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ABSTRACT The long-term performance and reliability of photovoltaic (PV) modules and systems are critical metrics for the economic viability of PV as a power source. In this study, the power degradation rates of two identical PV systems deployed in Florida are quantified using the Performance Ratio analytical technique and the translation of power output to an alternative reporting condition of 1000 W m−2 irradiance and cell temperature of 50 °C. We introduce a multi-pronged strategy for quantifying the degradation rates of PV modules and arrays using archived data. This multi-pronged approach utilizes nearby weather stations to validate and, if needed, correct suspect environmental data that can be a problem when sensor calibrations may have drifted. Recent field measurements, including I-V curve measurements of the arrays, visual inspection, and infrared imaging, are then used to further investigate the performance of these systems. Finally, the degradation rates and calculated uncertainties are reported for both systems using the methods described previously. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV prevention and risk reduction are especially salient and timely issues for women, particularly among those who are drug-involved or who exchange sex for drugs or money. Studies suggest that HIV-prevention measures can be effective with highly vulnerable women, and have the potential to produce significant reductions in risk behaviours among both HIV-negative and HIV-positive women. Within this context, this paper examines risk behaviours and HIV serostatus among 407 drug-involved women sex workers in Miami, Florida, and investigates the effects of participation in HIV testing, counselling, and a risk-reduction intervention on subsequent behavioural change among this population. Overall, at follow-up, the HIV-positive women were 2.4 times more likely than the HIV-negative women to have entered residential treatment for drug abuse, 2.2 times more likely to have decreased the number of their sex partners, 1.9 times more likely to have decreased the frequency of unprotected sex, 1.9 times more likely to have reduced their levels of alcohol use, and 2.3 times more likely to have decreased their crack use. These data support the importance of HIV testing and risk-reduction programmes for drug-involved women sex workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the ASI, a multi-dimensional survey instrument, data were collected on women in Florida's welfare program (WAGES). The women manifested serious problems in terms of physical and mental health, employment skills and childcare needs. Length of time on welfare was strongly associated with the severity of recipients' problems. Women with 2 + years on welfare were significantly more likely to have problems. However, substance use was lower than anticipated which may be because substance abusers are dropping out of welfare. This possibility raises concerns that, rather than going into the workfore, women may be returning to the streets. If so, instead of reducing the welfare costs, we are shifting those costs to local health, social service and criminal justice systems.