ABSTRACT Planting is considered one of the most essential steps in coffee growing. Lack of uniformity in planting may compromise future operations. Therefore, verifying planting operations quality is fundamental to optimizing production processes and reducing costs. This study aimed to investigate planting techniques through Statistical Process Control (SPC) and aerial images. Carried out in two areas, managed manually and semi-mechanized in the Bom Jardim Farm (MG - Brazil). Data were collected through Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). Quality control charts and density maps were used to identify variations in distribution and spacing between plants and planting rows. It was found that the planting carried out manually was 4.7% wider than projected due to spacing reduction from 0.5 m to 0.48 m. The semi-mechanized system displayed a deficit of 7% compared to the projected planting system, using 0.55 m between plants. The density map showed the most significant planting alignment variations. Despite displaying lower results than the manual system, the semi-mechanized system improvements are valid for their minimal average variations. Thus, correcting points found outside the limits can increase the efficiency of semi-mechanized planting. growing Therefore costs SPC (SPC images areas semimechanized semi mechanized MG Brazil. Brazil . Brazil) RPA. RPA (RPA) rows 47 4 7 4.7 05 0 5 0. 048 48 0.4 055 55 Thus (RPA 4. 04

Abstract Standardized Work (SW) is an approach originated in the manufacturing industry, which aims to standardize and improve the efficiency of operations cycles, based on the Lean Production Philosophy. SW has the potential to support the implementation of Location-Based Planning and Control (LBPC) as it allows balancing the workload between workers or teams, contributing to the synchronization of processes. The aim of this study is to propose a method for implementing SW as an additional element of LBPC. Design Science Research was the methodological approach adopted in this investigation and an empirical study was carried out in a real estate company, in which the method for implementing SW was conceived and implemented.The following benefits were identified in the study: increase in the degree of process standardization, improvement in process synchronization, increase in the engagement of the work force with process standards, and improvement in terms of time reliability. The main contribution of this research study has been the adaptation of SW in the construction context as an additional element of LBPC. (SW industry cycles Philosophy LocationBased Location Based LBPC (LBPC teams processes company implementedThe implemented standardization standards reliability

Resumo Trabalho Padronizado (TP) é uma abordagem originária da indústria da manufatura que visa a padronizar e melhorar a eficiência dos ciclos de operações com base na Filosofia da Produção Enxuta. O TP tem o potencial de apoiar a implementação do Planejamento e Controle Baseado em Localização (LBPC), pois permite equilibrar a carga de trabalho entre os trabalhadores ou equipes, contribuindo para a sincronização de processos. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um método para implementação do TP como um elemento adicional do LBPC. Design Science Research foi a abordagem metodológica utilizada, sendo conduzido um estudo empírico em uma empresa atuante no mercado imobiliário, na qual o método para implementação do TP foi concebido e implementado. Os seguintes benefícios foram identificados no estudo: aumento do grau de padronização das operações, melhoria na sincronização entre processos, aumento do engajamento da mão-de-obra com padrões de processo, e melhoria em termos de confiabilidade em relação a prazos. A principal contribuição desta pesquisa para o avanço do conhecimento foi a adaptação da abordagem do TP ao contexto da construção civil como um elemento adicional do LBPC. (TP Enxuta LBPC, LBPC , (LBPC) equipes processos utilizada imobiliário implementado mãodeobra mão obra processo prazos (LBPC

The utilisation of online platform Blackboard Learn for Teaching and Learning (T & L) has become an essential and obligatory component of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This study research aims to examine the difficulties and potential of its implementation at a Historically Disadvantaged Institution (HDI) like University of Limpopo (UL), with a focus on the Bachelor of Arts (BA) programme in Criminology and Psychology (Crim & Psych) as guided by University of Limpopo Faculty of Humanities Multimodal Teaching and Learning Plan (UL FHMTLP). This qualitative study employed an empirical research design, selecting Twelve (12) permanent Academics/Lecturers from the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at UL for interview purposes. The verbatim responses from the interviews were analysed to identify the key themes and sub-themes of the study using the inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) method. This study revealed that there is a lack of utilisation of Blackboard Learn at UL, as well as ineffective adaptation of current strategies and UL FHMTLP implementations. Many Lecturers still depend on contact T & L and the use of Blackboard Learn to connect the operations of this programme is currently unsuccessful. Recommendations consist of regular training and refreshment courses on the application of this technology, such as the Learning Management System (LMS) provided by the Information and Communications Technology [ICT]-electronic-(e)-Learning Unit. This could potentially facilitate collaborations between Natural Sciences (Technology - Blackboard Learn) and Human Sciences (Crim & Psych) to generate new knowledge, while also clearly providing the advantages of technology utilisation for T & L at UL. This kind of innovation could accommodate "economical, educational, technical, and social transformations" to address the mentioned challenges and opportunities, while making contributions to the field of professorship, with a focus on the South African Future Professors Programme (FPP) Phase 2 Cohort 1 2022-2023, utilising Blackboard Learn for T & L in a HDI to outline the existing challenges and possibilities.

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar as disputas nas narrativas em redes sociais virtuais relacionadas às operações policiais Escudo/Verão da Polícia Militar de São Paulo e Exceptis da DPCA do Rio de Janeiro. O foco está na representação, debate e contestação dessas operações nas plataformas digitais, considerando múltiplas perspectivas. Além disso, o estudo investiga como as narrativas foram construídas e disseminadas, os atores envolvidos e o impacto dessas interações na percepção pública das ações policiais. A pesquisa também busca identificar os mecanismos de poder e resistência nas redes sociais, avaliando como as tecnologias digitais facilitam a articulação de discursos hegemônicos e contra-hegemônicos. O método adotado incluiu a análise de discursos em plataformas como Facebook e X (Twitter), com foco em publicações oficiais e não oficiais, além de influenciadores digitais como Delegado Da Cunha e Gabriel Monteiro. A coleta de dados ocorreu a partir das datas de início das respectivas operações, e a análise qualitativa foi guiada pelos conceitos teóricos de Berger e Luckmann sobre a construção social da realidade. Até o momento, os resultados preliminares indicam que, apesar das preocupações com a violência policial, as narrativas digitais têm favorecido grupos políticos de direita, promovendo uma ideologia conservadora. O engajamento dos seguidores nas redes sociais, centrado na figura da polícia, tem reforçado uma sensação de proteção e rejeitado opiniões contrárias. A pesquisa continua em andamento, buscando aprofundar a compreensão das dinâmicas comunicativas contemporâneas e dos impactos das mídias digitais na formação da opinião pública sobre segurança e políticas públicas.

The objective of this study is to analyze disputes in narratives on virtual social networks related to the police operations Escudo/Verão of the Military Police of São Paulo and Exceptis of the DPCA of Rio de Janeiro. The focus is on the representation, debate and contestation of these operations on digital platforms, considering multiple perspectives. Furthermore, the study investigates how the narratives were constructed and disseminated, the actors involved and the impact of these interactions on the public perception of police actions. The research also seeks to identify the mechanisms of power and resistance in social networks, evaluating how digital technologies facilitate the articulation of hegemonic and counter-hegemonic discourses. The method adopted included the analysis of speeches on platforms such as Facebook and X (Twitter), focusing on official and unofficial publications, as well as digital influencers such as Delegado Da Cunha and Gabriel Monteiro. Data collection occurred from the start dates of the respective operations, and the qualitative analysis was guided by Berger and Luckmann's theoretical concepts on the social construction of reality. So far, preliminary results indicate that, despite concerns about police violence, digital narratives have favored right-wing political groups, promoting a conservative ideology. The engagement of followers on social media, centered on the police, has reinforced a sense of protection and rejected contrary opinions. The research remains ongoing, seeking to deepen the understanding of contemporary communicative dynamics and the impacts of digital media on the formation of public opinion on security and public policies.

Abstract Introduction/Frame: Treatment courts (TCs) were developed in the 1980s to address challenges facing individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD) involved in the criminal justice (CJ) system. TCs are an alternative to the punitive nature of the CJ system by joining SUD treatment with the accountability of the judicial system. By design, treatment court (TC) implementations are highly varied. Each implementation adopts the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) key components that are consistent with yet bound by their community resources, values, and political realities. Research Questions/Objective: Using qualitative community-based participatory research, two case studies and one phenomenological study were conducted with treatment courts in a mid-Atlantic state in the USA to examine successful TC operations. Methodology: Using purposive sampling, the analytic plan included individual semi-structured interviews with judges, TC team members, program graduates, and community stakeholders. Interviews were professionally transcribed and coded consistent with thematic analysis procedures. Results: Analysis revealed themes of judicial sovereignty juxtaposed with a lack of knowledge of SUDs, the importance of a fully dedicated coordinator to serve as an extension of the judge, and purposeful courtroom set-up and norms conducive to a therapeutic rather than punitive approach. Final Considerations: Transferable recommendations to other specialty docket evaluators and teams which can be adopted to fit a variety of dockets, including mental health court, veterans court, and juvenile court include mandatory judicial training, evolving operations norms, values alignment among the TC team, and a TC coordinator to oversee day-to-day operations. In addition, stakeholder engagement to drive an iterative evaluation process converges with the traditions of action research in community settings.

Abstract The work examines a series of media operations that took place between 1981 and 1982, which aimed to counteract the impact of the complaints carried out abroad by one of the victims of the dictatorship, the renowned media businessman Jacobo Timerman. The research investigates these operations, placing them within the framework of the so-called “psychological actions” and reconstructs the role played in these practices by General Ramón Camps, former chief of the Police of the Province of Buenos Aires, who had been in charge of the arrest. and the clandestine captivity of Timerman. Along these lines, the article studies the main topics, strategies and supports used, and also the plots and actors that were part of these actions, highlighting the participation of media entrepreneurs, journalists, politicians, members of the Catholic Church, leaders of the Jewish community, military and police.

Resumen En el trabajo se examina una serie de operaciones mediáticas transcurridas entre 1981 y 1982, que tuvieron por objetivo contrarrestar el impacto de las denuncias que llevaba a cabo en el exterior una de las víctimas de la dictadura, el reconocido empresario de medios Jacobo Timerman. La investigación indaga esas operaciones situándolas en el marco de las denominadas “acciones psicológicas” y reconstruye el rol que cumplió en estas prácticas el general Ramón Camps, ex jefe de la Policía de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, quien había estado a cargo de la detención y el cautiverio clandestino de Timerman. En esta línea, el artículo estudia los principales tópicos, estrategias y soportes utilizados, y también las tramas y los actores que formaron parte de esas acciones, destacando la participación de empresarios de medios de comunicación, periodistas, políticos, miembros de la Iglesia católica, referentes de la comunidad judía, militares y policías.

Resumo O artigo examina uma série de operações de mídia entre 1981 e 1982, cujo objetivo era neutralizar o impacto das denúncias realizadas no exterior por uma das vítimas da ditadura, o renomado empresário de mídia Jacobo Timerman. A investigação apura essas operações, enquadrando-as nas chamadas "ações psicológicas", e reconstrói o papel desempenhado nessas práticas pelo General Ramón Camps, ex-chefe de Polícia da Província de Buenos Aires, responsável pela detenção clandestina e pelo cativeiro de Timerman. Nessa linha, o artigo estuda os principais temas, estratégias e mídias utilizadas, bem como os enredos e atores que participaram dessas ações, destacando a participação de empresários da mídia, jornalistas, políticos, membros da Igreja Católica, membros da comunidade judaica, militares e policiais.

Abstract Recent historiographical research has posed the question about the “productive dimension of power” and the construction of consensus among the population during the last Argentine civic-military dictatorship (1976-1983). This article extends that question to the Malvinas war, fought between Argentina and Great Britain in 1982. Based on the study of documents declassified in 2015 and kept in the Department of Naval Historical Studies, the article analyzes the social communication and the psychological campaign that the Argentine Navy projected during those days to model celebratory attitudes and feelings towards the Army and to underpin the military operations of the dictatorship in the South Atlantic, and the consequently expected (and frustrated) diplomatic negotiations.

Resumen En los últimos años, un conjunto de investigaciones historiográficas inauguró la pregunta por “la dimensión productiva del poder” y por la construcción de consenso entre la población durante la última dictadura cívico-militar argentina (1976-1983). En este artículo se extienden esas preguntas a la guerra de Malvinas, librada entre Argentina y Gran Bretaña en 1982, con un inmenso apoyo de la sociedad civil. A partir del estudio de documentos desclasificados en 2015 y resguardados en el Departamento de Estudios Históricos Navales, el trabajo analiza las pautas de comunicación social y la campaña de acción psicológica que la Armada Argentina proyectó en esos días para modelar actitudes y movilizar sentimientos que, además de celebrar la razón de ser de la Marina entre distintos públicos nacionales y extranjeros, apuntalaran las operaciones militares de la dictadura en el Atlántico Sur y la consecuentemente esperada (y frustrada) negociación diplomática.

Resumo Nos últimos anos, um conjunto de pesquisas historiográficas abriu a questão da "dimensão produtiva do poder" e da construção de consenso entre a população durante a última ditadura civil-militar da Argentina (1976-1983). Este artigo estende essas questões à Guerra das Malvinas, travada entre a Argentina e a Grã-Bretanha em 1982, com imenso apoio da sociedade civil. Com base no estudo de documentos desclassificados em 2015 e mantidos no Departamento de Estudos Históricos Navais, o artigo analisa os padrões de comunicação social e a campanha de ação psicológica que a Marinha Argentina planejou naqueles dias para moldar atitudes e mobilizar sentimentos que, além de celebrar a razão de ser da Marinha entre diferentes públicos nacionais e estrangeiros, apoiariam as operações militares da ditadura no Atlântico Sul e a negociação diplomática consequentemente esperada (e frustrada).

Managing school finances by school governing bodies (SGBs) in South African secondary schools has proven to be a challenge that has several negative consequences for education, infrastructure, and other resources. The purpose of this article was to assess the efficiency of financial management systems (FMSs) in selected schools in the Amathole West education district. A case study design and qualitative approach were employed in the study. Purposive sampling was used to select SGB members from 2 schools in the district. The research participants were interviewed using face-to-face and telephonic interviews. We found that while there is understanding and alignment of financial systems by SGBs, insufficient or limited financial resources, inconsistencies in dealing with financial management matters, and government deposit allocation delays, SGBs' level of education and bank operations pose challenges and lead to the misalignment of school operations. Based on the study, we suggest that SGBs adopt strategies to enhance the financial management of schools, namely monitoring and evaluation, the appointment of qualified SGB members, increased training, a stipend system for SGBs and timeous deposit of funds to schools.

Surface coal operations in which mining activities are conducted above old underground workings experience hot holes after drilling. In a coal mine, hot holes are defined as shot holes, which after being drilled have an in-hole ambient temperature of 40°C or above or show a temperature increase of 3°C or more during monitoring. Hot holes and other cavities, such as cracks, pose health and safety risks to workers, such as exposure to hot air and high concentrations of noxious gases released from these holes. In addition, workers may be exposed to premature detonation of explosives caused by in-hole temperature increases and chemical reactions. To this end, Coaltech Research Association commissioned a project to develop a Best Practice Guideline for the management of hot holes. This paper is a compilation of the activities conducted in the development of the Best Practice Guideline between 2021 and 2022. The activities included a review of standard operating procedures and hot-hole temperature-measuring and -monitoring devices, and the assessment of current hot-hole procedures at selected mines. The results indicated that management of hot holes requires a focus on pre-emptive risk assessment of mining blocks, identification of hot holes using the correct temperature-measuring devices, and continuous monitoring of hot holes from the time of drilling until just before blasting. Hot-hole management accessories, such as polyvinyl chloride sleeves, were found to be effective in insulating the hot-hole emulsion from the rock mass temperature, thus preventing the potential for premature detonation.

Resumo O presente artigo tem o objetivo de investigar como os novos intermediários da expressão, a exemplo das plataformas de mídia online e das redes sociais, realizam a regulação do discurso, a partir da moderação de conteúdo e impulsionamento de opiniões emitidas pelos usuários, e como essa atuação influencia o debate sobre a liberdade de expressão. Utiliza-se a metodologia análise jurisprudencial, para delimitar o problema, bem como revisão de literatura e levantamento de dados, para identificar os novos intermediários da expressão, com análise suas principais características, modos de atuação, curadoria de conteúdo online e possibilidades de censura por atores privados. A pesquisa apresenta os seguintes resultados: a) as grandes plataformas de acesso e as redes sociais, na prática, controlam a liberdade de expressão, pela censura prévia, coleta de dados pessoais e controle do fluxo informacional; b) ainda não houve resposta institucional internacionalmente coordenada e efetiva, sobretudo em razão da dificuldade de transposição de regras locais a empresas com atuação mundial; c) o Estado passa a ocupar o papel de ator central para proteger, no mundo digital, a livre circulação do pensamento, a intimidade/privacidade, a isonomia, a verdade do conteúdo inserido e, por conseguinte, a higidez da democracia no século XXI. expressão sociais discurso usuários Utilizase Utiliza se jurisprudencial problema características privados resultados prática prévia informacional b efetiva mundial c proteger digital pensamento intimidadeprivacidade intimidade privacidade intimidade/privacidade isonomia conseguinte XXI

Abstract This article aims to investigate how new intermediaries of expression - such as online media platforms and social networks - regulate speech, through content moderation and promotion of opinions expressed by users, and how this performance influences the debate on freedom of expression. The jurisprudential analysis methodology is used to define the problem, as well as literature review and data collection, to identify new intermediaries of expression, analyzing their main characteristics, modes of action, online content curation and possibilities of censorship by private actors. The research presents the following results: a) large access platforms and social networks, in practice, control freedom of expression, through prior censorship, collection of personal data and control of information flow; b) there has not yet been an internationally coordinated and effective institutional response, mainly due to the difficulty of transposing local rules to companies with global operations; c) the State takes on the role of central actor to protect, in the digital world, the free circulation of thought, intimacy/privacy, equality, the truth of the content inserted and, consequently, the health of democracy in the 21st century. speech users problem characteristics action actors results a practice flow b response operations c protect world thought intimacyprivacy intimacy privacy intimacy/privacy equality consequently st century

Abstract: This study focuses on the research question: How do prospective elementary school teachers (FT) make decisions when considering the algebraic thinking of 9-year-old children? A specific type of noticing was used to describe the decisions of 21 FT when observing the strategies employed by 3 children to solve the equation 6+4= +5. The FT participated in a six-session course on the teaching and learning of algebra, based on video analysis as a means to approach teaching practice. Focusing on sessions 1 and 2, the written responses of the FT to two distinct questions were examined. The main results show that, although the FT’s decisions frequently lacked evidential support, their reasoning aligned with specific aspects of algebraic thinking and research covered during the course. Finally, two positions adopted by the FT in decision making were identified: a) arithmetic, centred on the calculations that children should follow, and (b) relational, focused on the interplay of operations through the equals sign. The role of noticing and video analysis as tools to bring future primary school teachers closer to the practice of teaching algebra in primary education was discussed.

Resumen: En esta investigación se abordó la pregunta: ¿Cómo son las decisiones de futuros profesores de primaria (FP) al considerar el pensamiento algebraico de niños de 9 años? Se partió de un tipo específico de noticing para describir las decisiones de 21 FP al observar las estrategias empleadas por 3 niños para resolver la igualdad 6+4= +5. Los FP participaron en un curso de seis sesiones sobre enseñanza y aprendizaje del álgebra basado en el análisis de videos como vía para aproximarse a la práctica docente. Centrándose en las sesiones 1 y 2, se examinaron las respuestas escritas de los FP ante dos situaciones distintas. Los principales resultados muestran que, aunque las decisiones de los FP a menudo carecían de evidencias, sus razonamientos coincidían con aspectos específicos del pensamiento algebraico y la investigación tratada durante el curso. Finalmente, se identificaron dos posturas adoptadas por los FP al decidir: a) aritmética, centrada en los cálculos que deben seguir los niños, y b) relacional, enfocada en la relación de operaciones mediante el signo igual. Se discutió sobre el rol del noticing y el análisis de videos como herramientas para aproximar a FP a la práctica de enseñar álgebra en la educación primaria.

ABSTRACT This research aims to empirically examine the internal branding processes implemented by a global sports fashion firm to turn all employees into competent brand ambassadors. Brand-oriented training was hypothesized as an antecedent of salesperson brand identification and brand commitment, which drive brand-aligned behavior, the critical trait of employee brand ambassadors. These hypotheses were tested by surveying 141 corporate and retail employees of a global sportswear fashion brand's regional operations in Mexico. The principal conclusion is that brand-oriented training proves a significant driver of salesperson brand identification. Furthermore, brand identification drives brand commitment and brand-aligned behavior among all company employees, not just salespersons.

RESUMEN Esta investigación tiene como objetivo examinar empíricamente los procesos de branding interno, implementados por una importante firma de moda deportiva para convertir a todos los empleados en embajadores de marca competentes. Se planteó la hipótesis de que la capacitación orientada a la marca es un antecedente de la identificación y el compromiso con la marca por parte del vendedor, lo que impulsa un comportamiento alineado con la marca, el rasgo crítico de los empleados embajadores de la marca. Estas hipótesis se probaron encuestando a 141 empleados corporativos y minoristas de las operaciones regionales de una importante marca de moda deportiva en México. La principal conclusión es que la capacitación orientada a la marca proporciona un impulsor significativo de la identificación de la marca por parte de los vendedores. Además, la identificación de la marca impulsa el compromiso con la marca y el comportamiento alineado con la marca entre todos los empleados de la empresa, no sólo entre los vendedores.

ABSTRACT This work aims to identify innovations, technological advances, and best practices to migrate towards a circular economy in air transport. The relevance of the research lies in the contribution to the generation of circular economy knowledge in the field of administration with application in the aeronautical industry. By analyzing literature and best practices, the circular economy could be a viable solution to reduce the use of natural resources in aircraft manufacturing and airport operations. Among the main findings are innovations and technological developments in new materials, fuels, building methods, and best practices implemented at airports to obtain energy and generate less waste. It has also been identified that applying circular economy principles in this mode of transport would contribute to sustainability efforts and increase the competitiveness of organizations in the sector.

RESUMEN Este trabajo tiene como objetivo identificar innovaciones, avances tecnológicos y mejores prácticas para migrar hacia una economía circular en el transporte aéreo. La relevancia de la investigación radica en el aporte a la generación de conocimiento sobre economía circular en el campo de la administración con aplicación en la industria aeronáutica. Al analizar la literatura y las mejores prácticas, la economía circular podría ser una solución viable para reducir el uso de recursos naturales en la fabricación de aeronaves y las operaciones aeroportuarias. Entre los principales hallazgos se encuentran innovaciones y desarrollos tecnológicos en nuevos materiales, combustibles, métodos de construcción y mejores prácticas implementadas en los aeropuertos para obtener energía y generar menos residuos. También se ha identificado que aplicar principios de economía circular en este modo de transporte contribuiría a los esfuerzos de sostenibilidad y aumentaría la competitividad de las organizaciones del sector.

Resumo Introdução: A epidemic intelligence (EI) assegura a deteção precoce, a avaliação e a comunicação das ameaças para a saúde pública para definir prioridades e mobilizar recursos para a investigação, vigilância, prevenção e controlo. Em Portugal, a Direção-Geral da Saúde (DGS) é responsável pela EI e publica semanalmente um relatório de ameaças para a saúde pública (RONDA) que é partilhado com a rede de autoridades de saúde, instituições e profissionais de saúde pública. As alterações nas ameaças comunicadas em relatórios periódicos de ameaças desde a COVID-19 não foram descritas anteriormente. Métodos: Comparámos as ameaças reportadas na RONDA entre 2016 a 2022 em três períodos sequenciais: antes da COVID-19 (janeiro de 2016 - março de 2020), P2 durante as restrições (abril de 2020 - fevereiro de 2022) e P3 na fase pós-aguda da COVID-19 (fevereiro de 2022 - setembro de 2022). Comparamos a frequência média mensal de ameaças não COVID-19 relatadas entre todas as ameaças relatadas nesses períodos, considerando diferentes categorias dentro do grupo de doenças, foco geográfico e fontes de informação. Resultados: As ameaças não-COVID-19 tiveram uma diminuição na frequência média mensal de reporte no Período2 (14,7 vs. 2,3 p < 0.001) em comparação com o Período1, antes da COVID-19. Houve um retorno ao padrão pré-pandêmico de notificação no Período 3 (14,67 vs. 17,63 p < 0.208) para ameaças não COVID-19 com um aumento nas doenças virais emergentes (2,20 vs. 7,62 p < 0.001). O ECDC e a OMS são as fontes de informação mais frequentes, seguidas das fontes nacionais de saúde pública. Conclusões: Durante a COVID-19, houve alterações no reporte de ameaças em Portugal. A COVID-19 possivelmente afetou a EI e os relatórios de ameaças epidémicas globais, possivelmente desviando a atenção e os recursos de outras ameaças para a pandemia. No entanto, a quantidade de ameaças que justificam o acompanhamento e a comunicação pode estar a aumentar. É necessária investigação em comunicação de ameaças detetadas no âmbito da EI a fim de assegurar que todas as ameaças relevantes são avaliadas e comunicadas de acordo com os objetivos da EI, garantindo simultaneamente o investimento em recursos e a preparação para a prevenção e resposta.

Abstract Background: Epidemic intelligence (EI) ensures early detection, assessment, and communication of public health threats. Threat reporting defines priorities and mobilize resources for surveillance, prevention, and control. In Portugal, the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) is responsible for EI and publishes a weekly public health threat report (RONDA). Changes in threats in regular threat reports since COVID-19 have not been previously described. We analysed changes in non-COVID threat reporting in the weekly threat report. Methods: Using the DGS Emergency Operations Centre’s threat reporting database, we compared threats reported in RONDAs from 2016 to 2022 in three sequential periods: P1 before COVID-19 (January 2016-March 2020), P2 during acute COVID-19 restrictions (April 2020-February 2022), and P3 in post-acute COVID-19 phase (February 2022-September 2022). We described the monthly average frequency of reports on non-COVID-19 threats in those periods considering different disease groups, geographical focus, and information sources. We estimated expected non-COVID-19 reports on threats using a forecast model fitted to the time series until March 2020 and compared observed and expected values. Results: Non-COVID-19 threats had a decrease in the monthly average frequency of reporting in period 2 (14,7 vs. 2,3 p < 0.001) compared to period 1. Using the forecast methods, there were 114 fewer non-COVID threats than the 162 expected (−70%) in period 2. In period 3, there were 105 more threats than expected (+256%). The ECDC and the WHO were the most frequent sources of information followed by national Public Health sources. Conclusions: During COVID-19, there was a decrease in reports on non-COVID threats in Portugal. COVID-19 possibly affected global EI, by shifting attention and resources from other threats to the pandemic. However, the number of threats that warrant follow-up and communication is increasing. Further research is necessary to inform the EI research and development agenda, to ensure that all relevant threats are detected, accessed, and communicated according to evolving EI objectives and priorities while resources and preparedness are guaranteed.

Introduction: Cholesteatoma, although relatively rare, presents significant challenges in clinical practice. Despite decades of research, its cause remains complex and elusive. Objective: This review aimed to summarize key findings on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and surgical management of cholesteatoma, highlighting current knowledge gaps and emerging trends in the field. Method: Narrative review carried out in the PubMed and Scielo databases. The search used the following keywords: “cholesteatoma, petros apex, minimally invasive surgical procedures”. The inclusion criteria comprised review articles, pre-clinical and clinical research published, written in Portuguese and English and available in complete text. The selected articles were analyzed based on the technologies covered, future perspectives, challenges, diseases mentioned and the central idea of the article. Result: 36 articles were included. Conclusion: Cholesteatoma is important in medical practice, despite being relatively uncommon in the general population. However, there are still doubts about its cause, but its diagnosis has been expanded through imaging tests in an attempt to reduce “second-look” operations and avoid them. Another field with constant growth is surgical treatment, since the complex anatomy requires that new techniques be managed to reduce injuries to important and vital structures in the region.

Introdução: O colesteatoma, embora relativamente raro, apresenta desafios significativos na prática clínica. Apesar de décadas de pesquisa, sua causa permanece complexa e evasiva. Objetivo: Esta revisão pretendeu resumir as principais descobertas sobre a epidemiologia, fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e manejo cirúrgico do colesteatoma, destacando lacunas de conhecimento atuais e tendências emergentes no campo. Método: Revisão narrativa realizada nas bases PubMed e Scielo. A busca utilizou as seguintes palavras-chave: “colesteatoma, ápice petros, procedimentos cirúrgicos minimamente invasivos” e suas versões ao inglês Os critérios de inclusão compreenderam artigos de revisão, pesquisas pré-clínicas e clínicas publicados, escritos em português e inglês e disponíveis em texto completo. Os artigos selecionados foram analisados com base nas tecnologias abordadas, perspectivas futuras, desafios, doenças referidas e ideia central do artigo. Resultado: Foram incluídos 36 artigos. Conclusão: O colesteatoma tem importância na prática médica, apesar de ser relativamente pouco frequente na população em geral. No entanto, ainda existem dúvidas sobre sua causa, mas seu diagnóstico tem sido ampliado atavés de exames de imagem na tentativa de redução das operações de “segundo-olhar”, evitando-as. Outro campo com crescimento constante é o tratamento cirúrgico, uma vez que a anatomia complexa exige que novas técnicas sejam manejadas para diminuir lesões de estruturas importantes e vitais da região.