Significant Asymmetry Research Articles

EEG-Based Parkinson's Disease Recognition Via Attention-based Sparse Graph Convolutional Neural Network.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complicated neurological ailment that affects both the physical and mental wellness of elderly individuals which makes it problematic to diagnose in its initial stages. Electroencephalogram (EEG) promises to be an efficient and cost-effective method for promptly detecting cognitive impairment in PD. Nevertheless, prevailing diagnostic practices utilizing EEG features have failed to examine the functional connectivity among EEG channels and the response of associated brain areas causing an unsatisfactory level of precision. Here, we construct an attention-based sparse graph convolutional neural network (ASGCNN) for diagnosing PD. Our ASGCNN model uses a graph structure to represent channel relationships, the attention mechanism for selecting channels, and the L1 norm to capture channel sparsity. We conduct extensive experiments on the publicly available PD auditory oddball dataset, which consists of 24 PD patients (under ON/OFF drug status) and 24 matched controls, to validate the effectiveness of our method. Our results show that the proposed method provides better results compared to the publicly available baselines. The achieved scores for Recall, Precision, F1-score, Accuracy and Kappa measures are 90.36%, 88.43%, 88.41%, 87.67%, and 75.24%, respectively. Our study reveals that the frontal and temporal lobes show significant differences between PD patients and healthy individuals. In addition, EEG features extracted by ASGCNN demonstrate significant asymmetry in the frontal lobe among PD patients. These findings can offer a basis for the establishment of a clinical system for intelligent diagnosis of PD by using auditory cognitive impairment features.

Microarray Gene Expression Data Classification via Wilcoxon Sign Rank Sum and Novel Grey Wolf Optimized Ensemble Learning Models.

Cancer is a deadly disease that affects the lives of people all over the world. Finding a few genes relevant to a single cancer disease can lead to effective treatments. The difficulty with microarray datasets is their high dimensionality; they have a large number of features in comparison to the small number of samples in these datasets. Additionally, microarray data typically exhibit significant asymmetry in dimensionality as well as high levels of redundancy and noise. It is widely held that the majority of genes lack informative value about the classes under study. Recent research has attempted to reduce this high dimensionality by employing various feature selection techniques. This paper presents new ensemble feature selection techniques via the Wilcoxon Sign Rank Sum test (WCSRS) and the Fisher's test (F-test). In the first phase of the experiment, data preprocessing was performed; subsequently, feature selection was performed via the WCSRS and F-test in such a way that the (probability values) p-values of the WCRSR and F-test were adopted for cancerous gene identification. The extracted gene set was used to classify cancer patients using ensemble learning models (ELM), random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (Xgboost), cat boost, and Adaboost. To boost the performance of the ELM, we optimized the parameters of all the ELMs using the Grey Wolf optimizer (GWO). The experimental analysis was performed on colon cancer, which included 2000 genes from 62 patients (40 malignant and 22 benign). Using a WCSRS test for feature selection, the optimized Xgboost demonstrated 100% accuracy. The optimized cat boost, on the other hand, demonstrated 100% accuracy using the F-test for feature selection. This represents a 15% improvement over previously reported values in the literature.

Aerodynamic shape optimization of bluff body for galloping-based wind energy harvester by the class function/shape function transformation technique

This paper presents an aerodynamic modification scheme by using the class function/shape function transformation (CST) method to determine the optimal shape of the bluff body and hence improve the performance of the associated galloping-based wind energy harvester (WEH). The CST method, accompanying with the Latin Hypercube sampling method, is used to generate 50 representative samples of galloping bluff bodies with varying sectional geometries, by using only four parameters to describe each sectional geometry. Wind tunnel tests are conducted to measure the output power of each WEH and the transverse wind force acting on the associated bluff body. A Kriging surrogate model is constructed based on the results from wind tunnel test, to determine the optimal shape in terms of the output power. Results show that the optimal shape has the tapered leeward side and concave windward side, which can double the output power compared to a square shape. The underlying mechanism for the high performance is explained by analyzing the measured transverse force in the wind tunnel and the vorticity contours of the flow field generated by CFD analysis. On the one hand, the tapered leeward side avoids flow attachment on the two lateral sides of the shape, providing considerable transverse force that sustains the unstable steady-state galloping. On the other hand, the concave windward side promotes the development of large circulation bubbles, causing significant asymmetry of wind flow and hence remarkable galloping. The findings of the research can guide the design for the bluff body of the galloping-based WEHs, and the CST method can be used as a powerful tool for aerodynamic shape optimization.

Evolutionary trajectory of organelle-derived nuclear DNAs in the Triticum/Aegilops complex species.

Organelle-derived nuclear DNAs, nuclear plastid DNAs (NUPTs), and nuclear mitochondrial DNAs (NUMTs) have been identified in plants. Most, if not all, genes residing in NUPTs/NUMTs (NUPGs/NUMGs) are known to be inactivated and pseudogenized. However, the role of epigenetic control in silencing NUPGs/NUMGs and the dynamic evolution of NUPTs/NUMTs with respect to organismal phylogeny remain barely explored. Based on the available nuclear and organellar genomic resources of wheat (genus Triticum) and goat grass (genus Aegilops) within Triticum/Aegilops complex species, we investigated the evolutionary fates of NUPTs/NUMTs in terms of their epigenetic silencing and their dynamic occurrence rates in the nuclear diploid genomes and allopolyploid subgenomes. NUPTs and NUMTs possessed similar genomic atlas, including (i) predominantly located in intergenic regions and preferential integration to gene regulation regions and (ii) generating sequence variations in the nuclear genome. Unlike nuclear indigenous genes, the alien NUPGs/NUMGs were associated with repressive epigenetic signals, namely high levels of DNA methylation and low levels of active histone modifications. Phylogenomic analyses suggested that the species-specific and gradual accumulation of NUPTs/NUMTs accompanied the speciation processes. Moreover, based on further pan-genomic analyses, we found significant subgenomic asymmetry in the NUPT/NUMT occurrence, which accumulated during allopolyploid wheat evolution. Our findings provide insight into the dynamic evolutionary fates of organelle-derived nuclear DNA in plants.

Study on Nonlinear Dynamic Responses of the p–n GaN/AlN Heterojunction in Piezoelectric Semiconductor Composite Fibers

Herein, a p–n GaN/AlN heterojunction in a piezoelectric semiconductor (PSC) composite fiber driven by dynamic magnetic loads is studied. The numerical results of nonlinear dynamic responses of a composite p–n heterojunction subjected to a time‐harmonic magnetic load and a pulse magnetic load are obtained by the finite‐element method, respectively. The effects of different magnetic loads on the I–V curve and piezoelectric behavior of a composite p–n heterojunction are investigated. Numerical results show that when driven by uniformly dynamic magnetic loads, the electromechanical fields show significant asymmetry due to electric nonlinearity. The time‐harmonic magnetic loads drive the round‐trip motion of electrons and holes, and the dynamic electric behaviors driven by pulsed magnetic loads are nonlinear pulse motions. Further analysis of the p–n heterojunction subjected to the bias voltage shows that positive magnetic loads increase the depletion layer's width but decrease the carrier concentration. The results presented in this study have a referential significance to contactless performance tuning of a PSC heterojunction structure and new‐generation piezotronic devices.

Numerical modeling of the mechanical response of asphalt concrete in tension and compression

Asphalt concrete (AC) shows significant tension-compression (TC) asymmetry, i.e., different properties in tension and compression (T&C). This asymmetry may profoundly affect AC's performance and deterioration in the field, but limited studies have been performed to quantify this behavior. This study aims to quantitively characterize the global and local mechanical responses of AC in T&C through numerical modeling. To this end, three AC mixtures: the gap-graded SMA10, dense-graded AC20, and open-graded mixtures PA13, were evaluated experimentally and numerically. Digital image processing was used to generate image-based AC models with contact regions (CR), and dynamic simulations were conducted using the steady-state dynamics (SSD) approach. The results indicated that the measured and predicted master curves for AC in T&C qualitatively agree and demonstrate significant asymmetry, with higher moduli but lower phase angles in compression compared to tension. Among the mixtures, PA13 exhibited the most pronounced asymmetry, followed by SMA10 and AC20. Statistical analyses of local stress and strain found that the stress and strain in different phases show significant variations, with more pronounced disparities observed at lower frequencies. Notably, at 10−6 Hz for PA13 in compression, the stress within the aggregate phase exceeded that of the matrix phase by over 250 times, while the strain within the matrix phase surpassed the aggregate phase by more than 600 times. To enhance pavement durability, it is recommended to consider AC's TC asymmetry in pavement design.

Direct numerical simulations and spectral proper orthogonal decomposition analysis of shocklet-containing turbulent channel counter-flows

Counter-flow configurations in a confined channel flow provide an efficient framework to study high intensity turbulent mixing processes. In a previous study (Physical Review Fluids, 6(9), p.094603), a wall-bounded counter-flow turbulent channel configuration was presented as an effective framework for addressing certain challenges related to the study of compressibility effects on turbulence as an alternative to free shear layer and Poiseuille/Couette type flows. Here, the previous direct numerical simulations are extended to a higher Mach number (M=0.7) to quantify direct and indirect effects of compressibility. It is found that the configuration is able to produce large numbers of embedded shocklets, leading to significant asymmetry in probability density functions of dilatation. Reducing the Prandtl number from 0.7 to 0.2 increases the compressibility effect further by reducing the bulk heating in the channel. A peak turbulent Mach number close to unity is obtained, for which the contribution of the dilatational dissipation to the total dissipation is nevertheless found to be limited to ∼6%. Indirect effects of compressibility are much larger, with changes of up to 40% in Favre normal stresses, despite the mean flow and shear stress being almost unaffected by compressibility in this configuration. Given the inflectional nature of the turbulent mean flow it is also interesting to identify large structures. Spectral Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (SPOD) reveals a full spectrum with a slow decay of energy with mode number. Mode shapes are three-dimensional with the low frequencies displaying elongated streaks in the velocity field at the channel centre plane.

Local temperature responses to actual land cover changes present significant latitudinal variability and asymmetry

Land cover changes (LCCs) affect surface temperatures at local scale through biophysical processes. However, previous observation-based studies mainly focused on the potential effects of virtual afforestation/deforestation using the space-for-time assumption, while the actual effects of all types of realistic LCCs are underexplored. Here, we adopted the space-and-time scheme and utilized extensive high-resolution (1-km) satellite observations to perform the first such assessment. We showed that, from 2006 to 2015, the average temperature in the areas with LCCs increased by 0.08 K globally, but varied significantly across latitudes, ranging from −0.05 to 0.18 K. Cropland expansions dominated summertime cooling effects in the northern mid-latitudes, whereas forest-related LCCs caused warming effects elsewhere. These effects accounted for up to 44.6% of overall concurrent warming, suggesting that LCC influences cannot be ignored. In addition, we revealed obvious asymmetries in the actual effects, i.e., LCCs with warming effects occurred more frequently, with stronger intensities, than LCCs with cooling effects. Even for the mutual changes between two covers in the same region, warming LCCs generally had larger magnitudes than their cooling counterparts due to asymmetric changes in transition fractions and driving variables. These novel findings, derived from the assessment of actual LCCs, provide more realistic implications for land management and climate adaptation policies.

Three-Dimensional CT-Based Limb Length Evaluation Is Highly Dependent on Anatomical Landmark Selection and Pelvic Asymmetry.

Pelvic skeletal asymmetry can result in rotational differences and morphologic bony prominence variance between the left and right hemipelvis. When selecting bony reference points for modern computed tomography-based robotic total hip arthroplasty planning, it is unclear which bony landmarks are the most reliable and accurate, especially in the presence of significant pelvic asymmetry. A retrospective study was conducted utilizing a database of computed tomography scans. Multiple bony landmarks in the pelvis and femur were selected for comparison, with the aim of measuring pelvic asymmetry. Specifically, the study measured the average difference in lateral offset between the left and right hemipelvis caused by pelvic asymmetry. Landmarks were also compared to determine the impact of pelvic asymmetry on hip length, femur length, and limb length discrepancies. Furthermore, a scenario was simulated in the software whereby a total hip replacement was inserted, potentially changing the hip length. The impact of pelvic reference point selection on the measurement of this simulated change in hip length was examined. This study population showed widespread pelvic asymmetry. The anatomical landmarks of the opposite side cannot be relied upon for predicting the anatomy of the affected side. The center of rotation axis is more reliable than the inferior obturator foramen axis for hip length discrepancy due to pelvic asymmetry (P < .05). Current computer-assisted surgery THR software reports measurements of global offset and hip length that do not consider pelvic asymmetry. Surgeons are not given confidence ranges to represent the potential impact of asymmetry on the global offset and hip length values. Surgeons following these numbers to guide implant position may incur implant placement error should significant pelvic asymmetry be present in a given patient.

Measurements of mixing layers and vortex structures of the strut-induced flow in a scramjet combustor with PIV and POD

The organization of the flow field in a scramjet is of great significance in achieving stable combustion in supersonic flow. Experimental investigation of the strut-induced flow in a scramjet is conducted with particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement. The central wakes along with two outer free streams can be observed in the instantaneous velocity fields. Then the calculated vorticity shows a similar distribution with the mixing layers in the single-shot image, suggesting the mixing layers a preliminary assessment of the flow. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) of snapshots reveals several features beneficial for flame stabilization in the strut-induced flow, including the reverse flow, central large-scale vortex structures and the vortex structures in the mixing layers. Moreover, by comparison it is found that a significant asymmetry of strut-induced flow would compress the low-speed region and weaken the large-scale vortex structure which would present a challenge to achieve flame establishment. The research contributes to a profound understanding of strut-induced flow which may be useful for engineering design and optimization.

Functional Asymmetry During Working Memory and Its Association with Markers of Alzheimer's Disease in Cognitively Normal Older Adults.

Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits asymmetrically early in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This process is variable and has been associated with asymmetric hypometabolism. We investigated whether neural asymmetry during working memory and executive function processing was associated with AD genetic risk and markers of AD as well as other brain neuropathology biomarkers, cognitive function, and cognitive reserve in cognitively normal older adults. We analyzed data from 77 cognitively healthy, older adults who completed functional magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and cognitive testing. We identified regions of significant activation and asymmetry during the Digital Symbol Substitution Task (DSST). We examined associations between regions with significant hemispheric asymmetry (directional and absolute) and global cerebral Aβ, cerebral glucose metabolism, white matter hyperintensities, APOE ɛ4 allele status, DSST reaction time, age, sex, education, and cognitive function. Asymmetry was not associated with several factors including cognitive function, Aβ, and white matter hyperintensities. The presence of at least one ɛ4 APOE allele in participants was associated with less asymmetric activation in the angular gyrus (right dominant activation). Greater education was associated with less asymmetric activation in mediodorsal thalamus (left dominant activation). Genetic risk of AD was associated with lower asymmetry in angular gyrus activation, while greater education was associated with lower asymmetry in mediodorsal thalamus activation. Changes in asymmetry may reflect components of compensation or cognitive reserve. Asymmetric neural recruitment during working memory may be related to maintenance of cognitive function in cognitively normal older adults.

Atomistic evaluation of tension-compression asymmetry in nanoscale body-centered-cubic AlCrFeCoNi high-entropy alloy

Abstract The tension and compression of face-centered-cubic high-entropy alloy (HEA) nanowires are significantly asymmetric, but the tension-compression asymmetry in nanoscale body-centered-cubic (BCC) HEAs is still unclear. In this study, the tension-compression asymmetry of the BCC AlCrFeCoNi HEA nanowire is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show a significant asymmetry in both the yield and flow stresses, with BCC HEA nanowire stronger under compression than under tension. The strength asymmetry originates from the completely different deformation mechanisms in tension and compression. In compression, atomic amorphization dominates plastic deformation and contributes to the strengthening, while in tension, deformation twinning prevails and weakens the HEA nanowire. The tension-compression asymmetry exhibits a clear trend of increasing with the increasing nanowire cross-sectional edge length and decreasing temperature. In particular, the compressive strengths along the [001] and [111] crystallographic orientations are stronger than the tensile counterparts, while the [110] crystallographic orientation shows the exactly opposite trend. The dependences of tension-compression asymmetry on the cross-sectional edge length, crystallographic orientation, and temperature are explained in terms of the deformation behavior of HEA nanowire as well as its variations caused by the change in these influential factors. These findings may deepen our understanding of the tension-compression asymmetry of the BCC HEA nanowires.

Does short-term treatment with clear aligner therapy induce changes in muscular activity?

Prospective cohort study. The inclusion criteria comprised patients older than 18 years who attended the orthodontic department at the University of L'Aquila (L'Aquila, Italy) and requested treatment with clear orthodontic appliance. Only patients with Class I malocclusion with mild (0-3 mm) or moderate (4-6 mm) crowding were included. The exclusion criteria comprised patients who had medical condition that preclude the use of surface EMG (sEMG), patients who had anterior or posterior open bite, patients who had cross bite that include more than one tooth, patients who had edentulous ridges and patients with temporomandibular disorder. Included patients were assessed at three points in time: at the start of treatment (T0), after 3 months (T1), and after 6 months (T2). The patients were instructed during the study to wear each set of aligners (Nuvola; Gruppo Europeo di Ortodonzia S.r.l., Rome, Italy) for 2 weeks and 22 h/d and to remove them while eating and drinking (except for still water). The following two assessments were done for each patient at T0, T1, and T2: surface electromyography (sEMG) evaluation and a T-Scan digital occlusal analysis evaluation. Both evaluations were performed in centric occlusion and with aligners worn. The assessments were done by the same operator. The sEMG evaluation aimed to assess the muscular symmetry and balance. The sEMG evaluation was performed using an instrument that recorded analogical sEMG signal (BTS TMJOINT, Teethan S.p.a., Garbagnate Milanese, Milano, Italy). The patients were instructed to clench as much as possible and to maintain the same level of contraction during the test. The software automatically selected the 3 s with the most stable sEMG signal. The following outcomes were assessed using the sEMG: 1. Masseter percentage overlapping coefficient (POC), temporalis POC, and mean POC: which is an index of the symmetrical distribution of sEMG potentials within homologous muscular couples. 2. Torque coefficient (TC): compares the activity of the temporalis muscle to that of the contralateral masseter muscle. 3. Activity index (Ac): compares the activity of the temporalis muscle to that of the homolateral masseter muscle 4. Asymmetry index (Asym): compares the activity of the temporalis and masseter muscles of the right side to those of the left side. The digital occlusal analysis was performed using a 100μ thin, flexible horseshoe-shaped Mylar sensor (Novus HD sensor, Tekscan, Inc. S. Boston, MA, USA) that is used to analyze the dynamic and real-time distribution and timing of occlusal contacts and can reproduce 256 levels of varying occlusal force. A first recording was made without aligners, then a second with the aligners worn on the dental arches. The following outcomes were assessed using the digital occlusal analysis: 1. Position of the center of occlusal force (COF). 2. The maximal intercuspation time (MIC) (i.e., the time interval expressed in seconds between the first dental contact and the maximal intercuspation). The null hypothesis was that no difference exists for the sEMG indexes between the 3-time points and the two occlusal conditions. Twenty-six female adult patients (mean age, 33.67 ± 13.33 years) were enrolled in this study. Statistically significant differences were observed in terms of POC for the temporalis and masseter muscles, as well as the mean POC across the three time points and between occlusal conditions (with or without aligner). Hence, null hypothesis was rejected. On the other hand, TC, Ac, Asym, and MIC variables did not exhibit any statistically significant differences. This confirms that the stable positioning of COF on the transverse plane was accompanied by the absence of torquing muscular couples or imbalances in muscular activation. Symmetry in muscular couples' activation (indicated by POC value) remained consistent over the 6-month follow-up period for the occlusion with aligners, and in fact, demonstrated some improvements. In contrast, there was a decline in POC over time during centric occlusion. Statistically significant variation in COF position was observed in the sagittal plane, but not in the transverse plane. This shift in COF position coincided with changes in muscular balance as assessed by surface electromyography. Regarding the anteroposterior position of the COF, an overall slight posterior shift was observed when aligners were worn. After 3 months of full-time aligner usage, an anterior COF position was detectable in centric occlusion, which exhibited statistical significance when compared with the occlusion involving aligners at T0 and T1. The use of clear aligners led to an anterior displacement of the COF during biting in centric occlusion, along with a posterior shift while the aligners were worn in healthy female subjects over a 6-month monitoring period. No significant asymmetries in the COF position on the transverse plane were observed. The alterations in occlusal contact were subsequently followed by a short-term improvement in muscular balance when aligners were used, but a worsening muscular balance over time in centric occlusion condition.

Morphometric evaluation of the orbital region for sex determination in a Saudi Arabian population using 3DCT images.

In forensic anthropology, the analysis of variations in the orbitometric features plays a crucial role in identifying the sex of a skull detached from its skeleton. Therefore, it is essential to create population-specific values to maximize the accuracy rate of sex estimation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the orbital region morphometrically for sex determination in a Saudi Arabian population using CT scan images. This study included 456 CT images (228 males and 228 females; age range, 18-58years). Six orbital measurements and the orbital index of both sides were evaluated to determine sexual dimorphism and laterality using an independent t-test. Sex was estimated using discriminant function analysis. Based on the orbital index, the orbit was classified into megasemes, mesosemes, and microsemes. All the measurements were significantly greater in males than females, but the orbital index showed no significant sexual dimorphism. No significant asymmetry was found in all orbital dimensions. The univariate discriminant function of the orbital measurements showed an accuracy rate between 83.8 and 70%. The multivariate analysis classified the orbital dimensions into male (93%) and female (92.1%) to the highest level of accuracy. In Saudis, the megaseme category was the most prevalent form of orbit. The right orbit height (83.8%), left orbit height (80.7%), right orbit width (79.4%), and left orbit height (79.4%) were the most reliable variables that could be used in sex determination. According to multivariate analysis, the overall accuracy rate for determining sex was 92.1%. While the present study data may not be used alone for sexing a complete skull, there must be various occasions in which this new standard will contribute to determining sex in forensic contexts.

Exchange rate volatility predictability: A new insight from climate policy uncertainty

Against the background of growing concern about climate change, this study attempts to examine the impact of US climate policy uncertainty on exchange rate volatility. Specifically, this paper explores whether climate policy changes and their extreme observations, as well as the short-term asymmetry of exchange rate volatility, can help predict future exchange rate volatilities. The in-sample estimation results show that the uncertainty of US climate policy significantly affects the volatility of the US exchange rate, and extreme positive shocks of climate policy uncertainty have a greater impact on the exchange rate than extreme negative shocks of the same magnitude. In addition, we find significant asymmetries in the short-term components of exchange rate volatility, especially in the USD-CNY exchange rate and the USD-EUR exchange rate. Multiple out-of-sample forecasting tests show that models incorporating extreme values of climate policy uncertainty exhibit superior forecasting performance. Notably, the predictive performance of these models tends to be stronger during periods of low volatility and relatively weak during periods of high volatility. This paper provides valuable insights for stakeholders to make informed decisions and optimize strategies in the face of uncertain climate policies.

Revealing the Governance Dynamics of the Coffee Chain in Colombia: A State-of-the-Art Review

Coffee is one of the most highly traded commodities in global markets. However, the coffee sector experiences significant value chain asymmetries and inequalities, both at the local and global levels. While market instruments may address these imbalances, there is an increasing recognition of the need for governance models that ensure fairness throughout the coffee supply chains, from agricultural production to the roasting and consumption of coffee. This article aims to provide a state-of-the-art review and analysis of research studies on governance dynamics within the coffee chain in Colombia. Colombia is a key coffee-producing country at the global level, with relevant coffee chain governance features. The review encompasses articles published from 2008 to 2023, a period that coincides with significant political and economic transformations in Colombia. The analysis and discussion of the findings highlight key issues and insights for further research to identify potential strategies promoting equity and sustainability within Colombian coffee chain governance.

Investigating the link between frontal sinus morphology and craniofacial characteristics with sex: A 3D CBCT study on the South Indian population.

Background: Measurement of craniofacial parameters plays an important role in sex determination in forensic science. The present study was done using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to evaluate the morphologic structure of the frontal sinuses and compare it with the width of nasal, cranial, maxillary and mandibular width which might help us in sex determination. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted using 142 full field of view (FOV) scans of patients archived from the department. The width of the nose, cranium, maxilla, and mandibular width was measured and compared with the frontal sinus between the two sexes. Results: A paired t-test was done to compare the linear measurements for both sexes' right and left frontal sinuses. The measurements were higher in males when compared to females. There was a statistically significant asymmetry (larger dimension on the left side) of the anterioposterior (p-value of 0.012) and superior-inferior dimensions in males (p-value of 0.135). Spearman's correlation showed that frontal sinus correlated with other craniofacial parameters like nasal, cranial, maxillary and mandibular width among both sexes. The frontal sinus, nasal, cranial, maxillary and mandibular widths were higher in males when compared to females (independent t-test). Discriminant function scores showed 66-68% accuracy to discriminate sex, using the anteroposterior dimension and mandibular width. Conclusions: The measurement of craniofacial parameters using CBCT can aid in determining the sex of unidentified and decomposed bodies.

Assessing historical church tower asymmetry using point cloud spatial expansion

Church towers are key cultural heritage. In theory, towers are vertical, while facade elements are symmetrically positioned around the tower axis. However, during service of a structure, building and lifetime conditions cause deviations, with associated risks. Laser scanning point clouds can be used to assess the structural state but a universal approach was missing. The proposed algorithm first estimates the tower inclination, and tests which multi-axis representation best represents the course of the tower. Next, point cloud spatial expansion recovers relative distances and deviations of facade elements. The resulting procedure was applied to assess two Dutch medieval towers including the Old Church in Delft and the St. Bavo Church in Haarlem, respectively. As results of analysis, significant asymmetry was found with a 1.4° deviation of the multi-modal axis of the St. Bavo Church tower together with variations of 0.1%–1.5% for facade slopes, while 0.1°–3.1° radial deviations were found in the position of the turrets of the Old Church tower.

Modelling and response of composite steel‐concrete members under cyclic loading

AbstractThis paper deals with the modelling and assessment of the inelastic cyclic behaviour of composite members consisting of steel beams and reinforced concrete slabs, designed to European standards. The work involves the development of detailed continuum models that can simulate the asymmetric behaviour and cyclic degradation characteristics of composite members. The generated model is first validated against available experimental results then used to investigate the influence of important parameters affecting the moment‐rotation relationships at the dissipative composite beam ends under cyclic loading. Based on the results, nonlinear relationships for modelling the response of composite members are proposed. It is shown that the degradation modelling parameters are most influenced by the cross‐section slenderness of the structural steel and the depth of the composite beam. Together with significant asymmetry in cyclic behaviour, around 20% higher cyclic degradation is observed in composite members compared to their bare steel counterparts. In addition to providing information required for the seismic design and assessment, the proposed expressions are utilised for the calibration of lumped plasticity models with cyclic degradation suitable for computationally efficient frame‐level analysis.

Analysis of cord stress during tire dynamic longitudinal slip

Selected 215/55 R17 radial tires for material test to obtain relevant material parameters. Used these parameters to build a finite element model and conduct longitudinal slip simulation. The relationship between longitudinal force and slip rate at different speeds and loads was determined by tire longitudinal slip tests. Then the longitudinal slip simulation results were compared with the test results to verify the feasibility of the model. The circumferential and axial rebar force of the belt layer at different speeds and the extreme value of the circumferential rebar force on the reverse-envelope of different skeleton materials were analyzed. The results show that: in the static state, the cord force of the belt layer had shown a trend consistent with the direction of the cord arrangement. As the speed increased, the belt cord force exhibited significant fluctuations and asymmetry. The rebar force of the turn-up points on the belt and ply is significantly smaller compared to the fetal crown ply. The rebar force at the fetal crown and belt wrapping points at 60 km/h was smaller than at 40 km/h and 80 km/h. The cord force of the fetal crown ply and the belt ply is much more affected by the load than that of the ply.