Qualitative Changes Research Articles

Qualitative Changes in Birch Sap after Freezing and Thawing

In this study, the qualitative changes in raw birch sap after freezing and thawing were determined. Ten-liter bottles and one-ton plastic containers with six replications were used for the freezing of birch sap and thawing of frozen sap. During and after the thawing, the physical and physical–chemical properties of the sap were measured. According to the results, as the ice melts, the concentration of acids and other soluble substances in the sap decreases, but changes in qualitative indicators indicate the beginning of fermentation processes through color changes and pH as the temperature of the melting sap becomes positive. As a result, to freeze raw sap in large-volume containers, it is necessary to develop fast thawing technology using auxiliary means—circulation, external energy sources, and mechanical ice crushing.

Qualitative and quantitative changes in phenology of chlorophyll a concentrations during the transition from eutrophy to oligotrophy

AbstractThe PEG (Plankton Ecology Group) model predicts differences in phenology between eutrophic and oligotrophic lakes regarding the occurrence, timing and magnitude of annual chlorophyll maxima and minima. While these predictions have been tested between lakes, hardly any tests exist using long‐term data. We test these predictions using chlorophyll time‐series (1980–2019) from Lake Constance in which trophic status shifted from eutrophic to oligotrophic conditions. We show that oligotrophication subsequently resulted in reduction of the summer and spring blooms, and finally the loss of the clear‐water phase. In contrast to the PEG model the spring bloom was not delayed, but advanced with oligotrophication. Warming modified the seasonal patterns via advancing clear‐water timing. Oligotrophication did not only influence phenologies, but also the importance of independent variables driving phenologies. Thus, the decline of nutrients was the dominant factor in shaping the seasonal patterns of chlorophyll in Lake Constance during the last four decades.

Разработка и исследование подхода к обработке сигналов цифровых измерительных трансформаторов тока и напряжения

During the development of secondary systems of stations and substations, including relay protection, automation, control, electricity metering, etc., qualitative changes have recently occurred due to the introduction of digital technologies. The introduction of digital technologies is supported by innovative development programs such as “Digital Transformation 2030”. The introduction of digital technologies is associated with the use of digital data transmission channels according to uniform standards. Projects of “digital substations” are being actively implemented with the transmission of digital information at all levels, including the primary equipment, the transmission of information both from current and voltage measuring transformers, and from switching devices. Currently, digital instrument transformers are actively being developed and implemented, in which information about measured currents and voltages is presented in digital code. New approaches to measure primary currents and voltages, and transmit information pose new challenges, and open prospects for improving signal processing methods used for relay protection purposes. Thus, the relevant aim of the study is the development and research of approaches to digital processing of signals of digital instrument current and voltage transformers. To solve the problems posed within the framework of this study, analytical and numerical solution methods have been used. Numerical methods are applied using software products such as MathCAD and the Python programming language to generate signals and display them on graphs. To substantiate the reliability, verification of the results obtained by different methods is carried out. The authors have formulated an approach to digital processing of signals obtained using current sensors of a digital instrument transformer. The authors have studied the approach to determine synchronized current vector values by processing information received from primary current converters. The characteristics of the algorithm for obtaining a vector have been analyzed and the dependences of errors on the influence of distorting factors have been plotted. The proposed approach is a development of the existing approach to obtain a vector by getting information from current sensors operating on different physical principles. The results show the advantages of the proposed method. The proposed digital signal processing algorithm is more technically expensive since it contains at least two metrologically calibrated measuring channels instead of one. However, all other things being equal, it allows to increase the accuracy and speed of the digital processing algorithms taken as a prototype. The results obtained can be used to formulate algorithms for measuring relay protection devices.

Multidecadal Phase Changes in the Thermodynamic State of the System: Ocean–Atmosphere–Continent

The present-day climate (the recent 100–150 years) obviously constitutes the structure of a global intra-system rhythmic process with an individual rhythm of about 60 years. In turn, each of the rhythms is presented by the two climate phases of about 25–35 years characterized by qualitative differences: one phase is relatively continental, while the other is humid. Globality and quasi-synchronism of environmental changes are accompanied by planetary structures: the Global Atmospheric Oscillation (GAO) in the atmosphere and the Multidecadal Oscillation of the Heat content in the Ocean (MOHO) discovered relatively recently. Unexpected and rapid qualitative phase changes in the climate, which first focused attention in the mid-1970s of the last century, were titled “climate shifts”. The revealed features of the present-day climate are of exceptional scientific and practical interest and deserve the development of methods for predicting the timing of the forthcoming climate shift. Arising unexpectedly and accompanied by rapid significant changes, these shifts identified the problem of understanding the nature and establishing the processes and mechanisms causing them. First of all, of interest are phase changes in the thermodynamic state of the climate system components: the ocean, atmosphere, and continents. As a result of the World Ocean (WO) thermohydrodynamics numerical modelling, it is shown that MOHO is localized in the layer of the main thermocline, where the most important elements of the WO circulation are located. The performed study based on observational data allows us to conclude that, during the phase of the WO thermal discharge (1975–1999), the two key systems of currents, the Kuroshio and the Gulf Stream, were under similar thermodynamic conditions.

Back in the Driver’s Seat: How New EU Greenhouse-Gas Reporting Schemes Challenge Corporate Accounting

Greenhouse-gas (GHG) reporting schemes for companies are increasingly part of climate-mitigation policies worldwide. Notably, the European Green Deal (2019) boosts new public regulations that oblige companies to compile GHG emission inventories, i.e., account for their emissions in a given system boundary. Along with this boost, the workload for companies increases; at the same time, the quality of reporting is questioned. Given the overarching goal to improve companies’ climate-mitigation performance, the quality of reporting is inseparably connected to the quality of the respective accounting. However, the literature discusses carbon accounting as a universal umbrella term focusing on managerial issues, thus disregarding the crucial role of accounting methodologies in the sense of calculation approaches. In this publication, we apply an analytical approach introducing a clear differentiation between the task of quantitatively accounting for GHG inventories and the task of reporting results from calculated inventories in response to stakeholder or policy expectations. We use this approach to investigate European GHG reporting schemes and related GHG accounting methodologies in detail. Our findings indicate that the current phase of the European Green Deal depicts a quantitative growth in reporting schemes and a significant qualitative change by shifting from formerly voluntary to mandatory reporting schemes, along with the application of accounting methodologies originally not intended for politically compulsory purposes. We analyze the consequences of this shift, which poses new challenges for companies and policymakers, i.e., data-management concepts and refined methodological frameworks.

Механизмы повышения интеллектуального потенциала как предмет философского анализа

The intellectual potential of a society is explained not by the simple sum of individuals who make up its intellectual potential, but by the manifestation of a state of qualitative changes. Any attempt to measure intellectual potential using formulas leads to its consideration as a simple arithmetic sum. As a result of the activity of an individual, the qualitative state of the intellectual potential of society, the realization of its intellectual potential, apparently determine the level of development of society and all its subsystems: economic, ensuring the production of products, satisfying the material needs of people.

IS THE SOFT POWER OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ENOUGH?

Regardless of the existing conflicts, the twenty-first century might be predominantly a century of soft power, most pronounced in Europe. Turkey, which geographically belongs to Europe and Asia, has been looking to achieve its foreign policy priorities and is changing its methodology of conducting foreign policy. The use of soft power based on national culture, political values, religion, economy, institutions, and international relations in the early 21st century represented a radical turn compared to earlier historical attempts. Throughout history, Turkey used hard power in the region, but it was mostly unsuccessful. Therefore, the nature of soft power represented an opportunity for strengthening Turkey as a regional power and a qualitative change of negative stereotypes about this country. However, it is evident that soft power in the changed regional security circumstances in the final years of the second decade in the 21st century is insufficient, so Turkey has started using hard power (military) again to strengthen its leadership position. This paper explains the soft power of the Republic of Turkey in the MENA region and the recent reorientation to the combination of military strength and diplomatic influence in international relations. How much that rearrangement in foreign policy will position Turkey in the new security and political circumstances at the beginning of the 21st century's third decade remains to be seen.

Non-smooth dynamics of impacting viscoelastic pipes conveying pulsatile fluid

This paper aims to investigate the stability and nonlinear dynamics of an initially curved viscoelastic clamped–clamped pipe conveying pulsatile fluid, with special attention to the non-smooth dynamics of this gyroscopic system under the influence of initial curvature and gravity. In this study, the impacting contact is modeled as a trilinear repulsive force. Based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, the nonlinear governing equations, which take into account geometric, curvature, and damping nonlinearities, are developed using Hamilton’s principle. The continuous model is discretized using the Galerkin method and then solved using the arc-length technique and a time integration method. A linear analysis of the natural frequency and complex mode shape shows the unexpected frequency intersection and modal asymmetry. The qualitative changes in the nonlinear dynamics of the impacting pipe in both sub- and super-critical regions are examined and presented in the form of bifurcation diagrams, frequency–amplitude curves, force–amplitude curves, time histories, and phase portraits. Numerical results show that some complex dynamical behaviors can occur in different impact constraint cases, including a grazing bifurcation, sticking, period doubling, and chaos at the impact location, may occur. The initial curvature and gravity result in different behaviors, such as the asymmetry change of the equilibrium configuration and the occurrence of the flutter instability. The current analysis is significant to understand the non-smooth dynamic mechanisms and also provide design and technology guidance for the pipe system with motion-limiting constraints.

Changes in Outcomes of Macular Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Following Surgery for Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy

Purpose: we aimed to report on the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) outcomes of eight patients with optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M) who were treated with 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods: We examined sixteen eyes of eight patients—eight eyes with ODP-M and eight healthy fellow eyes. Fundus color photography, fundus autofluorescence, fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCTA were performed. The vascular density, choriocapillaris blood flow (CCBF), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were analyzed using OCTA. Moreover, the correlation between the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular OCTA parameters was assessed. Results: Compared with the healthy fellow eyes, the eyes with ODP-M preoperatively were found to have decreased BCVA, superficial capillary plexus (SCP) vascular density (i.e., total, foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal), deep capillary plexus (DCP) vascular density (i.e., total, parafoveal, and perifoveal), and CCBF but a significantly increased FAZ (p < 0.05). When the eyes with ODP-M were analyzed pre- and postoperatively at month 12 after surgery, the BCVA, SCP vascular density (i.e., perifoveal), and CCBF had significantly increased, and the FAZ had significantly decreased (p < 0.05). When the eyes with ODP-M were compared with the healthy fellow eyes postoperatively at month 12, the BCVA, SCP, and DCP vascular density parameters had increased, along with CCBF, and the FAZ had decreased in eyes with ODP-M, though not to the levels of the healthy fellow eyes (p < 0.05). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the postoperative BCVA and SCP total vascular density (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The BCVA and macular OCTA parameters improved in eyes with ODP-M at month 12 following surgery. However, the BCVA and OCTA of the eyes operated on did not reach the levels of the healthy fellow eyes, possibly due to impaired choroidal blood flow (CBF) recovery and the presence of a larger FAZ. In summary, OCTA seems to be useful for assessing qualitative and quantitative perioperative microvascular changes.

Epigenetics of hematopoietic stem cell aging.

The development of new antiaging medicines is of great interest to the current elderly and aging population. Aging of the hematopoietic system is attributed to the aging of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and epigenetic alterations are the key effectors driving HSC aging. Understanding the epigenetics of HSC aging holds promise of providing new insights for combating HSC aging and age-related hematological malignancies. Aging is characterized by the progressive loss of physiological integrity, leading to impaired function and increased vulnerability to death. During aging, the HSCs undergo both quantitative and qualitative changes. These functional changes in HSCs cause dysregulated hematopoiesis, resulting in anemia, immune dysfunction, and an increased risk of hematological malignancies. Various cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic effectors influencing HSC aging have also been identified. Epigenetic alterations are one such mechanism. Cumulative epigenetic alterations in aged HSCs affect their fate, leading to aberrant self-renewal, differentiation, and function of aged HSCs. In turn, these factors provide an opportunity for aged HSCs to expand by modulating their self-renewal and differentiation balance, thereby contributing to the development of hematological malignancies.

The relationship between sarcopenic obesity and changes in quadriceps muscle thickness and echo intensity in patients with stroke

ABSTRACT Background Research findings on skeletal muscle degeneration in post-stroke sarcopenic obesity are limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between post-stroke sarcopenic obesity and quantitative and qualitative changes in skeletal muscles. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted on patients with stroke admitted to the convalescent rehabilitation ward. For skeletal muscle assessment, an ultrasound system was used to measure quadriceps muscle thickness and echo intensity (QMT and QEI) on the paretic and non-paretic sides. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as the presence of both sarcopenia and obesity. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the relationships between sarcopenic obesity and QMT and QEI. Results A total of 130 patients with stroke were included in this study (mean age: 69.4 ± 12.7 years). The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity was 23.1%. The multiple regression analysis showed that sarcopenic obesity was significantly negatively associated with QMT on both the paretic and non-paretic sides (paretic side: β =  −0.28, p < 0.001; non-paretic side: β =  −0.37, p < 0.001) and significantly positively associated with QEI (paretic side β = 0.21, p = 0.034; non-paretic side: β = 0.20, p = 0.029). Conclusions Post-stroke sarcopenic obesity was independently associated with quantitative and qualitative changes in skeletal muscles on both the paretic and non-paretic sides.

Addition of Biochar and Fertiliser Drives Changes in Soil Organic Matter and Humic Substance Content in Haplic Luvisol

Humic substances (HSs) constitute a primary component of soil organic matter (SOM) and play a crucial role in soil formation and fertility. However, comprehensive information regarding quantitative and qualitative changes in HS following biochar’s application to soil still needs to be improved. This study reports on the impact of biochar application at rates of 0, 10, and 20 t ha⁻1 (B0, B10, B20), both with and without nitrogen fertilisation at varying levels (N0, N1, N2), on SOM and HS contents throughout the cropping seasons between 2014 and 2019. The findings reveal changes in SOM and HS contents due to biochar addition and fertilisation. Notably, the most substantial increase in soil organic carbon content was observed in the B20N1 and B10N1 treatments, in stark contrast with the reference B0N0 treatment. A decrease in humification of SOM was noted across all treatments involving biochar, whether alone or combined with different N fertilisation levels. An interesting positive change in HS contents was observed in B10N2, where an increase in humic acids and a decrease in fulvic acids enhanced HS stability and improved HS quality. These findings shed light on the intricate dynamics of SOM and HSs in response to biochar application and nitrogen fertilisation over multiple vegetation seasons of crops on loamy Haplic Luvisols in Central Europe.

Standalone Valuation Method for Software-as-a-Service Operational Knowledge Derived from Human Intellectual Capital Qualitative Changes

This study focuses on digital operational knowledge belonging to natural persons and proposes a greenfield approach to differentiate the value of intangibles from that of human intellectual capital. Our research approach involves two assessments. Assessment 1 evaluates intangible assets using the internally generated goodwill (IGG) measure. We analyze time-series IGG data for six digital sectors, using the top 90 software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies as a benchmark. The results indicate that the IGG of the SaaS benchmark is higher than the total IGG of the six sectors. Assessment 2 focuses on the correlation between digital labor investment and digital investment returns before and after 2013 for the six sectors to identify positive and negative correlations from 2013 onward. The results indicate that, since 2013, a qualitative change has occurred in digital labor capital that has not been reflected in financial statements because of accounting distortions and that the returns on investment for digital labor have been underestimated. The standalone valuation of digital know-how that belongs to natural persons, previously based on operating expense, will be based on capital expenditure. In addition, amortization will have the same contribution as depreciation of tangible assets to value creation.

FEASIBILITY OF USING A PROBIOTIC BACTERIAL COMPLEX IN THE FORM OF A THROAT SPRAY IN THE LOCAL TREATMENT OF ACUTE VIRAL TONSILLITIS

The aim of the study was to determine the feasibility of using a probiotic bacterial complex in the form of a throat spray in the local treatment of acute viral tonsillitis based on the analysis of its clinical and microbiological efficacy.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The randomized controlled trial involved 46 people with acute tonsillitis diagnosed on the basis of clinical and pharyngoscopic signs. According to the treatment received, patients were divided into 2 groups. Patients in the control group (23 people) were treated according to the unified clinical protocol "Tonsillitis". The main group included 23 patients who, in addition to the protocol treatment, received a probiotic agent in the form of a throat spray containing a complex of bacteria of the genus Bacillus. To exclude the bacterial etiology of acute tonsillitis, a modified Centor scale (McIsaac scale) was used. Evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment was based on the study of the dynamics of clinical and pharyngoscopic signs of the disease, as well as the establishment of quantitative and qualitative changes in the microbiota of the palatine tonsils during treatment.&#x0D; Results. The analysis of the dynamics of the main clinical and pharyngoscopic parameters indicates a more significant and rapid normalization in patients of the main group. The results of microbiological studies show that the use of a probiotic bacterial complex in the treatment of acute tonsillitis in patients of the main group contributed to the elimination of dysbiotic changes, restoration of the population level of the main representatives of the palatine tonsils microbiome and colonization resistance of the oropharynx.&#x0D; Conclusions. It has been established that acute viral inflammation of the palatine tonsils occurs under conditions of quantitative and qualitative changes in the species composition of the microbiota of this biotope and is accompanied by an increase in dysbiotic disorders during the course of the disease. It has been confirmed that the use of a probiotic bacterial complex in the form of a spray in the local treatment of acute viral tonsillitis is appropriate due to its proven clinical and microbiological efficacy, and also makes it possible to refrain from premature administration of antibacterial chemotherapy.

DYNAMICS ASSESSMENT OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

The aim of the study. To determine the dynamics of the psychopathological structure and severity of negative symptoms depending on the stage of the disease in patients with negative symptoms in schizophrenia in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with schizophrenia.&#x0D; Materials and methods: 252 patients with negative symptoms of schizophrenia took part in the study: 83 patients with the first episode of schizophrenia, 88 patients with schizophrenia in a state of exacerbation, and 81 patients with schizophrenia in a state of remission. A comprehensive approach, which consisted from clinical-psychopathological, psychometric (Scale for Evaluating Negative Disorders, G.V. Logvinovych, 1990) and statistical research methods, were used in the study.&#x0D; Results. Features of the dynamics of negative symptoms in patients with negative symptoms in schizophrenia at different stages of the disease were established: patients with the first episode of schizophrenia were characterized by mild quantitative and qualitative impairments in the emotional sphere, slight quantitative and qualitative changes in the associative sphere, and mild quantitative impairments in the volitional sphere in combination with moderate qualitative changes in the volitional sphere. Patients with schizophrenia in a state of exacerbation were characterized by moderate quantitative impairments of the emotional sphere and manifested distortion of the emotional sphere, manifested quantitative and qualitative impairments in the associative sphere and minor quantitative and qualitative impairments of the volitional sphere. Patients with schizophrenia in a state of remission were characterized by moderate and manifested quantitative and qualitative impairments in the emotional-volitional sphere and moderate quantitative and qualitative impairments in the associative sphere.&#x0D; Conclusions. The obtained data can be used to establish diagnostic criteria for patients with negative symptoms in schizophrenia, depending on the dynamics of the disease.

Speed of sound in dense strong-interaction matter

We study the speed of sound in strong-interaction matter at zero temperature and in density regimes which are expected to be governed by the presence of a color-superconducting gap. At (very) high densities, our analysis indicates that the speed of sound approaches its asymptotic value associated with the non-interacting quark gas from below, in agreement with first-principles studies which do not take the presence of a color-superconducting gap into account. Towards lower densities, however, the presence of a gap induces an increase of the speed of sound above its asymptotic value. Importantly, even if gap-induced corrections to the pressure may appear small, we find that derivatives of the gap with respect to the chemical potential can still be sizeable and lead to a qualitative change of the density dependence of the speed of sound. Taking into account constraints on the density dependence of the speed of sound at low densities, our general considerations suggest the existence of a maximum in the speed of sound. Interestingly, we also observe that specific properties of the gap can be related to characteristic properties of the speed of sound which are indirectly constrained by observations.

Psychological Research in the Multidisciplinary Discourse of Agency: Problems and Prospects

It is shown that the cause of the systemic difficulties experienced by the international mainstream of psychology in developing the problem of agency as a human ability to initiate a change in the environment is that the latter is a phenomenon that has not previously been the focus of attention for international psychology, and thus, for the analysis of which the old methodological optics of the Western-centric mainstream, which took shape in the second half of the 20th century and which is based on the theoretical model of the “universal” human, endowed with “universal” human qualities, is not applicable.  In the light of the theory of de-structuration (neo-structuration), focusing on qualitative and radical changes in the social world over the past decades, more promising approaches to understanding contemporary human personality are those grounding on considering personality as a culturally dependent and changeable entity, primarily the subjekt-activity approach which is developing in the Russian discourse and in the international science is not enough known. We consider the subjekt-activity approach not as one of those constituting the global mainstream, but as an alternative to the mainstream for theoretical and methodological grounds. The prospects of developing the problem of agency from the standpoint of the subjekt-activity approach, both in terms of the theory and methodology of psychology, and in terms of practical applications, are substantiated. The relevance of practical applications of the subjekt-activity approach in the field of education is determined by the logic of social macro-processes. As a constructive approach to the development of the problem of agency in psychology, we propose to abandon the two dispositions that dominate in the mainstream: a) the search for the “center of agency” as a separate component and substructure of the psyche, which implements certain functions, skills, etc., - shifting to considering agency as a systemic and integral attribute of the individual, individually specific and developing during the lifetime (a “higher” psychic function); b) the search for the foundations of agency in the sphere of cognition and reflection - changing the focus of research to motivational and volitional sphere.

Analysis the interaction of two cylindrical surfaces under shock impact load

The reactions of pipeline systems to shock impact load and the possibilities of the simulation and evaluation of dynamic processes are investigated in the paper. A heterogeneous system is composed of the elements with different properties, e.g. a pipeline with the sediment inside. Impact effect on it is one of the most effective methods to make substantial qualitative and quantitative changes in such system. The mathematical model for calculation of the elastically plastic displacements of the sediment was derived. It allows the analysis of dynamics of the change of the system’s specific state. The paper presents the calculation results of elastically plastic displacements of the substance caused by explosions in pipeline systems.

Road and Bridge Construction Technology and Quality Control Measures and Analysis

With the rapid development of China's social economy, urban construction has undergone qualitative changes, and road construction and bridge engineering construction have become increasingly perfect, playing an important role in urban development and construction. Municipal road construction projects cover a wide range, with urban bridge construction running through them, effectively improving environmental and traffic issues, but there are still many areas that need improvement. This article proposes corresponding solutions for monitoring the construction quality of municipal roads and bridges, as well as the problems that arise, based on the development status of the city and the actual situation.

Degenerative Temporomandibular Disorders: An Assessment of Bone Trabecular Structure Using Fractal Analysis in Digital Panoramic Radiographs.

Introduction Fractal analysis has proved to be a salient tool to quantitatively assess the qualitative changes in the bone trabeculae of patients with hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, and various temporomandibular disorders, including osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ), in several previous studies. The purpose of this study was to use fractal analysis to assess alterations in the trabecular pattern of the mandibular condyle in patients with degenerative temporomandibular disorders. Materials and methods This study comprised 98 subjects with 49 subjects in the study group and 49 subjects in the control group, aged 18-50 years. Age and sex in the control group were matched to those in the case group. The subjects were assessed clinically with the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Digital panoramic X-ray equipment with set parameters of 70 kvp, 8 mA, and 16-second exposure duration was used to take panoramic radiographs. Fractal analysis was done and the calculated fractal dimension value was obtained usingImageJ version 1.48 software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). The same observer used Muir and Goss's method to rate the total degenerative changes in the condylar surfaces, which were substantiated by the calculated fractal dimension value. The data were statistically analyzed. Results The results revealed a significant difference (p-value = 0.041) between the mean fractal valuein the case group's (1.35) and the control group's (1.38) left sides whereas the differences in the mean fractal values between the case and control groups on the right side was not significant (p-value = 0.49). Conclusion It is recommended to use the fractal dimension value and the total degenerative severity score together to quantify degenerative changes in the TMJ OA rather than exclusively relying on fractal value.