Relative Asymmetry Research Articles

Beyond the threshold: Understanding the asymmetric effects of renewable energy on CO2 emissions

While renewable energy deployment is essential to mitigate climate change, the interplay between renewable energy consumption and environmental degradation may not be linear. The environmental aspect of renewable energy consumption may change over time, depending on the scale and technique effects. This may be due to asymmetry in the relationship. Nonetheless, most current literature either assumes linearity, or ignores the turning point of the behavioral change. This results in inconclusive empirical findings at the disaggregated level of renewable energy consumption. This paper utilizes threshold estimation technique to capture the asymmetry in the renewable energy-CO2 emissions relation in the top ten renewable energy consumers covering the period 1990–2020. The literature gap is addressed by deriving the threshold effect at the aggregate and disaggregated levels to prevent aggregation bias. Understanding the thresholds of different renewable energy sources would improve policy effectiveness and resource allocation at different consumption levels to better curb climate change. The threshold estimation technique measures total renewables, hydro, solar, wind, and others (bioenergy and geothermal) as threshold variables. The findings indicate that total renewables and solar consumptions have stronger mitigating effects on CO2 emissions beyond the consumption levels of 4363.37 and 43.58 kWh, respectively. The advantageous environmental effect of wind consumption only manifests above the consumption level of 657.40 kWh. For policy implication, this study recommends an increase in the weightage of renewables in the energy mix by formulating energy-specific policies, in order to optimize the environmental benefits of renewable energy adoption.

The art of asymmetry in sister city relationships factors analysis

This research aims to bridge the literature gap in the study of Asymmetric Relations. So far, studies on Asymmetric Relations only explain bilateral relations between countries in cooperation, both economic and political. On the other hand, cooperation between countries is no longer dominated by the central Government alone; cooperation between regional governments has also emerged. It contributed to strengthening the discussion regarding Asymmetric Relations, where the study of Asymmetric Relations also explained that the Regional Government carried out the Sister City Partnership. This research uses a qualitative approach focusing on thematic analysis through the results of document examination in previous research. The analysis tool used is NVivo 12 Plus. The research results show an asymmetric relationship in the Sister City Relationships collaboration based on the relationship between the actors involved. This research identifies three factors behind the asymmetric relationship in SCR, namely the decentralization factor, which gives rise to an asymmetric relationship in the relationship between the Central and Regional Governments in SCR partnership; paradiplomacy factors that gave rise to asymmetrical relationships between Regional Governments and Communities involved in SCR partnership; and interdependence factors that give rise to asymmetry in relations between partner cities. The inequality between actors is what causes SCR partnerships to become asymmetrical. It further strengthens the argument that the Asymmetric Relations study can be developed to analyze relations between sub-countries.

Symptom Persistence Relates to Volume and Asymmetry of the Limbic System after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Background: Persistent symptoms have been reported in up to 50% of the 27 million people with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) every year. MRI findings are currently limited by low diagnostic and prognostic sensitivities, constraining the value of imaging in the stratification of patients following mTBI. Limbic system structures are promising brain regions in offering prognostic factors for symptom persistence following mTBI. The objective of this study was to associate volume and symmetry of limbic system structures with the presence and persistence of common symptoms in patients with mTBI. Methods: This study focused on 524 adults (aged 18-82), 58% female, with 82% injured in motor vehicle accidents and 28% reporting loss of consciousness (LOC). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data included a sagittal 3D T1-weighted sequence with 1.2 mm slice thickness, with voxel sizes of 0.93 mm × 0.93 mm × 1.2 mm, obtained a median of 156 days after injury. Symptom diagnosis and persistence were collected retrospectively from patient medical records. Intracranial volume-adjusted regional volumes per side utilizing automated volumetric analysis (NeuroQuant®) were used to calculate total volume, laterality index, and side-independent asymmetry. Covariates included age, sex, LOC, and days from injury. Limbic volumetrics did not relate to symptom presentation, except the (-) association between headache presence and thalamus volume (adjusted odds ratio = 0.51, 95% confidence interval = 0.32, 0.85). Headache, balance problems, anxiety, and depression persistence was (-) associated with thalamus volume (hazard ratio (HR) 1.25 to 1.94). Longer persistence of balance problems was associated with (-) lateral orbitofrontal cortex volume (HR = 1.33) and (+) asymmetry of the hippocampus (HR = 0.27). Persistence of cognitive deficits was associated with (+) asymmetry in the caudal anterior cingulate (HR = 0.67). Depression persistence was associated with (+) asymmetry in the isthmus of the cingulate gyrus (HR = 5.39). Persistence of anxiety was associated with (-) volume of the parahippocampal gyrus (HR = 1.67), orbitofrontal cortex (HR > 1.97), and right-biased laterality of the entorhinal cortex (HR = 0.52). Conclusions: Relative volume and asymmetry of the limbic system structures in patients with mTBI are associated with the persistence of symptoms, particularly anxiety. The conclusions of this study are limited by the absence of a reference group with no mTBI.

Cleft lip re-repair: How does it affect the nasolabial appearance?

Cleft lip re-repair is a procedure frequently endorsed to enhance a compromised nasolabial appearance. However, the actual effect of such revision surgery on the nasolabial appearance has scarcely been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to critically review surgical outcomes of patients that underwent surgical re-do of their cleft lip, using well-validated objective and subjective methods and standardised outcome measures.20 patients with at least 6 months follow-up after cleft lip re-repair were assessed. Standardised pre- and postoperative photographs were analysed. The objective assessment was carried out using the SymNose-software. Furthermore, a subjective evaluation of the nasolabial area was conducted by ten examiners who rated seven parameters using a Likert-scale ranging from 1to5. The objective evaluation showed substantial improvement regarding symmetry values. Significant postoperative decrease in labial asymmetry from 26.42% (±8.13) to 18.77% (±6.28) (p < 0.001) and upper lip asymmetry in relation to the facial midline (26.91% (±8.03) vs. 18.27% (±5.17) (p < 0.001)) was observed. Similar results were corroborated in the subjective analysis. Differences regarding the ratings were detected considering the examiners’ professional background and level of expertise. Cleft re-repair was found to significantly improve upper lip symmetry and lead to a more harmonious nasolabial appearance.

Motherhood and Employment in China: Gender Asymmetries in Multi-Generational Families

Abstract Prior studies have shown a negative effect of motherhood on women’s post-maternal employment, yet few have examined how the motherhood employment penalty may vary by living arrangements. Using data from the 2010–2018 waves of the China Family Panel Studies, we applied fixed-effects linear probability models to examine the effects of the number and age of children on the employment status of Chinese women and how multi-generational living arrangements moderate these effects. The results show that motherhood significantly reduces women’s likelihood of labor force participation. A woman’s coresidence with her natal mother significantly mitigates the motherhood employment penalty, especially in urban China. In contrast, coresidence with only her father or father-in-law does not reduce the penalty. These findings indicate that there is a gendered intergenerational division of labor in Chinese extended families and highlight the importance of considering gender asymmetries in multi-generational relations in understanding mothers’ labor market decisions.

Validity of the Pneumonitor for Analysis of Short-Term Heart Rate Asymmetry Extended with Respiratory Data in Pediatric Cardiac Patients.

Background: Wearable technologies have been developed to measure physiological parameters conveniently. To consider the new measurement device valid, the crucial point is to assess its reliability with the gold standard. The study aimed to assess the validity of the Pneumonitor (PM, fs = 250 Hz) for acquisition of 5 min RR intervals (RRi) for analysis of heart rate asymmetry (HRA) in relation to the electrocardiography (ECG, fs = 1000 Hz) in a group of 19 pediatric cardiac patients. Association between HRA and respiratory rate (RespRate) was verified. Methods: The validation comprised Bland-Altman analysis, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Student's t-test. Results: Sufficient agreement between 10 from 16 HRA parameters was observed. Different HRA parameters values calculated based on RRi from both devices were related to different results of correlation analysis between two parameters and RespRate. Conclusions: The PM might be considered valid for recording RRi, which are then processed to calculate selected HRA parameters in a group of pediatric cardiac patients in rest condition. However, RRi recorded using devices with fs < 250 Hz may be not adequate for reliable HRA analysis.

Prevalence of movement asymmetries in high-performing riding horses perceived as free from lameness and riders' perception of horse sidedness.

A high proportion of horses in training, perceived as free from lameness by their owner, exhibit vertical movement asymmetries. These types of asymmetries are sensitive measures of lameness, but their specificity as indicators of orthopaedic pathology or locomotor function remains unclear. Equine athletes performing at a high level could be assumed to exhibit a higher degree of movement symmetry compared with the general horse population, but this has not been confirmed. This study investigated the prevalence of movement asymmetries in horses performing at a high level in three equestrian disciplines; show jumping, dressage and eventing, as well as the association between riders' perception of horse sidedness and said movement asymmetries. Using an inertial measurement unit-based system (Equinosis), gait analysis was performed on 123 high-performing horses. The mean difference between the two vertical minimum and between the two maximum values of each stride was recorded for the head (HDmin, HDmax) and pelvis (PDmin, PDmax). The horses were defined as asymmetric if one or multiple asymmetry parameters exceeded an absolute trial mean of: >6mm for HDmin or HDmax, and >3mm for PDmin or PDmax, with standard deviation less than the respective mean value. Based on the results, 70% of the horses were classified as asymmetric, which is similar to previous findings for young riding horses and horses competing at a lower level. More than one-third of these high-performing horses had asymmetry values of similar magnitude to those seen in clinically lame horses. No clear associations were observed between rider-perceived sidedness and the vertical movement asymmetry values, indicating that the perceived unevenness between sides is not a determinant of vertical movement asymmetry. Longitudinal studies on movement asymmetries in relation to training intensity and full clinical examinations with local or systemic analgesic testing are desired as further research to determine whether these movement asymmetries indicate a welfare problem.

Toward 3D facial analysis for recognizing Mendelian causes of autism spectrum disorder.

Recognizing Mendelian causes is crucial in molecular diagnostics and counseling for patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We explored facial dysmorphism and facial asymmetry in relation to genetic causes in ASD patients and studied the potential of objective facial phenotyping in discriminating between Mendelian and multifactorial ASD. In a cohort of 152 ASD patients, 3D facial images were used to calculate three metrics: a computational dysmorphism score, a computational asymmetry score, and an expert dysmorphism score. High scores for each of the three metrics were associated with Mendelian causes of ASD. The computational dysmorphism score showed a significant correlation with the average expert dysmorphism score. However, in some patients, different dysmorphism aspects were captured making the metrics potentially complementary. The computational dysmorphism and asymmetry scores both enhanced the individual expert dysmorphism scores in differentiating Mendelian from non-Mendelian cases. Furthermore, the computational asymmetry score enhanced the average expert opinion in predicting a Mendelian cause. By design, our study does not allow to draw conclusions on the actual point-of-care use of 3D facial analysis. Nevertheless, 3D morphometric analysis is promising for developing clinical dysmorphology applications in diagnostics and training.

R&amp;D Expenditures and Analysts’ Earnings Forecasts

Previous research provides conflicting results regarding how R&amp;D expenditures impact market value. Given that financial analysts are the primary intermediaries between companies and investors, our study focused on the impact of R&amp;D-related uncertainty, growth, and information asymmetry associated on analysts’ earnings forecasts. Based on 19,834 firm-year observations in the European market between 2005 and 2020, our results show that R&amp;D activities lead to higher absolute forecast error and negative forecast error, indicating higher forecast inaccuracy with an optimistic bias. Additionally, these investments contribute to higher forecast dispersion, indicating disagreement among financial analysts. The comparison between 17 industries revealed that these effects are more pronounced in R&amp;D-intensive industries than in non-R&amp;D industries, uncovering the varied relationship between R&amp;D investments and analyst forecasts across sectors.

Carpal variability and asymmetry in limb reduced Western lesser sirens (Siren nettingi).

Trait functionality can act as a constraint on morphological development. Traits that become vestigialized can exhibit unstable developmental patterns such as fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and variation in populations. We use clearing and staining along with morphometric analyzes to compare FA and allometry of limbs in Western lesser sirens (Siren nettingi) to Ouachita dusky salamanders (Desmognathus brimleyorum). Our results describe new carpal phenotypes and carpal asymmetry in our sample of S. nettingi. However, we found no significant evidence of limb length asymmetry in S. nettingi. The degree of relative limb asymmetry correlates inversely with body size in both of our samples. This work provides strong evidence of increased mesopodal variation within a population of S. nettingi. Our work provides a basis for further study of a broader range of morphological traits across salamanders.

National Democracy and Nazism. The Asymmetry of Relations

The relationship between Polish nationalism and fascism and National Socialism has been the subject of numerous publications, especially those that are part of the Polish scientific literature. There is a peculiar asymmetry embedded in this relationship. During the interwar period and nowadays, this subject has been reflected on rather on the Polish side rather than the German side. The author attempts to answer a question about reasons for this asymmetry. In the 1930s, German interest in Polish nationalism was limited. Publications dealing specifically with Eastern European issues were the only to designate more space and attention to the topic. The publications, however, almost completely ignored official NSDAP sources. The shape and evolution of the national camp in Poland focused on a few issues only and it was a domain of a few authors whose names appear in various periodicals. In Germany, a hypothetical explanation for this phenomenon is based on fundamental contradictions that divided the Polish and German forms of nationalism at the time, namely the absence of the biological-racial dimension in the Polish national ideology and its strong connection with Catholicism. The practical absence of the Polish national movement in German articles of the 1930s might be attributed to the doctrine and racist objectives of National Socialism.

‘Hosting refugees is the most rewarding experience’: migrant identity and affective positioning in curated NGO stories

ABSTRACT This study explores positive migrant storytelling in non-governmental organizations’ advocacy campaigns. We focus on the practices and implications of leveraging storytelling towards charity organizations’ institutional goals. Drawing upon critical discourse studies and narrative studies, we propose a critical storytelling approach that pays attention to the specific nature of storytelling as a discourse practice in itself. We focus on a UNHCR human-interest story of refugee displacement and subsequent integration into the UK. We employ the heuristic concept of positioning that calls for analysis at different, though interrelated levels of narrative activity, to explore how affect is mobilized and the specific identity categories and affect types that are created for migrants and their hosts. We then situate these identity positions in wider dominant discourses of migrant integration. We show that the story foregrounds emblematic refugees, worthy of hosts’ support as well as relationships of dependence between migrants and the host society as requisites to successful integration. We argue that the ways in which an individual refugee story gets mobilized as an exemplary story reveals canonized forms of positive migrant storytelling emerging in the UK context that end up invoking dominant power asymmetries in relation to migration and British integration.

Find the Gap: AI, Responsible Agency and Vulnerability

The responsibility gap, commonly described as a core challenge for the effective governance of, and trust in, AI and autonomous systems (AI/AS), is traditionally associated with a failure of the epistemic and/or the control condition of moral responsibility: the ability to know what we are doing and exercise competent control over this doing. Yet these two conditions are a red herring when it comes to understanding the responsibility challenges presented by AI/AS, since evidence from the cognitive sciences shows that individual humans face very similar responsibility challenges with regard to these two conditions. While the problems of epistemic opacity and attenuated behaviour control are not unique to AI/AS technologies (though they can be exacerbated by them), we show that we can learn important lessons for AI/AS development and governance from how philosophers have recently revised the traditional concept of moral responsibility in response to these challenges to responsible human agency from the cognitive sciences. The resulting instrumentalist views of responsibility, which emphasize the forward-looking and flexible role of agency cultivation, hold considerable promise for integrating AI/AS into a healthy moral ecology. We note that there nevertheless is a gap in AI/AS responsibility that has yet to be extensively studied and addressed, one grounded in a relational asymmetry of vulnerability between human agents and sociotechnical systems like AI/AS. In the conclusion of this paper we note that attention to this vulnerability gap must inform and enable future attempts to construct trustworthy AI/AS systems and preserve the conditions for responsible human agency.

Stability of the Borell–Brascamp–Lieb Inequality for Multiple Power Concave Functions

In this paper, we prove the stability of the Brunn–Minkowski inequality for multiple convex bodies in terms of the concept of relative asymmetry. Using these stability results and the relationship of the compact support of functions, we establish the stability of the Borell–Brascamp–Lieb inequality for multiple power concave functions via relative asymmetry.

Intra- and inter-limb strength imbalance and asymmetry in soccer: A comparison of elite senior and junior players.

Evaluation of muscle strength imbalance can be an important element in optimizing the training process of soccer players. The purpose of the study was to examine isokinetic peak torque (PT) and total work (TW) exerted by both knee extensors (quadriceps or Q) and flexors (hamstrings or H), intra-limb imbalance and the magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetry in top elite senior (n = 109) and junior (n = 74) soccer players. An isokinetic dynamometry was used to measure maximum peak torque of quadriceps (PT-Q) and hamstrings (PT-H) at an angular velocity of 60° ·s-1, as well as the total work for extensors (TW-Q) and flexors (TW-H) at an angular velocity of 240° ·s-1 in the dominant (DL) and non-dominant leg (NDL) during concentric muscle contraction. Intra-limb imbalance and inter-limb asymmetries were calculated using a standard equation. Statistical analysis using t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test revealed: (a) no differences (p > 0.05) between groups for PT-Q and PT-H, (b) greater strength levels (p < 0.05) for TW-Q and TW-H of senior players than juniors, and (c) no differences (p > 0.05) between groups for intra-limb imbalance and inter-limb asymmetry. Additionally, Pearson's chi-kwadrat (χ2) analysis showed no differences (p > 0.05) between groups for intra-limb imbalance and inter-limb asymmetry in relation to the 'normative' values accepted in the literature that indicate an increase in the risk of knee injury. This study shows that isokinetic assessment can be an important tool to identify imbalances/asymmetries and to develop strategies to reduce the risk of muscle injury.

Frontal alpha asymmetry is associated with chronic stress and depression, but not with somatoform disorders

Cardinal characteristics of somatoform disorders (SFDs) are worry of illness, and impaired affective processing. We used relative frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA), a method to measure functional lateralization of affective processing, to investigate psychobiological correlates of SFDs. With alpha activity being inversely related to cortical network activity, relative FAA refers to alpha activity on the right frontal lobe minus alpha activity on the left frontal lobe. Less relative left frontal activity, reflected by negative FAA scores, is associated with lower positive and greater negative affectivity, such as observed in depression. Due to its negative affective component (illness anxiety), we expected to find less relative left frontal activity pattern in SFDs, and positive associations with self-reported chronic stress and depression symptoms. We recorded resting-state EEG activity with 64 electrodes, placed in a 10–10 system in 26 patients with a primary SFD, 23 patients with a major depressive disorder and 25 healthy control participants. The groups did not differ in FAA. Nevertheless, across all participants, less relative left frontal activity was associated with chronic stress and depression symptoms. We concluded that FAA may not serve as an indicator of SFDs. As the relationship of FAA and depressive symptoms was fully mediated by chronic stress, future studies have to clarify whether the association between FAA and chronic stress may represent a shared underlying factor for the manifestation of mental health complaints, such as depression.

Characterization of multiphase flow through Venturi nozzle using gamma-ray tomography

Venturi-based differential pressure flow meters have proven to be robust and well suited to measure the flowrate of multiphase flow in combination with other measurement techniques. However, important challenges remain in order to reduce the effect of flow regime dependent measurement uncertainties from non-homogeneous flow.Understanding the complexities of multiphase flow through a Venturi is critical, not only for the Venturi flow measurement but also for the potential implications it might have on adjacent measurements affected by the constriction-induced flow perturbations.In this study, we examine the evolution of multiphase flow through a vertically oriented Venturi situated downstream of a T-bend, with a particular emphasis on the effects this might have on associated measurements within a multiphase metering context. Using Gamma-ray tomography, we conducted measurements at the inlet, throat, outlet, and downstream of the Venturi across a wide range of flow rates and Gas Volume Fractions (GVFs). We evaluated gas fraction (GF), slip, and cross-sectional distribution, quantified using measures of asymmetry and annularity.Our findings suggest that deviations between GF and GVF, relative slip velocity, annularity, and asymmetry are generally less at the outlet and downstream of the Venturi compared to the inlet and throat. Notably, annularity exhibits a greater impact than asymmetry on the estimation of bulk fractions from cord measurements.Overall, the study suggests that there may be more favorable conditions for measurements that require a homogeneous mix and less difference between GF and GVF at the outlet or a short distance downstream of the Venturi. However, despite the inlet results showing larger deviations due to inhomogeneous flow compared to the outlet and downstream, these results demonstrate a more predictable pattern in line with predictive models, offering potential benefits for the application of corrective models.

“Hands across the sea”: Strikes, solidarity and diverging outcomes in port cities in Britain and Australia in the late nineteenth century

This article advances the historiography of port cities, waterfront trade unionism and imperial solidarity by comparing two distant places that, despite their colonial connections, are rarely juxtaposed: Britain and Australia. It investigates the relationship between the metropole and the periphery via the Great Dock Strike of 1889 in London (a 5-week dispute that ended in victory for the dockers) and the Australian Maritime Strike of 1890 (a 12-week strike that ended in defeat for the workers). This research shows how the responses to the strikes from the other side of the world reflected the characteristics of port cities and their waterfront workers. They were also largely determined by three neglected themes - the extent of colonial ties, the uses of the new telegraph network, and the impact of trade cycles - and how these themes influenced each other. The first theme develops and complicates Bernard Porter’s argument that Britons were indifferent towards imperial affairs. On the one hand, this article confirms his position by showing the asymmetry of imperial relations between the outward-looking Australians and the mainly inward-looking Britons. On the other, it demonstrates how imperial connections led to solidarity, and how Britain’s working-class leaders embodied an elitist imperial mindset. In doing so, this article draws new parallels between Britain’s working-class leaders and colonial administrators. Despite their different roles and educational backgrounds, both groups - imbued with a sense of imperial superiority - demonstrated a similarly paternalistic approach in their work overseas. Therefore, imperial solidarity in port cities is a prism through which the prevalence and impact of the British imperial ethos - a far wider subject - can be illuminated and assessed.

Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of digital technologies in mental health systems: a qualitative systematic review to inform a policy framework

BackgroundDespite the potential for improved population mental health and wellbeing, the integration of mental health digital interventions has been difficult to achieve. In this qualitative systematic review, we aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of digital technologies in mental healthcare systems, and map these to an implementation framework to inform policy development.MethodsWe searched Medline, Embase, Scopus, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for primary research articles published between January 2010 and 2022. Studies were considered eligible if they reported barriers and/or facilitators to the integration of any digital mental healthcare technologies. Data were extracted using EPPI-Reviewer Web and analysed thematically via inductive and deductive cycles.ResultsOf 12,525 references identified initially, 81 studies were included in the final analysis. Barriers and facilitators were grouped within an implementation (evidence-practice gap) framework across six domains, organised by four levels of mental healthcare systems. Broadly, implementation was hindered by the perception of digital technologies as impersonal tools that add additional burden of care onto both providers and patients, and change relational power asymmetries; an absence of resources; and regulatory complexities that impede access to universal coverage. Facilitators included person-cantered approaches that consider patients’ intersectional features e.g., gender, class, disability, illness severity; evidence-based training for providers; collaboration among colleagues; appropriate investment in human and financial resources; and policy reforms that tackle universal access to digital health.ConclusionIt is important to consider the complex and interrelated nature of barriers across different domains and levels of the mental health system. To facilitate the equitable, sustainable, and long-term digital transition of mental health systems, policymakers should consider a systemic approach to collaboration between public and private sectors to inform evidence-based planning and strengthen mental health systems.Protocol registrationThe protocol is registered on PROSPERO, CRD42021276838.

Origins of Underestimated Indian Ocean Dipole Skewness in CMIP5/6 Models

Abstract The Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) is the dominant mode of interannual variability in the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO), characterized by warming (cooling) in western TIO and cooling (warming) in eastern TIO during its positive (negative) phase. Observed IOD events exhibit distinct amplitude asymmetry in relation to negative nonlinear dynamic heating. Nearly all models in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) simulate a less-skewed IOD than observed, but 6 out of 20 CMIP6 models can reproduce realistic high skewness. Analysis of less-skewed models indicates that the positive IOD-like biases in the mean state, which can be traced back to their weaker simulations of the preceding Indian summer monsoon, reduce the convective response to positive sea surface temperature anomalies in the western TIO, resulting in a weaker zonal wind response and weaker nonlinear zonal advection during positive IOD events. Besides, ocean stratification in the eastern TIO influences the IOD skewness: stronger stratification leads to larger mixed-layer temperature response to thermocline changes, contributing to larger anomalous vertical temperature gradient, larger nonlinear vertical advection, and thus stronger positive IOD skewness. Our findings underscore the importance of reducing Indian summer monsoon biases and eastern TIO stratification biases, for properly representing the IOD in Earth system models.