Une analyse longitudinale (1975-2005) de l’évolution de la profession ressources humaines

La présente étude longitudinale, dans le prolongement de celle réalisée précédemment par Haines et Arcand (1997), vise à retracer et à analyser l’évolution de la profession ressources humaines sur une période de trois décennies, tout en situant cette évolution dans la perspective théorique de la professionnalisation (Wilensky, 1964).Pour ce faire, les chercheurs ont eu recours à l’analyse de contenu d’annonces de recrutement portant sur les emplois en gestion des ressources humaines parues dans le quotidien La Presse du samedi dans la section « carrières et professions » en 1975, 1985, 1995 et 2005. Les auteurs ont ensuite émis cinq hypothèses relatives à l’évolution des rôles et sept hypothèses relatives à l’évolution des compétences des professionnels en ressources humaines. Ces hypothèses sont, pour la plupart, confirmées. Ainsi, les résultats de l’étude tendent à démontrer une évolution marquée des exigences auxquelles doivent répondre les professionnels, notamment en termes de rôles et de compétences. Plus spécifiquement, les conclusions sont à l’effet que la profession ressources humaines a suivi un parcours marqué par l’appropriation d’un rôle stratégique et par une diversification des compétences. La période de référence de trente ans serait notamment marquée par l’augmentation de la demande pour un diplôme de deuxième cycle, une augmentation de la demande pour une expérience de travail dans le secteur d’activité qui recrute ainsi que par l’augmentation de la demande pour des connaissances telles la maîtrise de l’informatique, de l’anglais parlé ou écrit et d’habiletés comme l’esprit d’équipe, la communication et le leadership.Considérant le rôle important des professionnels en ressources humaines tant dans l’entreprise que dans le système de relations industrielles, alors même que l’on questionne à la fois l’avenir de la profession et sa légitimité sociale (Kochan, 2007), les résultats ont permis de dégager certaines pistes d’interventions, lesquelles devraient intéresser les personnes qui se préparent à exercer la profession, les institutions d’enseignements et les associations regroupant des professionnels en ressources humaines.The present longitudinal study, which extends the one previously conducted by Haines and Arcand (1997), aims to revisit and analyse the evolution of the human resources profession over a period of three decades from a theoretical perspective of professionalization (Wilensky, 1964).To do this, the researchers took the approach of analysing the content of recruitment adverts for jobs in human resource management which appeared in the Saturday editions of La Presse newspaper in the “careers and professions” section in 1975, 1985, 1995 and 2005. The authors then put forward five hypotheses relating to the evolution of roles, and seven hypotheses relating to the development of skills of those professionals working in the human resources field. These hypotheses are, for the most part, confirmed. Hence, the results of the study demonstrate a marked development in the requirements that professionals have to meet, notably in terms of their roles and skills. More specifically, the findings show that the human resources profession has followed a path marked by the appropriation of a strategic role and skill diversification. Particularly significant during the thirty year period under review is the increase in the requirement for a master’s degree, for work experience in the sector of the recruiting firm as well as greater requirements for knowledge, such as competence in information technology, language skills and having skills in areas such as fostering teamwork, communication and leadership.Considering the important role of human resource professionals in the firm, as well as in the industrial relations system, and current debates about the future of the profession and its social legitimacy (Kochan, 2007), the results highlight a number of findings that will be of interest to those people preparing to become human resource professionals as well as to teaching institutions and associations who bring human resource professionals together.El presente estudio longitudinal, en continuidad aquel realizado anteriormente por Haines y Arcand (1997), pretende reconstituir y analizar la evolución de la profesión en recursos humanos durante un periodo de tres décadas, situando esta evolución en la perspectiva teórica de la profesionalización (Wilensky, 1964).Para ello, los investigadores han utilizado el análisis de contenido de anuncios de empleo dirigidos a profesionales en gestión de recursos humanos aparecidos en el periódico La Presse del sábado, sección “carreras y profesiones” en 1975, 1985, 1995 y 2005. Luego, los autores han emitido cinco hipótesis con respecto al a evolución de los roles y siete hipótesis respecto a la evolución de las competencias de los profesionales en recursos humanos. En su mayoría, estas hipótesis son confirmadas. Así, los resultados del estudio tienden a demostrar una evolución marcada por las exigencias a las cuales deben responder los profesionales, particularmente en términos de roles y competencias. Concretamente, las conclusiones indican que la profesión en recursos humanos ha seguido una trayectoria marcada por la apropiación de un rol estratégico y por una diversificación de competencias. El periodo de referencia de treinta años estaría particularmente marcado por el aumento de la demanda de un diploma de segundo grado, un aumento de la demanda de una experiencia de trabajo en el sector de actividad pertinente y, así mismo, por el aumento de la demanda de conocimientos tales que la destreza en informática, en inglés hablado y escrito y de habilidades como el espíritu de equipo, la comunicación y el liderazgo.Considerando el rol importante de los profesionales en recursos humanos tanto en la empresa como en el sistema de relaciones industriales, aunque se cuestiona así mismo el futuro de la profesión y su legitimidad social (Kochan, 2007), los resultados han permitido despejar ciertas pistas de intervención que deberían interesar a las instituciones de educación y a las asociaciones de profesionales en recursos humanos

Direct Determination of MCPD Fatty Acid Esters and Glycidyl Fatty Acid Esters in Vegetable Oils by LC–TOFMS

Analysis of MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in vegetable oils using the indirect method proposed by the DGF gave inconsistent results when salting out conditions were varied. Subsequent investigation showed that the method was destroying and reforming MCPD during the analysis. An LC time of flight MS method was developed for direct analysis of both MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in vegetable oils. The results of the LC–TOFMS method were compared with the DGF method. The DGF method consistently gave results that were greater than the LC–TOFMS method. The levels of MCPD esters and glycidyl esters found in a variety of vegetable oils are reported. MCPD monoesters were not found in any oil samples. MCPD diesters were found only in samples containing palm oil, and were not present in all palm oil samples. Glycidyl esters were found in a wide variety of oils. Some processing conditions that influence the concentration of MCPD esters and glycidyl esters are discussed

The proadhesive phenotype of systemic sclerosis skin promotes myeloid cell adhesion via ICAM-1 and VCAM-1

Objective. SSc is characterized by microvascular abnormalities and leucocyte infiltration. Previous studies have suggested a proadhesive phenotype in SSc skin, but the functional consequences of this phenotype are not fully understood. Molecules known to mediate leucocyte adhesion include those present at intracellular junctions, such as junctional adhesion molecule-B (JAM-B), JAM-C and CD99, as well as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). The aim of this study was to examine adhesive interactions in SSc skin. Methods. The expression of JAM-B, JAM-C, CD99, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in SSc skin was determined by immunohistology and cell surface ELISA. Myeloid U937 cell-SSc dermal fibroblast adhesion assays or in situ adhesion assays to SSc skin were performed. Results. JAM-C and CD99 expression on endothelial cells (ECs) in SSc skin was decreased compared with expression on normal ECs. CD99 was overexpressed on mononuclear cells in SSc skin and on SSc dermal fibroblasts. Neutralizing ICAM-1 inhibited the binding of U937 cells to SSc dermal fibroblasts. In addition, blocking both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 inhibited U937 cell adhesion to either proximal (less involved) or distal (more involved) SSc skin. Conclusions. These studies show that JAM-C and CD99 are aberrantly expressed in SSc skin. However, these adhesion molecules do not mediate myeloid cell-SSc skin adhesion. In contrast, we demonstrate an important role for ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the retention of myeloid cells in SSc skin, suggesting that targeting these molecules may be useful SSc therapies

Lichenometric dating (lichenometry) and the biology of the lichen genus rhizocarpon:challenges and future directions

Lichenometric dating (lichenometry) involves the use of lichen measurements to estimate the age of exposure of various substrata. Because of low radial growth rates and considerable longevity, species of the crustose lichen genus Rhizocarpon have been the most useful in lichenometry. The primary assumption of lichenometry is that colonization, growth and mortality of Rhizocarpon are similar on surfaces of known and unknown age so that the largest thalli present on the respective faces are of comparable age. This review describes the current state of knowledge regarding the biology of Rhizocarpon and considers two main questions: (1) to what extent does existing knowledge support this assumption; and (2) what further biological observations would be useful both to test its validity and to improve the accuracy of lichenometric dates? A review of the Rhizocarpon literature identified gaps in knowledge regarding early development, the growth rate/size curve, mortality, regeneration, competitive effects, colonization, and succession on rock surfaces. The data suggest that these processes may not be comparable on different rock surfaces, especially in regions where growth rates and thallus turnover are high. In addition, several variables could differ between rock surfaces and influence maximum thallus size, including rate and timing of colonization, radial growth rates, environmental differences, thallus fusion, allelopathy, thallus mortality, colonization and competition. Comparative measurements of these variables on surfaces of known and unknown age may help to determine whether the basic assumptions of lichenometry are valid. Ultimately, it may be possible to take these differences into account when interpreting estimated dates

Internet of Things in Sustainable Energy Systems

Our planet has abundant renewable and conventional energy resources but technological capability and capacity gaps coupled with water-energy needs limit the benefits of these resources to citizens. Through IoT technology solutions and state-of-the-art IoT sensing and communications approaches, the sustainable energy-related research and innovation can bring a revolution in this area. Moreover, by the leveraging current infrastructure, including renewable energy technologies, microgrids, and power-to-gas (P2G) hydrogen systems, the Internet of Things in sustainable energy systems can address challenges in energy security to the community, with a minimal trade-off to environment and culture. In this chapter, the IoT in sustainable energy systems approaches, methodologies, scenarios, and tools is presented with a detailed discussion of different sensing and communications techniques. This IoT approach in energy systems is envisioned to enhance the bidirectional interchange of network services in grid by using Internet of Things in grid that will result in enhanced system resilience, reliable data flow, and connectivity optimization. Moreover, the sustainable energy IoT research challenges and innovation opportunities are also discussed to address the complex energy needs of our community and promote a strong energy sector economy

Internet of Things for Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change

Our world is vulnerable to climate change risks such as glacier retreat, rising temperatures, more variable and intense weather events (e.g., floods, droughts, and frosts), deteriorating mountain ecosystems, soil degradation, and increasing water scarcity. However, there are big gaps in our understanding of changes in regional climate and how these changes will impact human and natural systems, making it difficult to anticipate, plan, and adapt to the coming changes. The IoT paradigm in this area can enhance our understanding of regional climate by using technology solutions, while providing the dynamic climate elements based on integrated environmental sensing and communications that is necessary to support climate change impacts assessments in each of the related areas (e.g., environmental quality and monitoring, sustainable energy, agricultural systems, cultural preservation, and sustainable mining). In the IoT in Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change chapter, a framework for informed creation, interpretation and use of climate change projections and for continued innovations in climate and environmental science driven by key societal and economic stakeholders is presented. In addition, the IoT cyberinfrastructure to support the development of continued innovations in climate and environmental science is discussed

Nitrate deposition in northern hardwood forests and the nitrogen metabolism of Acer saccharum marsh

It is generally assumed that plant assimilation constitutes the major sink for anthropogenic Nitrate NO 3 − deposited in temperate forests because plant growth is usually limited by nitrogen (N) availability. Nevertheless, plants are known to vary widely in their capacity for NO 3 − uptake and assimilation, and few studies have directly measured these parameters for overstory trees. Using a combination of field and greenhouse experiments, we studied the N nutrition of Acer saccharum Marsh. in four northern hardwood forests receiving experimental NO 3 − additions equivalent to 30 kg N ha −1 year −1 . We measured leaf and fine-root nitrate reductase activity (NRA) of overstory trees using an in vivo assay and used 15 N to determine the kinetic parameters of NO 3 − uptake by excised fine roots. In two greenhouse experiments, we measured leaf and root NRA in A. saccharum seedlings fertilized with 0–3.5 g NO 3 − −N m −2 and determined the kinetic parameters of NO 3 − and NH 4 + uptake in excised roots of seedlings. In both overstory trees and seedlings, rates of leaf and fine root NRA were substantially lower than previously reported rates for most woody plants and showed no response to NO 3 − fertilization (range = non-detectable to 33 nmol NO 2 − g −1 h −1 ). Maximal rates of NO 3 − uptake in overstory trees also were low, ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 μmol g −1 h −1 . In seedlings, the mean V max for NO 3 − uptake in fine roots (1 μmol g −1 h −1 ) was approximately 30 times lower than the V max for NH 4 + uptake (33 μmol g −1 h −1 ). Our results suggest that A. saccharum satisfies its N demand through rapid NH 4 + uptake and may have a limited capacity to serve as a direct sink for atmospheric additions of NO 3 − .Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47695/1/442_2004_Article_BF00334659.pd