Ocupação urbana em áreas de preservação permanente : o caso do manguezal da área continental de Vitória/ES

This research aims to diagnose the environmental impacts caused by the growth of urban occupations over the mangrove in the continental area of Vitória. It is justified by the gradual degradation of mangroves in Vitória that has inestimable importance to the landscape, to the environment and to the economy. With the growth of urban population in Brazil and around the world, researches like this, about environmental management, are essential to allow cities to grow more sustainably and well planned. The thesis was initially based on the study of occupations of Permanent Preservation Areas in general, with the presentation of the basic concepts and reflections, and later on territorial analysis of some protected areas and their surroundings, and the study of the empirical object, a polygon that covers urban areas and mangroves on the continental part of Vitória. The study hopes to promote a reflection and a discussion about the importance of maintenance of protected natural areas inside the cities, generating knowledge about the importance of mangrove and diagnose how it has been urbanized, protected or degraded over the years

The main benefits associated with health and safety management systems certification in Portuguese small and medium enterprises post quality management system certification

The purpose of this study is to characterize how Portuguese Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) view the Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMSs) certification process, after receiving the Quality Management System (QMS) certification. References were based on the ISO 9001 standard for a QMS and OHSAS 18001 for OHSMS. The method used to evaluate the implemented systems, was by form of questionnaire. Those questioned had to have a certified quality management system, an implemented OHSMS and be a SME. The questionnaire was sent to 300 SMEs; 46 responses were received and validated. Of them, only 12 SMEs had the OHSMS certificate according to OHSAS 18001. Within those 12 companies that participated: 7 SMEs are from the industrial sector; 3 belong to the electricity/telecommunications sector and 2 SMEs are from the trade/services activity sector. The size of the sample was small, but corresponds to Portuguese reality. Moreover, 34 SMEs did not have the OHSMS certificate. The questionnaire requested the main reasons for SMEs to opt for non-certification and it was related with high costs, while the main reasons to certificate were, among others, needed to eliminate or minimize risks to workers. The main benefits that Portuguese SMEs have gained from the referred certifications have been, improved working conditions, ensuring compliance with legislation and better internal communication about risks and hazards. Also presented are the main difficulties in achieving an OHSMS certification including high certification costs, difficulties motivating personnel, difficulties in changing the company’s culture and increased bureaucracy.

Certification and integration of management systems: the experience of Portuguese small and medium enterprises

The purpose of this study was to characterize the situation of Portuguese Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) concerning the certification of their Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS), in their individually form, to identify benefits, drawbacks and difficulties associated with the certification process and to characterize the level of integration that has been achieved. This research was based on a survey carried out by the research team; it was administered to 46 Portuguese SMEs. Our sample comprised 20 firms (43%) from the Trade/Services activity sector, 17 (37%) from the Industrial sector, 5 (11%) from the Electricity/Telecommunications sector and 4 (9%) from the Construction area. All SMEs surveyed were certified according to the ISO 9001 (100%), a quarter of firms were certified according to the ISO 14001 (26.1%) and a few certified by OHSAS 18001 (15.2%). We undertook a multivariate cluster analysis, which enabled grouping variables into homogeneous groups or one or more common characteristics of the SMEs participating in the study. Results show that the main benefits that Portuguese SMEs have gained from the referred certifications have been, among others, an improvement of both their internal organization and external image. We also present the main difficulties in achieving certification. Overall, 7 of the Portuguese SMEs examined indicated that the main benefits of the IMS implementation management included costs reduction, increased employee training and easier compliance of legislation. The respective drawbacks and difficulties are also presented. Finally, we presented the main integrated items in the certified Portuguese SMEs we examined.

Certification and integration of environment with quality and safety – a path to sustained success

According to Wright [1] certification of products and processes began during the 1960’s in the manufacturing industry, as a tool to control and assure the quality/conformity of products and services provided by suppliers to customers/consumers. Thus, the series of ISO 9000 was published first time, in 1987 and it was been created with a flexible character, to be reviewed periodically. Later, were published others normative references, which highlight the ISO 14001 in 1996 and OHSAS 18001 in 1999. This was also, the natural sequence of the certification processes in the organizations, i.e., began with the certification of quality management systems (QMS) followed by the environmental management systems (EMS) and after for the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). Hence, a high percentage of organizations with an EMS, in accordance with the ISO 14001, had also implemented, a certified QMS, in accordance with ISO 9001. At first the implementation of a QMS was particularly relevant in high demanding activity sectors, like the automotive and aeronautical industries, but it has rapidly extended to every activity sector, becoming a common requisite of any company worldwide and a factor of competitiveness and survival. Due to the increasingly demanding environmental legislation in developed countries, companies nowadays are required to seriously take into consideration not only environmental aspects associated to the production chain itself, but also to the life cycle of their products.

Nitrate leaching through climatologic water balance in a fertigated coffee plantation

Nitrate losses from soil profiles by leaching should preferentially be monitored during high rainfall events and during irrigation when fertilizer nitrogen applications are elevated. Using a climatologic water balance, based on the models of Thornthwaite and Penman Monteith for potential evapotranspiration, drainage soil water fluxes below the root zone were estimated in a fertigated coffee crop. Soil solution extraction at the depth of 1 m allowed the calculation of nitrate leaching. The average nitrate concentration in soil solution for plots that received nitrogen by fertigation at a rate of 400 kg ha-1, was 5.42 mg L-1, surpassing the limit of the Brazilian legislation of 10.0 mg L-1, only during one month. For plots receiving 800 kg ha-1 of nitrogen, the average was 25.01 mg L-1, 2.5 times higher than the above-mentioned limit. This information indicates that nitrogen rates higher than 400 kg ha-1 are potentially polluting the ground water. Yearly nitrate amounts of leaching were 24.2 and 153.0 kg ha-1 for the nitrogen rates of 400 and 800 kg ha-1, respectively. The six times higher loss indicates a cost/benefit problem for coffee fertigations above 400 kg ha-1.

Determination of reactivity rates of silicate particle-size fractions

The efficiency of sources used for soil acidity correction depends on reactivity rate (RR) and neutralization power (NP), indicated by effective calcium carbonate (ECC). Few studies establish relative efficiency of reactivity (RER) for silicate particle-size fractions, therefore, the RER applied for lime are used. This study aimed to evaluate the reactivity of silicate materials affected by particle size throughout incubation periods in comparison to lime, and to calculate the RER for silicate particle-size fractions. Six correction sources were evaluated: three slags from distinct origins, dolomitic and calcitic lime separated into four particle-size fractions (2, 0.84, 0.30 and <0.30-mm sieves), and wollastonite, as an additional treatment. The treatments were applied to three soils with different texture classes. The dose of neutralizing material (calcium and magnesium oxides) was applied at equal quantities, and the only variation was the particle-size material. After a 90-day incubation period, the RER was calculated for each particle-size fraction, as well as the RR and ECC of each source. The neutralization of soil acidity of the same particle-size fraction for different sources showed distinct solubility and a distinct reaction between silicates and lime. The RER for slag were higher than the limits established by Brazilian legislation, indicating that the method used for limes should not be used for the slags studied here.

Inadmissível pressão sobre Magistrados-Juízes e Ministério Público

Assiste-se, contudo, a uma inadmissível pressão sobre Magistrados judiciais e do M.P., querendo responsabilizá-los dum Portugal corrupto. Como se a legislação em vigor não fizesse tudo – há que dizê-lo duma vez por todas – para que ocorram prescrições em série. Abstract: We are witnessing, however, an unacceptable pressure on judicial magistrates and prosecutors, wanting to blame them of a corrupt Portugal. As if the legislation does not do everything - it should say it once and for all - to occur prescriptions/requirements in series.

Implementing and certifying ISO 14001 in Portugal: motives, difficulties and benefits after ISO 9001 certification

The purpose of this study is to characterise the environmental management systems (EMS) certification process (International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001) in Portuguese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) following quality management system (QMS) certification (ISO 9001). The study is based on a sample from Portuguese SMEs which characterise the local reality in terms of companies certified in accordance with ISO 14001 after ISO 9001 certification. Some Portuguese SMEs have the EMS implemented but not certified, mainly given the lack of investment support and because it is considered merely a form of marketing. As such, they do not feel motivated to certificate an EMS in the company since they consider that it is a form of advertising and not a way to protect the environment. Nonetheless, it is already evident form other Portuguese SMEs that gained EMS certification that gains supersede marketing benefits and allow for evermore enduring benefits such as prevention of environmental risks, environment protection, improved company image, compliance with legislation and efficient use of natural resources. This paper also presented the main difficulties in achieving an EMS certification, including high certification costs, human resources, motivation issues and difficulties in changing the company’s culture.

Legalidade do Júri do Doutoramento

Qualquer coincidência com a realidade é pura coincidência, ciência. Chegou-nos aos ouvidos por voz credível que haveria quem no Minho defendesse, e passamos a citar, qualquer coisa como: os professores dos institutos politécnicos e os professores de universidades de baixa reputação não deverão fazer parte de júris para provas de doutoramento em determinada Universidade…. Se isto é verdade – além da difamação que pode gerar responsabilidade judicial e civil para os seus autores (quem te avisa, teu amigo é!) -, salvo o devido respeito e amizade, é violador da legislação que, no Estado de Direito, regula a constituição de júris para provas de doutoramento. Se dúvidas existirem, veja-se o art. 34º do DL nº 115/2013, de 7/8 § Any coincidence with reality is purely coincidental, science. We reached our ears by credible voice that there would be anyone in the Minho defend, and we quote, something like: teachers of polytechnics and teachers of low-reputation universities should not be part of juries for PhD exams in certain University .... If this is true - in addition to the defamation that can generate judicial and civil liability for their authors (who warns you, your friend is!) - Unless due respect and friendship, is in breach of legislation, the rule of law, regulates the constitution of juries for doctoral exams. If doubts exist, see art. 34 of DL No. 115/2013, 7/8.

Praying Doves and Preying Vultures

The most saddening feature in this entire debate is that the Church in Goa, instead of transmitting the image of kingdom of God, of Jesus who emptied himself (kenosis) and was crucified with nothing that he could call his own (“rights”) is increasingly revealing a spiritual bankruptcy. Obviously, the mystical body does not feed on mystical rice and curry. A mere suggestion of State legislation to check the transparency and accountability of the temporal goods of the Church was sufficient to raise the hackles of the rich and the powerful who need the Church, but present themselves as its faithful servants, who can ensure that the more humble sons and daughters of the Church benefit from crumbs of their charity. *Spiritus ubi vult spirat* – the Spirit blows where it wills, and the history of the Church has umpteen illustrations of this. As the saying goes, “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions”. Only the kicks of history have brought about most significant reforms.

Transparency of the municipal public management: a study from the homepages of the large Brazilian municipalities

This study attempts to check the transparency level of information in public administration published in the homepages of 96 municipalities included among the 100 most populous in Brazil and what characteristics and socioeconomic indicators of the municipalities can contribute to explain the level of transparency observed. The level of transparency in public administration was established from a research model called Transparency Index Municipal Public Management (ITGP-M) constructed based on international codes of good governance and transparency, the Brazilian legislation and the experiences of previous studies of similar nature conducted in Brazil and abroad. The empirical evidence point to low levels of transparency, incompatible with the level of socioeconomic development of municipalities. Moreover, we can conclude that, overall, there is an association between the socioeconomic conditions of the municipalities and the levels of transparency in the disclosure of information about public administration observed in sites of large municipalities as in this study.

A influência do controlo do acesso à internet na satisfação com o trabalho

RESUMO: A presente investigação incide no estudo da influência das dimensões do controlo do acesso à Internet, propostas por Hackman e Oldham (1975), e das facetas da satisfação com o trabalho, propostas por Spector (1985) num contexto organizacional. Os dados foram obtidos através da aplicação de três escalas avaliativas: o "Job Diagnostic Survey" (JDS), o "Job Satisfaction Survey" (JSS), e uma escala criada para avaliar as dimensões do controlo do acesso à Internet. O estudo incidiu numa amostra de conveniência, constituída por 135 colaboradores pertencentes a três organizações. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que apenas três dimensões revelaram relações de antecedência com as dimensões da satisfação com o trabalho: no bloqueio a páginas e aplicações foram identificadas relações de antecedência com a da satisfação com os benefícios adicionais e com a promoção. Quanto à voz nas políticas da organização foram identificadas relações com a satisfação com os colegas, e com a natureza do trabalho. E na legislação foram identificadas relações com a satisfação com as recompensas contingenciais, com as condições operantes e com a comunicação. Os resultados levaram à não confirmação do modelo em análise, por não estar em linha com o quadro teórico estabelecido. Foram discutidas algumas das implicações dos resultados obtidos. ABSTRACT: The current research focus in the study of influence between the Internet Access control dimensions, proposed in this study, and the global Job satisfaction, proposed by Hackman e Oldham (1975) and the job satisfaction facets proposed by Spector (1985) in a organizationsl context. The data eas obtained through the application of three scales: num contexto organizacional. "Job Diagnostic Survey" (JDS), the "Job Satisfaction Survey" (JSS),and a scale that was created to evaluate the internet Access control. The study focused on a convenience sample, constituted by 135 participants from three organizations. The results show that only three dimensions revealed to have an antecedent relationship with the job satisfaction dimensions: in the websites and applications blocking, it was identified as having an antecedent relationship with the satisfaction with fringe benefits and promotion. Voice in the organizational policies was verified as an antecedent to the dimensions of the satisfaction with the coworkers and with the nature of work. And finally, the legislation was confirmed as an antecedent in the relationship with the dimensions satisfaction with contingent rewards, operating conditions and communication. The results led to the non confirmation of the studied theoretical model. Some of these results implications were discussed.

O director de turma: perfil e múltiplas valências em análise

RESUMO: ―Director de Turma – Perfil e Múltiplas Valências em Análise‖ é um trabalho de investigação que visa abordar a Direcção de Turma, no âmbito da supervisão intermédia da Escola. Nesta investigação, o principal objectivo é estudar quais as concepções que os Alunos e os Directores de Turma possuem, relativamente ao perfil e às funções de um Director de Turma, bem como analisar as competências que os Directores de Escola privilegiam num docente para exercer o cargo de Director de Turma. A metodologia a aplicar é do tipo descritivo. Os sujeitos são constituídos por 198 alunos do 9º ano de escolaridade do Ensino Básico, pertencentes a seis escolas do Distrito de Setúbal, perfazendo nove turmas, respectivos Directores de Turma e três Directores de Escolas Públicas. Para ter acesso às opiniões dos alunos, Directores de Turma e Directores de Escola recorremos à elaboração de questionários e a uma escala de atitudes, bem como a entrevistas semi – estruturadas. Neste enquadramento, pretende-se saber se, apesar de existir um suporte legislativo que concede ao Director de Turma responsabilidades específicas no domínio da coordenação, existe inconsistência entre esta atribuição de poderes e a respectiva operacionalização, bem como conhecer o perfil desejado de um Director de Turma. ABSTRACT: ―Homeroom teacher – its profile, organization and the extent of its work‖ is a research paper on the inestimable value of the role of the Portuguese homeroom teacher, as the supervising link between the students and the school´s principal. This study aims to unveil how homeroom teachers are regarded by the students, as well as analyze what skills school principals expect from them and also their own take on this subject. The methodology chosen was the descriptive kind. The subjects for this research were 198 students from the 9th grade (Junior – High) from six schools, all from the Setubal district, a total of nine classes, their corresponding homeroom teachers plus three state school principals. Students have answered questionnaires and their scores ranking them on a scale of attitudes. Semi-structured interviews also took place. Even though there is legislation that mentions in detail which are the administrative responsibilities, and profile of the homeroom teacher, the goal would be to understand if the powers that are granted match the challenges the homeroom teacher faces every day in the educational field.

The convergence of the Central American countries to International Accounting Standards

Abstract: In the last few decades, Central American countries are making a significant effort in order to modernize their governments' legislation both on financial management and systems of financial information. In this sense, these countries aim to enhance the quality of public financial information in order to improve decision-making processes, decrease the level of corruption, and keep citizens informed. In this context, the purpose of this paper is twofold. Firstly, to assess the degree of similarity of the financial information that is being developed by Central American governments with regard to the recommendations set up by Ipsas, and secondly, to analyse the efforts and the strategies that those countries are carrying out in the process of implementing those standards. To determine the differences in the information containing the annual financial statements issued by national public authorities and the recommendations set up by Ipsas we conducted a deductive content analysis. In view of the results we can say that the quality of annual financial statements presented by the countries in Central America, in comparison to the recommendations by the Ipsas concerning Ifac information, is not enough. Hence, in order to operate significant changes, it is still necessary to create new strategies for the implementation of the Ipsas.

Formaldehyde in indoor air: a public health problem?

Formaldehyde was the first air pollutant, which already in the 1970s emerged as a specifically non-industrial indoor air quality problem. Yet formaldehyde remained an indoor air quality issue and the formaldehyde level in residential indoor air is among the highest of any indoor air contaminant. Formaldehyde concentrations in 4 different indoor settings (schools, office buildings, new dwellings and occupied dwellings) in Portugal were measured using Photo Ionization Detection (PID) equipment (11,7 eV lamps). All the settings presented results higher than the reference value proposed by Portuguese legislation. Furthermore, occupied dwellings showed 3 units with results above the reference. We could conclude that formaldehyde presence is a reality in monitored indoor settings. Concentration levels are higher than the Portuguese reference value for indoor settings and these can indicate health problems for occupants.