Economic Analysis of Occupational Risk Prevention in the Construction Sector

The construction sector has one of the worst occupational safety and health records in Europe. The costs of this scenario are very high, namely costs for workers and their families, costs to organizations, resulting from the absence of workers due to illness, insurance premiums, costs resulting from reduced productivity, cost of replacement and training of workers, etc., and costs to society, which in turn increases the costs of health systems. This paper presents and discusses the development of a methodology for economic evaluation in the context of risk management, which will allow senior management to support decision making. The possible application of this methodology to the construction sector is discussed.

Integrating environmental and economic life cycle analysis in product development: a material selection case study

Purpose Achieving sustainability by rethinking products, services and strategies is an enormous challenge currently laid upon the economic sector, in which materials selection plays a critical role. In this context, the present work describes an environmental and economic life cycle analysis of a structural product, comparing two possible material alternatives. The product chosen is a storage tank, presently manufactured in stainless steel (SST) or in a glass fibre reinforced polymer composite (CST). The overall goal of the study is to identify environmental and economic strong and weak points related to the life cycle of the two material alternatives. The consequential win-win or trade-off situations will be identified via a Life Cycle Assessment/Life Cycle Costing (LCA/LCC) integrated model. Methods The LCA/LCC integrated model used consists in applying the LCA methodology to the product system, incorporating, in parallel, its results into the LCC study, namely those of the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) and the Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA). Results In both the SST and CST systems the most significant life cycle phase is the raw materials production, in which the most significant environmental burdens correspond to the Fossil fuels and Respiratory inorganics categories. The LCA/LCC integrated analysis shows that the CST has globally a preferable environmental and economic profile, as its impacts are lower than those of the SST in all life cycle stages. Both the internal and external costs are lower, the former resulting mainly from the composite material being significantly less expensive than stainless steel. This therefore represents a full win-win situation. As a consequence, the study clearly indicates that using a thermoset composite material to manufacture storage tanks is environmentally and economically desirable. However, it was also evident that the environmental performance of the CST could be improved by altering its End-of-Life stage. Conclusions The results of the present work provide enlightening insights into the synergies between the environmental and the economic performance of a structural product made with alternative materials. Further, they provide conclusive evidence to support the integration of environmental and economic life cycle analysis in the product development processes of a manufacturing company, or in some cases even in its procurement practices.

Influence of nitrogen fertilization and green manure on the economic feasibility of no-tilled wheat in the Cerrado

The search for higher profitability in wheat crop with cost reduction technologies that may promote sustainability is an important matter in Brazilian agriculture. This study evaluated the profitability of no-tilled wheat, reducing nitrogen topdressing doses with the cultivation of green manure before the wheat crop. The experiment was carried out in Selvíria (MS), Brazil, in 2009/10. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with 36 treatments in splitplots and four replicates. The plots were formed by six types of green manure: Cajanus cajan L. BRS Mandarin, Crotalaria juncea L., Pennisetum americanum L. BRS 1501, fallow area and mixed cropping of Pennisetum americanum L. + Cajanus cajan L. and Pennisetum americanum L. + crotalaria which provided straw for no-tilled wheat in the winter, following the rice crop in the summer. The subplots were formed by six levels of topdressing nitrogen (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 kg N ha-1) using urea as a nitrogen source. The wheat grown after green manure in the previous winter crop, with no nitrogen topdressing and a rate of 25 kg ha-1 N, had more frequently production costs above the gross income. Wheat production cost after the mixed cropping Pennisetum americanum L. + Cajanus cajan L. and Pennisetum americanum L. + Crotalaria juncea L. from the previous winter crop, combined with nitrogen rates of 50 and 75 kg N ha-1, provided better profitability compared with the other green manures evaluated.

Criminal Liability of Organizations, Corporations, Legal Persons, and Similar Entities on Law of Portuguese Cybercrime: A Brief Discussion on the Issue of Crimes of “False Information,” the “Damage on Other Programs or Computer Data,” the “Computer-Software Sabotage,” the “Illegitimate Access,” the “Unlawful Interception,” and “Illegitimate Reproduction of the Protected Program”

Abstract: in Portugal, and in much of the legal systems of Europe, «legal persons» are likely to be criminally responsibilities also for cybercrimes. Like for example the following crimes: «false information»; «damage on other programs or computer data»; «computer-software sabotage»; «illegitimate access»; «unlawful interception» and «illegitimate reproduction of protected program». However, in Portugal, have many exceptions. Exceptions to the «question of criminal liability» of «legal persons». Some «legal persons» can not be blamed for cybercrime. The legislature did not leave! These «legal persons» are v.g. the following («public entities»): legal persons under public law, which include the public business entities; entities utilities, regardless of ownership; or other legal persons exercising public powers. In other words, and again as an example, a Portuguese public university or a private concessionaire of a public service in Portugal, can not commit (in Portugal) any one of cybercrime pointed. Fair? Unfair. All laws should provide that all legal persons can commit cybercrimes. PS: resumo do artigo em inglês.

Do we need a “new” international convention that helps to avoid trafficking in organs? Some “criminal (and civil) law aspects” - Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine – updated or outdated?

Abstract: § 1 «Do we need a “new” international convention that helps to avoid trafficking in organs? Some criminal (and civil) law aspects”» - «Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine – updated or outdated?». § 2 Some important connections: on the one hand, between the 1997 Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine; the 2002 Additional Protocol to the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine concerning Transplantation of Organs and Tissues of Human Origin; and, on the other hand, the problem of trafficking in organs, tissues and cells and trafficking in human beings for the purpose of the removal organs. Some connections. § 3 The «international undisputed principle». § 4 Trafficking in organs, tissues and cells; and trafficking in human beings for the purpose of the removal organs. Criminal Law and Civil Law. § 5 Promote organ donation. § 6 The necessity to collect reliable data on both trafficking cases. § 7 The necessity for an internationally agreed definition of trafficking in OTC: Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine – updated or outdated? § 8 The (inter)national and (il)legal organ («tissue and cell») trade: some cases and some conclusions. § 9 Do we need a new international convention to prevent trafficking in organs, tissues and cells (OTC)? § 10 Of course we need a «new» international convention to prevent trafficking in organs, tissues and cells (OTC). § 11 At the present moment, we do not need a «new» international convention to prevent trafficking in human beings for the purpose of the removal organs. § 12 The Portuguese case. § 13 «Final conclusions.» § Resumo: § 1 «Precisamos de uma "nova" convenção internacional que ajude a evitar o tráfico de órgãos? Alguns aspectos de lei criminal (e civil)» - «Convenção sobre Direitos Humanos e Biomedicina - Actualizada ou desactualizada?». § 2 Algumas conexões importantes: por um lado, entre a Convenção do Conselho da Europa de 1997 sobre Direitos Humanos e Biomedicina; o Protocolo Adicional de 2002 à Convenção sobre os Direitos do Homem e da Biomedicina relativo ao transplante de órgãos e tecidos de origem humana, e, por outro lado, o problema do tráfico de órgãos, tecidos e células e tráfico de seres humanos para fins de remoção dos órgãos. § 3 O «indiscutível princípio internacional». § 4 O Tráfico de órgãos, tecidos e células; e o tráfico de seres humanos para fins de remoção dos órgãos. Direito Penal e Direito Civil. § 5 Promover a doação de órgãos. § 6 A necessidade de colectar dados fidedignos sobre os dois casos de tráfico. § 7 A necessidade de uma definição internacionalmente acordada de tráfico de OTC: Convenção sobre Direitos Humanos e Biomedicina - actualizada ou desactualizada? § 8 A (inter)nacional e (il)legal comercialização de órgãos («de tecidos e de células»): alguns casos e algumas conclusões. § 9 Será que precisamos de uma nova convenção internacional para prevenir o tráfico de órgãos, tecidos e células (OTC)? § 10 É claro que precisamos de uma «nova» convenção internacional para prevenir o tráfico de órgãos, tecidos e células (OTC). § 11 No presente momento, não precisamos de uma «nova» convenção internacional para impedir o tráfico de seres humanos para fins de remoção dos órgãos. § 12 O caso Português. § 13 «As conclusões finais.»

Lições de Direito e Processo Penal, 2012/2013

§ Parte I A: DIREITO PENAL: CAPÍTULO I – CONCEITO DE DIREITO PENAL, COM ESPECIAL RELEVO DA DIFERENCIAÇÃO ENTRE DIREITO PENAL CLÁSSICO, DIREITO PENAL ECONÓMICO E SOCIAL E DIREITO DAS CONTRA-ORDENAÇÕES; CAPÍTULO II – O PROBLEMA DOS FINS DAS PENAS; CAPÍTULO III – BREVE ABORDAGEM DA EVOLUÇÃO HISTÓRICA DO DIREITO PENAL; CAPÍTULO IV – TEORIA GERAL DA LEI CRIMINAL; CAPÍTULO V – TEORIA GERAL DA INFRACÇÃO CRIMINAL: A) ELEMENTOS; B) CONSTRUÇÕES; C) ANÁLISE: 1) ACÇÃO; 2) TIPICIDADE; 3) ILICITUDE; 4) CULPA; 5) PUNIBILIDADE; CAPÍTULO VI – FORMAS DO CRIME:A) TENTATIVA; B) AUTORIA E COMPARTICIPAÇÃO; C) CONCURSO DE CRIMES § Parte I BDIREITO PROCESSUAL PENAL; CAPÍTULO I – A DELIMITAÇÃO DO DIREITO PROCESSUAL PENAL; CAPÍTULO II – OS PRINCÍPIOS FUNDAMENTAIS DO PROCESSO PENAL; CAPÍTULO III - A LEI PROCESSUAL PENAL E A SUA APLICAÇÃO; Parte II: CAPÍTULO I- OS SUJEITOS DO PROCESSO; CAPÍTULO II - O OBJECTO DO PROCESSO; CAPÍTULO III - AS MEDIDAS DE COACÇÃO E DE GARANTIA PATRIMONIAL; CAPÍTULO IV - TRAMITAÇÃO PROCESSUAL PENAL. § § Part I: CRIMINAL LAW: CHAPTER I - CONCEPT OF CRIMINAL LAW, WITH SPECIAL RELIEF OF THE DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN CLASSIC CRIMINAL LAW, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CRIMINAL LAW AND THE “AGAINST ORDINANCES” LAW ("LAW OFFENSES"); CHAPTER II - THE PROBLEM OF THE ENDS OF THE PENALTIES; CHAPTER III - BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE EVOLUTION HISTORY OF CRIMINAL LAW; CHAPTER IV - GENERAL THEORY OF THE CRIMINAL LAW; CHAPTER V - GENERAL THEORY OF THE CRIMINAL INFRACTION: A) ELEMENTS; B) CONSTRUCTIONS; C) ANALYSIS: 1) ACTION; 2) VAGUENESS DOCTRINE; 3) ILLEGALITY; 4) GUILT (FAULT); 5) PUNISHMENT; CHAPTER VI - FORMS OF THE CRIME: A) ATTEMPT; B) AUTHORSHIP AND "CO-PARTICIPATION"; C) CUMULATION OF OFFENCES. § Part I - B: CRIMINAL PROCEDURAL LAW: CHAPTER I - THE DELIMITATION OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURAL LAW; CHAPTER II - THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE; CHAPTER III - THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE LAW AND ITS APPLICATION; Part II: CHAPTER I - THE FIGURES OF THE PROCESS; CHAPTER II - THE OBJECT OF THE PROCESS; CHAPTER III - THE MEASURES OF COERCION AND PATRIMONIAL GUARANTEE (WARRANTY); CHAPTER IV - CRIMINAL PROCEDURE.

Lições de Direito e Processo Penal, 2013/2014

§ Parte I A: DIREITO PENAL: CAPÍTULO I – CONCEITO DE DIREITO PENAL, COM ESPECIAL RELEVO DA DIFERENCIAÇÃO ENTRE DIREITO PENAL CLÁSSICO, DIREITO PENAL ECONÓMICO E SOCIAL E DIREITO DAS CONTRA-ORDENAÇÕES; CAPÍTULO II – O PROBLEMA DOS FINS DAS PENAS; CAPÍTULO III – BREVE ABORDAGEM DA EVOLUÇÃO HISTÓRICA DO DIREITO PENAL; CAPÍTULO IV – TEORIA GERAL DA LEI CRIMINAL; CAPÍTULO V – TEORIA GERAL DA INFRACÇÃO CRIMINAL: A) ELEMENTOS; B) CONSTRUÇÕES; C) ANÁLISE: 1) ACÇÃO; 2) TIPICIDADE; 3) ILICITUDE; 4) CULPA; 5) PUNIBILIDADE; CAPÍTULO VI – FORMAS DO CRIME: A) TENTATIVA; B) AUTORIA E COMPARTICIPAÇÃO; C) CONCURSO DE CRIMES § Parte I B: DIREITO PROCESSUAL PENAL; CAPÍTULO I – A DELIMITAÇÃO DO DIREITO PROCESSUAL PENAL; CAPÍTULO II – OS PRINCÍPIOS FUNDAMENTAIS DO PROCESSO PENAL; CAPÍTULO III - A LEI PROCESSUAL PENAL E A SUA APLICAÇÃO; Parte II: CAPÍTULO I - OS SUJEITOS DO PROCESSO; CAPÍTULO II - O OBJECTO DO PROCESSO; CAPÍTULO III - AS MEDIDAS DE COACÇÃO E DE GARANTIA PATRIMONIAL; CAPÍTULO IV - TRAMITAÇÃO PROCESSUAL PENAL. § § Part I: CRIMINAL LAW: CHAPTER I - CONCEPT OF CRIMINAL LAW, WITH SPECIAL RELIEF OF THE DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN CLASSIC CRIMINAL LAW, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CRIMINAL LAW AND THE “AGAINST ORDINANCES” LAW ("LAW OFFENSES"); CHAPTER II - THE PROBLEM OF THE ENDS OF THE PENALTIES; CHAPTER III - BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE EVOLUTION HISTORY OF CRIMINAL LAW; CHAPTER IV - GENERAL THEORY OF THE CRIMINAL LAW; CHAPTER V - GENERAL THEORY OF THE CRIMINAL INFRACTION: A) ELEMENTS; B) CONSTRUCTIONS; C) ANALYSIS: 1) ACTION; 2) VAGUENESS DOCTRINE; 3) ILLEGALITY; 4) GUILT (FAULT); 5) PUNISHMENT; CHAPTER VI - FORMS OF THE CRIME: A) ATTEMPT; B) AUTHORSHIP AND "CO-PARTICIPATION"; C) CUMULATION OF OFFENCES. § Part I - B: CRIMINAL PROCEDURAL LAW: CHAPTER I - THE DELIMITATION OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURAL LAW; CHAPTER II - THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE; CHAPTER III - THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE LAW AND ITS APPLICATION; Part II: CHAPTER I - THE FIGURES OF THE PROCESS; CHAPTER II - THE OBJECT OF THE PROCESS; CHAPTER III - THE MEASURES OF COERCION AND PATRIMONIAL GUARANTEE (WARRANTY); CHAPTER IV -CRIMINAL PROCEDURE.

A «corrupção e a fraude» no espaço comunicacional português e europeu: contributo para uma visão interdisciplinar constitucional criminológica e jurídico-penal

As formas de definir «corrupção e fraude» são infinitas, pelo que a aplicação do Direito penal constitucional pode ficar prejudicada. A comunicação e o comentário público e política são por vezes feitos em termos profundamente equivocados. Recentemente, em Portugal, destacados políticos e comentadores chegaram a apelar à «criminalização do enriquecimento ilícito», nem que fosse com o sacrifício da própria Constituição ou do Estado de Direito. É a democracia que passa a estar em perigo. Ao mesmo tempo que se defende com fanatismo quase teológico o sistema económico capitalista, procura-se consagrar na lei a sua destruição. Ou seja, há uma certa demagogia política que quer ter tudo ao mesmo tempo como se isso fosse possível. Perante isto, resta ao cidadão comum agir se for necessário sob as possibilidades das causas de justificação e fazendo uso do direito constitucional de resistência. ABSTRACT Ways to define «corruption and fraud» are endless, so the application of constitutional criminal law may be impaired. The communication and public comment and politics are sometimes done in terms profoundly mistaken. Recently, in Portugal, prominent politicians and commentators have come to call the «criminalization of illicit enrichment» (embezzlement) even if it was at the sacrifice of the Constitution or the rule of law. It is democracy that happens to be in danger. At the same time it defends itself with almost theological fanaticism the capitalist economic system, seeking to enshrine in law its destruction. That is, there is a certain political demagoguery that wants to have everything at the same time as if that were possible. Given this, it remains to ordinary act if necessary under the scope of defenses and making use of the constitutional right of resistance.

A importância do ensino do direito penal-criminal nos cursos (também) jurídicos num Portugal mais ético e menos corrupto

Em notícia doutros órgãos de comunicação social, v.g. TVI, 3/12/13, dizia-se o seguinte: “Portugal manteve, em 2013, o 33.º lugar no Índice de Perceção da Corrupção da organização Transparência Internacional, mas perdeu pontuação”. Abstract: In news from other media, eg TVI, 12/03/13, it was said the following: "Portugal maintained in 2013, the 33 place in the Perception Index of Transparency International Corruption, but lost points."

Direito (Penal) Tributário deve manter-se Penal a Bem do Estado de Direito

Enquanto existir Estado-de-Direito, Social, democrático, livre e verdadeiro, o Direito Penal, incluindo o Económico e de Gestão como também é o Tributário, será sempre um problema dos penalistas, do Direito Penal e das Ciências Jurídico-Criminais. Abstract: As long as state-of-law, social, democratic, free and true, Criminal Law, including the Economic and Management as is the Tax will always be a problem of criminalists, the Criminal Law and the Legal and Criminal Sciences.

A importância do ensino do direito penal-criminal

“Portugal manteve, em 2013, o 33.º lugar no Índice de Perceção da Corrupção da organização Transparência Internacional, mas perdeu pontuação”. E: “Na última década, o país no mundo que mais se depreciou em termos de transparência foi justamente Portugal”, “enfatizou o vice-presidente da associação Transparência e Integridade, Paulo Morais”. Abstract: "Portugal maintained in 2013, the 33 place in the Perception Index of Transparency International Corruption, but lost points." And: "In the last decade, the country in the world that most depreciated in terms of transparency was precisely Portugal", "emphasized the Vice President of Transparency and Integrity association, Paulo Morais."

Tribunal de Contas: defesa do dinheiro público também no caso-BES

Numa altura em que continuam em vigor uma série de misteriosos e injustos contratos de PPP’s, contratos futuros-swap e rendas artificiais outorgadas a lucrativos grupos económicos – e mais desfavoráveis às contas do Estado e contribuintes, como várias instituições e personalidades têm alertado em público incluindo a imprensa internacional -, a defesa dos dinheiros públicos assume cada vez maior importância. Abstract: At a time when still in force a series of mysterious and unjust PPP contracts, future swap contracts and artificial rents granted to profitable economic groups - and more unfavorable to the state and taxpayers of all, as several institutions and personalities have warned in public including the international press - the defense of public money is increasingly important.

Portugal citius, altius, fortius? O incumprimento da Lei-Quadro da política criminal…

Colapso do sistema informático da Justiça, Citius?! É que, a ser verdade, então seria o kaos da justiça e teria que haver consequências imediatas na tutela, pois poderia estar em causa a aplicação prática dos Direitos Fundamentais dos cidadãos e das organizações legais, tendo que ser declarado, ouvido o Conselho de Estado, o “estado de emergência”, de acordo com o art. 19º da Constituição. § Mas mais incrível ainda é o facto de estar por cumprir desde 2011 (dois mil e onze!), a Lei-Quadro de Política Criminal! Abstract: Collapse of the computer system of justice, Citius ?! Is that to be true, then it would be the kaos justice and would have to be immediate consequences in the protection, it could be because the practical application of fundamental rights of citizens and legal organizations, having to be declared, after hearing the Council of State the "state of emergency", according to art. 19 of the Constitution. § But more amazing is the fact of being unfulfilled since 2011 (two thousand and eleven!), The Framework Law for Criminal Policy!

Ética e responsabilidade política não prescrevem!

Tem a prescrição uma validade universal? Não. Nem sequer dentro de algumas grandes democracias por esse mundo fora, há tanta facilidade em haver prescrição como cá. Já aqui demos o exemplo duma grandiosa democracia de quase 200 milhões de habitantes, onde existem, e bem, crimes imprescritíveis, como é o “crime de racismo”. Para não falar na maior: a Índia! Abstract:Are prescription universal validity? No. Not even in a few great democracies throughout the world, there's so much easier to be as prescription here. I have already given the example of a great democracy of almost 200 million people, where they exist, and well, imprescriptible crimes, as is the "crime of racism." Not to mention the biggest: India!

Economic viability of the third milking in systems of production using closed-circuit mechanical milking

This study aimed to analyze the economic viability of the third milking in production systems using mechanical milking in a closed circuit, aiming to provide technicians and farmers with information to assist them in decision-making. Specifically, it intended: (a) to estimate the cost of one milking; (b) to estimate the cost of the third milking; (c) to develop a mathematical equation to estimate the minimum amount of milk produced with two milkings, from which it would be economically feasible to do the third milking. Data were collected from three dairy farms, from November 2010 to March 2011, keeping a twice-a-day milking frequency, with three data collections in each farm, totalizing nine collections. Considering the average data, it would be feasible to do the third milking if the average milk yield per day of lactating cows in a twice-a-day milking frequency was greater than or equal to 24.43 kg of milk.