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Perceived bullying in Physical Education classes, school Burnout, and satisfaction: A contribution to understanding children’s school well-being
Publication . Uğraş Sinan; Sağın, Ahmet Enes; Yücekaya, Mehmet Akif; Temel, Cenk; Mergan, Barış; Couto, Nuno; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro
This study examines the effects of peer bullying that middle school students experience in physical education classes on school burnout and school satisfaction to understand children’s well-being in this important stage of their lives. Method: The study was conducted with 829 students from 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in Türkiye of both genders (403 male, 426 female), with an age mean of 11.7 ± 1.16 years old. Data were collected using the Physical Education Class Perceived Bullying Scale, developed by the researchers in the present study, along with the School Burnout Scale and the School Satisfaction Scale for Children. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the data and examine the direct and indirect relationships between students’ perception of bullying, school burnout and satisfaction. Results: The findings indicate that perceived bullying in physical education classes positively and significantly predicts school burnout (β = 0.388, p < 0.001), while it negatively and significantly affects school satisfaction (β = −0.122, p = 0.006). Moreover, significant positive relationships were found between perceived bullying and school burnout, and significant negative relationships were found between perceived bullying and school satisfaction. Conclusions: This study reveals that peer bullying in physical education classes significantly affects students’ school burnout and satisfaction. These findings highlight the need for developing effective strategies to prevent bullying in educational settings and promote children’s healthcare and well-being.
The influence of structured physical activity on vaccination response from adults to older individuals: a systematic review on the Immunoinflammatory crosstalk of COVID-19
Publication . Ferreira, Bruna Maria Palotino; Rocha, Saulo Vasconcelos; Silva, Albená Nunes; Gomes, Antonio Felipe Souza; Rodrigues, Francisco; Coelho, Patricia; Bachi, André Luís Lacerda; Oliveira, Rodrigo Assunção de; Barros, Marcelo Paes de; Furtado, Guilherme Eustáquio
Background: Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, understanding factors that influence vaccine efficacy is crucial, particularly in older adults. Regular physical exercise and/or structured physical activity (SPA) has emerged as a potential modulator of immune responses, enhancing vaccine effectiveness. This systematic review aims to consolidate current evidence on the impact of SPA/exercise on both immune and inflammatory responses to COVID-19 vaccination in adults and older individuals.
Methods: Most relevant studies were extracted from indexed databases using health subject terms in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Studies that examined the impact of regular exercise or SPA on inflammatory and/or immunological responses in relation to COVID-19 immunization were selected. In particular, all chosen studies included individuals who received vaccinations either prior to or following the exercise regimen or SPA, and the main goal was to evaluate these effects on immunological and/or inflammatory reactions induced by vaccination.
Results: Among the 7 studies included (n = 1149), the effects of regular exercise or PA on vaccine-induced imune responses while concurrently assessing inflammatory markers were examined. The findings suggest that moderate to high-intensity structured physical activity (50–70% of maximum heart rate for aerobic exercise and 60–80% of 1RM for resistance training), performed 3–5 times per week, was able to enhance immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination, particularly by mitigating chronic low-grade inflammation. Acute exercise can transiently boost immunity, whilst engagement in moderate SPA over a period of six months may contribute to sustained improvements in imune function, especially in older adults. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to variability in study design, sample characteristics, and potential confounding factors.
Conclusion: Regular exercise and SPA play a significant role in improving immune/inflammatory responses to COVID-19 vaccination. Older adults, in particular, may benefit from regular SPA and exercise as a strategy to counteract immunosenescence and optimize vaccine efficacy. However, further research is needed to better refine exerciseprotocols and determine long-term benefits in different populations.
Community surveillance of MRSA and Staphylococcus aureus in rural Portugal: The BI-STAPH Project—Phase 1: Sertã
Publication . Cordero, Ainhoa; Ferreira, Francisco; Coelho, Patricia; Belo, João; Metello, João; Santos, Carina; Mateus, Sónia; Miguel Castelo-Branco; Rodrigues, Francisco
Introduction: Colonization by Staphylococcus aureus—including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA)—represents a growing public health concern, particularly in community and rural settings. In Portugal, limited data are available regarding its prevalence in populations with agricultural or animal-related exposures.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA nasal colonization among adults residing in the municipality of Sertã, Portugal, and to explore potential sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with colonization.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 292 adult participants from multiple parishes of Sertã. Nasal swabs were collected for microbiological identification of S. aureus and MRSA. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, occupational exposure, animal contact, and recent antibiotic use were collected via structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses (chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests) were performed, and odds ratios were estimated.
Results: The overall prevalence of S. aureus colonization was 19.9% (58/292), with MRSA detected in 4.8% (14/292) of participants, representing 24.1% of all S. aureus carriers. Colonization by S. aureus was slightly more frequent among females (51.7%) and predominantly observed in individuals aged
35–59 years. MRSA was more frequent in participants aged ≥ 60 years and was equally distributed between sexes. 57% of MRSA cases reported recent antibiotic use and all MRSA cases reported daily contact with animals—primarily domestic species. No statistically significant associations were identified between colonization and the analyzed variables, although trends suggested increased risk among individuals with animal contact and moderate to high-risk occupations.
Conclusions: This study revealed a notable prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA colonization in a rural Portuguese population. Although no statistically significant associations were found, with animal contact, occupational exposure, and recent antibiotic use emerged as relevant epidemiological factors. These findings highlight the need for strengthened surveillance and further investigation into zoonotic transmission and occupational risk in rural environments.
Senior Info-Exclusion 4. - Emerging digital technologies and the technological singularity
Publication . Gil, Henrique; Patrício, Maria Raquel; Moreira, M.; Carvalho, L.; Simões, A.; Candeias, M.; Tomás, H.
The elderly population will continue to comprise the largest group of the info-excluded, nationally and worldwide. With the evolution and appearance of increasingly emerging digital technologies, the possibility of increasing the digital divide among the elderly population could become a much more worrying reality. The Internet of Things, augmented reality, mixed reality and artificial intelligence, especially the new versions of GPT Chat, among others, are bringing new challenges and the need to acquire new digital skills. There is an increasing feeling that the so-called technological singularity will be reached very soon. If systems and entities become more intelligent, they could benefit the most info-excluded citizens because the system will be autonomous in its decision-making, where technology will/can override humans. However, it is important that citizens have the ability and possibility to decide which solutions and proposals they feel are best suited to their quality of life in a future where environments will be more assistive under the more refined concept of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL). In this sense, there is an urgent need to discuss and present proposals so that today’s info-excluded can prepare for a society that will continue to be predominantly digital but will have new contexts, resources, and organisations. In this sense, the safe use of the Internet and safeguarding autonomy and independence with dignity and security will be the objectives of exercising full citizenship within a new digital ecosystem.
Big data in healthcare: Possibilities and challenges - A systematic literature review
Publication . Barata, Luís; Louro, João; Afonso, João
In today's world, the extensive use of Big Data emerges as a fundamental component in various sectors, and healthcare is no exception. This article explores the importance of using this data for the continuous improvement of patient care, providing them with a better quality of life. However, for this to happen, several challenges must be overcome, especially in data processing and analysis, and in this sector, it is crucial that their accuracy and integrity are not compromised, as they are related to life and death. In this study, we present a survey of technologies, possibilities, and challenges that arise in this field through a systematic review of various articles with cutting-edge approaches to the subject. Consequently, the advantages of using Big Data in healthcare will be highlighted, as well as the critical need to overcome the inherent challenges to achieve efficient and ethical implementation.