Mapping the Governance Reform of Welfare to Work in Britain under New Labour

This article draws on Newman's (2001, 2007) typology of the modernization of governance under New Labor, to examine the development of British welfare to work administration. Concentrating on the delivery of active labor market policy, the article suggests network forms of governance occupy a marginal role in welfare to work delivery. Managerialist and hierarchical forms of governance dominate administration of activation policy. In accordance with UK tradition, a national centralized, top down system exercises control of social security and employment services administration, but increasingly seeks to realize its goals through a market system of delivery.

Classifying Network Protocols: A ‘2 Way’ Flow Approach

The identification and classification of network traffic and protocols is a vital step in many quality of service and security systems. Traffic classification strategies must evolve, alongside the protocols utilising the Internet, to overcome the use of ephemeral or masquerading port numbers and transport layer encryption. This research expands the concept of using machine learning on the initial statistics of flow of packets to determine its underlying protocol. Recognising the need for efficient training/retraining of a classifier and the requirement for fast classification, the authors investigate a new application of k-means clustering referred to as 'two-way' classification. The 'two-way' classification uniquely analyses a bidirectional flow as two unidirectional flows and is shown, through experiments on real network traffic, to improve classification accuracy by as much as 18% when measured against similar proposals. It achieves this accuracy while generating fewer clusters, that is, fewer comparisons are needed to classify a flow. A 'two-way' classification offers a new way to improve accuracy and efficiency of machine learning statistical classifiers while still maintaining the fast training times associated with the k-means.

Game-­theoretic Resource Allocation with Real-­time Probabilistic Surveillance Information

Game-theoretic security resource allocation problems have generated significant interest in the area of designing and developing security systems. These approaches traditionally utilize the Stackelberg game model for security resource scheduling in order to improve the protection of critical assets. The basic assumption in Stackelberg games is that a defender will act first, then an attacker will choose their best response after observing the defender’s strategy commitment (e.g., protecting a specific asset). Thus, it requires an attacker’s full or partial observation of a defender’s strategy. This assumption is unrealistic in real-time threat recognition and prevention. In this paper, we propose a new solution concept (i.e., a method to predict how a game will be played) for deriving the defender’s optimal strategy based on the principle of acceptable costs of minimax regret. Moreover, we demonstrate the advantages of this solution concept by analyzing its properties.

Match-fixing and Money-laundering

his essay is premised on the following: a conspiracy to fix or otherwise manipulate the outcome of a sporting event for profitable purpose. That conspiracy is in turn predicated on the conspirators’ capacity to: (a) ensure that the fix takes place as pre-determined; (b) manipulate the betting markets that surround the sporting event in question; and (c) collect their winnings undetected by either the betting industry’s security systems or the attention of any national regulatory body or law enforcement agency.

Unlike many essays on this topic, this contribution does not focus on the “fix”– part (a) of the above equation. It does not seek to explain how or why a participant or sports official might facilitate a betting scam through either on-field behaviour that manipulates the outcome of a game or by presenting others with privileged inside information in advance of a game. Neither does this contribution seek to give any real insight into the second part of the above equation: how such conspirators manipulate a sports betting market by playing or laying the handicap or in-play or other offered betting odds. In fact, this contribution is not really about the mechanics of sports betting or match fixing at all; rather it is about the sometimes under explained reason why match fixing has reportedly become increasingly attractive as of late to international crime syndicates. That reason relates to the fact that given the traditional liquidity of gambling markets, sports betting can, and has long been, an attractively accessible conduit for criminal syndicates to launder the proceeds of crime. Accordingly, the term “winnings”, noted in part (c) of the above equation, takes on an altogether more nefarious meaning.

This essay’s attempt to review the possible links between match fixing in sport, gambling-related “winnings” and money laundering is presented in four parts.

First, some context will be given to what is meant by money laundering, how it is currently policed internationally and, most importantly, how the growth of online gambling presents a unique set of vulnerabilities and opportunities to launder the proceeds of crime. The globalisation of organised crime, sports betting and transnational financial services now means that money laundering opportunities have moved well beyond a flutter on the horses at your local racetrack or at the roulette table of your nearest casino. The growth of online gambling platforms means that at a click it is possible for the proceeds of crime in one jurisdiction to be placed on a betting market in another jurisdiction with the winnings drawn down and laundered in a third jurisdiction and thus the internationalisation of gambling-related money laundering threatens the integrity of sport globally.

Second, and referring back to the infamous hearings of the US Senate Special Committee to Investigate Organised Crime in Interstate Commerce of the early 1950s, (“the Kefauver Committee”), this article will begin by illustrating the long standing interest of organised crime gangs – in this instance, various Mafia families in the United States – in money laundering via sports gambling-related means.

Third, and using the seminal 2009 report “Money Laundering through the Football Sector” by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF, an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system), this essay seeks to assess the vulnerabilities of international sport to match fixing, as motivated in part by the associated secondary criminality of tax evasion and transnational economic crime.

The fourth and concluding parts of the essay spin from problems to possible solutions. The underlying premise here is that heretofore there has been an insularity to the way that sports organisations have both conceptualised and sought to address the match fixing threat e.g., if we (in sport) initiate player education programmes; establish integrity units; enforce codes of conduct and sanctions strictly; then our integrity or brand should be protected. This essay argues that, although these initiatives are important, the source and process of match fixing is beyond sport’s current capacity, as are the possible solutions.

An effective key generation system using improved channel reciprocity

In physical layer security systems there is a clear need to exploit the radio link characteristics to automatically generate an encryption key between two end points. The success of the key generation depends on the channel reciprocity, which is impacted by the non-simultaneous measurements and the white nature of the noise. In this paper, an OFDM subcarriers' channel responses based key generation system with enhanced channel reciprocity is proposed. By theoretically modelling the OFDM subcarriers' channel responses, the channel reciprocity is modelled and analyzed. A low pass filter is accordingly designed to improve the channel reciprocity by suppressing the noise. This feature is essential in low SNR environments in order to reduce the risk of the failure of the information reconciliation phase during key generation. The simulation results show that the low pass filter improves the channel reciprocity, decreases the key disagreement, and effectively increases the success of the key generation.

Adaptation and Evaluation of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale in India (NEWS-India)

Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, with most of these deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India. Research from developed countries has consistently demonstrated associations between built environment features and physical activity levels of populations. The development of culturally sensitive and reliable measures of the built environment is a necessary first step for accurate analysis of environmental correlates of physical activity in LMICs. This study systematically adapted the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS) for India and evaluated aspects of test-retest reliability of the adapted version among Indian adults. Cultural adaptation of the NEWS was conducted by Indian and international experts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with local residents and key informants in the city of Chennai, India. At baseline, participants (N = 370; female = 47.2%) from Chennai completed the adapted NEWS-India surveys on perceived residential density, land use mix-diversity, land use mix-access, street connectivity, infrastructure and safety for walking and cycling, aesthetics, traffic safety, and safety from crime. NEWS-India was administered for a second time to consenting participants (N = 62; female = 53.2%) with a gap of 2–3 weeks between successive administrations. Qualitative findings demonstrated that built environment barriers and constraints to active commuting and physical activity behaviors intersected with social ecological systems. The adapted NEWS subscales had moderate to high test-retest reliability (ICC range 0.48–0.99). The NEWS-India demonstrated acceptable measurement properties among Indian adults and may be a useful tool for evaluation of built environment attributes in India. Further adaptation and evaluation in rural and suburban settings in India is essential to create a version that could be used throughout India.

Address inaccuracy in health registration data: determinants and impacts

Access to demographic data that are complete, accurate and up-to-date is fundamental to many aspects of public health, government and academic work and for accurate interpretation of other databases. Health registration data are the prime source of demographic information for health and social care systems; for example, as an indicator of need, as a source of denominators to convert number of events into rates, or in the case of the residential address information as the basis for generating the call-recall invitation letters that are used for most screening programs (e.g. breast, colo-rectal and AAA screening). However, list inflation (ghosts, duplicates or emigrants) and a degree of address inaccuracy are recognised caveats with the health registration data and a recent NILS-related study on breast screening suggests that improved address accuracy might be a fast and efficient means of increasing screening uptake rates in cities and amongst deprived populations. In NI these data are collated by the BSO who uniquely in the UK also have access to data relating to prescribing, dental registrations and use of A&E services. These can be used to supplement the standard demographic and address information by (i) indicating patients who are alive and resident in NI and (ii) providing an independent source of probably improved address information. This study will use the NI Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN), rather than the addresses per se which are difficult to work with, to compare the addresses registered in the BSO with those addresses in the enumerated 2011 census. Assuming that the census is a more accurate source of address information for individuals, a comparison of the health registration addresses with those recorded at the census, the aim of the proposed study will be to (i) characterise the amount and distributions of these differences, (ii) to see what proportion of those who do not attend for screening did not actually receive an invitation letter because the addresses were incorrect, (iii) to determine how much of the social gradient (and urban/rural differences) in screening uptake are due to address inaccuracies, (iv) a comparison of timing of address changes at the BSO will provide information on the delays in updating of addresses.

Linking Family Engagement with a Rights Perspective: Macro Factors Influencing Practice

While child welfare practitioners in many countries are struggling to develop methods of effective family engagement, they operate within different national and cultural contexts which influence, both positively and negatively, the ability to engage with families. Increasingly, international comparisons are necessary to further understanding of the development of social work practice. This is particularly necessary because most countries utilize international frameworks (such as the United National Convention on the Rights of the Child) to provide guidance in the development of policies, programs, and interventions. Each country (and locality) struggles to advance practice to be more effective and humane. Our paper offers a comparative analysis focused on family-oriented and rights-based frameworks of different countries. Based on a review of current national policies and a review of the literature regarding family based practices, we examine similarities and differences among four countries: the United Kingdom, Sweden, the United States, and South Korea. These countries were selected because they have some similarities (advanced industrialized democracies, professional social work, formal child protection systems) but have some differences in their social welfare systems (policies, specific practices, socio-cultural context). These differences can be utilized to advance understanding regarding the promise and potential for family engagement strategies. We then discuss the utility of this comparison for theory-building in the arena of child care practice and conclude by identifying the challenges and limitations of this work.

The daily life of informal caregivers of elderly

Objectives: To identify the reasons why the informal caregivers to take care of the elderly; to identify enjoyed support and the problems/needs senses. Methods: A descriptive, exploratory and cross study. The sample was 366 informal caregivers of the elderly residents in the District of Évora (Alentejo). Applied a questionnaire, which identified the reasons that led to cohabitation, the difficulties experienced by caregivers, experienced changes in their health and support they receive. Results: Most caregivers are women, with a mean age of 54 years. The main reason of care was elderly disease. These caregivers have changed in relaxation and leisure activities, on the organization of day-to-day and on economic aspects. They receive support from health institutions, social security and firemen’s. Conclusions: Family is the support in the disease, despite the difficulties, particularly in relaxation and leisure activities, organization of day-to-day and economic matters. They requested support in healthcare, transportation and economic aid.

Montagem de câmaras de vigilância: o problema do balanceamento

Este relatório apresenta o estudo de duas linhas de montagem de câmaras de vigilância da empresa Bosch Security Systems, S.A. de Ovar. Numa primeira fase procedeu-se à elaboração das listas de tarefas e respectivas precedências, seguindo-se a medição de trabalho, com o intuito de se actualizarem os tempos padrão existentes. Procedeu-se à comparação dos tempos obtidos com os que se encontravam em vigor de modo a perceber as diferenças e motivos das mesmas. Numa segunda fase, realizaram-se balanceamentos para as duas linhas tendo como cenários a manutenção das duas linhas e a possibilidade da sua junção numa linha única. Analisaram-se todos os resultados e efectuou-se um levantamento do investimento necessário associado a cada um dos cenários. Realizou-se deste modo uma análise de viabilidade com vista ao apoio à decisão. Por fim, realizou-se o workshop Lean Line Design que teve como resultado a configuração física da linha final. Este projecto permitiu chegar a resultados aliciantes, com ganhos a vários níveis. Constituiu mais uma acção de melhoria da empresa, levando-a a rectificar lacunas existentes e ao cumprimento de procedimentos ergonómicos que já se encontravam definidos.

A componente de apoio à família na educação pré-escolar: contextos locais e lógicas de ação

A Componente de Apoio à Família surge como resposta à necessidade daquelas famílias cujo horário de trabalho não é compatível com o tempo letivo diário disponibilizado pelos jardins-de-infância públicos aos seus filhos. O Jardim-de-infância situa-se num contexto organizacional diversificado, uma vez que estabelece relações com o agrupamento de escolas a que pertence, com a autarquia, com os pais, com as associações de pais, com as instituições particulares de solidariedade social, com a comunidade e com outros parceiros educativos. Este estudo visa analisar a participação de diferentes prestadores de serviços: autarquias, associações de pais e instituições particulares de solidariedade social na organização, funcionamento e gestão da Componente de Apoio à Família. Neste contexto, pretendemos identificar os princípios e as estratégias que sustentam os diferentes prestadores de serviços e o modo como lidam com as questões da Componente de Apoio à Família, isto é, as lógicas de ação inerentes a cada prestador de serviços. Partindo de uma matriz metodológica qualitativa, recorremos ao estudo de caso, desenvolvendo o trabalho empírico em três concelhos da zona centro denominados Concelhos do Mar, da Ria e da Praia. Privilegia-se a realização de entrevistas, nomeadamente a educadores de infância, representantes dos agrupamentos de escolas, presidentes de associações de pais, diretoras/coordenadoras das instituições particulares de solidariedade social, animadores da componente de apoio à família e representantes das autarquias, num total de 56 entrevistas. Como principais resultados, verificamos que nos concelhos em estudo a resposta da Componente de Apoio à Família prestada por diferentes organizações apresentam lógicas de ação distintas: no Concelho do Mar a predominância vai para as lógicas de ação de poder local e de associativismo; no Concelho da Ria predominam lógicas de ação de natureza empresarial/mercado e de poder local; no Concelho da Praia salientamos as lógicas de ação burocrática e de poder local.

Blending adaptive governance and institutional theory to explore urban resilience and sustainability strategies in the Rome Metropolitan Area, Italy

Adaptive governance is an emerging theory in natural resource management. This paper addresses a gap in the literature by exploring the potential of adaptive governance for delivering resilience and sustainability in the urban context. We explore emerging challenges to transitioning to urban resilience and sustainability: bringing together multiple scales and institutions; facilitating a social-ecological-systems approach and; embedding social and environmental equity into visions of urban sustainability and resilience. Current approaches to adaptive governance could be helpful for addressing these first two challenges but not in addressing the third. Therefore, this paper proposes strengthening the institutional foundations of adaptive governance by engaging with institutional theory. We explore this through empirical research in the Rome Metropolitan Area, Italy. We argue that explicitly engaging with these themes could lead to a more substantive urban transition strategy and contribute to adaptive governance theory.

Korruption und Gewissenhaftigkeit

Die nachfolgend berichteten Ergebnisse basieren auf einem vignettenbasierten 2x2-Szenario-Experiment, in das die Situationsfaktoren Entdeckungswahrscheinlichkeit und Vorteilswert sowie die Personenfaktoren Organisationaler Zynismus, das Fünf-Faktoren-Modell der Persönlichkeit und Intelligenz einbezogen wurden. In diesem Bericht werden vorrangig die Ergebnisse zur Persönlichkeitsdimension Gewissenhaftigkeit vorgestellt, einem der Faktoren des Fünf-Faktoren-Modells der Persönlichkeit. Diese Ergebnisse werden ausführlich berichtet, weil sie von besonderer Bedeutung für das vom TÜV Hannover/Sachsen-Anhalt e.V. finanzierte Forschungsprojekt Korruption – Risikofaktoren der Person und der Situation (Laufzeit 2011 bis 2015) sind. Die nachfolgend berichtete Untersuchung zeigt, dass ein akteurszentrierter Ansatz in der Korruptionsursachenforschung grundsätzlich sinnvoll ist. Es wurden 113 Auszubildende in den Bereichen Banken- und Versicherungen sowie Sozialversicherung befragt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Korruption als verbreitete Verhaltensweise angesehen wird, die jedoch als verwerflich gilt. Während die einbezogenen Situationsfaktoren keine nennenswerten Effekte auf die Korruptionsbereitschaft hatten, führten einige der Personenfaktoren zu signifikanten Ergebnissen. Gewissenhaftigkeit kommt hierbei als Schutzfaktor vor korrupten Handlungen besondere Bedeutung zu.

Os Crimes fiscais: em especial, o crime de abuso de confiança (fiscal)

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Contabilidade e Finanças Orientador: Professor Dr. António da Costa Oliveira

Desperdícios na cadeia logística no âmbito industrial

Projecto apresentado ao Instituto Politécnico do Porto para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Logística Orientada por Prof. Doutor Gouveia