The temporary agency worker’s motivation profile analysis

The Self-Determination Theory (SDT) establishes that human motivations can take different forms (e.g., amotivation, extrinsic and intrinsic motivation), yet it is only recently that the theory has been advanced to explain how these different forms combine to influence temporary agency workers’ (TAWs) affective commitment and their perception over the human resources practices (HRP) applied. We tested this theory with data from seven temporary agency companies (N = 3766). Through latent profile analysis (LPA) we identified five distinct motivation profiles and found that they differed in their affective commitment to the agency and to the client-company, and in their perception of HRP. We verified that temporary agency workers in more intrinsic profiles had more positive outcomes and a better perception of the investment made by the companies, than did TAWs in more extrinsic profiles. Additionally, when TAWs were able to integrate the reasons for being in this work arrangement, the negative effect of the extrinsic motivation was attenuated, and it was possible to find moderated profiles in which TAWs also showed more positive results than TAWs with only extrinsic motives. These differences are consistent with the notion that a motivation profile provides a context that determines how the individual components are experienced. Theoretical and practical implications of this context effect are discussed.publishersversionpublishe

When temporary agency work is not so temporary

Theory and empirical research have provided mixed arguments and evidence for the effects of temporary agency work on workers’ well-being. One unresolved issue is how length of service in agency work affects workers’ well-being and behaviour. This study, based on Self-Determination theory, explored this question by comparing the motives for temporary agency employment and the well-being of workers who have had this employment status for different periods of time. From a sample of 3300 Portuguese temporary agency workers, the study compared three groups who had been engaged in temporary agency work for (1) up to 6 months, (2) between 7 and 12 months and (3) between 13 and 24 months. Regression analyses, controlling for background variables and job insecurity perception, showed that longer periods of temporary agency working were associated with lower autonomous and voluntary motives for temporary employment, workplace well-being and well-being outside work. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

A psychometric assessment of a human resources practice measure for temporary agency workers

Studies have proposed and validated several measures that evaluate employee's perceptions of the human resources practices (HRP). However, given the changes occurring in the labor market, there is a need to develop a measure specially adapted to the contingent workers specific employment relationship. Thus, this study assesses an HRP system scale that was administered to temporary agency workers (TAW) to examine the scale's response process, internal structure and relation to other variables (i.e., affective commitment). The measure was administered to 4,551 Portuguese TAW. The Messick's validation framework (1995) was use and two sectors were compared. Descriptive analyses, scale reliabilities, item characteristics, exploratory, confirmatory, and multiple group analyses demonstrated that the measure had good psychometric properties. Moreover, there were positive correlations between the HRP scale and affective commitment. The results contribute to a better understanding of managing TAW's in agencies and client companies. HRP are a valuable method for "communicating" with these workers, who are then able to recognize and respond to the investment. This is the first study to develop and assess the psychometric properties of an HRP system measure for TAW and to cross-validate it with workers' affective commitment towards both companies that are involved in this employment relation.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Parâmetros químicos e bioatividade de amostras de pão de abelha e apitoxina

Mestrado em cooperação com a Universidade de SalamancaEste trabalho incluiu o estudo da bioatividade e a caracterização química de dois produtos apícolas, sendo eles o pão de abelha (PA) e o veneno de abelha (VA). O PA é uma mistura fermentada de pólen das plantas, mel e saliva das abelhas. As abelhas obreiras usam o PA como alimento para as larvas e para que as abelhas jovens produzam geleia real. No presente trabalho, foram estudadas cinco amostras de PA recolhidas em colmeias de Apis mellifera iberiensis de diferentes apiários de Bragança, e uma amostra de PA comercial. Todas as amostras foram caracterizadas por HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS em termos de compostos fenólicos e testando-se a sua citotoxicidade em diferentes linhas celulares tumorais humanas, bem como em células de fígado de porco não tumorais. Os principais compostos fenólicos encontrados foram derivados de flavonoides, principalmente quercetina, canferol, miricetina, isoramnetina e derivados glucósidos de herbacetrina. No total, foram identificados trinta e dois compostos nas seis amostras de PA, apresentando as amostras PA1 e PA3 o teor mais elevado e uma maior diversidade de compostos identificados. No entanto, não foi possível estabelecer uma correlação ente os flavonoides presentes nas amostras estudadas e a sua baixa a moderada citotoxicidade. Pelo que consultamos da literatura, este é o primeiro trabalho de caracterização exaustiva dos flavonoides glucosídicos em amostras de PA, contribuindo assim para a caracterização química deste produto apícola ainda pouco explorado. O VA ou apitoxina é uma mistura complexa de substâncias com atividades biológicas já descritas na literatura. No presente trabalho, analisaram-se quimicamente cinco amostras de VA recolhidas em colónias de Apis mellifera iberiensis em dois apiários do concelho de Bragança, avaliando-se também as suas propriedades antioxidantes, anti-inflamatórias e citotóxicas. A análise das amostras por LC-DAD-ESI/MSn demonstrou a presença maioritária de melitina, seguindo a fosfolipase A2 e a apamina. Todas as amostras apresentaram atividade antioxidante e anti-inflamatória, mas sem uma relação direta com os compostos químicos analisados individualmente. Os resultados obtidos evidenciam a existência de concentrações específicas nas quais estes compostos são mais ativos (e.g., presentes na amostra VA5). As amostras de VA demonstraram citotoxicidade semelhante para todas as linhas tumorais testadas (MCF-7, NCI-H460, HeLa e HepG2), sendo a MCF-7 e a HeLa as mais suscetíveis. No entanto, estas amostras não parecem ser adequadas para o tratamento do carcinoma da mama, hepatocelular e cervical, porque nas concentrações ativas, as amostras também foram tóxicas para as células não tumorais (PLP2). Relativamente ao carcinoma de pulmão, o VA poderá ser utilizado abaixo da concentração tóxica para as células não tumorais. Em geral, o presente estudo evidencia o enorme potencial bioativo do VA, sendo o primeiro trabalho realizado com amostras Portuguesas.Este trabajo incluye el estudio de la bioactividad y caracterización química de dos productos de la colmena, siendo ellos el pan de abeja (PA) y el veneno de abeja (VA). El PA es una mezcla fermentada de polen de las plantas, de miel y de saliva de las abejas. Las abejas obreras usan el PA como alimento para las larvas y para que las jóvenes abejas produzcan la jalea real. En este trabajo, se estudiaron cinco muestras de PA recogido de Apis mellifera iberiensis de diferentes apiarios de Bragança y una muestra de PA comercial. Todas las muestras fueron caracterizadas por HPLC-DAD-ESI / EM en términos de compuestos fenólicos y de su citotoxicidad fue ensayada en diferentes líneas celulares de tumores humanos, bien como en células de hígado de cerdo no tumorales. Los principales compuestos fenólicos encontrados son derivados de flavonoides, principalmente quercetina, canferol, miricetina, isoramnetina y los derivados de glucósidos de herbacetrina. En total, fueron identificados treinta y dos compuestos en las seis muestras de PA, presentando las muestras PA1 y PA3 el contenido más alto y una mayor diversidad de compuestos identificados. Sin embargo, no fue posible establecer una correlación entre los flavonoides presentes en las muestras estudiadas y su citotoxicidad de baja a moderada. Por lo que se percibe de la literatura, este es el primer informe de caracterización exhaustiva de flavonoides glucosídicos en muestras de PA, contribuyendo así al conocimiento químico de este producto de las abejas menos estudiado. El VA o veneno de abeja es una mezcla compleja de sustancias con actividad biológica ya descrita en la literatura. En este trabajo, se analizaron cinco muestras de VA obtenidas de Apis mellifera iberiensis de Bragança (dos apiarios diferentes), que fueron caracterizadas químicamente y evaluadas en relación a sus propiedades antioxidantes, anti-inflamatorias y citotoxicidad. Las muestras analizadas por LC-DAD-ESI/MSn han demostrado que la melitina es el compuesto más abundante, seguido por la fosfolipasa A2 y apamina. Todas las muestras demostraron actividad antioxidante y antiinflamatoria, pero sin una relación directa con los productos químicos analizados individualmente. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian que existen concentraciones específicas, en las cuales estos compuestos son más activos (e.g., presentes en VA5). Las muestras de VA demostraron citotoxicidad similar para todas las líneas tumorales ensayadas (MCF-7, NCI-H460, HeLa y HepG2), siendo la MCF-7 y la HeLa las más susceptibles. Sin embargo, las muestras estudiadas no parecen ser adecuadas para el tratamiento de carcinoma de mama, hepatocelular y cervical, porque las concentraciones activas de las muestras también fueron tóxicas para las células no tumorales (PLP2). En cuanto al carcinoma del pulmón, el VA se debe utilizar por debajo de la concentración tóxica para las células no tumorales. En general, el presente estudio evidencia el enorme potencial de bioactividad del VA, siendo este el primer trabajo realizado com muestras portuguesas.This work includes the bioactivity evaluation and chemical characterization of two bee products, namely bee bread (BB) and bee venom (BV). Bee bread (BB) is a fermented mixture of plant pollen, honey, and bee saliva that worker bees use as food for the larvae, and for young bees to produce royal jelly. In the present study, five BB samples, collected from Apis mellifera iberiensis hives located in different apiaries near Bragança, in the Northeast region of Portugal, and one BB commercial sample, were characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS in terms of phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the samples were screened against different human tumor cell lines, and also against non-tumor liver cells. The main phenolic compounds found were flavonols derivatives, mainly quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, isorhamnetin and herbacetrin glycoside derivatives. Thirty-two compounds were identified in the six BB samples, presenting BB1 and BB3 the highest content and the highest number of identified compounds. However, it was not possible to establish a correlation between the flavonoids and the observed low to moderate cytotoxicity. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first report characterizing glycosidic flavonoids in BB samples, contributing to the chemical knowledge of this less explored bee product. Bee venom (BV) or apitoxin is a complex mixture of substances with reported biological activity. In the present work, five bee venom samples obtained from Apis mellifera iberiensis from the Northeast Portugal (two different apiaries) were chemically characterized and evaluated for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties. The LC-DAD-ESI/MSn analysis of the samples showed that melittin was the most abundant compound, followed by phospholipase A2 and apamin. All the samples revealed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity but without a direct relation with any of the individual chemical components identified. The results highlight that there are specific concentrations (present in BV5) in which these compounds are more active. The BV samples showed similar cytotoxicity for all the tested tumor cell lines (MCF-7, NCI-H460, HeLa and HepG2), being MCF-7 and HeLa the most susceptible ones. Nevertheless, the studied samples seem to be not suitable to treat breast, hepatocellular and cervical carcinoma (MCF-7) because at the active concentrations, the samples were also toxic for non-tumor cells (PLP2). Regarding the non-small lung cell carcinoma, BV should be used under the concentration toxic for non-tumor cells. Overall, the present study corroborates the enormous bioactive potential of BV being the first report on samples from Portugal

Being a temporary agency worker: A motivation profile analysis

info:eu-repo/semantics/draf

Contributo para a identificação dos inimigos das abelhas melíferas Apis mellifera iberiensis na zona do Douro Superior

A fileira apícola em Portugal tem como principal aptidão a produção o mel. É uma atividade compatível com outros usos do solo, contribuindo simultaneamente para a valorização do nível de vida das populações das zonas mais desfavorecidas e consequentemente para a manutenção do espaço rural. Adicionalmente, é uma mais-valia para a sustentabilidade dos seus ecossistemas. A abelha melífera (Apis mellifera L.) tem como área de expansão natural tanto zonas temperadas como as tropicais da Europa, da África e do Médio Oriente. Nesta ampla área geográfica, a adaptação à diversidade das condições ecológicas e climáticas conduziu à evolução de mais de 24 subespécies, que através das suas caraterísticas morfológicas e ecológicas, foram agrupadas em 4 linhagens evolutivas. Estas linhagens estão representadas pelos grupos, Africano, do médio oriente, do centro mediterrânico e Sudeste da Europa, o do Oeste do mediterrâneo e Nordeste da Europa, nos quais se encontram, entre outras, as subespécies A. m. Iberiensis e A m. Mellifera, utilizadas na apicultura atual. Sendo uma atividade que nos últimos anos tem vindo a aumentar um pouco por todo o país, é importante conhecer e estar alerta para todos os problemas que possam surgir, de forma a proteger as abelhas melíferas, entre outros, dos agentes patogénicos e predadores. Atualmente, Os apicultores devem ter formação específica na área apícola, para mais facilmente identificarem os problemas sanitários dos seus apiários, e atuar em conformidade, quer profilaticamente, quer através de tratamentos. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo investigar e identificar os principais inimigos de abelhas Apis mellifera iberiensis existentes na sub-região da Douro Superior. Este trabalho consta de duas componentes, a teórica que explana o tema central deste trabalho e a prática que envolveu a realização de inquéritos para identificação e conhecimento dos principais predadores da área em estudo e posteriormente a componente experimental que consistiu na construção de armadilhas e sua colocação em apiários para monitorização de pequenos predadores de abelhas melíferas, nomeadamente a vespa asiática (Vespa velutina nigrothorax).The beekeeping industry in Portugal has as main aptitude the production of honey. It is an adequate activity with other uses of the soil, contributing simultaneously to the valorization of the standard of living of the most disadvantaged populations and consequently to the maintenance of the rural space. In addition, it is an asset for the sustainability of their ecosystems. The honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) has as natural expansion area both temperate and tropical areas of Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In this large geographic area, adaptation to the diversity of ecological and climatic conditions led to the evolution of more than 24 subspecies, which through their morphological and ecological characteristics were grouped into 4 evolutionary strains. These strains are represented by the groups: African, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Southeast European, Western Mediterranean and Northeastern Europe, which include, among others, the subspecies A. m. Iberiensis and A m. Mellifera, used in current beekeeping. As an activity that has been increasing a bit in recent years throughout the country, it is important to be aware of and be alert to any problems that may arise, in order to protect honeybees, among others, pathogens and predators. Currently, beekeepers should have specific training in the beekeeping area, to more easily identify the health problems of their apiaries, and to act accordingly, either prophylactically or through treatments. The present work aimed to investigate and identify the main enemies of Apis mellifera iberiensis bees in the Upper Douro sub-region. This work consists of two components, the theoretical one that explains the central theme of this work and the practice that involved the accomplishment of surveys for identification and knowledge of the main predators of the area under study and later the experimental component that consisted in the construction of traps and their placement in apiaries for monitoring small predators of honey bees, namely the Asian wasp (Vespa velutina nigrothorax)

Dealing with temporariness: generational effects on temporary agency workers’ employment relationships

Purpose: A major trend in the changing nature of work is the increasing use of temporary workers. Although common among students, older employees have joined the ranks of temporary workers as they extend their work lives. Temporary workers tend to report lower affective commitment and consequently poorer work outcomes. However, different generations of workers may conceive temporary work differently from each other. The purpose of this paper is to explore how different generations of temporary workers, respond to human resource practices (HRP), which in turn influences their affective commitment and work performance. Design/methodology/approach: The sample is comprised of 3,876 temporary agency workers (TAWs) from seven temporary employment agencies in Portugal. The authors undertook multiple group SEM analyses to test a moderated mediation model that accounts for TAWs’ affective commitment (toward the agency and the client company) across three generations (Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennials) in the relationship between human resources practices and overall perceived performance. Findings: After controlling for gender, age and tenure, the authors find generational differences in the perceptions of HRP and perceived performance. The results support the moderator effect of generations in the direct and indirect relationships – through both affective commitments – between TAWs’ perceived HRP and perceived performance. Research limitations/implications: The cross-sectional design limits the possibility to make causal inferences. Originality/value: This study contributes to a better understanding of how different generations respond to temporary employment relationships. The findings suggest important differences in the way in which the same HRP system relates (directly and indirectly thorough affective commitment toward the client) with their perceived performance across different generations.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Demands, resources and wellbeing in a contact centre: does the workers’ family characteristics matter?

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Network Governance: Case Study of the National Open Government Network

Dissertação para obtenção de grau de Mestre em Administração PúblicaA Governança Pública surge como uma importante abordagem para responder às necessidades e expetativas dos cidadãos e para resolver problemas públicos complexos (wicked problems). Dentro desta abordagem, têm vindo a ganhar um importante destaque os arranjos de governança em rede, que surgem para melhorar a coordenação entre atores que partilhem interesses e causas comuns. Como as reformas relacionadas com a Administração Aberta têm a intenção de diminuir fronteiras entre organizações internas e externas à Administração Pública e apostam na colaboração durante o desenho e implementação de serviços e políticas, este estudo analisa o papel do arranjo institucional em rede presente na Rede Nacional de Administração Aberta na implementação dos compromissos de Administração Aberta em Portugal, compreendendo alguns dos aspetos importantes para a formação e desenvolvimento das redes, como os aspetos contextuais, a estrutura, a gestão e os resultados da Rede. Para atingir este objetivo, recorre a uma análise documental às atas de reuniões da Rede e a entrevistas semiestruturadas a 13 participantes na mesma, tendo as informações recolhidas sido sujeitas a uma análise de conteúdo. O arranjo institucional materializado na Rede contribuiu para a elaboração dos planos, para uma tomada de decisão baseada em consensos, para a formalização das responsabilidades e para o comprometimento dos participantes com os propósitos da mesma. Contudo, podem ser concretizados esforços futuros para aumentar o processo colaborativo na implementação dos compromissos, como vista ao reforço da legitimidade externa e para atingir níveis superiores de aprendizagem no contexto da Rede.New public governance has emerged as a relevant approach for responding to the needs and expectations of citizens and for solving wicked problems. Within this approach, network governance arrangements are gaining prominence as they aim to improve coordination between actors who share common interests and causes. Given that reforms related to Open Administration are aimed at reducing the boundaries between organizations within and outside the limits of Public Administration, as well as relying on collaboration during the design and implementation of services and policies, this study analyzes the role of the network arrangement within the National Open Administration Network in the implementation of Open Administration commitments in Portugal. We aim to understand some important aspects of the formation and development of networks, such as contextual aspects, structure, management, and its results. To accomplish this objective, we subject the gathered information to a content analysis. The institutional arrangement materialized in the Network contributed to plan elaboration, consensus-based decision-making, the formalization of responsibilities, and the commitment of participants to the Network's purposes. However, efforts can be made to improve the collaborative process in the implementation of commitments, reinforcing external legitimacy, and to achieve higher levels of learning in the context of the Network.N/

A Linguagem Dahliana, um Desafio para o Tradutor: proposta de tradução de alguns poemas da obra Dirty Beasts (1983)

É graças ao papel vital que o tradutor assume enquanto mediador entre culturas que grandes obras da literatura infantil integram o imaginário de muitas gerações espalhadas pelo mundo. No entanto, independentemente do estatuto canónico que lhes é atribuído, a literatura infantil continua a ser um género subestimado, de natureza bem mais complexa do que se pensa. Um texto de literatura infantil pode evidenciar uma enorme criatividade linguística e interessantes recursos narrativos, transportando-nos muitas vezes para antigas tradições literárias como as dos nursery rhymes e do nonsense. Tais qualidades, que tornam único este género literário, remetem-nos para o universo do aclamado escritor britânico Roald Dahl (1916-1990). A sua escrita singular é pautada especialmente pela transgressão linguística e pelo humor negro, considerado por muitos demasiado ousado para crianças. Reconhecendo o desafio que constitui a tradução deste género literário e a obra de Dahl em particular, o presente Trabalho de Projecto visa a elaboração de uma proposta de tradução para português europeu de alguns poemas de Dirty Beasts, livro vindo a lume em 1983, ainda sem tradução publicada entre nós. A proposta de tradução e respectivo comentário faz-se acompanhar de um enquadramento teórico sobre tradução de literatura infantil e tradução de poesia, bem como de uma introdução ao mundo da obra dahliana, com especial ênfase nos problemas de tradução que levanta.Thanks to the vital role played by the translator as a mediator between cultures, great literary works of children’s literature are part of the imaginary of many generations spread across the world. However, regardless of the canonical status of these works, children’s literature remains an underestimated genre, of a far more complex nature than one might think. A children’s literature text can display enormous linguistic creativity and interesting narrative resources, often transporting us to ancient literary traditions such as nursery rhymes and nonsense. Such qualities, which make this literary genre unique, refer us to the world of the acclaimed British writer Roald Dahl (1916- 1990). His singular writing is marked especially by linguistic transgression and black humour, considered by many too daring for children. Recognizing the challenge that the translation of this literary genre and Dahl’s work in particular represent, this Project Work aims at elaborating a proposal for translation into European Portuguese of some poems from Dirty Beasts, a book that came to light in 1983, not yet published in Portugal. The translation proposal and its commentary are accompanied by a theoretical framework on the translation of children’s literature and the translation of poetry, as well as an introduction to Dahl’s universe, with special emphasis on the translation problems it raises