Diagnostic definitions and figures of male and female Tetanocera punctifrons and T. latifibula, new records of T. punctifrons in Ireland, and notes on biology (Diptera: Sciomyzidae).

The presence of Tetanocera punctifrons Rondani, 1868 in Ireland is reconfirmed. The species is distinguished from the very similar T. latifibula Frey, 1924. The female abdomens of both species are described for the first time. The distributions of both species are summarised. The history of type examinations and of taxonomists’ conceptions of the two species is tracked, especially the relative reliability of published figures of diagnostic features. We emphasise the need for such analyses of rare and closely related species, even if apparently disjunct in distribution. Habitats of T. punctifrons and T. latifibula are described, and the biology and morphology of the immature stages are compared

Prediction of financial strength ratings using machine learning and conventional techniques

Financial strength ratings (FSRs) have become more significant particularly since the recent financial crisis of 2007–2009 where rating agencies failed to forecast defaults and the downgrade of some banks. The aim of this paper is to predict Capital Intelligence banks’ financial strength ratings (FSRs) group membership using machine learning and conventional techniques. Here the authors use five different statistical techniques, namely CHAID, CART, multilayer-perceptron neural networks, discriminant analysis and logistic regression. They also use three different evaluation criteria namely average correct classification rate, misclassification cost and gains charts. The data are collected from Bankscope database for the Middle Eastern commercial banks by reference to the first decade of the 21st century. The findings show that when predicting bank FSRs during the period 2007–2009, discriminant analysis is surprisingly superior to all other techniques used in this paper. When only machine learning techniques are used, CHAID outperform other techniques. In addition, the findings highlight that when a random sample is used to predict bank FSRs, CART outperform all other techniques. The evaluation criteria have confirmed the findings and both CART and discriminant analysis are superior to other techniques in predicting bank FSRs. This has implications for Middle Eastern banks, as the authors would suggest that improving their bank FSR can improve their presence in the market

Degree and Higher Level Apprenticeships: An Empirical Investigation of Stakeholder Perceptions of Challenges and Opportunities

The aim of this paper is to explore the challenges and opportunities of designing and delivering Degree and Higher Level Apprenticeships (D&HLAs) at levels 4 - 7 from a multi-stakeholder perspective namely employers, Universities, independent training organisations and professional bodies. 27 face to face interviews were undertaken and thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. The following three themes emerged from the data analysis: programme design; programme delivery; and graduate attributes. We conclude that whilst there are increasing numbers of trailblazer groups developing higher level standards, the uptake of apprenticeships at these levels remains relatively low. Although stakeholders support the principle of D&HLAs, we identify a number of challenges and opportunities facing those who seek to successful introduction these programmes. Our policy recommendations include the need for all stakeholders to work collaboratively to co-create a flexible system to support the validity and relevance of D&HLAs. This will include streamlining and mapping the variety of qualifications currently available in order to promote a platform for parity of both esteem and opportunity for those achieving degree qualifications through the apprenticeship route

Linear habitats across a range of farming intensities contribute differently to dipteran abundance and diversity

While the value of linear farm habitats for the protection and enhancement of farmland biodiversity in general is known, less is understood about their contribution to Diptera, especially those with different ecological requirements. In this study, we examined the impact of a range of linear farm habitats in agricultural grassland on Syrphidae and Sciomyzidae (Diptera) both of which provide important ecosystem services. Species richness and abundance for each family were measured across five different linear habitat types (dense and open hedgerows with/without adjacent watercourses and watercourses only). While dense hedgerows with adjacent watercourses showed the greatest numbers of Syrphidae species and individuals, open hedgerows with adjacent watercourses had significantly more Sciomyzidae species and individuals than dense hedgerows without watercourses or open hedgerows only. Syrphidae species richness was significantly correlated with the flowering plant species richness of linear habitats, while Sciomyzidae species richness was correlated with a habitat quality score for grasslands adjacent to the linear habitats. Overall, Syrphidae and Sciomyzidae species richness and community composition are shown to reflect a farming intensity gradient with significantly greater species richness for both families on extensive farms. Our results suggest that different dipteran taxa which utilise linear habitats may have different requirements. This has implications for future agri-environmental schemes in the context of how we assess the conservation value of linear habitats on farmlands. © 2020 Royal Entomological Societ

Transformational school leadership as a key factor for teachers’ job attitudes during their first year in the profession

Teacher attrition is a global concern that is particularly prevalent among beginning teachers. Teachers' intrinsic motivation to teach, affective organisational commitment and job satisfaction are considered job attitudes that stop them from dropping out of the profession. This study explores the interplay between factors at the school level (i.e. transformational leadership of the principal, professional collegial support) and the teacher level (i.e. self-efficacy) influencing these job attitudes. A sample of 292 first-year primary-school teachers participated. The results of the path analysis demonstrated that transformational leadership of the principal is directly related to teachers' job attitudes in a positive way. Moreover, transformational leadership of the principal is also indirectly related to these attitudes, via both professional collegial support and teachers' self-efficacy. Implications for the supportive role of the principal in the teachers' first year in the profession are discussed

An investigation of employee and consumer perceptions of responsible internet gambling

Within the UK, the Gambling Act 2005 remains the primary piece of legislation that governs how the gambling industry is regulated. The Act established the following licensing principles upon which gambling practices should be based: that gambling should not be a source of crime or disorder, be associated with crime or disorder or be used to support crime; gambling should be conducted in a fair and open way; and children and other vulnerable people should not be harmed or exploited. Reflecting the general principles of corporate citizenship, the Gambling Act 2005 implies that those organisations which provide gambling products and services should integrate ethics and social responsibility within their operational and strategic frameworks and within their corporate governance. This thesis focuses on employee and consumer perceptions of responsible gambling in general, and specifically in terms of the utility of responsible gambling tools that are available to them. It reviews literature relating to corporate social responsibility and responsible gambling from a variety of perspectives ranging from those who propose that the ultimate responsibility rests with the consumer to those who recommend that gambling organisations should be able to demonstrate compliance with responsible gambling initiatives. The primary data analysis is based on two studies: one focusing on responsible gambling perceptions of 17 employees from a leading Internet gambling provider; and a second study based on 425 consumer perceptions of responsible gambling provisions which were elicited using an Internet based questionnaire. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis whilst statistical applications including linear regression and multinomial regression were used to analyse questionnaire responses.The analysis highlights factors that undermine the current approach of responsible gambling which is based on the principle of self-identification, self-help and self-regulation by the consumer. For example, it proposes that employee and consumer perceptions of responsible gambling are based on the following four components: perceptions of potential conflicts of interest with a system; willingness to engage with responsible gambling tools; the perceived effectiveness of the responsible gambling systems and the level of responsibility associated with marketing activities. In addition, it distinguishes between financial motives in terms of those who gamble to earn income and those who gamble to win money and it highlights that human factors, such as the need for autonomy and mastery are as significant as social, financial, escape and arousal factors in influencing an individual’s decision to gamble. The study recommends a review of the way in which gambling addiction is diagnosed and research and treatment are funded. This will include challenges for policy makers and providers of gambling products and services in terms of how responsible gambling may further be improved in the future

Diagnostic definitions and figures of male and female Tetanocera punctifrons and T. latifibula, new records of T. punctifrons in Ireland, and notes on biology (Diptera, Sciomyzidae).

The presence of Tetanocera punctifrons Rondani, 1868 in Ireland is reconfirmed. The species is distinguished from the very similar T. latifibula Frey, 1924. The female abdomens of both species are described for the first time. The distributions of both species are summarised. The history of type examinations and of taxonomists conceptions of the two species is tracked, especially the relative reliability of published figures of diagnostic features. We emphasise the need for such analyses of rare and closely related species, even if apparently disjunct in distribution. Habitats of T. punctifrons and T. latifibula are described, and the biology and morphology of the immature stages are compared.peer-reviewe