Repositório do ISPA
Institutional Repository of Ispa-University Institute
Recent Submissions
Bridging genetic insights with neuroimaging in Autism Spectrum Disorder — A systematic review
Publication . Vilela, Joana; Rasga, Célia; Santos, João Xavier; Martiniano, Hugo; Marques, Ana Rita; Oliveira, Guiomar; Vicente, Astrid Moura; Maria Rasga, Célia
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an early onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and repetitive patterns of behavior. Family studies show that ASD is highly heritable, and hundreds of genes have previously been implicated in the disorder; however, the etiology is still not fully clear. Brain imaging and electroencephalography (EEG) are key techniques that study alterations in brain structure and function. Combined with genetic analysis, these techniques have the potential to help in the clarification of the neurobiological mechanisms contributing to ASD and help in defining novel therapeutic targets. To further understand what is known today regarding the impact of genetic variants in the brain alterations observed in individuals with ASD, a systematic review was carried out using Pubmed and EBSCO databases and following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. This review shows that specific genetic variants and altered patterns of gene expression in individuals with ASD may have an effect on brain circuits associated with face processing and social cognition, and contribute to excitation–inhibition imbalances and to anomalies in brain volumes.
Validation of a job satisfaction scale for predicting employee churn in commercial airlines in Portugal
Publication . Brito, António Pimenta de; Moreira, Ana; Sousa, Maria José
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to validate a job satisfaction scale that can predict employee churn for Portuguese commercial airline companies.
Design/methodology/approach – A total of 369 subjects voluntarily participated in this study, all of whom worked for commercial air transport companies. An exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis
was carried out to test the instrument.
Findings – The results of the psychometric qualities of this instrument indicate that it can be used in future empirical studies. This instrument assesses various dimensions of job satisfaction: leadership,
safety, work/life balance, career and pay.
Research limitations/implications – One of the limitations of this study is the small sample size and the data collection process. Another limitation is that the questionnaire is self-administered and consists of
closed questions.
Practical implications – This turnover, satisfaction and performance assessment can be critical,
especially when companies struggle with high employee turnover like aviation companies. Aviation professionals are a very skilled profession, with high qualification costs.
Social implications – By providing a reliable tool to measure and improve job satisfaction, the research can help reduce employee turnover, leading to more stable employment in the airline industry in Portugal and other countries.
Originality/value – By presenting a validated job satisfaction scale tailored for predicting employeechurn specifically within Portuguese commercial aviation companies. This concern benefits employees’
mental health, job security and enhances service quality for assengers
Observação inspirada em revisão por pares
Publication . Lopes, Susana; Sanches, Tatiana
Este trabalho examina a convergência entre a observação de pares na docência no ensino superior e o processo de revisão por pares na publicação científica. Realizámos um estudo preliminar para analisar as estratégias utilizadas por professores do ensino superior ao avaliar práticas de ensino, por meio da observação, e comparámos esses resultados com o rigor da revisão por pares no contexto da publicação científica. O objetivo central é comparar práticas de qualidade em dois ecossistemas distintos: o ambiente académico, onde colegas de ensino observam e avaliam métodos de ensino, e o campo da publicação científica, onde revisores por pares avaliam a qualidade e originalidade da investigação. Este estudo é baseado em uma revisão da literatura, enquadrando a análise em parâmetros descritivos. Os resultados mostram semelhanças na importância da reflexão crítica e análise rigorosa, evidenciando uma convergência nas perceções dos participantes sobre a necessidade de feedback construtivo e orientação específica para promover o desenvolvimento profissional. Ambos os processos contribuem significativamente para a qualidade e o progresso nas suas respetivas esferas, destacando a importância de práticas eficazes de avaliação em ambientes académicos e científicos.
Protective factors in the LGBTIQ+ adolescent experience: A systematic review
Publication . Ancín-Nicolás, Ruth A.; Pastor, Yolanda; López-Sáez, Miguel Ángel; Platero, Lucas
Background: LGBTIQ+ adolescents face multiple forms of violence due to minority stress, putting their mental health at risk. These adolescents, particularly trans and gender-diverse youth, face significant challenges, including family violence, bullying, and limited access to health services. This article investigates the factors that protect their mental health. Method: A systematic review of articles published between 2019 and 2024 was conducted using the PRISMA method. Results: The study identifies family and school support, peer relationships, and individual resilience as key protective factors to reduce depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior, as well as increase self-esteem and well-being. Conclusions: This review calls for further research into protective factors related to the microsystem, exosystem, and macrosystem and the impact of intervention programs with adolescents and their families.
Overcoming barriers: Trajectories for a school environment that promotes the participation of adolescents with chronic conditions
Publication . Cerqueira, Ana; Guedes, Fábio Botelho; Gaspar, Tania; Godeau, Emmanuelle; Simões, Celeste; Gaspar de Matos, Margarida
The characteristics of the school environment can influence students’ participation. Therefore, exploring the existing barriers to school participation and academic success of students with chronic conditions (CCs) is essential since they are a population at an increased risk for impairments and difficulties in these areas. This specific study aimed to explore the personal and school-environment variables associated with the school participation of students with CCs. Additionally, it aimed to analyze the differences between (1) male and female adolescents concerning the impact of CCs on school participation and the personal and school-environment variables; and (2) adolescents with and without school participation affected by the existing CCs regarding personal and school-environment variables. This work included 1442 adolescents with CCs, 56.3% female (n = 769), with a mean age of 15.17 years (SD = 2.33), participating in the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) 2022 study. The results showed that girls and students with school participation affected by CCs are at greater risk regarding the personal and school-environment variables under study. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis of the association between these variables and the school participation of students with CCs, a greater weight of personal variables was observed, followed by those of the school environment related to interpersonal relationships and, finally, the physical environment and safety-at-school variables. The study highlights the relevance of considering the existing barriers to school participation and academic success of students with CCs. The results also underline the importance of aligning the intervention of health and education professionals and policymakers. All of these professionals must make a joint effort to overcome existing barriers in the school context and move towards an increasingly balanced environment that promotes and protects the equal participation of all students.