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In this article we present an analysis of one of the literacy domains of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA): Collaborative Problem Solving (CPR). Compared to other literacies assessed by PISA (Reading, Science, Mathematics, Finance), CPR has been little studied in Portugal. We use an interpretative methodology based on reports and databases produced by different organizations. The results show that Portugal is at the top of the scale in relation to valuing relationships and valuing teamwork, pointing out that 15-year-old Portuguese students feel socially integrated, that boys obtain lower overall assessments than girls, following international trends, and that there is a differentiation between NUTS III regions. In the correlational analysis made between the scores of CPR and other International Large Scale Assessments (ILSA), it was found that there is a statistically significant correlation, positive, only with the three domains of PISA-2015 - Lecture. Mathematics and Science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking is highly prevalent among individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). No specific treatment policy exists for nicotine dependence treatment (NDT) in patients with SUD in Portugal, such as in most countries.Methods: We used the Index of Treatment Quality (ITTQ) and Tobacco Treatment Commitment Scale (TTCS) to assess NDT quality and commitment before and after training professionals who work in the Portuguese SUD treatment network (n = 203). The study assessed learning and competence through pre- and postknowledge tests, competence self-report, and intention-to-change questionnaires. The study carried out descriptive and inferential statistics using STATA software. We based the current study on the Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE 2.0).Results: Compared to psychologists, physicians/social workers had worse NDT perceptions (i.e., NDT should not be included in drug treatment programs; NDT could hinder client recovery; it is unfair to take tobacco away from these patients). The counseling offer level was low overall. However, the study found higher levels of smoking assessment in all regions. Knowledge of motivational interviewing, stages of motivation, and addressing return to use improved. Self-competency skills also increased following training.Conclusion: Treatment providers should be encouraged to implement counseling within NDT. Physicians and social workers should be aware of the importance of NDT for individuals with SUD. Attitudes and commitment to NDT for this subpopulation were quite similar to those found in U.S.Studies: Our educational intervention increased learning knowledge and competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of apicomplexan parasites in Podarcis sp. wall lizards from the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic islands was studied by amplification and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. Species from 3 genera, Hepatozoon , Sarcocystis , and Eimeria , were found. The phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene provides unexpected insights into the evolutionary history of these parasites. All Hepatozoon spp. specimens were recovered as part of a clade already identified in lizards from North Africa. The Sarcocystis species, detected in Podarcis lilfordi from Cabrera Island in the Balearic Islands, appears related to Sarcocystis gallotiae , known only from endemic Gallotia sp. lizards from the Canary Islands. Based on the lack of snake predators on this island, this parasite presumably presents an atypical transmission cycle that uses the same host species as both intermediate and final host through cannibalism, like S. gallotiae . Eimeria sp. is reported for the first time from Podarcis spp. lizards. This study shows the power of detecting multiple different apicomplexan parasites through screening of tail tissue samples and blood drops that are often collected in reptiles for other purposes.