Decisões estratégicas para a concentração de instituições financeiras: a oferta pública de aquisição não concretizada do BCP ao BPI

Mestrado em Contabilidade e Gestão das Instituições FinanceirasA tendência das operações de concentração de instituições financeiras parece clara e é global, abrindo assim oportunidades, que somadas aos ganhos resultantes da redução da concorrência no mercado, tornam atractiva a operação de concentração. O objectivo deste trabalho é a análise das decisões estratégicas de concentração e a realização de um estudo aprofundado sobre a OPA do BCP ao BPI, cujo processo decorreu durante o período de Março/2006 até ao final do mês de Novembro/2007, analisando assim as estratégias adoptadas por cada instituição, os motivos que levaram à rejeição da proposta, e o papel dos reguladores neste processo. Os resultados deste trabalho consistem numa análise ao tema, sobre várias perspectivas. A análise dos dados recolhidos permitem verificar as estratégias utilizadas por cada instituição e analisar a importância e o papel dos reguladores no processo em estudo. A conclusão tem por base uma reflexão sobre o tipo de estratégias adoptadas por cada instituição e o impacto provocado por cada iniciativa. Pretende-se também fazer uma reflexão sobre as tácticas defensivas de cada instituição durante o decorrer da operação. Os resultados fornecem também uma base sólida para concluir que as decisões estratégicas do BPI foram mais fortes que as decisões do BCP, e as decisões dos reguladores também tiveram um peso importante no desfecho da operação, ainda que, os procedimentos existentes tendam a ser cada vez mais desburocratizados e autónomos

Climate-Induced Stressors to Peace: A Review Of Recent Literature

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a threat to global peace and security. This paper intends to provide a better understanding of the nature of interactions between climate change and events that undermine peace through a systematic review of recent literature. It highlights major methodological approaches adopted in the literature, elaborates on the geographic focus of the research at the nexus of climate change and peace, and provides further information on how various climatic stressors, such as extreme temperature, floods, sea-level rise, storms, and water stress may be linked to different events that undermine peace (e.g. civil conflict, crime, intercommunal violence, interstate conflict, political conflict, and social conflict) through direct and indirect pathways. Results confirm previous findings that statistical techniques and qualitative case studies are dominant methods in climate-conflict research but show that there has been an increase in the geographic information system based risk analyses and qualitative comparative analyses in the recent years. In line with previous reviews, results show that the literature is mainly focused on certain regions of the world and several major regions that have experienced numerous conflicts over the past few years and/or are vulnerable to adverse climatic events are understudied. However, a new finding is that, in the past few years, there has been an increasing focus on Asia, which contrasts with previous reviews that show an African focus in the literature. Also, there is an unbalanced attention to different climatic stressors and peace-related events. Interactions between water stress/extreme temperature and civil and interstate conflicts have received more attention. A major finding is that, only under certain conditions climatic stressors may act as driving forces or aggravating factors. In fact, there is a strong consensus that climate change is less likely to undermine peace in isolation from a wide range of contextual socio-economic and institutional factors such as political instability, poor governance, poverty, homogeneous livelihood structures, and ethnic fractionalization. However, such contextual factors can contribute to undermining peace via either direct or indirect pathways. The former may occur through direct psychological/physiological effects of climatic impacts or via competition over scarce resources. In contrast, in indirect pathways climate change may lead to conflict through diminishing livelihood capacities and/or inducing migration. In addition to synthesizing literature on contextual factors and direct/indirect pathways, the review identifies gaps that need further research

Enablers to implement sustainable initiatives in agri-food supply chains

yesDue to rapid agricultural industrialization, increased global food demand, and, increasing concerns related to food quality and safety, the concepts of sustainability and supply chain transparency are becoming critically important to the agriculture and agri-food sector. The new focus on sustainability performance objectives emphasizes the effective utilization and consumption of natural resources to balance ecological, economic and societal aspects of agri-food businesses. The management of sustainability adds a new demand on business managers who often have small profits and receive stringent requirements from large powerful customers and retailers. In this paper, we recognize and analyze the key enablers in implementing sustainable initiatives for Agri-Food Supply Chains (A-FSCs). Ten important sustainability driven enablers were considered from a rigorous literature review and phase of expert consultation. The identified enablers were then analyzed using a combined Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) - fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) based framework. The ISM approach enabled an appreciation of the contextual relationships among the enablers and to classify the enablers based on their driving and dependence potential. The fuzzy DEMATEL technique supported the determination of the influential and influenced enablers and also to categorize them into cause and effect groups. An empirical case study, drawn from a vegetable and fruit retail supply chain in India, is used to focus and test the applicability of the proposed research framework. The paper facilitates professional management practice and researchers to uncover and explore the enablers for the real execution of sustainability oriented initiatives in the agri-food business sector

Mineralogy and geochemistry of bauxite and bentonite deposits from Mozambique

Results of mineralogical and geochemical studies of bauxites, kaolinitic clays and bentoniteS from Mozambique are presented in this thesis. The bauxite and kaolinitic clay deposits in Penhalonga area (in the central western part of Mozambique) are associated with Precambrian magmatic rocks and the bentonites resulted from weathering of volcanic rocks, belonging to the Lebombos Mountain range in the Boane district (in the south of Mozambique). The bauxites and kaolinitic clays are the main products resulting from weathering of rock types with anorthositic, gabbroic composition and metabasalts. These parent rocks have been subjected to different degrees of weathering witnessed by the presence in the profiles of the minerals gibbsite, kaolinite, hydroxides and oxides of iron, as well as illite in variable amounts. The distribution of major and trace elements, including the Rare Earths, in the weathering profiles provides gives indications for the main development trends of the bauxitization-Iateritization in Penhalonga area. Bauxite formation took place over the main rocks of the area mineralogically with feldspars and pyroxenes and/or amphiboles as the dominant primary components under influences of processes ofweathering in tropical conditions. Although most of the weathering sequences are truncated, due to superficial erosion, the general behaviour of the chemical elements reflects the composition of the source rock and, to some extent, the dominant conditions for the geochemical mobility and fractionation of the elements. This guides to the separation of the easily mobile elements like the alkalis and alkaline earths and the less mobile or immobile elements. The later group is represented by elements as AI, Fe, Ti, Zr, which are relatively retained in the weathered profiles, in almost all stages. Remarkable in the weathering sequences is the behaviour of the Rare Earth elements (REE), specially the elements Ce and Eu, which display anomalies, due to their chemistry. On the other hand, taking into consideration the activities ofNa+, K+, ci+ and I4Si04, the composition of the waters draining the area also provides evidence of the principal mineral assemblages present in the weathering sequences. In the Mozambican territory, associated with the volcanics of the Lebombos mountains, smectite-rich bentonites constitute deposits of economic interest. The principal mineral is montmorillonite in concentrations ranging up to an average grade of 75-79% and invariably associated with silica phases, chiefly cristobalite. According to referenced discrimination diagrams the bentonites have close affinity with parent rocks of rhyolitic and rhyodactic compositions. However, the mechanisms of the bentonite formation are still poorly understood, although, from field relationships and the geological setting of the bentonitic masses, it seems that they have originated from miscellaneous processes of alteration of the rhyolitic parent rocks. The bentonites are chemically of the Ca-type with high silica SIOz and generally low contents in Alz03 and MgO, features, which are strictly related to the parent rocks of dominantly rhyolitic composition. In some places occurrences of indurated calcium carbonate horizons are observed in a vertical profile. Geochemically the bentonites show a uniform composition, which is also reflected in the trace element content. The behaviour of the chemical elements is consistent with the general effects of an alkaline environment on the mobilization and fixation of elements propitiating formation of bentonites instead of zeolites

Implementação de um sistema de economia circular para resíduos portuários no Porto de Aveiro

A pressão existente na procura de recursos naturais é uma consequência resultante do aumento populacional, e tem salientado a necessidade de sociedades modernas progredirem para um paradigma mais sustentável, ou seja, para uma “economia mais verde” que certifique a regeneração do capital natural associado ao desenvolvimento económico. No setor portuário foram definidas 10 prioridades ambientais pela Organização dos Portos Marítimos Europeus, das quais, a qualidade do ar e os resíduos portuários constituem a 1ª e 6ª prioridade, respetivamente. A APA - Administração do Porto de Aveiro, S.A. é a entidade responsável pela exploração económica, conservação e desenvolvimento do Porto de Aveiro, e tem definida na sua estratégia de sustentabilidade ambiental, a aplicação dos princípios da economia circular bem como a descarbonização do setor portuário. Assim, são objeto de análise do presente relatório de estágio: -Os resíduos portuários entregues pelos navios bem como os provenientes das atividades portuárias no ano de 2020 no Porto de Aveiro, e -Emissões e a respetiva quantificação de CO2 do novo biodiesel, o ‘’Ecobunker 15%”, produzido através de óleos alimentares virgens e usados, em colaboração com a empresa Prio Bio, S.A. Com o objetivo de sensibilizar e incentivar à valorização de resíduos portuários, resultou o protocolo de economia circular que consiste num conjunto de metas a serem subscritas pelas empresas que operam no Porto de Aveiro. Por outro lado, constatou-se que se no ano de 2020 o combustível utilizado pela embarcação Lancha dos Pilotos do Porto de Aveiro fosse substituído pelo Ecobunker haveria uma poupança nas emissões de CO2, de 4091 kg de CO2 de origem fóssil.The pressure on demand for natural resources is a consequence of population growth. Moreover, it has highlighted the need for modern societies to progress towards a more sustainable paradigm, that is, towards a "greener economy" that ensures the regeneration of natural capital associated with economic development. Ten environmental priorities were defined by the European Sea Ports Organization (ESPO) for the port sector, of which air quality and port waste constitute the first and sixth priority, respectively. The Administration of the Port of Aveiro, S.A. (APA) is the entity responsible for the economic exploration, conservation, and development of the Port of Aveiro. It has defined in its environmental sustainability strategy the application of the principles of circular economy and the decarbonization of the port sector. Thus, the following are the object of analysis of this internship report: -Port waste delivered by ships as well as those from port activities in 2020 at Port of Aveiro, and -The emissions and respective CO2 quantification of the new biodiesel, the "Ecobunker 15%", produced from virgin and used cooking oils, in collaboration with the company Prio Bio, S.A. In order to increment the awareness and stimulate port waste valorization it resulted the Circular Economy Protocol consisting on a set of targets to be subscribed by the companies operating on Port of Aveiro.On other hand, it was concluded that if in 2020 the fuel used by Lancha dos Pilotos vessel of the Port of Aveiro was replaced by the Ecobunker there would be savings on CO2 emissions of 4091 kg of CO2 from fossil origin.Mestrado em Estudos Ambientai

Prerequisites for HACCP in small-scale poultry production

Food borne diseases, and more especially diarrheal diseases, are an important cause of morbidity and mortality (WHO, 2007). Food borne diseases due to bacteria in the food usually manifest as episodes of gastro-intestinal disease (South African DVS, 2007). Most of food borne illnesses occurring annually are caused mainly by three bacteria; Campylobacter spp., nontyphoidal Salmonella serovars, and pathogenic Escherichia coli, including E. coli O157:H7 (Zhao et al, 2001; Mead, 2004). The prevalence of food borne pathogens and epidemiological knowledge of the extent, sources, and causative factors that lead to food borne illness remain unknown in many parts of the world. In most developing countries data are not collected on such a basis that an assessment of the amount of illness or the causes can be made, but food borne illness is probably second only to malnutrition as the cause of death among children (Lund et al, 2000). In Mozambique the situation is similar to other developing countries. The risk of eating poultry meat from formal and informal small scale producers processed in the formal abattoirs and at informal points of slaughter is unknown. However, the diarrheal diseases remain an important cause of mortalities according to data from the Mozambique National Ministry of Health. The objective of the study were to investigate and describe the value chains for small scale poultry production in Maputo, indicating possible stages at which there was the risk of a hazard that would influence the final product and estimate the magnitude of this risk by using microbiological risk assessment in poultry meat. It included the informal and formal producers and processors. In the study area it was estimated that only 40% of total poultry production was processed in the formally abattoirs. The remaining 47% were sold live and 13% processed by informal processors at point of sale if the customer asked for the fowl to be slaughtered. The method used was participatory risk analysis. The participants included state veterinary services, municipal health authorities, poultry farmers, poultry processors and vendors at live bird markets in Maputo. To quantify the magnitude and nature of the risks, microbiological risk assessment was used on water, equipment surfaces and hands of operatives (as a prerequisite to HACCP) and poultry carcases (at identified CCP’s during the slaughter and dressing of fowls). Samples of poultry carcasses, water and swabs from surfaces and hands of operatives, were taken from poultry farms, live bird markets and poultry abattoirs. The samples were sent for laboratory examination where the tests included E.coli and Coliform Count and Aerobic Plate Count to verify if the carcasses were produced in a hygienic manner and if the poultry processing was controlled adequately. The quality of the poultry carcasses collected from the three sectors was not satisfactory. Poultry meat from formal abattoirs was not found to be much safer than meat purchased at live bird markets and farms using informal slaughtering processes. To improve prerequisites, Hygiene Management Systems (HMS) and Hygiene Assessment Systems (HAS), using an appropriate audit system tailored to the type of processing (ie formal or informal) was proposed for all three value chains with a focus on critical control points.Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012.Paraclinical SciencesMScUnrestricte

Gender Mainstreaming in Waste Education Programs: A Conceptual Framework

Gender issues are present in waste management, from daily handling activities through to decision-making processes. In waste education programs, the disregard for views of and contribution by women has resulted in strategies that do not comprehensively address the waste issue, preventing long-standing and sustainable outcomes, while increasing existing gender inequities. Three critical waste matters on education and gender were identified: (1) lack of meaningful involvement and participation of women (and other vulnerable groups) throughout the decision-making processes; (2) lack of inclusion of gender-specific designs and gender-sensitive approaches in the information and education materials; and (3) tendency to devise strategies directed to women only, while exempting the other stakeholders from their responsibilities. This paper presents a closer look into the relationship between waste education and gender, with a proposal of a participatory framework for gender mainstreaming in waste education programs. It includes components to assess the promoting entity of the waste education program and all stages of the program. The framework represents a novel theory and practice contribution for waste education development, to support academics, practitioners, and policymakers, in the quest of achieving equitable and sustainable waste management systems for all