Revisiting the role of bars in AGN fuelling with propensity score sample matching

The high luminosity displayed by an active galactic nucleus (AGN) requires that gas be transported to the centre of galaxy some mechanism. Bar-driven processes are often pointed out in this context and a number studies have addressed bar-AGN connection, but with conflicting results. Some inconsistencies can explained different spatial- timescales involved bar-driven inflows, accretion central black hole, AGN emission. However, discrepant results could also due sample biases, because both activity determination bar detection influenced method employed. We revisit connection galaxies from SDSS, looking for evidence influence bars on activity. determine emission line diagnostics properties were previously estimated \texttt{BUDDA}, which performs 2D bulge-bar-disk decomposition. Before comparing inactive galaxies, we made careful selection minimise biases. created control samples matching them using propensity score matching. This technique offers analytical approach creating given object parameters. find preferentially found barred rate is higher only when M-$\sigma$ relations used estimate hole mass M$_\bullet$ unbarred (from velocity dispersion $\sigma$). On other hand, no correlation between level strength. Altogether, our strengthen theoretical predictions important mechanism disc reservoir feed AGN, they indicate mechanisms play major role, particularly at scales <~100 pc.