Waste management practices among dental surgery staff of major hospitals in Accra: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Introduction: the practice of dentistry in contemporary times produces considerable waste that could be harmful to individuals and the environment at large. In Ghana and many other jurisdictions, there are guidelines that outline how these wastes should be managed. This study was conducted to explore practices concerning dental waste management among dental surgery staff in some public facilities in Accra, Ghana. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study involving dental surgery staff of four major facilities in Accra was done. Overall, 124 staff from the selected facilities participated in the study, and 51 different dental surgeries were assessed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observation checklist. The questionnaire included questions on socio-demographics, as well as knowledge and practices regarding dental waste management. Results: there was unsatisfactory knowledge of waste disposal, while practices did not generally meet international recommendations and the Ministry of Health´s (MOH) guidelines. Though all respondents stored their sharp waste in puncture-proof containers, 98.4% did not label their clinical waste, while 62.9% would dispose of used X-ray fixers by pouring them down the drain. None of the 51 surgeries observed had more than one colour code available. Conclusion: there is a palpable need for education, monitoring, and empowerment concerning waste management in Ghana´s oral healthcare system.

Leadership and Human Resources Management Practices: The mediating role of organizational virtues / Liderança e Práticas de Gestão de Pessoas: O papel mediador das virtudes organizacionais

Abstract Considering the unexplored relationship between leadership, organizational virtues, and human resource management practices, the purpose of this paper is to test a structural model of mediation between leadership and human resource management, being organizational virtues the mediating variable. We performed a survey with 673 employees in Brazil, resorting to Structural Equation Modeling to analyze the data. Findings show that organizational virtues mediate the relationship between leadership and HRM practices. We confirm the positive effect of leadership on organizational virtues, the influence of organizational virtues on HRM practices, and the impact of leadership on HRM practices. This paper contributes to the literature on human resource management and organizational behavior, particularly concerning investigations that deal with antecedents of HRM practices.

Resumo Considerando a relação inexplorada entre liderança, virtudes organizacionais e práticas de gestão de pessoas, o objetivo deste artigo é testar um modelo estrutural de mediação entre liderança e gestão de pessoas, sendo virtudes organizacionais a variável mediadora. Fizemos uma survey com 673 colaboradores no Brasil, recorrendo-se à Modelagem de Equações Estruturais para analisar os dados. Resultados mostram que as virtudes organizacionais mediam a relação entre liderança e práticas de GP. Confirmamos o efeito positivo da liderança nas virtudes organizacionais, a influência das virtudes organizacionais nas práticas de GP e o impacto da liderança nas práticas de GP. Este estudo contribui para a literatura em gestão de pessoas e comportamento organizacional, no que se refere aos antecedentes das práticas de GP.

Associações entre práticas de gestão de pessoas e comportamento de apoio à mudança organizacional: um estudo longitudinal / Associations between people management practices and behavior in support of organizational change: a longitudinal study / Asociaciones entre las prácticas de gestión de personas y el comportamiento de apoyo al cambio organizacional: un estudio longitudinal

Esta pesquisa descreveu as associações entre a percepção das práticas de Gestão de Pessoas, e o comportamento de apoio à mudança dos servidores lotados na Secretaria de Gestão de Pessoas de um órgão público brasileiro. O estudo apresenta o desenho longitudinal, com três ondas de coletas de dados, entre 2016 e 2019 e descreve as alterações estruturais nas Políticas e Práticas de Gestão de Pessoas. Os resultados apontaram que a percepção de Políticas e Práticas de Gestão de Pessoas pode explicar o comportamento de apoio às mudanças em períodos críticos. Esse estudo contribui tanto para a academia quanto para a prática profissional, visto que apresenta as primeiras evidências de resultados de ações feitas pela área de Gestão de Pessoas utilizando critérios alternativos, como aumento de apoio à mudança e o reconhecimento das políticas e práticas implementadas.

This research investigated associations between the perception of people management practices and change-supportive behavior of public servants at the People Management Secretariat of a Brazilian public agency. The study is longitudinal, with three waves of data collection between 2016 and 2019, and describes the structural changes in people management policies and practices. The results showed that the perception of people management policies and practices can explain the behavior that supports change in critical periods. This study contributes both to academia and to practice with the first evidence of the results of actions taken by the people management area using alternative criteria, such as increased support for change and the recognition of implemented policies and practices.

Esta investigación describió las asociaciones entre la percepción de las políticas y prácticas de Gestión de Personas y el comportamiento de apoyo al cambio de los servidores asignados a la Secretaría de Gestión de Personas de un organismo público brasileño. El estudio presenta un diseño longitudinal, con tres oleadas de recolección de datos, entre 2016 y 2019, y describe los cambios estructurales en las Políticas y Prácticas de Gestión de Personas. Los resultados mostraron que la percepción de las Políticas y Prácticas de Gestión de Personas puede explicar el comportamiento de apoyo a los cambios en períodos críticos. Este estudio contribuye tanto a la academia como a la práctica profesional, ya que presenta la primera evidencia de los resultados de las acciones realizadas por el área de Gestión de Personas utilizando criterios alternativos, como un mayor apoyo al cambio y el reconocimiento de las políticas y prácticas implementadas.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis and Candidiasis in Non-Pregnant Women of Western Odisha, India

The prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and candidiasis is high in Indian women in the reproductive age groups. Poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices and low socio-demographic features are the major risk factors associated with BV and candidiasis. The aim of the study was to access the MHM practices in association with BV and Candida infection in the population of western Odisha.METHODSThis cross-sectional study was carried out in the outpatient department of O & G, VIMSAR, Burla, Odisha, from December 2016 to November 2018. Vaginal swabs were collected from the posterior vaginal fornix for analysis. BV was diagnosed by using Nugent’s laboratory diagnostic criteria and identification of Candida was done by Albi QuickTM rapid test. A pre-coded questionnaire was used to collect demographic, clinical, and behavioural (MHM practices) features from the study participants. All data were double-entered into Epi Info 7 software and analysed using Stata 11.0.RESULTSIn 352 women, the prevalence of BV and candidiasis was found in 38.92% (137/352) and 32.67% (115/352) of women respectively. Women were divided into three groups on the basis of age i.e. 18-25 years: 87 (24.72%); 26-35 years: 194 (55.11%); and 36-45 years: 71 (20.17%). Both BV and candidiasis were significantly high in women of 36-45 years age group compared to 18-25 years age group (p<0.05). Women of 36-45 years age group had more number of cases with low education (19.72%), housewife (67.61%), and living in rural villages (61.97%) compared to younger women (p<0.05). Regarding MHM practices, women in the higher age groups used more reusable cloths as absorbent materials (p<0.002), changed absorbent material less frequently (p=0.042) and changed their absorbents somewhere other than in a toilet facility (p<0.018) compared to younger women.CONCLUSIONSThe higher prevalence of BV and candidiasis in higher age groups of women may be due to the poor MHM practices, lack of higher education and other low socio-demographic conditions compared to younger age women. An increased awareness for MHM practices is important to combat the associated morbidities related to BV and candidiasis.

Assessment of menstrual hygiene management practices and associated socio-cultural restrictions among adolescent school girls in a rural area of North India

Background: There is inadequate information on menstrual hygiene management practices and socio-cultural restrictions among adolescent girls in developing countries. The objective of the present study was to assess the menstrual hygiene management practices and associated socio-cultural restrictions among adolescent school girls.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among adolescent school girls 10 to 19 years of age, who had attained menarche, in a rural area of district Barabanki. Total 640 adolescent girls were included in the study, and information was recorded on a predesigned and pretested interview schedule. Relevant statistical analysis was done and significant associations were found.Results: 60.5% of the girls were using sanitary pads, and 71.4% took bath during their periods. 41.3% of the girls used to change pads during schools. Unsatisfactory menstrual hygiene management practices were significantly high among girls who were from lower socioeconomic class (p<0.001) and had illiterate mothers (p<0.001). 82.8% of the girls faced religious restriction.Conclusions: Significant associations were found between menstrual hygiene management practices of adolescent school girls with their mother’s education level and socio economic status. A proper menstrual hygiene management practice is very important for every young girl to lead a healthy life and should be achieved at the beginning of their menarche by enhanced information education and communication (IEC) programmes.

Inovação na gestão hospitalar: análise dos resultados de eficiência de um hospital português integrado em uma unidade local de saúde / Innovation in hospital management: analysis of efficiency results of an portuguese hospital in a local health unit

Objetivo: Verificar se a alteração do formato jurídico do hospital Amato Lusitano e a simultânea integração com a atenção primária gerou melhoria dos resultados de eficiência em seus serviços clínicos. Metodologia: Para avaliar os resultados de eficiência, utilizou-se à técnica da análise envoltória de dados, considerando como insumos os custos e como resultados a produção registrada de cada serviço clínico ao longo de um período de 15 anos. Os dados de custo e produção foram obtidos através do Gabinete de Apoio à Gestão e do Gabinete de Contabilidade do hospital. A amostra incluiu todos os serviços clínicos de internação, imagem e patologia clínica. Resultados: A mudança da gestão pública para a condição corporativa resultou em melhoria nos resultados de eficiência em 16 dos 17 serviços analisados apresentando um aumento médio de 19,0%. Conclusões: A adoção da gestão empresarial e do modelo de unidade de saúde local tem sido benéfica para o desempenho dos serviços clínicos, com melhoria geral nos resultados de eficiência técnica.

Objective: Verify that the change of the legal form of the Amato Lusitano Hospital and the simultaneous integration with primary care led to improved results in efficiency in their clinical services. Methodology: For evaluate the efficiency results, we used the technique of data envelopment analysis, considering as inputs the costs and as results the recorded production of each clinical service over a period of 15 years. Cost and production data were obtained through the Office of Management Support and the Accounting Office of the hospital. The sample included all clinical inpatient services, imagiology and clinical pathology. Results: The change of public management for corporate condition resulted in improvement in efficiency results, with 16 of the 17 services analyzed with an average increase of 19.0%. Conclusions: The adoption of business management and the local health unit model has been beneficial to the performance of clinical services, overall improvement in technical efficiency results.

Avaliação da importância e adoção de inovações gerenciais na percepção de gestores de universidades públicas / Evaluation of the importance and adoption of managerial innovations in the perception of managers of public universities

O objetivo do artigo é identificar e analisar como gestores de quatro universidades públicas brasileiras percebem o grau de importância e de adoção de um conjunto de práticas de gestão consideradas inovadoras para a gestão pública. Para tanto, participaram do estudo 435 servidores ocupantes de cargos de gestão tanto na área acadêmica quanto administrativa, respondendo a um questionário contendo dezesseis práticas consideradas inovadoras segundo o prêmio nacional de inovação na gestão pública promovido pela Escola Nacional do Serviço Público (ENAP). As práticas foram classificadas em três dimensões da gestão, ou seja, gestão organizacional, modernização de processos e gestão de pessoas. A coleta dos dados foi realizada online por meio do aplicativo Surveymonkey. Os gestores avaliaram o conjunto das práticas como sendo significativamente importantes para definir uma universidade inovadora em sua gestão. Contudo, percebem que este mesmo conjunto de práticas é muito pouco utilizado no contexto organizacional onde atuam levando a concluir que as universidades pesquisadas não podem ser consideradas inovadoras em sua gestão. Tanto as análises comparativas entre as universidades quanto entre as três dimensões de práticas não apresentaram resultados distintos daquele mais global.

The objective of this article is to identify and analyze how managers of four Brazilian public universities perceive the degree of importance and adoption of a set of management practices considered innovative for public management. For this purpose, 435 employees occupying management positions in both academic and administrative areas participated in the study, responding to a questionnaire containing sixteen practices considered innovative according to the national award for innovation in public management promoted by the National Public Service School (ENAP). The practices were classifed into three dimensions of management, that is, organizational management, process modernization and people management. Data collection was done online through the Surveymonkey application. The managers evaluated all the practices as being signifcantly important to defne an innovative university in its management. However, they perceive that this same set of practices is very little used in the organizational context in which they operate, leading to the conclusion that the researched universities can not be considered innovative in their management. Both the comparative analyzes between the universities and the three dimensions of practices did not present results different from the more global one.

El documento tiene como objetivo identifcar y analizar cómo los gerentes de cuatro universidades públicas brasileñas dan cuenta de la importancia y de el grado de adopción de un conjunto de prácticas de gestión consideradas innovadoras para la gestión pública. Por lo tanto, partiparan em el estúdio 435 gerentes que ocupan puestos de dirección, tanto en el ámbito académico como administrativo, respondendo a um cuestionario con dieciséis prácticas innovadoras extraída del premio nacional a la innovación en la gestión pública patrocinado por la Escuela Nacional de Servicios Públicos (ENAP). Las prácticas se clasifcaron en tres dimensiones de la gestión, es decir, la gestión organizacional, modernización de procesos y gestión de personas. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo en línea a través de la aplicación SurveyMonkey. Los gestores evalúan el conjunto de prácticas como signifcativamente importante para defnir una universidad innovadora en su gestión. Sin embargo, se dan cuenta de que el mismo conjunto de prácticas es muy poco utilizado en el contexto organizacional en el que operan, lo que implica deduzir de que las universidades encuestadas no pueden considerarse innovadoras en su forma de gestión. El análisis comparativo entre universidades y entre las tres dimensiones de las prácticas no mostró que los resultados son diferentes de los globales.

Avaliação da construção e operação de técnicas compensatórias de drenagem urbana: o transporte de finos, a capacidade de infiltração, a taxa de infiltração real do solo e a permeabilidade da manta geotêxtil / Evaluation of best management practices' construction and operation: the fine particles transportation, the infiltration capacity, the soil infiltration loading rate and the geotextile permeability

Este trabalho avaliou aspectos da construção e operação de técnicas compensatórias em drenagem urbana e seu efeito na taxa de infiltração das unidades em escala real. Para tal, foram estudados dois sistemas, a saber: i) filtro-vala-trincheira de infiltração (FVT) e ii) poço de infiltração (PI). A infiltração do solo foi avaliada por meio de ensaios de campo (ensaios de duplo anel e poço invertido) e por medidas das unidades experimentais. Além disso, foram investigados o teor de material pulverulento e a permeabilidade de amostras do geotêxtil utilizado no FVT e PI, nas condições pré e pós-instalação. A despeito das proteções instaladas, houve transporte de finos para o interior das unidades e que esses influenciaram na permeabilidade da manta geotêxtil (redução de 30 a 90% para o FVT e de 40 a 70% para o PI) e nas taxas de infiltração nas unidades em escala real (de 4,7 x 10-6 a 10-5 m.s-1). .

This work aimed to evaluate some aspects of construction and operation of full-scale best management practices and their effects on infiltration loading rate. Two systems were studied: i) filter-swale-trench (FST) and ii) infiltration well (IW). In these units, field essays and full-scale measurements were made in order to assess the soil permeability. Further, the fine particles transportation and the geotextile blanket permeability were determined before and after operation. The results pointed out that there were soil transportation to inside the FST and IW systems, despite of the installed protections, and that these material were responsible for diminishing the geotextile (reduction from 30 to 90% for FST and 40 to 70% for IW) and the full-scale infiltration loading rates (varying from 4,7 x 10-6 to 10-5 m.s-1).

Risk factors associated with the antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis / Fatores de risco associados com a resistência antimicrobiana de Staphylococcus aureus isolados da mastite bovina

The objective of this study was to evaluate herd management practices and mastitis treatment procedures as risk factors associated with Staphylococcus aureus antimicrobial resistance. For this study, 13 herds were selected to participate in the study to evaluate the association between their management practices and mastitis treatment procedures and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility. A total of 1069 composite milk samples were collected aseptically from the selected cows in four different periods over two years. The samples were used for microbiological culturing of S. aureus isolates and evaluation of their antimicrobial susceptibility. A total of 756 samples (70.7%) were culture-positive, and S. aureus comprised 27.77% (n=210) of the isolates. The S. aureus isolates were tested using the disk-diffusion susceptibility assay with the following antimicrobials: ampicillin 10mg; clindamycin 2μg; penicillin 1mg; ceftiofur 30μg; gentamicin 10mg; sulfa-trimethoprim 25μg; enrofloxacin 5μg; sulfonamide 300μg; tetracycline 30μg; oxacillin 1mg; cephalothin 30μg and erythromycin 5μg. The variables that were significantly associated with S. aureus resistance were as follows: the treatment of clinical mastitis for ampicillin (OR=2.18), dry cow treatment for enrofloxacin (OR=2.11) and not sending milk samples for microbiological culture and susceptibility tests, for ampicillin (OR=2.57) and penicillin (OR=4.69). In conclusion, the identification of risk factors for S. aureus resistance against various mastitis antimicrobials is an important information that may help in practical recommendations for prudent use of antimicrobial in milk production.

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os fatores de risco associados às práticas de manejo e tratamento de mastite e a resistência aos antimicrobianos de Staphylococcus aureus isolados de vacas com mastite. Foram selecionados para o presente estudo 13 rebanhos localizados na região de Pirassununga/SP. Foi aplicado um questionário contendo informações para o levantamento de fatores de risco relacionados à resistência aos antimicrobianos e às práticas de manejo e tratamento de mastite. Após a seleção dos rebanhos e aplicação dos questionários, foram utilizados 210 isolados de S. aureus de amostras compostas de leite coletadas durante 24 meses, em quatro períodos, para realização dos testes de resistência. Os antimicrobianos testados foram: ampicilina 10µg, clindamicina 2µg, penicilina 1µg, eftiofour 30µg, gentamicina 10µg, sulfatrimetropin 25µg, enrofloxacina 5µg, sulfonamida 300µg, tetraciclina 30µg, oxacilina 1µg, cefalotina 30µg e eritromicina 5µg. As variáveis que foram significativamente associadas à resistência de S. aureus foram: o tratamento da mastite clínica para ampicilina (OR = 2,18), o tratamento da vaca seca para enrofloxacina (OR=2,11), e o não envio de amostras de leite para a cultura microbiológica e testes de sensibilidade, para ampicilina (OR=2,57) e penicilina (OR=4,69). Em conclusão, a identificação dos fatores de risco para a resistência S. aureus frente aos principais agentes antimicrobianos, utilizados para tratamento da mastite, pode auxiliar o estabelecimento do uso prudente de antimicrobianos na produção de leite.

Prática de gestão e controle da subjetividade dos trabalhadores: a ideologia de encantamento em uma empresa de varejo / Practice management and control of the workers' subjectivity: the ideology of enchantment in a retail company

Este artigo apresenta um estudo de caso realizado em uma empresa do ramo de varejo e aborda a relação entre as práticas de gestão organizacionais e o controle da subjetividade dos trabalhadores. A pesquisa é de natureza qualitativa e está fundamentada em observações, entrevistas, registros fílmicos e análise documental. Os dados foram analisados de acordo com a técnica de análise qualitativa de conteúdo proposta por Bardin. A discussão teórica fundamenta-se nas contribuições de autores da Psicossociologia e da Economia Política do Poder. Destacam-se, na empresa estudada, as seguintes práticas que envolvem subjetivamente o trabalhador com a organização: (i) processo de imersão para integração; (ii) rituais de inauguração das novas filiais, com elaboração de hinos pelos próprios trabalhadores; (iii) internalização das normas e regras de conduta, pela participação dos trabalhadores na construção das políticas de encantamento e pela repetição dos objetivos e valores organizacionais; e (iv) elaboração de livros com as histórias de sucesso que imprimem uma formatação da subjetividade ao destacar um ideal comportamental. Como principais resultados, o estudo destaca a efetividade das práticas de controle da subjetividade que focam o engajamento e o envolvimento sedutor e perverso dos trabalhadores pela organização, além da adesão dos trabalhadores via ideologia do encantamento, que se assemelha a uma instância "religiosa"...

This paper presents a case study of a retail company and approaches the relationship between organizational management practices and the control of workers' subjectivity. The research is qualitative and is based in observations, interviews, video records and analysis of documents. The collected data were analyzed following Bardin's proposal for qualitative content analysis. The theoretical discussion is grounded on the contributions from authors of Psychosociology and Political Economy of Power. Within the researched company, the practices that subjectively involve the worker with the organization are: (i) process of immersion for achieving integration between workers; (ii) rituals for inaugurating new branch offices, with anthems composed by the workers themselves; (iii) internalization of norms and rules of conduct through the participation of workers in the creation of policies of enchantment and through the systematic repetition of organizational objectives and values; and (iv) production of books with stories of success, shaping the subjectivity by evidencing an ideal behavior. The main result of this essay is to highlight the effectiveness of practices for controlling the subjectivity that reinforce both the involvement and the seductive and perverse engagement of workers with the organization, and their adherence through an ideology of enchantment which resembles a "religious" instance...

Estudo de caracterização das práticas de gestão de recursos humanos em organizações policiais portuguesas / Study on human resources management practices in portuguese police organizations

O presente estudo nasceu da constatação das lacunas e limitações na investigação acerca das práticas de gestão de recursos humanos no contexto policial de Portugal. Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar as práticas de gestão de recursos humanos (formação e oportunidades de desenvolvimento, recrutamento seletivo, avaliação de desempenho orientado para o desenvolvimento, oportunidades de carreira, recompensas, oportunidades de participação, comunicação e acesso à informação, e práticas de promoção de comportamentos saudáveis) das instituições de polícia. Foram estudadas sete instituições e inquiridos 856 policiais por meio de questionário. Além disso, recorreu-se à análise documental e entrevistas semiestruturadas para aprofundar e complementar a caracterização das práticas. Os resultados indiciam boas práticas de gestão de recursos em termos prescritos, contudo, ainda não estão presentes neste setor de atividade em nível perceptivo, apresentando todas as dimensões valores bastante baixos, com exceção das práticas de formação e desenvolvimento e das práticas de comunicação e acesso à informação que apresentam valores moderados. A análise comparativa entre a descrição qualitativa e as percepções dos policiais denota alguns pontos de divergência em termos das práticas prescritas e as percepcionadas. Além da discrepância entre as práticas prescritas e as percebidas, os resultados apontam para uma heterogeneidade interinstitucional, remetendo à existência de percepções diferenciadas entre as diferentes organizações, apesar da partilha do enquadramento jurídico que regula as práticas de gestão de recursos humanos.

This study arose from the identification of gaps and limitations in human resources management practices in the police work environment in Portugal. The aim of this study was to describe the human resources management practices in police organizations. Such practices included training and development opportunities, selective recruitment, development-oriented performance evaluation, career opportunities, rewards, opportunities for participation, communication, and access to information, and practices promoting healthy behaviors. Seven police organizations were examined, and 856 police officers surveyed. Document analysis and semi-structured interviews were used to deepen and complement the characterization of the human resources management practices. The results indicate good resource management practices in prescriptive terms; however, these practices are not yet seen in this activity sector at the perceptual level. Accordingly, all dimensions present rather low values, except for training and development practices as well as communication and access to information practices, which present moderate values. A comparative analysis between the qualitative description of human resources management practices and police officers' perceptions demonstrates the existence of discrepancies in terms of prescribed and perceived practices. In addition to these discrepancies, the results obtained reveal inter-institutional heterogeneity. They point to the existence of differentiated perceptions between different organizations that share, however, the same legal framework that regulates human resources management practices.

Condiciones de causalidad entre la gestión de los recursos humanos y la cultura organizacional: un estudio empírico en el contexto industrial colombiano / Causal conditions between human resource management and organizational culture. An empirical study in the Colombian industrial context / Condições de causalidade entre a gestão dos recursos humanos e a cultura organizacional. um estudo empírico no contexto industrial colombiano

La gestión de los recursos humanos es el marco estratégico de la cultura organizacional. Por tanto, el presente estudio pretende identificar el impacto recíproco entre la cultura organizacional y la gestión de recursos humanos. Para esto se construyen dos modelos: uno para el análisis de la gestión de recursos humanos y otro para el análisis de la cultura organizacional. El estudio se contrasta en 199 empresas industriales de Colombia. Para el procesamiento de la información se utilizaron modelos multivariados con énfasis en análisis factorial confirmatorio -CFA- y modelos de ecuaciones estructurales -SEM-. Como principal hallazgo se identifica que la tipología cultural del mercado incide significativamente en las prácticas de recursos humanos tales como el aprovisionamiento, la capacitación y la carrera.

The human resource management is the strategic framework of the organizational culture. Therefore, this study aims to identify the mutual impact between organizational culture and human resource management practices. To this end two models were constructed: one for the analysis of human resource management and another for the analysis of the organizational culture. The study was conducted in 199 manufacturing firms in Colombia. For information processing, multivariate models with emphasis on confirmatory factor analysis -CFA- and structural equation modeling- SEM- were used. The main finding was that market culture has a positive and significant impact on human resource management practices such as supply, training and career prospect.

A gestão dos recursos humanos é o marco estratégico da cultura organizacional. Portanto, o presente estudo pretende identificar o impacto recíproco entre a cultura organizacional e a gestão de recursos humanos. Para isto constroem-se dois modelos: um para a análise da gestão de recursos humanos e outro para a análise da cultura organizacional. O estudo se contrasta em 199 empresas industriais da Colômbia. Para o processamento da informação utilizam-se modelos multivariados com ênfase em análise fatorial confirmatório -CFA- e modelos de equações estruturais -SEM-. Como principal descobrimento identifica-se que a tipologia cultural do mercado incide significativamente nas práticas de recursos humanos tais como o aprovisionamento, a capacitação e a carreira.

Processo de vulnerabilização e danos ao ofício: a Modernização do Trabalho em questão / Vulnerabilization process and damages to the profession: the Work Modernization in question

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a intensificação e a individualização no âmago da "modernização do trabalho". Esses são compreendidos como processos que, ao se desenvolverem, causam sofrimento e penosidade aos trabalhadores. Nas organizações "modernas", a avaliação do trabalho é realizada cada vez mais sob um único prisma, qual seja, o da performance e o da rentabilidade econômica - aplicada nas relações de serviço e até mesmo do serviço público. É o sentido do trabalho que é afetado. Apoiando-se em uma pesquisa empírica conduzida junto a vendedores de bilhetes e pacotes de viagem de uma grande empresa de transporte, investigou-se a "quebra" dos ofícios como estratégia de assédio organizacional que fragiliza as defesas individuais e coletivas dos assalariados. Identificou-se um sentimento crescente de perda do controle sobre o trabalho por parte dos profissionais e um importante custo relacionado à saúde mental.

The study analyzes intensification and individualization in the core of "work modernization". Both are seen as processes that cause workers suffering and pain. In "modern" organizations, work has constantly been assessed by a single aspect: performance and economic profitability. When it happens within service relations, even within public service - it is the meaning of work that is affected. Supported by an empiric research involving travel packages and tickets salespersons from a large transport company, "breaking" of professions was investigated as a bullying at work strategy, which deteriorates wage earners' individual and collective defenses. The investigation found these sales professionals have increasingly been feeling they are losing control of their work, at significant cost to their mental health.

Práticas de gestão de recursos humanos e resultados organizacionais: estudos, controvérsias teóricas e metodológicas / Human resource management practices and organizational performance: research, theoretical and methodological controversies

Analisa-se a relação entre práticas de gestão de recursos humanos (PGRH) e resultados organizacionais, a qual tem suscitado o interesse nas comunidades acadêmica e empresarial ao longo de várias décadas. Essa questão tem sido objeto de pesquisa em vários setores da atividade econômica em diversas regiões e países. Os resultados obtidos nesses estudos evidenciaram que o sucesso empresarial está relacionado com a forma como as empresas gerem as pessoas que nelas trabalham. Com base em uma análise de estudos publicados em diversas revistas internacionais nas duas últimas décadas, entre outras na Academy of Management Journal, salientamos as controvérsias teóricas e metodológicas que envolvem essa problemática, bem como as questões em aberto e as tendências da investigação. Sugerimos a adoção de enquadramentos teóricos multidisciplinares para explicar a relação entre PGRH e resultados organizacionais, o recurso e as metodologias qualitativas que permitam recolher informação sobre as PGRH de forma aprofundada. Sugerimos também que é conveniente pesquisar a possível existência de PGRH diferenciadas, no interior da empresa, para grupos funcionais distintos. Propomos ainda um conjunto de indicadores que podem ser utilizados no estudo sistemático das práticas de gestão de recursos humanos de elevado desempenho.

This article examines the impact of human resource management (HRM) practices on organizational performance, which in recent years has seen considerable amounts of research conducted in a number of business sectors in various regions and countries. In general, the studies conclude that there is a positive relationship between the quality of HRM practices and organizational performance. Based on empirical works on this issue, published in a variety of international journals in the last two decades, we analyze the theoretical and methodological controversy, open issues, and future research directions. We suggest: considering multidisciplinary approaches to explain the relationship between high-performance HRM practices and organizational performance; the adoption of qualitative methodologies in order to deepen our understanding of HRM practices in organizations; collecting different HRM data for distinct job groups within the same organization. We also suggest a scale that may be used for a systematic analysis of high-performance human resource management practices.

Densidade de plantas de milho híbrido em semeadura precoce no Rio Grande do Sul / Plant density of hybrid maize at early sowing date in Southern Brazil

A escolha da densidade de plantas e a sua adequação à época de semeadura são práticas de manejo importantes na determinação do rendimento de grãos de milho. Este trabalho foi realizado a fim de avaliar os efeitos da densidade de plantas sobre o rendimento de grãos e seus componentes em dois híbridos cultivados em semeadura precoce (agosto) no Rio Grande do Sul. O experimento foi conduzido em Eldorado do Sul, em 2006/07. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro densidades de plantas (5,5; 7,3; 9,1 e 11pl m-2) e dois híbridos, um de folhas decumbentes (Dow 2B587) e outro de folhas eretas (NB 4214). A semeadura foi realizada em 22 de agosto de 2006. O rendimento de grãos do híbrido de folhas decumbentes aumentou linearmente com o incremento na densidade de 5,5 até 11pl m-2, alcançando 16t ha-1. Já no híbrido de folhas eretas, o rendimento aumentou de forma quadrática, sendo maximizado na densidade de 9,4pl m-2. O número de espigas por metro quadrado foi o componente que melhor explicou o aumento da produtividade com o incremento na densidade de plantas. O uso de densidades superiores a 9pl m-2 é uma estratégia efetiva para aumentar o rendimento de grãos sob alto nível de manejo em semeadura precoce (agosto).

The choice of plant density and sowing date are important management practices to determine maize grain yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of plant density on grain yield and its components for two maize hybrids at early sowing date (August) in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. The experiment was carried out in Eldorado do Sul (RS), during the 2006/07 growing season. Treatments consisted of four plant densities (5.5, 7.3, 9.1 and 11pl m-2) and two hybrids with contrasting leaf architecture, Dow 2B587 (decumbent leaves) and NB 4214 (erect leaves). The sowing date was August 22, 2006. Grain yield for the decumbent leaf hybrid increased linearly with the increment in plant density from 5.5 up to 11pl m-2, reaching 16t ha-1. Grain yield of the erect leaf hybrid, in turn, was maximized at 9.4pl m-2. The number of ears per square meter was the yield component that better explained maize productivity increase with increasing plant density. The use of plant populations higher than 9pl m-2 was an effective strategy to improve maize grain yield grown under high management level, at early sowing date (August) in Southern Brazil.

Actividad microbiana en suelos de sabanas de los Llanos Orientales de Venezuela convertidas en pasturas / Microbial activity in Eastern Venezuelan savannas turned into grasslands

We studied the effects of season and management practices on chemical properties and biochemical parameters in a typical Ultisol soil of native and introduced pastures of the Eastern savannas of Venezuela. Sseason, soil management, and their interaction, significantly affected chemical properties and biochemical parameters. The total carbon and the water soluble carbon experienced a significant decrease during the wet period. The basal respiration, the arginine ammonification (AA) and the fluoriscein diacetate hydrolysis showed a relatively low microbial activity. The transformation of native savannas to pastures systems of B. brizantha and S. capitata increased the organic matter content in soil. The AA and the basal respiration were sensible indicators to estimate changes in soil quality and also reflected the interaction of temporal changes and management practices.

Se determinó el efecto de la variabilidad temporal y de las prácticas de manejo agrícola sobre las propiedades químicas y parámetros bioquímicos en un típico suelo Ultisol de pasturas nativas e introducidas de las sabanas orientales de los Llanos de Venezuela. La variabilidad temporal, el manejo agrícola y el efecto interactivo de ambos factores, afectaron las propiedades químicas y los parámetros bioquímicos. El carbono orgánico total e hidrosoluble experimentaron una significativa disminución durante la estación lluviosa. La respiración basal, la amonificación de la arginina (AA) y la hidrólisis del diacetato de fluorisceína (DAF) mostraron que en esas sabanas existe una baja actividad microbiana. La transformación de sabanas nativas a sistemas de pasturas de B. brizantha y S. capitata, incrementaron el contenido de materia orgánica en el suelo. La AA, y la respiración basal fueron indicadores sensibles, con los cuales se pueden estimar cambios en la calidad del suelo y reflejar el efecto causado por la interacción de los cambios temporales y las prácticas de manejo.

Assessments of Utilization and Management Practices of Frozen Convenience Foods in Elementary School Foodservice Operations in Inchon

To provide basic information for the proper usage of frozen convenience foods in elementary school foodservice operations, 51 dietitian employeed in school foodservices in Inchon were surveyed. Among the frozen convenience foods, dumpling-type foods(60.8%) and processed meats(40.4%)were used widely in school foodservice. Generally, the frequency of using frozen food items was fewer than 1 time per month. More than 15% of respondents were using pork cutlet, chiken, chikenball, dumpling stuffed with meat about 2-3 times per month. Sweet and sour pork(Tangsuyuk), kebap(Sanjuk), fish/shrimp cutlet, fried potato items were used only fewer than 1 time per month. Dietitian's age, carrier, employed status influenced the utilization rate. The grand mean of satisfaction score was 3.36 out of 5. The factors affecting satisfaction in using frozen foods were sanitation, taste, price, nutrition, food additives in order. The major reasons of utilizaing frozen convenience foods were 'improved labor productivity(4.47)' and 'meet customer preference(4.25)'. The limiting factors in using frozen foods were taste(35.3%), price(23.5%), nutrition(17.6%). The management practices of frozen convenience foods through food processing flow were assessed. Average performance rate was 64.7%. To enlarge the usage of frozen convenience foods in foodservice operations, dietitians should observe sanitary practices.

Assessments of Utilization and Management Practices of Frozen Convenience Foods in Elementary School Foodservice Operations in Inchon

To provide basic information for the proper usage of frozen convenience foods in elementary school foodservice operations, 51 dietitian employeed in school foodservices in Inchon were surveyed. Among the frozen convenience foods, dumpling-type foods(60.8%) and processed meats(40.4%)were used widely in school foodservice. Generally, the frequency of using frozen food items was fewer than 1 time per month. More than 15% of respondents were using pork cutlet, chiken, chikenball, dumpling stuffed with meat about 2-3 times per month. Sweet and sour pork(Tangsuyuk), kebap(Sanjuk), fish/shrimp cutlet, fried potato items were used only fewer than 1 time per month. Dietitian's age, carrier, employed status influenced the utilization rate. The grand mean of satisfaction score was 3.36 out of 5. The factors affecting satisfaction in using frozen foods were sanitation, taste, price, nutrition, food additives in order. The major reasons of utilizaing frozen convenience foods were 'improved labor productivity(4.47)' and 'meet customer preference(4.25)'. The limiting factors in using frozen foods were taste(35.3%), price(23.5%), nutrition(17.6%). The management practices of frozen convenience foods through food processing flow were assessed. Average performance rate was 64.7%. To enlarge the usage of frozen convenience foods in foodservice operations, dietitians should observe sanitary practices.

Assessment of foodservice management practices in the employee feeding operations according to type of workers

This study was conducted to evaluate the industry foodservice management practices and to suggest guidelines for the effective foodservice management. The survey for the analysis was conducted through the questionnaires to dietitians. They were divided into two groups: the site color worker and the blue color worker. The questionnaires were received for a response rate of 73.2%. Statistical data analysis was completed using the SAS programs for descriptive analysis, chi-square test, T-test, F-test, and Fisher's LSD. The results of the study can be summarized as follows: 1) The level of education of dietitians and food cost in the employee feeding operations for the blue color worker was lower than the employee feeding operations for the white color worker. 2) The labor productivity indices were not significantly different according to types of workers. But in the employee feeding operations for the blue color worker, full-time foodservice employees worked more than 10.7 hour per week than their counterpart. This indicates the full-time foodservice employees in the employee feeding operations for the blue color worker performed more loaded work compared to the employee feeding operations for the white color worker. 3) Equipped rate of facilities in the employee feeding operations for the blue color worker was low especially in the food preparation and cooking processes.