Prostate Cancer: The Role of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging has been increasingly used for detection, localization and staging of prostate cancer over the last years. It combines high-resolution T2 Weighted-Imaging and at least two functional techniques, which include Dynamic Contrast–Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Diffusion-Weighted Imaging, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Spectroscopy. Although the combined use of a pelvic phased-array and an Endorectal Coil is considered the state-of-the-art for Magnetic Resonance Imaging evaluation of prostate cancer, Endorectal Coil is only absolute mandatory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Spectroscopy at 1.5 T. Sensitivity and specificity levels in cancer detection and localization have been improving with functional technique implementation, compared to T2 Weighted-Imaging alone. It has been particularly useful to evaluate patients with abnormal PSA and negative biopsy. Moreover, the information added by the functional techniques may correlate to cancer aggressiveness and therefore be useful to select patients for focal radiotherapy, prostate sparing surgery, focal ablative therapy and active surveillance. However, more studies are needed to compare the functional techniques and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each one. This article reviews the basic principles of prostatic mp-Magnetic Resonance Imaging, emphasizing its role on detection, staging and active surveillance of prostate cancer.

Métodos de avaliação da frequência de eventos adversos em contexto hospitalar : contributos de uma revisão sistemática

RESUMO - Os eventos adversos (EA) hospitalares constituem um problema sério dos cuidados de saúde com consequências clínicas, económicas e sociais para a Saúde Pública. Nas últimas décadas foram realizados diversos estudos com o objetivo de conhecer de forma mais pormenorizada esta realidade, nomeadamente no que diz respeito à frequência, tipologia, evitabilidade e impacte dos EA. De entre as diferentes metodologias que têm sido utilizadas parece existir algum consenso em torno da análise retrospetiva de processos clínicos como a que oferece maior garantia de fiabilidade e reprodutibilidade, não obstante as limitações conhecidas. Assim, propusemo-nos com este trabalho, analisar as vantagens e desvantagens dos métodos mais comummente utilizados para caraterizar a ocorrência de EA e, concomitantemente elaborar uma revisão sistemática (RS) dos estudos que aplicaram o método de revisão retrospetiva de processos clínicos na caraterização e avaliação dos EA em contexto hospitalar. Para definir a nossa amostra, realizámos uma pesquisa formal nas bases de dados MEDLINE e Web of Knowledge, e foi realizado um cruzamento manual de referências dos artigos elegíveis para identificar estudos adicionais relevantes. Os artigos selecionados foram revistos independentemente no que diz respeito à metodologia, aos critérios de elegibilidade e aos objetivos. Durante a fase de revisão e aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão foram selecionados os artigos que abordassem a frequência/incidência e a percentagem de evitabilidade dos EA hospitalares, através da aplicação do método de revisão retrospetiva de processos clínicos. Após a fase de pesquisa e revisão dos artigos, foram selecionados para a nossa amostra oito estudos que incluíram um total de 28.862 processos clínicos revistos. De entre os principais resultados encontrados destaca-se: i) A mediana de incidência de EA hospitalares de 9.5%; Universidade Nova de Lisboa – Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública ii) O valor de mediana de EA considerados evitáveis de 45.5%; iii) No que se refere ao impacte clínico dos EA, mais de metade dos doentes (56.3%) não experienciou incapacidade ou experienciou incapacidade menor; iv) Em 8% dos casos de EA ocorreu a morte dos doentes. v) Quanto ao impacte económico evidencia-se o facto de, nos doentes em que se confirmou EA, o período de internamento se ter prolongado, em média, por 7.1 dias com consequentes e previsíveis custos adicionais. Tendo em consideração as vantagens e desvantagens de cada método, os sistemas de informação existentes em Portugal e a realidade das instituições de saúde, parece-nos plausível destacar o método de revisão dos processos clínicos como o que melhor se adapta para caraterizar os EA no contexto hospitalar português.

Internationalization process of Gallo worldwide: Introduction of olive in a non-traditional market - China

A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Management from the NOVA – School of Business and Economics

Social media: The new tool in firms’ marketing strategies

In this work project we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of social media as a marketing tool. Four international cases were analyzed to provide anecdotal evidence of how social and viral marketing have been used by four firms in very different industries. We reviewed empirical evidence on the topic to discuss the main components of viral marketing. We concluded that positive (electronic) word of mouth, short response time and seeding through high network value customers are the main drivers of the success of a viral marketing campaign. We also conducted a study of the Portuguese telecommunications industry, in particular, the mobile segment. We found that the three main players operating in this market have been using social media successfully as a marketing tool in a strategic approach to the 14-25 years old segment.

Wealth Management in Africa: The Cape Verde Opportunity

This work project consists of a comprehensive study of the possibility of opening a Wealth Management (WM) firm located in Cape Verde (CV), and was made at the request of NovoBanco’s Research Sectorial team. WM is a growing industry that consists in the set of financial services provided to wealthy clients. After taking into account the expected industry growth of the Sub-Saharan region, the preferences of the African wealthy, the current industry structure, and the advantages and disadvantages of locating a WM business in CV, it is concluded that a business opportunity exists. The reasons for thus, along with relevant recommendations, including which services a new business should offer and whom to target specifically, are presented in the final section.

EDP - A new estimation algorithm

The aim of this work project is to analyze the current algorithm used by EDP to estimate their clients’ electrical energy consumptions, create a new algorithm and compare the advantages and disadvantages of both. This new algorithm is different from the current one as it incorporates some effects from temperature variations. The results of the comparison show that this new algorithm with temperature variables performed better than the same algorithm without temperature variables, although there is still potential for further improvements of the current algorithm, if the prediction model is estimated using a sample of daily data, which is the case of the current EDP algorithm.

Geopolymers as infill material for conservation of azulejos

The restoration materials currently used to fill gaps in architectural historical azulejos (e.g. lime or organic resin pastes) usually show serious drawbacks in terms of compatibility, effectiveness and durability. The existing solutions do not fully protect azulejos in outdoor conditions and frequently result in further deterioration. Geopolymers can be a potential solution for azulejo lacunae infill given the chemical-mineralogical similitude to the ceramic body, and also the durability and versatile range of physical properties that can be obtained through the manipulation of their formulation and curing conditions. This work presents and discusses the viability of the use of geopolymeric pastes to fill lacunae in azulejos or to act as “cold” cast ceramic tile surrogates reproducing missing azulejo fragments. The formulation of geopolymers, namely the type of activators, the aluminosilicate source, the amount of water (to meet adequate workability requirements) and curing conditions were studied. The need for post-curing desalination was also considered envisaging their application in the restoration of outdoor architectural historical azulejos frequently exposed to adverse environmental conditions. The possible advantages and disadvantages of the use of geopolymers in the conservation of azulejos are also discussed. Several techniques were used to study the chemical and physical behavior of geopolymers, namely FT-IR, XRD, MIP, SEM-EDS, WDXRF, electrical conductivity, open porosity, bending strength, adhesion strength, water vapour permeability, thermal expansion and hydric expansion. The results indicate that geopolymers are a promising material for restoration of azulejos, exhibiting some properties, such as adhesion to the ceramic substrate, higher than inorganic materials used nowadays, such as aerial lime based pastes.

Otimização dos parâmetros de processamento em Laser Melting

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia Mecânica

A criação de um Tribunal Internacional Tributário como forma de superar limitações do Procedimento Amigável previsto no artigo 25.º da Convenção Modelo da OCDE

Dissertação de mestrado em Direito Tributário e Fiscal

Treetop shelter of a neotropical river otter cub (Lontra longicaudis - Carnivora: Mustelidae) in an Amazonian flooded forest

The finding of a Neotropical river otter (Lontra longicaudis) cub occupying a shelter in a hollowed treetop is reported. The observation was made in a seasonally flooded forest in Central Amazonia, during the high water peak of the annual inundation cycle. A literature review indicates that this is the first description of a shelter of the species, both in a hollowed tree and in Amazonia. This observation can indicate a strong relationship between the species' breeding cycle with the annual dynamics of Amazonian rivers. We discuss potential advantages and disadvantages of breeding when water level is high.

A mensuração do Capital Humano nas organizações: estudo de caso da empresa Tuacar, SA

Relatório de estágio de mestrado em Contabilidade

Desenvolvimento e caracterização de díodos orgânicos emissores de luz

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia Eletrónica Industrial e Computadores

Sistema de posicionamento baseado em redes de sensores sem fios

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia Eletrónica Industrial e Computadores

Frameworks no desenvolvimento de software: o caso da Elevation da PRIMAVERA BSS

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia e Gestão de Sistemas de Informação

A celebração do contrato de seguro à distância

Dissertação de mestrado em Direito dos Contratos e da Empresa