Does stakeholder orientation matter? : empirical evidence about power and influence in local government decision-making

Despite being in the business agenda for almost thirty years, stakeholder management is still an under explored field in the public management context. The investigation presented in this doctoral thesis aims to ensure that stakeholder management is a useful technique able to raise issues about power and interests to public organisation’s strategic management processes. Stakeholder theory is tested in an exploratory study carried out with English Local Authorities whose focus is place on decision-making. The findings derive from two distinct and complementary studies: a cross-sectional survey undertaken with chief executives based on the quantitative approach and a qualitative investigation based on cross-sectional case studies and in-depth interviews of validation. While the first study aimed to produce a reliable and comprehensive list of stakeholders able to raise issues in decision-making, the second study aimed to depict the arena in which decision-making comes about. The findings indicate that local government decision-making is a multistakeholder process in which influences are exerted according to stakeholders’ power and interest. The findings also indicate that local government managers should take into account these tissues to avoid losing resources and legitimacy from its environmental supporters. Another issue raised by the investigation is related to the ethics upon which these types of relationships are based. According to the evidence gathered throughout the investigation, the formal model of accountability does not cover the whole set of stakeholders engaged in the process

Transformational change in organisations: a self-regulation approach

Purpose – The purpose of the present paper is to advance a testable model, rooted on well-established control and self-regulation theory principles, explaining the causal links between change-related sensemaking, interpretation, readiness and subsequent behavioural action. Design/methodology/approach – Following a review of the two motivation theories and clarification of change-related sensemaking, interpretation, and readiness concepts, the paper proposes a series of research propositions (illustrated by a conceptual model) clarifying how these concepts interact with self-regulating mechanisms. In addition, the feedback model exemplifies how cognitive processes triggered by new knowledge structures relate to behavioural action. Findings – The model expands upon other existing frameworks by allowing the examination of multi-level factors that account for, and moderate causal links between, change-related sensemaking,interpretation, readiness, and behavioural action. Suggestions for future research and guidelines for practice are outlined. Practical implications – The variables and processes depicted in the model provide guidelines for change management in organisations, both for individuals and for groups. By eliciting important self-regulating functions, change agents will likely facilitate sensemaking processes, positive interpretations of change, change readiness, and effective change behaviours. Originality/value – This paper makes two contributions to the literature. First, it offers a comprehensive and dynamic account of the relationships between change-related sensemaking, interpretation, readiness, and behavioural action decision-making. Second, it elucidates the impact of human agency properties, namely the interplay of efficacy perceptions, social learning, and self-regulating mechanisms on these change-related cognitive processes and subsequent behavioural outcomes.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Qualidade de carcaça de novilhos terminados com dietas contendo levedura, monensina e associação de ambos aditivos

To evaluate the effects of the supplementation of feed additives on carcass quality in beef cattle, 72 Nellore steers (339.5kg, 20-month old) were feedlot finished and fed for 91 days one of the following diets: 1) control with no additives; or added of 2) live yeast culture; 3) monensin; or 4) the association of both additives. After slaughter, renal, pelvic, and inguinal fat and hot carcass weights were recorded and carcass was split into muscle, bone, and trimmable fat. Carcass Longissimus muscle area and subcutaneous fat thickness at the 12th rib were measured and steaks of Longisimus muscle were taken to determine meat color, shear force, drip, and cooking losses. Yeast increased carcass dressing percentage but there were no effects on hot carcass weight, Longissimus area, subcutaneous fat thickness, percentage and weight of retail cut yield and trimmings. Feed additives had no effect on carcass pH, meat color, fat content, shear force, and drip losses. Supplementation of yeast, monensin or the association of both additives had no important effects on carcass traits and on meat quality of feedlot finished steers.Avaliaram-se os efeitos da suplementação de aditivos alimentares sobre a qualidade de carcaça em bovinos de corte. Usaram-se 72 novilhos Nelore com média de peso de 339,5kg e 20 meses de idade, terminados em confinamento e alimentados por 91 dias com uma das quatro dietas: 1) dieta controle sem aditivos, ou com a adição de 2) leveduras vivas, 3) monensina ou 4) associação entre ambos aditivos. Após o abate, os pesos da gordura renal, pélvica e inguinal e da carcaça foram medidos e a carcaça dividida em músculos, ossos e aparas. Foram mensurados a área de olho de lombo e a espessura de gordura subcutânea sobre o músculo Longissimus na região da 12ª costela e foram obtidos bifes para a determinação da cor, força de cisalhamento e perdas por cocção e cozimento da carne. A levedura aumentou o rendimento de carcaça, mas não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre o peso de carcaça, porção comestível e aparas. Os aditivos não influenciaram o pH da carcaça, a cor, a gordura intramuscular, a força de cisalhamento e as perdas por exsudação da carne. A suplementação, com levedura e com monensina em associação ou separadamente, não teve efeito importante sobre a qualidade da carcaça em novilhos terminados em confinamento.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Consolidation problem solution with a coupled hydro-mechanical formulation considering fluid compressibility

There are two principles which may be referred to as essentials to describing soil and rock behavior. The mechanical behavior is associated to the law of conservation of linear momentum, allowing forces balance analysis and the hydraulic behavior is characterized by mass conservation. These phenomena are related: stress-strain state is affected by fluid pressures and vice-versa. Therewith, it is intuitive the understanding of the importance of coupled analyses, which are certainly a more precise manner of describing how mechanical and hydraulic behavior are connected. Given certain difficulties related to the modeling process, porous media numerical model representation is usually simplified. In certain cases, simplifications do not imply on losses in results and behavior prediction. However, some situations require more comprehensive approaches, with development of previously neglected conditions. The main objective of this paper is to present a formulation for fully coupled hydro-mechanical analyses considering fluid and solids compressibility. This formulation, implemented in Finite Element program ALLFINE [1,2,3], was tested for a one-dimensional consolidation case. A sensitivity analyses for the fluid compressibility parameter using modified Cam-clay constitutive model showed that this consideration affects fluid pressure responses significantly, with a delay in fluid pressure dissipation during consolidation process. The simulations results were compared to Terzaghi’s analytical solution for the onedimensional consolidation problem. Also, the comparison of the simulation results to the analytical responses clearly shows the differences between using linear elastic and elastoplastic models. In simulations for different stress levels with the modified Cam-clay model, it is possible to capture a flow induction effect due to high stress levels

Water Quality Index In An Urban Watershed

This study aimed to verify the water quality of Ribeirão das Pedras (Stones River), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil through the implementation of the Water Quality Index (WQI) and comparison with Brazilian legislation (Resolution of the National Environment Council - CONAMA 357/2005), thus being able to initiate discussions about anthropic interferences in watercourses located in urban areas. Ribeirão das Pedras is part of an urban watershed that suffered, and still suffers, from the rapid and intense urban and housing boom, finding its territorial space almost fully occupied. For the execution of this work, six sample points were defined in order to allow a discussion between the land use within their respective drainage area and the results of the WQI applications. The WQI is composed of nine parameters: dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, temperature, thermotolerant coliforms, turbidity, phosphorus, pH, and total solids. The first sample point refers to the main watercourse source, four sample points are located throughout the watershed and the last point is located in its base level, at the confluence between Ribeirão das Pedras and its main stem, Ribeirão das Anhumas (Anhumas River). The results of water quality analysis obtained based on the WQI concept were featured as 'GOOD'; however, the isolated analysis of each parameter allows to compare them with the Brazilian legislation, where it appears that none of the points meets all established quality parameters. Thus, it can be concluded that the watercourse suffers significant impacts along its course, probably derived from the use of the surrounding drainage areas. © 2016 WIT Press.1161037104

Hippocampal Insulin Signaling And Neuroprotection Mediated By Physical Exercise In Alzheimeŕs Disease

Epidemiological studies indicate continuous increases in the prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in the next few decades. The key feature of this disease is hippocampal neurodegeneration. This structure has an important role in learning and memory. Intense research efforts have sought to elucidate neuroprotective mechanisms responsible for hippocampal integrity. Insulin signaling seems to be a very promising pathway for the prevention and treatment of AD. This hormone has been described as a powerful activator of neuronal survival. Recent research showed that reduced insulin sensitivity leads to low-grade inflammation, and both phenomena are closely related to AD genesis. Concomitantly, exercise has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects and to promote improvement in insulin signaling in the hippocampus, which supports neuronal survival and constitutes an interesting non-pharmacological alternative for the prevention and treatment of AD. This review examines recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in hippocampal neuroprotection mediated by exercise.2

Levantamento De Raças Do Agente Causador Do Míldio Da Alface No Estado De São Paulo Em 2012 E 2013

Lettuce is, among leafy vegetables, the most economically important one to Brazil. In the winter, at low temperatures and under leaf wetness, downy mildew of lettuce, a disease caused by the etiologic agent Bremia lactucae, occurs in almost all regions where this vegetable is grown and is considered one of the most severe foliar diseases for the culture. The aim of this study was to identify the races of B. lactucae in 2012 and 2013 that occurred in the main producing regions of São Paulo State, such as: Ribeirão Preto, Jaboticabal, Pirangi, Catanduva, São José do Rio Preto, Atibaia, Salesópolis, Biritiba Mirim, Mogi das Cruzes, Campinas, Itapira, Mogi Mirim, Cândido Mota, Presidente Prudente, Echaporã, Assis, Marilia, Botucatu and Bauru. During the months of July/August 2012 and 2013, we collected samples of lettuce leaves showing symptoms of downy mildew, and in each collected sample the pathogen structures referred to an isolate. The sporangia were multiplied on the susceptible cultivar Solaris, with subsequent inoculation in differential cultivars, performing evaluations on the 12th day from the appearance of the first sporulation in the susceptible cultivar ‘Green Tower’ (Dm-0), according to the code “Sextet”. In 2012, two new codes were determined, identifying two new races, SPBl:10 (63/31/02/00) and SPBl:11 (63/63/18/00). In 2013, a new codification was determined (63/31/18/00), to which the name SPBl:12 was proposed. The genes Dm-14 and Dm-15 and the resistance factors FR-17, FR-18, FR-36, FR-37 and FR-38 confer resistance to these new races that were identified. It is recommended, therefore, in breeding programs of lettuce, the use of factors FR-17, FR-18 and FR-38 as sources of resistance for new cultivars developed in the state of São Paulo, because they confer resistance to all 12 already identified races. © 2016, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). All Rights Reserved.421535

Al0.52In0.48P avalanche photodiodes for soft X-ray spectroscopy

The performance of Al0.52In0.48P avalanche photodiodes was assessed as soft X-ray detectors at room temperature. The effect of the avalanche gain improved the energy resolution and an energy resolution (FWHM) of 682 eV is reported for 5.9 keV X-rays