In the context of reorganization of production in the sugar and alcohol industry, mechanization of sugar cane harvesting has been justified as a protective measure for the environment and workers. This article focuses on the consequences of organization of work in mechanization of sugar cane harvesting with regard to the harvester operators' health. Based on data gathered through interviews and direct observation at the workplace, changes implemented in the technological base and division of labor and organization were analyzed, identifying the work load inherent to the process and how it affects workers' health. While harvesters help decrease the physical, chemical, and mechanical work load, they increase the physiological and psychological work load. There is evidence of significant change in the pattern of work-related accidents, entailing a decrease in their frequency and increase in severity. The pattern of illness among harvester operators is similar to that of manual sugar cane cutters, with a highlight on psychosomatic illness related to the organization of work in shifts and increased tempo due to use of machinery.

No abstract

The present study was conducted during two successive experimental seasons (2014 and 2015) on Fuerte avocado (Persea americana Mill.) at avocado orchard belonging to Horticulture Research Station at El-Kanater El-Khayira, Kalyubeia Governorate, Egypt. The trees were about 18-years old when this study started, planted at square system (7 meters apart), the soil orchard was clay loamy. The trees received the regular cultural treatments according the recommendation of Ministry of Agriculture and irrigated through farrow (surface) irrigation system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of (milagrow), nutrient compounds (potassium 10 %, phosphorus 20 %, boron 3 % and brassinolide 0.2 %), on fruit set and fruit retention (%), number of fruit/tree and yield as well as fruit quality of avocado tree cv. Fuerte. This study evaluated applications of milagrow 0 (control), 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 g/L at different growth stages; a) swollen bud stage, b) Full bloom c) beginning of fruit set during 2014-2015. Results cleared that foliar applications of milagrow to avocado tree cv. Fuerte increased all fruit parameters. Regard to fruit set and fruit retention % trees which treated with 7.5 g/100 L produced the highest value of each. Regarding the yield, highest yield was obtained from treated with 5 g/100 L in comparison with other treatments followed by "7.5 g/100 L" and "2.5 g/100 L" while it was the lowest with "control". As well as trees which treated with 7.5g/100 L and 5 g/100 L produced the highest number of fruits /tree while the lowest number of fruits/tree was recorded for untreated trees. Concerning physical properties, data proved the highest value of fruits in their weight, dimensions and flesh/fruit weight % with treatment 5 g/L meanwhile the lowest fruits were on the opposite at treatment 2.5g/L and untreated trees. Regarding fat content, the differences between treatments did not reach the level of significance. Results indicated that if milagrow is used at swollen bud stage as foliar application, increased both fruit yield and improved fruit quality. Additionally, milagrow resulted in yield increment.

O conceito de politecnia resgata o debate teórico sobre a fusão entre os trabalhos intelectual e manual, elementos separados no processo de trabalho capitalista. A proposta politécnica vislumbra a formação de trabalhadores “omnilaterais”, detentores dos conhecimentos técnicos e científicos para a execução das atividades e tendo o domínio das ferramentas de gestão da produção e do processo de trabalho. O debate teórico sobre politecnia esteve presente nas experiências socialistas do século XX, sendo recolocado em discussão sobre as perspectivas da organização democrática do trabalho, a partir do final do último século, enquanto importante elemento na construção da autogestão plena. Esta pesquisa aborda uma cooperativa popular autogestionária, analisando elementos em sua organização do trabalho que permitam debater o conceito de politecnia e sua aplicação em um ambiente de trabalho associado.

O artigo aponta para importância da geração de tecnologias adequadas às propostas das organizações solidárias. Para tanto, exploram-se as complementaridades de vertentes críticas, focadas em análises mais amplas, e construtivistas, mais microanalíticas, dos estudos sociais da tecnologia para evidenciar como as soluções tecnológicas ao mesmo tempo constroem e são construídas pela sociedade. Guiado por essas referências, defende-se a relevância da conjunção entre as propostas dos movimentos da Economia Solidária e das Tecnologias Sociais e propõe que o fortalecimento das organizações solidárias por meio de tecnologias adequadas pode ser potencializado pela criação de referências metodológicas para o projeto e adequação dessas tecnologias.