A little autonomy support goes a long way. Daily autonomy-supportive parenting, child well-being, parental need fulfillment, and change in child, family, and parent adjustment across the adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic

This study examined the effects of daily parental autonomy support on changes in child behavior, family environment, and parental well-being across 3 weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Day-to-day associations among autonomy-supportive parenting, parental need fulfillment, and child well-being were also assessed. Parents of school children (6–19 years) reported on adjustment measures at two measurement occasions and completed up to 21 daily online questionnaires in the weeks between these assessments. Results from dynamic structural equation models suggested reciprocal positive relations among autonomy-supportive parenting and parental need fulfillment. Daily parental autonomy support, parental need fulfillment, and child well-being partially predicted change in adjustment measures highlighting the central role of daily parenting for children’s adjustment during the pandemic. (DIPF/Orig.

Homeschooling während der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie. Die Rolle dispositioneller Selbstregulation und Eigenschaften täglicher Lernaufgaben für die tägliche Selbstregulation von Schüler*innen

As a means to counter the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, schools were closed throughout Germany between mid-March and end of April 2020. Schooling was translocated to the students\u27 homes where students were supposed to work on learning tasks provided by their teachers. Students\u27 self-regulation and attributes of the learning tasks may be assumed to have played important roles when adapting to this novel schooling situation. They may be predicted to have influenced students\u27 daily self-regulation and hence the independence with which they worked on learning tasks. The present work investigated the role of students\u27 trait self-regulation as well as task difficulty and task enjoyment for students\u27 daily independence from their parents in learning during the homeschooling period. Data on children\u27s trait self-regulation were obtained through a baseline questionnaire filled in by the parents of 535 children (Mage = 9.69, SDage = 2.80). Parents additionally reported about the daily task difficulty, task enjoyment, and students\u27 learning independence through 21 consecutive daily online questionnaires. The results showed students\u27 trait self-regulation to be positively associated with their daily learning independence. Additionally, students\u27 daily learning independence was shown to be negatively associated with task difficulty and positively with task enjoyment. The findings are discussed with regard to students\u27 daily self-regulation during the homeschooling period. Finally, implications for teaching practice during the pandemic-related school closures are derived. (DIPF/Orig.)Um die SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie einzudämmen, wurden zwischen Mitte März und Ende April 2020 deutschlandweit alle Schulen geschlossen. Während dieser Zeit wurden die Schüler*innen zu Hause beschult (\u27Homeschooling\u27) und arbeiteten an Lernaufgaben, die von ihren Lehrkräften bereitgestellt wurden. Bei der Anpassung an diese neuartige Beschulungssituation könnten sowohl die Selbstregulation der Schüler*innen als auch die Eigenschaften der Lernaufgaben eine wichtige Rolle gespielt haben. Es ist anzunehmen, dass diese insbesondere die tagtägliche Selbstregulation der Schüler*innen beim Bearbeiten der Lernaufgaben und damit die Selbstständigkeit, mit der sie an den Lernaufgaben arbeiteten beeinflusst haben. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersuchte, welche Rolle die dispositionelle Selbstregulation von Schüler*innen, die Schwierigkeit der Lernaufgaben und die Freude an den Aufgaben für die tagtägliche Selbstständigkeit der Bearbeitung der Aufgaben während des Homeschoolings spielten. Die dispositionelle Selbstregulation der Schüler*innen wurde zunächst über einen Eingangsfragebogen erfasst, der von den Eltern von 535 Kindern ausgefüllt wurde (MAlter = 9,69; SDAlter = 2,80). Die Eltern berichteten anschließend an 21 aufeinander folgenden Tagen über die tägliche Aufgabenschwierigkeit, die Freude an den Aufgaben und die Selbstständigkeit, mit der ihre Kinder die Lernaufgaben bearbeiteten. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass die dispositionelle Selbstregulation der Schüler*innen positiv mit ihrer täglichen Selbstständigkeit beim Lernen assoziiert war. Darüber hinaus war die tägliche Selbstständigkeit der Schüler*innen beim Lernen negativ mit der Aufgabenschwierigkeit und positiv mit der Freude an den Aufgaben verbunden. Die Ergebnisse werden im Hinblick auf die tägliche Selbstregulation der Schüler*innen während der Beschulung zu Hause diskutiert. Abschließend werden Implikationen für die Lehrpraxis während der pandemiebedingten Schulschließungen abgeleitet. (DIPF/Orig.

Towards wave extraction in numerical relativity: the quasi-Kinnersley frame

The Newman-Penrose formalism may be used in numerical relativity to extract coordinate-invariant information about gravitational radiation emitted in strong-field dynamical scenarios. The main challenge in doing so is to identify a null tetrad appropriately adapted to the simulated geometry such that Newman-Penrose quantities computed relative to it have an invariant physical meaning. In black hole perturbation theory, the Teukolsky formalism uses such adapted tetrads, those which differ only perturbatively from the background Kinnersley tetrad. At late times, numerical simulations of astrophysical processes producing isolated black holes ought to admit descriptions in the Teukolsky formalism. However, adapted tetrads in this context must be identified using only the numerically computed metric, since no background Kerr geometry is known a priori. To do this, this paper introduces the notion of a quasi-Kinnersley frame. This frame, when space-time is perturbatively close to Kerr, approximates the background Kinnersley frame. However, it remains calculable much more generally, in space-times non-perturbatively different from Kerr. We give an explicit solution for the tetrad transformation which is required in order to find this frame in a general space-time.Comment: 13 pages, 3 figure

Reciprocal relations of subjective sleep quality and affective well-being in late childhood

High sleep quality has been associated with beneficial outcomes across the life span. Intensive longitudinal studies suggest that these beneficial effects can also be observed on a day-to-day level. However, the dynamic interplay between subjective sleep quality and affective well-being in children\u27s daily life has only rarely been investigated. The aims of the present work were (a) to replicate findings from a prior ambulatory assessment study in this area (Könen et al., 2016), (b) to explore the effect of subjective sleep quality on well-being throughout the day, and (c) to examine the reciprocal relation between subjective sleep quality and well-being in more detail. Data from two ambulatory assessment studies with children between 8 and 11 years (N = 108/84, with assessments over 28/21 consecutive days) consistently showed that positive affect was higher and negative affect was lower after nights with better sleep quality, and that the effects of subjective sleep quality were stronger on well-being assessed in the morning compared with later in the day. Results from dynamic structural equation models revealed reciprocal effects of subjective sleep quality and positive affect. Negative affect was not consistently related to worse subsequent sleep quality after controlling for positive affect and prior night\u27s sleep quality. Results suggest a close relation of sleep quality and positive affect, which strengthens the idea behind interventions targeting both, children\u27s sleep and well-being. Differences between children in the dynamic interplay between sleep and affect may be important predictors of long-term outcomes. (DIPF/Orig.

Is mRNA decapping by ApaH like phosphatases present in eukaryotes beyond the Kinetoplastida?

BACKGROUND: ApaH like phosphatases (ALPHs) originate from the bacterial ApaH protein and have been identified in all eukaryotic super-groups. Only two of these proteins have been functionally characterised. We have shown that the ApaH like phosphatase ALPH1 from the Kinetoplastid Trypanosoma brucei is the mRNA decapping enzyme of the parasite. In eukaryotes, Dcp2 is the major mRNA decapping enzyme and mRNA decapping by ALPHs is unprecedented, but the bacterial ApaH protein was recently found decapping non-conventional caps of bacterial mRNAs. These findings prompted us to explore whether mRNA decapping by ALPHs is restricted to Kinetoplastida or could be more widespread among eukaryotes. RESULTS: We screened 827 eukaryotic proteomes with a newly developed Python-based algorithm for the presence of ALPHs and used the data to characterize the phylogenetic distribution, conserved features, additional domains and predicted intracellular localisation of this protein family. For most organisms, we found ALPH proteins to be either absent (495/827 organisms) or to have non-cytoplasmic localisation predictions (73% of all ALPHs), excluding a function in mRNA decapping. Although, non-cytoplasmic ALPH proteins had in vitro mRNA decapping activity. Only 71 non-Kinetoplastida have ALPH proteins with predicted cytoplasmic localisations. However, in contrast to Kinetoplastida, these organisms also possess a homologue of Dcp2 and in contrast to ALPH1 of Kinetoplastida, these ALPH proteins are very short and consist of the catalytic domain only. CONCLUSIONS: ALPH was present in the last common ancestor of eukaryotes, but most eukaryotes have either lost the enzyme, or use it exclusively outside the cytoplasm. The acceptance of mRNA as a substrate indicates that ALPHs, like bacterial ApaH, have a wide substrate range: the need to protect mRNAs from unregulated degradation is one possible explanation for the selection against the presence of cytoplasmic ALPH proteins in most eukaryotes. Kinetoplastida succeeded to exploit ALPH as their only or major mRNA decapping enzyme. 71 eukaryotic organisms outside the Kinetoplastid lineage have short ALPH proteins with cytoplasmic localisation predictions: whether these proteins are used as decapping enzymes in addition to Dcp2 or else have adapted to not accept mRNAs as a substrate, remains to be explored

Enriching the physical education pedagogical content knowledge of foundation phase teachers

Physical Education (PE) is vital for the holistic development of Foundation Phase learners. Foundation Phase teachers working in low resource contexts, however, being generalists rather than specialists, struggle to teach PE effectively, even when supplied with programmes by external experts. I was interested in finding out why, and what could be done to help them integrate Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) into their teaching, to benefit their learners. I proceeded from the hypothesis that teachers should play an active part in their own development, otherwise any Continual Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) would not bring about the change desired. I argued that if CPTD training and support is embedded within their context and based on teaching philosophies that foster teacher transformation, empowerment, and advocacy, then teachers might be more likely to commit to teaching PE. My aim in this study was thus to develop a collaborative process of CPTD with Foundation Phase teachers in low resource schools to enrich their pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of PE and FMS within their contexts of social disadvantage. I initially adopted a qualitative design, but during this study, I realised that a more participatory approach was needed. I therefore present my study in two phases In Phase One, I answered the question: What are Foundation Phase teachers’ experiences of implementing PE in low resource schools? I did so to inform the design of an appropriately suited CPTD model for Phase Two of this study. I used a qualitative research design situated within the interpretive paradigm. I purposively sampled 24 Foundation Phase teachers to partake in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed three broad themes, namely, personal, and systemic barriers to PE, as well as positive responses to challenges. The overlap between themes was significant, highlighting the complexity of teachers’ experiences and perceptions of PE. Teachers’ positive responses emphasised that they possess the creativity and advocacy to overcome challenges posed and necessitated that I adopt a participatory design to work with teachers to develop a collaborative form of CPTD. Phase Two of this study was guided by the questions set by the participating teachers. Ten Foundation Phase teachers from two schools volunteered to be part of the study. In Cycle One they asked: What do we need to learn to be able to effectively implement PE? The findings of Cycle One led them to ask the following question in Cycle Two: How can we improve our confidence to teach PE within our school contexts? Participants did so through collaboratively creating PE lessons which they then implemented and evaluated. The findings of Phase Two highlighted how Foundation Phase teachers can be guided to empower themselves to overcome the barriers to teaching PE that they face in their low resource schools. Based on teachers’ CPTD experiences, I then addressed the third question of this study: What CPTD guidelines can be generated to enable Foundation Phase teachers to improve on and to implement their PCK of PE and FMS at low resource schools? Five CPTD guidelines aimed at collaborative and transformative PE-based CPTD focused on whole school transformation were identified. I provide a graphic depiction of the CPTD guidelines that explains how it can be operationalised. These CPTD guidelines and process model provide valuable knowledge to inform CPTD policy and practice of PE in the Foundation Phase in low resource schools.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 202

Enriching the physical education pedagogical content knowledge of foundation phase teachers

Physical Education (PE) is vital for the holistic development of Foundation Phase learners. Foundation Phase teachers working in low resource contexts, however, being generalists rather than specialists, struggle to teach PE effectively, even when supplied with programmes by external experts. I was interested in finding out why, and what could be done to help them integrate Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) into their teaching, to benefit their learners. I proceeded from the hypothesis that teachers should play an active part in their own development, otherwise any Continual Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) would not bring about the change desired. I argued that if CPTD training and support is embedded within their context and based on teaching philosophies that foster teacher transformation, empowerment, and advocacy, then teachers might be more likely to commit to teaching PE. My aim in this study was thus to develop a collaborative process of CPTD with Foundation Phase teachers in low resource schools to enrich their pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of PE and FMS within their contexts of social disadvantage. I initially adopted a qualitative design, but during this study, I realised that a more participatory approach was needed. I therefore present my study in two phases In Phase One, I answered the question: What are Foundation Phase teachers’ experiences of implementing PE in low resource schools? I did so to inform the design of an appropriately suited CPTD model for Phase Two of this study. I used a qualitative research design situated within the interpretive paradigm. I purposively sampled 24 Foundation Phase teachers to partake in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed three broad themes, namely, personal, and systemic barriers to PE, as well as positive responses to challenges. The overlap between themes was significant, highlighting the complexity of teachers’ experiences and perceptions of PE. Teachers’ positive responses emphasised that they possess the creativity and advocacy to overcome challenges posed and necessitated that I adopt a participatory design to work with teachers to develop a collaborative form of CPTD. Phase Two of this study was guided by the questions set by the participating teachers. Ten Foundation Phase teachers from two schools volunteered to be part of the study. In Cycle One they asked: What do we need to learn to be able to effectively implement PE? The findings of Cycle One led them to ask the following question in Cycle Two: How can we improve our confidence to teach PE within our school contexts? Participants did so through collaboratively creating PE lessons which they then implemented and evaluated. The findings of Phase Two highlighted how Foundation Phase teachers can be guided to empower themselves to overcome the barriers to teaching PE that they face in their low resource schools. Based on teachers’ CPTD experiences, I then addressed the third question of this study: What CPTD guidelines can be generated to enable Foundation Phase teachers to improve on and to implement their PCK of PE and FMS at low resource schools? Five CPTD guidelines aimed at collaborative and transformative PE-based CPTD focused on whole school transformation were identified. I provide a graphic depiction of the CPTD guidelines that explains how it can be operationalised. These CPTD guidelines and process model provide valuable knowledge to inform CPTD policy and practice of PE in the Foundation Phase in low resource schools.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 202