αn–Designs

This paper defines a broad class of resolvable incomplete block designs called α_n–designs, of which the original α–designs are a special case with n = 1. The statistical and mathematical properties of α–designs extend naturally to these n –dimensional designs. They are a flexible class of resolvable designs appropriate for use in factorial experiments, in constructing efficient t –latinized resolvable block designs, and for enhancing the existing class of α–designs for a single treatment factor.     

Reconceptualizing Women's Paid Informal Work: Some Lessons from Lower‐Income Urban Neighbourhoods

This article evaluates critically whether women's paid informal work is low‐paid market‐like work conducted for the purpose of economic gain. Drawing upon interviews with 400 households in UK lower‐income urban neighbourhoods, we show that only a small segment of the paid informal work conducted by women is of this character. The vast bulk is undertaken for and by friends, relative and neighbours under non‐market relations for reasons associated with redistribution and sociality. Given this finding, we thus conclude that a reconsideration is required of whether eradication alone is always the appropriate policy response.     

Self-perceptions of unpopularity in adolescence: Links to past and current adjustment

Self-perceptions of unpopularity in 404 high school students were found to reflect current emotional and behavioral distress. The authors studied these youths from ages 9 to 15 to examine early risks and current factors associated with perceptions of unpopularity. Feelings of unpopularity in middle childhood increased the risk of similar feelings in adolescence. However, self-reports of unpopularity at age 9 were not strong predictors of emotional and anti-social problems at age 15. Identification of unpopular adolescents and recommendations for future practice and research are proposed.This research was supported in part by Grant MH41569, National Institute of Mental Health. It was adapted from the doctoral dissertation of Dr. Cohen, Simmons College School of Social Work, completed in June, 1991. The authors wish to thank the dissertation committee members, Craig Edelbrock and Barent Walsh for their major contributions.Dr. Cohen is affiliated with the Early Adulthood Research Project, Simmons College, School of Social Work, and the co-authors are affiliated with the School of Social Work.     

New initiatives in training

Training Update will bring you news from trainers and ideas about training. In each edition we plan to provide a round-up of currently available training materials around a particular theme, drawn from our evaluation programme.     

The impact of Labour on policies for children and young people in Wales

This contribution outlines the importance of devolution for policy initiatives relevant to Welsh children and young people including some of the issues that existed prior to devolution regarding appropriate policies for Wales. It goes on to consider the reality of the devolution settlement in relation to legislative powers, giving examples such as the Children's Commissioner for Wales and secondary legislation such as prohibiting the physical chastisement of children by childminders. It also considers the approach of the Welsh Assembly Government to matters such as partnership working, transparency, openness and implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It concludes with a focus on the challenge of implementing the pioneering policy aspirations. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive homeless men: Behavioral and social characteristics

Homeless persons living in U.S. innercities are at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, but few studies have examined the continued risk behaviors of HIV infected homeless men. We investigated the sexual behavior of 32 homeless men who had tested HIV seropositive. Twenty-five percent of HIV positive men reported a history of injection drug use, 34% had sex with men, over 40% had participated in commercial sex, and 59% had been treated for a non-HIV sexually transmitted disease. HIV seropositive men also reported recent sexual behavior, with 62% having sex in the previous month and 50% currently sexually active. Condom use was inconsistent among seropositive men; 44% of vaginal and 50% of anal intercourse occasions in the preceding three months did not involve condoms, and 28% of HIV seropositive men did not use a condom during their most recent sexual encounter. Substance use was frequently associated with unprotected sexual behavior among HIV seropositive men. Finally, measures of life satisfaction showed that HIV seropositive men were most satisfied with their relationships, mental health, and spiritual well being. These data suggest a need for intensive behavioral interventions tailored for homeless HIV infected men and we recommend that existing substance use treatment and holistic care be incorporated into behavioral interventions for HIV infected men.     

Employment growth in the temporary help supply industry

During the 1980s, a significant increase occurred in the employment of temporary workers — employees hired for a specific task and for a limited duration — because of changing economic conditions that raised both the demand for and supply of temporary workers. Using time-series data, we investigate the factors that influenced temporary employment growth by analyzing the expansion in the temporary help supply (THS) industry. On the demand side, increasing aggregate output and heightened foreign competition were the most important factors that encouraged firms to hire temporary workers. On the supply side, increasing participation of certain demographic groups, notably married women, shifted the supply curve of temporary workers outward. We thank Nathan Balke, Bonnie Fisher, and Jeff Mills for helpful comments.