bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in complicated appendicitis in children: a single center study
Authors: Seqsaqa Mohammad , Rozeik Ahmed Ezzat , Khalifa Mohammed , Ashri Hazem Nour Abdellatif 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Acute complicated appendicitis is a common abdominal emergency in children. Unlike simple appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy has not been considered yet the first choice in management of complicated appendicitis. This prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at Pediatric Surgery Department, Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt, during the period from December 2018 to August 2019. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of laparoscopic appendectomy in such cases compared to open appendectomy.

Results
Sixty patients were included in the study, divided randomly into 2 equal groups: laparoscopic and open appendectomy groups. The mean operative time was significantly longer with laparoscopic appendectomy than open appendectomy, 85 vs. 61 min, respectively (p < 0.001**). The time taken to start oral intake was significantly shorter with laparoscopic appendectomy than open appendectomy, 1.9 vs. 2.73 days, respectively (p = 0.025*). The mean hospital stay was significantly lower with laparoscopic appendectomy than open appendectomy, 4.23 vs. 5.13, respectively (p = 0.044*). There were no statistical differences between the two groups regarding wound infection, occurrence of postoperative ileus, intraperitoneal collection, or readmission.

Conclusions
Laparoscopic appendectomy is safe, feasible, and effective procedure in the management of complicated appendicitis in children, with no evidence of any increase in the postoperative complications.
Application of focal-time analysis for improved induced seismicity depth control: A case study from the Montney Formation, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Riazi Naimeh , Eaton David W. , Aklilu Alemayehu , Poulin Andrew 
Published: August 2020

Characterization of induced seismicity and associated microseismicity is an important challenge for enhanced oil recovery and development of tight hydrocarbon reservoirs. In particular, accurately correlating hypocenters of induced events to stratigraphic layers plays an important role in understanding the mechanisms of fault activation. Existing methods for estimating focal depth, however, are prone to a high degree of uncertainty. A comprehensive analysis of inferred focal depths is applied to induced events that occurred during completions of horizontal wells targeting the Montney Formation in British Columbia, Canada. Our workflow includes a probabilistic, nonlinear global-search algorithm (NonLinLoc), a hierarchical clustering algorithm for relative relocation (GrowClust), and depth refinement using the recently developed focal-time method. The focal-time method leverages stratigraphic correlations between P-P and P-S reflections to eliminate the need for an explicit velocity model developed specifically for hypocenter depth estimation. We find that this approach is robust in the presence of noisy picks and location errors from epicenters obtained using a global-search algorithm, but it is limited to areas where multicomponent 3D seismic data are available. We have developed a novel method to determine statics corrections to ensure that the passive seismic observations and 3D seismic data share a common datum in areas of moderate to high topography. Our results highlight the importance of transverse faults, which appear to provide permeable pathways for activation of other faults at distances of up to 2 km from hydraulic fracturing operations.
La batalla por la opinión pública: Radiodifusión y política comunicacional en la vía chilena al socialismo
Authors: Salgado Alfonso 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Este artículo analiza la política de radiodifusión del Gobierno de Salvador Allende y la Unidad Popular. Si bien Allende obligó a todas las estaciones de radio a entrar forzosamente en cadena nacional en situaciones de emergencia, prefirió ejercer influencia en el dial a través de métodos menos controvertidos (adquisición de radios comerciales, otorgamiento de concesiones a simpatizantes, distribución estratégica del avisaje estatal, etcétera). El presidente y los partidos de izquierda pusieron especial énfasis en el establecimiento y coordinación de una red de radioemisoras leales al Gobierno que abarcase todo el territorio nacional, esto en el marco de una acalorada batalla comunicacional con la oposición. La necesidad de competir con las estaciones de radio independientes y con las de la oposición forzó a la izquierda a adaptarse a las estructuras ya consolidadas de la esfera radial, pese a su desagrado por el carácter comercial y alienante del medio.
Hannah Arendt’s Contribution to a Critique of Political Economy
Authors: Howard Mimi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis article provides a genealogy of Hannah Arendt’s treatment of political economy in the years prior to the publication of The Human Condition (1958). In the early 1950s her archival papers and diary entries display deep concern for a host of topics at the intersection of political and economic thought: labor, work, slavery, consumption, industrialization, and automation. Such interests, which were passed through the philosophical canon from Aristotle to Marx, would serve as the theoretical basis for many of the distinctions that define The Human Condition. When set within the context of midcentury debates around political economy, it becomes clear that Arendt conceived the distinctions not only to respond to the aporias of Western philosophy but also to contest contemporaries who put stock in dialectical materialist accounts of political emancipation. Understanding Arendt’s adversaries more clearly provides the chance to see her conceptual distinctions as interventions into concurrent attempts to revise Marxian political economy in the latter half of the twentieth century.
Cultural Identity and Cultural Difference in Zuozhuan
Authors: Li Wai-yee 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
There is no fixed categorical term for barbarians in Chinese. Specific groups are identified as “aliens” or “cultural others” through words like Man 蠻, Yi 夷, Rong 戎, and Di 狄, but all four terms can be specific or categorical. It is often said that the us-versus-them formula in Zuozhuan (and early Chinese texts in general) is cultural rather than ethnic, but precise definitions of cultural difference can be elusive. This article begins with a discussion of the historical basis for defining possible differences in socioeconomic and cultural practice and moves to the question of representation. It focuses on three issues: (1) Who is the barbarian? Using Lu's dealings with the eastern Yi domains as case studies, the author explores how representation of cultural others is inseparable from cultural self-definition. Similarities and shared roots seem to have generated the impetus for emphasizing distinctions. (2) Arguments on cultural connections or lack thereof are often built on historical retrospection. Embracing historical ties with barbarians can be a way to resist Zhou dynasty demands, even as using the ancient past to disclaim the status of cultural other can function to assert hegemonic ambition. The author examines the uses of history to manipulate notions of shared roots and radical difference. (3) Since the negative qualities attributed to barbarians come up in speeches, we need to consider the rhetorical context of moralizing otherness. Whether the issue is debates on military strategy, the choice of war or peace, or the etiquette of presenting the spoils of victory, we see how attention to particular motives and circumstances driving historical developments results in a complex and nuanced picture that resists simplistic and moralized formulations of cultural identity and cultural difference.
Case Report: Obsessive compulsive disorder in posterior cerebellar infarction - illustrating clinical and functional connectivity modulation using MRI-informed transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Mehta Urvakhsh Meherwan , Shadakshari Darshan , Vani Pulaparambil , Naik Shalini S , Kiran Raj V , Vangimalla Reddy Rani , Reddy YC Janardhan , Sreevalsan-Nair Jaya , Bharath Rose Dawn 
Published: August 2020

Objectives: We describe atypical and resistant neuropsychiatric clinical manifestations in a young male with posterior cerebellar gliosis. We also attempt to test the mediating role of the cerebellum in the clinical presentation by manipulating the frontal-cerebellar network using MRI-informed transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Methods: A case report of a young adult male describing obsessive-compulsive symptoms, probably secondary to an infarct in the cerebellar right crus II, combined with an examination of behavioral and functional connectivity changes following TMS treatment. Results: Obsessions, compulsions, and pathological slowing were observed in the background of a posterior cerebellar infarct, along with impairments in vigilance, working memory, verbal fluency, visuospatial ability, and executive functions, in the absence of any motor coordination difficulties. These symptoms did not respond to escitalopram. MRI-informed intermittent theta-burst stimulation delivered to the pre-supplementary motor area identified based on its connectivity with the cerebellar lesion in the crus II resulted in partial improvement of symptoms with enhanced within and between-network modularity of the cerebellar network connectivity. Conclusion: We illustrate a case of OCD possibly secondary to a posterior cerebellar infarct, supporting the role of the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of OCD. Functional connectivity informed non-invasive neuromodulation demonstrated partial treatment response. A seriation technique showed extended connectivity of the cerebellar lesion regions following the neuromodulatory treatment.
30-day outcome after orthopaedic surgery in patients assessed as negative for COVID-19 at the time of surgery during the peak of the pandemic
Authors: Price Andrew , Shearman Alexander D. , Hamilton Thomas W. , Alvand Abtin , Kendrick Ben ,   COVID-19 NOC Surgical Team
Published: August 2020

Introduction The aim of this study is to report the 30 day COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality of patients assessed as SARS-CoV-2 negative who underwent emergency or urgent orthopaedic surgery in the NHS during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method A retrospective, single centre, observational cohort study of all patients undergoing surgery between 17 March 2020 and 3May 2020 was performed. Outcomes were stratified by British Orthopaedic Association COVID-19 Patient Risk Assessment Tool. Patients who were SARS-CoV-2 positive at the time of surgery were excluded. Results Overall, 96 patients assessed as negative for SARS-CoV-2 at the time of surgery underwent 100 emergency or urgent orthopaedic procedures during the study period. Within 30 days of surgery 9.4% of patients (n = 9) were found to be SARS-CoV-2 positive by nasopharyngeal swab. The overall 30 day mortality rate across the whole cohort of patients during this period was 3% (n = 3). Of those testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 66% (n = 6) developed significant COVID-19 related complications and there was a 33% 30-day mortality rate (n = 3). Overall, the 30-day mortality in patients classified as BOA low or medium risk (n = 69) was 0%, whereas in those classified as high or very high risk (n = 27) it was 11.1%. Conclusion Orthopaedic surgery in SARS-CoV-2 negative patients who transition to positive within 30 days of surgery carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. In lower risk groups, the overall risk of becoming SARS-CoV-2 positive, and subsequently developing a significant postoperative related complication, was low even during the peak of the pandemic. In addition to ensuring patients are SARS-CoV-2 negative at the time of surgery it is important that the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 is minimized through their recovery. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-8:474–480.
Evaluation of Shake-and-Catch Methods on Harvesting of Tall Spindle Apples
Authors: Xing Haiqian , Ma Shaochun , Liu Ming , Wang Menglong , Wei Yi , Hu Jiwei , Wang Fenglei , Xing Haonan , Bai Jing 
Published: August 2020

HighlightsBoth frequency and amplitude were influencing factors in analyzing the fruit removal efficiency and fruit damage.This research focused on tall spindle ‘Fuji’ apple trees, which enriched the study of the variety and architecture resources of apple trees.The advice for shake-and-catch harvesting was based on the analysis of amplitude and frequency from the perspective of energy consumption.Abstract. Almost all fresh-market apples are picked manually, and these apples rank among the most labor-intensive fruit crops to produce. Due to declining labor supply and rising labor costs, fresh-market apple growers are seeking mechanical harvesting solutions. Shake-and-catch is a potential method that has been well studied. However, because of fruit damage, this method cannot be widely used for fresh-market apples. The primary goal of this study was to investigate how the physical properties of the fruit tree and the shaker parameters affect fruit removal efficiency and fruit damage in an effort to help growers find solutions to the above-mentioned issues. A test system was developed, and its performance was evaluated in certain shaking modes. Based on the experimental results, the physical properties of the tree (length and diameter of limb, length and diameter of twig, and apple weight) and the frequency and amplitude of the shaker influenced the effectiveness of fruit detachment. When the amplitude of the shaker was 14.3 mm and the frequency was less than 15 Hz, the length of the twig had the greatest effect on fruit harvesting. However, with increasing frequency and amplitude, the effect of tree properties on fruit harvesting declined, and amplitude had a more significant effect on fruit harvesting than frequency. Moreover, the fruit removal rate reached 91.43% when the amplitude was 14.3 mm and the frequency was 20 Hz. The results of this study contribute to the development of an effective mechanical harvester that is adapted to tall spindle apple trees. Keywords: Amplitude, Apple fresh market, Frequency, Physical properties, Shake-and-catch, Tall spindle.
Improved Mixing System for Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Reactors
Authors: Hamilton Douglas W. , Lopez Hernan  Fernandez-Barriales , Cuesta Alonso Emilia P. 
Published: August 2020

HighlightsA novel single-jet mixing system was designed for ASBR digesters.Mixing energy was reduced to the point that solids were only partially suspended in the reactor vessel.The partial mixing system increased effluent quality as measured by suspended solids content.The partial mixing system increased solids retention, allowing hydraulic retention time (HRT) to be reduced to at least 7.5 days while maintaining solids retention time (SRT) above 100 days.The partial mixing system did not reduce biogas production rate nor biogas yield.Abstract. An anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) is a high-rate anaerobic digestion system ideally suited for the treatment of liquids with high organic strength and low solids content. Biota are retained in an ASBR by settling solids prior to decanting effluent from the top of the reactor. Solids retention time (SRT) can be managed separately from hydraulic retention time (HRT) in an ASBR. One problem encountered with ASBRs is poor solids retention due to inefficient solids settling. A novel mixing system in which solids are only partially mixed in the reactor prior to decanting was investigated in a series of three experiments. A battery of six 30 L ASBR reactors were fed a mixture of dilute swine manure (0.30% TS, 0.20% VS) and raw glycerol. In a side-by-side comparison of two reactors operated at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 0.30 g COD L-1 d-1 with 15-day HRT and two feeding cycles per day, the partially mixed reactor outperformed the fully mixed reactor as measured by effluent quality (130 vs. 350 mg VSS L-1), SRT (354 vs. 52 days), and VS removal efficiency (88% vs. 79%). In a replicated study of five reactors operated at 0.31 g COD L-1 d-1 OLR, 15-day HRT, and two feeding cycles per day before and after switching from full to partial mixing, the partially mixed reactors showed significantly (p = 0.05) better performance as measured by effluent quality (100 vs. 382 mg VSS L-1), SRT (760 vs. 72 days), and VS removal efficiency (85% vs. 71%). Biogas production did not significantly change with the change from full to partial mixing in the five replicated reactors, i.e., average biogas yield was 0.81 and 0.77 L biogas g-1 COD with partial and full mixing, respectively. Effluent quality, SRT, VS removal efficiency, and biogas yield did not significantly change when the OLR was increased from 0.31 to 0.62 g COD L-1 d-1 and HRT was reduced from 15 to 7.5 days in a replicated study of six partially mixed reactors. A mass balance of COD across the six partially mixed reactors showed that endogenous respiration of retained biomass accounted for approximately 50% of the biogas produced by an ASBR with SRT exceeding 400 days. Keywords: Anaerobic digestion, Anaerobic sequencing batch reactor, ASBR, Biogas, Glycerol, Hydraulic retention time, Mixing, Operation, Performance, Solids retention time, Swine manure.
Design and Parameter Optimization of an Air-Suction Jujube Picking and Conveying Device
Authors: Zhang Xuejun , Bai Shenghe , Jin Wei , Yan Jinshan , Shi Zenglu , Yu Mengjie , Yuan Panpan , Zhu Xingliang 
Published: August 2020

HighlightsThis study designed an air-suction jujube picking and conveying device to address the problems of low transport efficiency and high damage rate.Theoretical analysis, Fluent software simulation, and prototype testing determined the diameter of the conveying pipe, the inlet and outlet diameters of the suction chamber, and the fan type and speed.A Box-Behnken center combination design in Design-Expert software was used to perform response surface orthogonal tests to optimize the device.This study provides a reference for further optimization of the air-suction jujube picking and conveying device.Abstract. To address the problems of low transport efficiency and high damage rate, an air-suction jujube picking and conveying device was designed. The main components of the device include the fan, suction chamber, and conveying pipe. Simulation of the conveying pipe and suction chamber was performed using Fluent software, and the airflow rate and pressure were analyzed for conveying pipes of five different diameters and suction chambers with different inlet and outlet diameters. In the simulation results, the diameter of the conveying pipe was 105 to 165 mm, and the outlet diameter of the suction chamber was 150 to 210 mm. The Box-Behnken center combination design method in Design-Expert software was used to perform response surface orthogonal tests with the conveying pipe diameter, suction chamber outlet diameter, and fan speed as the test factors, and the jujube conveying rate and breakage rate as the target values. The results show that the order of the test factors on the jujube conveying rate is: fan speed = conveying pipe diameter &gt; suction chamber outlet diameter, and the order of the test factors on the jujube breakage rate is: fan speed &gt; suction chamber outlet diameter &gt; conveying pipe diameter. The experimental results were verified in field tests with the optimized parameters. When the conveying pipe diameter was 165 mm, the suction chamber outlet diameter was 200 mm, and the fan speed was 3254 rpm, the average jujube conveying rate in the verification test was 238.68 kg h-1. The relative error between the experimental verification value and the theoretical optimized value was 1.44%, which is less than 5%. The average value of the jujube breakage rate in the verification test was 2.18%. The relative error between the experimental verification value and the theoretical optimized value was 3.81%, which is also less than 5%. This study provides a reference for subsequent research and optimization of the air-suction jujube picking and conveying device. Keywords: Air suction, Conveying device, Conveying pipe, Jujube, Suction chamber.
Production of Novolac Resin after Partial Substitution of Phenol from Bio-Oil
Authors: Adhikari Sushil , Auad Maria , Via Brian , Shah Ajay , Patil Vivek 
Published: August 2020

HighlightsBio-oil was used to produce novolac resin.Bio-oil interacted with phenol and altered the reaction rate and equilibrium.Comparable performance was observed with a low amount of substitution.Abstract. Commercially produced bio-oil with a high content of pyrolytic lignin was substituted for phenol in novolac phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin production. The reaction progress was tracked, and products were analyzed. Bio-oil substitution resulted in lower conversion rates for both formaldehyde and phenol. Substitution higher than 10 mol% increased the ortho to para ratio and enhanced thermal decomposition of resin by providing an oxidative environment, while 10 and 20 mol% of substitution did not reduce the shear strength of the novolac resin. When mixed with hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA), the bio-oil substituted resins precipitated quickly around char particles, which allowed more resin application on the wood bonding surface. Further investigation found that bio-oil substitution (higher than 10 mol%) might have changed the reaction equilibrium and promoted reverse reactions releasing formaldehyde. Overall, less than 20 mol% phenol substitution by bio-oil with a high content of pyrolytic lignin can be effective in producing novolac resin. Keywords: Bio-oil, Formaldehyde, Lignocellulosic biomass, Novolac, Phenol, Pyrolysis.
Rapid Design System for Agricultural Machinery Using Knowledge-Based Engineering: Case Study of a Wheeled Combine Chassis
Authors: Fu Shenghui , Lan Tianran , Du Yuefeng , Mao Enrong , Zhu Zhongxiang , Li Zhen 
Published: August 2020

HighlightsA knowledge-based rapid design system for combine chassis is proposed.Object-oriented knowledge representation uniformly describes the multi-source heterogeneous design knowledge.Multivariate linear regression analysis ratiocinates further unknown design principles behind existing products.Abstract. In the design of agricultural machinery, the lack of systematic and structured knowledge utilization systems results in low development efficiency and poor reusability of design knowledge. This study considers the design of a combine chassis and focuses on the application of knowledge-based rapid design to agricultural machinery. As a typical sophisticated agricultural machine, combines have a complicated design that requires the integration of multiple disciplines according to the crop types, production areas, and ability of the designers. Hence, a knowledge-based design system for a wheeled combine chassis is proposed. By integrating object-oriented technology with a mixed reasoning strategy, multi-source heterogeneous design knowledge can be applied in completing the chassis design task. To date, there are more than 2000 design ideas and 350 parameter models in the knowledge database. In addition, tacit design knowledge acquired by a knowledge discovery method can be employed to perfect the design and improve the reliability of the product. The design of a combine chassis demonstrates that the knowledge-based rapid design of agricultural machinery is completely feasible, and the design system significantly reduces the design workload, shortens the development cycle, and improves design efficiency and knowledge utilization. Keywords: Combine chassis, Knowledge-based design system, Knowledge-based engineering, Rapid design.