bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysts' Book Value Forecasts: Initial Evidence from the Perspective of Real‐Options‐Based Valuation*
Authors: Hui Kai Wai , Liu Alfred Z. , Schneible Richard A. , Zhang Guochang 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTThis study examines the usefulness of analysts' book value forecasts and the economic factors driving analysts' issuance of these forecasts. Guided by the real‐options‐based valuation model (ROM) of Zhang (2000), we explicitly link book value forecasts to the need for such information in valuation. We first establish that analysts' book value forecasts are superior to forecasts that are mechanically imputed from analysts' own earnings forecasts and those from random walk models and are incrementally informative beyond analysts' earnings, cash flow, and dividend forecasts. We then employ the ROM to explore the distinct information embedded in book value forecasts and analysts' decisions to issue these forecasts. Consistent with our expectations, we find that (i) book value forecasts convey growth information that is significantly correlated with ex ante indicators of real options, while analysts' earnings forecasts do not display this property; and (ii) analysts issue more book value forecasts when either growth options or, to a lesser extent, abandonment options are an important part of firm value. Our study sheds light on how analysts' book value forecasts are useful and under what circumstances analysts provide such information to meet investors' needs.
The influence of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program on local water quality
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Wang Yu , Zhang Wei 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is the primary conservation program on working agricultural land. The United States Department of Agriculture obligated over $15 billion through EQIP cost‐sharing contracts during the fiscal years 2009–2019. The voluntary nature of the program and the lack of performance assessment have led to speculations regarding the effectiveness of the program in delivering environmental benefits, in particular for improving water quality. This study provides quantitative estimates of the influence of EQIP payments on local water quality at a national scale. We link monitoring station level water quality readings with EQIP contract data and exploit the direction of river flow for identification. The estimated effects of EQIP vary across water quality measures. Estimates indicate that EQIP payments have significantly reduced biochemical oxygen demand and nitrogen, indicating improvements in water quality, but increased total suspended solids, fecal coliform, and phosphorus, suggesting that the implementation of certain conservation practices might have increased soil erosion and pathogen transfer, especially in watersheds with more agricultural production.
Test‐enhanced learning improves learner attendance during a laparoscopic box trainer simulation program
Authors: Lowe Belinda , Ng Jessica , Jordan Stephanie , Waynforth David , Angstetra Donald , Brazil Victoria 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundLaparoscopy is the gold standard approach for many surgical procedures, but it is a complex skill to learn. Laparoscopic simulation training may help, but it is unclear how to best engage trainees in these programs. Test‐enhanced learning (TEL) uses regular, well‐defined assessments of performance throughout the training phase of learning.AimThe aim of this study was to assess the effects of TEL on a laparoscopic simulation program involving a cohort of medical student volunteers.Materials and methodsA prospective cohort study was performed with a convenience sample of 40 medical students. Students were recruited to participate in a ten‐week laparoscopic simulation program. Twenty students participated in a laparoscopic surgical program with TEL (‘TEL group’), and 20 students participated in a standard laparoscopic simulation program (‘control group’).ResultsAttendance in the TEL group was significantly higher than in the standard group (71 vs 51.5%, P = 0.03). There was no difference between groups in mean time scores. Four themes were identified in qualitative data drawn from student surveys – personal traits and motivators, training context, clear goals and feedback enabling understanding of one's own performance.ConclusionTesting laparoscopic skills throughout a learning program, in conjunction with individualised feedback and tracking of learning trajectory, increases trainee attendance. Laparoscopic simulation training programs are encouraged to reflect on the pedagogic framework in which their procedural skills training operates.
Evaluation of the inflammatory profile following uncomplicated elective colectomy
Authors: Su'a Bruce , Milne Tony , Jaung Rebekah , Xia Weisi , Jin James , Svirskis Darren , Eglinton Tim , Bissett Ian , G. Hill Andrew 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundAttenuation of the inflammatory response in patients undergoing colectomy with modern perioperative care and laparoscopic surgery has been a focus of research in recent years. Despite reported benefits, significant heterogeneity remains with studies including patients undergoing both rectal and colon surgery and including surgery with postoperative complications. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the inflammatory response in patients undergoing elective colectomy without complications, specifically comparing open and laparoscopic approaches.MethodsA multicenter prospective study was conducted across four public hospitals in Auckland and Christchurch, New Zealand. Consecutive adults undergoing elective colectomy were included over a 3‐year period. Perioperative blood samples were collected and analysed for the following inflammatory markers: IL‐6, IL‐1β, TNFα, IL‐10, CRP, leucocyte and neutrophil count. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software.ResultsA total of 168 colectomy patients without complications were included in the analysis. Patients that underwent laparoscopy had significantly reduced IL‐6, neutrophils and CRP on postoperative day (POD) 1 (p < 0.05) compared to an open approach. IL‐10 and TNFα were significantly reduced on POD 2 (p < 0.05) in laparoscopic patients. Patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2 had significantly higher levels of CRP regardless of operative approach. Statins altered both preoperative and postoperative inflammatory markers.ConclusionThe postoperative inflammatory response is influenced by surgical approach, perioperative medications, and patient factors. These findings have important implications in the utility of biomarkers in the diagnosis of postoperative surgical complications, in particular in the early diagnosis of anastomotic leak.
Do men with bladder stones benefit from treatment of benign prostatic obstruction?
Authors: Maresca Gianluca , Mc Clinton Samuel , Swami Satchi , El‐Mokadem Ismail , Donaldson James F. 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveTo identify whether men aged ≥40 years with bladder stones (BS) benefit from treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO).Patients and methodsA regional, retrospective study of patients undergoing BS surgery between January 2011 and December 2018 was performed using a prospectively collected database. The primary outcome was BS recurrence after successful removal. Kruskal–Wallis and chi‐squared statistical tests were used.ResultsA total of 174 patients underwent BS removal and 71 (40.8%) were excluded due to BS formation secondary to causes other than BPO. Hence, 103 men aged ≥40 years had BS successfully removed, of which 40% had a history of upper tract urolithiasis. These men were divided into three groups: those undergoing contemporaneous medical, surgical, or no BPO treatment. Age, diabetes, previous urolithiasis and previous BPO surgery were well matched between the BPO treatment groups. In all, 18 of these men (17%) had BS recurrence after 46 months follow‐up.Recurrences were significantly lower following BPO surgery; one of 34 (3%) men versus five of 28 (18%) with no BPO treatment (P = 0.048) and 12 of 41 (29%) with medical BPO treatment (P = 0.003). Recurrences after medical and no BPO treatment were similar (P = 0.280). In all, 34 men (33%) had BPO complications that were similar between groups (P = 0.378).ConclusionThis is the largest reported cohort of men, with the longest follow‐up after BS removal. Most men aged ≥40 years with BS benefit from BPO surgery. However, the study findings also support a multifactorial aetiology for BS, which questions the dogma that BS are an ‘absolute indication’ for BPO surgery, as is stated in the Non‐neurogenic Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms European Association of Urology Guideline. Assessment and management of all causative factors is likely to enable selection of which men will benefit from BPO surgery and to reduce BS recurrence rates.
The secretome of Verticillium dahliae in collusion with plant defence responses modulates Verticillium wilt symptoms
Authors: Zhang Dan‐Dan , Dai Xiao‐Feng , Klosterman Steven J. , Subbarao Krishna V. , Chen Jie‐Yin 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTVerticillium dahliae is a notorious soil‐borne pathogen that enters hosts through the roots and proliferates in the plant water‐conducting elements to cause Verticillium wilt. Historically, Verticillium wilt symptoms have been explained by vascular occlusion, due to the accumulation of mycelia and plant biomacromolecule aggregation, and also by phytotoxicity caused by pathogen‐secreted toxins. Beyond the direct cytotoxicity of some members of the secretome, this review systematically discusses the roles of the V. dahliae secretome in vascular occlusion, including the deposition of polysaccharides as an outcome of plant cell wall destruction, the accumulation of fungal mycelia, and modulation of plant defence responses. By modulating plant defences and hormone levels, the secretome manipulates the vascular environment to induce Verticillium wilt. Thus, the secretome of V. dahliae colludes with plant defence responses to modulate Verticillium wilt symptoms, and thereby bridges the historical concepts of both toxin production by the pathogen and vascular occlusion as the cause of wilting symptoms.
Downregulation of microRNA‐124‐3p promotes subventricular zone neural stem cell activation by enhancing the function of BDNF downstream pathways after traumatic brain injury in adult rats
Authors: Kang En‐Ming , Jia Yi‐Bin , Wang Jia‐You , Wang Guan‐Yi , Chen Hui‐Jun , Chen Xiao‐Yan , Ye Yu‐Qin , Zhang Xin , Su Xin‐Hong , Wang Jing‐Yu , He Xiao‐Sheng 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimsIn this study, the effect of intracerebral ventricle injection with a miR‐124‐3p agomir or antagomir on prognosis and on subventricular zone (SVZ) neural stem cells (NSCs) in adult rats with moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) was investigated.MethodsModel rats with moderate controlled cortical impact (CCI) were established and verified as described previously. The dynamic changes in miR‐124‐3p and the status of NSCs in the SVZ were analyzed. To evaluate the effect of lateral ventricle injection with miR‐124‐3p analogs and inhibitors after TBI, modified neurological severity scores (mNSSs) and rotarod tests were used to assess motor function prognosis. The variation in SVZ NSC marker expression was also explored. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of predicted miR‐124‐3p targets was performed to infer miR‐124‐3p functions, and miR‐124‐3p effects on pivotal predicted targets were further explored.ResultsAdministration of miR‐124 inhibitors enhanced SVZ NSC proliferation and improved the motor function of TBI rats. Functional analysis of miR‐124 targets revealed high correlations between miR‐124 and neurotrophin signaling pathways, especially the TrkB downstream pathway. PI3K, Akt3, and Ras were found to be crucial miR‐124 targets and to be involved in most predicted functional pathways. Interference with miR‐124 expression in the lateral ventricle affected the PI3K/Akt3 and Ras pathways in the SVZ, and miR‐124 inhibitors intensified the potency of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in SVZ NSC proliferation after TBI.ConclusionDisrupting miR‐124 expression through lateral ventricle injection has beneficial effects on neuroregeneration and TBI prognosis. Moreover, the combined use of BDNF and miR‐124 inhibitors might lead to better outcomes in TBI than BDNF treatment alone.
The role of Trithorax family regulating osteogenic and Chondrogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Ma Qingge , Song Chenghao , Yin Bei , Shi Yu , Ye Ling 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) hold great promise and clinical efficacy in bone/cartilage regeneration. With a deeper understanding of stem cell biology over the past decade, epigenetics stands out as one of the most promising ways to control MSCs differentiation. Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins, including the COMPASS family, ASH1L, CBP/p300 as histone modifying factors, and the SWI/SNF complexes as chromatin remodelers, play an important role in gene expression regulation during the process of stem cell differentiation. This review summarises the components and functions of TrxG complexes. We provide an overview of the regulation mechanisms of TrxG in MSCs osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation, and discuss the prospects of epigenetic regulation mediated by TrxG in bone and cartilage regeneration.
Patterns of maxillofacial trauma in helmet vs. non helmet wearing two wheeler drivers in a tertiary care center
Authors: Chalathadka Mahabaleshwara , Dengody Prasanna Kumar , Ram Bhargav , Pasha Aysha Kaleem , Madala Gayathri , Rao Chaithra 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground/AimsThe frequency and patterns of maxillofacial fractures vary by country, based on demographic, socioeconomic, cultural and environmental factors. Wearing a helmet is an efficient form of head protection for two‐wheeler drivers and is now required in the vast majority of countries. The aim of this study was to compare the patterns of maxillofacial trauma in patients who wore helmets and those who did not.Materials and MethodsThe data were gathered from clinical records of patients presenting with maxillofacial trauma between January 2019 and February 2022. The inclusion criteria were met by subjects involved in two‐wheeler accidents with comprehensive case records and radiological investigations.ResultsA total of 177 people presented following maxillofacial trauma. The mean age was 34.2 ± 12.7 years. There were 151 (85.3%) males and 26 (14.6%) females. One hundred and two patients had not been wearing a helmet, while 75 patients were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Mandible fractures were the most common injury in both groups, followed by zygomatic arch fractures (which were more common in non‐helmet users) and dentoalveolar fractures in helmet users.ConclusionThere was a significant difference in the pattern and severity of maxillofacial trauma in helmet users and non‐helmet users.
Interactive effects of multiple stressors vary with consumer interactions, stressor dynamics and magnitude
Authors: Turschwell Mischa P. , Connolly Sean R. , Schäfer Ralf B. , De Laender Frederik , Campbell Max D. , Mantyka‐Pringle Chrystal , Jackson Michelle C. , Kattwinkel Mira , Sievers Michael , Ashauer Roman , Côté Isabelle M. , Connolly Rod M. , van den Brink Paul J. , Brown Christopher J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPredicting the impacts of multiple stressors is important for informing ecosystem management but is impeded by a lack of a general framework for predicting whether stressors interact synergistically, additively or antagonistically. Here, we use process‐based models to study how interactions generalise across three levels of biological organisation (physiological, population and consumer‐resource) for a two‐stressor experiment on a seagrass model system. We found that the same underlying processes could result in synergistic, additive or antagonistic interactions, with interaction type depending on initial conditions, experiment duration, stressor dynamics and consumer presence. Our results help explain why meta‐analyses of multiple stressor experimental results have struggled to identify predictors of consistently non‐additive interactions in the natural environment. Experiments run over extended temporal scales, with treatments across gradients of stressor magnitude, are needed to identify the processes that underpin how stressors interact and provide useful predictions to management.
Improve fatigue and mechanical properties of high carbon bearing steel by a new double vacuum melting route
Authors: Shi Zhiyue , Wang Hui , Gao Yuanhang , Wang Yutong , Yu Feng , Xu Haifeng , Zhang Xiaodan , Shang Chengjia , Cao Wenquan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractA new double vacuum melting route (conventional second refining + vacuum arc refining [CSR + VAR]) with 33% lower production cost than the traditional VIM + VAR route has been tried. Compared with the CSR route, the CSR + VAR route reduces the average inclusion size from 27.1 ± 12.3 μm to 13.7 ± 2.4 μm, and the CSR + VAR steel processes a 13.1% higher rotatory bending fatigue (RBF) fatigue strength (
) and a 3‐timeslonger RCF L10 life. The crescent‐shaped granular bright facet (GBF) zone, normally found in high‐strength steels' very high cycle fatigue regimes beyond 107 cycles normally under a much lower stress amplitude, appears around inner inclusions on the CSR + VAR steel RBF fracture surfaces in high cycle fatigue regimes beyond 3 × 105 cycles. The development of GBF zones is estimated to account for 79%–90% of the RBF fatigue life. The average crack propagation rate (da/dN) for GBF zones varies from 1.3 × 10−12 m/cycle to 24 × 10−12 m/cycle and increases with the stress amplitude.
A strange sky: Security atmospheres and the technological management of geopolitical conflict in the case of Israel's Iron Dome
Authors: Slesinger Ian 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis paper uses Israel's technologically advanced Iron Dome short‐range missile defence system as a deep empirical case study to examine how affective atmospheres mediate the relationship between state power and the agency of technological objects deployed to govern (in)security. Drawing theoretically from productive tensions between more‐than‐human theories of object‐oriented ontology, actor‐network theory and affect theory, it evaluates Iron Dome as a scintillating ‘bright object’ with variable capacities and limitations that exceed the sum of its components. Iron Dome both overreaches and contradicts the intentions and governance logics of state elites within a spatio‐temporally distributed array of architectures, infrastructures and practices. Within this milieu, its affective power is ambivalent and capricious, and can both enhance and undermine the atmospheric production of security in ways that exceed both instrumental functionality and human intentions. These findings indicate how a geography of security that attends to the affective dimension of object politics can account for the complex and non‐causal ways in which technologies can either reinforce or inhibit security as an anthropocentric endeavour.
Does carbon emission trading contribute to reducing infectious diseases? Evidence from China
Authors: Hao Yu , Li Yujia , Shen Zhiyang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractResearch at the biophysical level constitutes the main approach to study the path through which climate influences infectious diseases, but the influence of socioeconomic factors on climate change and the spread of infectious diseases also cannot be ignored. In the current context, with its emphasis on carbon emission reduction, countries have begun to adopt “total control and trading” methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This paper is based on the monthly relevant data of various provinces and cities from 2015 to 2019, adds the moderating variable of “carbon emission trading volume” based on current research results, establishes a static model of unbalanced panel fixed effects and a dynamic panel model, and deeply analyzes the impact of climate change on infectious disease popularity and the moderating effect of the carbon trading market. The study found that climate warming, frequent precipitation, and shortened sunshine duration will lead to an increase in the number of infectious disease cases and that the “carbon emission trading volume” variable plays a negative role in the positive correlation between climate change (temperature/precipitation) and the number of infectious disease cases. There are seasonal differences, and the moderating effect in summer/autumn is more obvious than that in winter/spring.
MgONP/Chitin nanowhisker‐based hybrid filler bound soy protein thin films for bioactive packaging applications
Authors: Koshy Rekha Rose , Reghunadhan Arunima , Mary Siji K. , Pothen Laly A. , Thomas Sabu 
Published: April 2022

SummaryBiogenic active packaging materials are on amplified demand owing to environmental concerns. Materials with enhanced properties and stability are still challenging. Bearing in mind these facts, here we are proposing an active soy protein isolate (SPI)‐based packaging film comprising magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NP) and chitin nanowhisker (CNW), to address this demand. The sol‐gel method was employed in the synthesis of MgO NP and an average particle size of 26.57 nm was obtained. Highly crystalline CNW having dimensions between 5 and 9 nm was synthesised using the steam explosion technique. SPI bio‐nanocomposite film reinforced with the as‐synthesised MgO NP and CNW exhibited high thermal stability, water barrier property and antibacterial activity. The enhancement in the properties is due to the interaction between polar groups of SPI with the hybrid as confirmed by FTIR studies. The prepared nanocomposite film has the potential to be used as bioactive packaging material.
Digital learning of English as a foreign language among university students: How are approaches to learning linked to digital competence and technostress?
Authors: Niu Liwei , Wang Xinghua , Wallace Matthew P. , Pang Hui , Xu Yanping 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn view of the widespread use of digital technologies in English as a foreign language (EFL) learning and the importance of students' approaches to learning (SAL) and digital competence, as well as the threats of technostress in digital settings, digital EFL learning requires a critical examination.ObjectivesThis study sought to investigate the interrelationships among of SAL, students' digital competence, and the emerging technostress in digital learning of EFL.MethodsSurvey and EFL test data of 477 university students taking EFL courses were collected. Partial least square structural equation modelling and cluster analysis were employed to analyze these data.Results and ConclusionsThe results indicate that a surface approach to learning was significantly positively associated with technostress while negatively associated with digital competence. The deep and organized learning approaches positively predicted digital competence, which further negatively predicted technostress and burnout in digital learning of EFL. Technostress was found to be positively related to exhaustion and cynicism, with cynicism being negatively related to EFL learning outcomes. The cluster analysis identified three clusters of EFL learners and revealed that, overall, high scores in the deep and organized approaches to learning were generally aligned with strong digital competence, low technostress, low burnout, and high EFL learning outcomes.TakeawaysThe findings of this study carry important implications for practitioners of EFL learning and teaching in the design of strategies, pedagogies, and EFL learning technologies that improve EFL learning in digital settings while maintaining learners' wellbeing.