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Asymmetrical expansion of transcatheter heart valves (THVs), manifesting as stent frame deformation, is an occasional fluoroscopic finding in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of asymmetrical expansion of balloon-expandable THVs on hemodynamic valve performance and clinical outcomes. In a prospective registry, TAVR asymmetry index was measured using freeze-frame fluoroscopic images and was defined as the ratio of THV heights: [(longer height/shorter height) − 1] × 100. THV hemodynamic performance was measured using echocardiography before hospital discharge. Impaired hemodynamic valve performance was defined as a mean residual THV gradient ≥20 mm Hg and/or moderate or greater paravalvular regurgitation. Among 1,216 patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR for native severe aortic valve stenosis with contemporary balloon-expandable THVs between February 2014 and June 2022, asymmetry index was an excellent predictor of impaired hemodynamic valve performance (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.84-0.92; P < 0.001). The optimal asymmetry index threshold for predicting impaired THV performance was >5.5% (sensitivity 77%, specificity 86%) and occurred in 17% of patients. Higher asymmetry index, as a continuous variable, was associated with impaired hemodynamic valve performance independent of total aortic valve calcium, bicuspid anatomy, balloon-expandable valve prosthesis type or size, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality score (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.29-1.46; P < 0.001). High TAVR asymmetry index was not associated with all-cause mortality during a median of 376 days of follow-up (HR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.71-1.41; P = 0.989). Asymmetrical expansion of balloon-expandable THVs was associated with impaired hemodynamic valve performance but not with clinical outcomes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractA ring is called left fusible if each of its nonzero elements is the sum of a left zero-divisor and a non-left zero-divisor. This paper aims to extend the existing theory of left fusible rings and related notions such as being left unit-fusible, being regular left fusible, and being uniquely left fusible. New examples of these rings are presented. A new notion of left generalized unit-fusible rings is introduced and discussed. The asymmetry of these notions is addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elite football requires comprehensive monitoring to optimize player performance and minimize injury risk. In this sense, thermography is a validated way to monitor football players' load, when using this technology is essential to realize an acclimatization for assessing thermal asymmetry, a crucial variable for injuries. This study aimed to investigate the impact of acclimatization on thermal patterns in elite junior football players. For this purpose, a four-week study was conducted with an elite youth team, involving thermography sessions at three distinct stages: immediately upon arrival, after 5 min, and after 10 min in a room with temperature and humidity set at the same values (20°C and 50%). Results indicated that while temperature decreased over time, significant differences in thermal asymmetry were observed only in some muscles; the most significant ones were in the hamstrings. This discrepancy in hamstring asymmetry may be attributed to uneven sedentary postures preceding the first thermographic photograph and players arriving either by running or by walking briskly to the test. In conclusion, while acclimatization may be crucial for hamstrings evaluation, it might not be as significant for other muscle groups or joints. The potential acclimatization difference for each muscle underscores the need for future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the role of asymmetry in the beam profile of finite Airy-Gaussian (AiG) laser is presented to explore its propagation dynamics in collisionless magnetized plasma. Emphasis is on analyzing the self-trapping condition for both extraordinary (E) and ordinary (O) modes of propagation of AiG laser beam. Theoretical formulation is based on obtaining nonlinear coupled differential equations for beam-width parameters in both transverse dimensions of the beam with the help of parabolic equation approach under WKB and paraxial approximations. It is found that asymmetry in the modulation parameters significantly affects self-focusing of finite AiG beam. Moreover, the same initial intensity parameter for simultaneous self-trapping of both modes of propagation is noteworthy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Class II subdivision is a malocclusion characterized by dental and functional asymmetry that is difficult to manage. Impaired muscle function can result in asymmetrical growth, leading to occlusal instability. Objective(s): The study aimed to assess occlusal force in patients with Class II subdivision malocclusion using Innobyte. Additionally, the discrepancies of force generated at the position of maximum intercuspidation between the left and right sides of the arches were evaluated. Methods: The occlusal force of 66 patients with Class II subdivision malocclusion (group S) was measured and compared with that of 66 patients with Class I (group I) and 66 patients with Class II malocclusion (group II). The S group patients had a Class I molar on the right side and a Class II molar on the left side. ANOVA test, followed by the Games‐Howell post hoc test, was performed to compare the mean of the total force among the groups. To assess the difference in force between the right and left arches, one‐way ANOVA test followed by Tukey's post hoc comparison was performed. Finally, a boxplot was created to show the trend of occlusal force recorded in the three groups of patients. Results: The occlusal force differed significantly among the groups (p <.001). Post hoc Games‐Howell analysis showed significant differences as follows: the total force in group S was 165.24 N greater than in group II and in group I was 218.06 N greater than in group II. The difference (right–left) in total force between the groups was statistically significant (p <.001). Tukey's post hoc test showed following significant correlation: in group S was 53.51 N greater than in group II and 63.12 N greater than in group I. Conclusions: Among the analysed groups, patients with Class II malocclusion exhibited the lowest value of occlusal force. In patients with Class II subdivision malocclusion, force asymmetry, characterised by a higher value on the Class I side and a lower value on the Class II side was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have observed sex and interhemispheric disparities in sulcal morphology, which could potentially underpin certain functional disparities in the human brain. Most of the existing research examines the precentral sulcus comprehensively, with a rare focus on its subsections. To explore the morphology, asymmetry, and sex disparities within the inferior precentral sulcus (IPCS), we acquired 3.0T magnetic resonance images from 92 right-handed Chinese adolescents. Brainvisa was used to reconstruct the IPCS structure and calculate its mean depth (MD). Based on the morphological patterns of IPCS, it was categorized into five distinct types. Additionally, we analyzed four different types of spatial relationships between IPCS and inferior frontal sulcus (IFS). There was a statistically significant sex disparity in the MD of IPCS, primarily observed in the right hemisphere. Females exhibited significantly greater asymmetry in the MD of IPCS compared to males. No statistically significant sex or hemispheric variations were identified in sulcal patterns. Our findings expand the comprehension of inconsistencies in sulcal structure, while also delivering an anatomical foundation for the study of related regions' function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While previous panel studies have focused on the linear specifications of the industrial production-carbon emissions nexus, nonlinear panel studies on this relationship remain thin on the ground. This article examines the asymmetric nexus between industrial production and carbon emissions in 30 selected Sub-Saharan African countries spanning from 1990 to 2019. In the presence of cross-sectional dependence, the second-generation unit root tests were applied to examine the unit-root properties. The cointegration tests results confirm the presence of a long-run relationship among the variables. Finally, we employed the panel nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag approach to estimate the coefficient values. Generally, the empirical findings demonstrate that industrial production asymmetrically influences carbon emissions both in the short and long-runs. Specifically, the long-run estimates indicate that a positive shock in industrial production of 1% induces an increase in carbon emissions by 0.213%, while a negative shock induces a 0.390% decrease in carbon emissions. Based on these results, there is a need for policymakers in the selected Sub-Saharan African countries to consider the asymmetric behavior of industrial production while formulating industrialization policies. These policies should also be based on the condition of adopting green technology forms of energy. JEL Classification O14, Q5, Q54 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematics is often defined as a "universal" or "conventional" language. Yet, things may be not as simple as that. The theoretical lens of the semiosphere, with the related notions of context and spatial dynamics, within which the concept of cultural conflict is defined, provides a new framework for research in mathematics education to consider the cultural aspects of mathematical discourses. It is under this framework that learning awareness occurs, and teaching challenges are no longer conceived as independent of the content taught (or to be taught). It is not a question of nullifying the cultural conflict, but exploiting the concept of asymmetry to make sense of mathematical discourse. Meeting foreign cultures leads to looking at one's own practices. An example drawn from Danish numerals, juxtaposed with a mathematical discourse occurring in a sixth-grade classroom in Italy, delves into the practical application of the framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of the magnetosheath are of pivotal importance in determining the coupling between the magnetosphere and interplanetary medium. In particular, the magnetic flux pileup and plasma depletion layer (PDL) modify the boundary conditions of magnetopause reconnection. However, the spatial distribution of the magnetic field strength and plasma density in the magnetosheath and their functional dependence on the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) orientation remain poorly understood. This study characterizes these aspects in detail through the statistical processing of decades of data from Cluster, Double Star, THEMIS, and Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) missions. The first part of this study focuses on the poorly known variations across the magnetosheath, from the shock to the magnetopause. The magnetic pileup and PDL are significantly correlated, with a strong dependence on the IMF cone angle. Their dependence on the IMF clock angle is found only near the magnetopause, consistent with the expected effect of magnetic reconnection. The second part of this study examines the asymmetry in the magnetic field amplitude and density between the quasi-parallel and quasi-perpendicular sides of the equatorial magnetosheath. These asymmetries are characterized for different relative distances to the magnetopause and bow shock boundaries and for different IMF orientation. The magnetic field amplitude, observed to be higher on the quasi-perpendicular side of the magnetosheath, becomes more symmetric as it approaches the magnetopause. The quasi-parallel magnetosheath exhibits a higher plasma density near the magnetopause. However, this asymmetry reverses at approximately the mid-magnetosheath with a decreasing IMF cone angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusions A randomized trial suggested that reducing left‐sided subthalamic stimulation amplitude could improve axial dysfunction.To explore open‐label tolerability and associations between trial outcomes and asymmetry data.We collected adverse events in trial participants treated with open‐label lateralized settings for ≥3 months. We explored associations between trial outcomes, location of stimulation and motor asymmetry.14/17 participants tolerated unilateral amplitude reduction (left‐sided = 10, right‐sided = 4). Two hundred eighty‐four left‐sided and 1113 right‐sided stimulated voxels were associated with faster gait velocity, 81 left‐sided and 22 right‐sided stimulated voxels were associated with slower gait velocity. Amplitude reduction contralateral to shorter step length was associated with 2.4‐point reduction in axial MDS‐UPDRS. Reduction contralateral to longer step length was associated with 10‐point increase in MDS‐UPDRS.Left‐sided amplitude reduction is potentially more tolerable than right‐sided amplitude reduction. Right‐sided more than left‐sided stimulation could be associated with faster gait velocity. Shortened step length might reflect contralateral overstimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tidal flats, crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are facing significant alterations due to human activities such as reclamation. In South Korea, over 65% of tidal flats have been reclaimed since the 1970s, resulting in morphological changes and altered sediment transport dynamics. This study investigates sediment transport processes in the artificial Aam tidal channel, created as part of the megacity development project in Incheon, Korea. Using data from Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler and Vector instruments deployed in 2019 and 2021, we analyzed tidal asymmetry, current velocities, shear stress, and suspended sediment concentration. Our results reveal a pronounced tidal asymmetry influencing sediment transport, with ebb-dominant currents near the channel entrance and flood-dominant currents in the interior. We observed significant sediment deposition in the landward section of the channel, driven by tidal mixing asymmetry and rainfall events. These findings highlight the complex interactions between artificial structures and natural sediment dynamics, informing future coastal development and management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsating heat pipes (PHPs) are widely used in the heat dissipation of electronic components, waste heat recovery, solar energy utilization, etc., relying on the pulsating flow of the work material in the pipe and the heat transfer by phase change, and they have the advantages of high heat-transfer efficiency, simple structure, and low cost. In this paper, an experimental method is used to adjust the length of local pipes in the PHP structure, so that the PHP forms a high- and low-staggered asymmetric structure, and to study the effects of different liquid charging rates and heat-source temperatures on the vibration, startup, and operation of the PHP in the asymmetric structure. We found the following: it is difficult to start up and operate the workpiece at 10%, 68%, and 80% liquid charging rates; the effect of the oscillating impact is worse; the temperature difference between the evaporation section of the pulsating heat pipe and condensation section is larger; and the temperature difference between the evaporation section and condensation section is larger. The temperature difference between the evaporation section and condensation section of the pulsating heat pipe is large, the temperature difference is between 10~25 °C, and it is difficult to achieve a small temperature difference in heat transfer. When the liquid charging rate is 30% and 50%, the pulsating heat pipe oscillates better; the pulsation frequency is relatively high; and the temperature difference between the end of the cold and hot sections is small, the temperature difference is between 3 and 7 °C, and the performance of heat transfer is better. However, when the liquid charging rate is 30% and the heat source is 70 °C, the thermal resistance is increased to 0.016 K/W, and the equivalent thermal conductivity is reduced. When the performance of heat transfer is changed to 0.016 K/W and the equivalent thermal conductivity is reduced, the coefficient decreases, and the heat-transfer performance becomes weaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical walk tests may not predict the development of frailty in healthy older adults. With advancements in wearable technology, it may be possible to predict the development of frailty using loading asymmetry parameters during clinical walk tests. This prospective cohort study aimed to test the hypothesis that increased limb loading asymmetry predicts frailty risk in community-living older adults. Sixty-three independently ambulant community-living adults aged ≥ 65 years were recruited, and forty-seven subjects completed the ten-month follow-up after baseline. Loading asymmetry index of net and regional (forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot) plantar forces were collected using force sensing insoles during a 10 m walk test with their maximum speed. Development of frailty was defined if the participant progressed from baseline at least one grading group of frailty at the follow-up period using the Kihon Checklist. Fourteen subjects developed frailty during the follow-up period. Increased risk of frailty was associated with each 1% increase in loading asymmetry of net impulse (Odds ratio 1.153, 95%CI 1.001 to 1.329). Net impulse asymmetry significantly correlated with asymmetry of peak force in midfoot force. These results indicate the feasibility of measuring plantar forces of gait during clinical walking tests and underscore the potential of using load asymmetry as a tool to augment frailty risk assessment in community-dwelling older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dependent variables commonly studied during countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) tests largely stem from male-only studies despite females'distinct energy storage and reutilisation strategies. This could limit progress among females seeking increased CMVJ performance through targeted changes in certain variables. We explored relationships between CMVJ performance metrics (jump height, modified reactive strength index, jump power, and takeoff momentum) and (a) temporal and force application variables and (b) inter-limb force and yank (i.e., rate of force development) asymmetry in 31 recreationally active females. Participants performed eight CMVJs while ground reaction force (GRF) data were obtained. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients assessed the strength and direction of the associations. Twenty-six significant relationships (r ≥ ±0.357; p < 0.05) were detected across the CMVJ performance variables. The significantly correlated variables were generally isolated to only one of the four performance metrics. Only the percentage of concentric phase inter-limb force asymmetry was significantly associated with CMVJ performance, specifically jump power and takeoff momentum. Coaches and physical performance professionals should be aware of popular strategy variables' association or lack of association with commonly studied performance metrics when seeking to understand or improve specific CMVJ jumping abilities in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only a small number of studies have assessed structural differences between the two hemispheres during childhood and adolescence. However, the existing findings lack consistency or are restricted to a particular brain region, a specific brain feature, or a relatively narrow age range. Here, we investigated associations between brain asymmetry and age as well as sex in one of the largest pediatric samples to date (n = 4265), aged 1–18 years, scanned at 69 sites participating in the ENIGMA (Enhancing NeuroImaging Genetics through Meta‐Analysis) consortium. Our study revealed that significant brain asymmetries already exist in childhood, but their magnitude and direction depend on the brain region examined and the morphometric measurement used (cortical volume or thickness, regional surface area, or subcortical volume). With respect to effects of age, some asymmetries became weaker over time while others became stronger; sometimes they even reversed direction. With respect to sex differences, the total number of regions exhibiting significant asymmetries was larger in females than in males, while the total number of measurements indicating significant asymmetries was larger in males (as we obtained more than one measurement per cortical region). The magnitude of the significant asymmetries was also greater in males. However, effect sizes for both age effects and sex differences were small. Taken together, these findings suggest that cerebral asymmetries are an inherent organizational pattern of the brain that manifests early in life. Overall, brain asymmetry appears to be relatively stable throughout childhood and adolescence, with some differential effects in males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The literature predominantly addresses cross-education of strength in the dominant limb rather than the non-dominant limb, guided by the hypothesis of an asymmetrical transfer of strength from unilateral training protocols. The purpose of the study was to review the literature and determine how much evidence was available to support this claim. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the magnitude of this hypothesized asymmetrical transfer of strength. Methods: A literature search of all possible records was implemented using Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Scopus from February 2022 to May 2022. Comparison of randomized controlled trials was computed. The change scores and standard deviations of those change scores were extracted for each group. Only three studies met the criteria, from which a total of five effect sizes were extracted and further analyzed. Results: The overall effect of resistance training of the dominant limb on strength transfer to the non-dominant limb relative to the effects of resistance training the non-dominant limb on strength transfer to the dominant (non-training) limb was 0.46 (SE 0.42). The analysis from this study resulted in minimal support for the asymmetry hypothesis. Given the small number of studies available, we provide the effect but note that the estimate is unlikely to be stable. Conclusion: Although it is repeatedly stated that there is an asymmetrical transfer of strength, our results find little support for that claim. This is not to say that it does not exist, but additional research implementing a control group and a direct comparison between limbs is needed to better understand this question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tennis is an individual sport characterised by high-intensity action, including sprints and changes of direction (COD). However, there is a gap in the knowledge of limb asymmetries in adolescent tennis players and their association with performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between asymmetry in vertical and horizontal jump tests (CMJ and HJ) and COD with lower limb performance variables in adolescent tennis players. Forty-five adolescent tennis players (age: 13.81 ± 1.08 years; height: 167.64 ± 9.9 cm; body mass: 57.48 ± 10.94 kg; body mass index: 20.27 ± 2.18 kg/m2) performed the CMJ test (unilateral and bilateral), horizontal jumps (unilateral and bilateral), 25 m sprint, and 180° COD test. The single-leg countermovement jump showed the greatest asymmetries among the different tests (6.62 ± 9.35%). Notable negative relationships were found between CMJ asymmetry and COD asymmetry with unilateral horizontal jump variables (r = −0.30 to −0.53). In addition, CMJ asymmetry showed notable relationships with CMJR (r = 0.49) and COD180R (r = 0.29), whereas COD asymmetry showed a notable relationship with COD180L (r = 0.40). On the other hand, HJ asymmetry showed no notable relationships with any variable. The main findings of this study indicate that greater imbalances in the CMJ and COD tests are associated with a reduced capacity to perform unilateral horizontal jumps. These results suggest the incorporation of training protocols to reduce interlimb asymmetries in growing athletes to improve their performance. This practical application is important for coaches and physical trainers who aim to improve the physical performance of adolescent tennis players. Greater asymmetry results in a reduced ability to produce unilateral horizontal force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore retinal vasculature asymmetry (ReVA) patterns in subjects from the islands of Vis and Korcula and the city of Split, Croatia. Asymmetry estimates were based on topographic image analysis of non-mydriatic retinal fundus photographs and compared with nine ophthalmic measurements, three Doppler-based pressure indices and eight frequencies of audiometry. ReVA was also correlated to the genomic runs of homozygosity (ROHs) and used in a Cox regression survival model, where we adjusted for the effects of sex, age and comorbidity. In 1873 subjects, ReVA estimates were significantly correlated with most ophthalmic asymmetry measures, less strongly with the ankle–brachial pressure index and only modestly with higher-amplitude audiometry asymmetries (lowest p = 0.020). ReVA was significantly correlated with the number of ROHs (r = 0.229, p < 0.001) but less strongly with the ROH length (r = 0.101, p < 0.001). The overlap of asymmetries was low, with only 107 subjects (5.7% of the total sample) who had two or more instances in which they were among the top 10%. Multiple asymmetries did not affect survival (HR = 0.74, 95% confidence intervals 0.45–1.22). Retinal vasculature asymmetry is a poor predictor of asymmetry elsewhere in the body. Despite its existence and apparent association with comorbidities, the observed extent of retinal vasculature asymmetry did not affect the lifespan in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anomalous zonal wind moves southward during the ENSO mature phase in boreal winter. Previous studies suggest that it may be caused by the nonlinear interaction of annual cycles or the influence of background mean state changes. In this research, the ECHAM4.6 atmospheric model is used to confirm the mechanism of the anomalous zonal wind southward shifting. The annual cycle of solar radiation and SST are removed in the sensitivity experiments to avoid the interaction between the ENSO and annual cycle. The results show that the north–south asymmetry mode of the ENSO anomalous wind field is not the result of a nonlinear interaction between ENSO and the annual cycle. The mean v-winds in winter motivate the southward shifting of the ENSO anomalous wind field through advection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the present study was to objectively assess the degree of residual facial asymmetry after primary treatment of non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) in children and to correlate it with subjective ratings of facial appearance. Materials and methods: Stereophotometry was used to record the faces of 89 children with UCLP for comparison of cleft and non-cleft sides up to 5 years after primary cleft closure. Root mean square values were calculated to measure the difference between the shape of cleft and non-cleft sides of the face and were compared to controls without a cleft lip. The Asher-McDade Aesthetic Index (AMAI) was used for subjective rating of the nasolabial area through 12 laypersons. Results: Children with a cleft lip (CL) showed no significant difference in RMS values compared to controls. Significant differences occurred when the evaluation was limited to the nasolabial area, however only in patients with cleft lip alveolus (CLA) and cleft lip palate (CLAP)(p < 0.001). In contrast, subjective ratings showed significantly higher values for all three cleft severity groups (CL, CLA, CLAP) compared to controls (p < 0.001). There was a non-linear correlation between the RMS (root mean square) values and the AMAI score. Conclusions: Even non-significant discrete objective deviations from facial symmetry in children after primary closure of UCLP are vigilantly registered in subjective ratings and implemented in the judgement of facial appearance. Clinical relevance: 3D stereophotometry is a usefull tool in monitoring asymmetry in patients with a cleft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exchange rate extreme shocks affect stock prices differently, depending on the sign and the magnitude of changes. This study, therefore, examines the asymmetric impact of multifarious exchange rate shocks on stock prices in sub-Saharan Africa between 1 March 2013 and 14 January 2023, using the novel, multiple thresholds nonlinear autoregressive distributed-lag (MTNARDL) model. This model estimates the effects of extremely small and extremely large positive and negative shocks in exchange rate on stock prices. The study partitioned the sample into pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 era. The study's outcome indicates: first, exchange rate shocks below 25th percentile affect stock prices positively but above the 25th percentile and below the upper quantiles (75th percentile) the effects is mixed; second, at the upper quantiles (75th percentile), both exchange rate depreciation and appreciation adversely affect the value of stocks; third, the link between the series is highly sensitive to global shocks; fourth, causality result upholds the flow-oriented model in four out of the six countries. The policy implications are: (i) the responses of stock prices to exchange rates changes are sensitive to the sign and size of the shock, as well as sensitive to global shocks. Consequently, specific policy recommendations have been suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a novel analytical model of the growth of barchan dunes in terms of their two flanks, from which we derive expressions for the size‐dependence of the bilateral asymmetry of these bedforms in three cases where different mechanisms dominate the growth process. Analysis of the morphology of barchans on Mars and Earth suggest that there may exist two distinct attractor states for the asymmetry distribution. By comparing our analytical results with the observations, we show that the growth of barchan dunes appears to be dominated by processes, which are proportional to the basal area or volume of the bedforms, rather than being linear to their width as is typically assumed. We propose hypotheses explaining area‐dominated growth as a result of variable wind regimes and volume‐dominated growth from collisions. These predictions appear to be in line with the available data for the terrestrial swarms and barchan‐like submarine bedforms and offer the potential of predicting patterns in inaccessible wind regimes from data on the morphology of the dunes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the second-to-third trimester, the neuronal pathways of the fetal brain experience rapid development, resulting in the complex architecture of the interwired network at birth. While diffusion MRI-based tractography has been employed to study the prenatal development of structural connectivity network (SCN) in preterm neonatal and postmortem fetal brains, the in utero development of SCN in the normal fetal brain remains largely unknown. In this study, we utilized in utero dMRI data from human fetuses of both sexes between 26 and 38 gestational weeks to investigate the developmental trajectories of the fetal brain SCN, focusing on intrahemispheric connections. Our analysis revealed significant increases in global efficiency, mean local efficiency, and clustering coefficient, along with significant decrease in shortest path length, while small-worldness persisted during the studied period, revealing balanced network integration and segregation. Widespread short-ranged connectivity strengthened significantly. The nodal strength developed in a posterior-to-anterior and medial-to-lateral order, reflecting a spatiotemporal gradient in cortical network connectivity development. Moreover, we observed distinct lateralization patterns in the fetal brain SCN. Globally, there was a leftward lateralization in network efficiency, clustering coefficient, and small-worldness. The regional lateralization patterns in most language, motor, and visual-related areas were consistent with prior knowledge, except for Wernicke’s area, indicating lateralized brain wiring is an innate property of the human brain starting from the fetal period. Our findings provided a comprehensive view of the development of the fetal brain SCN and its lateralization, as a normative template that may be used to characterize atypical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to manipulate the absorption, scattering, or reflectivity of light using synthetic materials has inspired innovations in nano‐ and micro‐materials for applications ranging from geoengineering to display optics. Asymmetric materials, like Janus particles, offer one solution to meet the needs of such technologies, as composition and geometry can be optimized to maximize directional optical properties in response to magnetic and/or electric fields, light, or electrostatic charge. In this work, a gram‐scale synthesis is applied to generate Janus matchstick particles comprising a gold head with a silica rod. Conditions are explored and optimized to elicit rotation of these matchstick particles under an alternating current (AC) electric field with varying field strength and frequency to maximize particle alignment. While only modest changes in transmission (≈8%) are observed over the visible spectral region with a bare silica rod, the application of an absorbing element increased transmission changes up to ≈23% demonstrating their utility as color‐changing materials. Experimental results are supported by theory and computation and highlight an important first step in activating directional optical effects in these materials which can be optimized for future adaptive technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bidirectional analyses covering a range of incidence angles for several records are essential yet challenging for routine design. Recent studies have shown that the response to bidirectional shaking may be estimated per straightforward unidirectional analysis in the most preferred orientation in conjunction with the orthogonal combination rules, and this can also remove the need for various incidence angles. Further, it is well known that the mean response can be estimated with reduced dispersion using fewer spectrum‐compatible records. Combining the advantages of both, a pair of companion spectra independent of period and orientation has recently been developed. While the basis of the companion spectra is established therein from a sound mathematical perspective, the applicability of the proposed spectra to real structures may be revisited, especially to structures sensitive to bidirectional interaction, before recommending the companion spectra for practical design. To achieve this end, following a brief scrutiny of the companion spectra, the performance of the same is critically examined for idealized SDoF analogues and real structures such as bridge piers representative of SDoF systems and buildings with asymmetry using single storey and multistorey models (MDoF systems). The results show that the response of the real structures to bidirectional seismic loading can be reasonably estimated with reduced dispersion using fewer records compatible with the pair of the companion spectra. As such, the critical response parameters may be computed by actual bidirectional analyses or by combining responses to unidirectional analyses under fewer spectrum compatible records. Hence, the pair of companion spectra that can be used as "target" to independently match two components of a chosen record is useful for practical design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maxwell's equations can be successfully extended to electromagnetic fields having three complex-valued components rather than their usual three real-valued components. Here the implications of interpreting the imaginary-valued components as extending into time rather than space are explored. The complex-valued Maxwell equations remain consistent with the original Maxwell equations and the experimental results that they predict. Further, the extended equations predict novel phenomena such as the existence of electromagnetic waves that propagate not only through regular space but also through a separate temporal space (time) that is implied by the three imaginary components of the fields. In a vacuum, part of these imaginary valued waves propagates through time at the same rate as an observer stationary in space. While the imaginary valued field components are not directly observable, analysis indicates that they should be indirectly detectable experimentally based on secondary effects that occur under special circumstances. Experimental investigation attempting to falsify or support the existence of complex valued electromagnetic fields extending into time is merited due to the substantial theoretical and practical implications involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Animals and plants present asymmetric structures in nature. The most relevant motor behavioural manifestation of lateralisation is handedness, which is defined as the consistent use of one effector rather than the other in performing certain tasks. In animals, including human beings, handedness is associated with the presence of a nervous system. Researchers have recently challenged this idea by reporting that even organisms without a nervous system, such as plants, exhibit similarities with animals in terms of directional movement patterns (i.e., right-handed prevalence), opening up the possibility of a comparative study of handedness across taxa. Here, we advance a comparative approach to the study of handedness in plants by adopting the experimental paradigms already used to research laterality in various animal species. Structural and functional asymmetries are traceable in every form of life, and some lateralities are homologous. Functionally speaking, the division of labour between the two halves of the brain is a basic characteristic of the nervous system that arose even before the appearance of vertebrates. The most well-known expression of this specialisation in humans is hand dominance, also known as handedness. Even if hand/limb/paw dominance is far more commonly associated with the presence of a nervous system, it is also observed in its own form in aneural organisms, such as plants. To date, little is known regarding the possible functional significance of this dominance in plants, and many questions remain open (among them, whether it reflects a generalised behavioural asymmetry). Here, we propose a comparative approach to the study of handedness, including plants, by taking advantage of the experimental models and paradigms already used to study laterality in humans and various animal species. By taking this approach, we aim to enrich our knowledge of the concept of handedness across natural kingdoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to characterise bilateral asymmetry in running mechanics during perceptually regulated, high-intensity intermittent running in hypoxia and normoxia and examines whether inter-limb differences in running mechanics are modified between and within intervals. Nineteen trained runners completed 4 × 4-min treadmill running bouts (3-min passive recoveries) at a perceived rating exertion of 16 on the 6–20 Borg scale in either hypoxic (FiO2 = 0.15) or normoxic (FiO2 = 0.21) conditions. Ground reaction force recordings at constant velocity (group average: 14.8 ± 1.9 km/h) allowed measurement of running kinetics/kinematics and calculation of spring-mass model characteristics at the beginning and the end of each 4-min interval. Lower limb asymmetry was assessed from the 'symmetry angle' (SA) score. There were no between intervals (P > 0.087), within intervals (P > 0.076) or FiO2 (P > 0.128) differences in SA scores for any of the 16 biomechanical variables. Mean SA scores were lower than 1.5% for spatio-temporal variables, ~1.5–3% for braking and push-off phase durations, peak forces and impulses and ~4–6% for mean loading rate and vertical stiffness. With preserved lower limb asymmetries both between and within intervals and with additional hypoxia, trained runners completing perceptually regulated interval treadmill runs may anticipate a maintained performance without heightened injury risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an overall left visual field/right hemisphere advantage in young adults for masked, tachistoscopically presented images on the Rod-and-Frame Test (RFT). This study explored potential age-related lateralization differences in processing of visual context on the RFT. The 35 young and 33 older adults aligned a rod surrounded either by no frame, a vertical, or leftward/rightward tilted frame to their perceived vertical. Algebraic errors of rod alignment were used to derive the rod-and-frame effect (RFE) and asymmetry index. Young adults had frequent indirect effects, mostly to the right-tilted frame, while older adults hardly produced any. Compared with nontilted frames, young adults displayed larger alignment errors with left-tilted frames; however, older adults exhibited this same effect for both frame tilt conditions. Young adults had smaller RFE values than older adults for the right-tilted frame, with no age-related difference in RFE for the left-tilted frame or asymmetry index. The negative asymmetry index was statistically different from the true vertical only in young adults. There is an age-related reduction in the right hemisphere processing of left-sided visual contexts on the RFT. Such findings can assist clinicians to improve interpretation of RFT findings in clinical patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased risks of economic policy uncertainty and overexploitation of natural resources exist in China. At the same time, the growth rate of urban residents' consumption has generally declined. The paper analyses the role of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and natural resource exploitation on the urban residents' consumption in China. Based on the data from the first quarter of 2002 to the third quarter of 2021, the paper uses a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model to verify the asymmetric effects. Then the paper constructs a time-varying parameter vector autoregressive model with stochastic volatility term to analyze the nonlinear responses. Impulse response analysis was used to further explain the relationship between the three. The negative impact of rising EPU on urban residents' consumption is larger than its reduction. Negative shocks to natural resource development increase the urban residents' consumption. Positive shocks reduce the urban residents' consumption. There is a time-varying non-linear effect of EPU and natural resource development on urban residents' consumption in China. The negative impact of EPU on urban consumption has been further exacerbated by major crises such as the financial crisis, COVID-19 and the post-crisis period. The negative impact of natural resource development diminished after the government introduced industrial upgrading policies and environmental regulations. This study provides constructive suggestions for the optimization of economic policies and the improvement of urban consumption. This study also enriches consumer theory and provides new evidence for the resource curse hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

The LFK index has been promoted as an improved method to detect bias in meta‐analysis. Putatively, its performance does not depend on the number of studies in the meta‐analysis. We conducted a simulation study, comparing the LFK index test to three standard tests for funnel plot asymmetry in settings with smaller or larger group sample sizes. In general, false positive rates of the LFK index test markedly depended on the number and size of studies as well as the between‐study heterogeneity with values between 0% and almost 30%. Egger's test adhered well to the pre‐specified significance level of 5% under homogeneity, but was too liberal (smaller groups) or conservative (larger groups) under heterogeneity. The rank test was too conservative for most simulation scenarios. The Thompson–Sharp test was too conservative under homogeneity, but adhered well to the significance level in case of heterogeneity. The true positive rate of the LFK index test was only larger compared with classic tests if the false positive rate was inflated. The power of classic tests was similar or larger than the LFK index test if the false positive rate of the LFK index test was used as significance level for the classic tests. Under ideal conditions, the false positive rate of the LFK index test markedly and unpredictably depends on the number and sample size of studies as well as the extent of between‐study heterogeneity. The LFK index test in its current implementation should not be used to assess funnel plot asymmetry in meta‐analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The laterality of motor symptoms is considered a key feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we investigated whether gait and turning asymmetry coincided with symptom laterality as determined by the MDS-UPRDS part III and whether it was increased compared to healthy controls (HC). Methods: We analyzed the asymmetry of gait and turning with and without a cognitive dual task (DT) using motion capture systems and wearable sensors in 97 PD patients mostly from Hoehn & Yahr stage II and III and 36 age-matched HC. We also assessed motor symptom asymmetry using the bilateral sub-items of the MDS-UPDRS-III. Finally, we examined the strength of the association between gait asymmetry and symptom laterality. Results: Participants with PD had increased gait but not more turning asymmetry compared to HC (p < 0.05). Only 53.7% of patients had a shorter step length on the more affected body side as determined by the MDS-UPDRS-III. Also, 54% took more time and 29% more steps during turns toward the more affected side. The degree of asymmetry in the different domains did not correlate with each other and was not influenced by DT-load. Conclusions: We found a striking mismatch between the side and the degree of asymmetry in different motor domains, i.e., in gait, turning, and distal symptom severity in individuals with PD. We speculate that motor execution in different body parts relies on different neural control mechanisms. Our findings warrant further investigation to understand the complexity of gait asymmetry in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the effects of asymmetry and lower extremity mobility restrictions on the effectiveness of a passive back-support exosuit in short-duration, static trunk flexion postures. Background: The effectiveness of trunk exoskeletons/suits for sagittally symmetric trunk posture maintenance has been investigated, but there has been limited study of the effects of asymmetric trunk postures or lower extremity motion restriction. Method: Sixteen participants held trunk flexion postures involving trunk flexion (20°, 40°, 60°), asymmetry (0°, 30°), and lower extremity mobility (Free, Restricted) for 3 s. Participants held these postures with and without an exosuit while erector spinae and abdominal muscle activities were collected. Results: There were no significant interactions between exosuit and asymmetry or exosuit and lower extremity motion restrictions, indicating no significant effects of these factors on the effectiveness of the exosuit at reducing trunk muscle activity. The exosuit was found to be effective at reducing erector spinae muscle activity regardless of asymmetry of posture or lower extremity restrictions (average 21%, from 11.2% MVC to 8.8% MVC). The magnitude of the erector spinae activity at 60° of trunk flexion with the exosuit was similar to that seen at 20° without the exosuit. Conclusion: The exosuit consistently provided biomechanical benefit through reduced activation of the erector spinae muscles and neither asymmetry of trunk posture nor lower extremity restriction influenced this effectiveness. Application: Trunk exoskeletons/suits can reduce trunk muscle activation and understanding how characteristics of the trunk postures assumed impact these responses may help target tasks wherein these devices may be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Few studies have evaluated the effects of symmetrical versus asymmetrical implant designs, more specifically the femoral condyles, trochlear groove, joint line, and bearing surfaces. The objective of this study was to investigate multiple posterior cruciate-retaining (PCR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs influencing factors related to TKA asymmetry, and to investigate whether asymmetry can improve postoperative knee kinematics. In vivo tibio-femoral kinematics for 99 subjects was evaluated in this retrospective study. Overall, 10 subjects had a nonimplanted, normal knee, and 89 subjects had 1 of 3 PCR TKAs with varying degrees of asymmetry within their femoral and tibial components (PCR #1 = 30, PCR #2 = 29, PCR #3 = 30). All TKAs were implanted by the same surgeon and were analyzed using fluoroscopy during a deep knee bend. At full extension, all 3 PCR TKAs experienced a more posteriorized position of the femoral condyles compared to the normal knee, with the 2 asymmetrical PCR TKAs experiencing more anteriorization compared to the third, symmetrical PCR TKA. Both the normal knee and the PCR TKA with greatest amount of asymmetry experienced statistically more posterior femoral rollback of the lateral condyle than the other 2 PCR TKAs. The PCR TKA with greater asymmetry also experienced statistically greater range of motion than the other 2 PCR TKAs. With increasing flexion, the design with the most asymmetry also experienced the most posterior femoral rollback, axial rotation, and greatest range of motion. The results in this study seem to suggest that the inclusion of asymmetry in a TKA could be beneficial for achieving more normal-like kinematics and greater weight-bearing knee flexion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study using yearly data, it is examined if the effect of money supply (broad money) on inflation is asymmetric or not. 38 countries which have 5% and above inflation rate in average during the period of 1989-2018 are investigated through the panel data analyses. The study differs from other researches, which use monetary shocks in explaining the asymmetric relation, in which that it uses broad money change intervals along with control variables to see the asymmetric impact. Using broad money change intervals, it is concluded that the relation between broad money and inflation is explained better in the asymmetric pooled and fixed effect panel data models, compared to the symmetric models. According to the results, the effects of negative and positive changes in money supply on inflation are not symmetric. Moreover, as broad money increases, inflation goes up further. In the light of this information, it is possible to mention an asymmetric relation between broad money and inflation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting financial volatility is crucial for managing risks and making investment decisions. This research introduces a novel method for creating a prediction model that effectively handles the intricate dynamics of financial time series data. By utilizing the advantages of both time series models and recurrent neural networks, we present two hybrid models: Vanilla-RGARCH and LSTM-RGARCH. These models are designed to overcome the shortcomings of Realized GARCH (RGARCH) and HAR models in representing various stylized facts of financial data. While RGARCH models are proficient in capturing asymmetry, they fail to address long-term memory. Conversely, HAR models are adept at capturing long-term memory. The innovative model combines forecasted values from the RGARCH model with components from the HAR model, including daily, weekly, and monthly realized volatility, within a neural network framework. This combination helps to bypass the complexities involved in directly merging the HAR model with RGARCH. Through this method, our hybrid models provide a thorough depiction of the characteristics of financial data. The proposed approach is evaluated on two distinct types of financial series; persistent and anti-persistent, to demonstrate its robustness and capacity to generalize in different contexts. The performance of hybrid models is compared to that of conventional RGARCH and HAR models, demonstrating their superiority in precise prediction of financial volatility and their ability to capture complex trends observed in real data. In addition, a principal component analysis (PCA) is used to visualize the results and facilitate their interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess the possibility of asymmetric impact of monetary policy on housing permits issued in each state of the USA. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology and approach are based on the linear ARDL and nonlinear ARDL approach to error-correction modeling and asymmetric cointegration. Findings: The linear models predict that money supply impact housing permits in 28 states in the short run and only nine states in the long run. However, the asymmetric effects are far more pervasive, highlighting the restrictive nature of the linear model. The results from the nonlinear model show at least one lag of positive and/or negative changes in money supply significantly impacts housing permits in nearly all states. Even in the long run, housing permits in 32 states share a long-run relationship with positive and/or negative changes in money supply. The authors also find contractionary monetary policy has a greater influence on housing permits in most states compared to expansionary policy. Originality/value: For the first time, the authors use state-level data and asymmetric approach to assess the impact of monetary policy on house permits issued in each state of the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the leading oil producers in the world, Nigeria's economy is profoundly influenced by fluctuations in global oil prices, affecting the government capacity to allocate resources on national healthcare system and its ability to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3). On this backdrop, this study has undertaken a comprehensive examination of both linear and non-linear relationship between oil price shocks and sustainable development in Nigeria, a country heavily reliant on oil revenue from 1970 to 2022 in Nigeria. Using linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) models, the findings show that increasing crude oil price shock has a substantially large adverse impact on SDG-3 in the short run while decreasing crude oil price has unobserved effect in both short and longrun when asymmetries were considered. Based on the findings of this study, Nigerian policymakers should expedite efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. This diversification should focus on promoting sectors with growth potentials, creating jobs, and generating stable revenues to support healthcare and sustainable development initiatives. The study highlights other actionable insights and policies to navigate the challenges posed by oil price volatility while advancing the noble aspirations of SDG 3 for the people of Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia is characterized by heterogeneous frontal, insular, and anterior temporal atrophy patterns that vary along left-right and dorso-ventral axes. Little is known about how these structural imbalances impact clinical symptomatology. The goal of this study was to assess the frequency of frontotemporal asymmetry (right- or left-lateralization) and dorsality (ventral or dorsal predominance of atrophy) and to investigate their clinical correlates. Neuropsychiatric symptoms and structural images were analyzed for 250 patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. Frontotemporal atrophy was most often symmetric while left-lateralized (9%) and right-lateralized (17%) atrophy were present in a minority of patients. Atrophy was more often ventral (32%) than dorsal (3%) predominant. Patients with right-lateralized atrophy were characterized by higher severity of abnormal eating behavior and hallucinations compared to those with left-lateralized atrophy. Subsequent analyses clarified that eating behavior was associated with right atrophy to a greater extent than a lack of left atrophy, and hallucinations were driven mainly by right atrophy. Dorsality analyses showed that anxiety, euphoria, and disinhibition correlated with ventral-predominant atrophy. Agitation, irritability, and depression showed greater severity with a lack of regional atrophy, including in dorsal regions. Aberrant motor behavior and apathy were not explained by asymmetry or dorsality. This study provides additional insight into how anatomical heterogeneity influences the clinical presentation of patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. Behavioral symptoms can be associated not only with the presence or absence of focal atrophy, but also with right/left or dorsal/ventral imbalance of gray matter volume.

Abstract This paper introduces an enhanced time synchronization method different from IEEE 1588 (PTP). The proposed algorithm employs a unique synchronous message packet structure with a fixed length of 10 bytes and the highest system priority. This design enables preemptive transmission, effectively reducing transmission and queuing delays. Additionally, it applies a Kalman filtering model to mitigate noise interference, including clock drift, network delay jitter, and network asymmetry. The algorithm also features a clock drift compensation mechanism to continuously adjust the clock, ensuring high precision and stability in time synchronization. The algorithm proposed in this paper has the characteristics of being easy to implement, requiring minimal hardware resources, and being applicable to a variety of networks. Simulation results show that, with an 80 MHz crystal oscillator, the time offset between master and slave clocks does not exceed ± 1 clock cycle in symmetric communication links. In asymmetric links, the maximum time offset is within ± 3 clock cycles. Compared to the original PTP algorithm and the Kalman filter-based time synchronization algorithm, this method reduces the time offset from several microseconds to less than 40 ns.

Abstract No study has examined the simultaneous effect of facial forms, midline deviations and midline angulations on facial beauty. Therefore, this comprehensive study aimed to evaluate these and many other hypotheses. This psychometric study was performed on 15,042 observations. A female frontal photograph was edited to 45 perceptometric images with controlled anatomical alteration: 3 facial forms (euryprosopic [brachyfacial], mesoprosopic [mesofacial], leptoprosopic [dolichofacial]), each having either 9 bidirectional midline deviations (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm deviated to the left and right) or 7 bidirectional midline angular deviations (0°, 5°, 10°, and 15° deviated to the left and right). One of the photographs were repeated. These 46 images were esthetically judged by 327 participants (243 laypeople, 49 orthodontists, and 35 ‘prosthodontists or restorative dentists’). Hierarchical mixed-model multiple linear regressions and post hoc tests were adopted to evaluate the simultaneous impacts of the photomodel’s facial forms, midline deviations to the right or left, and midline rolls to the right or left plus sex, age, experience, and dental specialty of the referees on their perception of facial beauty as well as the tolerable zones of midline alterations. These were also done separately for each specialty group, and also for each facial face. Ideal combinations of anatomic features were determined using repeated-measures ANOVAs. Differences between esthetic preferences of different groups in terms of each image were assessed using one-way ANOVAs and t-tests (α = 0.05, α = 0.008, α = 0.001). All 5 anatomical features significantly and independently influenced perception of facial beauty. The tolerance threshold for midline deviations was 1 mm deviations to the right and left sides. For midline rolls, the only tolerable form was the no-roll (‘on’) midline; the judges preferred right-oriented defects over left-sided ones. The most beautiful facial form was mesoprosopic, followed by leptoprosopic. Men perceived the female face slightly more attractive than did women. The viewers’ specialty (or lack of it), their age, or their experience did not affect their esthetic preferences. Predictors of esthetic preferences were all 5 anatomical features plus views’ sex, but not their dental specialty, age, or experience. Zones of acceptability and also the ideal range of anatomical features were determined.

The ability to substitute goods and services is crucial for maintaining market stability during price fluctuations, particularly in the livestock market, where products are interchangeable. This study aimed to analyse market integration and asymmetric price transmission concerning livestock commodity prices in Thailand. Specifically, it focused on beef cattle, swine, broiler chicken, and chicken egg prices, using time-series data from January 2011 to December 2022. The analysis employed unit root tests to check if the time series data were stationary, Granger causality tests to determine the direction of relationships among livestock prices and an asymmetric price transmission model to examine short-term asymmetry and adjustment in cross-commodity prices. The findings indicate three directions of price integration in Thailand’s livestock market: from broiler chicken price to chicken egg price, from swine price to chicken egg price, and from swine price to broiler chicken price. The results suggest that price transmission in Thailand is symmetrical, demonstrating an efficient interdependent relationship. Thus, the findings indicate that chicken eggs are a substitute for broiler chickens and swine when prices fluctuate, while broiler chickens are a substitute for swine. The results reveal that chicken eggs can replace swine consumption more effectively than broiler chickens within Thailand. This study highlights that chicken eggs are the most effective substitute during livestock price fluctuations in Thailand, with broiler chickens being the second most effective. Consequently, stakeholders in the livestock supply chain, such as policymakers, entrepreneurs, and farmers, should understand the integration of different commodities and price transmission in Thailand’s livestock market. To guarantee market stability, stakeholders should manage the demand and supply of livestock commodities and acquire chicken eggs and broiler chickens during significant fluctuations in domestic livestock commodity prices

The study was conducted on BUX Index volatility for the post-2008 (from 2011) global financial crisis period using advanced GARCH models (GARCH, TGARCH, EGARCH, IGARCH, PARCH, APARCH). Based on parameters and test results appropriate model was chosen (APARCH (1,1) at Student’s t distribution) to study volatility, the presence of asymmetry, leverage effect, volatility clustering, and decay factor. Test results were linked with the macro and microenvironment (Political instability, Geopolitical crisis, Unemployment, Inflation, COVID-19, Slowdown, etc.) of the index and unique features of the index have been discovered (Like a sudden huge dip between 2020-2022). The study through mathematical and econometrics terms establishes causal links among the variables affecting the index. The paper is relevant to both investors and policymakers as BUX is one of the most important indicators as far as stock market in Hungary is concerned.

This work investigates the price links among four quality differentiated beef meats in the UK using the recently developed QVAR connectedness approach. The empirical results suggest: (a) Prices are more tightly linked to each other under extreme shocks (regardless of sign) than under small shocks. (b) Higher quality meats tend, in most cases, to be net transmitters of price shocks to lower quality ones. (c) The strength and the internal structure of the four-market network are time-varying; in periods of economic turmoil, the level of total connectedness rises and the position of individual markets in the network as net transmitters or receivers of price shocks may change.

This study investigated the vertical price transmission of banana in the domestic market of the Philippines. Banana, as one of the governments’ priority crops under the Department of Agriculture’s ‘High-value Crops Development Program’, has given priority to sustainability and global competitiveness. However, the domestic banana market consists of several marketing channels. Such complex characteristics of marketing channels can negatively affect market efficiency. In addition to such issues within a banana market, there are other issues that arise outside the market that can also affect market efficiency. This study considered both internal and external factors affecting market efficiency and analysed the price transmission of upstream and downstream banana markets in the Philippines. The nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model is used to estimate asymmetric relationships among vertical banana markets. Following the NARDL model, the Granger causality test is applied to determine the direction between market prices. Results showed that the price dispersion and response depend on varieties of banana such as Lakatan and Saba, and market levels from farmgate, wholesale and retail. Lakatan banana is less inefficient than Saba banana in the Philippine domestic market. Based on the findings of the study, it is suggested that banana market stakeholders need to develop different strategies depending on the banana variety in order to improve the efficiency of the domestic banana market. To improve the complex distribution structure, the government needs to design medium- and long-term projects.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore whether offset loading in the barbell squat altered ground-reaction force (GRF) and muscle activation in the dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) lower limb compared to traditional squats. Methods: Twelve well-trained men (age 26.4 [3.2] y; 10.3 [1.9] y experience) performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 60% of their previously measured 1-repetition maximum. Sets were quasi-randomized between traditional loading (TDL), dominant-side offset loading (OS-D), and nondominant-side offset loading (OS-ND). All repetitions were performed on a dual force plate with electromyography sensors on the prime mover muscles of the squat. GRF symmetry was assessed using the symmetry index (SI) to determine the direction (D [+] or ND [−]) and magnitude (%) of the asymmetry. Finally, the first 3 and final 3 repetitions of each set were compared for compensatory changes in symmetry. Results: OS-D induced a significant change in limb SI relative to TDL (5.21% vs 1.44%; P =.011); however, no significant difference in limb SI was seen between TDL and OS-ND (−0.66% vs 1.44%; P =.278). No asymmetries between D and ND muscle activation were present in any condition. TDL and OS-D squats exhibited significant improvements in limb SI between the first 3 and final 3 repetitions (P =.035 and.011, respectively); however, no such improvement was seen in OS-ND. Conclusions: OS-D is capable of significantly altering GRF limb SI in a bilateral squat; however, OS-ND appears to exhibit no GRF or electromyography effects relative to TDL. Thus, the results of this study do not support the use of OS-ND in the pursuit of strengthening a weaker limb, suggesting that unilateral training may be a preferred mode of exercise for this desired outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]