Greater Asymmetry Research Articles

Occlusal function and electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles in skeletal Class III patients with different patterns of mandibular asymmetry.

Although jaw asymmetry is commonly seen in skeletal Class III patients, its correlation with occlusal function and masticatory muscle activity has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occlusal function and masticatory muscle activity in skeletal Class III patients with various patterns of mandibular asymmetry. Forty-two patients and 10 normal participants were examined. The patients were categorised into three groups. Groups 1 and 2 exhibited menton and ramus deviation to the same side. Menton deviation was larger than ramus deviation in Group 1, whereas Group 2 showed the inverse relation. Group 3 patients showed menton and ramus deviation in opposite directions. Occlusal contact area (OCA), relative bite force (RBF), and temporalis anterior (TA) and masseter muscle (MM) activity at maximum clenching were measured using T-Scan Novus system and Bio-EMG-III. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test, one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction and Spearman correlation (α=.05). Compared with normal participants, the patients had smaller OCA and greater asymmetry in the distribution of masticatory muscle activity. Greater ramus deviation was associated with smaller OCA in Group 1 but with larger OCA in Group 3. In Group 1, greater menton deviation was related to stronger TA activity on the non-deviation side. In Group 2, greater ramus deviation was related to stronger MM activity on the deviation side. Deviation of the menton and ramus was individually related to OCA and masticatory muscle activity, and this relationship varied according to the pattern of mandibular asymmetry.

Silent peripheral neuropathy determined by high-resolution ultrasound among contacts of patients with Hansen's disease.

Hansen's disease (HD) primarily infects peripheral nerves, with patients without HD being free of peripheral nerve damage. Household contacts (HHCs) of patients with HD are at a 5-10 times higher risk of HD than the general population. Neural thickening is one of the three cardinal signs that define a case of HD according to WHO guidelines, exclusively considering palpation examination that is subjective and may not detect the condition in the earliest cases even when performed by well-trained professionals. High-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) can evaluate most peripheral nerves, a validated technique with good reproducibility allowing detailed and accurate examination. This study aimed to use the peripheral nerve HRUS test according to the HD protocol as a diagnostic method for neuropathy comparing HHCs with healthy volunteers (HVs) and patients with HD. In municipalities from 14 different areas of Brazil we selected at random 83 HHC of MB-patients to be submitted to peripheral nerve ultrasound and compared to 49 HVs and 176 HD-patients. Household contacts assessed by HRUS showed higher median and mean absolute peripheral nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) values and greater asymmetries (ΔCSA) compared to HVs at the same points. Median and mean absolute peripheral nerve CSA values were higher in patients with HD compared to HCCs at almost all points, while ΔCSA values were equal at all points. Mean ± SD focality (ΔTpT) values for HHCs and patients with HD, respectively, were 2.7 ± 2.2/2.6 ± 2.2 for the median nerve, 2.9 ± 2.7/3.3 ± 2.9 for the common fibular nerve (p > 0.05), and 1.3 ± 1.3/2.2 ± 3.9 for the ulnar nerve (p < 0.0001). Considering HRUS findings for HHCs, asymmetric multiple mononeuropathy signs (thickening or asymmetry) in at least 20% of the nerves evaluated could already indicates evidence of HD neuropathy. Thus, if more nerve points are assessed in HHCs (14 instead of 10), the contacts become more like patients with HD according to nerve thickening determined by HRUS, which should be a cutting-edge tool for an early diagnosis of leprosy cases.

Unpacking “the West”: Divergence and Asymmetry in Chinese Public Attitudes Towards Europe and the United States

Recent public opinion polls conducted in Europe and the United States show increasingly negative views of China. Does the Chinese public hold similar views of “the West”? Conducting a two-wave survey in China, we found great divergence and asymmetries in Chinese public perceptions. First, Chinese views of European countries and the US diverge sharply, despite these countries being typically grouped together as “the West” in mainstream English and Chinese discourses; the Chinese viewed the US much more negatively than Europe. Second, whereas the Chinese reciprocated American antipathy, there was an asymmetry in public perceptions between China and Europe, with the Chinese expressing much greater favourability towards European countries than the other way around, though the degree of favourability still varied by country. Analyses of respondent attributes also yielded insights that both confirm and challenge some of the conventional wisdom regarding age, education, and party membership in Chinese public opinion.

The Influence of Multiple Pregnancies on Gait Asymmetry: A Case Study.

Gait asymmetry is a predictor of fall risk and may contribute to increased falls during pregnancy. Previous work indicates that pregnant women experience asymmetric joint laxity and pelvic tilt during standing and asymmetric joint moments and angles during walking. How these changes translate to other measures of gait asymmetry remains unclear. Thus, the purpose of this case study was to determine the relationships between pregnancy progression, subsequent pregnancies, and gait asymmetry. Walking data were collected from an individual during 2 consecutive pregnancies during the second and third trimesters and 6 months postpartum of her first pregnancy and the first, second, and third trimesters and 6 months postpartum of her second pregnancy. Existing asymmetries in step length, anterior-posterior (AP) impulses, AP peak ground reaction forces, lateral impulses, and joint work systematically increased as her pregnancy progressed. These changes in asymmetry may be attributed to pelvic asymmetry, leading to asymmetric hip flexor and extensor length, or due to asymmetric plantar flexor strength, as suggested by her ankle work asymmetry. Relative to her first pregnancy, she had greater asymmetry in step length, step width, braking AP impulse, propulsive AP impulse, and peak braking AP ground reaction force during her second pregnancy, which may have resulted from increased joint laxity.

Visual, spectral, and microchemical quantification of crystalline anomalies in otoliths of wild and cultured delta smelt

Developmental abnormalities in otoliths can impact growth and survival in teleost fishes. Here, we quantified the frequency and severity of developmental anomalies in otoliths of delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), a critically endangered estuarine fish that is endemic to the San Francisco Estuary. Left–right asymmetry and anomalous crystalline polymorphs (i.e., vaterite) were quantified and compared between wild and cultured populations using digital image analysis. Visual estimates of vaterite were validated using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, laser ablation ICPMS, and electron probe microanalysis. Results indicated that cultured delta smelt were 80 times more likely to contain a vateritic otolith and 18 times more likely to contain relatively large (≥ 15%) amounts of vaterite. Similarly, cultured fish exhibited 30% greater asymmetry than wild fish. These results indicate that cultured delta smelt exhibit a significantly higher frequency of vestibular abnormalities which are known to reduce fitness and survival. Such hatchery effects on otolith development could have important implications for captive culture practices and the supplementation of wild fish populations with cultured individuals.

Morphological Changes of Deep Extensor Neck Muscles in Relation to the Maximum Level of Cord Compression and Canal Compromise in Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy.

Cross-sectional study. To examine the relationship between morphological changes of the deep extensor neck muscles in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and the level of maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC) and canal compromise (MCC). A secondary objective was to examine the relationship between muscle morphological changes with neck pain and functional scores related to neck pain and interference. A total of 171 patients with DCM were included. Total cross-sectional area (CSA), functional CSA (fat free area, FCSA), ratio of FCSA/CSA (fatty infiltration) and asymmetry of the multifidus (MF) and semispinalis cervicis (SCer) together, and cervical muscle as a group (eg, MF, SCer, semispinalis capitis, splenius capitis) were obtained from T2-weighted axial MR images at mid-disc, at the level of maximum cord compression and the level below. The relationship between the muscle parameters of interest, MSCC, MCC and functional scores including the Neck Disability Index (NDI) was assessed using multivariate linear regression models, adjusting for age, body mass index and sex. Greater MF + Scer fatty infiltration was associated with greater MCC (P = .032) and MSCC (P = .049) at the same level. Greater asymmetry in MF + SCer CSA was also associated with greater MCC (P = .006). Similarly, greater asymmetry in FCSA and FCSA/CSA of the entire extensor muscle was associated with greater MCC (P = .011, P = .013). There was a negative association between asymmetry in FCSA MF + SCer, FCSA/CSA MF + SCer and FCSA/CSA group muscles with NDI score at the level below. Greater MCC is associated with increased fatty infiltration and greater asymmetry of the deep cervical muscles in patients with DCM. A negative association between muscle asymmetry and NDI scores was also observed which has implications for clinical prediction around axial neck pain.

Risk Factors for Adjacent Segment Disease Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with Plate Fixation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Adjacent segment disease (ASD) following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating (ACDF-P) may yield a poor prognosis or reoperation. This review aimed to summarize risk factors for radiographic ASD (RASD) and clinical ASD (CASD) after ACDF-P. Six electronic databases were searched from inception to October 30, 2021. Four reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles to identify relevant studies. Methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated. Meta-analyses for risk factors were conducted, if possible. Sixteen cohort and 3 case-control studies (3,563 participants) were included. These studies showed low (n = 2), moderate (n = 9), and high (n = 8) risk of bias. One risk factor for RASD was pooled for 2 meta-analyses based on the follow-up period. Four different risk factors for CASD at ≥4 years were pooled for meta-analyses. Limited evidence showed that multi-level fusion, greater asymmetry in total or functional cross-sectional area of the cervical paraspinal muscle, and preoperative degeneration in a greater number of segments were associated with a higher RASD incidence <4 years after ACDF-P. In contrast, no significant risk factors were identified for CASD <4 years after ACDF-P. At ≥4 years after ACDF-P, limited evidence supported that both cephalad and caudal plate-to-disc distances of <5 mm were associated with a higher RASD incidence, and very limited evidence supported that developmental canal stenosis, preoperative RASD, unfused C5-C6 or C6-C7 adjacent segments, use of autogenous bone graft, and spondylosis-related ACDF-P were associated with a higher CASD incidence. Although several risk factors for RASD and CASD development after ACDF-P were identified, the supporting evidence was very limited to limited. Future prospective studies should extend the existing knowledge by more robustly identifying risk factors for RASD and CASD after ACDF-P to inform clinical practice. Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Identifying Lower Extremity Static And Dynamic Asymmetries And Their Mutual Association In Male Professional Soccer

Between-limb asymmetries (BA) during standing, jumping and running are often discussed with physical performance and injury risk. It is reported that magnitude of BA is related to a specific movement commonly performed in certain sports (e.g. kicking ins soccer). Since those asymmetrical movements are repeatedly performed in some sports, it may gradually lead to a greater BA in both static and dynamic tasks over time. However, studies that focused on BA measure on both static and dynamic tasks are limited. Also, an association between static and dynamic tasks is understudied. PURPOSE: To investigate the BA in both static and dynamic tasks as well as examine a relationship between static and dynamic tasks among athletes who regularly performed asymmetrical movements. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using 152 male professional soccer players of the highest Czech league. Kinematic running data were analyzed bilaterally using 3D treadmill at running velocity 12 km.h-1. Running asymmetry (RA) was evaluated and quantified using symmetry index (SI) for following variables: Impact Peak Force (IPF), Active Peak Force (APF), Impulse (I), Loading Rate (LR), Push off Rate (PR) and Step Length (SL). Postural stability (PSA) was evaluated by with a pressure platform as difference between legs during one-leg standing task (60 s). Pearson’s coefficient (r), coefficient of determination (R2) and effect size (d) were used for statistical assessment. RESULTS: The magnitude of BA varied by each variable with, with asymmetries <2% (APF = 1.36 ± 1.12 % [range: 5.50 %], I = 1.28 ± 1.07 % [range: 5.50 %], SL = 1.16 ± 1.38 % [range: 8.50 %] and greater asymmetries >5 % (LR = 6.33 ± 6.02 % [range: 38%], PSA = 7.42 ± 6.13 % [range: 28%]). Significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) has been found between APF vs. I (r = 0.44, R2 = 0.19, d = moderate), IPF vs. LR (r = 0.38, R2 = 0.14, d = moderate), APF vs. PR (r = 0.44, R2 = 0.19, d = moderate), PR vs. I (r = 0.35, R2 = 0.12, d = moderate), LR vs. I (r = 0.16, R2 = 0.03, d = small) and significant negative correlation between PSA vs. SL (r = - 0.18, R2 = 0.03, d = small). CONCLUSIONS: There were variabilities in the magnitudes of BA in both static and dynamic tasks. Limb asymmetry relationship between static and dynamic tasks were weak or none in this group of elite male professional soccer players.

Inequalities and Asymmetries in the Development of Angola’s Provinces: The Impact of Colonialism and Civil War

Angola, as with many countries on the African continent, has great inequalities or asymmetries between its provinces. At the economic, financial, and technological level, there is a great disparity between them, where it is observed that the province of Luanda is the largest financial business center to the detriment of others, such as Moxico, Zaire, and Cabinda. In the latter, despite the advantages of high oil production, from a regional point of view, they remain almost stagnant in time, in a social dysfunction where the population lives on extractivism and artisanal fishing. This article analyzes the most important events in contemporary regional history, the Portuguese occupation that was the Portuguese colonial rule over Angola (1890–1930) and the civil war that was a struggle between Angolans for control of the country (1975–2002), in the consolidation of the asymmetries between provinces. For this work, a theoretical-reflective study was conducted based on the reading of books, articles, and previous investigations on the phenomenon studied. Considering the interpretation and analysis of the theoretical content obtained through the bibliographic research conducted, this theoretical construction approaches the qualitative approach. We conclude that the deep inequalities between regions and within them, between the provinces studied, originated historically in the form of exploitation of the regions and from the consequences of the war. The asymmetries, observed through the variables studied show that the provinces historically explored and considered object regions present a lower growth compared to those that were considered subject regions in which the applied geopolitical strategy, as they are centers of primary production flows, was different. We also observe that, due to the conflicts of the civil war in the less developed regions, the inequalities have deepened, contributing seriously to a higher level of poverty and a lower development of the provinces where these conflicts took place.

Relações de escala de artrópodes do solo e a estrutura da vegetação de fitofisionomias de Cerrado

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the scale relationships of soil arthropods and the vegetation structure of Cerrado phytophysiognomies. The experimental plots were set in areas with dense Cerrado (T1), typical Cerrado (T2), and sparse Cerrado (T3). The edaphic fauna was collected at 128 points through pitfall traps, and the vegetation was evaluated in subplots of 9 m2. The data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, geostatistics, multifractal analysis, and joint multifractal analysis. The soil arthropods and vegetation structure were adjusted to a geostatistical model, except for arborescent plants (T1) and arthropod abundance and arboreal plants (T2), which showed a pure nugget effect. The studied variables showed different degrees of multifractality. The graphs of joint multifractal dimension showed circular lines with high values of joint correlation for the pairs of arthropod richness versus the abundance of plant strata (r = -0.498), arthropod richness versus herbaceous plants (r = 0.323), and arthropod richness versus arboreal plants (r = 0.451) at T1. The soil fauna was influenced by the composition of the plant strata. The plots with dense Cerrado (T1) and sparse Cerrado (T3) showed the greatest spatial dependence between the samples. The multifractal analysis showed that the plot with sparse Cerrado (T3) had the greatest heterogeneity of measurement along the geometric support. In contrast, the greatest asymmetry of the singularity spectrum was described for the plot with dense Cerrado (T1). The use of geostatistical and multifractal analysis tools enabled us to characterize the scale relationships between the variables.

CLINICAL AND INSTRUMENTAL STUDY RESULTS OF COMPARING DIGITAL OCCLUSION INDICES AT REGISTRATION OF INTERCUSPAL POSITION IN PATIENTS WITH EDENTULOUS SPACES BEFORE AND AFTER PROSTHETIC REHABILITATION

Aim. The research aims at carrying out a comparative clinical and instrumental analysis related to registering occlusal relations of intercuspal contact position in patients with edentulous spaces before and after prosthetic rehabilitation using various registration materials.&#x0D; Material and Methods. Examination of 5 patients of both genders aged 28 to 51 years was performed at clinical bases of the department of surgical and prosthetic dentistry of the Faculty of Postgraduate Education at Danylo Halytskyi Lviv National Medical University. Clinically, all patients were provided with a standard diagnostic dental examination including the control of a temporomandibular joint condition, examination of masticatory muscles, as well as the static and dynamic occlusion with the help of articulating wax and paper according to the two-stage Bausch method. The examination also involved impressions of dental arches of both jaws. Their cast models were produced for laboratory study. The received register, involving the use of materials, namely Futar D, metalized wax, and Consiflex, were reexamined for compliance with the intercuspal contact position in all patients. Location of the occlusal contact areas of antagonistic teeth was determined using Bausch Progress 100® 0.1 mm thick articulating paper (Bausch, Germany). Simultaneously, instrumental registration of digital occlusion indices was performed using the T-scan III device (Boston, USA).&#x0D; Results and Discussion. While comparing mean values of the percentage distribution between the left and right halves, the greatest asymmetry was recorded with the use of Futar D material in the D mode both before and after treatment. According to the results of performed instrumental study concerning occlusal relations with the help of the T-Scan III device, it was found that in case of applying Futar D registration material in patients before prosthetic rehabilitation, mean values of occlusal forces at MAX on the left were (50.72 ± 13.86)%, on the right they were (49.28±13.86)%, after prosthetic rehabilitation they made up (50.12±8.75)% on the left, and (49.88±8.75)% on the right. In case of Consiflex registration material application in patients before prosthetic rehabilitation, it was found that COF mean values at MAX on the left accounted (41.28±16.97) %, while on the right they accounted (58,72±16,97) %. After prosthetic rehabilitation - (54.72±13.39) % on the left, and (45.28±13.39) % on the right, respectively. The conducted instrumental studies demonstrate challenging opportunities for revealing personalized features of static and dynamic occlusal balance at clinical registration of intermaxillary position of intercuspation by various registration materials and methods.&#x0D; Conclusions. &#x0D; 1. A uniform contact of dental arches with synchronous contact of all tooth groups is an important feature of physiologically coordinate dentofacial system functioning.&#x0D; &#x0D; Frequent sliding contacts are observed in ending intercuspal contact position at static and dynamic occlusion. Area of the contact surfaces of the teeth expands with the increase of occlusal pressure in the direction of the maximum intercuspal contact position (maximum intercuspation). At the same time, occlusal pressure occurs in this area, causing the redistribution of functional load of the patients' dentofacial system components.&#x0D; Occlusal space in the intercuspal contact position and the maximum intercuspation or the D index, which can be established using the "Tekscan III" digital technology, manifests the spatiotemporal indices of inter-maxillary relations redistribution. The values of these indices in patients with partial anodontia provoke a special interest.&#x0D; The use of Futar D registration material at performing clinical and instrumental analysis of digital indices of the transition from intercuspal contact position to maximum intercuspation, allowed establishing the extension of occlusal joining of teeth duration after dental prosthetics by 1.02 times, reduction of the length of joining trajectory by 1.37 times. The use of Consiflex resulted in the identical length of joining trajectory and extension of the duration of occlusal joining of teeth after dental prosthetics by 1.04 times. The application of metalized wax was characterized by the identical length of joining trajectory and prolonged occlusion time after dental prosthetics by 1.61 times.&#x0D;

Testing protocol for evaluating underhand serve-reception biomechanics in volleyball

A testing protocol for conducting biomechanical underhand serve-reception evaluation in volleyball in match-like conditions is presented. A launcher sends a ball over the net toward the reception zone for the player to pass it to the setter; the ball is tracked with video cameras and the player’s articular information is captured by inertial sensors, force plates, and video cameras. Test-retest reliability and, known-groups and concurrent validity of the test are evaluated. Left knee, right knee, left shoulder, and right shoulder angles were highly reliable (ICC &gt; 0.88), with low standard errors of measurement (%SEM &lt; 13.07). Resultant normalized ground reaction forces were also reliable (ICC: 0.76, %SEM: 9.14). Professional and amateur athletes’ comparisons were statistically significant and non-trivial ( p &lt; 0.05, Cohen’s d &gt; 0.49), with professionals’ body movements presenting small variance and symmetry between left and right limb variables, and amateurs’ presenting higher variance and greater asymmetry. Finally, each athlete’s left limb angles were compared against their corresponding sagittal Kinovea measurements for concurrent validity, obtaining acceptable correlation scores for amateur athletes (PCC &gt; 0.79) and good correlation scores (PCC &gt; 0.83) for professional athletes. The test offers a reliable and valid method for evaluating underhand serve-reception biomechanics in volleyball players.

Comparison of Tropical Cyclone Wind Radius Estimates between the KMA, RSMC Tokyo, and JTWC

This study compared estimates of gale-force wind radii (R30 or R34) and storm-force wind radii (R50) of tropical cyclones (TC) by three agencies—the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) Tokyo, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)—in the western North Pacific during 2015–2018 and investigated the characteristics of these estimates. The results showed that the KMA’s R30 and R50 estimates were smaller (38% and 29%, respectively) than those of the RSMC Tokyo, and larger (11%) for R30 and smaller (12%) for R50 than those of the JTWC. The differences between these agencies seem to be largely determined by whether the agency estimates wind radii based only on a TC’s own winds or on TC winds combined with other mid-latitude synoptic systems to make TC warnings more comprehensive. The former is mainly the practice of the KMA and JTWC, whereas the latter is mainly the practice of the RSMC Tokyo. The factors considered for estimating wind radii also differ between the agencies: the KMA heavily relies on TC intensity—the higher the intensity, the larger the radius—while the RSMC Tokyo and JTWC rely less on TC intensity than the KMA but additionally consider the latitude and storm translation speed in their estimations. In particular, the TC translation speed considered by the RSMC Tokyo and JTWC explains why their estimated wind radii exhibit, on average, greater asymmetries (i.e., greater differences between the longest and shortest radii) than those estimated by the KMA. The findings of agency-dependent characteristics of TC wind radius data help to better determining and understanding the TC impact areas for TC risk reduction and management.

Two-Month Individually Supervised Exercise Therapy Improves Walking Speed, Step Length, and Temporal Gait Symmetry in Chronic Stroke Patients: A before-after Trial.

Gait asymmetry is common after stroke and is a major risk factor for falls. In particular, temporal gait asymmetry often remains in the chronic stage of stroke. However, health insurance does not cover rehabilitation for patients with chronic stroke in many countries. Accordingly, it is undetermined whether individually supervised exercise therapy has beneficial effects on chronic hemiparetic gait. Patients with stroke (n = 25) more than 6 months after onset performed 70 min of individually supervised exercise twice weekly for 2 months in 16 sessions with qualified personnel. The intervention significantly reduced the pre-swing phase on the paretic side (mean = 91.8%, 95%CI, 84.8–98.8). In addition, there was a significant improvement in pre-swing phase symmetry in those with great asymmetry prior to the intervention (p = 0.022). Step length significantly increased after the intervention on both sides (non-paretic, p = 0.029; paretic, p = 0.0055). Walking time at both comfortable and maximum speeds was significantly shortened (comfortable, p = 0.0041; maximum, p < 0.0001). Our findings suggest that there remains scope to improve gait ability with individually supervised exercise therapy in patients with chronic stroke, whose functional recovery is often considered unlikely. This type of intervention may be a simple and effective option to improve gait parameters, including temporal asymmetry, even in patients with chronic stroke.

Modelling and forecasting for solar irradiance from solarimetric station

This paper proposes two approaches for modeling solar irradiance time series. The first is an exploratory analysis and second is a periodic forecast model for solar irradiance data from solarimetric station in a country city of Bahia, Brazil. Two normality hypothesis tests were applied, Anderson-Darling and Shapiro-Wilk. The shape and symmetry of the data were also analyzed using boxplot and histograms to investigate the extreme points, as well as great asymmetry in the distribution of data at different times. Through adherence tests, the normal distribution of solar irradiance in most hours within the annual periodic is rejected. A study by season was carried out, which showed a different behavior in relation to the symmetry of the data, with autumn being the most uniform and spring being the most stochastic. Spring and summer presented better conditions for installation of photovoltaic plates, due to the high solar irradiance rates, and autumn and winter presented satisfactory solar irradiance to maintain this form of generation throughout the year.The second approach is a forecast to solar irradiance in photovoltaic generation systems. The importance of this forecast type is to favor the routine of planning, operation and maintenance of these types of systems, in addition to serving as a basis for feasibility studies and expansion of solar generation. Given a stochastic resource and the periodic behavior of solar irradiance data, a periodic autoregressive model was considered; the statistics were used by the maximum likelihood method, based on hourly measurements of irradiance over a period of one year.

AVALIAÇÃO DA ESTENOSE LOMBAR DEGENERATIVA SINTOMÁTICA COM FATORES DETERMINANTES PROVÁVEIS

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate degenerative lumbar stenosis in symptomatic patients submitted to surgeryand the correlation between probable determining factors. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study in which themagnetic resonance images of 73 patients with degenerative stenosis,who underwent surgeries involving 141 levels performed by a single surgeon at the Hospital Ortopédico de Passo Fundo from 2015 to 2018, were evaluated. The patients were stratified by the degree of facet tropism, facet arthrosis, disc degeneration, and operated side, as well as by epidemiological data such as age, sex, etc. Tropism was measured using the Karacan method and evaluated numerically and categorically. Disc degeneration was classified by Pfirrmann and facet arthrosis by Weishaupt. To analyze and obtain the results, the Chi-square test and ANOVA were used with the SPSS statistical program, version 18.0. Results: Statistical significance was found in the relationship between facet tropism and disc degeneration (p=0.026) at the L4-L5 level. No correlation was found between tropism and facet arthrosis (p=0.161) or tropism and the operated side (p=0.573). Conclusion: The degree of tropism directly influences disc degeneration and greater asymmetries are related to more severe degenerations. Although tropism has not shown a statistically significant correlation with the operated side (p=0.573), it is believed that further studies should be carried out on this correlation. Level of evidence II; Retrospective study.

Craniofacial characteristics and cosmetic satisfaction of patients with sagittal and metopic synostosis: a case\u2013control study using 3D photogrammetric imaging

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the craniofacial and aesthetic characteristics of adult metopic and sagittal craniosynostosis patients operated on in early childhood compared to controls. The goal was to find objective measurements that would correlate with the patient’s subjective self-evaluation of their own cosmetic appearance.MethodsThe study population consisted of 49 patients from whom 41 had premature fusion of the sagittal and in 8 of metopic suture. There were 65 age and gender matching controls from The Finish National Register. The 3D photogrammetric models were created from all patients and controls. The images were analysed using Rapidform 2006. Facial landmarks were set by the standard Farkas points. Facial symmetry parameters were calculated by using the landmarks and the mirror shell of the face. Aesthetic evaluation was done from standard photographs using panels. Subjective satisfaction with one’s own appearance was evaluated using questionnaires.ResultsPatients had the greatest asymmetry in the forehead area when compared to controls (symmetry percentage 59% versus 66%, p = 0.013). In the control group, the gap between the eyes was smaller than in the case group, resulting in an absolute 2 mm difference (p = 0.003). The area of the chin and the landmarks were more located on the left side in the patient group, resulting in up to a 1.1 mm difference between the groups (p = 0.003). Only a weak association was found between craniofacial symmetry and appearance evaluations.ConclusionPatients operated on because of sagittal and metopic synostoses were found to have facial asymmetry at long follow-up. However, the differences were < 3 mm and not clinically important. The long-term aesthetical outcome of the surgery performed because of sagittal or metopic craniosynostosis based on the 3D image evaluation was good.

Assessment of the Orbital and Auricular Asymmetry in Italian and Sudanese Children: A Three-Dimensional Study

The evaluation of the symmetry of orbital and ear soft tissues is important for aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. However, little information is available for these facial regions, especially in children. We analyzed the orbital and auricular symmetry in 418 Italian and 206 Sudanese subadult males divided into three age groups (8–11, 12–15, and 16–19 years old). Orbital and auricular height and width were measured for calculating fluctuating and directional asymmetry indices. Differences in asymmetry indices according to ethnicity and age group were assessed through the two-way ANOVA test (p &lt; 0.01), while differences in the prevalence of right or left asymmetry according to ethnicity were assessed through the chi-square test. On average, directional asymmetry indices ranged from −2.1% to 1.1%, while fluctuating asymmetry indices ranged between 2.9% and 5.4%, corresponding to a small effect size and to 1.06–2.34 mm actual dimensions. Sudanese subjects showed a greater asymmetry for all the indices except for the fluctuating asymmetry of orbital height (p &lt; 0.01). The directional asymmetry of auricular width increased with age. A prevalent right-side asymmetry was found for all the orbital indices (p &lt; 0.001) in both populations, although significantly more prevalent in Sudanese individuals (over 83% for both measures), while auricular measures showed a prevalent left asymmetry exclusively in the Sudanese but with lower percentages. Aside from the limited effect size, the results proved the ethnic variability of asymmetry of orbital and auricle regions in children and suggest the need to collect more population data.

Computational study of first-row transition metals in monodoped 4H-SiC

Electronic structure calculations of 4H-SiC doped with various transition metals reveal dilute magnetic semiconductor behavior in a material suitable for high-power and high-frequency semiconductor devices. Our results are consistent with prior work on V, Cr, and Mn doping and explore additional metals: Fe, Co, and Ni. Charge-state calculations show that the latter maintain amphoteric semi-insulating properties while offering a non-zero stable spin polarization and also greater asymmetry in the spin density of states than previously studied dopants. This indicates possible enhanced half-metal properties. Our results are consistent with crystal field theory, which helps interpret the observed spin states and assess the degree of charge localization and, subsequently, the range and strength of interactions relevant to ionization/capture and charge transport. These findings provide new avenues to tune the behavior of 4H-SiC for electronic device applications.

Evaluating Asymmetric Approaches to the Estimation of Standard Uncertainties for Emission Factors in the Fuel Sector of Costa Rica

A new environmental challenge for Costa Rica involves the precise and reliable quantification of data from its fossil-fueled transportation sector. In the context of greenhouse gas inventories (measurement), uncertainty assessment, as the best quality parameter of any estimation or measurement, takes on a new relevance by becoming a mandatory requirement on ISO 14064-1:2018. However, a significant limitation has been found by users when quantifying standard (measurement) uncertainties associated with emission factors with asymmetric probability distributions. The present article sought to take advantage of fitting asymmetric distributions to estimate and compare possible standard uncertainties for the official emission factors of Costa Rica, specifically for the fuel sector. Five asymmetric distributions and a “symmetrization” method (symmetric approximation of an asymmetric distribution) were chosen and fitted to the data based on their application and previous use. Standard uncertainties were estimated from each distribution parameters as standard deviations. To evaluate the fit, quantiles of interest were extracted from simulated populations compared with the original data values. A systematically better fit was evidenced for the asymmetric triangular and generalized extreme value distributions, both for CO2 emission factors with less asymmetries and CH4 and N2O emission factors with greater asymmetries. This was not the case for the other distributions, where the log-normal distribution applying the correction factor suggested in the literature showed the worst fit. The use of the former distributions is recommended to estimate the standard uncertainties associated with the emission factors from the official Costa Rican database and other emission factors with similar asymmetries.