Search Results (5,614)

Background: Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent ligament injuries in elite sports. Despite their high incidence, current rehabilitation approaches are often based on time-based criteria and neglect the physiological status of the injured tissues. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-invasive tool useful for detecting temperature asymmetries related to inflammation and tissue dysfunction. This study aimed to analyze the temporal evolution of ankle temperature asymmetry during return-to-play (RTP). Methods: A retrospective observational study of 26 ankle injuries analyzed with thermography that met the inclusion criteria. Thermograms were processed with a software to calculate temperature asymmetry in the ankle region of interest (ankleROI). Statistical analyses included paired and one-sample t-tests, as well as linear regression models, to assess temporal changes throughout the RTP process. Results: A significant hyperthermic response was observed immediately after injury (Δ = +0.594 °C; p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.918). The first significant asymmetry reduction occurred between 21.5 and 28.5 days post-injury (Δ = –0.488 °C; p = 0.004), with a consistent weekly decrease of –0.109 °C (95% CI [–0.143, –0.078]). These findings indicate a progressive decrease in decrement on thermal asymmetry over approximately four weeks of RTP. Conclusions: IRT demonstrates potential as a physiological monitoring tool during the RTP process after ankle sprains. The observed pattern of temperature recovery provides objective reference thresholds that could complement existing functional and clinical criteria. Full article

Haruki Murakami’s Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World portrays a world where the “shadow”, the seat of memory, desire, and volition, is surgically removed, leaving behind a perfectly fluent but phenomenologically empty self. We argue that this literary structure mirrors a precise mathematical distinction in topological quantum matter. In a semisimple theory such as the semions of $\mathrm{SU}{\left(2\right)}_1$, there is a reducible component $V\left(x\right)$ of the $\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb{C})$ character variety: a flat, abelian manifold devoid of parabolic singularities. By contrast, the non-semisimple completion introduces a neutral indecomposable excitation, the neglecton, whose presence forces the mapping class group from the standard braid group $B_2$ to the affine braid group ${\mathrm{Aff}}_2$ and lifts the character variety to the Cayley cubic $V\left(C\right)$, with its four parabolic loci. We propose that contemporary AI systems, including large language models, inhabit the shadowless regime of $V\left(x\right)$: they exhibit coherence and fluency but lack any bulk degree of freedom capable of supporting persistent identity, non-contractible memory, or choice. To endow artificial systems with depth, one must introduce a structural asymmetry, a fixed, neutral defect analogous to the neglecton, that embeds computation in the non-semisimple geometry of the cubic. We outline an experimentally plausible architecture for such an “artificial ombre,” based on annular topological media with a pinned parabolic defect, realisable in fractional quantum Hall heterostructures, $p+ip$ superconductors, or cold-atom simulators. Our framework suggests that consciousness, biological or artificial, may depend on or benefit from a bulk–boundary tension mediated by a logarithmic degree of freedom: a mathematical shadow that cannot be computed away. Engineering such a defect offers a new pathway toward AGI with genuine phenomenological depth. Full article

Weather change, as a physical risk factor of climate change, increasingly impacts the energy market. This paper investigates China’s major energy futures using a QVAR framework to analyze spillover effects under different market conditions, addressing mean-model limitations. It also reveals state-dependent weather impacts on spillovers, providing physical climate risk evidence. The results show the following: (1) Spillover effects intensify under extreme conditions, with crude oil and fuel oil as main transmitters, and methanol and coking coal as key recipients. Coking coal shows a stronger spillover absorption capacity under extreme conditions. (2) The Total Spillover Index (TSI) displays significant time-varying feature and sensitivity to external shocks, with heightened asymmetry and complexity in extreme markets. (3) Weather change significantly affects spillovers of China’s energy futures, with temperature, cooling and heating loads, and precipitation showing different impacts on TSI across market conditions. These findings provide references for energy finance regulation and risk early warning under climate change conditions. Full article

This study examines the determinants of food price inflation in Morocco using a comprehensive econometric framework based on an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. Relying on monthly data and controlling for major structural shocks, the analysis captures both the short-run dynamics and long-run equilibrium relationships between food prices and key macroeconomic, external, and climatic variables. The estimation results reveal strong inflation inertia, indicating that past food prices are the most significant driver of current price changes. External cost variables, including the nominal effective exchange rate, world oil prices, and international cereal prices, are mostly insignificant in the short run, suggesting a muted and delayed pass-through. Import volumes exert a marginal but lagged effect, while rainfall emerges as a consistent determinant, highlighting Morocco’s structural vulnerability to climatic variability. The error-correction term is negative and significant, confirming the existence of a stable long-run relationship. Long-run estimates show that oil prices and precipitation remain relevant drivers of food price dynamics, whereas the exchange rate appears largely neutral, reflecting the impact of subsidies, managed exchange rate arrangements, and domestic supply-chain characteristics. Nonlinear NARDL estimations provide no evidence of asymmetric exchange rate pass-through. The findings underscore some policy recommendations to enhance agricultural resilience, strengthen climate adaptation, and improve supply-chain efficiency for food price stability. Full article

Financial statement fraud remains a substantial risk in environments marked by weak regulatory oversight and information asymmetry. This study develops a decision-centric framework that integrates machine learning, explainable artificial intelligence, and decision curve analysis to improve fraud detection under severe class imbalance. Using 969 firm-year observations from 132 Mongolian firms (2013–2024), we evaluate 21 financial ratios with models including Random Forest, XGBoost, LightGBM, MLP, TabNet, and a Stacking Ensemble trained with SMOTE and class-weighted learning. Performance was assessed using PR-AUC, F1-score, Recall, and DeLong-based significance testing. The Stacking Ensemble achieved the strongest results (PR-AUC = 0.93; F1 = 0.83), outperforming both classical and modern baseline models. Interpretability analyses (SHAP, LIME, and counterfactual explanations) consistently identified leverage, profitability, and liquidity indicators as dominant drivers of fraud risk, supported by a SHAP Stability Index of 0.87. Decision curve analysis showed that calibrated thresholds improved decision efficiency by 7–9% and reduced over-audit costs by 3–4%, while an audit cost simulation estimated annual savings of 80–100 million MNT. Overall, the proposed ML–XAI–DCA framework offers a transparent, interpretable, and cost-efficient approach for enhancing fraud detection in emerging-market contexts with limited textual disclosures. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Hemiplegia following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) disrupts gait symmetry and efficiency, compromising functional independence. The integration of surface electromyography (sEMG) and inertial measurement units (IMU) enables quantitative assessment of muscle activation and segmental dynamics, providing objective data for therapeutic planning. Case presentation: A 57-year-old male with chronic right hemiplegia, eight years post-ischemic stroke of the left middle cerebral artery. The patient ambulated independently without assistive devices, exhibiting right lower-limb circumduction. Clinical assessment revealed the following scores: Barthel Index 85/100, Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) 16/28, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test 13 s, and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores of 1 (upper limb) and 1+ (lower limb). Methods: Multichannel sEMG (Miotool 800^®, 8 channels) was recorded form the lumbar erectors, gluteus medius and maximus, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius. Ag/AgCI electrodes were positioned according to SENIAM recommendations: sampling rate: 1000 Hz; band-pass filter: 20–500 Hz; notch filter: 60 Hz; normalization to %MVC. Simultaneously, IMU signals (Xsens DOT^®, 60 Hz) were collected from both ankles during slow, medium and fast walking (20 s each) and compared with a healthy control subject. Results: The patient exhibited reduced sEMG amplitude and increased peak irregularity on the affected side, particularly in the gluteus medius, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius, along with agonist desynchronication. IMU data revealed decreased range of motion and angular pattern irregularity, with inconsistent acceleration peaks in the right ankle compared to the control, confirming neuromuscular and kinematic asymmetry. Conclusions: The combined sEMG-IMU analysis identified deficits in selective motor control and propulsion on the affected hemibody, providing essential information to guide physiotherapeutic interventions targeting pelvic stability, dorsiflexion, and propulsive phase training, enabling objective follow-up beyond specialized laboratory settings. Full article

Accurate determination of the propagation constant ($\gamma$) in uniform microwave lines is critical but challenging due to the requirement for complex calibration and susceptibility to measurement noise. In order to overcome these limitations, a new objective function has been derived for improved propagation constant $\gamma$ measurement of uniform lines with symmetric reflections through calibration-free line–line measurements. Well-known methods in the literature on the determination of propagation constants with reflection asymmetry and non-reciprocal behavior structures are investigated and compared. To this end, mathematical derivations related to theory of microwave networks are validated by measurements in microwave frequency range X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz). Its advantage relies on the fact that it uses a term which is in the product form of determinants of two characteristic terms, whose value is close to unity both in theory and experiments. Eigenfactor (complex exponential) and $\gamma$ measurements of an X-band uniform (empty) waveguide section with symmetric reflections were carried out to validate our proposed formalism. Full article

Background/Objectives: Facial nerve injury from conditions such as Bell’s palsy, trauma, surgery, and infection leads to facial asymmetry and motor deficits. Axotomy models reproduce peripheral nerve disruption and consequent motor impairment. To compare the effects of forward versus reverse autologous nerve suturing on neural regeneration and motor recovery within the facial nucleus after axotomy. Methods: In rats subjected to facial nerve axotomy, motor recovery was assessed at 8 weeks using whisker movement and blink reflex tests. Immunohistochemistry quantified choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and Iba-1 as indices of cholinergic function, cellular stress/inflammation modulation, and microglial activation in the facial nucleus. Results: Axotomy significantly reduced whisker and blink scores compared with sham. Both forward and reverse suturing significantly improved these behavioral outcomes versus axotomy. Within the facial nucleus, axotomy decreased ChAT- and SIRT1-positive cells and increased Iba-1 expression, while both suturing techniques increased ChAT and SIRT1 and reduced Iba-1. These changes suggest enhanced cholinergic function, mitigation of stress/inflammatory responses, and attenuation of microglial activation following repair. Conclusions: Forward and reverse suturing were each associated with improved motor function and favorable molecular and cellular changes in the facial nucleus after facial nerve axotomy. These findings support the utility of surgical repair irrespective of graft orientation and highlight involvement of key pathways—cholinergic signaling, SIRT1-related regulation, and microglial activity—in nerve restoration. This work extends our previous study, which focused on peripheral nerve regeneration after forward and reverse suturing, by elucidating how graft orientation affects central facial nucleus responses. By integrating behavioral outcomes with ChAT, Iba-1, and SIRT1 expression, the present study provides novel insight into the central mechanisms underlying motor recovery after facial nerve repair and helps explain why comparable functional outcomes are achieved regardless of graft polarity. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) framework developed to investigate the thermomechanical response and failure behavior of cylindrical 18650-type lithium-ion battery cans under explosion conditions. The model captures the coupled evolution of gas pressure, temperature, and particle dynamics, as well as the resulting deformation and fracture of the metallic enclosure. Parametric analyses were conducted to evaluate the influence of the internal gas domain geometry, can wall thickness, and initial pressure on the structural response, along with the subsequent post-explosion interaction between the escaping gas and external protective coverage. The results demonstrate the strong dependence of failure initiation on gas confinement geometry and highlight the existence of transient thermodynamic asymmetries within the gas domain that govern the impulse transferred to the can wall. The proposed modeling approach provides a physically consistent means of reproducing the key stages of battery explosion—from internal pressurization to external gas impact—and offers valuable insights for designing safer and more resilient energy storage enclosures. Full article

Efficient packing of irregular mechanical parts in limited container space is essential for reducing transportation and storage costs in automated manufacturing. This study focuses on eccentric-shaped parts characterized by geometric asymmetry, multiple orientations, and local irregularities, and proposes a two-stage three-dimensional packing strategy. In the first stage, an optimal single-layer layout is generated using a heuristic algorithm that combines grid scanning with a gravity-drop principle and tabu search to optimize part positions and orientations. In the second stage, the optimized layer template is vertically replicated with buffer layers to enhance stacking stability, ensuring feasible and non-overlapping arrangements. Comparative experiments with Best Fit, BLF, LHL, and Random methods show that the proposed approach increases average space utilization by 8.3%, 8.8%, 8.1%, and 15.5%, respectively, while maintaining high stability and reasonable computation time. The results demonstrate that this method achieves dense and stable packing, offering an effective solution for intelligent packing and automated production of irregular parts. Full article

A macrotidal estuary with mountain-stream inputs (MEMSs) is characterized by strong hydrodynamic forcing, high turbidity, and complex channel morphology. This study combines field measurements (2005–2020) with a 2D hydrodynamic–sediment model to examine estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) dynamics, erosion–deposition patterns, and the effects of engineering interventions in the Jiaojiang Estuary (JJE). Results show that the coupled influence of upstream floods and downstream macrotides produces highly seasonal and spatially variable water–sediment processes: mountain-stream floods exhibit sharp hydrodynamic fluctuations, and the estuary displays pronounced tidal-wave deformation. Over the 15-year observation period, the riverbed experienced alternating erosion (up to −3.5 m) and deposition (up to +4.2 m), with net erosion of 0.5–1.2 m occurring in most Ling River sections during high-discharge years. The ETM migrated about 30 km during spring tides, with near-bed suspended sediment concentrations reaching 50–60 kg/m³. Human activities—particularly historical sand mining—modified channel geometry and sediment composition, intensifying the exchange between bed material and suspended sediment and facilitating the formation and migration of the ETM. Extreme events further enhanced geomorphic adjustment: the post-Lekima (2019) flood produced maximum scour of −5.8 m in the upper Ling River and deposition of +3.2 m in the Jiaojiang main channel within weeks. Channel curvature and junction morphology strongly controlled flood-level distribution. Model experiments indicate that lowering shoal elevations and widening the cross-section at key constrictions can effectively reduce flood levels. Collectively, these findings clarify the morphodynamic evolution mechanisms of a MEMS system and provide quantitative guidance for flood-mitigation and estuarine-management strategies. Full article

This article examines how the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of biological assets (BAs) under IAS 41 affect value creation in Colombian agribusinesses following IFRS adoption. Using EMIS Benchmark data for Colombia, we construct a panel of 157 agro-industrial firms that are neither subsidiaries of multinationals nor listed on the stock exchange; the panel covers 2012–2022, spanning the period before and after IFRS adoption. The database combines accounting and financial indicators with categorical variables capturing the scope of activities, valuation methods (historical cost, realisable value, present value, fair value), and disclosure policies for BAs. Value creation is proxied by EBITDA, return on equity (ROE), and return on assets (ROA). We estimate fixed-effects panel models for three IFRS groups. Results show that, in Group 1, defining the accounting scope and using fair value and present value as measurement bases are associated with higher firm value, while Groups 2 and 3 display positive but statistically weaker effects. Explicit disclosure is also associated with higher profitability, particularly for SMEs. These findings are consistent with agency and firm theories: when entrepreneurial activities are recognised, measured, and disclosed consistently and transparently, information asymmetry and agency costs fall, and accounting policies become a driver of organisational performance in agribusinesses in emerging markets. The results also support the assumptions of institutional theory, as external regulatory pressures from IFRS and internal pressures arising from relationships among firms in the agro-industrial sector shape and reinforce information disclosure practices. Full article

The effects of extreme heat events on Surface Urban Heat Island Intensity (SUHII) were investigated in Lecce (southern Italy) during the summer months (June–August) from 2018 to 2025. The analysis began with the identification of heatwave frequency, duration, and intensity using the Warm Spell Duration Index (WSDI), based on a homogenized long-term temperature record, which indicated a progressive increase in persistent extreme events in recent years. High-resolution ECOSTRESS land surface temperature (LST) data were then processed and combined with CORINE Land Cover (CLC) information to examine the thermal response of different urban fabrics, compact residential areas, continuous/discontinuous urban fabric, and industrial–commercial zones. SUHII was derived from each ECOSTRESS acquisition and evaluated across multiple diurnal intervals to assess temporal variability under both normal and WSDI conditions. The results show a consistent diurnal asymmetry: daytime SUHII becomes more negative during WSDI periods, reflecting enhanced rural warming under dry and highly irradiated conditions, despite overall higher absolute LST during heatwaves, whereas nighttime SUHII intensifies, particularly in dense urban areas where higher thermal inertia promotes persistent heat retention. Statistical analyses confirm significant differences between normal and extreme conditions across all classes and time intervals. These findings demonstrate that extreme heat events alter the urban–rural thermal contrast by amplifying nighttime heat accumulation and reinforcing daytime negative SUHII values. The integration of WSDI-derived heatwave characterization with multi-year ECOSTRESS observations highlights the increasing thermal vulnerability of compact urban environments under intensifying summer extremes. Full article

This study aimed to assess the association between four depression subtypes and health-related symptoms. Although it was expected that there would be asymmetry across the associations between depression subtypes and health, that relationship had not been previously reported. Data on the core diagnostic symptoms of depression and four depression subtypes, plus health-related outcomes, were collected from a sample of 301 community participants who completed standardised self-report questionnaires. Results indicated that Somatic Depression and Depressed Mood were most consistently associated with poorer outcomes across physical, emotional, and social domains, while Cognitive Depression and Anhedonia subtypes showed weaker associations. An exploratory network analysis identified Social Functioning and Depressed Mood as central nodes, indicating that affective disturbance and social wellbeing are key pathways through which depression relates to wider health outcomes. In conclusion, these results confirmed the heterogeneity of depression, as well as indicating that certain symptom clusters carry disproportionate weight in predicting health outcomes, thus exhibiting an asymmetrical pattern of associations between depression and health. Full article

Background: Emerging Asian economies face a critical policy dilemma: macroeconomic and sustainability factors affect high-performing and struggling logistics exporters in fundamentally different ways. Methods: Analysing transportation trade data from China, South Korea, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia (2000–2023) using Panel Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lag (P-QARDL) methodology, this study investigates asymmetric relationships between macroeconomic indicators (real GDP, inflation, real effective exchange rate), sustainability variables (energy intensity, energy prices, CO₂ emissions), and logistics performance measured through transportation trade flows. Results: The results reveal striking performance-dependent heterogeneities that conventional approaches overlook. Economic growth provides 55% larger benefits to high performers (0.345) versus strugglers (0.222), confirming scale advantages. Energy constraints intensify for successful exporters, with energy intensity penalties 12% larger in upper quantiles. CO₂ emissions correlate positively with logistics performance, with effects doubling from lower (0.142) to upper quantiles (0.341), highlighting an intensifying sustainability trade-off. Error correction operates 39% faster during high-performance periods. Conclusions: These asymmetric relationships challenge one-size-fits-all policies, necessitating targeted energy efficiency interventions for high performers and growth-enabling support for struggling exporters. Full article