Size Variables Research Articles

Residual post-infarct myocardial inflammation detected by 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/MRI predicts long-term adverse cardiac remodelling

Abstract Background Maladaptive inflammatory responses are associated with adverse cardiac remodelling after myocardial infarction (MI), but clinical methods for detecting residual myocardial inflammation post-MI are lacking. Purpose To investigate somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SST2) positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using 68Ga-DOTATATE after MI. Methods In a prospective observational cohort study, infarct-related myocardial inflammation detected by 68Ga-DOTATATE PET at 2wk and 3mo post-MI was compared with MRI characteristics including left ventricular (LV) volumetric changes at 1yr, as well circulating immune cell phenotyping and serum proteomic markers. Patients with a prior history of MI or heart failure were excluded. Histological SST2 expression was assessed in myocardial biopsies. Results 38 participants (mean age 60 [SD 9] years; 84% male) with recent MI were enrolled, of whom 58% had an ST-segment elevation MI. Mean peak Troponin I was 16,665 (range 408 to >25,000) ng/L and mean post-infarct LV ejection fraction was 51 (SD 9) %. 68Ga-DOTATATE maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) at 10 (SD 4) days accurately localised infarcted myocardial segments defined by late-gadolinium enhancement MRI (LGE; Fig. 1); were 14.2% higher in akinetic/hypokinetic vs. normo-kinetic segments (p<0.0001); and were correlated both with peak segmental strain (r=0.47, p=0.003) and segmental T1 values (r=0.51, p=0.02). Mean infarct SUVmax was 19.7% lower on repeat PET/MRI after a mean 102 (SD 22) days (p<0.0001), and this change was in keeping with parallel reductions in T2-weighted oedema signal on MRI and serum biomarkers of cardiac injury and systemic inflammation. Residual inflammation assessed by mean infarct SUVmax at 3mo was correlated with ΔLV indexed end-diastolic volume at 369 (SD 14) days, after adjustment for baseline infarct size and other clinical variables (p=0.038). The 3mo:2wk ratio of mean infarct SUVmax was an even stronger predictor of adverse myocardial remodelling (p=0.0025). Circulating SST2+ classical monocytes were correlated with infarct 68Ga-DOTATATE signal (r=0.47, p=0.02), and SST2 was co-expressed with CD68+ macrophages in inflamed myocardial specimens of patients with recent MI and ischaemic heart failure. After statistical feature selection and multiple comparisons adjustments, among the blood markers associated with 3mo:2wk infarct SUVmax was CCL25, a chemokine involved in macrophage recruitment which has been implicated in adverse cardiac remodelling. Conclusions Here, in the first prospective clinical study of serial SST2 PET/MRI after MI, we show that 68Ga-DOTATATE can identify and track resolving infarct-related myocardial inflammation. Moreover, residual inflammation detected by 68Ga-DOTATATE is associated with long-term adverse myocardial remodelling and could provide a potential future imaging biomarker to help stratify high-risk patients for emerging immunomodulatory therapies.Figure 1.68Ga-DOTATATE PET-MRI after MI

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle: A Comprehensive Review on Synthesis, Applications and Toxicity

Nanotechnology has garnered significant interest worldwide due to its wide-ranging applications across various industries. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are one type of nanoparticle that is commonly utilised in everyday use and can be synthesized by different techniques using physical, chemical and biological extracts. Green synthesis is an economical, environmentally benign and non-toxic method of synthesising nanoparticles. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles have a positive impact on plant physiology, particularly in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, depending on various factors like size, concentration, exposure of the nanoparticles and other variables. Further, titanium dioxide nanoparticles have many applications, such as being used as nano-fertilizers, adsorption of heavy metal from industrial wastewater and antimicrobial activity, as discussed in this review paper. Previous studies investigated whether titanium dioxide nanoparticles also induce genotoxicity may be due to mishandling procedure, exposure time, size, concentration and other variables. This is still contradictory and requires more research. The present review is a pragmatic approach to summarize the synthesis, application, nanotoxicity, genotoxicity and eco-friendly method of nanoparticle synthesis and disposable.

Optimization of wood vinegar from cacao pod shells by response surface methodology

The purpose of this study is to find the optimal conditions for producing wood vinegar from cacao pod shells using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Box Behnken Design (BBD) was used to optimize the variables of pyrolysis times, temperature, and particle size. Wood vinegar was prepared by slow pyrolysis technology. The RSM with three design variables including pyrolysis duration at 50, 75, and 100 minutes; pyrolysis temperatures at 300°C, 340°C, and 380°C; and particle size of 3, 5 and 7 cm with 15 runs were applied. Chemical characterization of wood vinegar was performed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The results showed that phenolic, furan, and ketone compounds were the main component in the cacao pod shells vinegar. The optimum production of wood vinegar from cacao pod shells based on RSM results was identified at a pyrolysis time of 100 minutes, a temperature of 353°C, and a particle size of 3 cm.

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Synthesis, Properties and Uses of Nanofluid

Nanofluid, which is a suspension of nanoparticles, has the potential to be a heat transfer fluid with a wide range of applications due to its superior thermal conductivity and rheological properties. This article summarises both previous and current research on nanofluid heat transfer improvement. A survey was done on the most recent advancements in readiness and stability improvement. The discussion included thermophysical properties, heat transfer properties of nanofluids and the impact of surfactant, temperature, particle size, shape and other variables on thermal conductivity. The current study proposes potential possibilities through the utilisation of nanofluids. A few challenges and roadblocks were also discussed. The challenges and opportunities for further research were finally covered.

Impact of Feed Bunk Space on the Prevalence of Torsion and Foreleg Distal Asymmetry in Holstein Cows.

Leg torsion and distal asymmetry (LTDA) among cows reared on intensive farms in the Comarca Lagunera region of northern Mexico may be indicative of underlying health concerns. To ascertain whether the incidence of LTDA is associated with trough measurements and with productive, reproductive, and disease variables, the prevalence of LTDA was determined in lactating dairy cows. The data were derived from two intensive dairy farms in northern Mexico (G60: 2043 cows in 13 pens with 142.0 m of linear feed bunk space and 65.0 m of pen depth; G100: 2227 cows in 12 pens with 215.0 m of linear feed bunk space and 49.0 m of pen depth). The cows were observed over the course of a week to identify any macroscopic lesions indicative of LTDA. Cows exhibiting lesions were assigned a value of "1", while those without lesions were assigned a value of "0". Furthermore, data regarding other limb diseases (LDs) were collected and subjected to analysis. A comparison was conducted to ascertain the impact of reproductive, productive, and feed bunk size variables on the prevalence of LTDA and other LDs. To ascertain the prevalence of LTDA and LDs, a chi-squared test was employed. The prevalence of LTDA was found to be 27.6% (G60: 31.4%, G100: 22.4%). No association was identified between LTDA and the variables included in the study. However, a correlation was identified between LDs and the following variables: total width, distance from the edge, width from the feed bunk to the tramp, and the presence of a manure crust on the walls. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to examine the correlation between LDs and various factors at the farm and pen levels. The findings indicated that the distance from the feed bunk to the trough, the presence of manure crusts on the walls, and the breeding time were associated with LDs in G100, as well as in three of the twelve pens (302, 306, and 308) within G100. The findings suggest that the prevalence of LDs is associated with an increase in the width of the feed bunk and the width of the manure crust on the walls, particularly in pregnant cows. The results permit the conclusion that LTDA and LDs are associated with the measurements of the feed bunks, the absence of manure cleaning of the feed bunks, and gestation. This association gives rise to significant health issues for Holstein cows on these farms, with more than one in four cows affected. To reduce the prevalence of LTDA in lactating dairy cows, it is recommended that the standard measurements for feed bunk design be adhered to. This will reduce the prevalence of LTDA and LDs, promote the cleaning protocols to avoid the accumulation of manure crusts, and facilitate close monitoring of pregnant cows, thereby alleviating the impacts of these foot pathologies on animal welfare.

Gobierno de partidos y designación de ministros en Uruguay, 1985-2024

Objective/Context: The article analyzes the partisan nature of ministers in Uruguay (96 % of the total) during the period 1985–2024, based on the institutional and political constraints of cabinet appointments. Given that the president has moderate legislative powers, nominations are used to build majorities capable of approving government initiatives and preventing the opposition from censuring ministers in Parliament. As the political system operates based on the logic of the party government model, the article explores the consequences of its application by analyzing the behavior of the ruling party’s caucus in a sample of ministerial interpellations conducted in Parliament. Methodology: The research is a case study based on statistical analysis of original data. The main hypothesis considers four independent variables (size of the president’s legislative contingent, party cohesion, type of government, and evolution of the government period) and a series of control variables. Conclusions: The study confirms that Uruguayan presidents make strategic use of ministerial appointments, based on the assumption that the relationship between powers functions as a typical party government model, similar to that observed in parliamentary regimes. Presidents appoint high- ranking partisan ministers when they have support in Parliament and the party is strongly cohesive. They appoint mid- and low-ranking partisan ministers when the president forms coalitions and when the party is less cohesive. Finally, they prefer new or discreet partisan ministers when the president loses his coalition or during the last years of the mandate. Originality: It analyzes the appointment of ministers in Uruguay under a presidential system that, despite not having excessive legislative powers, resembles the typical party government model of parliamentary regimes.

Dampak Rasio Kecukupan Modal dan Risiko terhadap Profitabilitas pada Bank Konvensional di Indonesia

Purpose: To determine the effect of capital adequacy ratio, market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, bank size, and other variables on banking profitability in Indonesia. Methodology: Panel data regression analysis; purposive sampling; capital adequacy ratio, market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, bank size as instruments; 39 banks listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange; return on assets as dependent variable. Results: Capital adequacy ratio and bank size have a positive and significant influence on profitability. Credit risk and operational risk have a significant negative effect. Market risk and liquidity risk have no significant effect. Limitations: The study is limited to data from banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange between 2018-2024, so it may not reflect conditions outside this period or region. Contribution: This research is useful in the fields of banking management, corporate finance, and investment strategy.

8760 Does an Increased Size of Thyroid Nodules Correlate with a Higher Probability of Intermediate or High-Risk Histopathological Features for Recurrence?

Abstract Disclosure: R. Pishdad: None. N. Yousefzadeh: None. E. Gough: None. L. Rooper: None. J.S. Mammen: None. Does an increased size of thyroid nodules correlate with a higher probability of intermediate or high-risk histopathological features for recurrence? Background: The existing practice guidelines recommend total thyroidectomy for solitary nodules exceeding 4 cm regardless of other pre-operative findings. We hypothesize that through comprehensive pre-operative assessments, particularly including a thorough neck ultrasound, even nodules exceeding 4 cm that would otherwise meet ATA criteria for lobectomy (i.e., lacking extrathyroidal extension and suspicious lymphadenopathy) will not exhibit occult high-risk features at a higher rate compared to nodules measuring 1-4 cm. Consequently, these larger nodules would not necessitate a higher rate of completion thyroidectomy. Methods: Solitary thyroid nodules with a largest dimension ≥ 1 cm and operated on at a single institution between 2005 to 2023 were assessed to identify those that would have met ATA criteria for lobectomy. Surgical pathology reports were reviewed to perform risk stratification following ATA guidelines. Preoperative cytopathology, ultrasound characteristics, and patient demographics were considered as covariables. Statistical analyses were performed with R programming language. Simple logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were performed to analyze the finding of occult intermediate or high-risk features based on size. Results: We identified 461 cases of solitary nodules without extrathyroidal extension or lymph node involvement (406 nodules 1-4 cm; 60 nodules ≥ 4 cm). Patients with larger nodules were more likely to be male than those with smaller nodules (52% versus 26%; P value <0.001). Interestingly, while the majority of smaller nodules meeting criteria for lobectomy were suspicious or malignant by cytopathology (Bethesda 5 and 6), only 20% of larger nodules that met criteria were malignant, with 68% either Bethesda 3 or 4 (p<0.001). There were no statistically significant associations between size or other variables such as age, race, sex, or positive family history and post-operatively assessed high/intermediate risk for recurrence. Conclusion: In this analysis of solitary nodules with larger sizes, the dimension itself did not emerge as a risk factor for occult intermediate or high-risk surgical pathology. Thus, the rates of completion thyroidectomy in appropriately screened patients would be acceptable even in patients with nodules greater than 4 cm. The majority of larger nodules that fulfill preoperative ATA criteria for lobectomy were assessed to be ACUS or a follicular neoplasm on pre-operative fine-needle aspiration. This suggests that the higher risk of more aggressive disease previously reported with larger nodules can be detected during preoperative assessment, emphasizing the essential role of neck US in the comprehensive evaluation of larger nodules. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Spatial Cyber Loss Clusters at County Level and Socioeconomic Determinants of Cyber Risks

This study investigates whether cyber loss events occurring in the United States are spatially correlated and if so, which socioeconomic factors are associated with the spatial correlation. We analyze 3132 counties of the 50 U.S. states from 2005 to 2020 using the largest existing dataset of cyber risks and socioeconomic data. While previous literature found no or little spatial correlation at the state level, we are the first to document that such correlation exists at the county level; positive Moran’s I indicates that more exposed (i.e., a relatively large number of cyber events and losses) and less exposed counties are clustered. Spatial regressions show positive direct and negative indirect effects of county-level population and average income on loss frequency and severity. Large and wealthy counties thus tend to be more exposed to cyber risk events, but their geographically neighboring counties are less affected. We further investigate relatively exposed regions (California and the Northeast Coast) and three risk types (malicious, unintended, and privacy risks) and show consistent spatial effects for the key variables of population size and average income. Our findings can aid risk managers, cyber insurers, and policymakers to geographically differentiate cyber risk, recognize relatively more exposed regions, and develop more effective risk management strategies.

Overcoming the pitfalls of categorizing continuous variables in ecology, evolution and behaviour.

Many variables in biological research-from body size to life-history timing to environmental characteristics-are measured continuously (e.g. body mass in kilograms) but analysed as categories (e.g. large versus small), which can lower statistical power and change interpretation. We conducted a mini-review of 72 recent publications in six popular ecology, evolution and behaviour journals to quantify the prevalence of categorization. We then summarized commonly categorized metrics and simulated a dataset to demonstrate the drawbacks of categorization using common variables and realistic examples. We show that categorizing continuous variables is common (31% of publications reviewed). We also underscore that predictor variables can and should be collected and analysed continuously. Finally, we provide recommendations on how to keep variables continuous throughout the entire scientific process. Together, these pieces comprise an actionable guide to increasing statistical power and facilitating large synthesis studies by simply leaving continuous variables alone. Overcoming the pitfalls of categorizing continuous variables will allow ecologists, ethologists and evolutionary biologists to continue making trustworthy conclusions about natural processes, along with predictions about their responses to climate change and other environmental contexts.

Assessment of soybean productivity and its changing factors in Japan based on the production cost statistics

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) yields have remained below 2.0 t ha–1 for over 30 years in Asian countries, indicating long-term stagnation in productivity and production technology. This study aimed to measure the total factor productivity (TFP) of soybean production in Japan and to assess the factors affecting TFP and yield. The Färe–Primont index of TFP was measured for two agroclimatic regions using soybean production cost statistics from 1987 to 2015 to analyze the regression of TFP and yield with per-farm land size, time trends, and production-related input variables. The TFP increased by 1.5–2.4% annually in the two regions, despite an annual decrease of 0.7% in country’s average yield. The TFP in the subarctic Hokkaido region improved by 9–15% due to the land-size increase and progress of time, i.e., technological progress, during the period. While in the temperate main-island region, a 14% TFP increase induced by increased land size was largely offset by the time–progress effect (–11%), i.e., technological retrogression. Similar time–progress effects observed on yield indicated that technological changes occurred, with respect to cultivation methods. The TFP–improving land-size increase adversely resulted in a 9% yield decrease in the main-island region accounting for 85% of soybean cultivation area in Japan. The results further showed that TFP improved by saving production inputs, such as fertilizer, per unit area in both regions, and the yield rose with increased inputs in seed, agrochemicals, and rental services, depending on the region. This study revealed continual soybean TFP improvements across Japan due to land-size increases and input saving in addition to the regionally biased progress in cultivation technologies. The implications of the results are discussed from the perspective of improving TFP and yield while increasing the per-farm land size.

The effects of voltage, particle size, and temperature on bio-oil yield produced via pyrolysis of Sargassum sp

Abstract The energy demand is increasing due to population growth and economic activities. Currently, global energy production, including in Indonesia, heavily relies on fossil fuels like petroleum, which are depleting day by day. One renewable energy form for the future is bio-oil, produced through pyrolysis using biomass as raw material. Macroalgae biomass, particularly Sargassum sp., is a sustainable and net-zero emission source for renewable energy. Pyrolysis is a promising technique to convert Sargassum sp. into high-value charcoal, gas, and bio-oil with less than 20% moisture content. Experimental research was conducted using a simple slow pyrolysis setup, using Sargassum sp. from Pantai Trenggole, Gunung Kidul. Proximate analysis showed Sargassum sp. contains ash, water, volatile matter (Vm), fixed carbon (FC), and calorific value of 15.428%, 6.032%, 40.222%, 38.318%, and 2161.758 cal/g respectively. Regarding the experiment results, the maximum bio-oil yield was obtained at 200 V with a yield of 27.289%. For the particle size variable, the maximum bio-oil yield was achieved with particles of 10-40 mesh, resulting in 27.289% yield. Regarding the temperature variable, the highest bio-oil yield was obtained at 600 °C with a yield of 29.362%.

The Relationship Effect of Board Characteristics and Company Characteristics on Corporate Social Responsibility

This study aims to analyze the influence of board characteristics on CSR policies with the company characteristics as control variables. CSR policy in this study focuses on the amount of CSR costs incurred by the company to contribute to the social and community environment. The data used in this study are secondary data sourced from the annual reports of energy sub-sector companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) from 2016-2022. The research sample was selected using the purposive sampling method, resulting in 28 companies as the sample. The data analysis used for hypothesis testing is multiple regression analysis using the Eviews 9 program. The results of the study indicate that board characteristics, as indicated by the variables of board size and firm age, have a significant positive influence on CSR. The results also show that firm size has a significant positive influence on CSR performance, while leverage has a significant negative influence on CSR performance. These findings provide information that the increasing number of board members in important positions within a company will impact the high CSR performance, as well as the maturity of a company indicated by the years since going public will enhance the high concern for the environment. In addition, the level of company leverage will be one of the considerations for investors in investing capital as it will have a negative impact on the adopted CSR policies.

Phenotypic divergence of Glossina morsitans (Diptera: Glossinidae) populations in Zambia: Application of landmark-based wing geometric morphometrics to discriminate population-level variation.

An important consequence of the discontinuous distribution of insect populations within their geographic range is phenotypic divergence. Detection of this divergence can be challenging when it occurs through subtle shifts in morphological traits with complex geometries, such as insect wing venation. Here, we used landmark-based wing geometric morphometrics to investigate the population-level phenotypic variation of the two subspecies of Glossina morsitans, G. m. centralis Machado and G. m. morsitans Westwood that occur in Zambia. Twelve homologous landmarks digitised on the right wings of 720 specimens collected from four and five sites (80 per site with 1:1 sex ratio) within the G. m. centralis and G. m. morsitans range respectively, were subjected to generalised Procrustes analysis to obtain wing centroid size (CS) and wing shape variables. Linear permutation models and redundancy analysis were then used to compare CS and wing shape between male and female G. morsitans, the two subspecies G. m. centralis and G. m. morsitans, the sexes of each subspecies and between sample locations within each subspecies range, respectively. Significant differences in CS and wing shape were observed between G. morsitans sexes, subspecies and sample locations within each subspecies range. A neighbour-joining cladogram derived from the analysis of Procrustes distances showed that tsetse within each subspecies range were highly divergent. We conclude that G. morsitans populations in Zambia exhibit significant population-level variation in fly size and wing shape which suggests high levels of population structuring. The main drivers of this structuring could be random genetic drift in G. m. centralis demes and local adaptation to environmental conditions in G. m. morsitans populations. We therefore recommend molecular studies to estimate the levels of gene flow between these populations and identify possible barriers to genetic flow.

Does Company Size Moderation the Influence of Financial Performance and Good Corporate Governance Toward Islamic Social Reporting Disclosure?

This study aims to determine the influence of profitability, leverage, size of board commissioners, and size of Sharia supervisory board on Islamic social reporting disclosure with company size as a moderation variable in Sharia commercial banks for the 2017-2022 period. The sample was determined using the purposive sampling method. The analysis method used was moderated regression analysis (MRA). The tools used are SPSS. The results of the study partially show that profitability (ROE), leverage (DER), and size of board commissions (UDK) do not affect Islamic social reporting (ISR) disclosure.Meanwhile, the size of the Sharia Supervisory Board (UDPS) affects the disclosure of Islamic social reporting (ISR). Company Size (SIZE) is not able to moderate the influence of the variables of profitability (ROE), leverage (DER), and Size of board commissioners (UDK) on the variables of Islamic social reporting (ISR). Meanwhile, company size (SIZE) can moderate the influence of the Size of Sharia Board Commissioners (UDPS) on Islamic social reporting (ISR). Large banks will need more workers, including the Sharia Supervisory Board, so they can follow Sharia principles in carrying out their activities; the goal is to gain public trust to conduct transactions at Islamic commercial banks.

Financial factors influencing Profitability of Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL)

The research aimed to investigate the financial factors that influencing profitability of Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL). The objectives of this study are 1) to examine the financial factors that influencing profitability of BCEL in long-term period, and 2) to examine the financial factors that influencing profitability of BCEL in short-term period. The research target group is BCEL, and the instrument used to collect data is the financial statement of the BCEL in the period of 2011-2020 (40 quarter), including capital structure, working capital, firm size, revenue growth rate and non-debt tax shield, which is to find out the financial factors that determine BCEL's profitability. The data of the research model was tested quantitatively by using Engle and Granger method and Error Correction model, which tested its stationary by unit root in Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test and multi-collinearity by used EViews 9 Program. The results found that the data of each financial factor is stationary in First Difference, except that revenue growth rate is stationary in level order at 99% significant. And firm size variables had been multi-collinearity, thus eliminating the revenue growth rate and the firm size variables from the model. Therefore, 1) the financial factors that influencing profitability of BCEL in long-term period was influenced by three factors the working capital, which has positive relationship with profitability of BCEL; the non-debt tax shield which has positive relationship with profitability of BCEL, capital structure which has negative relationship profitability of BCEL, 2)the financial factors that influencing profitability of BCEL in short-term period was influenced by three factors such as: the change of working capital which has positive relationship with the change of profitability of BCEL, the change of the non-debt tax shield which has positive relationship with the change of profitability of BCEL, the change of capital structure which has negative relationship with the change profitability of BCEL, and the short-term equilibrium deviates to the long-term equilibrium with a velocity of 88.64%.

Pengaruh Ukuran Perusahaan Dan Struktur Aktiva Terhadap Struktur Modal Pada Perusahaan Makanan Dan Minuman Yang Terdaftar Di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode 2020-2022

This study aims to examine the influence of company size and asset structure on capital structure in food and beverage companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the 2020-2022 period. The sampling technique uses the saturated sampling method. The total research sample is 84 companies with 3 years of research. This research is a quantitative research. The type of data carried out in this study is secondary data, which is in the form of annual reports of food and beverage companies. The analysis method used is multiple linear regression using SPSS version 26 software. Data testing was carried out using descriptive statistical analysis, classical assumption test, multiple linear regression analysis test, determination coefficient and t-test. The results of the study showed that the variable of company size did not have a significant effect on the capital structure. Meanwhile, asset structure has a significant effect on capital structure.

The Role of Return on Asset, Audit Opinion, Company Size, and Debt to Equity Ratio on the Timeliness of Financial Reporting in Companies

This study aims to examine the influence of Return on Assets, Audit Opinion, Company Size, and Debt-to-Equity Ratio on the timeliness of financial reporting in companies. This research is quantitative, using secondary data obtained from the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). The population in this study consisted of 45 companies listed on the IDX from 2017 to 2019. Out of these, 20 companies met the criteria for sampling. The analysis technique used was multiple linear regression. The results indicate that the Return on Assets and Debt-to-Equity Ratio variables have a significant influence on the timeliness of financial reporting, while the Company Size variable does not significantly affect the timeliness of financial reporting.

Innovative Learning Strategies to Enhance Student Motivation and Academic Achievement: A Constructivist Learning Perspective in Islamic Religious Education

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of innovative, constructivist-based learning strategies in enhancing student motivation and academic achievement. The constructivist approach, which emphasizes active, project-based, and collaborative learning, was implemented in a higher education setting to assess its impact on student motivation and academic outcomes. A quasi-experimental research design with treatment and control groups was employed, involving students from various academic programs. Data were collected through questionnaires measuring learning motivation and academic performance before and after the implementation of innovative strategies. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests to compare differences between the treatment and control groups. The findings indicate that the application of constructivist-based innovative learning strategies significantly improves student motivation and academic achievement. Active and project-based learning methods increased student engagement and facilitated better understanding of the material, as reflected in improved academic outcomes. The study also underscores the importance of a supportive learning environment, including the use of digital technology, in fostering the learning process. Limitations of the study include a limited sample size and contextual variables that may influence the results. The study provides recommendations for educational institutions to adopt innovative learning strategies and encourages further research to explore various learning approaches in greater depth

Feeding mode drives mandibular shape in extant Delphinidae

AbstractDelphinidae is the most diverse family within the toothed whale clade, displaying two biosonar modes, different feeding strategies, and diving and habitat adaptations. This work examines the delphinid mandible to determine the association between shape, size and ecological variables in extant species. Geometric morphometric analysis on 95 mandibles belonging to 30 (out of 38) extant species, representatives of all 17 extant genera, was performed in occlusal (or dorsal) and lateral (or labial) view. The results reveal that feeding mode and climate primarily drive mandibular shape in extant species. Biosonar mode is an evolutionary driver in mandibular shape in occlusal view, while diet and maximum prey size play a significant role in size only in both views. By contrast, Diving Ecology, Superficial Temperature and Rostral index do not play a significant role in driving delphinid mandibular shape and size.