La United Fruit Company en Cuba: organización del trabajo y resistencia obrera

Abstract In Cuba the United Fruit Company acted as a sugar, exceptional situation to a certain point within the banana specialization traced the profile of the company on a continental scale. The study proposed here on the practices of the Company in Cuba, in particular with regard to its handling of labor and industrial relations, helps to clarify some constants of the business conduct of the United in its various areas of operation.En Cuba la United Fruit actuó como una empresa azucarera, situación hasta cierto punto excepcional dentro de la especialización bananera que trazó el perfil de esa empresa a escala continental. El estudio que aquí se propone sobre las prácticas de la Compañía en Cuba, en particular respecto a su manejo de la fuerza de trabajo y las relaciones laborales, contribuye a esclarecer algunas constantes de la conducta empresarial de la United en sus diferentes ámbitos de operación.   &nbsp

Unraveling Heterogeneities in Mindfulness Profiles: a Review and Latent Profile Analysis of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire Short‑Form (FFMQ‑SF) in the Spanish Population.

Objectives The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) is one of the most common self-report instruments used in scientific literature to assess mindfulness. However, mixed evidence has been provided regarding its psychometric properties. Among them, the FFMQ seems to present latent classes or profiles with specific patterns in its facets, which might explain said mixed evidence. This study explores mindfulness profiles in the Spanish population using the short form of the FFMQ (FFMQ-SF) and its relations with relevant constructs (i.e., decentering, self-compassion, psychological well-being, psychopathology, positive and negative states). Methods A general population sample of 826 participants completed instruments measuring mindfulness and related constructs. Latent profile analyses were applied to the FFMQ-SF facets, and profile membership of participants was estimated for relations with related constructs. Results Three latent profiles were found: General Mindfulness, Judgmentally Observing, and Non-judgmentally Aware. General Mindfulness showed expected relations with other constructs, but the other two profiles showed some relations opposite to prior literature: The Judgmentally Observing profile displayed functional behaviors while the Non-judgmentally Aware profile showed an inverse mitigated pattern. Results could not be explained by gender, age, level of studies, or minimum experience with meditation. Conclusions Most people (68%) fall into mindfulness profiles that can be regarded as a continuum (e.g., an overall mindfulness factor). However, the FFMQ-SF shows heterogeneities in its facets due to two unique latent profiles, namely “Judgmentally Observing” (7.4%) and “Non-judgmentally Aware” (24.8%). While the structure of these profiles was replicated, relations with relevant psychological constructs contradicted previous literature. Implications and recommendations for future studies are discussed.post-print1029 K

A Network Analysis of the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ)

Objectives: The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) is a popular self-report instrument for mindfulness assessment. However, several studies report mixed evidence regarding its reliability and validity. While recent replication studies have shown several issues regarding its latent structure, first-order facets seemed to replicate successfully. This study proposes an exploratory approach to these facets on an item level in one sample, with cross-validation in another sample. Methods: Using a snowball sampling, 1008 participants were recruited in the first sample. Psychometric networks were applied to explore relations between items and item clusters. We compared these exploratory latent variable proposals with previous literature. A second sample of 1210 participants was collected from an FFMQ validation study, and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to cross-validate findings on the first sample. Results: The FFMQ showed a positively correlated network. Exploratory analyses suggested the 5-facet structure as stable with alternatives of 4-facet (merging Observe and Non-Judging) and 6-facet (splitting Acting with Awareness in two) solutions. However, the CFAs in the second sample did not provide clear support to any solution. Conclusions: The FFMQ showed unclear evidence on its latent structure. We propose researchers and users of the FFMQ to use the most fitting solution between the 5 and 6-facet solutions in their data, since the 4-facet solution is difficult to interpret. We also propose cautionary notes and guidelines for researchers and applied users of the FFMQ and regarding this instrument. We conclude that more research is needed in mindfulness assessment to provide robust measurement

Freeing the performer's mind: A network analysis of music performance anxiety, negative affect, self-consciousness and mindfulness among music performers

Music performance anxiety (MPA) is a common damaging phenomenon in musicians' careers. Mindfulness stands as a promising construct to prevent MPA. However, the relationships between mindfulness and MPA are scarcely explored, alongside other relevant attention-based (e.g., self-consciousness) or emotion-based constructs (e.g., negative affect). This study explores the relationships between these constructs. A sample of 151 musicians was assessed to explore the relationships between these constructs. Self-reports of mindfulness, MPA, negative affect, and self-consciousness were applied. We implemented network analysis following a general (second-order) and specific (first-order) framework. Networks showed dispositional mindfulness as negatively associated with negative affect and MPA in both general and facet levels, while mindfulness in past performances was only negatively associated with negative affect. MPA was positively associated with negative affect and self-consciousness. Mindfulness displayed light or no associations with self-consciousness. Therefore, mindfulness seems to be a relevant construct toward MPA. We propose a preliminary model to improve mindfulness research and interventions applied to music performers. We also outline limitations and future direction

La información Financiera y los Informes de Responsabilidad Social Empresaria –Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo Sustentable

Esta es una investigación empírica destinada a establecer los avances en la región - UNASUR- sobre la adopción de estándares internacionales, regulaciones regionales y locales, y adopción de iniciativas voluntarias para informar, junto con los estados financieros, sobre la responsabilidad social empresaria (RSE), la protección del medio ambiente y desarrollo sustentable. Se ha realizado una evaluación sobre el grado de observancia de las normas que regulan a los entes obligados, y las características de los informes financieros en entidades que han adoptado códigos de ética corporativa sobre RSE. En 2014 se ha trabajado en ejes relacionados con el gobierno corporativo y las dimensiones social y ambiental del desempeño empresarial para, por una parte, fijar las oportunidades para las empresas responsables derivadas de la incorporación de estas estrategias; por otro, y en función de las tendencias mundiales, continuar el estudio de las posibilidades y realidades de las empresas ante la medición de información no tradicional. En este sentido, se analizó el marco conceptual de los Informes Integrales para efectuar recomendaciones sobre sus modalidades de aplicación. Los principales resultados fueron presentados en las jornadas del 24,25, 26 y 27 de septiembre de 2014, en San Juan, Argentina, en una ponencia bajo el título de “Informes Contables Integrados”, un cambio de paradigma para emisores y usuarios y en el Simposio Internacional de Responsabilidad, Social de las Organizaciones (SIRSO) con la presentación de “Buenas prácticas de gobierno para una gestión responsable” III- Avances y Propuestas en América Latina. Por otro lado, se desarrolló y defendió la tesis de maestría en la USAL: “Responsabilidad Social en las Cooperativas de Créditos de Santiago del Estero Capital”, y se presentó en el Congreso Profesional de Ciencias Económicas. 27/28 octubre 2014 en Salta un artículo sobre “Discapacidad y Empleo en una sociedad argentina responsable”This is an empirical research to establish the progress in the region - UNASUR on the adoptionof international standards, regional and local regulations, and adoption of voluntary initiatives toinform, together with the financial statements on social responsibility (CSR), protection of theenvironment and sustainable development. An assessment has been made in order to establish thedegree of compliance with rules and the characteristics of financial reporting of entities that haveadopted codes of corporate ethics on CSR. Advancing on corporate social responsibility, focus hasbeen made to corporate governance and social and environmental dimensions of corporate performance.The aim has been to establish opportunities for responsible companies derived from theincorporation of these strategies. Moreover, according to global trends, analysing the possibilitiesand realities of business to measuring nontraditional information was a remarkable target. Theconceptual framework of Integrated Reports was the basis for recommendations on modalities ofimplementation. The main results were presented at the conference of 24,25, 26 and September 27,2014, in San Juan, Argentina in a paper under the title “Integrated Accounting Reports, a paradigmshift for issuers and users; and in the International Symposium Responsibility, Social Organizations(SIRSO) with the presentation of “Good governance practices for responsible management”III Progress and Proposals in Latin America. In addition, there was a master’s thesis developed anddefended at the USAL: “Social Responsibility Credit Cooperatives of Santiago del Estero Capital”and “Disability Employment in Argentina and responsible society” which was presented at theProfessional Science Congress Economics, 27/28 October 2014 in Salta

Los inicios de la industrialización en las Antillas Hispanas

With the worldwide crises of 1929 as a starting point, industrialization becomes the dominating trend in Latin American economies. Though the Spanish Antilles were no exception, the process did take on particular notes, both regarding what took place on the continent and within the islands themselves. The industrial development that is barely noticeable in the 1930s, gains momentum under the effects of World War II and accelerates under the aegis of the State in the postwar 1950s, having very distinct profiles in each country.A partir de la crisis mundial de 1929 la industrialización constituye la tendencia dominante en las economías latinoamericanas. Las Antillas hispanas no resultaron una excepción, pero en estas el proceso muestra interesantes particularidades, tanto respecto a lo que ocurre en el continente como en las islas entre sí. El desarrollo industrial que apenas se esboza en la década de 1930, gana entidad bajo los efectos de la II Guerra Mundial y se acelera bajo la égida estatal en la posguerra y la década de 1950, aunque con perfiles bien diferenciados en cada país

La información financiera y los informes de responsabilidad social empresaria – medio ambiente y desarrollo sustentable

The objective of this research project is to analyze new measurement and exposure models that cover business performance in economic, social, environmental and governance aspects. The procedures for issuing the Social Responsibility Balance Sheet were analyzed, with the definition of indicators and protocols as underlying elements in order to determine progress toward greaterexposure of essential issues. The policy oriented towards innovation in accounting is considered to have been strengthened, and focuses primarily on the responsible competitiveness of organizations. Sustainability from the ethical and moral points of view has an impact on corporate governance and business managementin general. There is a convergence of the different initiatives that seek to make organizations appear socially responsible. Adequate progress has been made towards a transparent and comprehensivemodel of accountability. The cases analyzed in this research are evidences of an organizational strategy of continuous improvement, which exposes the sustainability of the companies in relation to their responsible and committed performance in all its dimensions: economic, social, environmental and governance, evidencing innovation towards a better future. There is a cultural change that places greater importance on the information needs of the stakeholders than on compliance itself, which marks the trend toward transparency and accountability. New valuation methodologies are introduced that facilitate the understanding of the accounting message, as well as a timely and systematic communication, supported by non-traditional units and scales, which integrate more comprehensible information for an informed reader. In terms of the development of integrated accounting systems, guided by a management strategy with emphasis on the integration of results and the creation of value, the quality of information for investors is improved. The latest trends are oriented towards the accounting regulation of non-traditional aspects, influenced by the search for comparability. The progress made between this research and that of the previous year lies mainly in the greater accuracy of the information presented, with lessnarrative and more targeted to performance indicators with verifiable measurements. There is also an improvement in the assurance of external information provided to third parties.El objetivo del proyecto es analizar nuevos modelos de medición y exposición que abarquen el desempeño empresarial en aspectos económicos, sociales, ambientales y de gobernabilidad. Se analizaron los procedimientos de emisión del Balance de Responsabilidad Social, con la definición de indicadores y protocolos como elementos subyacentes a fin de determinar el avance hacia la mayor exposición de temas esenciales. Se considera que la política orientada a la innovación en contabilidad se ha afianzado, enfocándose principalmente en la competitividad responsable de las organizaciones. La sustentabilidad desde el punto de vista ético y moral tiene impacto en el gobierno corporativo y en la gestiónempresarial en general. Existe una convergencia entre las distintas iniciativas que buscan que las organizaciones se manifiesten como socialmente responsables. Se ha avanzado adecuadamentehacia un modelo de rendición de cuentas transparente e integral.El aporte de los casos analizados en la investigación son evidencias de una estrategia organizacional de mejora continua, que expone la sustentabilidad de las empresas en relación con su desempeño responsable y comprometido en todas sus dimensiones: económica, social, ambiental y de gobernabilidad; lo que da cuenta de la innovación hacia un futuro mejor. Se advierte un cambio cultural, el cual brinda una mayor importancia a las necesidades de información que requieren los grupos de interés que al cumplimiento propiamente dicho, lo que marca la tendencia hacia la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas. Se aportan nuevas metodologías de valuación que facilitan la comprensión del mensaje contable, y una comunicación oportuna y sistemática, sustentada por unidades y escalas no tradicionales, integrando información más comprensible para un lectorinformado. En cuanto al desarrollo de sistemas contables integrados, orientados desde una estrategia de gestión con énfasis en la integración de resultados y en la creación de valor, se mejora la calidad de la información para los inversores, en particular. Las últimas tendencias se orientan a la regulación contable de aspectos no tradicionales, influenciadas por la búsqueda de comparabilidad. El avance que se advierte entre esta investigación y la del año anterior radica fundamentalmente en la mayor precisión de la información que se presenta, con menos narrativa, más apuntada a los indicadores de desempeño con mediciones verificables. También se advierte un incremento en el aseguramiento de la información externa brindada a terceros

The replication crisis has led to positive structural, procedural, and community changes

The emergence of large-scale replication projects yielding successful rates substantially lower than expected caused the behavioural, cognitive, and social sciences to experience a so-called ‘replication crisis’. In this Perspective, we reframe this ‘crisis’ through the lens of a credibility revolution, focusing on positive structural, procedural and community-driven changes. Second, we outline a path to expand ongoing advances and improvements. The credibility revolution has been an impetus to several substantive changes which will have a positive, long-term impact on our research environment

The replication crisis has led to positive structural, procedural, and community changes

In response to large-scale replication projects yielding successful replication rates substantially lower than expected, the behavioural, cognitive and social sciences have found themselves amidst a ‘replication crisis’. In this narrative review, we reframe this ’crisis’ through the lens of a credibility revolution, focusing on positive structural, procedural and community-driven changes. Second, we outline a path to expand ongoing advances and improvements. The credibility revolution has been an impetus to several substantive changes which will have a positive, long-term impact upon our research environment

Travel burden and clinical presentation of retinoblastoma: analysis of 1024 patients from 43 African countries and 518 patients from 40 European countries

BACKGROUND: The travel distance from home to a treatment centre, which may impact the stage at diagnosis, has not been investigated for retinoblastoma, the most common childhood eye cancer. We aimed to investigate the travel burden and its impact on clinical presentation in a large sample of patients with retinoblastoma from Africa and Europe. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis including 518 treatment-naïve patients with retinoblastoma residing in 40 European countries and 1024 treatment-naïve patients with retinoblastoma residing in 43 African countries. RESULTS: Capture rate was 42.2% of expected patients from Africa and 108.8% from Europe. African patients were older (95% CI -12.4 to -5.4, p<0.001), had fewer cases of familial retinoblastoma (95% CI 2.0 to 5.3, p<0.001) and presented with more advanced disease (95% CI 6.0 to 9.8, p<0.001); 43.4% and 15.4% of Africans had extraocular retinoblastoma and distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis, respectively, compared to 2.9% and 1.0% of the Europeans. To reach a retinoblastoma centre, European patients travelled 421.8 km compared to Africans who travelled 185.7 km (p<0.001). On regression analysis, lower-national income level, African residence and older age (p<0.001), but not travel distance (p=0.19), were risk factors for advanced disease. CONCLUSIONS: Fewer than half the expected number of patients with retinoblastoma presented to African referral centres in 2017, suggesting poor awareness or other barriers to access. Despite the relatively shorter distance travelled by African patients, they presented with later-stage disease. Health education about retinoblastoma is needed for carers and health workers in Africa in order to increase capture rate and promote early referral