Exact and approximate distributions of the chi-square statistic for equiprobability

The distribution of the chi-square goodness-of-fit statistic is studied in the equiprobable case. Tables of exact critical values are given for a = .1, .05, .01, .005; k = 2(1)4, N = 26(1)50; k = 5, N = 26(1)40; k = 6(1)10, N = 26(1)30, where a is the desired significance level, k is the number of cells and N is the sample size. Methods of fitting the true distribution are compared. If k> 3, it is found that a simple additive adjustment to the asymptotic chi-square fit leads to high accuracy even for N between 10 and 20. For k = 2, the Yates corrected chi-square statistic is very accurately fitted by the usual chi-square distribution.     

Parent’s Perceptions of Involvement in Children’s Education: Findings from a Qualitative Study of Public Housing Residents

Parent involvement in children’s education is an important element in enhancing academic achievement and promoting positive behavior in young people. This qualitative study uses a Grounded Theory approach to examining parent’s perceptions of their ability or inability to be involved in their children’s education by querying about factors impacting involvement and their experiences overcoming barriers. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data on parents (N = 12) of youth who participate in a public housing after-school program by way of focus groups. Results suggest that parents are hopeful about engaging in education, but often fail to become actively involved because they feel marginalized. Furthermore, tangible barriers, a hurdle they were previously able to combat, was more challenging for them to overcome in the face of oppression. Marginalization is manifested cyclically for these parents. Implications for strategies helping parents become more involved in the educational process are identified.     

Dancing with discrimination: managing stigma and identity

Fans are a group that are stigmatized and discredited, at least to some degree, by their “deviant” and common form of symbolic consumption. At stake in the process of stigmatization is the very identity of the individual fan, and their symbolic and emotional well‐being. This paper reports on an empirical study of one particular group of fans—Star Trek fans (or “Trekkies”)—and explores the complex identity issues articulated by them as they “manage” their problematic public identity. Drawing upon interviews conducted with 18 Trekkies, the article describes how this stigmatic identity is organized within a disciplinary matrix that operates at a micro level through two key processes: humour and self‐surveillance. In particular, we highlight their struggle with the dilemmas of exposing their private “fandom” in a public context, and the highly ambivalent manner in which they seek to escape stigmatization.     

Access to Higher Education for the Disabled Student: a building survey at the University of Liverpool

The problems associated with disabled students gaining access to higher education are complex and can be complicated further by difficulties encountered in the built environment of universities themselves. A survey of the built environment at the University of Liverpool was carried out using a group of occupational therapy undergraduate students. Students were able to learn about access audits and understand more fully the problems associated with access as part of their own studies. Results were recorded using a computer database, which enabled dissemination of information via the university's managed PC network and Home pages on the internet. Discussion and debate centre on the dilemma between a freely accessible environment for all students and the constraints imposed by the present day built environment and economic climate. The need for effective strategies in collaboration with disabled students is also considered.     

Traditional birth attendant training and local birthing practices in India

Training birth attendants (TBAs) provide essential maternal and infant health care services during delivery and ongoing community care in developing countries. Despite inadequate evidence of relevance and effectiveness of TBA training programmes, there has been a policy shift since the 1990s in that many donor agencies funding TBA training programmes redirected funds to providing skilled attendants during delivery. This study aimed to assess the ways in which a TBA training programme in India has been successful in disseminating evidence-based knowledge on birthing practices. TBAs practicing within 16 villages targeted by training programme initiatives were administered with structured questionnaires. The post training birthing practices of trained (24) and untrained (14) TBAs was compared and birthing practices adopted by women assisted by trained (16) and untrained (9) TBAs was analysed. Positive post training practices were hand washing, use of a clean blade for cutting the cord, immediate breastfeeding and weighing of babies. Nevertheless, the training could be further improved with up to date and evidence-based information and more comprehensive instructions. The findings suggest an integration of local and evidence-based knowledge is needed to improve the training. Raising community awareness of public health measures related to maternal and child health is also recommended.     

Anglo Voting on Nativist Ballot Initiatives: The Partisan Impact of Spatial Proximity to the U.S.‐Mexico Border*

Objective. In this study, we examine how contextual factors influence voting behavior on nativist ballot initiatives using California's Propositions 187 and 227. We argue that spatial proximity to the border is associated with voting behavior on nativist initiatives. Methods. To examine the influence of environmental factors on Anglo voting behavior on nativist ballot initiatives, we utilize California Field Polls, U.S. Census data, and spatially referenced data generated using GIS software. Results. The results indicate that spatial proximity to the border is an important component in individual‐level voting on nativist initiatives and that the impact of proximity to the border on the vote for Propositions 187 and 227 varies as a function of individual‐level partisan affiliation. Conclusions. These findings hold implications for future research regarding the influence of geospatial boundaries and political behavior.     

The Impact of Social Ties on Depressive Symptoms in U.S. and Japanese Elderly

This study examines the effects of social ties (with spouse, children, friends, neighbors, other relatives, and community groups) on depressive symptom levels in U.S. and Japanese adults aged 60 and over. Nationally representative survey data from the United States ( N = 1,419) and Japan ( N = 2,200) indicate that having a spouse, or increased contacts with friends, neighbors and relatives was associated with fewer depressive symptoms in both samples. The effects of spousal presence were significantly larger in the United States than in Japan. The presence of children was associated with fewer depressive symptoms in Japan only, and this effect was significantly stronger among those currently unmarried as opposed to those who are currently married. We discuss these similarities and differences between countries.     

Large-scale Bayesian spatial modelling of air pollution for policy support

The potential effects of air pollution are a major concern both in terms of the environment and in relation to human health. In order to support environmental policy, there is a need for accurate measurements of the concentrations of pollutants at high geographical resolution over large regions. However, within such regions, there are likely to be areas where the monitoring information will be sparse and so methods are required to accurately predict concentrations. Set within a Bayesian framework, models are developed which exploit the relationships between pollution and geographical covariate information, such as land use, climate and transport variables together with spatial structure. Candidate models are compared based on their ability to predict a set of validation sites. The chosen model is used to perform large-scale prediction of nitrogen dioxide at a 1×1 km resolution for the entire EU. The models allow probabilistic statements to be made with regard to the levels of air pollution that might be experienced in each area. When combined with population data, such information can be invaluable in informing policy by indicating areas for which improvements may be given priority.