Independent Influence Research Articles

Deconstructing Technostress: A Configurational Approach to Explaining Job Burnout and Job Performance

Understanding how technostressors lead to technostrain, such as high job burnout or low job performance, has become a core question in information systems (IS) research and practice. To unpack this relationship, we build on general systems theory to argue that the next step for technostress research is to go beyond examining the independent influences of technostressors and discuss how their interdependencies lead to technostrain. To illustrate our argument empirically, we use fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and identify four configurations of high- and low-intensity technostressors that lead to high job burnout and one that leads to low job performance. We show that three types of interdependencies among technostressors, i.e., complementarity, contingency, and substitution, form configurations that lead to technostrain. Within these configurations, high-intensity technostressors can mutually enhance their effects and low-intensity technostressors can buffer the impact of other high-intensity technostressors on technostrain. The results help to explain why organizational interventions that address independent technostressors may fail if they do not account for the interdependencies among technostressors. Our work provides evidence of the need to further develop theories that explain how and why interdependencies among technostressors lead to technostrain.

The Effect of Self-Efficacy and Learning Independence on Students Mathematical Reasoning Ability

The purpose of the research is to determine 1) Direct influence of self-efficacy on students' math reasoning ability 2) the Direct influence of learning independence on the ability of mathematical reasoning 3) the Direct influence of self-efficacy on student self-reliance 4). The indirect effect of self-efficacy on mathematical reasoning ability through student learning independence. This research used a survey method. The independent variables bound to this research are Self Efficacy (X1), Learning Independence (X2), and Mathematical Reasoning Ability (X3). The research method used surveys. The sample used is 100 students as a research sample by using a proportional random sampling technique from all students of class VII of National Junior High School in Bekasi City. The data were collected using math-reasoning test and self-efficacy questionnaire and learning independence. Hypothesis testing with path analysis (Path Analys). This study was conducted in January 2018. Based on the results of the hypothesis and data analysis concluded several things as follows (1) There is a direct influence of self-efficacy significant to the ability of mathematics reasoning of students of National Junior High School in Bekasi City. This is evidenced by the acquisition of tcount (4.615)> ttable (1.984). (2) There is a significant direct influence of learning independence to the students' math skills ability in National Junior High School in Bekasi City. This is evidenced by the acquisition of tcount (5.869)> ttable (1.984). (3) There is a direct influence of self-efficacy significantly to the independence of students studying National Junior High School in Bekasi City. This is evidenced by the acquisition of tcount (18,719) > ttable (1,984). (4) There is a significant indirect influence of self-efficacy of students to the ability of mathematical reasoning through the independence of students studying National Junior High School in Bekasi City. This is evidenced by the acquisition of tcount (6.4728) > ttable (1.984). The implications of this research are 1). To improve the ability of mathematical reasoning can be done by improving self-efficacy and student learning independence. 2) to improve learning independence is done by improving self-efficacy.

The influence of independence, integrity, professionalism, and objectivity on fraud prevention in auditors with auditor ethics as a moderating variable: Empirical study at the Representative Office of the Supreme Audit Agency in North Sulawesi Province

This study aims to analyse the influence of independence, integrity, professionalism, objectivity, and ethics on fraud prevention among auditors. Additionally, this study also treats the auditor's ethics as a moderating variable. Conducted through survey methodology, the study involved distributing questionnaires to all auditors in the Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia (or BPK) Regional Office for North Sulawesi Province. The questionnaires were disseminated to 138 respondents and achieving for 100% response rate. Analytical methods employed encompassed multiple moderated regression analysis. The results indicate that independence, integrity, professionalism, objectivity, and ethics positively influence fraud prevention. Moreover, the results also reveal that the auditor's ethics can moderate the influence of independence and professionalism on fraud prevention. The implications of the findings suggest that higher levels of independence, integrity, professionalism, objectivity, and ethics tend to increase effectiveness in fraud prevention within the BPK Regional Office for North Sulawesi Province.

The Influence of Competency, Independence, Professional Skepticism on Fraud Detection on Financial Statements in The Regional Government of West Java Province

The research aims to determine the influence of competence, independence and skepticism on fraud detection. The research method used was explanatory research, the research population was active auditors/examiners at the BPK RI Representative of West Java Province with a sample size of 80 people. The analysis used uses multiple linear regression tests, coefficient of determination tests and hypothesis tests. The research results show that examiner competency influences fraud detection in local government financial reports which shows that the examiner has good competence. The independence of examiners influences fraud detection in regional government financial reports. This shows that the independence of auditors at BPK RI West Java Province Representative is considered good but needs to be improved to be better. The professional skepticism of auditors in conducting audits influences fraud detection in regional government financial reports which are assessed. Good, although it still needs to be improved to be better.

Correlation of LP-PLA2 and MMP-9 with the occurrence of early neurological deterioration in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Early neurological deterioration is a common complication of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), which aggravates symptoms, worsens the condition, and counteracts the benefits of clinical treatment. The aim of this paper was to analyze the correlation between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and the occurrence of early neurological deterioration (END) in patients with AIS and to explore the clinical prediction of END by the combination of the 2 assays for the clinical prediction of END. A total of 500 AIS patients admitted to our hospital from October 2022 to October 2023 were included as study subjects, and the clinical data of all AIS patients were collected and organized to detect the levels of Lp-PLA2 and MMP-9. Categorized into END and non-END groups according to whether END occurred within 7 days of the onset of AIS, and comparing the clinical baseline data and laboratory index levels of the 2 groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of END, and the predictive effects of Lp-PLA2 and MMP-9 levels on END were assessed by subject work characteristics (ROC) curves. END occurred in 111 (22.2%) of 500 AIS patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes (OR 2.717, 95% CI:1.53-4.81, P < .001), baseline NIHSS score (OR 1.65, 95% CI:1.41-1.94, P < .001), Lp-PLA2 (OR 1.07, 95% CI:1.05-1.09, P < .001) and MMP-9 (OR 1.12, 95% CI:1.09-1.16, P < .001) levels were independent influences on the occurrence of END in patients with AIS after correcting for confounders. ROC curve analysis showed that Lp-PLA2, MMP-9, and a combination of both predicted END with an area under the curve was 0.730, 0.763, and 0.831, respectively, and the area under the curve for the combination of both predicting END was significantly higher than that for any of the inflammatory markers alone (P < .05). Both inflammatory markers, Lp-PLA2 and MMP-9, were independent predictors of the development of END in patients with AIS, and the combination of the two had a higher predictive value.

Pengaruh Pengetahuan Syariah, Independensi Auditor Dan Keterampilan Teknis Dalam Meningkatkan Efektivitas Audit Syariah

The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of sharia knowledge, auditor independence, and technical skills on the effectiveness of sharia audits. Data comes from previous research and library research. The research results show that sharia knowledge, auditor independence, and technical skills have a significant influence on the effectiveness of sharia audits. Sharia knowledge has the strongest influence, followed by examiner independence and technical skills. This research provides important implications for sharia audit practice. First, it is important for Sharia auditors to have sufficient Sharia knowledge to properly understand the Sharia transactions and activities being audited. Second, auditor independence must be maintained so that auditors can provide objective and impartial audit opinions. Third, sharia auditors must have sufficient technical skills to carry out audits effectively.

Influences of fractional separation on the structure and reactivity of wheat straw cellulose for producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

High-efficient production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a “sleeping giant” in sustainable chemistry, from cellulose depends significantly on the effective separation of cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass. Herein, we report the fractional separation of wheat straw cellulose (WSC) from wheat straw under solvothermal conditions using a mixed solvent of γ-valerolactone (GVL) and H2O as the separating solvent, wherein the impacts of fractional separation parameters (solvent composition, temperature, and time) on removals of lignin and hemicellulose as well as purity and recovery of cellulose were studied by a Box-Behnken Design of response surface method. The optimization of the solvothermal parameters enabled an optimal fractional separation condition (VGVL: ∼ 60.0 vol%, T: 205 oC, t: ∼1.7 h) that led to a higher purity (89.4%) and recovery (86.7%) of cellulose in WSC. A further correlation of the removals of lignin and hemicellulose as well as purity and recovery of cellulose with the yield of HMF excluded an independent influence of the above factors. Instead, a comprehensive contribution of high fractional separation efficiency (defined as the product of cellulose purity and recovery) and low crystallinity of WSC was found to improve the HMF yield. However, the heat- and freeze-dryings of WSC after the solvothermal separation were found to lower the HMF yield because it re-improved the crystallinity of WSC. A high HMF yield of 58.6 mol% was achieved after reacting wet-WSC in a mixed solvent of 1,4-dioxane and H2O at 180 oC for 20 min, which was 1.5 fold higher than that from microcrystalline cellulose. This work highlights the importance of enhancing the fractional separation efficiency of cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass whereas avoiding drying process for future HMF biorefinery.

Association Between Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression, Hip Pathology, and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement

Background: In patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), mental health has been implicated in both symptom severity and postoperative outcomes. However, there are limited data regarding the independent influences of baseline mental health and hip pathology on patient-reported outcomes over time after hip arthroscopy. Purpose: To evaluate the association between mental health and structural hip pathology with pain, hip function, and quality of life (QOL). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patient records from a single surgeon’s hip outcomes registry were retrospectively reviewed. Mental health was evaluated using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Anxiety and Depression scores. Pain was evaluated with the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score for Activities of Daily Living (SANE-ADL), while hip-related QOL was evaluated with the 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12). Hip function was assessed with the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) Sport-Specific (SS) and ADL subscales. Separate mixed models were used to predict pain, QOL, and hip function, including hip pathology measures (size of labral tear, grade of chondral damage, preoperative alpha angle), anxiety, depression, and time as fixed effects and individuals as a random effect. Results: A total of 312 patients were included in this study. The preoperative alpha angle, degree of intraoperative cartilage damage, and size of the labral tear were not associated with pain or QOL (P > .05 for all). However, higher levels of anxiety and depression were significantly associated with lower SANE-ADL scores (estimate ± SE) (anxiety: –0.59 ± 0.07, P < .0001; depression: –0.64 ± 0.08, P < .0001), iHOT-12 scores (anxiety: –0.72 ± 0.07, P < .0001; depression: –0.72 ± 0.08, P < .0001), HOS-SS scores (anxiety: –0.68 ± 0.09, P < .0001; depression: –0.57 ± 0.10, P < .0001), and HOS-ADL scores (anxiety: –0.43 ± 0.05, P < .0001; depression: –0.43 ± 0.06, P < .0001). Conclusion: Patients had similar improvements in pain scores, QOL, and hip function after hip arthroscopy for FAI irrespective of their degree of hip pathology. Additionally, preoperative symptoms of anxiety and depression symptoms were associated with greater pain, decreased QOL, and worse hip function both pre- and postoperatively, independent of the degree of hip pathology. This suggests that efforts to directly address symptoms of anxiety and depression may improve outcomes after hip arthroscopy.

Borderline personality traits mediate the relationship between negative life events and nonsuicidal self-injury in a clinical sample with youth depression

BackgroundBorderline personality traits play a significant role in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), particularly in depressed youths. NSSI is also highly correlated with negative life events. This research aimed to explore the connections between negative life events, borderline personality traits, and NSSI.MethodsThe study included 338 depressed youth aged 13 to 25 years. Self-reported measures and clinical interviews were utilized to evaluate the depressive symptoms, borderline personality traits, negative life events, and NSSI behaviours of these participants. Identifying variables linked to NSSI was the aim of our analysis, and we also conducted a mediation analysis to look into the influence of borderline traits on the connection between negative life events and NSSI.ResultsOf the 338 depressed youth, approximately 59.47% (201/338) displayed NSSI, which was associated with greater clinical severity. Borderline traits had an independent influence on NSSI and it partially explained the connection between negative life events and NSSI, even when accounting for depression symptoms. Depressed youth who were more vulnerable to NSSI behaviours often experienced negative life events such as interpersonal relationships, academic pressure, being punished, and loss.ConclusionsOur research suggests that depressed youth who experience more negative life events are more likely to experience NSSI, and negative life events indirectly influence nonsuicidal self-injury through borderline personality traits. Implementing interventions focused on mitigating borderline symptoms could be a promising therapeutic approach for addressing NSSI in young people.

Identification and validation of a platelet-related signature for predicting survival and drug sensitivity in multiple myeloma.

Background: Significant progress has been achieved in the management of multiple myeloma (MM) by implementing high-dose therapy and stem cell transplantation. Moreover, the prognosis of patients has been enhanced due to the introduction of novel immunomodulatory drugs and the emergence of new targeted therapies. However, predicting the survival rates of patients with multiple myeloma is still tricky. According to recent researches, platelets have a significant impact in affecting the biological activity of tumors and are essential parts of the tumor microenvironment. Nonetheless, it is still unclear how platelet-related genes (PRGs) connect to the prognosis of multiple myeloma. Methods: We analyzed the expression of platelet-related genes and their prognostic value in multiple myeloma patients in this study. We also created a nomogram combining clinical metrics. Furthermore, we investigated disparities in the biological characteristics, immunological microenvironment, and reaction to immunotherapy, along with analyzing the drug susceptibility within diverse risk groups. Results: By using the platelet-related risk model, we were able to predict patients' prognosis more accurately. Subjects in the high-risk cohort exhibited inferior survival outcomes, both in the training and validation datasets, as compared to those in the low-risk cohort (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were differences in the immunological microenvironments, biological processes, clinical features, and chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity between the groups at high and low risk. Using multivariable Cox regression analyses, platelet-related risk score was shown to be an independent prognostic influence in MM (p < 0.001, hazard ratio (HR) = 2.001%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.467-2.730). Furthermore, the capacity to predict survival was further improved when a combined nomogram was utilized. In training cohort, this outperformed the predictive value of International staging system (ISS) alone from a 5-years area under curve (AUC) = 0.668 (95% CI: 0.611-0.725) to an AUC = 0.721 (95% CI: 0.665-0.778). Conclusion: Our study revealed the potential benefits of PRGs in terms of survival prognosis of MM patients. Furthermore, we verified its potential as a drug target for MM patients. These findings open up novel possibilities for prognostic evaluation and treatment choices for MM.

Risk Factors of New Symptomatic Fractures After Vertebroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 268 Patients with Painful Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture

ObjectivTo evaluate the risk factors of new osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). MethodsFrom January 2016 to November 2019, patients suffering from OVCFs were retrospectively reviewed. The independent influence factors for new OVCFs after PVP were assessed, from following variables: age, sex, BMI, BMD, history of alcoholism, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, glucocorticoid use, and prior vertebral fractures, the number of initial fractures, mean cement volume, method of puncture, D-type of cement leakage and regular anti-osteoporosis treatment. ResultsA total of 268 patients with 347 levels met the inclusion criteria and were finally included in this study. 49 levels of new OVCFs among 33 patients (12.31%) were observed during the follow-up period. It indicated that female (Adjusted OR: 6.812, 95%CI: [1.096, 42.337], P = 0.040), lower BMD (Adjusted OR: 0.477, 95%CI: [0.300, 0.759], P = 0.002), prior vertebral fractures (Adjusted OR: 16.145, 95%CI: [5.319, 49.005], P = 0.000), and regular anti-osteoporosis treatment (Adjusted OR: 0.258, 95%CI: [0.086, 0.774], P = 0.016) were independent influence factors for new OVCF. The cut-off value of BMD to reach new OVCF was -3.350, with a sensitivity of 0.660 and a specificity of 0.848. ConclusionFemale, lower BMD (T- score of lumbar), prior vertebral fractures and regular anti-osteoporosis treatment were independent influencing factors. BMD (T- score of lumbar) lower than -3.350 would increase risk for new OVCF, and none osteoporotic treatment has detrimental effect on new onset fractures following PVP.

Role of Economic Expansion, Energy Utilization and Urbanization on Climate Change in Egypt based on Artificial Intelligence

This study employs machine-learning algorithms (ML), specifically Random Forest (RF) and Gradient Boosting (GB), to assess the impact of various factors, including Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, urbanization, and energy consumption, on carbon dioxide emissions (CO2). The research underscores the RF algorithm's superior accuracy in determining independent variables' influence on CO2 emissions compared to GB. Furthermore, the study reveals that natural gas is the most significant contributor to CO2 emissions in Egypt, accounting for 49.7% of the total, followed closely by oil at 46.7%. The effect of other variables on CO2 emissions is relatively minimal. The findings also establish a strong positive correlation between the consumption of natural gas, oil, and coal and CO2 emissions in Egypt. Additionally, a negative relationship is observed between GDP growth, suggesting a positive trend in environmentally friendly economic expansion and urbanization on CO2 emissions in Egypt. This unique scenario, where urban expansion appears to have an inverse relationship with CO2 emissions, sets Egypt apart from many other countries and signifies a favorable environmental outcome.

South African flag sign: A Red Flag in ECG

A method is developed to allow cardiologists to find changes in the blood flow rate in larger coronary arteries, caused by the appearance of their pathological tortuosity, and a hemodynamic significance of those changes based on the data taken from the appropriate coronarographies only. This method is based on replacement of blood flows in the originally healthy and subsequently pathologically tortuous artery with the corresponding averaged ones, and subsequent calculation of flow characteristics of interest in terms of the corresponding averaged flow characteristics. It allows one not to take account of a number of identical factors for the originally healthy and subsequently pathologically tortuous segment of the investigated artery, and gives one the possibility to determine the flow parameters of concern at any time after carrying out a coronarography. In addition, it is not associated with solving complicated technical problems, and does not require special facility to be used, special professional training and significant financial and temporal expenses. The method was successfully tested in-vitro and then applied to appropriate patients. It was found that the hemodynamic significance of the tortuosity generally increases/decreases as the number of the tortuosity arcs increases/decreases. Also, strong correlation between fundamental geometric and hemodynamic characteristics of the tortuosity and basic clinical indicators of the corresponding patients was established. This suggests a strong independent influence of the tortuosity on the clinical symptoms of the corresponding patients. The critical values for the number of the tortuosity arcs, the relative blood flow rate loss and the rate of angina.

The Effect of Different Anesthesia Depths on Postoperative Cognitive Function of Tumor Patients Monitored by Narcotrend

Abstract Objectives The study aimed to examine the influence of different anesthesia depths monitored by Narcotrend on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients undergoing radical resection of gastrointestinal malignancies. Methods Individuals in the control group (n = 40) maintained the Narcotrend index (NTI) at 50 to 59 monitored by Narcotrend, whereas the experimental group at 30 to 39. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scale and serum S100β concentration were used to evaluate the cognitive function. Cerebral oxygen metabolism and inflammation were evaluated, presenting as regional oxygen saturations of brain (rSO2) and cerebral oxygen uptake rate (CERO2), serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Results Experimental group presented prominently high levels of rSO2 and low levels of CERO2 relative to controls, meanwhile with reduced serum TNF-α and IL-6. Individuals receiving deep anesthesia owned low levels of S100β and enhanced MMSE score, which showed negative correlation. Low incidence rate of POCD was detected in the experimental group. Both age (hazard ratio = 5.219, 95% confidence interval = 1.813–15.025) and NTI score (hazard ratio = 3.707, 95% confidence interval = 1.292–10.633) were independent influence factors for the onset of POCD. Conclusion NTI maintained at 30 to 39 can reduce the incidence of POCD in the early postoperative period for elderly patients receiving gastrointestinal tumors surgery, the contribution might be attributed to the improvement of perioperative cerebral oxygen metabolism and inflammatory stress response.

The Influence of Auditor Competence, Auditor Independence, and Auditor Objectivity on Internal Audit Effectiveness with Top Management Support As a Moderating Variable (Studies at Legal Entity State Universities in Indonesia)

The effectiveness of internal audits in state universities with legal entities in Indonesia is still not optimal, as evidenced by the increasing number of corruption cases in recent years. This research aims to analyze the impact of Auditor Competence, Auditor Independence, Auditor Objectivity, and Top Management Support as moderating variables on internal audit effectiveness. This research uses quantitative descriptive methods. The research sample comprised 80 SPI auditors at Legal Entity State Universities (PTN BH) in Indonesia. Data collection was carried out through distributing questionnaires. Data analysis was carried out using the SmartPLS application. Research findings show that Auditor Competency, Auditor Independence, and Auditor Objectivity positively affect internal audit effectiveness. In addition, Top Management Support cannot moderate the influence of Auditor Competency, Auditor Independence, and Auditor Objectivity on internal audit effectiveness.

Distinguishing diffuse large B-cell lymphoma from Hodgkin's lymphoma in children using an enhanced computed tomography radiomics approach.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) are two completely different pathologic subtypes of lymphoma with distinctly different clinical presentations and treatment options. Thus, accurately differentiating between the two subtypes has important clinical implications. This study aimed to construct a radiomics model capable of distinguishing between DLBCL and HL based on enhanced computed tomography (CT) for the non-invasive diagnosis of lymphoma subtypes. The clinical and imaging data of 16 patients confirmed to have DLBCL (33 lymphomas), and 50 patients confirmed to have HL (106 lymphomas) were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were completely randomized into a training set (n=107, DLBLC׃HL ratio: 23׃84) and a test set (n=32, DLBCL׃HL ratio: 10׃22). After multiple down-sampling, 2,264 radiomics features were automatically extracted by the application software. Feature selection was performed in the training set using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, maximum correlation minimum redundancy, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm in that order. The features after selection were used to build radiomics models by logistic regression (LR) and quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA). We evaluated the model ability using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the DeLong test. Moreover, clinical indicators, such as gender, age, clinical stage, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were collected and analyzed by univariate and multivariate LR analyses. The radiomics characteristics with clinical indicators that had independent influences on predicting the pathological subtypes were used to establish a comprehensive classification model. The analysis of the clinical data revealed that LDH can serve as a clinical indicator that has an independent influence on the prediction of HL and DLBCL. The results of the radiomics models were as follows: Radiomics_LR: area under the curve (AUC) =0.814 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.628-0.999]; and Radiomics_QDA: AUC =0.841 (95% CI: 0.691-0.991). Following the inclusion of LDH as a clinical indicator in the analysis, the results of the comprehensive models were as follows: Radiomics + LDH_LR: AUC =0.768 (95% CI: 0.580-0.956); and Radiomics + LDH_QDA: AUC was 0.845 (95% CI: 0.695-0.996). The models based on radiomics and clinical features were able to effectively distinguish DLBCL from HL. The model with the best overall performance was the Radiomics_LR model.

Full title- acceptability and feasibility of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among MSM and transgender women (hijra) in Bangladesh: A mixed-method study

BackgroundHIV testing coverage among males having sex with males (MSM) and transgender women (locally known as hijra) is low in Bangladesh. Oral fluid-based HIV self-testing (HIVST) may improve coverage due to its convenience and privacy but is yet to be tested in Bangladesh. Therefore, the acceptability and feasibility of supervised HIVST was examined. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 379 MSM and hijra selected from five geographical regions from February–October 2020. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to examine socio-demographics, risk behaviors, and perception to acceptability and feasibility (correct completion) of HIVST. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Qualitative data collection encompassed in-depth interviews (N = 19), key informant interviews (N = 10), and two focus group discussions (N = 12). Line-by-line content, contextual and thematic analysis were done and triangulated to explore facilitators and challenges of HIVST among MSM and hijra. ResultsAmong 379 participants, the acceptability of HIVST was 99.5 % (n = 377). Reasons for acceptability included interest in independent testing (84.3 %), peer influence (57.3 %), quicker-easier procedure (54.9 %), and painless procedure (52.5 %). Qualitative findings revealed participant's risk perceptions, empowering feelings, social stigma, complementing working hours, and convenience during COVID-19 lockdowns. Around 92 % of the participants correctly completed HIVST. In multivariable analysis, the likelihood of correct test conduction was found higher among metropolitan, younger, married, educated, and participants who felt confident during HIVST process. Qualitative findings underscored the importance of supervising the use of HIVST for first-time users. Participants, particularly the less educated groups, highlighted the video demonstration as a useful tool in the context of difficulties in reading the textual instructions. However, most participants pointed out the result interpretation as the trickiest part of HIVST. All participants demonstrated willingness for future HIVST, were interested in social media-based approaches (84 %), were willing to purchase subsidized kits, and preferred conducting future tests alone at home (83.2 %). ConclusionOral fluid-based HIVST was an acceptable and feasible approach for MSM and hijra in Bangladesh who were willing to do future tests independently after the supervised approach. Willingness to purchase kits and interest for social media-based approaches indicate scalability and sustainability potential of HIVST.

Embryonic Parameters Associated With Outcomes of Single Blastocyst Frozen Transfer [ID 2683440

INTRODUCTION: It is unclear how various in vitro fertilization cycle characteristics may ultimately influence the fertility outcomes of patients utilizing assisted reproductive technology. This study investigates embryo characteristics to determine which features are most associated with clinical intrauterine pregnancy after frozen embryo transfer. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluates 535 single blastocyst frozen embryo transfers (FETs) in 2022 and received IRB approval from the University of Kansas. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate embryo characteristics and likelihood of clinical intrauterine pregnancy (IUP), defined as positive fetal cardiac activity on ultrasound after 12 weeks of gestation. Blastocyst survival (percentage of live cells), blastocoele re-expansion, and morphological grade were evaluated prior to embryo transfer. Significant embryonic parameters included blastocyst developmental stage and blastocyst grade before cryopreservation, usage of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), post-warm blastocyst survival (percentage of live cells), degree of blastocoele re-expansion, blastocyst grading before transfer, and presence of zona pellucida. RESULTS: Among 535 FET cycles, 257 (48.0%) resulted in clinical IUP. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant independent influence of blastocyst development time (day 5/6) (odds ratio [OR] 0.571; P=.003), morphological grade before cryopreservation (day 5/6) (OR 0.648; P=.013), usage of PGT-A (OR 1.704; P=.010), and percentage of post-thaw live cells (OR 0.322; P=.001) on embryo transfer success rates. While fully expanded blastocysts showed a significantly higher rate of clinical IUP, the degree of blastocoele re-expansion did not appear to be independently related to ongoing pregnancy when multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed (OR 2.886; 95% CI: 0.824–10.105; P=.097). CONCLUSION: In addition to blastocyst quality prior to cryopreservation, post-thaw blastocyst survival is an independent predictor of embryo recovery and further development potential. Additional understanding of the potential contributors to failed FETs can inform strategies for improvement. Further investigation is needed to determine how to minimize embryonic cell damage during the vitrification and warming process.

Auditor's Independence and Experience on Inspectorate Quality with Auditor's Professional Ethics as a Moderation Variable

Purpose:This research empirically tests the influence of auditor independence and experience on the audit quality of the Badung Regency Government Inspectorate with auditor professional ethics as a moderating variable.Methodology:The type of data used in this research is quantitative data. The 36 samples used in this research were obtained using non-probability sampling with the Saturated Sampling method. The primary data source in this research is obtained by distributing questionnaires directly. The data analysis technique used in this research is PLS-SEM (Partial et al. Equation Modeling) analysis with the help of SmartPLS version 3.0 software.Findings:The results of this research show that (1) Auditor independence has a positive effect on the audit quality of the Badung Regency Government Inspectorate, (2) Auditor experience has a positive effect on the audit quality of the Badung Regency Government Inspectorate.Implication:(3) The auditor's professional ethics can moderate the influence of auditor independence on the audit quality of the Badung Regency Government Inspectorate, and (4) The auditor's professional ethics are not able to moderate the influence of the auditor's experience on the audit quality of the Badung Regency Government Inspectorate.

Analisis pengaruh kinerja keuangan terhadap cash dividend pada perusahaan manufaktur yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI)

This research is intended to know and prove the influence of financial performance towards devident cash on manufacturing industries between 2008 -2011 listed in indonesian stock exchange. And also to measure the degree of influence between financial performance towards cash dividend, thus we used return on investment (ROI) debt to total assets (DTA) and earning per share (EPS) as an indicator that give influence towards cash dividend. We used all manufacturing industries listed in Indonesia stock exchange as a population to calculate the outcome of this research. However, during the research we used purposive sampling method to gather the data and in this case there are 152 companies eligible to be classified as good samples of this research. Then we also used SPSS as a tool to calculate statistical test of regression analysis. Based on the data above, we only found that debt to total assets (H3) did not not prove any significant relationship toward cash dividend. However the rest of the proposed hypothesis (H1, H2, H4 and H5) that consist of return on investment, current ratio and earning per share do have significant relationship toward cash dividend. In the other hand all proposed hypothesis’ have significant and positive relationship toward cash dividend simultaneously. During the statistical calculation we also found that independent variable influences as much as 20,7 % toward cash dividend showed in Adjusted R2 calculation and 79,3 % is influenced by other variables outside this research.