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- Funções compliance e controlo interno : caso BNP Paribas Factor S.A.Publication . Ferreira, Camilo Alexandre Rocha; Cruz, Ricardo Jorge Mendes Fidalgo Moreira daEste relatório foi realizado no âmbito do Trabalho Final de Mestrado, inserido no Mestrado em Gestão da Faculdade de Economia e Gestão da Universidade Católica Portuguesa, na sequência de um estágio realizado na BNP Paribas Factor – Instituição Financeira de Crédito S.A. O propósito é abordar as características, processos e temáticas inerentes às funções de Compliance e Controlo Interno em instituições financeiras, à luz da literatura relevante e, assim, promover o enquadramento destas funções na Instituição. O estudo visa igualmente analisar as vantagens e custos associados à existência de funções de Compliance e Controlo Interno e aferir, através de um questionário, a perceção dos colaboradores da BNP Paribas Factor S.A. face à organização, eficácia e desempenho destas funções na Instituição. A análise dos resultados do questionário é acompanhada da formulação de recomendações.
- Contributions to flow techniques and mass spectrometry in water analysisPublication . Santos, Inês Carvalho dos; Rangel, António Osmaro Santos Silva; Mesquita, Raquel Beatriz Ribeiro deIn this thesis, the use of different flow systems was exploited along with the use of different detection techniques for the development of simple, robust, and automated analytical procedures. With the purpose to perform in-line sample handling and pretreatment operations, different separation units were used. The main target for these methods was waters samples. The first procedure was based on a sequential injection analysis (SIA) system for carbon speciation (alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and CO2) in bathing waters. The determination of alkalinity was based on the reaction with acetic acid and corresponding color change of bromcresol green (λ = 620 nm). The DIC, DOC, and CO2 determination was based in the color change of bromothymol blue (BTB) indicator (λ = 660 nm) after the diffusion of the gaseous CO2 through a hydrophobic membrane in a gas diffusion unit (GDU). For the DIC determination, an in-line acidification prior to the GDU was needed. For DOC determination, an in-line UV photo-oxidation of the sample was performed to convert all carbon forms to CO2. A multi-reflective flow cell combined with a LED was used as detection system enabling the minimization of the schlieren effect. The developed method was successfully applied to inland bathing waters. The results were in agreement with the reference procedure. The objective of the second work was the use of a SIA system to determine iodide using potentiometric determination and iodate using a spectrophotometric detection. Aiming to overcome the matrix interferences and cope with low analyte concentration levels, the standard addition method was used. The incorporation of a mixing chamber in a lateral port of the selection valve for a flow-batch approach enhanced the mixture between sample, standards and reagent. The accuracy of the method was assessed by comparing the obtained results with a reference procedure and using recovery tests. The developed method was effectively applied to bathing waters and seaweed extracts. The development of a multi-parametric system for cadmium and lead determination was the objective of the third work of this thesis. A SI-LOV method with spectrophotometric detection was used. Dithizone was chosen as the colour reagent as it forms a coloured complex with both metals at different pH conditions. Cadmium determination was attained at alkaline conditions while lead determination was attained at mid alkaline conditions. The developed method was successfully applied to marine port waters and the results were in agreement with the reference procedure. Subsequently, a solid phase spectrophotometry method was developed for cadmium, zinc, and copper determination in freshwaters. The NTA resin was retained at the flow cell of the SI-LOV. After analyte retention, the determination was based on the colorimetric reaction between the metal ions and dithizone. Different retention and reaction pH were used to individually determine zinc and copper. Cadmium concentration was calculated using a two equation system. The results obtained were in agreement with the reference procedure. Afterwards, a flow injection analysis system was developed for the determination of bromate in drinking waters. With the goal of reaching low levels of bromate, a LWCC was coupled to the system. The spectrophotometric determination was based on the oxidation of chlorpromazine by bromate in an acidic medium, resulting in the formation of a coloured radical product. The accuracy of the developed method was assessed with recovery studies. The objective of the sixth work was to develop a cheaper and simpler method to monitor the biodegradation of ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. A monolithic column was coupled to a flow injection analysis (FIA) system to separate both analytes. A spectrophotometer was used as detection system (295 and 275 nm). The method was successfully applied to monitor the biodegradation of both compounds by the strain Labrys portucalensis F11. Subsequently, a new MS-based noncovalent binding determination method was developed. For that purpose, a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) was used as a flow injection device for exponential dilution of an equimolar host-guest solution over time. By combining an exponential dilution model with a previously established equimolar binding model, binding constants for host-guest complexes were determined with a single injection. This methodology was applied for the determination of binding constants between vancomycin and Ac-Lys(Ac)-Ala-Ala tripeptide stereoisomers. The determination of anionic surfactants using an ESI-MS/MS method was the objective of the eighth work. Different di-positive cationic reagents were studied using Scan, SIM and MS/MS methods and the obtained detection limits (DLs) were compared. The developed method was effectively applied for the determination of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, sodium dodecyl sulfate, stearic acid and dodecylbenzenesulfonate in different water samples. The ninth work consisted in the rapid identification of bacteria in potentially contaminated water using MALDI-TOF MS. The possible application of the identified bacteria to bioremediation was evaluated by determining their ability to degrade toluene and chloroform.
- Current concepts and challenges in osteochondral tissue engineering and regenerative medicinePublication . Yan, Le Ping; Oliveira, Joaquim M.; Oliveira, Ana L.; Reis, Rui L.In the past few years, great progress has been made to validate tissue engineering strategies in preclinical studies and clinical trials on the regeneration of osteochondral defects. In the preclinical studies, one of the dominant strategies comprises the development of biomimetic/bioactive scaffolds, which are used alone or incorporated with growth factors and/or stem cells. Many new trends are emerging for modulation of stem cell fate toward osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiations, but bone/cartilage interface regeneration and physical stimulus have been showing great promise. Besides the matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) procedure, the matrix-associated stem cell implantation (MASI) and layered scaffolds in acellular or cellular strategy are also applied in clinic. This review outlines the progresses at preclinical and clinical levels, and identifies the new challenges in osteochondral tissue engineering. Future perspectives are provided, e.g., the applications of extracellular matrix-like biomaterials, computer-aided design/manufacture of osteochondral implant, and reprogrammed cells for osteochondral regeneration.