Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The roles of motivation, anxiety and learning strategies in online Chinese learning among Thai learners of Chinese as a foreign language

The impact of motivation, anxiety and learning strategies on the achievement of foreign language proficiency has been widely acknowledged in the context of traditional offline classroom settings. However, this issue has not been extensively documented in relation to online learning, which has become the predominant form of language learning during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study was conducted to investigate the relative prediction of motivation, anxiety and learning strategies for second language achievement among 90 Thai adult learners of Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) who took online Chinese courses. The participants completed a questionnaire dealing with motivation, anxiety, learning strategies, and their Chinese proficiency was measured by self-report and a Chinese vocabulary size test. A series of hierarchical regression analyses revealed two major findings. First, anxiety emerged as the most stable factor for the participants' CFL achievement, followed by learning strategies and motivation. Second, motivation, anxiety and learning strategies only significantly predicted the participants' self-rated Chinese language proficiency, but not their performance on the Chinese vocabulary size test. The overall results indicate the relative importance of motivation, anxiety and learning strategies to Chinese language learning in the online environment and suggest different measures of CFL achievement may lead to different research findings. The general findings were of theoretical and pedagogical significance for understanding and addressing individual differences factors in online language learning.
Editorial: Molecular evolution: You learn from your mistakes

BioSNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore (SNS), Pisa, Italy, Algorithms, Biology, Structure (ABS), Inria at Université Côte d’Azur, Valbonne, France, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain, RNA System Biology Lab, Centre for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genoa, Italy, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) and ICREA, The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy, UK-DRI Centre at the Maurice Wohl Institute, Department of Clinical and Basic Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
Heterogeneous rock mass detection in the Goaf underlying the Yingbin substation

The existence of heterogeneous rock mass in the goaf easily causes surface deformation, subsidence, and even collapse, which restricts the development of urbanization of the buildings above the goaf. Because of the saturation of the city and the shortage of power supply, the idea of building the Yingbin substation was proposed on the old coal mine goaf in Xinhua District, Pingdingshan City, Henan Province, China. To ensure the safety and stability of the foundation of the proposed substation, the comprehensive detection method was proposed, which is mainly based on transient electromagnetic detection and supplemented via drilling detection. It was used to determine the spatial position and location of heterogeneous rock mass in the goaf underlying the proposed substation. The results show that 1) after eliminating the interference to the transient electromagnetic detection, it is found that there are low-resistance anomalies near the depth of −160 m at points 1 to 2 and point 8 of the X2 line and at points 1 to 3 of the Y3 line, which are preliminarily presumed to be the influence of the heterogeneous rock mass. 2) The apparent resistivity anomalous areas of −160 and −200 m depth are highly consistent, and the location and scope of the heterogeneous rock mass were basically determined. 3) The abnormal depth range of core rate obtained by drilling is in good agreement with the abnormal range of apparent resistivity at the same location obtained by transient electromagnetic, which indicates the reliability of the detection results. 4) Combining the detection results of the two methods, the location and scope of the heterogeneous rock mass were basically determined, which is located in the western part of the proposed area. The detection results can provide a basis for the safety and stability of the proposed substation foundation. To ensure the safe and stable operation of the proposed substation foundation, effective governance measures for the heterogeneous rock mass of the goaf should be taken.
Thrown in at the deep end? Perceptions of burdens, gains, and contributions to the integration of refugee students among teachers with(out) target group-specific professional knowledge

In Germany, young migrants and refugees whose German language skills are not sufficient for attending regular classes at school are assigned to so-called “preparation classes”. As the name implies, the main objective of these classes is to teach German language skills and thereby prepare students for regular classes or vocational education and training. Teachers in these classes face special challenges: They have to teach a group of students that is highly heterogeneous in several key respects, they have to deal with a dearth of institutional support and guidance, and they have a lot of responsibility regarding their students' integration in Germany. Therefore, this paper asks what target group-specific professional knowledge teachers possess and to what extent this knowledge reduces the teachers' burdens and raises their perception of gains and contributions to their students' success. Our mixed-method survey of 48 teachers of refugees in prevocational preparation classes in Germany shows that the majority of teachers acquired useful knowledge for teaching refugees, e.g., dealing with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, building German proficiency, or language-sensitive teaching, by attending professional training. In sum, most of the teachers saw immigration to Germany as both a problem and an opportunity. The main burdens they identify are bad working conditions, a lack of support and appreciation and a high demand for high flexibility. Despite generally low stress levels and high resilience, the teachers were extremely stressed by the heterogeneity in their students' performance, especially those teachers who had completed professional training. However, teachers appreciated the students' willingness to learn and gratitude, and perceived cultural diversity in the classroom as a gain for themselves and their teaching. The teachers felt they had mostly contributed to their students' acquisition of the German language as well as their educational progress in general and their personal development. Students' chances of success are expected to be especially high in the German language acquisition and the management of everyday life in Germany. The assessments of teachers with and without target group-specific professional knowledge differ only slightly and rarely significantly.
Effect of cognitively engaging physical activity on executive functions in children

Purpose Physical activity (PA) has been shown to enhance executive functions (EFs) in children, and PA involving a cognitive component may confer additional benefit. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether cognitively engaging PA impacts EF, and whether affect and fitness act as either mediators or moderators of this relationship. Methods A randomized controlled trial was utilized to assess changes in EFs between a 20-min Dual Task (intervention condition), a PA Task (control condition), and a Cognitive Task (control condition). Children were scheduled for two visits in the INfant and Child Health (INCH) Lab at the University of Toronto. Physical fitness was assessed using the 20 m shuttle run, standing long jump, and grip strength tests. EFs were assessed using the Stroop Task, Trail Making Task (TMT), and Forward Working Memory Task (FWMT). Results 38 children (Mage = 11.95 years, SD = 0.49, 61% female) participated. Repeated measures ANOVA showed main interactions between time on inhibition scores (p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.489), and positive affect scores (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.284). Interaction effects between condition and time were not significant (p = 0.787, ηp2 = 0.014, p = .333, ηp2 = 0.061, p = 0.799, ηp2 = 0.013 for inhibition, switching, and passive working memory, respectively). Results showed no significant mediation effect of affect (95% CI = –0.5915, 2.147), or moderating effect between fitness and EF changes. Conclusion Possible explanations for these findings include inadequate cognitive engagement, lack of EF transfer, and statistical power. Results suggest any of these interventions may be beneficial for improving inhibition and positive affect in children.
Tipping point of plant functional traits of Leymus chinensis to nitrogen addition in a temperate grassland

It has widely been documented that nitrogen (N) enrichment stimulates plant growth and modifies plant functional traits in the terrestrial ecosystem. However, it remains unclear whether there are critical transitions or tipping points for the response of plant growth or traits to N enrichment, and how these responses differ to different N forms. We chose the native, perennial clonal grass, Leymus chinensis in Inner Mongolia steppe, and conducted a field experiment, in which six N addition rates (0, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 g N m–2 year–1) and five N compound types [NH4NO3, (NH4)2SO4, NH4HCO3, CO(NH2)2, slow-release CO(NH2)2] are considered. Here, we found that the different N compound types had no significant effect on the growth of L. chinensis. N addition rate significantly increased plant aboveground biomass and leaf nitrogen concentration, whereas decreased leaf dry matter content. The tipping point for N-induced aboveground biomass increase was at 10 g N m–2 year–1, and the changes in functional traits were at N addition rates of 20 g N m–2 year–1. Our findings suggested that the responses of aboveground biomass and functional traits to N addition were asymmetric, in which responses in aboveground biomass were more sensitive than that in functional traits. The differential sensitivity of aboveground biomass and functional traits of L. chinensis occurred to N deposition highlights the importance of functional traits in mediating ecosystem functioning in the face of N deposition, regardless of which chemical forms dominate in the deposited N.
An evaluation of domestic electric water heaters for frequency control

Maintaining the frequency of a power system close to its nominal value (50 Hz or 60 Hz) is critical, which comes mainly from generators and flexible loads in traditional power systems. Direct load control (DLC) is a method to control controllable loads for power system optimization. In general, it is used to reduce or shave peak demand. Nonetheless, DLC also can be used to provide frequency control services. Domestic electric water heater (DEWH) is an important kind of controllable load, which takes a high percentage of domestic electric power consumption and has a large thermal energy storage capacity. Hence, DEWH can be a prime candidate for DLC. This study proposes a framework to provide frequency control service with DEWHs. A virtual battery pack system (VBPS) is introduced to be equivalent to the capacity of DEWHs, and a series of measurable indicators are proposed to show the capacity of the VBPS when providing frequency control services. An adaptive criterion is applied to classify controllable DEWHs, which helps to maintain end-user comfort. The performances of the proposed frequency control method during normal and contingency conditions are verified through case studies in CYME.
How and when seeking feedback from coworkers pays off? The mixed role of coworker relationship

Although research in the feedback-seeking behavior literature has primarily focused on feedback-seeking from supervisors, some emerging works have begun to explore the benefits of coworker feedback-seeking behavior. Based on the social exchange theory, we investigated how and when seeking feedback from coworkers will benefit the seekers. Using a sample of 327 teachers from China, we find that seeking feedback from coworkers is positively associated with task performance and workplace well-being. Seeking feedback from coworkers is also positively associated with coworker relationship. Moreover, the coworker relationship mediates the effects of seeking feedback from coworkers and task performance and workplace well-being, and moderates the strength of the relationship between seeking feedback from coworkers on task performance and workplace well-being. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
A Self-Determination Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based intervention aimed at increasing adherence to physical activity

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a physical activity (PA) intervention program designed to enhance levels of engagement in PA. Despite robust evidence supporting the beneficial effects of PA on overall health, only about 22% of individuals engage in the recommended minimum amount of PA. Recent surveys suggested that most individuals express intentions to be physically active, though the psychological state of amotivation dismissed these struggles. In the current study, we pilot-tested a new intervention program, aimed at enhancing engagement in PA among sedentary individuals. The intervention was based on two behavioral change and motivational psychological frameworks: Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). During a 14-week intervention program, 94 sedentary Israeli college students (Mage = 24.4, SD = 1.42, Females = 89) were randomly assigned into one of three groups: SDT and ACT-based intervention, traditional intervention, and a non-treatment group. Prior to and following the intervention, participants completed the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-3 (BREQ-3) to examine motivation to exercise and the International Physical Activity Measurement IPAQ to evaluate their training frequency. Results showed that the SDT and ACT-based intervention group exhibited a significant increase in motivation to exercise between time 1 and time 2, while the other two groups (i.e., the traditional intervention program and the non-treatment group) showed insignificant differences in motivation to exercise. Furthermore, neither of the groups showed significant differences in their training frequency per week. However, those in the SDT and ACT-based groups reported an increase in activity intensity from time 1 to time 2 compared to the two other groups. Further, exercise psychology consultants and scholars can use the intervention protocol and utilize these findings to improve PA behaviors and promote health in the general population. Limitations, future directions, and implications are discussed in detail.
Postoperative antibiotics and infection rates after implant-based breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose Infection is the most common complication following breast implant surgery. Nevertheless, the systematic administration of antibiotics after breast implant surgery has been subjected to controversial debate. In this study, we sought to elucidate the association between infection and the use of antibiotics as an aftermath of breast implantation surgical procedures. Methods Relevant studies were identified from PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE search mining. The extracted data included study type, basic characteristics, administrated antibiotic information, and clinical outcomes. Random-effects models were utilized to estimate outcomes, while study quality, statistical bias, and heterogeneity were also analyzed. Results A total of 7 studies involving a total of 9,147 subjects were included. The results demonstrated that the use of antibiotics after breast implantation reduced the incidence of infection (risk ratio [RR]: 0.65, 95% CI, 0.46–0.90). Nevertheless, smoking, obesity and diabetes type II are risk factors for postoperative infections. Sensitivity analysis verified the robustness of the results. Conclusions Our study identified the administration of antibiotics after breast implantation as an intervention that decreased the incidence of infection. Smoking, obesity, and diabetes type II are risk factors for postoperative infections. These findings strongly suggest that timely and effective antibiotic interventions will be crucial in future clinical practice, which may reduce the risk of postoperative infection following breast implantation.
Piston Theory-A New Aerodynamic Tool for the Aeroelastician

Representative applications are described which illustrate the extent to which simplifications in the solutions of high-speed unsteady aeroelastic problems can be achieved through the use of certain aerodynamic techniques known collectively as "piston theory. " Based on a physical model originally proposed by Hayes and Lighthill, piston theor}^ for airfoils and finite wings has been systematically developed by Landahl, utilizing expansions in powers of the thickness ratio 8 and the inverse of the flight Mach Number M. When contributions of orders 8/M and 8/M are negligible, the theory predicts a point-function relationship between the local pressure on the surface of a wing and the normal component of fluid velocity produced by the wing's motion. The computation of generalized forces in aeroelastic equations, such as the flutter determinant, is then always reduced to elementary integrations of the assumed modes of motion.
Risk perception, but also political orientation, modulate behavioral response to COVID-19: A randomized survey experiment

Prior work has shown that accurately perceiving the risk for COVID-19 is associated with higher adherence to protective health behaviors, like face mask use, and more acceptance of governmental restrictive measures such as partial or complete banning of indoor activities and social gatherings. In this study we explored these associations at the beginning of the second wave of COVID-19 in Argentina through a national representative probabilistic survey that evaluated personal and contextual risk perception, self-reported compliance with protective health behaviors, attitude to governmental restrictive measures, and political orientation and psychological distress as potential modulators. Also, going beyond measures of association, here we sought to test whether messages highlighting potential risks increased acceptance of restrictive measures. Three types of messages were randomized to the participants. Two messages conveyed risk-related content (either through emotional arousal or cognitive appraisal) and the third a prosocial, altruistic content. Between March 29th and 30th, 2021, 2,894 participants were recruited (57.57% female). 74.64% of those surveyed evaluated the current health situation as “quite serious” or “very serious” and 62.03% estimated that the situation will be “worse” or “much worse” in the following 3 months. The perception of personal risk and the level of adherence to protective behaviors gradually increased with age. Through a regression model, age, perceived personal risk, and contextual risk appraisal were the variables most significantly associated with protective behaviors. In the case of the acceptance of restrictive measures, political orientation was the most associated variable. We then found messages aimed at increasing risk perception (both emotionally or cognitively focused) had a significantly greater effect on increasing the acceptance of restrictive measures than the prosocial message, mainly for government supporters but also for non-supporters. However, the level of response was also modulated by the political orientation of the participants. We propose a mechanism of “ideological anchoring” to explain that participants were responsive to risk modulation, but within the limits established by their pre-existent political views. We conclude that messages highlighting risk can help reinforce the acceptance of restrictive measures even in the presence of polarized views, but must be calibrated by age and political orientation.
Identification of a prognostic classifier based on EMT-related lncRNAs and the function of LINC01138 in tumor progression for lung adenocarcinoma

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a prognostic indicator based on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and explore the function of EMT-related lncRNAs in malignant progression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Materials and methods: A LUAD dataset was acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to identify prognostic EMT-related lncRNAs via differential expression analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis was utilized for variable selection and model construction. The EMT-related prognostic index (ERPI) was calculated according to the model and served as a classifier to divide LUAD individuals into high-ERPI and low-ERPI groups. A nomogram incorporating ERPI and clinicopathological variables was constructed. TCGA-LUAD, GSE50081, and GSE31210 were used to test the predictive capacity of the ERPI and nomogram. The characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME) were evaluated via the ESTIMATE, TIMER, and ssGSEA algorithms. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and ssGSEA were used to annotate the functions of the high-ERPI and low-ERPI groups. CCK8, transwell assay, wound-healing assay, and clone formation assay were conducted to clarify the biological functions of prognostic EMT-related lncRNAs. Results: Ninety-seven differentially expressed EMT-related lncRNAs were identified, 15 of which were related to overall survival (OS). A prognostic signature was constructed based on 14 prognostic EMT-related lncRNAs to calculate the ERPI of each patient, and the predictive ability of ERPI was verified in TCGA, GSE50081, and GSE31210. The low-ERPI group survived longer and had a lower percentage of patients in advanced stage than the high-ERPI group. The nomogram had the highest predictive accuracy, followed by ERPI and stage. Patients with low ERPI had higher infiltration degree of immune cells and stronger immune responses than those with high ERPI. A series of in vitro experiments demonstrated that knockdown of LINC01138 dampened variability, proliferation, and motility of A549 and H460 cells. Conclusion: Our study developed a prognostic classifier with robust prognostic performance and clarified the biological functions of LINC01138 in LUAD, aiding in making individual treatments for patients with LUAD and dissecting the mechanism of oncogenesis.
Regulatory T cells regulate blastemal proliferation during zebrafish caudal fin regeneration

The role of T cells in appendage regeneration remains unclear. In this study, we revealed an important role for regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subset of T cells that regulate tolerance and tissue repair, in the epimorphic regeneration of zebrafish caudal fin tissue. Upon amputation, fin tissue-resident Tregs infiltrate into the blastema, a population of progenitor cells that produce new fin tissues. Conditional genetic ablation of Tregs attenuates blastemal cell proliferation during fin regeneration. Blastema-infiltrating Tregs upregulate the expression of igf2a and igf2b, and pharmacological activation of IGF signaling restores blastemal proliferation in Treg-ablated zebrafish. These findings further extend our understandings of Treg function in tissue regeneration and repair.