Normative Data of Handgrip Strength in Macedonian Children and Adolescents According to Chronological and Biological Age / Datos Normativos de la Fuerza de Prensión Manual en Niños y Adolescentes Macedonios Según la Edad Cronológica y Biológica

SUMMARY: The handgrip strength is used as a means of individual's health prediction during life. It is used as an indicator of the nutrition status, bone fragility, presence of sarcopenia and it correlates with certain diseases and clinical complications. The research goal was to analyze the results of the hand dynamometry test, based on the chronological and biological age, and to offer normative and referent standards about children and adolescents from the Republic of North Macedonia. The study was conducted on a sample of 4031 respondents of both sexes at the age 6-14 years. In order to achieve the research goals, the measured characteristics were of the weight, height, sitting height and handgrip strength. The body mass index and biological maturity values (APHV) were obtained by using formulas. On the basis of the obtained results, it can be concluded that statistically significant differences in handgrip strength are established between the boys and girls of all age categories. Also, statistically significant differences between boys and girls are established in the hand dynamometry test of all APHV levels. In general, the use of the APHV allows a better categorization of the performance of the studied children and adolescents. With boys, the correlation between the chronological age and test was 68 %, and with girls - 77 %. The normative referent standards of the hand dynamometry test are presented in percentiles for both sexes. Thye hand dynamometry test's results during childhood and adolescence should be analyzed and interpret on the basis of biological age, and not on the chronological age. These tools can help specialists who work with children and adolescents in ethnic and epidemiological context.

La fuerza de prensión se utiliza como medio para predecir la salud del individuo durante la vida. Se utiliza como indicador del estado nutricional, fragilidad ósea, presencia de sarcopenia y se correlaciona con determinadas enfermedades y complicaciones clínicas. El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar los resultados de la prueba de dinamometría manual, con base en la edad cronológica y biológica, y ofrecer estándares normativos y referentes sobre niños y adolescentes de la República de Macedonia del Norte. El estudio se realizó en una muestra de 4031 encuestados de ambos sexos con edades comprendidas entre 6 y 14 años. Para lograr los objetivos de la investigación, las características medidas fueron el peso, la altura, la altura al sentarse y la fuerza de prensión. El índice de masa corporal y los valores de madurez biológica (APHV) se obtuvieron mediante fórmulas. Sobre la base de los resultados obtenidos, se puede concluir que se establecen diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la fuerza de prensión manual entre niños y niñas de todas las categorías de edad. Asimismo, se establecen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre niños y niñas en la prueba de dinamometría manual de todos los niveles APHV. En general, el uso del APHV permite una mejor categorización del desempeño de los niños y adolescentes estudiados. En los niños, la correlación entre la edad cronológica y la prueba fue del 68 %, y en las niñas, del 77 %. Los estándares normativos referentes de la prueba de dinamometría manual se presentan en percentiles para ambos sexos. Los resultados de la prueba de dinamometría manual durante la infancia y la adolescencia deben analizarse e interpretarse en función de la edad biológica y no de la edad cronológica. Estas herramientas pueden ayudar a los especialistas que trabajan con niños y adolescentes en un contexto étnico y epidemiológico.

Assessment of land use cover changes, carbon sequestration and carbon stock in dry temperate forests of Chilas watershed, Gilgit-Baltistan

Abstract Land use and land cover change are affecting the global environment and ecosystems of the different biospheres. Monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of these changes is of utmost importance as they often results in several global environmental consequences such as land degradation, mass erosion, habitat deterioration as well as micro and macro climate of the regions. The advance technologies like remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) are helpful in determining/ identifying these changes. In the current study area, changes in carbon stocks, notably in forest areas, are resulting in considerable dynamics of carbon stocks as a result of climate change and carbon sequestration. This study was carried out in the Diamer district of the Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Pakistan to investigate the change in cover change/land use change (particularly Forest Land use) as well as carbon sequestration potential of the forests in the district during almost last 25years. The land cover, temporal Landsat data (level 1, LIT) were downloaded from the USGS EROS (2016), for 1979-1989, 1990-2000 and 2001-2012. Change in land uses, particularly forest cover was investigated using GIS techniques. Forest inventory was carried out using random sampling techniques. A standard plot of size 0.1 ha (n=80) was laid out to determine the tree density, volume, biomass and C stocks. Simulation of C stocks was accomplished by application of the CO2FIX model with the data input from inventory. Results showed a decrease in both forest and snow cover in the region from 1979-2012. Similarly decrease was seen in tree volume, tree Biomass, dynamics of C Stocks and decrease was in occur tree density respectively. It is recommended we need further more like project such as BTAP (Billion Tree Afforestation Project) and green Pakistan project to increase the forest cover, to control on land use change, protect forest ecosystem and to protect snow cover.

Resumo O uso e as mudanças na cobertura da terra estão afetando o meio ambiente global e os ecossistemas das diferentes biosferas. O monitoramento, relatório e verificação (MRV) dessas mudanças são de extrema importância, pois muitas vezes resultam em várias consequências ambientais globais, como degradação da terra, erosão em massa, deterioração do hábitat, bem como micro e macroclima das regiões. As tecnologias avançadas, como sensoriamento remoto (RS) e sistema de informações geográficas (SIG), são úteis para determinar / identificar essas mudanças. Na área de estudo atual, as mudanças nos estoques de carbono, principalmente em áreas florestais, estão resultando em uma dinâmica considerável dos estoques de carbono como resultado das mudanças climáticas e do sequestro de carbono. Este estudo foi realizado no distrito de Diamer de Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Paquistão, para investigar a mudança na mudança de cobertura / mudança de uso da terra (particularmente uso de terras florestais), bem como o potencial de sequestro de carbono das florestas no distrito durante quase os últimos 25 anos. A cobertura da terra, os dados temporais do Landsat (nível 1, LIT), foram baixados do USGS EROS (2016), para 1979-1989, 1990-2000 e 2001-2012. Mudanças nos usos da terra, particularmente na cobertura florestal, foram investigadas usando técnicas de SIG. O inventário florestal foi realizado por meio de técnicas de amostragem aleatória. Um lote padrão de 0,1 ha (n = 80) foi estabelecido para determinar a densidade das árvores, volume, biomassa e estoques de C. A simulação dos estoques de C foi realizada pela aplicação do modelo CO2FIX com a entrada de dados do inventário. Os resultados mostraram uma diminuição na cobertura florestal e de neve na região de 1979 a 2012. Da mesma forma, diminuição foi observada no volume da árvore, biomassa das árvores, dinâmica dos estoques de C e diminuição na densidade das árvores, respectivamente. É recomendado que precisemos de mais projetos como o BTAP (Billion Tree Afforestation Project) e o projeto Green Pakistan para aumentar a cobertura florestal, controlar as mudanças no uso da terra, proteger o ecossistema florestal e proteger a cobertura de neve.

Evaluating the precision and accuracy of digital dental models with a low-cost structured light device

ABSTRACT Objective: This study evaluated the accuracy and precision of digital models acquisition using a home-built, low-cost scanning system based on the structured light method. Methods: a plaster model (PM) was scanned using the experimental device (SL) and a dental desktop scanner (DS). The teeth dimensions of PM and SL models were measured in triplicate, with a caliper and digitally, respectively. The agreement of the measurements of each model was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient, and the validity between the different measurement techniques was assessed using the Bland-Altman analysis. The accuracy and precision of the models were qualitatively investigated using the mesh superposition of the SL and DS models. Results: A high intraclass correlation coefficient was observed in all models (PM=0.964; SL1=0.998; SL2=0.995; SL3=0.998), and there was no statistical difference between the measurements of the SL models (p>0.05). PM and SL model measurements were found to be in good agreement, with only 3.57% of the observed differences between the same measurement being located outside 95% limits of agreement according to Bland and Altman (0.43 and -0.40 mm). In the superimpositions of SL-SL and SL-DS models, areas of discrepancy greater than 0.5 mm were observed mainly in interproximal, occlusal, and cervical sites. Conclusion: These results indicate that the home-built SL scanning system did not possess sufficient accuracy and precision for many clinical applications. However, the consistency in preserving the dental proportions suggests that the equipment can be used for planning, storage, and simple clinical purposes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou a acurácia e a precisão da aquisição de modelos digitais utilizando um sistema de digitalização caseiro e de baixo custo baseado no método de luz estruturada. Material e Métodos: Para isso, um modelo de gesso (MG) foi digitalizado utilizando o dispositivo experimental (LE) e um scanner dental de mesa (SD). As dimensões dos dentes dos modelos MG e LE foram medidas em triplicata com um paquímetro e digitalmente, respectivamente. A concordância das medidas de cada modelo foi avaliada usando o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, e a validade entre as diferentes técnicas de medição foi avaliada usando a análise de Bland-Altman. A acurácia e a precisão dos modelos foram investigadas qualitativamente usando a sobreposição de malhas dos modelos LE e SD. Resultados: Um alto coeficiente de correlação intraclasse foi observado em todos os modelos (MG=0,964; LE1=0,998; LE2=0,995; LE3=0,998) e não houve diferença estatística entre as medições dos modelos LE (p>0,05). As medições dos modelos MG e LE mostraram boa concordância, com apenas 3,57% das diferenças observadas entre as mesmas medições localizadas fora dos limites de concordância de 95% de acordo com a análise de Bland-Altman (0,43 e -0,40 mm). Nas sobreposições dos modelos LE-LE e LE-SD, foram observadas áreas de discrepância maiores que 0,5 mm principalmente nos sítios interproximais, oclusais e cervicais. Conclusões: Esses resultados indicam que o sistema de digitalização por luz estruturada caseiro não possui precisão e acurácia suficientes para muitas aplicações clínicas. No entanto, a consistência na preservação das proporções dentárias sugere que o equipamento pode ser usado para planejamento, armazenamento e propósitos clínicos simples.

Influence of repositioning guides' color and usage on precision in tooth color measurement with a clinical spectrophotometer

Abstract Repositioning guides are commonly employed in clinical studies to ensure consistent tooth color measurements. Yet, their influence on measured color remains uncertain. Objective This study evaluated the impact of repositioning guides' color and usage on tooth color measurement using a clinical spectrophotometer. Methodology In total, 18 volunteers participated in this study, in which the color of their upper left central incisor and upper left canine was measured with or without repositioning guides (control). The guides were made from pink, blue, or translucent silicone, as well as an acetate-based bleaching tray. Tooth color was measured in triplicates using a clinical spectrophotometer based on the CIELAB system. The standard deviations of these readings were used to estimate reproducibility, and color differences (ΔE00) between the measurements with guides and the control were calculated. Results Repositioning guides had a minimal effect on L* values and no effect on b* values. The use of pink silicone increased a* values, whereas blue or translucent silicone reduced them. Irrespective of the evaluated tooth, the lowest ΔE00 values were observed for the translucent silicone and bleaching tray. The usage of guides only affected data variability for the L* color coordinate. Conclusion Using repositioning guides can significantly impact the precision of tooth color measurement with a clinical spectrophotometer.

Public health surveillance and the data, information, knowledge, intelligence and wisdom paradigm / Vigilancia de salud pública y el paradigma de datos, información, conocimiento, inteligencia y sabiduría / Vigilância em saúde pública e o paradigma de dados, informações, conhecimento, inteligência e sabedoria

ABSTRACT This article points out deficiencies in present-day definitions of public health surveillance, which include data collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination, but not public health action. Controlling a public health problem of concern requires a public health response that goes beyond information dissemination. It is undesirable to have public health divided into data generation processes (public health surveillance) and data use processes (public health response), managed by two separate groups (surveillance experts and policy-makers). It is time to rethink the need to modernize the definition of public health surveillance, inspired by the authors' enhanced Data, Information, Knowledge, Intelligence and Wisdom model. Our recommendations include expanding the scope of public health surveillance beyond information dissemination to comprise actionable knowledge (intelligence); mandating surveillance experts to assist policy-makers in making evidence-informed decisions; encouraging surveillance experts to become policy-makers; and incorporating public health literacy training - from data to knowledge to wisdom - into the curricula for all public health professionals. Work on modernizing the scope and definition of public health surveillance will be a good starting point.

RESUMEN En este artículo se señalan las deficiencias de las definiciones actuales de la vigilancia de salud pública, que incluyen la recopilación, el análisis, la interpretación y la difusión de los datos, pero no las medidas de salud pública. El control de un problema de salud pública de interés exige una respuesta de salud pública que vaya más allá de la difusión de información. No es deseable que la salud pública esté dividida por un lado en procesos de generación de datos (vigilancia de salud pública) y por otro en procesos de uso de datos (respuesta de salud pública), gestionados por dos grupos diferentes (expertos en vigilancia y responsables de la formulación de políticas). Ha llegado el momento de replantear la necesidad de modernizar la definición de la vigilancia de salud pública tomando como referencia el modelo mejorado de Datos, Información, Conocimiento, Inteligencia y Sabiduría de los autores. Entre las recomendaciones que se proponen se encuentran las de ampliar el alcance de la vigilancia de salud pública más allá de la difusión de información para que incluya también el conocimiento aplicable (inteligencia); instar a los expertos en vigilancia a que presten ayuda a los responsables de la formulación de políticas en la toma de decisiones basadas en la evidencia; alentar a los expertos en vigilancia a que se conviertan en responsables de la formulación de políticas; e incorporar la formación en conocimientos básicos de salud pública (desde los datos hasta los conocimientos y la sabiduría) en los planes de estudio de todos los profesionales de la salud pública. Un buen punto de partida será trabajar en la modernización del alcance y la definición de la vigilancia de salud pública.

RESUMO Este artigo aponta deficiências nas definições atuais de vigilância em saúde pública, que incluem coleta, análise, interpretação e disseminação de dados, mas não ações de saúde pública. O controle de um problema preocupante de saúde pública exige uma resposta de saúde pública que vá além da disseminação de informações. A saúde pública não deve ser dividida em processos de geração de dados (vigilância em saúde pública) e processos de uso de dados (resposta de saúde pública) gerenciados por dois grupos distintos (especialistas em vigilância e formuladores de políticas). É hora de repensar a necessidade de modernizar a definição de vigilância em saúde pública, inspirada no modelo aprimorado de Dados, Informações, Conhecimento, Inteligência e Sabedoria dos autores. Nossas recomendações incluem: expansão do escopo da vigilância em saúde pública para além da disseminação de informações, de modo a abranger conhecimentos acionáveis (inteligência); obrigatoriedade de que os especialistas em vigilância auxiliem os formuladores de políticas na tomada de decisões baseadas em evidências; incentivo para que os especialistas em vigilância se tornem formuladores de políticas; e incorporação de capacitação em letramento em saúde pública (partindo dos dados para o conhecimento e em seguida para a sabedoria) nos currículos de todos os profissionais de saúde pública. O trabalho de modernizar o escopo e a definição de vigilância em saúde pública será um bom ponto de partida.

Análise da clareza metodológica como dimensão de qualidade do Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde / Analysis of methodological clarity as a quality dimension of the National Register of Health Establishments

RESUMO Este artigo analisa a dimensão de qualidade clareza metodológica do Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde (CNES), considerando a abordagem das formas de contratação inseridas no sistema. Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental com abordagem qualitativa, que analisou o CNES e seus documentos. Foram selecionados os documentos que contemplaram os descritores: tabela de vínculos de profissionais e/ou formas de contratação. A partir do conceito adotado para a dimensão de qualidade clareza metodológica, foram delineadas as categorias acessibilidade, conteúdo, variáveis, linguagem e usabilidade. No período de 2005 a 2020, foram publicados 17 documentos. Desses, três documentos se sobressaíram: o Leia-me da versão, a Tabela de Domínios e o Manual de preenchimento do CNES. O site do CNES passava por uma reestruturação, e nem todas as funcionalidades estavam devidamente implementadas. O site atual apresentou uma interface mais moderna e de fácil compreensão. A mudança da variável esfera administrativa para natureza jurídica, em 2015, pode dificultar a análise em série histórica. Evidencia-se que o CNES carece de melhor atenção quanto à clareza metodológica, considerando a abordagem das formas de contratação dos profissionais de saúde, inseridas no sistema.

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the quality dimension of methodological clarity of the National Registry of Health Establishments (CNES), considering the approach to forms of contracting in the system. This is a documentary research with a qualitative approach, which analyzed the CNES and its documents. Documents that included the following were selected: table of professional relationships and/or forms of hiring. Based on the concept adopted for the dimension of methodological clarity quality, the categories accessibility, content, variables, language, and usability were outlined. In the period from 2005 to 2020, 17 documents were published. Of those, three documents stood out: The version's Readme, the Domain Table, and the CNES Filling Manual. The CNES website underwent restructuring and not all features were completed. The current website has a more modern and easy-to-understand interface. The change from the administrative sphere variable to the legal nature, in 2015, may make historical series analysis difficult. It is evident that the CNES pays more attention to methodological clarity, considering the approach to the ways of hiring health professionals, included in the system.

Is the Bland-Altman plot method useful without inferences for accuracy, precision, and agreement?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE This study aims to propose a comprehensive alternative to the Bland-Altman plot method, addressing its limitations and providing a statistical framework for evaluating the equivalences of measurement techniques. This involves introducing an innovative three-step approach for assessing accuracy, precision, and agreement between techniques, which enhances objectivity in equivalence assessment. Additionally, the development of an R package that is easy to use enables researchers to efficiently analyze and interpret technique equivalences. METHODS Inferential statistics support for equivalence between measurement techniques was proposed in three nested tests. These were based on structural regressions with the goal to assess the equivalence of structural means (accuracy), the equivalence of structural variances (precision), and concordance with the structural bisector line (agreement in measurements obtained from the same subject), using analytical methods and robust approach by bootstrapping. To promote better understanding, graphical outputs following Bland and Altman's principles were also implemented. RESULTS The performance of this method was shown and confronted by five data sets from previously published articles that used Bland and Altman's method. One case demonstrated strict equivalence, three cases showed partial equivalence, and one showed poor equivalence. The developed R package containing open codes and data are available for free and with installation instructions at Harvard Dataverse at https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/AGJPZH. CONCLUSION Although easy to communicate, the widely cited and applied Bland and Altman plot method is often misinterpreted, since it lacks suitable inferential statistical support. Common alternatives, such as Pearson's correlation or ordinal least-square linear regression, also fail to locate the weakness of each measurement technique. It may be possible to test whether two techniques have full equivalence by preserving graphical communication, in accordance with Bland and Altman's principles, but also adding robust and suitable inferential statistics. Decomposing equivalence into three features (accuracy, precision, and agreement) helps to locate the sources of the problem when fixing a new technique.

Psychometric properties of the Providers Survey in the Brazilian context of mental health: a validation study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Precisely determining the aspects related to an instrument's validity and reliability measures allows for greater assurance of the quality of the results. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the psychometric properties of The Providers Survey in the Brazilian context of mental health services. DESIGN AND SETTING: The instrument validation study was conducted in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: The validation study was conducted using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments checklist to analyze its validity and reliability. RESULTS: A committee of expert judges performed content validation after which the Content Validity Index was calculated. Construct validation took place through Exploratory Factor Analysis using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Test criterion and Bartlett's Sphericity Test. Reliability was verified using test-retest reliability. The significance level adopted for the statistical tests was 5% (P < 0.05). The final instrument comprised 54 questions. The Content Validity Index was 97%. Exploratory Factor Analysis identified a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index of 0.901 and Bartlett's Sphericity Test with P < 0.001. We obtained a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.95 and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.849. CONCLUSIONS: The Providers Survey, translated and adapted into Portuguese, was named the Work Assessment Instrument for the Recovery of Mental Health. It presented adequate psychometric properties for evaluating work-related practices for the recovery of psychosocial care network users.

Is it possible to estimate the number of patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units and general wards using clinical and telemedicine data?

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop and validate predictive models to estimate the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the intensive care units and general wards of a private not-for-profit hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Two main models were developed. The first model calculated hospital occupation as the difference between predicted COVID-19 patient admissions, transfers between departments, and discharges, estimating admissions based on their weekly moving averages, segmented by general wards and intensive care units. Patient discharge predictions were based on a length of stay predictive model, assessing the clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, including age group and usage of mechanical ventilation devices. The second model estimated hospital occupation based on the correlation with the number of telemedicine visits by patients diagnosed with COVID-19, utilizing correlational analysis to define the lag that maximized the correlation between the studied series. Both models were monitored for 365 days, from May 20th, 2021, to May 20th, 2022. Results: The first model predicted the number of hospitalized patients by department within an interval of up to 14 days. The second model estimated the total number of hospitalized patients for the following 8 days, considering calls attended by Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein's telemedicine department. Considering the average daily predicted values for the intensive care unit and general ward across a forecast horizon of 8 days, as limited by the second model, the first and second models obtained R² values of 0.900 and 0.996, respectively and mean absolute errors of 8.885 and 2.524 beds, respectively. The performances of both models were monitored using the mean error, mean absolute error, and root mean squared error as a function of the forecast horizon in days. Conclusion: The model based on telemedicine use was the most accurate in the current analysis and was used to estimate COVID-19 hospital occupancy 8 days in advance, validating predictions of this nature in similar clinical contexts. The results encourage the expansion of this method to other pathologies, aiming to guarantee the standards of hospital care and conscious consumption of resources.

Interactive monitoring dashboards for the COVID-19 pandemic in the world anticipating waves of the disease in Brazil with the use of open data / Painéis de monitoramento interativos da pandemia de COVID-19 no mundo com o uso de dados abertos antecipando ondas da doença no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: Describe the development, implementation, and utilization of dashboards for epidemiological analysis through open data research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The dashboards were designed to analyze COVID-19 related public data from various sources, including official government data and social media, at world level. Data processing and cleaning techniques were used to join datasets. We calculated Spearman correlation coefficient between the COVID-like symptoms data of the University of Maryland and Facebook Health research, called COVID Trends and Impacts Survey (CTIS) and the official data of notified COVID-19 cases by the Brazilian Health Ministry. Results: The dashboards were successful in predicting the onset of new waves of COVID-19 in Brazil. The data analysis revealed a correlation between the CTIS and the official number of cases the country. This article shows the potential of interactive dashboards as a decision-making tool in the context of public health emergencies, as it was used by the official communication of the Rio Grande do Sul state government. Conclusion: The use of dashboards for predicting the spread of COVID-19 in Brazil was a useful tool for decision-making. To anticipate waves of the disease gives time so that these decisions can be potentially more assertive. This drafts the need of more interdisciplinary actions of this nature, with visualization tools on epidemiologic research.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o desenvolvimento, a implementação e o uso de painéis para a análise epidemiológica de dados abertos durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Os painéis foram criados para analisar dados públicos relacionados á COVID-19 de várias fontes, incluindo dados oficiais dos governos e de redes sociais, a nível global. Técnicas de processamento e limpeza foram utilizadas para aglutinar os bancos de dados. Calculamos o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman entre as curvas de sintomas gripais da pesquisa da Universidade de Maryland em conjunto com o Facebook, chamada COVID Trends and Impacts Survey (CTIS), e a curva de casos notificados pelo Ministério da Saúde no Brasil. Resultados: Os painéis obtiveram sucesso em antecipar a chegada de novas ondas de COVID-19 no Brasil. A análise do dado revelou a correlação entre a pesquisa CTIS e o número oficial de casos no país. O artigo destaca o potencial de painéis interativos como uma ferramenta de tomada de decisão no contexto de emergências de saúde pública, como, por exemplo, no uso destes para a comunicação oficial do governo do Rio Grande do Sul. Conclusão: O uso de painéis para prever o avanço da COVID-19 no Brasil foi uma ferramenta útil para a tomada de decisão. A antecipação de ondas da doença possibilita tempo oportuno para que essas decisões sejam potencialmente mais assertivas. Isso esboça a necessidade de mais ações interdisciplinares dessa natureza, com ferramentas de visualização nas pesquisas epidemiológicas.

Construction and validation of an instrument for evaluating Lean Healthcare in healthcare institutions / Construcción y validación de un instrumento para evaluar el Lean Healthcare en instituciones de salud / Construção e validação de instrumento para avaliação do Lean Healthcare em instituições de saúde

ABSTRACT Objective: To build and validate an instrument to evaluate Lean Healthcare in healthcare institutions. Method: Methodological study conducted in three stages: 1) Instrument construction; 2) Content validity using the Delphi technique with 14 experts; and 3) Construct validation using Structural Equation Modeling with sample consisted of 113 professionals with experience in Lean Healthcare. Data collection carried out from October/2020 to January/2021 using a digital form. Data analysis performed with the SmartPLS2.0/M3 software. Results: Items were developed after an integrative review and divided into the dimensions Structure, Process and Outcome, according to Donabedian's theoretical framework. Content validation in two rounds of the Delphi technique. Final instrument, after model adjustment, containing 16 items with Cronbach's alpha of 0.77 in Structure, 0.71 in Process and 0.83 in Outcome. Conclusion: The instrument presented evidence of validity and reliability, enabling its use in healthcare institutions to evaluate Lean Healthcare.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Construir y validar un instrumento para evaluar Lean Healthcare en instituciones de salud. Método: Estudio metodológico realizado en tres etapas: 1) Construcción del instrumento; 2) Validez de contenido mediante técnica Delphi con participación de 14 expertos; 3) Validez de constructo mediante Modelado de Ecuaciones Estructurales con muestra compuesta por 113 profesionales con experiencia en Lean Healthcare. La recopilación de datos se realizó de octubre/2020 a enero/2021 mediante formulario digital. El análisis de datos se realizó con el software SmartPLS2.0/M3. Resultados: Ítems elaborados después de revisión integradora y divididos en las dimensiones Estructura, Proceso y Resultado, según referencial teórico de Donabedian. Validación de contenido en dos rondas de la técnica Delphi. Instrumento final, después del ajuste del modelo, contiene 16 ítems con alfa de Cronbach 0,77 en Estructura, 0,71 en Proceso y 0,83 en Resultado. Conclusión: El instrumento presentó evidencias de validez y confiabilidad, permitiendo uso para evaluar Lean Healthcare.

RESUMO Objetivo: Construir e validar um instrumento para avaliar o Lean Healthcare nas instituições de saúde. Método: Estudo metodológico realizado em três etapas: 1) Construção do instrumento; 2) Validade de conteúdo pela técnica Delphi com 14 especialistas; e 3) Validade de constructo por Modelagem de Equações Estruturais, em amostra de 113 profissionais com experiência no Lean Healthcare. Coleta de dados realizada de outubro/2020 a janeiro/2021 por formulário digital. Análise de dados realizadas com o software SmartPLS2.0/M3. Resultados: Itens elaborados após revisão integrativa e divididos nas dimensões Estrutura, Processo e Resultado, conforme referencial teórico de Donabedian. Validação de conteúdo em duas rodadas da técnica Delphi. Instrumento final, após ajuste do modelo, contendo 16 itens com alfa de Cronbach de 0,77 em Estrutura, 0,71 em Processo e 0,83 em Resultado. Conclusão: O instrumento apresentou evidências de validade e confiabilidade, permitindo seu uso nas instituições de saúde para avaliar o Lean Healthcare.

Qualidade de dados antropométricos de crianças menores de 5 anos no Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional, 2008-2020 / Quality of anthropometric data of children under 5 years in the Brazilian National Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, 2008-2020 / Calidad de datos antropométricos de niños menores de 5 años en el Sistema de Vigilancia Alimentaria y Nutricional, 2008-2020

O planejamento, o monitoramento e a avaliação das ações de alimentação e nutrição dependem de estimativas confiáveis realizadas a partir de dados antropométricos de qualidade adequada. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a qualidade de dados antropométricos de crianças menores de 5 anos no Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional (SISVAN) no período de 2008 a 2020. A amostra compreendeu 23.453.620 crianças menores de 5 anos. Inicialmente, avaliamos a distribuição de valores faltantes e de valores fora do espectro do equipamento e calculamos o índice de preferência de dígito para peso e altura. Os índices nutricionais altura para idade (A-I), peso para idade (P-I) e índice de massa corporal para idade (IMC-I) foram calculados com a utilização do padrão de crescimento da Organização Mundial da Saúde, de 2006. Em seguida, sinalizamos os valores biologicamente implausíveis (VBI) e calculamos o desvio padrão (DP) dos índices nutricionais. Para cada município, calculamos a média e o DP de A-I e P-I e plotamos os valores de DP em função da média. Em todas as Unidades Federativas, o índice de preferência de dígito alcançou valor mínimo de 80 para altura e 20 para peso. Para os três índices nutricionais, houve redução da frequência de VBI no período de 2008 a 2020. Mesmo após a exclusão dos VBI, identificamos elevada variabilidade para os três índices nutricionais. Os indicadores avaliados demonstraram baixa qualidade da mensuração principalmente nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. Nossos resultados indicam qualidade insuficiente dos dados antropométricos em crianças menores de 5 anos e reforçam a necessidade de investimento em ações para o aprimoramento da coleta e do registro das informações antropométricas.

The planning, monitoring, and evaluation of food and nutrition actions depend on reliable estimates based on adequate anthropometric data. The study aimed to analyze the quality of anthropometric data of children aged under 5 years in the Brazilian National Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN) from 2008 to 2020. The sample comprised 23,453,620 children aged under 5 years. Initially, we evaluated the distribution of missing values and values outside the spectrum of the instrument, and calculated the digit preference index for weight and height. The nutritional indexes height for age (HAZ), weight for age (WAZ), and body mass index for age (BAZ) were calculated according to the World Health Organization 2006 child growth standards. Then, we identified the biologically implausible values (BIV) and calculated the standard deviation (SD) of the nutritional indexes. For each municipality, we calculated the mean and SD of HAZ and WAZ; and plotted the SD values as a function of the mean. In all Federative Units, the digit preference index reached a minimum value of 80 for height and 20 for weight. For the three nutritional indexes, there was a reduction in the frequency of BIV in the 2008-2020 period. Even after the exclusion of BIV, we identified high variability for the three nutritional indexes. The indicators evaluated showed low quality of measurement, especially in the North and Northeast regions. Our results indicate insufficient quality of anthropometric data in children aged under 5 years, and reinforce the need to invest in actions to improve the collection and recording of anthropometric information.

La planificación, monitoreo y evaluación de acciones de alimentación y nutrición dependen de estimaciones confiables realizadas a partir de datos antropométricos de calidad adecuada. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la calidad de datos antropométricos de niños menores de 5 años en el Sistema de Vigilancia Alimentaria y Nutricional (SISVAN) entre los años 2008 y 2020. La muestra se compuso de 23.453.620 niños menores de 5 años. Al principio, evaluamos la distribución de valores faltantes y de valores fueras del espectro del equipo, y calculamos el índice de preferencia de dígito para peso y altura. Los índices nutricionales altura para edad (A-E), peso para edad (P-E) e índice de masa corporal para edad (IMC-E) se calcularon utilizando el patrón de crecimiento de la Organización Mundial de la Salud de 2006. Luego, indicamos los valores biológicamente inverosímiles (VBI) y calculamos la desviación estándar (DE) de los índices nutricionales. Para cada municipio, calculamos la media y la DE de A-E y P-E; y representamos los valores de DE en función de la media. En todas las Unidades Federativas, el índice de preferencia de dígito alcanzó el valor mínimo de 80 para altura y 20 para peso. Para los tres índices nutricionales, hubo una disminución de la frecuencia de VBI entre los años de 2008 y 2020. Incluso tras excluir los VBI, identificamos una alta variabilidad para los tres índices nutricionales. Los indicadores evaluados demostraron una baja calidad de medición, sobre todo en las regiones Norte y Nordeste. Nuestros resultados indican una calidad insuficiente de datos antropométricos en niños menores de 5 años y fortalecen la necesidad de inversión en acciones para mejorar la recolección y registro de las informaciones antropométricas.

The intra- and inter-rater reproducibility of bone level measurements at strategic mini-implants using dental panoramic radiography

Abstract Objectives: This experimental study focused on the intra- and inter-rater reproducibility of vertical bone level (VBL) measurements at strategic mini-implants (MI) using digital panoramic radiographs (PR). Study design: VBLs of 152 MIs for removable partial denture stabilization at 50 randomly chosen PRs from a clinical trial were digitally evaluated by three ratters. Rater deviations exceeding 0.5 mm were re-examined. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was applied to estimate reliability. The smallest detectable change (SDC) was interrelated to the minimal clinically important change of 0.2 mm. Results: The first measurement round revealed intra- and inter-rater ICCs of > 0.8. However, 28 sites (9 %) were unreadable, and 97 sites (32 %) revealed differences between observers of ≥ 0.5 mm. Following a consensus session and re-training, an additional 8 sites were excluded and all remaining VBL differences were ≤ 0.5 mm. Thus, the SDCs with 95 % credibility were improved from 0.73 to 0.31 mm in the intra-rater and from 1.52 to 0.34 mm in the interrater statistics. Given a 50 % credibility for this special setting, both the intra- and inter-rater SDCs were 0.11 mm. Conclusions: Digital PR can be reliably utilized to determine VBLs around MIs under conditions of at least two trained observers, mutual calibration sessions, and exclusion of unquantifiable radiographs. German Clinical Trials Register ID:DRKS00007589, www.germanctr.de

The function of competitive intelligence in South African insurance post-COVID-19 outbreak

Background: Competitive intelligence (CI) involves monitoring competitors and providing organizations with actionable and meaningful intelligence. Some studies have focused on the role of CI in other industries post-COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: This article aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the South African insurance sector and how the integration of CI and related technologies can sustain the South African insurance sector post-COVID-19 epidemic. Method: Qualitative research with an exploratory-driven approach was used to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the South African insurance sector. Qualitative secondary data analyses were conducted to measure insurance claims and death benefits paid during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The research findings showed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the South African insurance industry, leading to a reassessment of pricing, products, and risk management. COVID-19 caused disparities in death benefits and claims between provinces; not everyone was insured. Despite challenges, South African insurers remained well-capitalised and attentive to policyholders. Integrating CI and analytical technologies could enhance the flexibility of prevention, risk management, and product design. Conclusion: COVID-19 requires digital transformation and CI for South African insurers' competitiveness. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI), big data (BD), and CI enhances value, efficiency, and risk assessments. Contribution: This study highlights the importance of integrating CI strategies and related technologies into South African insurance firms' operations to aid in their recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. It addresses a research gap and adds to academic knowledge in this area.

Exploration of Decision-Making Methods Based on Syndrome Differentiation by “Data-Knowledge” Dual-Driven Models： A Case Study of Gastric Precancerous State / 中医杂志

Data analysis models may assist the transmission of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） experience and clinical diagnosis and treatment， and the possibility of constructing a “data-knowledge” dual-drive model was explored by taking gastric precancerous state as an example. Data-driven is to make clinical decisions around data analysis， and its syndrome-differentiation decision-making research relies on hidden structural models and partially observable Markov decision-making processes to identify the etiology of diseases， syndrome elements， evolution of pathogenesis， and syndrome differentiation protocols； knowledge-driven is to make use of data and information to promote decision-making and action processes， and its syndrome-differentiation decision-making research relies on convolutional neural networks to improve the accuracy of local disease identification and syndrome differentiation. The “data-knowledge” dual-driven model can make up for the shortcomings of single-drive numerical simulation accuracy， and achieve a balance between local disease identification and macroscopic syndrome differentiation. On the basis of previous research， we explored the construction method of diagnostic assisted decision-making platform for gastric precancerous state， and believed that the diagnostic and decision-making ability of doctors can be extended through the assistance of machines and algorithms. Meanwhile， the related research methods were integrated and the core features of gastric precancerous state based on TCM syndrome differentiation and endoscopic pathology diagnosis and prediction were obtained， and the elements of endoscopic pathology recognition based on TCM syndrome differentiation were explored， so as to provide ideas for the in-depth research and innovative application of cutting-edge data analysis technology in the field of intelligent TCM syndrome differentiation.

Application of data mining algorithms in research on traditional Chinese medicine formula / 中国药房

In recent years， data mining algorithms have been widely employed in scientific research within the field of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. The data mining algorithms are used to effectively handle and analyze the complex data in TCM formulas， providing a rational explanation for the mechanism of action. This method has proven particularly useful in uncovering patterns of compatibility and frequent combinations of herbs in TCM， thereby enhancing the reliability and accuracy of clinical diagnosis， target screening， and the study of new drugs. This paper reviews and analyzes 147 papers on TCM formula research that utilize data mining algorithms. The results indicate that data mining algorithms play a unique advantage in six sub- areas， including the study on the mechanism of action in TCM formula， the dose-efficacy of TCM formulas， the identification of core drugs pairs/groups， mining the relationships among “formulas-drug-symptom”， the discovery of new formulas， and mining the compatibility law. Notably， association rules and clustering algorithms are the most representative.

Optimization of on-site supervision strategy based on big data of quality risk in drug enterprises / 中国药房

On-site supervision is a risk-based regulatory system that requires the scientific development of supervision plans for quality risks and hidden dangers in pharmaceutical enterprises， the rational allocation of supervision resources based on their risk levels， and the implementation of classified supervision measures. In this study， the quality risk monitoring business support system is set up for pharmaceutical enterprises by establishing the quality risk expert database and quality risk monitoring index system for pharmaceutical enterprises based on the difficulty analysis of on-site drug supervision. Based on this support system， the quality risk classification method， the differentiated spot check strategy and business auxiliary visualization system are established. This support system is used to learn the risk level of pharmaceutical enterprises， so as to innovate supervision methods and optimize monitoring strategies. Taking Jiangxi Province as an example， it is verified that the support system can guide the risk assessment of sample enterprises， can improve the targeting of on-site drug supervision in the process of technical review， scheme editing， on-site implementation and comprehensive evaluation， and can effectively improve the quality and efficiency of supervision.

Avaliação do sistema de vigilância em saúde do trabalhador relacionada aos acidentes de trabalho, antes e após a implantação do software de linkage Sentinela, em Porto Alegre, 2018-2021 / Evaluation of the occupational health surveillance system before and after the implementation of the Sentinela linkage software, in Porto Alegre, 2018-2021 / Evaluación del sistema de vigilancia de la salud del trabajador relacionada con los accidentes de trabajo, antes y después de la implementación del software de enlace Sentinela, en Porto Alegre, 2018-2021

O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar, segundo alguns atributos, o sistema de vigilância dos acidentes de trabalho antes e após a implantação do software Sentinela (2018-2021), com base em uma pesquisa descritiva de dados secundários, e efetuar recomendações. Foram analisadas variáveis da ficha de investigação, de acordo com os atributos qualidade dos dados (completitude e consistência), oportunidade e representatividade. Os resultados mostraram que, após o Sentinela, houve aumento da notificação de acidentes (66,16%), maior completitude das variáveis, com importante alteração na 'atividade econômica' (98,9%) e 'evolução' (96,3%), diminuição dos campos ignorados/em branco, com destaque para o campo 'evolução' (3,7%), e melhora na oportunidade de controle dos acidentes fatais (79 dias). Concluímos que a vigilância dos acidentes de trabalho tem excelente qualidade dos dados, é representativa, mas inoportuna. O Sentinela melhorou o sistema, tornando-o mais sensível na captação dos acidentes e permitindo-lhe ter informações de melhor qualidade. É necessária a avaliação rotineira dos atributos, para aprimoramento constante do sistema, assim como rever as rotinas das equipes de saúde, melhorando a oportunidade de controle por meio de suas ações

This article aims to evaluate the occupational health surveillance system before and after the implementa-tion of the Sentinela software (2018-2021), according to some attributes and based on descriptive research using secondary data, and to make recommendations. Variables of the accident investigation report were analysed, according to the attributes of data quality (completeness and consistency), opportunity and rep-resentativeness. The results have revealed that after Sentinela, there was an increase in the notification of accidents (66.16%), greater completeness of the variables, with an important change in 'economic activity' (98.9%) and 'evolution' (96.3%), a decreased in blank fields/information missing, with emphasis on the 'evolution' field (3.7%), and an improvement in the opportunity to control fatal accidents (79 days). We have concluded that the surveillance of the occupational accidents has excellent data quality, is representative, but inopportune. The Sentinela has improved the system, making it more sensitive in capturing accidents, allowing it to provide better quality of information. An evaluation of the attributes is routinely necessary to constantly improve the system, as well as reviewing the routines of health professionals, improving the opportunity to control by their actions

El objetivo de este artículo es evaluar, según algunos atributos, el sistema de vigilancia de los accidentes de trabajo antes y después de la implementación del software Sentinela (2018-2021), por medio de una investigación descriptiva de datos secundarios, y hacer recomendaciones. Fueron analizadas variables de la ficha de investigación de accidentes, de acuerdo con los atributos de calidad de los datos (completitud y consistencia), oportunidad y representatividad. Los resultados demostraron que, después del Sentinela, ha habido un aumento de la notificación de accidentes (66,16 %), una mayor completitud de las variables, con un cambio importante en 'actividad económica' (98,9 %) y 'evolución' (96,3 %), una disminución de campos ignorados/en blanco, con énfasis en el campo 'evolución' (3,7%), y mejora en la probabilidad de control de los accidentes mortales (79 días). Concluimos que la vigilancia de los accidentes de trabajo tiene excelente calidad de datos, es representativa, pero inoportuna. El Sentinela ha mejorado el sistema, haciéndolo más sensible en la captación de los accidentes y permitiéndole tener informaciones de mejor calidad. La evaluación de los atributos con regularidad es necesaria para el perfeccionamiento constante del sistema, así como la revisión de las rutinas de los equipos de salud, mejorando la oportunidad de control a través de sus acciones

A autodeterminação informativa como contexto normativo para elaboração de diretrizes para a construção de um Relatório de Impacto à Proteção de Dados Pessoais: a proposta de um modelo humanizador para a telemedicina / Informative self-determination as a normative context for the elaboration of guidelines for the Impact Report on Personal Data Protection: the proposal of a humanizing model for telemedicine / La autodeterminación informativa como contexto normativo para la elaboración de lineamentos para la construcción de un Informe de Impacto en Protección de Datos Personales: la propuesta de un modelo humanizador para la telemedicina

Apresentamos e discutimos a construção de um instrumento de compliance para tratamento de dados pessoais e dados pessoais sensíveis do Núcleo Telessaúde UFSC, com base na Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais. Trata-se da elaboração de diretrizes para um Relatório de Impacto à Proteção de Dados Pessoais visando à preservação da dimensão humana do dado e à preservação de direitos. A pesquisa foi qualitativa e exploratória, tendo o relato de experiência como metodologia. O levantamento bibliográfico e a análise documental permitiram a investigação, realizada em 2022, de processos, etapas e fluxos do tratamento dos dados. A análise dos dados foi qualitativa, por comparação dos resultados com a legislação vigente e com a adequação ao princípio da autodeterminação informativa. Os resultados demonstraram que as propostas para o relatório contribuíram para um tratamento de dados mais adequado ao ordenamento jurídico e, consequentemente, mais humanizado

We present and discuss the construction of a compliance instrument for the processing of personal data and sensitive personal data of the Telessaúde UFSC Center, based on the General Data Protection Law. It is a model for the elaboration of guidelines for the construction of an Impact Report on the Protection of Personal Data that collaborates to the preservation of the human dimension of data and the preserva-tion of rights. The research was qualitative and exploratory, adopting experience report as methodology. Bibliographical research and documental analysis enabled the investigation of the processes, stages and flows of data processing, carried out in 2022. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively, comparing the results with current legislation and adequacy to the principle of informative self-determination. Results showed that the proposed guidelines for the report contributed to a data processing more appropriate to the legal system and, consequently, more humanized

Presentamos y discutimos la construcción de un instrumento de cumplimiento para el tratamiento de datos personales y datos personales sensibles del Núcleo Telessaúde UFSC, con base en la Ley General de Pro-tección de Datos. Es la preparación de directrices para un Informe de Impacto de Protección de Datos Per-sonales para preservación de la dimensión humana de los datos y preservar los derechos. La investigación cualitativa y exploratoria adoptó un relato de experiencia como metodología. El levantamiento bibliográfico y el análisis documental permitieron la indagación de procesos, etapas y flujos de procesamiento de datos, realizados en 2022. El análisis de datos fue cualitativa, mediante la comparación de los resultados con la legislación vigente y la adecuación al principio de autodeterminación informativa. Los resultados mostra-ron que las directrices propuestas para el informe contribuyó a un tratamiento de datos más adecuado al ordenamiento jurídico y, en consecuencia, más humano

Riqueza y diversidad de hormigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) según uso de suelo en dos paisajes agroforestales de Colombia / Richness and diversity of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) according to land use in two agroforestry landscapes of Colombia

Introducción: Las hormigas cumplen funciones ecológicas importantes en muchos ecosistemas, y son altamente sensibles a los cambios en el uso del suelo. Sin embargo, la respuesta ante estos cambios está poco documentada, a grandes escalas espaciales y en distintos usos de suelo, en ecosistemas poco estudiados como la Serranía del Perijá. Objetivo: Analizar la riqueza, diversidad y composición de las comunidades de hormigas en cuatro usos de suelo de dos paisajes agroforestales de la Serranía del Perijá, Cesar, Colombia. Métodos: En dos paisajes agroforestales (compensación y no compensación) se delimitaron dos ventanas de muestreo de 4 × 4 km. Dentro de cada ventana y paisaje se escogieron cuatro usos de suelo: bosques, sistemas agroforestales de café, regeneración natural y pastizales, en los cuales se aplicaron dos métodos de captura: trampas Pitfall y sacos Winkler. Se midieron seis variables ambientales: cobertura de dosel, altura de la hojarasca, densidad aparente, temperatura, humedad y dureza del suelo. El esfuerzo de muestreo fueron 384 trampas Pitfall y 192 m2 de extracción de hojarasca. El trabajo de campo se realizó entre febrero y marzo de 2021. Resultados: Las hormigas mostraron alta sensibilidad a los cambios en el uso del suelo. La diversidad y riqueza de especies disminuyó en los usos de suelo con menor cobertura vegetal natural, como los pastizales; mientras que los bosques, en ambos paisajes, conservaron la mayor riqueza de especies. La cobertura de dosel y la disponibilidad de hojarasca fueron los parámetros ambientales que favorecieron la diversidad y riqueza de las comunidades de hormigas en todos los usos de suelo. No se encontraron diferencias entre la composición de hormigas de los dos paisajes estudiados. Conclusiones: Las hormigas responden a los cambios de uso de suelo y en particular a la cobertura vegetal. Se confirmó nuestra hipótesis puesto que los usos de suelo con alta cobertura vegetal fueron los hábitats con mayor riqueza y diversidad de hormigas. La heterogeneidad ambiental, producto de la dinámica de transformación de los paisajes es un elemento que debe considerarse en futuras investigaciones.

Introduction: Ants fulfill important ecological functions in many ecosystems and are highly sensitive to changes in land use. However, the response to these changes is poorly documented, at large spatial scales and in different land uses, in poorly studied ecosystems such as the Serranía del Perijá. Objective: To analyze the richness, diversity, and composition of ant communities in four land uses of two agroforestry landscapes of the Serranía del Perijá, Cesar, Colombia. Methods: Two sampling windows of 4 × 4 km were delimited in two agroforestry landscapes (compensation and non-compensation). In each window and landscape four land uses were chosen: forests, coffee agroforestry systems, natural regeneration and pastures, in which two trapping methods were applied: Pitfall traps and Winkler bags. Six environmental variables were measured: canopy cover, leaf litter height, bulk density, temperature, humidity and soil hardness. The sampling effort was 384 Pitfall traps and 192 m2 of leaf litter extraction. The fieldwork was conducted between February and March 2021. Results: Ants showed high sensitivity to changes in land use. Species diversity and richness decreased in land uses with less natural vegetation cover, such as pastures; while forests, in both landscapes, retained the highest species richness. Canopy cover and leaf litter availability were the environmental parameters that favored the diversity and richness of ant communities in all land uses. No differences were found between the ant composition of the two landscapes studied. Conclusions: Ants respond to changes in land use, particularly to vegetation cover. Our hypothesis was confirmed since land uses with high vegetation cover were the habitats with the greatest richness and diversity of ants. Environmental heterogeneity, a product of the dynamics of landscape transformation, is an element that should be considered in future research.