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BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Low vitamin D levels in individuals with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) have been reported and suggested as a potential contributor to IS. Bone density has also been shown to be lower in individuals with IS. PURPOSE: To investigate serum levels of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), markers of bone metabolism, and the genetic variation associated with vitamin D levels and bone den
The vehicle routing problem is one of the most often studied optimization problems. In this study, an improved artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is proposed which is structured specifically to address the capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP), a significant challenge in combinatorial optimization. The proposed algorithm integrates several novel features to improve its performance on CVRP
Electrification of regional railway systems constitutes a promising strategy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving air quality in the transportation sector. While full electrification via overhead line equipment (OLE) is technically viable for high-density corridors, it is often not economically justified on low-traffic routes due to high infrastructure costs relative to usage
Efficient energy management is a key challenge for regional train services,especially when considering the seasonal variation in auxiliary energy demands such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). This studyexplores how adjusting the maximum operational speed of regional trains canoptimize energy consumption without exceeding design limits or necessitating larger battery sizes. By
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Interphalangeal joint arthrodesis of the hand is a common procedure, but data on outcomes and complications is limited. We aimed to determine the non-union rate, evaluate risk factors for non-union, and investigate the frequency and distribution of complications across different fixation methods.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all interphalangeal joint arthrodeses perf
Background The assessment of pituitary tumor (PT) volume is important in the treatment and follow-up of patients with PT. Previously, PT volume estimation has been performed by conventional geometric equations (CGE) such as abc/2 (simplified ellipsoid volume equation) and 4πr 3 /3 (sphere), both presuming a symmetric tumor shape, which occurs uncommonly in patients with PT. In contrast, three-dim
In the recent few years, covert supply chain prevention (CSCP) in the maritime logistics is gaining lot of importance. It refers to hidden and clandestine movement of goods and services using water ways. Therefore, the presented research aims to design multidimensional approaches to assess anticipated risks and develop risk mitigation strategies comprising of technological innovations, regulatory
INTRODUCTION: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is widely used as treatment of decompression sickness (DCS). The patient breathes oxygen at an elevated oxygen partial pressure of up to 280 kPa, whereas any inside attendant (IA) normally breathes air. This results in nitrogen uptake and tissue loading in the IA, which must be considered during decompression. The US Navy Treatment Table 6, and its eq
Background: The prevalence of contact allergy to linalool hydroperoxides (HPs) and limonene HPs is high and differs in different populations. Patch test techniques might affect the results. Objectives: To report the prevalence of contact allergy when the HPs were tested in different test chambers. Materials and Methods: Consecutive adult dermatitis patients were patch tested during April 2023–July
Uzbekistan’s post-2016 foreign and domestic policy trajectory offers a revealing case of how states facing acute geopolitical precarity convert vulnerability into strategic agency. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and amid China’s expanding institutional and economic presence in Central Asia, Uzbekistan has been exposed to growing external pressure that might ordinarily lead to authoritarian
Enhancing the efficiency of mobility in tourism destinations is essential for their transition toward sustainability, as it reduces environmental impacts, improves visitor experiences, and strengthens local economies. The type of reconfiguration possible to achieve more efficient mobility, and how it can be accomplished, is highly dependent on the spatial embeddedness of each destination. This cha
The growing availability of large-scale biomarker datasets has allowed data-driven methods to characterize Alzheimer’s disease biological heterogeneity. However, most prior studies have focused on cohorts of late-onset amnestic cases, leaving early-onset Alzheimer’s disease underexplored. We aimed to characterize tau-PET-based subtypes through a robust data-driven approach in the Longitudinal Earl
This article explores model construction in research on motivation for language learning. Drawing on Kuhn’s (1962, 1970) theory of scientific revolutions, it examines critiques of two paradigmatic models: the Socio Educational Model of Second Language Acquisition (Gardner 1985) and the L2 Motivational Self System (Dörnyei 2009). In discussing the challenges to these models, consideration is given
