Browsing by Subject "Europe"
Now showing items 1-9 of 9
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(2023)Dialogue on the definition of Europe is often dominated by geopolitical undertones. However, since the dawn of the Enlightenment era, it has been recognised that such a definition of Europe is insufficient in formulating a comprehensive meaning of Europe which encompasses the wide regional diversity which exists within the continent. This argument gained new relevance during the interwar period, where discourse on Europe as an idea that goes beyond the strict geopolitical implications of the continent, started to emerge. Select interwar studies shone a new light on the idea of Europe as they allowed for the founding of unity amidst diversity; an endeavour which cannot be considered within the geopolitical realm. Additionally, reflecting on the turmoil and crises of the interwar period, the resulting idea of Europe was said to have emerged from a major schism in intellectual trends of the time. In this regard, the formulation of Europe as an idea borne out of crisis and reinvention was perfectly demonstrated within the works of Edmund Husserl and Richard von Coudenhove-Kalergi. Both authors recognised the limitations of adopting only a geopolitical definition of Europe, and thus presented their own theories on what could constitute an all-encompassing idea of Europe. Husserl determined the core of Europe to lay within abstract factors such as universalism. Coudenhove-Kalergi considered concrete politics to be a tool which can bring Europe under the main locus of tolerance. While Husserl and Coudenhove-Kalergi took different routes in tackling this question, their respective answers can be said to highlight the interdependence between philosophical considerations of the former and the latter’s pragmatic solutions to the idea of Europe. At first glance, the only commonality between Husserl and Coudenhove-Kalergi seems to be their time-period. However, the works and theories of these two authors experience a sense of complementarity; while taking on very different approaches, the respective views on idea of Europe of Husserl and Coudenhove-Kalergi could point to a new perspective on the topic of study. While both have their limitations, the side-by-side study of their different views on Europe allows for a unique perspective in which one makes up for the other’s shortcomings in terms of thoroughness and applicability. Such is the benefit of examining and comparing Husserl and Coudenhove-Kalergi; much like their standing on the idea of Europe, their diversity only adds to the credibility of their review.
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(2023)Dialogue on the definition of Europe is often dominated by geopolitical undertones. However, since the dawn of the Enlightenment era, it has been recognised that such a definition of Europe is insufficient in formulating a comprehensive meaning of Europe which encompasses the wide regional diversity which exists within the continent. This argument gained new relevance during the interwar period, where discourse on Europe as an idea that goes beyond the strict geopolitical implications of the continent, started to emerge. Select interwar studies shone a new light on the idea of Europe as they allowed for the founding of unity amidst diversity; an endeavour which cannot be considered within the geopolitical realm. Additionally, reflecting on the turmoil and crises of the interwar period, the resulting idea of Europe was said to have emerged from a major schism in intellectual trends of the time. In this regard, the formulation of Europe as an idea borne out of crisis and reinvention was perfectly demonstrated within the works of Edmund Husserl and Richard von Coudenhove-Kalergi. Both authors recognised the limitations of adopting only a geopolitical definition of Europe, and thus presented their own theories on what could constitute an all-encompassing idea of Europe. Husserl determined the core of Europe to lay within abstract factors such as universalism. Coudenhove-Kalergi considered concrete politics to be a tool which can bring Europe under the main locus of tolerance. While Husserl and Coudenhove-Kalergi took different routes in tackling this question, their respective answers can be said to highlight the interdependence between philosophical considerations of the former and the latter’s pragmatic solutions to the idea of Europe. At first glance, the only commonality between Husserl and Coudenhove-Kalergi seems to be their time-period. However, the works and theories of these two authors experience a sense of complementarity; while taking on very different approaches, the respective views on idea of Europe of Husserl and Coudenhove-Kalergi could point to a new perspective on the topic of study. While both have their limitations, the side-by-side study of their different views on Europe allows for a unique perspective in which one makes up for the other’s shortcomings in terms of thoroughness and applicability. Such is the benefit of examining and comparing Husserl and Coudenhove-Kalergi; much like their standing on the idea of Europe, their diversity only adds to the credibility of their review.
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(2021)The objective of this research has been to investigate the management of alerts of Medicines Verification Systems in Europe. Verification of medicines according to Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) came into force 9.2.2019. There is no standardized tool or system for the management of alerts, every Medicines Verification Organisation and manufacturer have had to find their own ways to manage the alerts. The research has been performed as a theme survey via questionnaire that has been sent to Medicines Verification Organisations in 30 European countries. Information to the questions of the questionnaire has also been gathered from the Internet pages that are mainly maintained by the Medicines Verification Organisations. This kind of method triangulation has been used in order to improve the reliability of the research. Answering rate of the survey was 17 %. By including the information gathered by method triangulation the overall yield percent of information in this study was 45 %. The information received via the questionnaire did not contradict with the public information. As conclusion, marketing authorization holders have been registered as users of the National Medicines Verification Systems or they have signed a contract with Medicines Verification Organisations. Marketing authorization holders are paying the costs of the Medicines Verification Systems. Penalties of FMD non-compliance are in use in part of the European countries. In the beginning of the implementation of the Medicines Verification System there has been stabilization periods in use which have already ended in half of the European countries. National competent authority is informed about system alerts typically in case of suspected falsification. In half of the European countries there is a separate computerized alert management system in use. Marketing authorization holder usually has access to the system. In some of the countries it is possible to integrate the system to the own serialization system of the marketing authorization holder. In six European countries there has been set a specific time for the alert investigation of the marketing authorization holder. Based on the results of this research the alert management system that covers the whole Europe that European Medicines Verification Organization is planning would really be needed. One common computerized system and common rules would ease up the alert management of all the stakeholders of the medicines verification.
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(2021)The objective of this research has been to investigate the management of alerts of Medicines Verification Systems in Europe. Verification of medicines according to Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) came into force 9.2.2019. There is no standardized tool or system for the management of alerts, every Medicines Verification Organisation and manufacturer have had to find their own ways to manage the alerts. The research has been performed as a theme survey via questionnaire that has been sent to Medicines Verification Organisations in 30 European countries. Information to the questions of the questionnaire has also been gathered from the Internet pages that are mainly maintained by the Medicines Verification Organisations. This kind of method triangulation has been used in order to improve the reliability of the research. Answering rate of the survey was 17 %. By including the information gathered by method triangulation the overall yield percent of information in this study was 45 %. The information received via the questionnaire did not contradict with the public information. As conclusion, marketing authorization holders have been registered as users of the National Medicines Verification Systems or they have signed a contract with Medicines Verification Organisations. Marketing authorization holders are paying the costs of the Medicines Verification Systems. Penalties of FMD non-compliance are in use in part of the European countries. In the beginning of the implementation of the Medicines Verification System there has been stabilization periods in use which have already ended in half of the European countries. National competent authority is informed about system alerts typically in case of suspected falsification. In half of the European countries there is a separate computerized alert management system in use. Marketing authorization holder usually has access to the system. In some of the countries it is possible to integrate the system to the own serialization system of the marketing authorization holder. In six European countries there has been set a specific time for the alert investigation of the marketing authorization holder. Based on the results of this research the alert management system that covers the whole Europe that European Medicines Verification Organization is planning would really be needed. One common computerized system and common rules would ease up the alert management of all the stakeholders of the medicines verification.
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(2013)Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) addresses the responsibility of companies for their impacts on society. The concept of strategic CSR is becoming increasingly mainstreamed in the forest industry, but there is, however, little consensus on the definition and implementation of CSR. The objective of this research was to build knowledge on the characteristics of CSR and to provide insights on the emerging trend to increase the credibility and legitimacy of CSR through standardization. The study explored how the sustainability managers of European and North American forest companies perceive CSR and the recently released international ISO 26000 guidance standard on social responsibility. The conclusions were drawn from an analysis of two data sets; multivariate survey data based on one subset of 30 European and 13 North American responses, and data obtained through in-depth interviewing of 10 sustainability managers that volunteered for a phone interview about social responsibility practices at their company. The analysis concluded that there are no major differences in the characteristics of cross-Atlantic CSR. Regarding the components of CSR, environmental issues and organizational governance were key priorities in both regions, whereas consumer issues, human rights, and financial issues were among the least addressed categories. Regarding ISO 26000 guidance standard, the study revealed that there were varying perceptions, both positive and negative. Moreover, sustainability managers of European and North American forest companies were still uncertain regarding the applicability of the ISO 26000 guidance standard to the forest industry. The findings are in line with the earlier research that suggests that as an extractive industry, the forest-based industry tends to address environmental issues as a priority area of CSR. The results are also consistent with previous research that suggests that CSR is a case- and company-specific concept. This study is among the first to provide a preliminary review of the practical implications of the ISO 26000 standard in the forest sector. The results may be utilized by sustainability managers interested in the best practices on CSR, and also by a variety of forest industrial stakeholders interested in the practical outcomes of the long-lasting CSR debate.
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(2021)Deaths due to external causes (non-natural deaths) constitute a significant part of child mortality globally and also in Europe. Epidemiological literature on non-natural deaths among children in Europe was reviewed in an aim to provide a basis for the development of more effective preventive strategies. Epidemiological studies were searched from the OvidMEDLINE database, and articles were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed with a critical appraisal checklist of Joanna Briggs Institute. In all, 43 articles met inclusion criteria. Most studies covered entire populations and mortality data was collected from official registries. Suicide was the most popular external cause of death studied. Significantly less study time periods extended to the 2010s (n=12) compared to the 2000s (n=25). In general, the incidence of non-natural deaths has decreased from 1990 to 2021, which in the most part is due to the reductions in transport-related and other non-intentional non-natural deaths. Reductions were observed in suicides as well. More research is needed as further advances in reducing non-natural mortality can be achieved. The present review builds a foundation for future research studies addressing epidemiology of non-natural deaths in children.
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(2021)Deaths due to external causes (non-natural deaths) constitute a significant part of child mortality globally and also in Europe. Epidemiological literature on non-natural deaths among children in Europe was reviewed in an aim to provide a basis for the development of more effective preventive strategies. Epidemiological studies were searched from the OvidMEDLINE database, and articles were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed with a critical appraisal checklist of Joanna Briggs Institute. In all, 43 articles met inclusion criteria. Most studies covered entire populations and mortality data was collected from official registries. Suicide was the most popular external cause of death studied. Significantly less study time periods extended to the 2010s (n=12) compared to the 2000s (n=25). In general, the incidence of non-natural deaths has decreased from 1990 to 2021, which in the most part is due to the reductions in transport-related and other non-intentional non-natural deaths. Reductions were observed in suicides as well. More research is needed as further advances in reducing non-natural mortality can be achieved. The present review builds a foundation for future research studies addressing epidemiology of non-natural deaths in children.
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(2015)Food waste is a global issue that causes major damage economically, environmentally and socially. Stakeholders carry a shared responsibility for the waste and more effort is needed to prevent its creation. Retailers, an affluent link in the food supply chain (FSC), can make a difference. Solving the food waste issue requires comprehending what has already been done. Understanding the field and analyzing the impacts of different kind of food waste initiatives from various perspectives can benefit the food industry as well as non-governmental organizations and public authorities on the path towards more sustainable processes. The aim of this research is to define what kind of food waste initiatives have been implemented among the leading European food retailers between the years 2011 and 2014. The research is carried out from a European perspective as its field of food trade is considered unique in terms of policies, integration and the development of the functions of the FSC. The research was implemented through a qualitative content analysis from a deductive point of view during autumn 2014. The theoretical framework of the paper consists of literature related to the European food retail sector, the food waste issue and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The data used in the content analysis was collected from Europe’s leading retailers’ CSR reports and homepage publications. It was then analyzed from various perspectives, with an emphasis to the causes of food waste and the theory of CSR. The research found that retailers have implemented several different food waste programs which vary with respect to their objectives, duration, strategic integration and operational aspects. The initiatives present a variety of economic, environmental and social CSR dimensions and outputs. The paper argues that retailers have used innovative solutions in their food waste programs that have resulted in environmental and other benefits.
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(2016)The planned referendum on whether the United Kingdom (UK) should remain within or leave the EU will be only the second time that the UK’s relationship with Europe has been put so directly to the electorate. Even for a country which is no stranger to asking for and obtaining exemptions from European treaties, holding an in/out membership referendum is a drastic measure with potentially far-reaching consequences. The objective of this thesis is to determine what confluence of factors led to such a vote being promised in 2013. The thesis considers existing secondary literature on the UK’s relationship with the EU and Britain’s domestic politics. It critically analyses this alongside primary sources, from government documents and political speeches to electoral and opinion polling data. News reports from a range of sources are used to support and contextualise the overall argument. Analysis of the factors behind the decision to promise a referendum is split into three categories: the influence of the EU on British policy, domestic political considerations, and public opinion on the EU and related issues. The research shows that while levels of public support for Brexit are not insignificant, the promise of a referendum can not be attributed primarily to popular demand. Rather, the referendum was promised as a result of political calculations ahead of a likely close general election.
Now showing items 1-9 of 9