“Ethics – The State – The Person” is a work in which Dr. Artur Victoria surprises the public with his unique capacity for pragmatic analysis of the major issues facing humanity in a globalised world where there is a constant and rapid change in the complex challenges posed by persistent political, economic, social, environmental and security uncertainties. In this context, it becomes imperative to reflect on the paths to follow in the search for peace and sustainable progress on a global scale. This work is written with exceptional quality and remarkable scientific rigour. These factors, together with the high esteem, friendship and consideration I have for Dr. Artur Victoria, were more than enough reasons to prompt me to accept to preface his new book. Artur Victoria is, without a doubt, a relevant figure in our society, with an academic background of excellence and a vast professional experience. The functions performed within the scope of the legal profession, as well as the positions of organizational leadership and institutional coordination he has held, in national and international non-governmental institutions, associated with the constant research and scientific production developed throughout his life, credit him as an eminent thinker and a reference in ethical, geopolitical, governmental and security issues. In fact, his thinking and critical capacity are clearly evident in this book, which opens doors for reflection by all those interested in the most pressing questions facing the future of humanity, from the philosophical, legal, economic, political, social and environmental fields. To give the reader the context of the problem it sets out to address, Arthur Victoria refers his narrative to the Treaty of Westphalia, as the moment that was at the origin of International Law and the balance of power between sovereign nations, as we know them today. If, on the one hand, this event opened the doors to the Enlightenment, to rapid scientific advance and to liberal democracies, on the other hand, it was the harbinger of the end of empires, which culminated with the First World War, and of the emergence of totalitarian regimes that, in a generalised way, characterised Europe at the beginning of the 20th century, leading to the most striking conflict in the history of humanity, the Second World War. More than 70 years after the end of this conflict, which gave rise to the United Nations Organization and whose inspiring principles, in the words of one of the most prominent Portuguese thinkers of our time – Professor Adriano Moreira – are “One Single World” and “Earth,the common home of Mankind”, the challenges to world governance and peace remain and are rapidly changing. Despite the efforts made by the international community and the scientific and technological advances that recent years have brought us, we have not witnessed a proportional evolution in the quality of life of the world’s populations across the board. These factors necessarily lead us to consider that the concepts defending equal rights and human dignity, which should be at the heart of all national and international policies, are not valid if they are nothing more than theories proclaimed only by activists, without concerted intervention and mobilization by States. In this context, and also taking into consideration the two most recent events that have transformed societies and their way of life, referring of course to the COVID-19 pandemic and the armed conflict that has been raging in Ukraine since 24 February 2022, I am pleased to highlight the relevance of the topic addressed and the importance and depth of the author’s impartial and objective, through, throughout the text, which he divides into three fundamental parts – the State, the individual, and the environment – presenting, as a connecting thread, the elements of ethics and morality, which he considers to be the basis for resolving the major issues of public interest, in an increasingly dynamic, complex and unstable world. As Yuval Noah Harari states in his book 21 Lessons for the 21st Century: “A global world puts unprecedented pressure on our personal conduct and morality”. It is in this line of thought that the author begins by addressing the central role of the State in making decisions about what to do in the light of the great challenges of the 21st century, quickly changing the widespread habit of not defining future goals and not planning the necessary policies to achieve them. Within this framework, Artur Victoria discusses the main functions and responsibilities of the State and the importance of ethics for the public interest, corporations, the legal system and democracies. He also addresses the need for State reform with a view to a new model of community coexistence, the paradigm of national defence and security, and information systems. In the chapter dedicated to the Person, Artur Victoria invites the reader to reflect on the ethics and morals that should govern every member of a changing society. For this, he considers it necessary a deep meditation process, in an intellectual exercise of balance between the definition of the ambitions and goals of each one, in order to find an answer to the question “(...) how should I live my life? (...)”. The answers found must necessarily be compatible with those which overlap them, this is, those of society and the organisations to which each one belongs. However, the author takes this exercise of reflection further, addressing the need for the establishment of ethical and moral codes by governmental and non-governmental organisations, as an integral part of society. The analysis of such a deep and complex theme would not be complete without an adequate approach to the biggest problem facing the sustainable survival of humanity in the medium and long term. It is in this context that Artur Victoria reflects on the environment and on the problem of climate change resulting from mankind’s exploitation of natural resources, associated with the exponential growth of the world’s population since the beginning of the 19th century. The reader is also invited to meditate on the paradigm of behavioural change and environmental awareness, as well as on alternative strategies to be outlined for an economically and financially sustainable development, based on the maintenance of social and cultural values of the different populations, with scientific research and technological development playing an absolutely key role in the necessary advances towards an intelligent sustainability on a planetary scale. I conclude with the conviction that, in a world that is increasingly uncertain and full of irrelevant information, and in which ethics is often forgotten by governments and organisations, causing States and individuals to behave in deviant ways, reason gives us the power to better define the direction to follow in the search for a more prosperous, egalitarian, safe and sustainable future for humanity. This book by Artur Victoria certainly contributes to that goal, providing the reader with a clear vision of the issues that must be analysed and reflected upon, in the certainty that the approach to ethics applied to the State and to the person is the key we need to foster the hope necessary for the perpetuation of our civilisation as we know it. As Professor Adriano Moreira said, it is imperative not to allow the “creed of interests” to override the “creed of values”. * Admiral António Silva Ribeiro held the position of Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Portugal from March 1, 2018. Previously, as a General officer, he served as Chief of Staff of the Navy and National Maritime Authority, General Director of the Maritime Authority and General Commander of the Maritime Police, Superintendent of Material, General Director of the Hydrographical Institute, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy, Secretary of the Admiralty Council and Member of the Consultative Committee for Search and Rescue. In addition to his military career, he is an academic with specialization in Strategy and Political Science and History. The Admiral teaches and supervises research at Universities and Research Centres. He published hundreds of articles/essays in national and foreign newspapers and magazines and he is a regular speaker at conferences about Military and Political Affairs, International Relations and Strategy. As an Academic he is a visiting Professor of Strategy at the Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas and a military teacher at the Naval School. He holds the title of Professor at the Higher Institute of Information and Administration Sciences. He is also a specialist in maritime and military strategy, international politics, military sociology, military and maritime history and hydrography history. Admiral António Silva Ribeiro is the author of several books, three of which published abroad.
“Ethics – The State – The Person” is a work in which Dr. Artur Victoria surprises the public with his unique capacity for pragmatic analysis of the major issues facing humanity in a globalised world where there is a constant and rapid change in the complex challenges posed by persistent political, economic, social, environmental and security uncertainties. In this context, it becomes imperative to reflect on the paths to follow in the search for peace and sustainable progress on a global scale. This work is written with exceptional quality and remarkable scientific rigour. These factors, together with the high esteem, friendship and consideration I have for Dr. Artur Victoria, were more than enough reasons to prompt me to accept to preface his new book. Artur Victoria is, without a doubt, a relevant figure in our society, with an academic background of excellence and a vast professional experience. The functions performed within the scope of the legal profession, as well as the positions of organizational leadership and institutional coordination he has held, in national and international non-governmental institutions, associated with the constant research and scientific production developed throughout his life, credit him as an eminent thinker and a reference in ethical, geopolitical, governmental and security issues. In fact, his thinking and critical capacity are clearly evident in this book, which opens doors for reflection by all those interested in the most pressing questions facing the future of humanity, from the philosophical, legal, economic, political, social and environmental fields. To give the reader the context of the problem it sets out to address, Arthur Victoria refers his narrative to the Treaty of Westphalia, as the moment that was at the origin of International Law and the balance of power between sovereign nations, as we know them today. If, on the one hand, this event opened the doors to the Enlightenment, to rapid scientific advance and to liberal democracies, on the other hand, it was the harbinger of the end of empires, which culminated with the First World War, and of the emergence of totalitarian regimes that, in a generalised way, characterised Europe at the beginning of the 20th century, leading to the most striking conflict in the history of humanity, the Second World War. More than 70 years after the end of this conflict, which gave rise to the United Nations Organization and whose inspiring principles, in the words of one of the most prominent Portuguese thinkers of our time – Professor Adriano Moreira – are “One Single World” and “Earth,the common home of Mankind”, the challenges to world governance and peace remain and are rapidly changing. Despite the efforts made by the international community and the scientific and technological advances that recent years have brought us, we have not witnessed a proportional evolution in the quality of life of the world’s populations across the board. These factors necessarily lead us to consider that the concepts defending equal rights and human dignity, which should be at the heart of all national and international policies, are not valid if they are nothing more than theories proclaimed only by activists, without concerted intervention and mobilization by States. In this context, and also taking into consideration the two most recent events that have transformed societies and their way of life, referring of course to the COVID-19 pandemic and the armed conflict that has been raging in Ukraine since 24 February 2022, I am pleased to highlight the relevance of the topic addressed and the importance and depth of the author’s impartial and objective, through, throughout the text, which he divides into three fundamental parts – the State, the individual, and the environment – presenting, as a connecting thread, the elements of ethics and morality, which he considers to be the basis for resolving the major issues of public interest, in an increasingly dynamic, complex and unstable world. As Yuval Noah Harari states in his book 21 Lessons for the 21st Century: “A global world puts unprecedented pressure on our personal conduct and morality”. It is in this line of thought that the author begins by addressing the central role of the State in making decisions about what to do in the light of the great challenges of the 21st century, quickly changing the widespread habit of not defining future goals and not planning the necessary policies to achieve them. Within this framework, Artur Victoria discusses the main functions and responsibilities of the State and the importance of ethics for the public interest, corporations, the legal system and democracies. He also addresses the need for State reform with a view to a new model of community coexistence, the paradigm of national defence and security, and information systems. In the chapter dedicated to the Person, Artur Victoria invites the reader to reflect on the ethics and morals that should govern every member of a changing society. For this, he considers it necessary a deep meditation process, in an intellectual exercise of balance between the definition of the ambitions and goals of each one, in order to find an answer to the question “(...) how should I live my life? (...)”. The answers found must necessarily be compatible with those which overlap them, this is, those of society and the organisations to which each one belongs. However, the author takes this exercise of reflection further, addressing the need for the establishment of ethical and moral codes by governmental and non-governmental organisations, as an integral part of society. The analysis of such a deep and complex theme would not be complete without an adequate approach to the biggest problem facing the sustainable survival of humanity in the medium and long term. It is in this context that Artur Victoria reflects on the environment and on the problem of climate change resulting from mankind’s exploitation of natural resources, associated with the exponential growth of the world’s population since the beginning of the 19th century. The reader is also invited to meditate on the paradigm of behavioural change and environmental awareness, as well as on alternative strategies to be outlined for an economically and financially sustainable development, based on the maintenance of social and cultural values of the different populations, with scientific research and technological development playing an absolutely key role in the necessary advances towards an intelligent sustainability on a planetary scale. I conclude with the conviction that, in a world that is increasingly uncertain and full of irrelevant information, and in which ethics is often forgotten by governments and organisations, causing States and individuals to behave in deviant ways, reason gives us the power to better define the direction to follow in the search for a more prosperous, egalitarian, safe and sustainable future for humanity. This book by Artur Victoria certainly contributes to that goal, providing the reader with a clear vision of the issues that must be analysed and reflected upon, in the certainty that the approach to ethics applied to the State and to the person is the key we need to foster the hope necessary for the perpetuation of our civilisation as we know it. As Professor Adriano Moreira said, it is imperative not to allow the “creed of interests” to override the “creed of values”. * Admiral António Silva Ribeiro held the position of Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Portugal from March 1, 2018. Previously, as a General officer, he served as Chief of Staff of the Navy and National Maritime Authority, General Director of the Maritime Authority and General Commander of the Maritime Police, Superintendent of Material, General Director of the Hydrographical Institute, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy, Secretary of the Admiralty Council and Member of the Consultative Committee for Search and Rescue. In addition to his military career, he is an academic with specialization in Strategy and Political Science and History. The Admiral teaches and supervises research at Universities and Research Centres. He published hundreds of articles/essays in national and foreign newspapers and magazines and he is a regular speaker at conferences about Military and Political Affairs, International Relations and Strategy. As an Academic he is a visiting Professor of Strategy at the Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas and a military teacher at the Naval School. He holds the title of Professor at the Higher Institute of Information and Administration Sciences. He is also a specialist in maritime and military strategy, international politics, military sociology, military and maritime history and hydrography history. Admiral António Silva Ribeiro is the author of several books, three of which published abroad.
The dedication of a piece of music is a feature generally overlooked, but it can reveal a great deal about the work, the composer, the society and the music world in which the composer lived. This book explores the musical, biographical and sociological aspects of the practice of dedicating new compositions in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and makes a significant contribution towards a better understanding of the impact these tributes had on Beethoven’s life and work, and their function within the context of the musical, cultural and economic environments in which they appeared. As the first of its kind, this study demonstrates that, as a result of their different functions, published dedications and handwritten inscriptions are distinct from one another, and for that reason they have been classified in different categories. This book, therefore, challenges the idea of what exactly can be termed as a ‘dedication’, a concept which extends far beyond the dedication of musical works.
At the first glance the novel could have been classified as a thriller, with suspense and sensual plot that at least partly is set in an environment of soft porno movie production in London, at the time of end of 1980s, including elements of mafia and IRA activities. Nonetheless, there was cleverly 'smuggled' a great deal of information about the work of cameraman, as well as of director while rehearsing with the actors or carrying out shooting of the movie. Further on, it entertains with real and anecdotic information about the cinematic environment. Besides, the novel is bringing a spectrum of information about writing a script for a historical movie and development of the concept of its realization. While doing so, it is also building up a reflective view over 15s century French poet Francois Villon; his personality and highly original oeuvre. The main thread of the contemporary action of the novel drifts towards the historical one, and in a way, they become tragically connected.
Lower capacity countries often struggle to administer the Value Added Tax (VAT) in the extractive industries, partly due to the large VAT refunds needs of this capital and export-intensive sector. Assuming that the first-best policy (apply the standard VAT to the extractive industry) is not possible in the medium-term, what should countries do? This paper systemically analyzes second-best VAT policy designs considering the impact of the VAT on three key stakeholders: the investor, domestic suppliers, and the tax administration. The analysis concludes that the generally preferred policy is to provide a VAT exemption for imports and either fully tax or exempt domestic supplies, although country characteristics (and, specifically the relative weighting of stakeholders) matter. Moreover, governments should make efforts to shorten refund delays and transition to a standard VAT over the longer-term.
This book is for anyone interested in renewable energy for a sustainable future of mankind. Batteries, fuel cells, capacitors, electrolyzers and solar cells are explained at the molecular level and at the power plant level, in their historical development, in their economical and political impact, and social change. Cases from geophysics and astronomy show that electrochemistry is not confined to the small scale. Examples are shown and exercised.
Reporting from such varied locations as postcolonial Africa, revolutionary Iran, the military dictatorships of Latin America and Soviet Russia, the Polish journalist and writer Ryszard Kapuscinski was one of the most influential eyewitness journalists of the twentieth century. During the Cold War, he was a dauntless investigator as well as a towering literary talent, and books such as The Emperor and Travels with Herodotus founded the new genre of ‘literary reportage’. It was an achievement that brought him global renown, not to mention the uninvited attentions of the CIA. In this definitive biography, Artur Domoslawski shines a new light on the personal relationships of this intensely charismatic, deeply private man, examining the intractable issue at the heart of Kapuscinski’s life and work: the relationship and tension between journalism and literature. In researching this book, Domos?awski, himself an award-winning foreign correspondent, enjoyed unprecedented access to Kapuscinski’s private papers. The result traces his mentor’s footsteps through Africa and Latin America, delves into files and archives that Kapuscinski himself examined, and records conversations with the people that he talked to in the course of his own investigations. Ryszard Kapuscinski is a meticulous, riveting portrait of a complex man of intense curiosity living at the heart of dangerous times.
Oncogene proteins are proteins coded by oncogenes. They include proteins resulting from the fusion of an oncogene and another gene (oncogene proteins, fusion). An oncogene is a modified gene, or a set of nucleotides that codes for a protein and is believed to cause cancer. This book brings together the latest research in this field from around the world.
Long before “IS” and “Boko Haram”, the messianic “Lord’s Resistance Army” (LRA) in Uganda was considered as one of the most brutal rebel groups in Africa, or in the world, and as one which clearly specialized in the abduction, “recruitment” and deployment of children and adolescents as ombatants. This book presents the results of a research project on former child soldiers and rebels in northern Uganda and their “reintegration” into society after their return to civilian life. The authors investigate their biographies and the social figurations or relationships between them and members of the civilian population that emerged following their return, not least in their families of origin, and show which conditions facilitate or hinder their “(re)integration” into civilian life. The discussion also shows what distinguishes them from former members of rebel groups in the neighboring region of West Nile, in respect of their history and how they were recruited, as well as in their present situation and social position.
The new Handbook on Basics of Coating Technology is a classic reference recently updated with 18 years worth of new technology, standards, and developments in the worldwide coating industry. This is an indispensable reference for anyone in the industry. Whether you are involved in traditional processes or the most innovative, this handbook will be a critical addition to your daily routine. Full of color images, graphs, and figures, the handbook comes complete with standard tables, general classification figures, definitions, and an extensive keyword index. Both engineers and technicians will find the answers they need within its pages. Instead of solving problems "after the fact," this handbook helps avoiding them in the first place, saving time and money. This reference also gives beginners and practically oriented readers a journey through the different coating segments clearly illustrated with lots of pictures. It also outlines the social changes in the industry concerning environmental compatibility and toxicology which have seriously affected product development.
This book provides a practically applicable guide on how to develop essential microsurgery skills and successfully perform a range of procedures. Emphasis is placed within each chapter on equipping the reader with the necessary information to enable them to develop a strong foundational knowledge of every technique covered with clear step-by-step guides on how to perform a range of methodologies. Helpful tips are provided on how to avoid common pitfalls and enhance skill acquisition. Accompanying video material also reinforces the key points detailed. Topics covered include how to develop skills utilizing the porcine model of flap harvesting along with the use of animal models for techniques such as vascular anastomoses, anesthesia, and exposure of relevant recipient vessels. Microsurgery Manual for Medical Students and Residents is a detailed resource on how to acquire core microsurgery skills, making it an ideal resource for medical students and trainees seeking a resource on how to further develop their skills.
The totalitarian state clearly intends to eliminate all those forms of organic community that rival the absolute loyalty of the individual to the state. This god is a jealous god. . . . Mrowczy?ski-Van Allen's diagnosis is therefore no less relevant after the fall of the Berlin Wall. And his proposed cure is no less salutary. He appeals to the work of Grossman and other voices from the East to oppose the idolatry of the deified self with the icon, which opens up a distance in which giving and forgiving can occur. Eastern voices are so helpful because they refuse to quarantine theological questions; the borders between theology, politics, and literature are fluid and porous, because they are all a part of an integrated life. The holism of totalitarianism must be opposed by another kind of holism that replaces the idol with the icon. At the same time, the aspiration of secularism to separate politics from theology, and power from love, must be opposed by a politics based on an opening of human persons to God and to each other, the kind of self-donation found in Grossman, and for Christians, on the Cross. --From the Foreword by William T. Cavanaugh
The value-added tax (VAT) has the potential to generate significant government revenue. Despite its intrinsic self-enforcement capacity, many tax administrations find it challenging to refund excess input credits, which is critical to a well-functioning VAT system. Improperly functioning VAT refund practices can have profound implications for fiscal policy and management, including inaccurate deficit measurement, spending overruns, poor budget credibility, impaired treasury operations, and arrears accumulation.This note addresses the following issues: (1) What are VAT refunds and why should they be managed properly? (2) What practices should be put in place (in tax policy, tax administration, budget and treasury management, debt, and fiscal statistics) to help manage key aspects of VAT refunds? For a refund mechanism to be credible, the tax administration must ensure that it is equipped with the strategies, processes, and abilities needed to identify VAT refund fraud. It must also be prepared to act quickly to combat such fraud/schemes.
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