Independent Influence Research Articles

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.

Pengaruh Merdeka Belajar Pendidikan Agama Kristen dan Budi Perkerti Terhadap Keaktifan Belajar Siswa Kelas IV SD Negeri 14 Tanjungan Kecamatan Simanindo Kabupaten Samosir Tahun Ajaran 2023/2024

The research aims to determine the effect of independent learning on the learning activity of class IV students at SD Negeri 14 Tanjungan, Simanindo District, Samosir Regency. The research hypothesis is that there is a positive influence between independent learning in Christian Religious Education and Characteristics on the active learning of class IV students at SD Negeri 14 Tanjungan, Simanindo District, Samosir Regency, Academic Year 2023/2024. This research method is descriptive quantitative. The population of all class IV students at SD Negeri 14 Tanjungan for the 2023/2024 academic year is 35 people. The sampling is the entire population so this research is population research. The research instrument is a closed questionnaire. The results of the analysis requirements obtained a value of rxy=0.476>rtable=0.334 indicating that there is a positive relationship between freedom to learn Christian Religious Education and Character and student learning activeness. Regression test results obtained: a) Regression equation. b) The determination test showed that the percentage of independent learning influence of Christian Religious Education and Character on the active learning of class IV students at SD Negeri 14 Tanjungan was 22.66%. Hypothesis testing obtained Fcount=12.152>Ftable=3.32, so H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. The research concluded that there was a positive influence between independent learning in Christian Religious Education and Characteristics on the active learning of class IV students at SD Negeri 14 Tanjungan, Simanindo District, Samosir Regency, Academic Year 2023/2024.

Influence of Competence, Independence, and Professionalism of Government Internal Auditors on Audit Quality at the Representative Offices of the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP)

Purpose: Many cases related to audit quality in Indonesia have become phenomena that need to be investigated. Some determinants of audit quality are competence, independence, and professionalism. In practice, an auditor has problems carrying out his duties. However, this is a challenge for auditors. Therefore, the purpose of this resource is to determine The Influence of Competence, Independence, and Professionalism of Government Internal Auditors on Audit Quality at the Representative Offices of the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) of South Sulawesi Province. Method: The variables in this research are Competence (X1), Independence (X2), Professionalism (X3), and Audit Quality (Y). The study sample comprised of 40 respondents. The type of research carried out in this study was quantitative using primary data. The data-collection technique used in this study was a questionnaire. The population of this research included all internal auditors at the Representative Office of the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) of South Sulawesi Province. The sample used in this study was determined using a random sampling technique. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistical analysis, normality test, linearity test, multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity test, multiple regression analysis test, R Square test, t statistical test, and F statistical test. Result: The results of the research partially show that competence and professionalism have positive and significant effects on audit quality, while independence has positive and insignificant effects on audit quality. Simultaneously, it shows that the competence, independence, and professionalism of government internal auditors have a positive and significant effect on audit quality at the Representative Offices of the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) of South Sulawesi Province.

Quantitative evaluation and mechanism analysis of soil chemical factors affecting rice yield in saline-sodic paddy fields

Salinization and sodication have become an important abiotic stress affecting soil fertility and crop production in the western of the Songnen Plain in Northeast China. And rice cultivation is considered as one of the most effective biological methods to reclaim saline-sodic soils and ensure food security. However, it is difficult to select the optimal measures to regulate rice growth for increasing yield, because the independent and comprehensive influences of the soil limitation factors on rice yield are not quantitatively evaluated. In this study, the hierarchical partitioning (HP) and the structural equation model (SEM) were used to quantitatively evaluate the influences of salinization parameters, salt ion concentrations and soil nutrients to identify the dominant limitation factors and obstacle mechanism for rice yield. The results showed that soil pH was the key index in salinization parameters, [CO32− + HCO3−] was the key index in salt ion concentrations and available nitrogen (AN) was the key index in soil nutrients to impact rice yield, which independent influences reached 53.7 %, 45.4 % (negative) and 53.2 % (positive), respectively. Soil pH was determined by [CO32− + HCO3−], and the negative effect of alkali stress on rice yield mainly caused by [CO32− + HCO3−] was greater than that of salt stress mainly caused by [Na+] in saline-sodic paddy fields. Among the soil chemical factors, soil pH and AN were the most important explanatory variables of rice yield in saline-sodic paddy fields, which standardized total effects were − 0.32 and 0.40, respectively. Furthermore, the AN showed a more significant negative correlation with soil pH and a higher yield-increasing potential in severe saline-sodic soils (9 ≤ pH < 10) than that in moderate saline-sodic soils (8 ≤ pH < 9). Therefore, decreasing [CO32− + HCO3−] and increasing the content of AN are key to improve rice yield in saline-sodic paddy fields.

Association between socioeconomic status and post-stroke depression in middle-aged and older adults: results from the China health and retirement longitudinal study

IntroductionPost-stroke depression (PSD) is a common neuropsychiatric complication that affects approximately one-third of stroke patients. The treatment and prognosis of this disease are poor. Socioeconomic status (SES) is closely related to health outcomes; however, only a few previous studies have focused on the association between SES and PSD. Given the substantial population of stroke patients in China, it is crucial to examine the potential risk factors associated with PSD. Conducting studies on this population and investigating the influence of economic conditions can provide valuable guiding theoretical insights into PSD prevention and management.MethodsWe used data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and selected appropriate samples for analysis. Depression was estimated using the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-10, a validated tool for assessing depression in the general population. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between SES and PSD and to evaluate any urban–rural differences.ResultsOf the 749 respondents, 370 (49.4%) had depression. Stroke patients with a middle school education demonstrated a greater risk of developing depression than those with a primary school education or below after adjusting for all control variables (odds ratio (OR) = 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–2.51, P = 0.036). However, stroke patients with a high school education or above had a lower risk of developing depression than those with a primary school education or below (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28–0.88, P = 0.016). In rural areas, stroke patients with a high school or above education level had lower rates of depression than those with a primary school education or below (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.21–0.91, P = 0.027). This difference was not significant in urban areas.ConclusionsSES significantly influences the occurrence of PSD, which is reflected by education attainment and annual household expenditures. Education attainment was an independent influence on PSD, with a more pronounced effect in rural versus urban areas. We hope to reduce the prevalence of PSD and enhance the comprehensive management of this disease by modifying the influencing factors. Sex, self-reported health status, activities of daily living, night-time sleep duration, and life satisfaction also influenced the occurrence of PSD.

The Breed of Finfluencer: Catalysts in Shaping Investment Choices

Niche social media influencer marketing groups have profoundly transformed the social media landscape, wielding their expertise and passion to engage the target audience within that niche. This trend is no different when it comes to financial influencers (Finfluencer). From stock market gurus to crypto experts, these influential people possess the knowledge, expertise, and experience to guide Social Media Users (SMU) towards successful investments. For this investigation, social media users actively engaged in investment discussions on social media platforms will also be referred to as retail investors. The study aims to analyse independent influence of two key determinants on SMU’s Investment choices: Finfluencer credibility and SMU’s Financial literacy levels. Though the variables are conceptually distinct, yet it is intertwined as the credibility reflects the external perception and financial literacy reflects internal knowledge of SMUs. The credibility variables of Finfluencer to be measured are trustworthiness, goodwill, and expertise. An online survey was distributed to respondents from across Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The findings revealed that Finfluencer Credibility has positive influence on the investment decisions. Furthermore, pointing out the significant influence of investors high and low financial literacy levels on investment decisions. The findings of the study will benefit finfluencers and retail investors (SMU) in several ways. In addition, it will have significant implications for Indian fintech companies.

Associations of recent stressful life events with anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents with a consideration of family functioning

ABSTRACT Background: The association between stressful life events (SLEs) and adolescent anxiety symptoms has been extensively studied, but the specific impacts of different SLEs domains remain inconclusive. Moreover, limited research has examined the role of family functioning in these associations. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the associations between various recent SLEs and adolescent anxiety symptoms and explore the role of family functioning. Methods: Data were obtained from the second phase of the Longitudinal Study of Adolescents’ Mental and Behavioral Well-being Research in Guangzhou, China. A total of 10,985 students (51.9% boys; mean [SD] age, 15.3 [1.5] years) from forty middle schools participated in the study in 2022 and completed a self-report questionnaire assessing anxiety symptoms, SLEs, and family functioning using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Adolescent Self-rating Life Events Checklist (ASLEC; including five subscales: interpersonal stress, academic stress, punishment-related stress, loss-related stress, and adaptation-related stress), and the adapted Chinese version of the Family Assessment Device (FAD), respectively. Linear mixed-effects models were performed and the moderation role of family functioning was also examined. Results: The fully adjusted model revealed that a 1-SD increase in the overall ASLEC score was associated with higher levels of anxiety symptoms (β = 2.23, 95%CI: 2.15–2.32). Among various SLEs domains, the academic domain shows the most significant association (β = 2.25, 95%CI: 2.17–2.33). Family functioning exerted an independent protective influence on anxiety symptoms, with each 1-SD increase in FAD scores negatively associated with anxiety symptoms (β = −2.11, 95%CI: – 2.29 to – 1.93) in the adjusted model. Moreover, family functioning significantly buffered the impacts of overall SLEs and each domain, except for adaptation-related SLEs, on anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: Higher recent SLEs levels were associated with increased anxiety symptoms among adolescents, with academic SLEs showing the greatest association. Positive family functioning had both direct and buffering influences on anxiety symptoms.

Pulmonologist-Performed Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Lung Lesions

Background and objective: Lung cancer is increasingly common, and accurate diagnosis is important for personalized treatment. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a useful method to obtain a specimen for a histological diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and complication rate of the procedure performed by pulmonologists. The result is compared with that of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy performed by radiologists. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and complication rates of pulmonologist-performed ultrasound-guided FNAs of lung lesions in the period of 1 August 2019 to 30 June 2021 (pulmonologist group) and radiologist-performed ultrasound-guided core needle biopsies (CNBs) of lung lesions in the period of 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014 (radiologist group). A logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent influence factors associated with diagnostic accuracy in the pulmonologist group and in the combination of both groups. Results: In a 23-month period, pulmonologists in a tertiary center performed 113 episodes of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for peripheral lung lesions. The diagnostic accuracy and complication rates were 80.4% and 5.3%, respectively, compared to 86.8% and 7.4% in a historical cohort consisting of 68 episodes of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsies performed by radiologists in the same hospital. Lung lesions located in the upper lobe were predictive of successful diagnoses. Conclusions: An ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration by a pulmonologist is an easily accessible and reliable method to obtain specimens for histological diagnoses.

Relationship Between Heart Rate Variability Parameters and Short-Term Prognosis of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

To determine the link between heart rate variability (HRV) and short-term adverse outcomes (re-hospitalisation or death due to cardiac arrhythmia, recurrent myocardial infarction, heart failure, all-cause death) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, China, from January 2018 to December 2021. Clinical data of 245 patients diagnosed with AMI were retrospectively analysed. After discharge from the hospital, patients were followed for a year and categorised into two groups based on the occurrence of adverse events: the adverse event group (n=82) and the no adverse event group (n=163). Differences in clinical characteristics were compared, independent factors influencing adverse events were analysed, and diagnostic efficacy was assessed. Univariate analysis showed age, hyperlipidaemia, specific HRV parameters (SDNN, SDANN, RMSSD, PNN50, LF/HF), and myocardial injury markers (CK-MB, cTnI, NT-proBNP) as associated with these events (all p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis revealed decreased SDNN, decreased SDANN, increased LF/HF, and elevated levels of CK-MB, cTnI, and NT-proBNP as independent influences. Both HRV parameters and myocardial injury markers were reliable predictors on ROC curve analysis. The highest diagnostic efficacy was achieved by combining these predictors. AMI patients frequently experience short-term adverse events. Both HRV parameters and myocardial injury markers, which demonstrate significant predictive efficacy, independently influence these outcomes. Acute myocardial infarction, Coronary angiography, Heart rate variability, Myocardial injury, Risk factors.

Correlation Between C4/IgG with Macroproteinuria in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Study.

Loss of immunoglobulin G (IgG) is accompanied with proteinuria, especially macroproteinuria. The complement system participates kidney disease resulting in proteinuria. Whether the ratio of complement and IgG is associated with macroproteinuria remains unknown. A total of 1013 non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients were recruited according to the electrical case records system with 268 patients who endured kidney biopsy. Patients were grouped via the estimated glomerular filtration rate or the levels of proteinuria determination. Biomarkers in different CKD groups or proteinuria groups were compared by one-way ANOVA or independent samples t-test. Pearson or spearman analysis was employed to analyze correlation between clinical indexes. Further, influence factor of macroproteinuria was studied by using binary logistic regression. The ROC curve was performed to explore probable predictive biomarker for macroproteinuria. No significant difference of complement C3 and C4 among CKD1 to CKD5 stages, while higher level of complement C4 in patients with macroproteinuria. Further, C4 had a positive correlation with proteinuria (r=0.255, p=0.006). After adjusted for age, IgA, IgM, triglyceride and HDL, a binary logistic regression model showed lnC4/IgG (OR=3.561, 95% CI 2.196-5.773, p<0.01), gender (OR=1.737, 95% CI 1.116-2.702, p=0.014), age (OR=0.983, 95% CI 0.969-0.997, p=0.014), and history of diabetes (OR=0.405, 95% CI 0.235-0.699, p<0.01) were independent influence factors of macroproteinuria. The area under the ROC curve was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.75-0.82, p<0.001) for C4/IgG. The analysis of ROC curves revealed a best cut-off for complement C4 was 0.024 and yielded a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 71%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.841 (95% CI: 0.735-0.946, p < 0.001) for C4/IgG in IgA nephropathy patients. The analysis of ROC curves revealed a best cut-off for complement C4/IgG was 0.026 and yielded a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 81.2%. The area under the ROC curve for C4/IgG in CKD1-5 stages were 0.772, 0.811, 0.785, 0.835, 0.674. Complement C4/IgG could be used to predict macroproteinuria.

The Influence of Building Independence and Morals on Increasing the Capacity Building of Inmates at the Class IIA Bulukumba Prison

This research aims to determine the effect of fostering independence and moral development on increasing the capacity building of residents assisted by the Bulukumba Class IIA Correctional Institution. The type of data used in this research is quantitative data obtained from questionnaires distributed and related to the problem studied. Data collection techniques were carried out using observation and distributing questionnaires. In this research, the data sources used in data collection include primary data and secondary data. The research instrument used in this research used the Likert scale method. Based on the results of data research using statistical calculations through the Statistical for the Social Science (SPSS) version 21 application regarding the influence of fostering independence and moral development on increasing the capacity building of residents assisted by the Bulukumba Class IIA Penitentiary. which has been discussed in the previous chapter, the author draws a conclusion, namely that the development of independence and the development of morals have a positive and significant effect on increasing the capacity building of the inmates of the Bulukumba Class IIA Penitentiary as evidenced by the regression coefficient for the development of independence of 0.212 and a thiung value of 4.965 &gt; ttable 1.990 with significance value 0.000 &lt;0.05. Meanwhile, the regression coefficient for moral development is 0.354 and the thiung value is 11,210 &gt; ttable 1.990 with a significance value of 0.000 &lt; 0.05 .

The Influence of Independence, Competence and Time Budget Pressure on Audit Quality with Auditor Ethics as a Moderating Variable at Big Ten Public Accounting Firms

This study aims to determine "the influence of independence, competence and time budget pressure on audit quality with auditor ethics as a moderating variable". The method in this research is quantitative with primary data sources. The population in this study are auditors who work at Public Accounting Firms in the DKI Jakarta area who are members of the Big Ten and are registered as IAPI members. Sampling was carried out using probability sampling so that the minimum sample used in this research was 83 respondents. The data analysis used in the research is SEM PLS data analysis version 4.0 Based on the results of research using hypothesis testing, it shows that Independence, Competence and Time Budget Pressure have a significant effect on Audit Quality. Auditor Ethics are able to moderate Independence, Competence and Time Budget Pressure.

The Influence of Auditor Integrity, Objectivity, and Independence on Audit Quality in KAP in DKI Jakarta

The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of integrity, objectivity, and independence of auditors on audit quality in public accounting in DKI Jakarta. The data used in this study are primary data. The study was conducted using questionnaires. The population of this study is auditors working in Public Accounting Firms (KAP). The sample in this study is auditors who work in Public Accounting Firms (KAP) in the DKI Jakarta area with experience in the field of auditing for at least 1 year. A total of 230 questionnaires were distributed for this study, but only 130 questionnaires were returned and only 114 questionnaires were used for data processing using multiple linear regression methods. The results of this study are (1) integrity does not have a positive effect on audit quality, (2) objectivity has a positive effect on audit quality, (3) independence does not have a positive effect on audit quality, (4) integrity, objectivity, auditor independence simultaneously and significantly affect audit quality.

Apakah Kepemimpinan Memiliki Peran Moderasi dalam Kualitas Pengawasan pada Auditor Internal Pemerintah?

This research aims to analyze the influence of competence, independence and integrity on the quality of supervision carried out by auditors at the BPKP Representative Office of Banten Province. This research used 35 Functional Auditor Officials (PFA) at the BPKP Representative Office of Banten Province as respondents. This quantitative research uses SEMPLS with the SmartPLS application as a supporting application in data processing. This research shows that auditor competence has a positive effect on the quality of supervision, while auditor independence and integrity have no effect on the quality of supervision. The research also concludes that leadership does not strengthen the positive influence of the partial relationship between auditor competence, independence and integrity on supervisory quality. It is hoped that the results of this research can provide input for the Banten Province BPKP Representative so that they can implement policies that focus on developing PFA competencies to improve the quality of supervision. This research contributes to the literature on public sector internal auditing, which is still rare in previous research, especially when using Indonesian data. This research also places leadership moderating variables in the relationship between independent and dependent variables, which have rarely been used in previous research.

Aboveground hydrogen storage – Assessment of the potential market relevance in a Carbon-Neutral European energy system

Hydrogen storage is expected to play a crucial role in the comprehensive defossilization of energy systems. In this context, the focus is typically on underground hydrogen storage (e.g., in salt caverns). However, aboveground storage, which is independent of geological conditions and might offer other technical advantages, could provide systemic benefits and, thereby, gain shares in the hydrogen storage market. Against this background, this paper examines the market relevance of aboveground compared to underground hydrogen storage. Using the open-source energy system model and optimization framework of Europe, PyPSA-Eur, the influence of geological independence, storage cost relations, and technical storage characteristics (i.e., efficiencies) on mentioned market relevance of aboveground hydrogen storage are investigated. Further, the expectable market relevance based on current cost projections for the future is assessed. The studies show that in terms of hydrogen capacities, aboveground hydrogen storage plays a considerably smaller role compared to underground hydrogen storage. Even when assuming comparatively low aboveground storage cost, it will not exceed 1.7% (1.9TWhH2,LHV) of total hydrogen storage capacities in a cost-optimal European energy system. Regarding the amounts of annually stored hydrogen, aboveground storage could play a larger role, reaching a maximum share of 32.5% (168TWhH2,LHVa-1) of total stored hydrogen throughout Europe. However, these shares are only achievable for low cost storage in particularly suited energy system supply configurations. For higher aboveground storage costs or lower efficiencies, shares drop below 10% sharply. The analysis identifies some especially influential factors for achieving higher market relevance. Besides storage costs, the demand-orientation of a particular aboveground storage system (e.g., hydrogen storage at demand pressure levels) plays an essential role in market relevance. Further, overall efficiency can be a beneficial factor. Still, current projections of future techno-economic characteristics show that aboveground hydrogen storage is too expensive or too inefficient compared to underground storage. Therefore, to achieve notable market relevance, rather drastic cost reductions beyond current expectations would be needed for all assessed aboveground hydrogen storage technologies.

Despite treatment, HbA1c ≥ 37mmol/mol in the first trimester is associated with premature delivery among South Asian women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study.

To examine the effects of first-trimester HbA1c (HbA1c-FT) ≥ 37mmol/mol on preterm birth (PTB) and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) babies in a retrospective cohort of South Asian pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GDM). The cohort (n = 686) was separated into two groups based on HbA1c-FT values: Group A (n = 97) and Group B (n = 589), with values of 37-46mmol/mol (5.5-6.4%) and < 37mmol/mol (5.5%), respectively. HbA1c-FT's independent influence on PTB and LGA babies was examined using multivariable logistic regression in groups A and B women. The reference group (Group C) included 2031 non-GDM women with HbA1c-FT < 37mmol/mol (< 5.5%). The effects of HbA1c-FT on PTB and LGA babies in obese women in Groups A, B, and C (designated as A-ob, B-ob, and C-ob, respectively) were re-analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Group A GDM women with greater HbA1c-FT had a higher risk for PTB (aOR:1.86, 95% CI:1.10-3.14) but not LGA babies (aOR:1.13, 95%: 0.70-1.83). The risk of PTB was higher for obese women in Group A-ob: aOR 3.28 [95% CI 1.68-6.39]. However, GDM women with normal HbA1c-FT exhibited no elevated risk for PTB: Groups B and B-ob had aORs of 1.30 (95% CI 0.86-1.98) and 1.28 (95% CI 0.88-1.85) respectively. South Asian GDM women with prediabetic HbA1c FT; 37-46mmol/mol (5.5-6.4%) are more likely to deliver preterm babies despite treatment, while the risk for LGA babies was the same as non-GDM women.

Age-related effects on a hierarchical structure of canine cognition

The current study investigates whether there are statistically independent age-related influences on the canine cognitive structure and how individual factors moderate cognitive aging on both cross-sectional and longitudinal samples. A battery of seven tasks was administered to 129 pet dogs, on which exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed to unveil the correlational structure underlying individual differences in cognitive performance. The best-fitting model featured a hierarchical structure with two first-order cognitive domains (individual problem solving, learning) and a second-order common factor. These higher order factors exhibited consistency over a period of at least 2.5 years. External validation linked the common factor positively to discrimination and reversal learning performance, exploration, neophilia, activity/excitability, and training level while negatively to cognitive dysfunction symptoms, suggesting that it is a good candidate for a general cognitive factor (canine g). Structural equation models identified three distinct age-related influences, operating on associative learning, on memory, and on canine g. Health status moderated the negative age-canine g relationship, with a stronger association observed in dogs with poorer health status, and no relationship for dogs in good health. On a longitudinal sample (N = 99), we showed that the direction and magnitude of change in canine g over up to 3 years is affected by various interactions between the dogs’ age, communication score, baseline performance, and time elapsed since the baseline measurement. These findings underscore the presence of a general cognitive factor in dogs and reveal intriguing parallels between human and canine aging, affirming the translational value of dogs in cognition and aging research.

Comparison of pregnancy outcomes in women with normal ovarian response to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol using different trigger methods: a single-center retrospective cohort study based on propensity score matching.

To investigate whether gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) combined with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) can improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with normal ovarian response (NOR). In this retrospective cohort study, data of 404 NOR patients undergoing fresh embryo transfer (ET) from 2018 to 2022 were studied. Patients were divided into HCG group and HCG plus GnRH-a group according to trigger methods. After confounding factors were controlled by propensity score matching, 67 cases were included in HCG group and HCG plus GnRH-a group, respectively, and pregnancy outcomes were assessed. Basal data, ovarian stimulation, embryological data and pregnancy outcomes were compared. The effect of trigger methods on pregnancy outcomes was analyzed by binary logistic regression. There was no statistically significant differences in embryological data, embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate of ET, number of fresh embryos transferred and total number of embryos transferred after one cycle of oocyte retrieval. While, cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) was better in the dual-trigger group than in the HCG group. The binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the trigger methods had an independent influence on embryo implantation and cumulative live birth. During IVF/ICSI, dual-trigger could potentially play a role in improving oocyte quality, ensuring embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate of ET and cumulative live birth rate at the end of one ovum pick-up (OPU) cycle, and reducing the physical, temporal and financial negative consequences due to repeated OPU cycle.

Multiple sources of unconscious-information processing affect a single response: independent unconscious priming effects

At present there is little knowledge on whether and how multiple pieces of unconscious information can simultaneously affect a single conscious response. In the present study, we manipulated the congruency relation between a masked prime arrow and the target arrow, as well as that between masked flankers and the target arrow. The results demonstrated that the masked prime and flankers produced independent unconscious priming effects on the response to the target. In the process of studying the above phenomenon, two secondary findings were made. First, although the prime congruency effect was obtained, the flanker congruency effect was smaller when the flankers were displayed simultaneously with the target than when they were displayed sequentially before the target. This suggested that priming stimulation required enough time to be processed to a sufficient extent to produce an unconscious priming effect. Second, when the prime stimulus was removed, leaving only the flankers, the flanker priming effect increased, suggesting that the attention attracted to the prime and its conscious mask could also reduce the flanker congruency effect. These results observed across several experiments were replicated in one within-subjects experiment. We proposed an “independent unconscious influence hypothesis” for the phenomenon. This hypothesis was further integrated into a more comprehensive unconscious information processing model. The possible causes of the observed phenomena were discussed.