Search

Control charts (esp. X ¯ -chart) are proven and useful tools to preserve process alignment with its design mean. The control charts' limits are designed symmetrically around the process's mean. The assumption of symmetry is justifiable when assuming that the measurements are infinite. Typically, these assumptions are warranted since the measuring resolution is significantly (by orders of magnitude) lower than the deviation of the controlled process. However, when the measuring device has a resolution of the same order of magnitude as the standard deviation of the controlled process, the symmetrical nature is no longer justified. In low-resolution measurement process control, symmetry is not the norm and both these control limits should be built asymmetrically. To help remedy this issue, this article explores the asymmetrical nature of the low-resolution measurement and suggests a new (asymmetric) control limit based on false-alarm-required probabilities. This represents a novel approach to the problem [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a combined analysis of muon neutrino and antineutrino charged-current cross sections at kinematics of relevance for the T2K, MINERvA and MicroBooNE experiments. We analyze the sum, difference and asymmetry of neutrino versus antineutrino cross sections in order to get a better understanding of the nuclear effects involved in these processes. Nuclear models based on the superscaling behavior and the relativistic mean field theory are applied, covering a wide range of kinematics, from hundreds of MeV to several GeV, and the relevant nuclear regimes, i.e., from quasileastic reactions to deep inelastic scattering processes. The NEUT neutrino-interaction event generator, used in neutrino oscillation experiments, is also applied to the analysis of the quasielastic channel via local Fermi gas and spectral function approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of sex-based asymmetry in the behaviours of youths with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is currently under research scrutiny. ASD is characterised by challenging behaviour (CB) and is often accompanied by anxiety, both of which often exacerbate social interaction difficulties. The present study examined the presence of sex-based asymmetry in the prevalence of CB and anxiety and in the association between CB and anxiety in a sample including 32 male autistic youths (M age = 10.09, SD = 3.83, range = 6–18 yr) and 32 female autistic youths (M age = 10.31, SD = 2.57, range = 6–15 yr) matched for age, IQ, and ASD severity (p >.101). While the prevalence and severity of behavioural characteristics across males and females with ASD were similar (p =.767), representing symmetry, there was asymmetry in the ways that CBs and anxiety were associated with each other across the two sexes. Specifically, there were 3 instances of symmetry (r >.3, p <.05)), but there were also 10 occurrences of sex-based asymmetry (r <.3, p >.05) in the association between five aspects of CB and five anxiety disorders. These findings emphasise the underlying sex-based symmetry in the prevalence of ASD-related behaviours, also highlighting unique sex-based asymmetry in the association between CBs and anxiety in autistic youths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault data under real operating conditions are often difficult to collect, making the number of trained fault data small and out of proportion to normal data. Thus, fault diagnosis symmetry (balance) is compromised. This will result in less effective fault diagnosis methods for cases with a small number of data and data imbalances (S&I). We present an innovative solution to overcome this problem, which is composed of two components: data augmentation and fault diagnosis. In the data augmentation section, the S&I dataset is supplemented with a deep convolutional generative adversarial network based on a gradient penalty and Wasserstein distance (WDCGAN-GP), which solve the problems of the generative adversarial network (GAN) being prone to model collapse and the gradient vanishing during the training time. The addition of self-attention allows for a better identification and generation of sample features. Finally, the addition of spectral normalization can stabilize the training of the model. In the fault diagnosis section, fault diagnosis is performed through a convolutional neural network with coordinate attention (CNN-CA). Our experiments conducted on two bearing fault datasets for comparison demonstrate that the proposed method surpasses other comparative approaches in terms of the quality of data augmentation and the accuracy of fault diagnosis. It effectively addresses S&I fault diagnosis challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare seat pressure asymmetries before and after 30 min cycling at constant intensity in association with pelvic anthropometric parameters and skeletal muscle fatigue. Twelve male road cyclists aged 18–30 years (mean training experience 9.9 ± 2.5 years) participated. Pelvic anthropometric data and body composition were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Participants performed 30 min cycling at 50% peak power output at constant intensity on a cyclus-2 ergometer. Muscle fatigue during cycling was assessed by surface electromyogram spectral mean power frequency (MPF) for the back, gluteal, and thigh muscles. The pressure mapping system was used to assess sitting symmetry before and after the cycling exercise. At the end of cycling, MPF was decreased (p < 0.05) in the dominant side's erector spinae muscle and the contralateral gluteal muscle. After the exercise, a significant (p < 0.05) asymmetry in seat pressure was observed under the ischial tuberosity based on the peak pressure right to left ratio, whereas peak pressure decreased under the left ischial tuberosity. After the exercise, the relationship (p < 0.05) between pelvis width and pressure under the ischial tuberosity occurred on the dominant side of the body. In conclusion, an asymmetry was revealed after the constant-load cycling exercise by peak pressure ratio right to left side. Further studies should address the role of seat pressure asymmetries before and after cycling exercises at different intensities and durations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the agreement regarding the direction of interlimb asymmetry (ILA) between different horizontal jumping tests, to examine the differences in ILA between different age categories and to assess the relationship between ILA and sprint and jump performance. The sample included 38 elite youth male soccer players from two distinct age categories (U17 and U19). The testing procedure consisted of a 10 m sprint test, unilateral and bilateral broad jumps, and unilateral and bilateral triple hops. The results showed moderate correlation and fair agreement in the direction of ILA between single broad jumps and single-leg triple hops (κ = 0.42; p = 0.014). The magnitude of ILAs tended to be larger in the unilateral triple hop (5.41 ± 5.25%) compared to the unilateral single hop (3.54 ± 2.67%). Furthermore, the older group had smaller ILA magnitudes in both jumping tests, with significant differences between age groups being observed only in single hops (p = 0.46; d = 0.78). Additionally, significant associations were found only between the ILA unilateral triple hop with bilateral single jump (r = −0.39) and sprint performance (r = 0.40), while ILA in the broad jump showed no significant associations with performance metrics. Based these results, the unilateral triple hop could be recommended as the preferred horizontal jump variation for screening soccer players. Furthermore, in line with the literature, mean ILA in horizontal jumps were far below the commonly used threshold of >10–15% (mean ILA 3.5–6.5%), which suggests that the ILA threshold for horizontal jumps should be reconsidered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although alpha asymmetry has been found to correlate with depression, there is some inconsistency across the wider literature, suggesting the influence of other factors. Some of these may be the presence of peripheral inflammation, age, and sex of participants. To test the interaction of these factors in terms of the association between alpha asymmetry and depression in a community sample, in this study, data were collected on resting frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) under eyes closed and eyes open conditions, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), age, and self-rated depression in a sample of 44 males and 56 females aged from 18 to 75 years (M = 32.5 yr, SD = 14.1 yr). Using regression models, the results indicated a complex set of associations. FAA values across the FP2-FP1 sites predicted depression in the eyes open condition, but not for any other pairing of sites. Increases in CRP concentration predicted increases in depression for women but not for men. CRP predicted FAA across two frontal sites (F8-F7) under the eyes open condition only. As CRP increased, FAA favoured the left hemisphere for that pair of frontal sites, a result found more strongly for males. Age did not influence these associations. By reflecting a complex, multi-factor interaction, these findings may tentatively provide some explanation for the inconsistency in the wider literature for the FAA–depression hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes several solutions for the use of novel AC voltage regulators as electrical energy quality conditioners and for the use of a half-bridge voltage inverter circuit as an active filter. This study was carried out with a real object, and more attention was paid to it. Structural models of electrical energy quality assurance systems, the calculation of control system elements and experimental results are presented. In particular, the use of a half-bridge voltage inverter circuit was considered as a replacement for the passive filter of the battery charger and rectifier device. AC voltage regulators are also used as compensators for higher-current harmonics, namely active filters and reactive power, voltage drop, voltage unbalance and flicker effect compensators. Block diagrams of power quality conditioners are presented, control algorithms are developed and the results of the current high-frequency harmonics compensation, reactive power and signal balancing are presented. The results of an active filter experiment based on the NRT 160.220 charge-rectifier device circuit showed a reduction in ripple of up to 1% with smaller dimensions compared to a passive filter. The control characteristics and external characteristics of the regulators are removed. The dependences of the current THD factor and the power factor are presented depending on the modulation depth for AC voltage regulator circuits used as power quality conditioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is interest in investigating how interlimb asymmetries (IA) of body composition impact sport-specific performance outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between body composition inter-limb asymmetry and specific performance outcomes in taekwondo athletes. Seventeen national and international athletes (males, n = 8, mean age = 23.3 ± 3.1 years, mean stature = 177.2 ± 8.5 cm, mean body mass = 80.0 ± 7.3 kg; females, n = 9, mean age = 25.0 ± 4.0 years, mean stature = 161.1 ± 4.4 cm, mean body mass = 59.8 ± 5.7 kg) participated in the study. During a non-consecutive 2-day period, body composition (BC) and IA were assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry, and the magnitude (%) of IA was calculated. Specific-performance included taekwondo specific agility test (TSAT) and Frequency Speed of Kick Test Multiple (FSKTMULT). The relationship between BC asymmetry and performance outcomes was analyzed using a partial correlation approach (controlling for gender, age, and training time). The influence of the significant results was examined using forward stepwise linear regression models. The main results showed no significant differences between the lower limbs (p < 0.05). The IA ranged from 1.37% to 2.96%. Moderate to large negative correlations (r = −0.56 to −0.76, p < 0.05) were documented between IA of body mass, free fat mass (FFM), and lean soft tissue mass (LSTM) with most FSKTMULT outcomes. Bone mineral density (BMD) was correlated with set 5 (rho = −0.49, p = 0.04). The FFM and LSTM asymmetries influenced the KDI reduction by 21%. Meanwhile, IA BMD negatively influenced set 5 performance by 48%. The findings of our study indicate that asymmetries independent of the magnitude of muscle and bone mass-related outcomes may have detrimental effects on high-intensity performance in taekwondo athletes. This underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive training programs and paying attention to achieving body composition inter-limb symmetry to improve overall performance levels in this sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly growing and is projected to develop in future years. The IoT connects everything from Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to medical equipment to smart home appliances to smart automobiles and many more gadgets. Connecting these gadgets is revolutionizing our lives today by offering higher efficiency, better customer service, and more effective goods and services in a variety of industries and sectors. With this anticipated expansion, many challenges arise. Recent research ranked IP cameras as the 2nd highest target for IoT attacks. IoT security exhibits an inherent asymmetry where resource-constrained devices face attackers with greater resources and time, creating an imbalanced power dynamic. In cybersecurity, there is a symmetrical aspect where defenders implement security measures while attackers seek symmetrical weaknesses. The SILEX malware case highlights this asymmetry, demonstrating how IoT devices' limited security made them susceptible to a relatively simple yet destructive attack. These insights underscore the need for robust, proactive IoT security measures to address the asymmetrical risks posed by adversaries and safeguard IoT ecosystems effectively. In this paper, we present the IoT vulnerabilities, their causes, and how to detect them. We focus on SILEX, one of the famous malware that targets IoT, as a case study and present the lessons learned from this malware. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several distributions and families of distributions are proposed to model skewed data, e.g., with skew-normal and related distributions. Lambert W random variables offer an alternative approach in which, instead of constructing a new distribution, a certain transformation is proposed. Such an approach allows the construction of a Lambert W skewed version from any distribution. Here, we choose the Lambert W normal distribution as a natural starting point and include the Lambert W exponential distribution due to the simplicity and shape of the exponential distribution, which, after skewing, may produce a reasonably heavy tail for loss models. In the theoretical part, we focus on the mathematical properties of obtained distributions, including the range of skewness. In the practical part, the suitability of the corresponding Lambert W transformed distributions is evaluated on real insurance data. Finally, the results are compared with those obtained using common loss distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data envelopment analysis is related to a non-parametric mathematical tool used to assess the relative efficiency of productive units. In different studies on productive efficiency, it is common to employ semi-parametric procedures in two stages to determine whether any exogenous factors of interest affect the performance of productive units. However, some of these procedures, particularly those based on conventional statistical inference, generate inconsistent estimates when dealing with incoherent data-generating processes. This inconsistency arises due to the efficiency scores being limited to the unit interval, and the estimated scores often exhibit serial correlation and have limited observations. To address such inconsistency, several strategies have been suggested, with the most well-known being an algorithm based on a parametric bootstrap procedure using the truncated normal distribution and its regression model. In this work, we present a modification of this algorithm that utilizes the beta distribution and its regression structure. The beta model allows for better accommodation of asymmetry in the data distribution. Our proposed algorithm introduces inferential characteristics that are superior to the original algorithm, resulting in a more statistically coherent data-generating process and improving the consistency property. We have conducted computational experiments that demonstrate the improved results achieved by our proposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies evaluating mechanical asymmetry across a range of running velocities during treadmill runs have yielded inconsistent findings, while the impact of additional hypoxic exposure has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of manipulating running velocity and hypoxic exposure on gait asymmetry during treadmill running. Eleven trained individuals performed seven runs at different velocities (8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 km·h−1) in a randomized order, each lasting 45 s. The running took place on an instrumented treadmill for normoxia (FiO2 = 20.9%), moderate hypoxia (FiO2 = 16.1%), high hypoxia (FiO2 = 14.1%), and severe hypoxia (FiO2 = 13.0%). Vertical and antero-posterior ground reaction force recordings over 20 consecutive steps (i.e., after running ∼25 s) allowed the measurement of running mechanics. Lower-limb asymmetry was assessed from the 'symmetry angle' (SA) score. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (seven velocities × four conditions) was used. There was no significant difference in SA scores for any of the biomechanical variables for velocity (except contact time and braking phase duration; p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively), condition, or interaction. Mean SA scores varied between ∼1% and 2% for contact time (1.5 ± 0.8%), flight time (1.6 ± 0.6%), step length (0.8 ± 0.2%), peak vertical force (1.2 ± 0.5%), and mean vertical loading rate (2.1 ± 1.0%). Mean SA scores ranged from ∼2% to 5% for duration of braking (1.6 ± 0.7%) and push-off phases (1.9 ± 0.6%), as well as peak braking (5.0 ± 1.9%) and push-off forces (4.8 ± 1.7%). In conclusion, the trained runners exhibited relatively even strides, with mechanical asymmetries remaining low-to-moderate across a range of submaximal, constant running velocities (ranging from 8 to 20 km·h−1) and varying levels of hypoxia severity (between normoxia and severe hypoxia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of energy demand requires progressive energy generation. This, together with the demand for higher efficiency and flexibility, has promoted the application of power electronics in energy systems. During the past decade, model predictive control (MPC) of power electronics has witnessed significant advancements in both dynamic performance and optimal control of the multi-objective terms. Several of these terms can have equal control priorities, resulting in a symmetrical cost function; however, most objectives have different priorities and require weighting factors to resolve the asymmetry in the cost function. Currently, researchers continue to encounter challenges in the optimal design of weighting factors. Moreover, the relative performance of different techniques that either utilize or avoid the weighting factor are uncertain. Therefore, this study focuses on weighting factor design techniques in the literature as applied to wind/solar energy conversion, microgrids, grid-connected converters, and other high-performance converter-based systems. These are grouped under the heuristic, offline tuning, sequential, and online optimization methods. This study demonstrates that optimal online tuning of weighting factors and sequential MPC methods can both offer improved robustness against parameter uncertainties. In addition, the advantages and limitations of different techniques are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current investigation was to examine the effects of exercise intensity on asymmetry in pedal forces when the accumulation of fatigue is controlled for, and to assess the reliability of asymmetry outcomes during cycling. Participants completed an incremental cycling test to determine maximal oxygen consumption and the power that elicited maximal oxygen consumption (pVO2max). Participants were allotted 30 min of recovery before then cycling at 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% of pVO2max for 3 min each, with 5 min of active recovery between each intensity. Participants returned to the laboratory on separate days to repeat all measures. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to detect differences in power production AI at each of the submaximal exercise intensities and between Trials 1 and 2. Intraclass correlations were utilized to assess the test–retest reliability for the power production asymmetry index (AI). An ANOVA revealed no significant intensity–visit interactions for the power production AI (f = 0.835, p = 0.485, η2 = 0.077), with no significant main effects present. ICC indicated excellent reliability in the power production AI at all intensities. Exercise intensity did not appear to affect asymmetry in pedal forces, while excellent reliability was observed in asymmetry outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Causal inference is a fundamental research topic for discovering the cause–effect relationships in many disciplines. Inferring causality means identifying asymmetric relations between two variables. In real-world systems, e.g., finance, healthcare, and industrial processes, time series data from sensors and other data sources offer an especially good basis to infer causal relationships. Therefore, many different time series causal inference algorithms have been proposed in recent years. However, not all algorithms are equally well-suited for a given dataset. For instance, some approaches may only be able to identify linear relationships, while others are applicable for non-linearities. Algorithms further vary in their sensitivity to noise and their ability to infer causal information from coupled vs. non-coupled time series. As a consequence, different algorithms often generate different causal relationships for the same input. In order to achieve a more robust causal inference result, this publication proposes a novel data-driven two-phase multi-split causal ensemble model to combine the strengths of different causality base algorithms. In comparison to existing approaches, the proposed ensemble method reduces the influence of noise through a data partitioning scheme in a first phase. To achieve this, the data are initially divided into several partitions and the base causal inference algorithms are applied to each partition. Subsequently, Gaussian mixture models are used to identify the causal relationships derived from the different partitions that are likely to be valid. In the second phase, the identified relationships from each base algorithm are then merged based on three combination rules. The proposed ensemble approach is evaluated using multiple metrics, among them a newly developed evaluation index for causal ensemble approaches. We perform experiments using three synthetic datasets with different volumes and complexity, which have been specifically designed to test causality detection methods under different circumstances while knowing the ground truth causal relationships. In these experiments, our causality ensemble outperforms each of its base algorithms. In practical applications, the use of the proposed method could hence lead to more robust and reliable causality results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current research, the elastoplastic behaviour of symmetrical and asymmetrical reinforced concrete buildings is explored by dynamic analysis. The used ground excitations are of sequential type, which is found in the literature to possibly strongly affect the dynamic structural behaviour. The contemporary seismic codes neglect the impact of sequential earthquakes on the seismic response, highlighting a scientific gap necessary to be studied. Within the scope of this study, ordinary 3D reinforced concrete low-rise building frames are forced to sequential ground excitations, as well as to a respective single-occurrence corresponding ground excitation, for comparability reasons. In the present dynamic analyses, the two horizontal directions of the excitations, along with the vertical one, are included in the analysis input. The nonlinear behaviour of reinforced concrete sections under strong strain is considered in the present analyses. The geometrical in-plan asymmetry of the 3D models is expressed by a simply defined ratio. Selected unitless resulting plots of the current dynamic analyses are presented and appropriately discussed given the relative geometrical asymmetry. The role of sequential ground excitations on the dynamic response is recognized, along with the role of simple geometrical symmetry or asymmetry, in the resulting response plots. Thus, useful conclusions are acquired, pointing to remarks on the geometrical structural design helpful for the development of recommendations of seismic provisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-varying materials bring an extra degree of design freedom compared to their conventional time-invariant counterparts. However, few discussions have focused on the underlying physical difference between spatial and temporal boundaries. In this letter, we thoroughly investigate those differences from the perspective of conservation laws. By doing so, the building blocks of optics and electromagnetics such as the reflection law, Snell's law, and Fresnel's equations can be analogously derived in a temporal context, but with completely different interpretations. Furthermore, we study the unique features of temporal boundaries, such as their nonconformance to energy conservation and causality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differentiation in the defensive armor of the threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, is caused by predator-driven divergent selection. Most studies considered armor traits related to swimming behavior, hence combining pre- and post-capture responses to gape-limited predators. Here, we focus exclusively on the defensive complex (DC), the post-capture predator defense. This complex consists of a series of bony elements surrounding the anterior part of the abdomen. Relaxation from predation pressure not only drives reduction of bony elements but is also expected to increase asymmetry in the DC. To test this hypothesis, we used four Austrian freshwater populations that differed distinctly in the formation of the DC. We found significant left–right asymmetries in the DC in the population with a distinctly reduced DC and, surprisingly, also in the population with a significantly enhanced DC. These populations occur in vastly different habitats (stream and lake) characterized by distinct regimes of gape-limited predators (none vs. many). Apparently, both a shift to very low and very high pressure by gape-limited predators can boost asymmetry. We conclude that greater asymmetries in the two populations at the opposite ends of the predatory gradient result from an ongoing process of adaptation to decreased or increased environmental stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine and compare leg asymmetry between preferred dominant and non-dominant legs in muscular power and balance among sub-elite soccer (football) players in Qatar. Thirty-two professional local soccer players from the Qatar Stars League (Second Division) participated in the study (23.1 ± 6.1 years). They were classified according to their preferred dominant leg (preferred leg to kick the ball). Twenty-two players had a right dominant leg, and the remaining ten had a left dominant leg. Countermovement jump (CMJ) was used to measure unilateral and bilateral vertical jump performances. The Y-balance test (YBT) was used to assess dynamic balance. No significant differences were found between the dominant and non-dominant leg for CMJ flight height (p > 0.05; asymmetry index (AI) = 1.83 ± 11.46) or the relative and absolute reach distance derived from the YBT (p > 0.05; AI (relative) = −0.45 ± 9.68, AI (absolute) = −0.60 ± 12.3). Bilateral asymmetry in dynamic balance was not significant for any of the anterior, posteromedial, or the posterolateral reaching directions (p > 0.05). The selected football players demonstrated an acceptable level of leg symmetry for power and dynamic balance. These findings may prove helpful for the assessment and evaluation of talents and should help to develop and optimize training regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antisymmetry is a striking, yet puzzling form of biological asymmetry. The livebearing fish Xenophallus umbratilis exhibits antisymmetry in the male intromittent organ and provides a system that is well-suited for studying the nature of variation in antisymmetrical traits. Using geometric morphometrics, we test the hypothesis that because the gonopodium is critical to fitness there will not be significant differences in gonopodium shape between the two gonopodial morphs in this species. Our results are consistent with this prediction, though we found that gonopodium shape differed with gonopodium size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations on mate choice in humans frequently report preferences, but there is little knowledge about what is important for rejection by a potential mate. The present study aims to verify if facial asymmetry and facial disharmony have an influence on mate rejection by men. We hypothesized that more asymmetric and disharmonious faces would be more rejected. For this purpose, photographs of women's faces were presented in pairs by self-declared heterosexual men. It was requested they reject one of the faces as a potential mate for a long-term relationship. Women's faces were also analyzed to measure facial asymmetry and facial disharmony. We used a linear mixed model to evaluate the effect of the cited metrics on each face's number of rejections. We found that the female metrics influenced mate rejection only if associated with male age and income. The older participants rejected female partners with asymmetric faces. We suggest that aging makes men more demanding in mate choices, at least considering facial asymmetry. We concluded that rejection could be a key variable in mate choice studies, but further research is needed to clarify its effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confirmation from structural, functional, and behavioral studies agree and suggest a configuration of atypical lateralization in individuals with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). It is suggested that patterns of cortical and behavioral atypicality are evident in individuals with ASDs with atypical lateralization being common in individuals with ASDs. The paper endeavors to better understand the relationship between alterations in typical cortical asymmetries and functional lateralization in ASD in evolutionary terms. We have proposed that both early genetic and/or environmental influences can alter the developmental process of cortical lateralization. There invariably is a "chicken or egg" issue that arises whether atypical cortical anatomy associated with abnormal function, or alternatively whether functional atypicality generates abnormal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most relevant and practically important directions in the development of the modern mathematical theory of stability is the development of effective methods for analyzing the nonlinear stability for solutions of dynamical systems with several degrees of freedom. The aim of this paper is to develop a new qualitative method for analyzing the nonlinear monotonic simultaneous stability of the solutions of a dynamical system of equations describing the motion of a solid body with two angles of orientation. The method is based on the application of the classical mathematical investigation method for the function of one independent variable and combinatorics. The method assumes that two analyzed functions describing the evolution of two orientation angles are defined and are twice continuously differentiable over the considered interval of change of the independent variable. The main result of the paper is the determination of the number of all different cases of nonlinear monotone simultaneous stability. The paper shows how, based on the application of this method, it is possible to solve a practically significant problem of qualitative analysis of the simultaneous nonlinear monotonic stability of two orientation angles of an asymmetric spacecraft performing an uncontrolled rotation in the Martian atmosphere. In conclusion, it should be noted that the presented method can be used to analyze the nonlinear monotonic simultaneous stability of solutions in various continuous dynamic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balance disorders are very frequent in Parkinson's disease (PD). One-leg stance performance is a predictor of fall risk. We investigated one-leg stance strategies in people with PD. We hypothesized that patients would choose, and better perform on, the leg on the least affected body side. Fifty participants with 2 to 19 years of PD duration stood on one leg while ON medication. The leg spontaneously chosen was recorded. Performance was compared between the spontaneously chosen vs. contralateral, and most vs. least stable legs. Influence of disease duration, severity, age, cognition, and motor fluctuations was analyzed. Twenty-eight patients spontaneously stood on the leg of the least affected body side, which was not always the most stable one. The chosen standing leg was influenced by disease duration with a switch between the least vs. most affected body side after seven years of disease duration. Fourteen patients (28%) spontaneously stood on their least stable leg. Thus, some patients with PD choose the least stable leg when asked to perform one-leg stance. It is important to identify these patients since they may be at greater risk of falls and/or gait difficulties. Specific rehabilitation may help prevent such maladaptive strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An asymmetry in the prevalence of left-handedness vs. right-handedness in society has supposedly resulted in negative frequency-dependent advantages for left-handers in interactive sports. The aim of this study was to test whether these advantages apply to handball by examining whether being left-handed is beneficial when executing 7 m shots, a highly unimanual movement. All 1,625 7 m shots at the men's 2016–2022 European championships were analyzed using a Bayesian two-level analysis. While the results did not indicate that left-handers were more likely to score from any single 7 m shot, left-handers were overrepresented among the designated shooters compared to both the population as a whole (38% vs. 11.6%) and left-handers on any given handball team (38% vs. 25%). The implication here was that handedness plays no role in the outcome of 7 m shots at the world-class level, but handedness does appear to play a role in who becomes a world-class 7 m shooter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vibratory massage is now widely used to alleviate muscle fatigue. The effects of different vibration massage intensities on left and right upper trapezius (UT) fatigue have not been examined. Therefore, the present study first examined whether a vibration massage intervention had an effect on UT muscles and second compared the effects of 2 different levels (36 Hz and 46 Hz) of vibratory massage on the right and left oblique muscles under 3 different fatigue conditions. Methods: A total of 23 participants (12 female, 11 male; age: 26.5 ± 3.9 year, height: 170.5 ± 1.6 cm, mass: 57.5 ± 1.5 kg, BMI: 24.3 ± 1.6 kg/m2) were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The 2 groups of subjects completed isometric contraction fatigue tasks of 30 s of fatigue, 60 s of fatigue and 90 s of fatigue in turn. The specific task of isotonic contraction was performed by subjects holding a 1 kg dumbbell in each hand and performing a straight arm weighted lateral supination exercise. After each exercise, the intervention group was randomized to apply a massage device with a vibration intensity of 36 Hz or 46 Hz on the left and right UT muscles for 5 min each. The control group did not receive any treatment. Both groups then repeated the same fatigue task as before. Then, the effects of different vibration massage interventions on UT muscles were derived by analyzing the changes in maximal voluntary contraction percentage (MVC%) of surface electromyography (sEMG) signals before and after the intervention, and the most effective vibration massage program for relieving left and right UT fatigue was summarized. Then, four classification algorithms were used to label and classify the collected sEMG data, and finally a UT muscle fatigue identification and vibration massage model was constructed. Results: After using the vibration massage level 1 (36 Hz) intervention, the MVC% of the right UT muscle showed significant reductions in the 30 s fatigue task, the 60 s fatigue task and the 90 s fatigue task (R1: p = 0.022, R2: p = 0.005, R3: p = 0.049). After using the vibration massage level 3 (46 Hz) intervention, the MVC% of the right UT muscle showed a significant decrease in both the 60 s fatigue task and the 90 s fatigue task (R2: p = 0.033, R3: p = 0.028). Significant decreases in MVC% for the left UT muscle were found only in the 90 s fatigue task (L3: p = 0.040). Then, by comparing the different performances of four commonly used classification algorithms, it was found that the bagging (accuracy = 0.860) algorithm had higher accuracy. Therefore, the bagging algorithm was used for the UT fatigue identification and vibration massage models. Conclusions: This was the first study to show the impacts of different levels of vibration massage on fatigue alleviation in the left and right UT muscles. Furthermore, the bilateral UT fatigue identification and vibration massage model developed in this study can help people to choose the most appropriate massage protocol for quick relief and relaxation of the UT muscles under three different fatigue tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-segment-primary (MSP) ironless Permanent Magnet Linear Synchronous Machine (PMLSM) can be widely applied in long primary, long stroke, and heavy load applications. Therefore, an accurate armature reaction field analysis is very important to control this novel topology motor. In order to simplify the research process, a two-segment-primary (TSP) ironless PMLSM in this article was proposed as the smallest unit. The analytical models of the armature reaction field of the motor based on the subdomain method (SDM) were established considering the finite length of the segment-primary (SP) and the interval distance between the TSP. Then, the coupling effect between the TSP and the end effect of the TSP on the armature reaction field were quantitatively analyzed. Furthermore, the coupling inductance between the TSP can be analytically calculated, which is influenced by the coupling effect. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed models, a prototype of the 24s/28p TSP ironless PMLSM was manufactured and tested. It was shown that the proposed models match well with the simulated and experimental results. As well, the maximum variation rate of the end coupling inductance was about 50.13%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is asymmetry in the brain activity between both hemispheres while watching cuts in movies. We presented videos with cuts to 36 participants, registered electrical brain activity through electroencephalography (EEG) and analyzed asymmetry in frontal, somatomotor, temporal, parietal and occipital areas. EEG power and alpha (8–13 Hz) asymmetry were analyzed based on 4032 epochs (112 epochs from videos × 36 participants) in each hemisphere. On average, we found negative asymmetry, indicating a greater alpha power in the left hemisphere and a greater activity in the right hemisphere in frontal, temporal and occipital areas. The opposite was found in somatomotor and temporal areas. However, with a high inter-subjects variability, these asymmetries did not seem to be significant. Our results suggest that cuts in audiovisuals do not provoke any specific asymmetrical brain activity in the alpha band in viewers. We conclude that brain asymmetry when decoding audiovisual content may be more related with narrative content than with formal style. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity of the left hemisphere is often associated with linguistic functioning, including in a foreign language. At the same time, research results demonstrate that different structures in both hemispheres can be jointly activated in the performance of particular linguistic tasks. The current study aimed to identify functional hemispheric activity and asymmetry markers for effective foreign language performance. The study sample consisted of 27 3rd-grade, 26 10th-grade, and 21 university students, all native Russian. To measure functional hemispheric asymmetry and activity before and after an English class and before an English test, we used computer laterometry in the 'two-source' lead–lag dichotic paradigm. The study results reveal that left hemispheric functional dominance can be considered as a marker for effective activity during an English class and an English test in 3rd-grade and 10th-grade students. In university students, right hemispheric functional dominance predicted better efficacy during the English class. Therefore, the results obtained provide evidence about different hemispheric activity and asymmetry modes for different ages of foreign language mastering, and the results may support the hypothesis about the possibility of a 'sensitive period' for foreign language acquisition occurring at any age. These findings can be applied to the creation of biofeedback trainings for hemispheric profile optimization when learning a foreign language and may help in creating personalized learning schedules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysplastic spondylolisthesis is a severe pathological condition, based on dysplastic changes in the lumbosacral part of the spine, that causes the asymmetry of the lumbosacral junction. The appropriate therapeutic algorithm remains controversial. As the gold standard, the surgical reposition of the slipped vertebra and 360° fusion of the affected spinal segment is preferred. Thirty-two patients were operated on between the years 2005 and 2018. Different techniques of 360° fusion, based on the severity of the displacement of the affected vertebral segment, were used. Herein, the advantages and disadvantages of different techniques of interbody fusion are discussed. The slippage and retention after reduction in the vertebrae are evaluated prior to the operation, postoperatively, one year after the surgery, and during follow-up, which was 7 years on average (minimum 2 years for a follow-up). Complications associated with the surgery are evaluated, in addition to the operation time, blood loss, spinopelvic parameters, and patient satisfaction with the surgery. All surgical techniques improved the slippage compared to preoperative conditions. The retention of the reposition was not changed significantly in postoperative controls. The incidence of neurological complications reached 12.5%. Surgical treatment is the only treatment option that successfully addressed the pathological principle of dysplastic spondylolisthesis. All of the surgical methods used led to restoring the symmetry of the lumbar spine, and to the improvement in both radiological parameters and the alleviation of subjective difficulties. The aim of this article is to summarize surgical methods in patients having dysplastic spondylolisthesis with a slip of more than 25%, who were operated on, and to determine the optimal treatment algorithm according to the severity of the slip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an experimental–analytical statistical study of low-cycle fatigue to crack initiation and complete failure. The application of statistical and probability methods provides for the possibility of improving the characteristics related to the structural life and the justification for the respective values of cyclic loads in the design stage. Most studies investigating statistical descriptions of crack initiation or complete failure do not analyse the distribution of the characteristics, correlation relationships, and statistical parameters of low-cycle fatigue. Low-cycle failure may be quasistatic or (due to the fatigue) transient. Materials with contrasting cyclic properties were selected for the investigation: cyclically softening alloyed steel 15Cr2MoVA; cyclically stable structural steel C45; cyclically hardening aluminium alloy D16T1. All samples were produced in a single batch of each respective material to reduce the distribution of data. The lowest values of the variation coefficient of one of the key statistical indicators were obtained using the log-normal distribution, which is superior to the normal or Weibull distribution. Statistical analysis of the durability parameters showed that the distribution was smaller than the parameters of the distribution of the deformation diagram. The results obtained in the study enable the verification of durability and life of the structural elements of in-service facilities subjected to elastoplastic loading by assessing the distribution of characteristics of crack initiation and failure and low-cycle strain parameters as well as the permissible distribution limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Device-to-device (D2D) communication is a promising technology which can improve the spectrum efficiency of cellular networks. Despite abundant research on resource allocation and interference cancellation for D2D communication, few works discuss how D2D is realized within cellular communication. In this paper, we propose a symmetric cooperative communication architecture combining security and energy efficiency, in which the users in 5G cellular networks can adaptively select the communication mode among cellular, direct D2D, and relay-assisted D2D communication according to the energy-consumption requirement. Considering the security aspect, we propose a novel relay selection strategy based on the asymmetry of social networks for the architecture. Firstly, we reduce the number of candidate relay devices based on energy consumption, the devices' battery status, and the devices' state. Then, an appropriate relay device is selected according to the proposed criteria, combining energy consumption, wireless channel quality, proximity prestige, and spreading ability. Simulation results reveal that, compared with conventional cellular communication and D2D communication, the proposed architecture can increase the number of users accessing the cellular networks simultaneously, improving the throughput and the security of data transmission. It can also significantly reduce the energy consumption as well as outage probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing asymmetry from biomechanical parameters of the lower extremities has become a standard practice for accurate assessment of athletic performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. The aims of this study were (1) to determine differences between explosive strength and asymmetry of the lower extremities using kinetic parameters of the CMJ jump test in young female athletics, and (2) to investigate correlation between speed and asymmetry, as speed and kinetic parameters. The two groups of nine female sprinters (mean ± SD; G1-age 15.6 ± 1.34 years, height 170.1 ± 0.57 cm, body mass 62.54 ± 7.73 kg, and BMI 21.6 ± 2.05; G2-age 16.2 ± 1.3 years, height 168.4 ± 0.61 cm, body mass 57.69 ± 3.12 kg, and BMI 20.37 ± 1.38) performed the CMJ test without using an arm swing, as well as a 100 m test. Two tensiometric platforms were used for the kinetic parameters and asymmetry. Asymmetry was calculated by an AI equation, and the values of the takeoff velocities and jump height parameters were obtained by integral formula and the trapezoidal rule of impulse-momentum methods. The results show differences in four kinetic parameters: height (G1- 26.82 ± 3.56 cm, vs. G2- 17.45 ± 2.01 cm), concentric impulse, (G1- 96.05 ± 16.95 N⋅s, vs. G2- 68.41 ± 4.77 N⋅s), takeoff velocity, (G1- 2.29 ± 0.14 m/s, vs. 1.83 ± 0.12 m/s), and concentric velocity, m/s (G1- 1.5 ± 0.175 m/s, vs. 1.17 ± 0.122 m/s), as well as a negative strong and very strong correlation between asymmetry and kinetic parameters for three parameters: Peak Force (G1- r = −0.878, and all subjects r = −0.633), Eccentric Impulse of left leg (G1- r = −0.865) and Concentric Impulse of right leg (G2- r = −0.878), (p <.05). The younger sprinters did not show the principle of muscle activation in the form of a longer preparatory phase of contact time, eccentric and concentric phase, as well as a force impulse that is optimal. There was no correlation between asymmetry and sprint performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is one of the most important crops in the world, providing food for most of the world's population. Wheat seeds are a popular model object for many experiments to evaluate various factors that improve germination or protect against various adverse stressful effects. Based on the high significance of increasing the productivity of this cereal crop and the applicability of this object, a detailed statistical evaluation of wheat grain (kernel) morphometry was carried out to assess the asymmetry of parameters of this ideal model. Depending on the location of the kernels in the spikelet of a wheat spike, there was a significant asymmetry between the right and left cheeks of the kernels located closer or further from the center of the spikelet. The expressiveness of asymmetry, and consequently, the kernel deformation was higher in the lower kernels of the spikelet. The degree of symmetry; that is, the similarity of the two halves (cheeks) and the kernel as a whole, was higher in kernels located higher in the spikelet. It seems that the reason for this phenomenon lies in the mechanical nature of kernel deformation. The ultrastructure of A-type and B-type starch grains in the central part of the kernel had significant differences between the upper and lower kernels, which indicated in favor of a high probability of differences by the composition and quality of kernels of the same variety when assessed separately. Uniform development of kernels and smaller differences between them may reveal more valuable genotypes in the future, provided their steady reproduction under adverse conditions of a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a key step to endow the neural network with nonlinear factors, the activation function is crucial to the performance of the network. This paper proposes an Efficient Asymmetric Nonlinear Activation Function (EANAF) for deep neural networks. Compared with existing activation functions, the proposed EANAF requires less computational effort, and it is self-regularized, asymmetric and non-monotonic. These desired characteristics facilitate the outstanding performance of the proposed EANAF. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this function in the field of object detection, the proposed activation function is compared with several state-of-the-art activation functions on the typical backbone networks such as ResNet and DSPDarkNet. The experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed EANAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asymmetric development of the cerebellum has been reported in several mammalian species. The current study quantitatively characterized cerebellar asymmetry and sexual dimorphism in cynomolgus macaques using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-based volumetry. Three-dimensional T1W MR images at 7-tesla were acquired ex vivo from fixed adult male (n = 5) and female (n = 5) monkey brains. Five transverse domains of the cerebellar cortex, known as cerebellar compartmentation defined by the zebrin II/aldolase expression pattern, were segmented on MR images, and the left and right sides of their volumes were calculated. Asymmetry quotient (AQ) analysis revealed significant left-lateralization at the population level in the central zone posterior to the cerebellar transverse domains, which included lobule VII of the vermis with the crura I and II of ansiform lobules, in males but not females. Next, the volume of the cerebellar hemispherical lobules was calculated. Population-level leftward asymmetry was revealed in the crus II regions in males using AQ analysis. The AQ values of the other hemispherical lobules showed no left/right side differences at the population level in either sex. The present findings suggest a sexually dimorphic asymmetric aspect of the cerebellum in cynomolgus macaques, characterized by a leftward lateralization of the crus II region in males, but no left/right bias in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asymmetry is an inherent characteristic of brain organization in both humans and other vertebrate species, and is evident at the behavioral, neurophysiological, and structural levels. Brain asymmetry underlies the organization of several cognitive systems, such as emotion, communication, and spatial processing. Despite this ubiquity of asymmetries in the vertebrate brain, we are only beginning to understand the complex neuronal mechanisms underlying the interaction between hemispheric asymmetries and cognitive systems. Unfortunately, despite the vast number of empirical studies on brain asymmetries, theoretical models that aim to provide mechanistic explanations of hemispheric asymmetries are sparse in the field. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to highlight empirically based mechanistic models of brain asymmetry. Overall, six theoretical and four empirical articles were published in the Special Issue, covering a wide range of topics, from human handedness to auditory laterality in bats. Two key challenges for theoretical models of brain asymmetry are the integration of increasingly complex molecular data into testable models, and the creation of theoretical models that are robust and testable across different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hip dysplasia (HD) is a typical developmental abnormality of the hip joint, and discomfort is often found in adulthood. This study compared patients with symptomatic HD in muscle strength, dynamic balance, and range of motion (ROM) with healthy individuals. Patients included those who complained of unilateral pain although the lateral center edge angle (LCEA) exhibited bilateral abnormality. Participants (n = 95; men: 46, women: 49) were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic sides, and a healthy group without a history of hip joint disease (n = 70; men: 30, women: 40) was compared. Hip flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction were performed at an angular velocity of 30°/s using an isokinetic strength test device. The Y-balance test was conducted to measure dynamic balance, and ROM was measured using an electronic goniometer to evaluate flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and internal and external rotations. In addition, the pain visual analog scale (VAS) and hip and groin outcome scale (HAGOS), a subjective evaluation of the hip joint, were evaluated. ROM (flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation) was significantly decreased in the HD symptomatic sides of men and women compared to those of the healthy group and the asymptomatic side, and the dynamic balance, flexion, and abduction muscle strength were also lower on the symptomatic sides. Although the LCEA of the HD asymptomatic side was lower than that of the healthy group, there were no significant differences in VAS, flexion, extension, abduction ROM, and extension strength compared to those of healthy individuals. In conclusion, patients with HD were mostly bilateral, and on the symptomatic side, there was a decrease in ROM, dynamic balance, and muscle strength; however, on the asymptomatic side, the function was relatively close to normal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classical logit and probit models allow to explain a dichotomous dependent variable as a function of factors or covariates which can influence the response variable. This paper introduces a new skew-logit link for item response theory by considering the arctan transformation over the scobit logit model, yielding a very flexible link function from a new class of generalized distribution. This approach assumes an asymmetric model, which reduces to the standard logit model for a special case of the parameters that control the distribution's symmetry. The model proposed is simple and allows us to estimate the parameters without using Bayesian methods, which requires implementing Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods. Furthermore, no special function appears in the formulation of the model. We compared the proposed model with the classical logit specification using three datasets. The first one deals with the well-known data collection widely studied in the statistical literature, concerning with mortality of adult beetle after exposure to gaseous carbon disulphide, the second one considers an automobile insurance portfolio. Finally, the third dataset examines touristic data related to tourist expenditure. For these examples, the results illustrate that the new model changes the significance level of some explanatory variables and the marginal effects. For the latter example, we have also modified the definition of the intercept in the linear predictor to prevent confounding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) results in millions of deaths annually; as it is a fatal heart abnormality, early prediction of SCD could save peoples' lives to the greatest extent. Symmetry and asymmetry play an important role in many fields. Electrocardiograms (ECG) as a noninvasive process for acquiring the electrical activity of the heart, has both asymmetric and non-stationary characteristics; it is frequently employed to diagnose and evaluate the heart's condition. In this work, we have detected SCD 14 min (separately for each one-minute interval) prior to its occurrence by analyzing ECG signals using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and locality preserving projection (LPP). In the experiment, we have performed DWT on ECG signals to obtain coefficients, then LPP as a reduction methodology was used to cut down these obtained coefficients. Then, the acquired LPP features were ranked using various methods, including the T-test, Bhattacharyya, Wilcoxon, and entropy. At last, the highly ranked LPP features were subjected to decision tree, k-nearest neighbor (KNN), and support vector machine classifiers for distinguishing normal from SCD ECG signals. Our proposed technique has achieved a highest accuracy of 97.6% for the detection of SCD 14 min prior using the KNN classifier, compared to the existing works. Our proposed method is capable of predicting the people at risk of developing SCD 14 min before its onset, and, hence, clinicians would have enough time to provide treatment in intensive care units (ICU) for a subject at risk of SCD. Thus, this proposed technique as a useful tool can increase the survival rate of many cardiac patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information security is one of the most important attributes of distributed systems that often operate on unreliable networks. Enabling security features during the development of a distributed system requires the careful analysis of potential attacks or threats in different contexts, a process often referred to as «threat modeling». Information protection should be comprehensive, but it is also necessary to take into account the possibility of the emergence of threats specific to a certain information system. Many public and private organizations are still trying to implement system models and the threats directed at them on their own. The main reason for this is the lack of useful and high-quality methodologies that can help developers design system models. This review explores a variety of the literature on confidentiality- and integrity-aware system design methodologies, as well as threat classification methods, and identifies key issues that may be referenced by organizations to make design system processes easier. In particular, this article takes a look at the extent to which existing methodologies cover objects of protection and methods of classifying threats, as well as whether there are such models of systems in which the object itself and the threats directed at it are described. This includes whether the compiled models exhibit symmetry or asymmetry. This literature research shows that methodologies appear to be heterogeneous and versatile, since existing methodologies often only focus on one object of protection (a system). Based on the given analysis, it can be concluded that the existing methodologies only relate superficially to the description of system models and threats, and it is necessary to develop a more complete abstract model of the protected object and threats aimed at it in order to make this model suitable for any organization and protect it against most threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since there are often few or no samples and asymmetry information in the problems, uncertainty theory is introduced to study uncertain multi-objective programming (UMP), which cannot be solved by probability theory. Generally speaking, there are two types of methods for solving the UMP problem: in deterministic method, using the numerical characteristics of an uncertain variable, the UMP problem is transformed into a deterministic multiobjective programming, and then solved by the weighting method and ideal point method; in the uncertain method, the UMP problem is transformed into an uncertain single-objective programming, and then is solved by the evaluation criteria of the uncertain variables. The theoretical analysis and the data results for numerical examples solved by the AC algorithm designed in the paper show that the two types of methods are obviously different. Further, using this comparison, the essential difference between the two methods is whether the uncertainty relation between objective functions sholud be considered. Therefore, when the uncertainty relation is closely related, the uncertain method is more appropriate; otherwise, the deterministic method should be chosen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the industrial manufacturing, the wear of the cutting tool represents the main factor that causes machine downtime and it has a negative influence over the machined surface roughness and dimensional and position deviations. For this reason, the accurate measurement of tool wear both on-line (during machining) and off-line (outside of the machining process) is a necessity. Due to the continuous technology innovation, finding new and more effective methods to measure precisely the wear represents a permanent interest for research. In this paper, after a review of recent developed methods in this field, showing the methods of measuring wear and indicating the error sources when measuring the wear of cutting inserts, the necessity to have a unitary methodology for measuring the flank wear is emphasized. Applying it could obtain the same wear-measured values in the same conditions. For this purpose, the measurement errors are determined, and a new methodology for measuring the cutting insert wear is developed. It was tested in the case of six worn cutting inserts used for the turning process of specimens (1C45 steel), of 50 mm diameter and 300 mm length. By testing the developed methodology, it was found that the errors that can be made by various researchers while measuring wear are acceptable, leading to results that can be considered correct from a practical point of view. In the paper is also presented how the principle of symmetry is used to characterize the wear of the cutting inserts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal and adult strokes are more common in the left than in the right cerebral hemisphere in the middle cerebral arterial territory, and adult extracranial and intracranial vessels are systematically left-dominant. The aim of the research reported here was to determine whether the asymmetric vascular ground plan found in adults was present in healthy term neonates (n = 97). A new transcranial Doppler ultrasonography dual-view scanning protocol, with concurrent B-flow and pulsed wave imaging, acquired multivariate data on the neonatal middle cerebral arterial structure and function. This study documents for the first-time systematic asymmetries in the middle cerebral artery origin and distal trunk of healthy term neonates and identifies commensurately asymmetric hemodynamic vulnerabilities. A systematic leftward arterial dominance was found in the arterial caliber and cortically directed blood flow. The endothelial wall shear stress was also asymmetric across the midline and varied according to vessels' geometry. We conclude that the arterial structure and blood supply in the brain are laterally asymmetric in newborns. Unfavorable shearing forces, which are a by-product of the arterial asymmetries described here, might contribute to a greater risk of cerebrovascular pathology in the left hemisphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several species of social bees exhibit population-level lateralization in learning odors and recalling olfactory memories. Honeybees Apis mellifera and Australian social stingless bees Trigona carbonaria and Austroplebeia australis are better able to recall short- and long-term memory through the right and left antenna respectively, whereas non-social mason bees Osmia rufa are not lateralized in this way. In honeybees, this asymmetry may be partially explained by a morphological asymmetry at the peripheral level--the right antenna has 5% more olfactory sensilla than the left antenna. Here we looked at the possible correlation between the number of the antennal sensilla and the behavioral asymmetry in the recall of olfactory memories in A. australis and O. rufa. We found no population-level asymmetry in the antennal sensilla distribution in either species examined. This suggests that the behavioral asymmetry present in the stingless bees A. australis may not depend on lateral differences in antennal receptor numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 7-Tesla system was acquired with a high spatial resolution from fixed brains of male and female ferrets at postnatal days (PDs) 4 to 90, and their age-related sexual difference and laterality were evaluated by MRI-based ex vivo volumetry. The volume of both left and right sides of cerebellar cortex was larger in males than in females on PD 10 and thereafter. When the cerebellar cortex was divided into four transverse domains, i.e., anterior zone (AZ; lobules I-V), central zone (CZ; lobules VI and VII), posterior zone (PZ; lobules VIII-IXa), and nodular zone (NZ; lobules IXb and X), an age-related significantly greater volume in males than in females was detected on either side of all four domains on PD 42 and of the AZ on PD 90, but only on the left side of the PZ on PD 90. Regarding the volume laterality, significant leftward asymmetry was obtained in the CZ and PZ volumes in males, but not in females on PD 90. From asymmetry quotient (AQ) analysis, AQ scores were rightward in the AZ in both sexes already on PD 21, but gradually left-lateralized only in males in the CZ, PZ, and NZ during PDs 42 to 90. The present study suggests that a characteristic counterclockwise torque asymmetry (rostrally right-biased, and caudally left-biased or symmetrical) is acquired in both sexes of ferrets during PDs 42 to 90, although the leftward laterality of the posterior half of the cerebellum was more enhanced in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to assess geometric asymmetry in the torsos of individuals is important for detecting Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). A markerless technique using Surface Topography (ST) has been introduced as a non-invasive alternative to standard diagnostic radiographs. The technique has been used to identify asymmetry patterns associated with AIS. However, the presence and nature of asymmetries in the healthy population has not been properly studied. The purpose of this study is therefore to identify asymmetries and potential relationships to development factors such as age, gender, hand dominance and unilateral physical activity in healthy adolescents. Full torso scans of 83 participants were analyzed. Using Geomagic, deviation contour maps (DCMs) were created by reflecting the torso along the best plane of sagittal symmetry with each spectrum normalized. Two classes of asymmetry were observed: twist and thickness each with subgroupings. Averaged interobserver and intraobserver Kappas for twist subgroupings were 0.84 and 0.84, respectively, and for thickness subgroupings were 0.53 and 0.63 respectively. Further significant relationships were observed between specific types of asymmetry and gender such as females displaying predominately twist asymmetry, and males with thickness asymmetry. However, no relationships were found between type of asymmetry and age, hand dominance or unilateral physical activity. Understanding asymmetries in healthy subjects will continue to enhance assessment ability of the markerless ST technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma diagnosis depends on the experience of doctors. Symmetry is one of the most important factors to measure, since asymmetry shows an uncontrolled growth of cells, leading to melanoma cancer. A system for melanoma detection in diagnosing melanocytic diseases with high sensitivity is proposed here. Two different sets of features are extracted based on the importance of the ABCD rule and symmetry evaluation to develop a new architecture. Support Vector Machines are used to classify the extracted sets by using both an alternative labeling method and a structure divided into two different classifiers which prioritize sensitivity. Although feature extraction is based on former works, the novelty lies in the importance given to symmetry and the proposed architecture, which combines two different feature sets to obtain a high sensitivity, prioritizing the medical aspect of diagnosis. In particular, a database provided by Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín was tested, obtaining a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 66.66% using a leave-one-out validation method. These results show that 66.66% of biopsies would be avoided if this system is applied to lesions which are difficult to classify by doctors [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual symmetry has been found to be preferred to asymmetry in a variety of domains and across species. A number of theories propose to explain why symmetry is preferred. In this article, I compare a perceptual bias view, in which symmetry is preferred due to factors inherit to the visual system, and an evolutionary advantage view, in which symmetry is preferred due to selection pressures on partner preference. Preferences for symmetry in three stimulus types were determined by having symmetric and asymmetric versions of the same images rated for pleasantness: human female faces, macaque monkey faces, and abstract art. It was found that preferences for symmetry were strongest for human female faces and weakest for art. This finding builds on previous research suggesting that symmetry preferences for human faces are different from symmetry preferences in other domains and that simple perceptual bias explanations do not wholly explain human visual face symmetry preferences. While consistent with an evolutionary advantage view, these data are also potentially explainable via a perceptual bias view which accounts for experience of stimuli. The interplay between these two views is discussed in the context of the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]