Influence of testing procedure on evaluation of white clover (Trifolium repens L.)

peer-reviewedThis study examined data sets derived from the white clover cultivar evaluation programmes of AFBI (N. Ireland), and DAFF (Republic of Ireland) to determine whether elite performing genotypes are identifiable, independent of test procedure and leaf size factors. Genetic variation in yield and persistency, independent of the leaf size continuum effect, was observed. Identification of elite cultivars by breeders or testers therefore required readjustment of assessment standards to account for the mostly curvilinear relationships between performance and leaf size. The different testing procedures, involving cutting or grazing at different heights, frequencies and nitrogen rates changed the relative performances between the cultivars, making it difficult to predict performance potential beyond specific test conditions. The underlying causes for these changes in rankings was considered, including sensitivity to season and location, the antagonistic affects of defoliation pressure and companion grass competition, the independence of different seasonal profiles and the probable role of other morphological characteristics. In is concluded that testing authorities must calculate the management by leaf size relationships to adjust pass/fail standards if elite performing cultivars are to be correctly indentified

Living in an 'Electronic Age': Cyberbullying among Irish Adolescents

The prevalence and nature of specific forms of cyberbullying (CB) in a sample of Irish post-primary school students, aged 12 to 18 years (n=122), are examined. Overall, CB was found to be less frequent than traditional bullying (TB). Although all forms of CB were largely short-term, CB was regarded by participants as worse than TB, with the notable exception of email. No significant relationships emerged between several background variables and CB. Overall rates of CB seem to be lower than in other countries, but further research would be required to determine its prevalence and nature

Prevalence and Nature of Mental Health Problems Among Single, Homeless People in Belfast, Northern Ireland

There has been growing concern about the increasing numbers of homeless people with mental ill health, many of whom may be falling through the "net" of mental health services [1]. A recent large UK study [2]-which excludes Northern Ireland (NI)-provided a comprehensive picture of the prevalence of mental morbidity among homeless people. However, there is still some uncertainty about the extent and severity of mental disorders among this population. Furthermore, hostel staff in Belfast (NI) and elsewhere have expressed concerns about their capacity to provide appropriate care and support. Approximately 1 percent of the NI population (21,000) were registered as "statutory homeless" (i.e., as opposed to the "hidden homeless") during 1995-96,40 percent of whom were considered "vulnerable" (e.g., because of physical or mental disability)

A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Early Childhood Intervention: Evidence from an Experimental Evaluation of the Incredible Years Parenting Program.

A number of researchers and policy makers have recently argued that the most effective way of dealing with long-run disadvantage and the intergenerational transmission of poverty is through early childhood intervention and in particular policies aimed at supporting the family. This study was part of a randomised evaluation of the Incredible Years Program, which is aimed at improving the skills and parenting strategies of parents who have children with conduct problems. The results show that the treatment significantly reduced behavioural problems in young children. Furthermore our detailed cost analysis, when combined with a consideration of the potential long-run benefits associated with the programme, suggest that the long-run rate of return to society from this program is likely to be relatively high.

Living in Critical Times: The Impact of Critical Incidents on Frontline Ambulance Personnel: A Qualitative Perspective

Little is known about the impact of Critical Incidents (CIs) on the lives of ambulance personnel. One-to-one interviews were conducted with 27 participants who had experienced CIs during the previous 12 months in order to: assess the nature and impact of CIs on health and well-being; examine attitudes toward support services; and explore barriers to service use. The results showed that incidents involving children, suicides, and grotesque mutilation were the most distressing. Participants reported a wide range of physical and mental health problems including sleep difficulties, angry outbursts, irrationality and feelings of alienation. Key themes included: low support service uptake due to fears relating to confidentiality and machismo; a perceived lack of concern and support from management; and a need for professional counselling and stress awareness training. Emergency Medical Controllers (EMCs) also reported a number of difficulties unique to their role. The findings suggest that exposure to CIs has a significant impact on health and well-being; this has important implications for recognizing and appropriately addressing the health and training needs of ambulance personnel, including the effective management of Critical Incident Stress

Thinking Outside the Box: Promoting Learning Through Emotional and Social Skills Development

The European Qualifications Framework provides a useful insight into the kinds of outcomes and abiliti es that are promotedacross the EU. However, beyond arguably vague references to concepts such as ‘integrity’ and ‘autonomy’, this frameworkmakes no reference to the development of students’social and emotional competencies. Based on initial research findings inan Irish context, and when considered against the backdrop of a convincing literature on the importance of emotionalintelligence in academic attainment, there would appear to be considerable scope to modify this framework in order to accommodate more specific reference to the development of emotional and social skills. This paper addresses an important gap in educational practice at Third Level and presents a suggested reformulated version of the EQF that includes referenceto social and emotional skills development at all levels of academic attainment. It is hoped that this may help to stimulatenew thinking in this area and promote the incorporation of learning outcomes that are more directly relevant to the development of emotional competencies in qualificat ions frameworks at national level across the EU. Ho wever, a need for much further research in this area is indicated

Exploring the Differences in Emotional Competency Across Subject Domains for Irish First Year Undergraduate Students

This study generated composite emotional competency profiles for Irish first year undergraduate students in four separate subject areas and tested for statistical significance between student groups. A total sample of 307 participants took part in this research as follows; n = 119 social care, n = 108 business, n = 42 computing, n = 38 engineering. Results revealed significant differences between Social Care and all other student groups for the interpersonal skills composite scale and for two of the three sub-scales from which it is computed, empathy and social responsibility. With respect to the third sub-scale from which the interpersonal skills composite scale is computed, interpersonal relationships, social care students had statistically higher scores than computing and engineering students and business students also had statistically higher scores than computing students. Results are discussed with reference to curriculum design, student support services and the design of interventions for at-risk students

An evaluation of the Strengthening Families Programme in Co. Kildare

This report presents the results of an evaluation of the Strengthening Families Programme (SFP) in Co. Kildare. The evaluation took place between January – April 2017 to explore the perspectives of families and stakeholders involved in the programme. The Strengthening Families Programme (SFP) has been delivered annually in Co. Kildare since 2013, and previously in 2008 and 2009. This evaluation investigates the delivery of the SFP from 2013 – 2016, with a particular focus on programme impact and implementation in 2016

An evaluation of the Strengthening Families Programme in Co. Kildare

This report presents the results of an evaluation of the Strengthening Families Programme (SFP) in Co. Kildare. The evaluation took place between January – April 2017 to explore the perspectives of families and stakeholders involved in the programme. The Strengthening Families Programme (SFP) has been delivered annually in Co. Kildare since 2013, and previously in 2008 and 2009. This evaluation investigates the delivery of the SFP from 2013 – 2016, with a particular focus on programme impact and implementation in 2016