Allostasis and organizational excellence

Organizational excellence is critical towards the development of organizations and, considering organizations’ role in the modern world, for societies’ economic and social development. The ability of organizations to adapt and adjust to the contingencies of the change and recover the stability of organizational systems through organizations’ own dynamic process is known as allostasis. This research focuses on the relationship between allostasis and organizational excellence. Based on a sample of 205 firms from Portugal and Spain, and resorting to fuzzy-set QCA (fsQCA), this research reveals that there are different combinations (equifinality) of conditions inherent to allostasis (adaptive capacity, feedback capacity, stigmergy capacity and integration intensity) leading to sustainable high outcomes (employee satisfaction, stakeholder satisfaction and organizational performance, jointly selected as proxies for organizational excellence). The analysis also shows that organizations that match those combinations simultaneously achieve high employee satisfaction, stakeholder satisfaction and organizational performance (multifinality), which is aligned with the premises of organizational excellence. Finally, the results reveal that in the different contexts (countries) analyzed, the combinations leading to high outcomes differ, thus supporting the idea that the ability to adapt and adjust that characterizes allostasis is critical towards organizational excellence.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Estrategias reproductivas de la vegetación y sus respuestas al pulso de la inundación en las zonas inundables de la Amazonía Central

Los humedales o áreas que sufren largos períodos de inundaciones periódicas, asociadas a los grandes ríos, cubren aproximadamente el 6% de la Amazonia Brasileña. Precisamente en esta región se encuentran localizados los bosques inundados con mayor extensión y diversidad vegetal del mundo. En esos ambientes, la altura de la columna de agua puede fluctuar durante todo el año, llegando a valores promedio de hasta 10 m. La previsibilidad y duración del pulso de las inundaciones, la abrupta transición en las condiciones ambientales a lo largo del gradiente topográfico en los márgenes de los ríos principales y la intensidad de las corrientes de agua y la dinámica de los sedimentos representan una fuerte presión selectiva sobre las poblaciones de plantas y sus sistemas de reproducción. En este trabajo se examina y discute cómo el ciclo del agua influye en las estrategias de reproducción sexual y asexual que conducen a la realización del ciclo de vida de las plantas, permitiendo el mantenimiento de sus poblaciones. También se abordan las posibles restricciones sobre los procesos de germinación, el establecimiento de plántulas y la formación de bancos de semillas. Además, se indican algunas lagunas en el conocimiento existente sobre las estrategias reproductivas de la vegetación en las planicies de inundación de la Amazonía Central y se proponen líneas futuras de investigación. Se enfatiza en las especies herbáceas, debido a la gran variedad de formas de vida y estrategias reproductivas y su fuerte dinámica temporal y espacial en respuesta al ciclo hidrológico. El estudio de la vegetación de los ambientes inundados presentados aquí es relevante, especialmente, debido a los efectos previstos en las poblaciones de estas comunidades ante los escenarios de cambio climático previstos para la Amazonia.The wetlands associated with great rivers cover about 6% of the Brazilian Amazon, being considered the most extensive and, in terms of flora, the most diverse wetland forest of the world. These environments are subjected to extended periods of flooding, when the height of the water column may fluctuate throughout the year an average of up to 10 m. The predictability, the length of the flood pulse, the abrupt transition in the environmental conditions along the topographic gradient on the banks of major rivers in Central Amazonia and the powerful water and sediment dynamics impose a strong selective pressure on plant populations and on reproductive systems. In this study we examine how the hydrological cycle influences the strategies of sexual and asexual reproduction that lead to the completion of the life cycle and the maintenance of plant populations. Possible constraints to seed germination, seedling establishment and formation of seed banks are also covered, as well as gaps in knowledge of reproductive strategies of the vegetation in floodplains of Central Amazonia. The emphasis is on herbaceous species because of the variety of life forms and reproductive strategies and their strong spatial and temporal dynamics in response to the hydrological cycle. The study of the vegetation of the Amazonian floodplains is even more relevant considering the expected impacts on the populations of these plant communities, if the climate change scenarios predicted for the Amazon become a reality. We conclude by proposing future research directions.Este trabajo contiene partes de los resultados obtenidos de las investigaciones y estudios desarrollados por el grupo de investigación de intercambio científico proyecto INPA/Max-Planck e Pronex/Fapeam/CNPq financiado por el CNPq de Brasil

A gestão estratégica de recursos humanos na Polícia de Segurança Pública: envelhecimento no ativo do efetivo policial

O envelhecimento das populações e o prolongamento da carreira ativa dos trabalhadores tem impacto nas sociedades e nas organizações. A degradação do quadro demográfico e a escassez da mão de obra disponível tem efeitos nos trabalhadores e na produtividade das organizações. Uma das consequências mais visíveis deste fenómeno demográfico na Polícia de Segurança Pública é o absentismo. O presente estudo exploratório incidiu sobre a análise dos impactos do absentismo por doença natural nos polícias com 55 ou mais anos de idade, no ativo e nas práticas de gestão direcionadas a esta população policial. Os resultados obtidos permitem afirmar que a taxa de absentismo por doença natural na Polícia de Segurança Pública progride com a idade, pelo que este fator deve ser considerado na gestão estratégica de recursos humanos na instituição policial. Por último, foram ainda identificadas boas práticas policiais para mitigar o envelhecimento no ativo e o fenómeno do absentismo por doença natural.The aging of populations and the lengthening of the active career of workers have an impact on societies and organizations. The deterioration of the demographic picture and the shortage of available manpower leads to effects on workers and on the productivity of organizations. One of the most visible consequences of this demographic phenomenon in Public Security Police is absenteeism. This exploratory study focused on the analysis of the impact of absenteeism due to natural illness among police officers aged 55 years old or more, in active service, and on the management practices directed to this police population. The results obtained allow us to state that the rate of absenteeism due to natural illness in Public Security Police increases with age, and therefore this factor should be considered in the strategic management of human resources in the police institution. Finally, good police practices were also identified to mitigate active ageing and the phenomenon of absenteeism due to natural illness.N/

Process mining: a framework proposal for pervasive business intelligence

In recent years, global growth slowed, the markets have matured and become more competitive. The impact of computing in organizations made information technology a strategic element to the acquisition and maintenance of competitive advantage. Based on the literature review in the related areas of Business Intelligence (BI) and Process Mining (PM), is presented a framework for improving the decision-making processes in organizations

Effect of different drying temperatures on the moisture, content of phytochemical constituents and technological properties of Peniche coast seaweeds

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Temporal variation in vegetative development of Caulerpa scalpelliformis (Chlorophyta) from Baleia beach, Ilha Grande bay (Rio de janeiro, brazil)

Caulerpa scalpelliformis cresce sobre substrato rochoso e arenoso a diferentes profundidades na Enseada de Jacuacanga, Baía da Ilha Grande, onde pode formar bancos densos. O comportamento invasor desta e de outras espécies de Caulerpa é bem documentado na literatura. Este estudo analisou a variação do desenvolvimento vegetativo de C. scalpelliformis da Praia da Baleia (23º01'63''S e 44º14'18''W), Enseada de Jacuacanga, de junho de 2003 a setembro de 2004, considerando plantas do substrato rochoso e do fundo de areia. Dados morfométricos e de peso seco das porções prostrada e ereta foram usados. Plantas foram coletadas em quadrados de 20 cm de lado (n=3), posicionados aleatoriamente sobre o substrato rochoso (profundidade ≅ 1,5 m) e sobre o substrato arenoso (profundidade ≅ 3,0 m). Durante o período de estudo, C. scalpelliformis ocorreu nos dois substratos como espécie pseudo-perene, mostrando perda parcial das porções eretas do talo do inverno para a primavera; altura e massa seca das porções eretas mostraram tendência de aumento do verão para o outono nos dois substratos. A variação temporal do desenvolvimento vegetativo de C. scalpelliformis na Praia da Baleia foi similar à descrita para C. racemosa e C. taxifolia, espécies invasoras em diferentes regiões do mundo.Caulerpa scalpelliformis grows on rocky and sandy bottoms at different depths in Jacuacanga Cove, Ilha Grande Bay, where it can form dense patches. The invasive behavior of this and other species of Caulerpa is well documented in the literature. This study analyzed the variation of the vegetative development of C. scalpelliformis from Baleia Beach (23º01'63''S and 44º14'18''W) in Jacuacanga Cove, from June 2003 to September 2004, including plants from rocky and sandy substrates. Morphometric and dry weight data from the erect and prostrate portions were used. Plants were collected from 20 x 20 cm² plots (n=3), randomly positioned on the rocky boulders (≅1.5 m depth) and on contiguous sandy bottom (≅3.0 m depth). During the study period, C. scalpelliformis occurred on both substrates as a pseudo-perennial species, showing partial loss of the erect portions from winter to spring; the height and dry weight of the erect portions increased from summer to autumn on both substrates. The temporal variation of C. scalpelliformis vegetative development in Baleia Beach was similar to that described for the invasive C. racemosa and C. taxifolia from different geographical regions of the world

Os desafios da retenção de talentos no sector das tecnologias de informação e comunicação

Mestrado em Ciências EmpresariaisO mercado de trabalho no setor das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TIC) é largamente dominado pela geração Millennial, que tem sido frequentemente apontada como sendo a mais difícil de reter nas organizações. Esta dificuldade na retenção de talentos tem vindo a ser associada à instabilidade e custos a diferentes níveis. Este estudo procurou avaliar a existência de diferenças geracionais no que respeita aos fatores que os profissionais das TIC valorizam no contexto laboral e, se a não congruência entre o que é valorizado e a realidade laboral estava positivamente relacionada com a intenção de saída. Constatou-se que os Millennials valorizam mais a flexibilidade de horário, a geração X as regalias sociais e os Baby Boomers o prestígio da empresa. Embora não tenha sido possível confirmar que a intenção de saída depende diretamente dos fatores estudados, a probabilidade de ser abordado por outras empresas aumenta com os convívios e as atividades lúdicas proporcionadas pelas empresas. No entanto, a recetividade a essas abordagens é menor quanto maiores forem os níveis de autonomia praticados. Sugere-se, pois, que futuras políticas de retenção de talentos no setor das TIC tenham em consideração estes aspetos.The labour market in the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector is largely dominated by the Millennial generation, which has often been pointed out as one of the most difficult to hold in the organizations. This difficulty of retain the talents has been related to instability and costs at different levels. This research tried to assess the existence of generational differences that concern the factors that the ICT professionals appreciate in the labour context and if the non-congruence between what´s appreciated was directly related to the intention of leaving the organization. It was determined that the Millennials appreciate more the schedule flexibility, the generation X the social benefits and the Baby Boomers the company´s prestige. Although it was not possible to confirm that the intention of leaving depends directly on the studied factors, the probability of being approached by other companies increases with the meetings and the ludic activities provided by the companies. However, the responsiveness to these approaches is smaller if there are higher levels of autonomy practiced. Therefore, it is suggested that future ICT retention policies take these aspects into account.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The impact of cloud computing and virtualization on business

In the begin cloud computing was seen as a thing of “startup” and visionary users, but nowadays it is a reality in organizations of any sector, type and size. Investments in data centers are replaced by the consumption of IT resources from a cloud provider. There are several types of virtualization, and that essentially means the abstraction of computational resources for different purposes; one of the ways, widely used, is to create virtual machines, which simulate a complete environment with software and hardware resources for the user. Despite being a technique that has existed for a long time, the growth of cloud computing has made this concept to bewidely discussed. Significant innovations in virtualization, distributed computing, high-speed communications, and IoT, have aroused more and more interest in Cloud Computing. In this sense, we will analyze and evaluate the impact of cloud computing and virtualization on organizations.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Importance of nutritional counseling and dietary fiber content on glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients under intensive educational intervention

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the importance of nutritional counseling within a set of multidisciplinary interventions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients with type 2 diabetes and hyperglycemia (A1C > 8%), treated conventionally (n = 19, GC) or intensively in six weekly visits (n = 28, GI) were analyzed. We evaluated mean weekly blood glucose (MWG) at baseline and after 6 weeks in both groups. RESULTS: GI reduced caloric (p = 0.001), carbohydrate (p = 0.004), and fat (p = 0.001) intake, and increased fiber consumption, while GC reduced fiber intake (p = 0.018). Glycemic control (MWG < 150 mg/dL) occurred in 75% of GI patients and in 31.6% of CG patients (p = 0.003), with negative correlation between changes in fiber intake and MWG values (r =-0.309; P = 0.035). Results were maintained after 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: Educational short-term intensive intervention was more effective than conventional treatment to achieve glycemic control. Our results also indicate that a more appropriate fiber content in the diet contributes for better blood glucose control in these patients.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a orientação nutricional dentro de um conjunto de intervenções multidisciplinares. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Quarenta e sete pacientes diabéticos tipo 2, hiperglicêmicos, tratados de forma convencional (n = 19) ou intensiva (n = 28) e avaliados pela glicemia média semanal (GMS) no início e após 6 semanas. RESULTADOS: GI reduziu o consumo de calorias (p = 0,001), carboidratos (p = 0,004), lipídios (p = 0,001) e aumentou o de fibras, enquanto o GC reduziu o consumo de fibras (p = 0,018). Controle glicêmico (GMS < 150 mg/dL) ocorreu em 75% do GI e, em 31,6% do GC (p = 0,003), houve correlação negativa entre as variações do consumo de fibras e a GMS (r =-0,309; p = 0,035). Os resultados mantiveram-se por 12 semanas. CONCLUSÃO: A intervenção educacional intensiva de curto prazo mostrou-se mais eficaz que o tratamento convencional para a obtenção do controle glicêmico. Nossos resultados ainda indicam que um consumo mais adequado de fibras na alimentação contribui para a obtenção de um melhor controle da glicemia.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Departamento de MedicinaUNIFESP-EPM Departamento de Medicina PreventivaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de MedicinaUNIFESP, EPM Depto. de Medicina PreventivaSciEL