Doctor of Philosophy

dissertationThis dissertation highlights two important issues with regard to online privacy concerns in e-commerce: (1) why can't privacy concerns explain online behavior? and (2) what are the essential sources of privacy concerns in e-commerce? In Chapter 2, we explain the discrepancy between people's privacy concerns and their willingness to personal information to an online vender, which is called the online privacy paradox. Drawing on construal level theory (CLT), we suggest that people form privacy concerns in a general situation by construing benefits of information disclosure and privacy risk. Due to high psychological distance, the evaluations of benefits and privacy risk become abstract and superficial (i.e., high-level construal). However, as people traverse to a particular situation, the evaluations of those factors become more specific, due to decreased psychological distance (i.e., low-level construal). When high- and low-level construals are consistent, privacy concerns significantly affect information disclosure in a particular situation. In contrast, when the construals are inconsistent, privacy concerns can't explain information disclosure in a particular situation (i.e., privacy paradox). In Chapter 3, we attempt to identify essential antecedents of privacy concerns in ecommerce. Drawing on protection motivation theory, we select privacy risk, self-efficacy, and response efficacy as generic determinants of privacy concerns. We also identify notice and consent of information practice as privacy concerns' determinants specific to ecommerce. According to our results, while privacy risk and consent had direct effects on privacy concerns, self-efficacy and notice indirectly impact privacy concerns through privacy risk. In Chapter 4, we seek to explain the inconsistent direct and indirect effect of privacy concerns by examining attitudinal ambivalence. We develop two alternative models: direct ambivalence and indirect ambivalence model. The direct ambivalence model conceptualizes privacy concerns as attitude and assumes the direct effect of privacy concerns. The effect of privacy concerns is moderated by the ambivalence of privacy selfefficacy and privacy risk. On the other hand, indirect ambivalence model conceptualizes privacy concerns as individual characteristics and assumes indirect effect of privacy concerns via favorability of information disclosure. The relation between favorability and information disclosure is moderated by the ambivalence of benefits and privacy risk

Understanding and Enriching Randomness Within Resource-Constrained Devices

Random Number Generators (RNG) find use throughout all applications of computing, from high level statistical modeling all the way down to essential security primitives. A significant amount of prior work has investigated this space, as a poorly performing generator can have significant impacts on algorithms that rely on it. However, recent explosive growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought forth a class of devices for which common RNG algorithms may not provide an optimal solution. Furthermore, new hardware creates opportunities that have not yet been explored with these devices. in this Dissertation, we present research fostering deeper understanding of and enrichment of the state of randomness within the context of resource-constrained devices. First, we present an exploratory study into methods of generating random numbers on devices with sensors. We perform a data collection study across 37 android devices to determine how much random data is consumed, and which sensors are capable of producing sufficiently entropic data. We use the results of our analysis to create an experimental framework called SensoRNG, which serves as a prototype to test the efficacy of a sensor-based RNG. SensoRNG employs opportunistic collection of data from on-board sensors and applies a light-weight mixing algorithm to produce random numbers. We evaluate SensoRNG with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) statistical testing suite and demonstrate that a sensor-based RNG can provide high quality random numbers with only little additional overhead. Second, we explore the design, implementation, and efficacy of a Collaborative and Distributed Entropy Transfer protocol (CADET), which explores moving random number generation from an individual task to a collaborative one. Through the sharing of excess random data, devices that are unable to meet their own needs can be aided by contributions from other devices. We implement and test a proof-of-concept version of CADET on a testbed of 49 Raspberry Pi 3B single-board computers, which have been underclocked to emulate resource-constrained devices. Through this, we evaluate and demonstrate the efficacy and baseline performance of remote entropy protocols of this type, as well as highlight remaining research questions and challenges. Finally, we design and implement a system called RightNoise, which automatically profiles the RNG activity of a device by using techniques adapted from language modeling. First, by performing offline analysis, RightNoise is able to mine and reconstruct, in the context of a resource-constrained device, the structure of different activities from raw RNG access logs. After recovering these patterns, the device is able to profile its own behavior in real time. We give a thorough evaluation of the algorithms used in RightNoise and show that, with only five instances of each activity type per log, RightNoise is able to reconstruct the full set of activities with over 90\% accuracy. Furthermore, classification is very quick, with an average speed of 0.1 seconds per block. We finish this work by discussing real world application scenarios for RightNoise

Visa as Property, Visa as Collateral

Three decades ago Guido Calabresi and Philip Bobbit famously wrote about tragic choices, namely tough policy choices which offend deeply held values, and the accompanying subterfuges, that is, efforts by policy elites to shield such choices from public view.\u27 Strangely, the tragic choice framework has not been applied in the context of U.S. immigration law, although current immigration policy is rife with tragic choices and subterfuges. A case in question is the issue of commodification of visas. It is clear that U.S. policymakers remain deeply committed to maintaining an illusion that U.S. visas are not being sold. 2 For example, in the subprime mortgage financial crisis that began in 2007, U.S. policymakers declined to auction visas to wealthy overseas investors who would be willing to purchase depressed real estate, a policy suggestion that gained considerable currency as a means of buttressing property values.3 Yet, U.S. immigration practice has long made unofficial concessions to commodification, that is, concessions at the margins. Notably, the government generally derives no direct benefit from such concessions, although other parties may extract significant rents. One might call these informal subterfuges, as a cottage industry has developed with labor brokers and coyotes charging applicants high fees to gain entry to the United States.4 Strikingly, these fees are pervasive, not only in the black and gray markets (that is, markets outside of the formal economy, sometimes involving inherently illegal activities such as undocumented border crossings). They are also pervasive in the white markets (within the formal economy). For example, elite applicants typically employ attorneys and sometimes lobbyists who charge high fees to navigate the complexities of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( INA ).5 There are also official concessions to commodification. Indeed, the INA mandates that some migrants pay very high prices to obtain the right to enter the United States. Certain elite visa applicants, for example, must invest significant sums in the U.S. economy as a condition of both obtaining and maintaining their visas

Linking fiscal decentralization and local financial governance: a case of district level decentralization in the Amhara region, Ethiopia

Philosophiae Doctor - PhDThe prime aim of this thesis is to examine the link between fiscal decentralization and local financial governance in fiscally empowered woreda administrations (districts) of the Amhara region in Ethiopia. Local financial governance has been one of the reasons and arguably the crucial one that drives many countries to subscribe to fiscal decentralization. The presumption is that public finance mobilization and spending can be implemented in a more efficient, responsive, transparent and accountable manner at the local government level than at the centre. Nonetheless, empirical studies show that the linkage between fiscal decentralization and these local financial governance benefits is not automatic. Several developing countries that have tried to implement fiscal decentralization have failed to realise the promised financial governance gains largely due to design and implementation flaws. A review of the various theoretical perspectives suggest that local financial governance is not a factor of just devolution of fiscal power but also other intervening forces such as financial management system, citizen voicing mechanisms and the social and political context. It is within the framework of this theoretical argument that this study sought to investigate how the mixed and incomplete efforts of the district level fiscal decentralization program in the Amhara region has impacted on financial governance of woreda administrations. The study assesses the efficacy and role of various initiatives of the district level decentralization program of the Amhara region, such as the fiscal empowerment of woredas; financial management system reforms; citizen voicing mechanisms and political party structures and system in influencing woreda financial governance. To this end, the investigation process largely took the form of an interpretative approach employing a combination of various methods of gathering the required qualitative and quantitative data from respondents and documents in the selected four case woredas or districts. Findings on the assessment of the intergovernmental relations to measure the adequacy of devolution of fiscal power indicate that, despite the constitutional provision that affords the woredas the power to mobilize and spend public finance for the provision of various local public services, several design and implementation shortcomings have constrained woreda administrations from exercising such power effectively. As a result, the district level fiscal decentralization framework of the Amhara region appears to have features of decentralization by de-concentration rather than by devolution. Despite the extensive financial management reforms that have been undertaken, the research findings indicate that the financial management system in woreda administrations faces a range of challenges triggered largely by important design and implementation shortcomings. It is observed that the ‘getting the basics right first’ reforms in various financial management processes of woreda administrations are not only incomplete but also found to be inconsistent with each other and therefore could not serve their purpose. Furthermore, there has not been any other change in the last two decades since the initial implementation of these reforms despite such serious shortcomings. Most importantly, woreda administrations could not properly implement the techniques, methods, procedures and rules that constituted the reform process due to serious implementation problems such as the lack of manpower competency and problems associated with the lack of administrative accountability. The results of the study’s assessment regarding the practice of social accountability show that currently there is no arrangement for citizens to participate in public financial decisions and controls. In general, people have little interest in participating in the meetings organised by woreda government. Formal and informal community based organizations suffer from important capcity constraints, and the lack of strong civil society organizations to support these community based organizations makes such problems more difficult to resolve. However, local communities did indicate that they would be interested in participating in financial and budgeting processes if a number of conditions were satisfied. These included the availability of adequate and relevant information; the introduction of genuine forms of participation in which citizens were empowered; and evidence that popular participation was making a visible impact on financial decisions related to service delivery in their surroundings. The assessment of the ruling party structure and system suggests that the centralized system of the regional ruling party has created a dominant relationship between party organs at various levels so much sothat it has undermined the fiscal discretionary power of woreda administrations; blurred relationship between party and woreda financial management systems; and undermined direct voicing. Consequently, the genuine devolution of fiscal power, the effective implementation of the decentralised financial management systems, and direct participation of citizens are unlikely to be realised within the current ruling party system and structure. Moreover, the study shows that the intergovernmental relations, the implementation of financial management reforms and direct involvement of people influence each other. The evidence suggests that the effective implementation of the financial management reforms is not possible without genuine devolution of fiscal power and arrangements for the activeinvolvement of citizens. Despite these limitations and shortcomings, the research nevertheless reveals that the decentralization process has achieved some positive results, such as the expansion of access to basic services; the economic use of resources for such expansion; the mobilization of resources from local communities; and the streamlining of a number of bureaucratic processes. However, the prevalence of various financial governance challenges such as excessive budget transfers; low budget execution; uneconomical procurement; illicit spending; budget pressure; inadequate revenue collection; poor financial transparency; and compromised accountability in fiscally decentralized woreda administrations means the promised local financial governance benefits of fiscal decentralization are remain largely unrealized. The evidences in the study strongly suggest that the shortcomings in the design and implementation of intergovernmental relations, financial management system reforms, and direct voicing mechanisms areresponsible in combination with each other for these local financial governance challenges. Thus, the study concludes that local financial governance is a result of a complex network of interactions of intergovernmental relations, public financial management arrangements and social accountability mechanisms. The success of initiatives to improve local financial governance is dependent on contextual factors such as the capacity of civil society organizations and the ruling party system and structure. Therefore, while recommending further efforts of genuine devolution of power, in particular through the continuation of the financial management reform processes towards full-fledged reforms, the study contends that opening enough space for the proliferation of civil society organizations and alternative political parties will be the main priority

Handbook of disaster ritual : multidisciplinary perspectives, cases and themes

The Handbook of Disaster Ritual presents an overview of relevant literature, perspectives, methods, concepts, as well as a selection of topical themes in relation to current disaster rituals. The handbook has been compiled from multi-disciplinary and geographically diverse perspectives and works with broad definitions of the concepts of both disaster and ritual. A disaster is defined as an event or situation that causes a significant disruption of a society or a group and evokes a collective and/or an individual reaction with expression of mourning, compassion, indignation, protest, call for justice, recovery, reconciliation, and consolation. In this working definition, it is clear that the impact of a disaster is 'translated ritually'. Disasters bring forth a variety of ritual practices. The Handbook of Disaster Ritual consists of three parts. After an extensive conceptual and historiographical introduction, Part I presents several perspectives on the study of disasters and disaster rituals. In Part II, a team of international scholars presents nineteen case studies of various disasters and disaster rituals. Part III addresses various themes from the case studies that can be seen as key elements in disaster rituals. Introduction -- Introduction. Some conceptual and historiographical explorations on ritual, disaster and disaster ritual / Paul Post. Part I -- General Perspectives -- 1. Disaster studies. Perspectives between nature and ritual / Georg Frerks & Dorothea Hilhorst -- 2. Even, contingency and unexpectedness in social philosophy / Sanem Yazicioğlu -- 3. A victimology of corona. The disaster of our times / Antony Pemberton -- 4. Grief, trauma and meaning making after disaster / Joanna Wojtkowiak -- 5. Death studies and disasters. Ritualizing and numbering numbing realities / Douglas Davies -- 6. Restoring a negative destination image. The case of Palestine / Rami Isaac & Merel Sijm -- 7. "Groaning inwardly while waiting for the redemption of our bodies". Toward a theology of trauma / Erik Borgman. Part II -- Case Studies -- 8. Coping with suffering in a memorial ceremony after the 2011 tsunami in Japan / Yu Fukuda -- 9. The Pacific islands. Encounters with disaster and ritualized responses / Andrew J. Strathern Pamela J. Stewart -- 10. The great Wenchuan earthquake of 2008. Dark tourism, seismic memorials, and disaster rituals / Ken Foote Tang Yong -- 11. Ke garne? (What can one do?). How people 'on the ground' perceived the incomplete improvised mortuary rituals at Pashupatinath after the earthquake in Nepal, 2015 / Albertina Nugteren, Hans Hadders Rojisha Poudel -- 12. German central commemoriation of the Germanwings air crash 2015 / Brigitte Benz -- 13. When paradise became hell. The 2002 Bali bombings and their post-disaster ritual practices and repertoires / Herman L. Beck -- 14. School shootings and rituals. The case of Parkland, Florida in 2018 / Birgit Pfeifer André Mulder -- 15. Ritualizing after the terror attacks in Norway on 22 July 2011 / Lars Johan Danbolt Hans Stifoss-Hanssen -- 'Refugee ritual'. Ritual practices in connection with the Mediterranean refugee crisis / Paul Post -- 17. Walking the Marš Mira. War, tourism and ritual practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina / Siri Driessen -- 18. Genocide commemoration in Rwanda. Remembrance of the dead and the performance of missed funeral rituals / Célestin Nsengimana -- 19. The Armenian genocide commemoration. A dynamic demand of memory / Rima Nasrallah -- 20. Blood Brothers. The Armenian genocide commemorated in art projects / Martin J.M. Hoondert Sam van Alebeek -- 21. The glory of disaster. The Herero Flag Marches / Walter van Beek Jan-Bart Gewald -- 22. Commemorating the struggle against colonialism in Freedom Park, Pretoria / Marcel Barnard Cas Wpener -- 23. Making a space for ritual. Regime loyalists after the end of the German Democratic Republic / David Clarke -- 24. #MeToo as a ritual resonse to the slow-moving disaster of sexual violence / Heleen E. Zorgdrager -- 25. Ritualization in the context of the global food crisis / Mirella Klomp Marcel Barnard -- 26. How could Baptism cleanse us with polluted water? / Ernst M. Conradie -- 27. Ritualizing the COVID-19 pandemic. Global impressions / Sébastien P. Boret Yu Fukuda; David Clarke; Albertina Nugteren; Pamela J. Stewart Andrew Strathern; Cas Wepener; Joanna Wojtkowiak; Hans Stifoss-Hanssen Lars Johan Danbolt. Part III -- Selected Themes -- 28. State apology. The simultaneously hegemonic and brittle ritual / Tom Bentley -- 29. Relics. The ritual role of traces and remnants / Paul Post -- 30. Disaster theater. Play when thigs go awry / Kees de Groot -- 31. Shocked in more ways than one. Media (re)presentation of improvised funerary activities after the 2015 earthquake in Nepal / Albertina Nugteren -- 32. E-rituals in the coronavirus context / Paul Post -- 33. The mobile witness. Mobile media affective witnessing during disasters / Larissa Hjorth & Kathleen M. Cumiskey -- 34. 'You'll die of old age. I'll die of climate change!' Children and disaster rituals / Suzanne van der Beek

Contributions to social work education, social work and social theory

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:DX182134 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Poverty and social security in Malaysia : major themes in economic and social development.

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:DX188331 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo