS patients and 60 control individuals. No significant differences in allele, genotype, or phenotype frequencies were observed between the MS patients and controls for any of the 14 TCRBV-gene polymorphisms studied. In light of the extensive linkage disequilibrium across the region studied, the saturating numbers of polymorphisms examined, and the direct sequence analysis of all BV genes in the region, these results suggest that it is unlikely that germ-line polymorphism in the TCRBV locus makes a major contribution to MS susceptibility. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Professional, Participative and Managerial Unionism: An Interpretation of Change in Trade Unions

This paper argues that the `servicing relationship' between trade unions and their members has passed through three phases in the postwar period. These are termed `professional unionism', characterized by membership dependence on a cadre of expert representatives; `participative unionism', in which union officers facilitated self-reliance among union members; and `managerial unionism', in which members are viewed as reactive consumers who must be attracted by a well-researched and promoted servicing package. Evidence is presented from a range of sources to support this interpretation, though the argument is qualified in recognition of variation between unions, the use of hybrid approaches to servicing and the necessary limits to the complete adoption of each of the three servicing relationships. The paper concludes by reviewing the implications of the argument for theories of union government and makes a case for a cultural account of change in trade unions to supplement existing systems, contingency and conflict theories.
Cystatin C as an early marker of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND Serum cystatin C has been proposed as an endogenous marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) because it shows a correlation with the albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) in diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of cystatin C as an early marker of diabetic nephropathy. METHODS From February 2010 to July 2010, 205 outpatients with normo- or microalbuminuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) of stage III or less were included in this study. Various renal markers including serum cystatin C and ACR were evaluated. RESULTS In the ROC curve analysis, cystatin C showed a performance similar to that of serum creatinine. In addition, cystatin C levels increased with increasing CKD stage I to III and from normo- to microalbuminuria and showed a positive correlation with ACR. In a comparison of renal function markers in diabetic patients according to serum cystatin C level, all markers including ACR, serum creatinine, and eGFR showed significant differences between patients with cystatin C level < 1.06 mg/L and those with cystatin C > or = 1.06 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS Serum cystatin C is a useful marker of early renal impairment in type 2 diabetic patients because it reflects both a decrease in GFR and elevated ACR.
Real Exchange Rate Effects on the Balance of Trade: Cointegration and the Marshall-Lerner Condition

A typical finding in the empirical literature is that import and export demand elasticities are rather low, and that the Marshall-Lerner (ML) condition does not hold. However, despite the evidence against the ML condition, the consensus is that real devaluations do improve the balance of trade, though after a lag because of J-curve effects. The aim of this paper is to try and measure the effects of the real exchange rate on the balance of payments using structural cointegrating vector autoregressive distributed lag (VARDL) models for domestic and foreign output, the balance of trade and the real exchange rate. Small systems are estimated for eight OECD countries to investigate long-run cointegration. Generalized impulse response functions are calculated to investigate the response to shocks. These show evidence of J-effects. The VARDL estimates suggest a single cointegrating vector and that output and the real exchange rate can be treated as weakly exogenous for the parameters of the balance of payment equation. This allows estimation using a single-equation ARDL. Although there is considerable heterogeneity, overall the results suggest that the ML condition is satisfied in the long run. Copyright @ 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. All rights reserved.
Medical Tourism—Attracting Japanese Tourists For Medical Tourism Experience

ABSTRACT This study aimed at examining the intention of Japanese tourists to travel to Korea in a medical tourism context by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). A total of 237 responses were analyzed via structural equation modeling to test two dimensions of medical tourism models. A total of 14 salient belief items in the health treatment model and 16 salient belief items in the beautification model were identified. Reshaping dimensions of medical tourism and the proved applicability of the TPB extends the knowledge of medical tourism and understanding of Japanese tourists' travel intentions in a medical tourism context. The findings indicate the industry practitioners should put effort into attracting Japanese medical tourists. This research has shown that authorities should influence word-of-mouth information exchange and should seek feedback to develop marketing strategies. Publicity should be coordinated with professional bodies in the originating and destination countries. The research further indicates that regulatory and safety regulations must be in place with easy access to information.
Breastfeeding Practices in Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Barriers to increased breastfeeding rates in Chengdu, Sichuan were investigated in 1992 and 1993. Responses of focus groups showed that ignorance about breastfeeding and belief that the mother's milk was inadequate, and lack of support from their families, places of employment, and the health system acted as barriers to the women's breastfeeding their infants up to the age of four to six months. Subsequently, 363 mothers of 4to 12-month-old Chengdu infants were surveyed. Although most mothers in both studies said breastmilk was the best food for their infant up to age of four to six months, only about half of the mothers breastfed for longer than one month. Both studies showed that infants who roomed with their mothers after birth were more likely to have been put to their mother's breast earlier, fed colostrum, breastfed somewhat longer, and exclusively breastfed for a somewhat longer period, although their mothers' infant feeding knowledge did not differ. The researchers conclude that Chengdu health workers should teach parents and parents-to-be more about breastfeeding, and that rooming-in be expanded in Chengdu hospitals.
Local Agenda 21 in Germany: An inter- and intranational comparison

More than ten years after the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, which marked the institutionalization of Agenda 21 and the beginning of Local Agenda 21 processes all over the world, it is time to summarize and evaluate the situation with respect to Local Agenda 21 in Germany. Even in Germany, which can be considered as a latecomer regarding the implementation of Local Agenda 21, the diffusion of this policy innovation seems to have reached its end. This paper starts from an international, comparative perspective and Germany’s position as a latecomer regarding Local Agenda 21 initiation; however, it focuses primarily on the intranational, comparative standpoint. We analyze the diffusion of Local Agenda 21 in four German states (Lander) (Berlin, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Thuringia). The comparisons between Germany and other countries at international level and between the Lander at national level demonstrate that the diffusion of Local Agenda 21 depends above all on three factors: (1) local authorities’ capacities for action; (2) financial and political support from national and regional governmental organizations; and (3) (trans)national and regional agenda transfer institutions which facilitate the exchange of knowledge and know-how between local authorities, and thus accelerate the diffusion of Local Agenda 21 processes. Local authorities, which have greater capacities for action, which are better supported by the particular German state (Land) where they are located, and which show a higher degree of integration into transfer networks are more active and innovative in the area of Local Agenda 21.
Intertemporal Price Discrimination and Sales Strategy under Incomplete Information

This article examines intertemporal price variations to provide a theoretical explanation for them. When firms have only incomplete information about consumers' reservation prices for the commodity, we contend that some intertemporal price variations can result from attempts by firms to discriminate among consumers. We demonstrate that such price discrimination is the optimal policy for a seller if consumers have a higher time discount rate than producers.
Stability and marginal bone level measurements of unsplinted implants used for mandibular overdentures: a 1-year randomized prospective clinical study comparing early and conventional loading protocols.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two non-splinted implants used as retention for a mandibular overdenture when applying conventional or early loading protocols. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty edentulous patients were treated with two unsplinted and non-submerged implants (15 mm long, TiUnite RP, Brånemark System) in the anterior mandible. The patients were randomly allotted into two groups: (i) test group (Group A), in which the overdenture was connected 1 week after surgery, and (ii) control group (Group B), in which the overdenture was connected after 12 weeks of healing. Resonance frequency analyses (RFA) for implant stability measurements were performed at implant surgery and after 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Marginal bone levels were evaluated at implant surgery and after 6 and 12 months. RESULTS No implant from either group was lost and all implants showed less than 1 mm of marginal bone resorption during the first year. The mean implant stability quotient (ISQ) values at implant surgery were 76.2+/-2.8 for Group A and 75.6+/-4.5 for Group B. The 12-month measurements showed 76.4+/-2.5 ISQ and 76.4+/-2.8 ISQ for Groups A and B, respectively. There were no statistically significant changes between or within the groups with time. There were no differences in marginal bone loss, which was on average 0.3 mm for both groups after 1 year. CONCLUSION Although a limited number of patients were followed for 1 year only, the results of the present study indicate that early loading of two unsplinted 15 mm long implants with an overdenture does not negatively affect implant stability or marginal bone conditions when compared with implants subjected to 12 weeks of healing before loading.
The Standardisation Debate in International Marketing

Abstract Some ten years on from Levitt's seminal contribution to the debate, this article addresses the issue of globalization and attempts to illustrate how far this concept has become a reality. The focus of the discussion is on how far consumer products and brands have become standardised. The role of culture in preventing globalization and of technology in advancing its progress is also looked at. Finally, an examination of economies of scale, an important rationale for the pursuit of globalization, is undertaken. Each of these issues is interrelated, but it is possible to suggest that there is evidence to support the growing trend towards product and brand standardisation. It is also difficult to find evidence that traditional cultural barriers are breaking down; cultural influences on the purchasing process seem to be persistent. The argument in favour of economies of scale seems valid, however, not to reduce prices but to allow more resources to be spent on brand building.
International assignments to/from India: do race and gender matter?

This paper examines two research questions pertaining to international assignments to/from India. One, should western multinationals adopt the predominant criterion of technical competence and ignore other factors, such as race and gender, for expatriate assignments to India? Two, in light of the increasing incidence of foreign direct investment from India, do Indian selectors place greater emphasis on technical competence vis-à-vis race and gender in international assignments to other countries, such as the US? To shed light on these research questions, Indians managers and professionals enrolled in executive management education programmes at three prestigious Indian Institutes of Management were asked to rank-order the suitability of four candidates for the positions of (a) director of Indian operations and (b) director of US operations of an Indian multinational. In both scenarios, the woman candidate is portrayed as superior to the male contenders in terms of educational background and managerial experience. In the case of the director of India operations, the woman candidate is African–American; in the director of US operations, she is presented as white. Using the Hare method, the African–American woman was ranked number 2 for the position of director of Indian operations; while the white American female emerged as the number 1 choice as the director of US operations. In the former scenario, there were differences in rankings between the male and the female respondents while there was no observed difference in the latter situation. These findings suggest that race does matter in international assignments to India, whereas it does not in the Indian operations in the US.