bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age- and Sex-Differences in Cardiac Characteristics Determined by Echocardiography in Masters Athletes
Authors: Wooten Savannah V. , Moestl Stefan , Chilibeck Phil , Alvero Cruz José Ramón , Mittag Uwe , Tank Jens , Tanaka Hirofumi , Rittweger Jörn , Hoffmann Fabian 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundCardiac function and morphology are known to differ between men and women. Sex differences seen with echocardiography have not been studied systematically in masters athletes.PurposeTo evaluate sex differences in cardiac structure, function and left ventricular (LV) systolic global longitudinal strain among masters athletes.MethodsThis cross-sectional study comprises of 163 masters athletes (M= 109, 60 ± 12 years;F= 55, 57 ± 12 years, range 36–91 years) who participated at the 23rd World Masters Athletics Championship held in Málaga, Spain. All athletes underwent state-of-the-art echocardiography including cardiac function, morphology, strain and hemodynamic assessment.ResultsLeft ventricular mass was higher in male than in female athletes (174 ± 44 vs. 141 ± 36g,p&lt; 0.01) due to greater end-diastolic intraventricular septal, LV posterior wall and LV basal diameter. However, LV mass index did not differ between the groups. End-diastolic LV volume and right ventricular area, both indexed to body-surface-area, were greater in men than in women (52.8 ± 11.0 vs. 46.1 ± 8.5 ml/m2,p&lt; 0.01, 9.5 ± 2.4 vs. 8.1 ± 1.7 cm2/m2,p&lt; 0.01). In contrast, women had higher LV systolic global longitudinal strain (-20.2 ± 2.6 vs. -18.8 ± 2.6%,p&lt; 0.01) and LV outflow tract flow velocity (75.1 ± 11.1 vs. 71.2 ± 11.1 cm/s,p= 0.04). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, LV ejection fraction, and stroke volume index were not different between sexes.ConclusionCardiac sex differences are present even among masters athletes. Lifelong exercise training does not appear to exasperate morphological difference to a point of cardiac risk or dysfunction in both male and female athletes.
Self-Efficacy Between Previous and Current Mathematics Performance of Undergraduate Students: An Instrumental Variable Approach to Exposing a Causal Relationship
Authors: Zakariya Yusuf F. 
Published: January 2021

PurposeSelf-efficacy has been argued theoretically and shown empirically to be an essential construct for students’ improved learning outcomes. However, there is a dearth of studies on its causal effects on performance in mathematics among university students. Meanwhile, it will be erroneous to assume that results from other fields of studies generalize to mathematics learning due to the task-specificity of the construct. As such, attempts are made in the present study to provide evidence for a causal relationship between self-efficacy and performance with a focus on engineering students following a mathematics course at a Norwegian university.MethodThe adopted research design in the present study is a survey type in which collected data from first-year university students are analyzed using structural equation modeling with weighted least square mean and variance adjusted (WLSMV) estimator. Data were generated using mainly questionnaires, a test of prior mathematics knowledge, and the students’ final examination scores in the course. The causal effect of self-efficacy was discerned from disturbance effects on performance by using an innovative instrumental variable approach to structural equation modeling.ResultsThe findings confirmed a significant direct effect of the prior mathematics knowledge test (β = 0.52, SE = 0.01, p &lt; 0.001) on self-efficacy, a significant direct effect (β = 0.43, SE = 0.19, p = 0.02) of self-efficacy on performance, and a substantial mediating effect (β = 0.22, SE = 0.10, p = 0.03) of self-efficacy between a prior mathematics knowledge test and performance. Prior mathematics knowledge and self-efficacy explained 30% variance of the performance. These findings are interpreted to be substantial evidence for the causal effect of self-efficacy on students’ performance in an introductory mathematics course.ConclusionThe findings of the present study provide empirically supports for designing self-efficacy interventions as proxies to improve students’ performance in university mathematics. Further, the findings of the present study confirm some postulates of Bandura’s agentic social cognitive theory.
A German Version of the Staff Attitude to Coercion Scale. Development and Empirical Validation
Authors: Efkemann Simone A. , Scholten Matthé , Bottlender Ronald , Juckel Georg , Gather Jakov 
Published: January 2021

Background:Individual staff factors, such as personality traits and attitudes, are increasingly seen as an important factor in the reduction of coercion in mental health services. At the same time, only a few validated instruments exist to measure those factors and examine their influence on the use of coercion.Aim:The present study aimed to develop and validate a German version of the Staff Attitude to Coercion Scale (SACS).Methods:The original English version of the SACS published was translated into German. Subsequently, it was empirically validated on a sample ofN= 209 mental health professionals by conducting an exploratory factor analysis.Results:The three-factor structure in the original version of the SACS, consisting of critical, pragmatic and positive attitudes toward the use of coercion, could not be replicated. Instead, the German version revealed one factor ranging from rejecting to approving the use of coercion.Conclusion:The SACS is one of the first instruments created to assess staff attitudes toward coercion in a validated way. The version of the instrument developed in this study allows for a validated assessment of those attitudes in German. Our results highlight the ethical importance of using validated measurements in studies on the role of staff factors in the reduction of coercion.
Associations of Substance Use Behaviors With Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts Among US and Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Guo Lan , Wang Wanxin , Du Xueying , Guo Yangfeng , Li Wenyan , Zhao Meijun , Wu Ruipeng , Lu Ciyong 
Published: January 2021

Background: Adolescence has been described as a period of increased health risk-taking behaviors. Given the variety of cultural contexts, healthcare systems, and public health policies in different regions, the present study aimed to determine whether there are similar or different associations of substance use behaviors with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among US and Chinese adolescents.Methods: This study included a total of 14,765 US adolescents from the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) and 24,345 Chinese adolescents from the 2017 School-based Chinese Adolescents Health Survey (SCAHS).Results: The proportions of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were 17.4 and 5.7% among US adolescents, which were higher than those among Chinese adolescents (suicidal ideation: 13.7% and suicide attempts: 2.7%). Among Chinese adolescents, the most common substance use behavior was “alcohol use (55.4%),” followed by “cigarette use (11.6%).” Among US adolescents, the most popular substance was alcohol (ever used: 55.9%), followed by marijuana (ever used: 34.6%). Moreover, alcohol use was significantly related to suicidal ideation/suicide attempts only in Chinese adolescents [suicidal ideation: Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.71~2.06; suicide attempts: AOR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.71~2.63], and marijuana use was associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts only in the US adolescent group (suicidal ideation: AOR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.06~1.44; suicide attempts: AOR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.21~1.87). Moreover, although the associations of prescription pain medication use with suicide attempts were significant in both Chinese and US adolescent groups, the adjusted associations were stronger in Chinese adolescents than in US adolescents (Chinese adolescents: AOR = 3.97, 95% CI = 2.76~5.72; US adolescents: AOR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.43~2.16; P &lt; 0.05).Conclusions: The associations of alcohol use with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were only significant in Chinese adolescents. Marijuana use was associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts only in the US adolescent group. Although the associations of prescription pain medication use with suicide attempts were significant in both Chinese and US adolescent groups, the adjusted associations were significantly stronger for Chinese adolescents. These findings might be related to the differences in cultural contexts, healthcare systems, and public health policies in the two different countries.
Long-term antidepressant use in general practice: a qualitative study of GPs’ views on discontinuation
Authors: Donald Maria , Partanen Riitta , Sharman Leah , Lynch Johanna , Dingle Genevieve A , Haslam Catherine , van Driel Mieke 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThere is considerable concern about increasing antidepressant use, with Australians among the highest users in the world. Evidence suggests this is driven by patients on long-term use, rather than new prescriptions. Most antidepressant prescriptions are generated in general practice, and it is likely that attempts to discontinue are either not occurring or are proving unsuccessful.AimTo explore GPs’ insights about long-term antidepressant prescribing and discontinuation.Design and settingA qualitative interview study with Australian GPs.MethodSemi-structured interviews explored GPs’ discontinuation experiences, decision-making, perceived risks and benefits, and support for patients. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThree overarching themes were identified from interviews with 22 GPs. The first, ‘not a simple deprescribing decision’, spoke to the complex decision-making GPs undertake in determining whether a patient is ready to discontinue. The second, ‘a journey taken together’, captured a set of steps GPs take together with their patients to initiate and set-up adequate support before, during, and after discontinuation. The third, ‘supporting change in GPs’ prescribing practices’, described what GPs would like to see change to better support them and their patients to discontinue antidepressants.ConclusionGPs see discontinuation of long-term antidepressant use as more than a simple deprescribing decision. It begins with considering a patient’s social and relational context, and is a journey involving careful preparation, tailored care, and regular review. These insights suggest interventions to redress long-term use will need to take these considerations into account and be placed in a wider discussion about the use of antidepressants.
USING PHONETIC TRANSCRIPTION TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ PRONUNCIATION SKILLS
Authors: Irawan Bambang , Tampubolon Muhammad Ahsan 
Published: January 2021

For EFL students especially the students of English Letters Department at Pamulang University, mastering English is something challenging. There are several problems which they face in learning English. One of the most crucial problems is pronunciation. Hence, appropriate teaching methods such as using phonetic transcription are needed to help the students to improve their pronunciation. This research focused on using phonetic transcription to improve the pronunciation skills of the fourth semester students of English Letters Department of Pamulang University. It was aimed to reveal if the utilization of phonetic transcription was able to improve the students’ pronunciation. It was also aimed to figure out how phonetic transcription improved the students’ pronunciation. This research implemented Classroom Action Research which was carried out from February until April 2020. There were two cycles in this research and each cycle consisted of three meetings. In collecting the data, the writers used field notes, interviews and tests. The average of the students’ score in the pre-cycle and cycle 1 were 59,86 and 66,07 which were still lower than 75 as the target. In the cycle 2, the average of the students’ score was 75,56 which was higher than 75. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that phonetic transcription was able to improve the students’ pronunciation. Phonetic transcription had role in improving both segmental and supra segmental features of the students’ pronunciation.
Editorial
Authors: Gonzalez Editora invitada: María Ester 
Published: January 2021

Los navegantes de Internet “caminan” por invisibles calles llenas de portales. A esos navegantes, sentados ante sus pantallas en remotos lugares, les llegan las luces, los brillos, las llamadas, de estas nuevas vidrieras (escaparates, aparadores, vitrinas) que ofrecen información, productos y servicios. Los portales de Internet, como las sirenas de La Odisea, ponen en juego todo su ingenio para atraer navegantes que los usen y encuentren lo que buscan. El objetivo es atraer a SU público, para lo cual resulta fundamental “conocerle”: ¿qué necesita?, ¿cómo lo necesita?, ¿para qué lo necesita? Los geoportales, portales de Internet que ofrecen información geográfica, tienen las mismas necesidades. Son vidrieras que ofrecen datos, mapas y servicios asociados al mundo de la información geoespacial, y también deben atraer a sus navegantes ofreciendo lo que éstos necesitan de acuerdo a sus necesidades e intereses.
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The Impact of Training Sessions on Job Performance of Employees at Income Tax and Sales Department in Irbid Province
Authors: Alwedyan Adnan Mohammad 
Published: January 2021

The paper aims to determine the impact of training sessions on job performance of employees at Income Tax and Sales Department in Irbid Province. The researcher used the descriptive analytical method due to its appropriateness with the study nature by returning to previous references and sources that dealt with the study topic, and through the preparation of a questionnaire to collect data from the study sample by distributing it on (53) trained employees. Results showed a statistically significant impact related to the content of training sessions on job performance, where F-value amounted to (32.006). The researcher recommends that Income Tax Department should focus on developing the different skills of employees in the department, due to its positive impact on job performance.

Received: 6 October 2020 / Accepted: 28 December 2020/ Published: 17 January 2021
Suspension of Treaties: An Analysis of This Institute and Its Necessity
Authors: Shqarri Fjorda , Rusi Nadia 
Published: January 2021

The treaty suspension is an institute of the international right and especially of treaty law which has a great importance and is directly related to the implementation of internationally concluded agreements between the subjects of this law. Although of particular importance, it should be said that the suspension seems to have been left a little in the shadows in terms of its treatment as often being treated together with termination of treaties it seems as if the latter has somewhat eclipsed it. This article aims that through a qualitative methodology based on the study of literature and relevant legislation, to analyze the institute of suspension of treaties, cases and arrangements made by the Vienna Convention as well as the procedure followed by states in this regard. An important aspect that is mentioned in this paper will be the case of suspensions of human rights treaties referring to the situation caused by Covid -19 in this regard. Also included in the paper is the case of Albania, legislative provisions and cases of temporary withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights.

Received: 7 October 2020 / Accepted: 12 December 2020 / Published: 17 January 2021
Structuring Youth Councils in Saudi Arabia: A Forecast Study
Authors: Alkohaiz Mohammed Abdurahman , Bin Shalhoub Haifa Abdulrahman 
Published: January 2021

Youth is one of the most substantial pillars of community development. The study investigates the optimal structure of youth councils in Saudi Arabia. And it establishes the necessary regulations by setting targets, tasks, conditions of membership, and developing a unified proposal for these councils. The primary study tool was a questionnaire developed by researchers were used to assess the studied parameters. They were distributed to (413) young men at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aged (18-34) years. According to the analytical approach, it is a forecast study. The study results showed that the optimal structure of these councils' includes: First, the prince of the region or the governor as a president. Second, the rector as a vice-president. Finally, the commission is equally male and female. While the council objectives: First, take advantage of youth proposals, capacities, and intellectual property. Secondly, youth participation in the discussion, determination of their requirements, and decision-making. Also, it identified a set of tasks: Encouraging creative and talented youth to achieve national accomplishment and motivating them to take on their responsibilities in serving their community. As for the terms of the Council's membership, members must be between 18 and 30 years, and the name of the office shall be two years and nominated by government educational bodies.There should be a responsible body for structuring youth councils regions, increasing youth councils, and meetings between them in a periodic manner among different countries to exchange experiences and improve performance.

Received: 27 October 2020 / Accepted: 10 December 2020 / Published: 17 January 2021
A Conceptual Framework on IT Governance Impact on Organizational Performance: A Dynamic Capability Perspective
Authors: Harguem Saida 
Published: January 2021

Recent years have seen substantial growth in Information Technology Governance (ITG) research. However, the influence of ITG on organizational performance has been less covered and very little theorized. To address this gap, the purpose of this paper is to build a conceptual framework to provide a better understanding of ITG contribution to organizational performance. Based on an extensive literature review on ITG and guided by the dynamic capabilities perspective, the proposed conceptual framework analyses the ITG – Organizational Performance relationship through the lenses of the dynamic capability perspective and generate a set of five research propositions. The proposed framework suggests that the effectiveness of ITG mechanisms (structures, processes, and relational mechanisms), contribute to the development of a dynamic ITG competence which has an impact on the development of IT management capabilities and their evolution. Moreover, the proposed conceptual framework suggests that ITG is more likely to lead to better organizational performance when IT management capabilities are developed in line with business strategy.

Received: 30 August 2020 / Accepted: 28 November 2020/ Published: 17 January 2021
The Value-Added Effects of Exchange Rates on Global Trade
Authors: Choi Myoung Shik , Lee Hun Dae 
Published: January 2021

This study is an investigation of view about the gross, bilateral, and value-added trades adjusting to exchange rate and income within global value chains. Various difference between aggregate and value-added trade flows is introduced. We adopt the traditional trade models and test them using time-series analysis on value-added exports and imports. We find that currency depreciation has negative effects on gross exports in the US and Korea due to intermediate goods imports, but positive effects on value-added exports in Japan and Korea. On the other hand, currency appreciation has negative effects on gross imports in the US, China, Japan and Korea due to intermediate goods exports, but positive effects on value-added imports in Japan. All income effects are positive as we expect. Also, we find the similar effects of exchange rate on bilateral trade flows. On the whole, depreciation has negative effects on gross exports but positive effects on value-added exports while appreciation has negative effects on gross imports but positive effects on value-added imports. With this study, the main contribution is further evidence on the value-added trade analysis. Practical implications reducing uncertainty could be an important policy objective to achieve higher growth.

Received: 23 October 2020 / Accepted: 16 December 2020 / Published: 17 January 2021
Exploring the Motivation of Pupils towards the Implementation of QR Codes in Pronunciation Learning
Authors: Tan Kim Hua , Chee Kar Mei 
Published: January 2021

The implementation of Quick Response (QR) codes in education has become increasingly popular. Previous studies proved that it can increase the motivation of pupils in learning. Hence, this research investigates the difference of pupils’ motivation levels in learning pronunciation after the implementation of QR codes. We examine the motivation of pupils in terms of four aspects: interest, competence, perceived choice and sense of belonging. Accordingly, we propose a QR code model, which is linked to Google Forms that contain audio recordings for pronunciation practice. With the proposed QR code activity, the pupils can record their versions of audio recordings of pronunciation and submit to their teacher for feedback. The participants are 90 year 4 pupils from a sub-urban Chinese primary school in Johor. We employ a pre-experimental research design in this research. We collect our data by using 2 research instruments: survey questionnaires and observation checklist. We administer the survey questionnaires before and after the implementation of QR codes to find out the changes in the motivation of pupils. We also utilise an observation checklist to examine the attitude of the participants during the implementation of QR codes in pronunciation learning. The findings of this research reveal a significant change in the pupils’ motivation towards the implementation of QR codes in pronunciation learning. Specifically, we find an increment of motivation in learning pronunciation as the pupils show interests in learning.

Received: 6 October 2020 / Accepted: 12 December 2020 / Published: 17 January 2021
Attentional bias induced by stimulus control (ABC) impairs measures of the approximate number system
Authors: Lindskog Marcus , Poom Leo , Winman Anders 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPervasive congruency effects characterize approximate number discrimination tasks. Performance is better on congruent (the more numerous stimulus consists of objects of larger size that occupy a larger area) than on incongruent (where the opposite holds) items. The congruency effects typically occur when controlling for nonnumeric variables such as cumulative area. Furthermore, only performance on incongruent stimuli seems to predict math abilities. Here, we present evidence for an attentional-bias induced by stimulus control (ABC) where preattentive features such as item size reflexively influence decisions, which can explain these congruency effects. In three experiments, we tested predictions derived from the ABC. In Experiment 1, as predicted, we found that manipulation of size introduced congruency effects and eliminated the correlation with math ability for congruent items. However, performance on incongruent items and neutral, nonmanipulated items were still predictive of math ability. A negative correlation between performance on congruent and incongruent items even indicated that they measure different underlying constructs. Experiment 2 demonstrated, in line with the ABC account, that increasing presentation time reduced congruency effects. By directly measuring overt attention using eye-tracking, Experiment 3 revealed that people direct their first gaze toward the array with items of larger individual size, biasing them towards these arrays. The ABC explains why the relation between performance on approximate number discrimination tasks and math achievement has been fragile and suggests that stimulus control manipulations have contaminated the results. We discuss the importance of using stimuli that are representative of the environment.