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Industrial facilities are vulnerable to the strike of natural phenomena. Their effects on these facilities can cause great economic losses and trigger other process that threat human health and contaminate the environment. Tropical cyclones are one of the most harmful natural phenomena to Cuba because of its recurrence and destructive force. Determining the frequency and intensity with which them might affect important economic places, is vital in order for facilities to get adequately prepared and minimize damages. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to characterize tropical cyclones that have affected Mariel's Special Development Zone (ZEDM in Spanish), where are located more than 50 companies from different economic sectors with great significance to Cuba. It was created a tool that allows to study the tropical cyclones that have affected this area in the 1851-2020 period according to their formation area, intensity, frequency and probability of occurrence. Results shown that the studied area is highly affected by category 1 and 2 hurricanes, with September and October's average paths. This information is useful for optimizing the risk assessment in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the preservation of knowledge for the future generations is one of the problems in the world because the information is increasing fast as a result of the development of science and technology. In the case of the nuclear activity, the scientific and technological accumulated experiences should be preserved taking into consideration the new applications of the nuclear energy in different sectors of the human activity. For this, it is necessary to know the experts who work on different topics. This paper presents a performed study to obtain criterions from Cuban nuclear professionals about the conditions and principles to take into consideration for the selection of an expert in nuclear sciences and technologies. Appling Delphi method, it was obtained that years of experience, publications, participation in scientific events and scientific degree are more accepted criterions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on a gender analysis of the main scientific and technological activities carried out by specialists linked to nuclear applications in the nuclear sector and the Cuban nuclear science and technology program. All existing information regarding participation and leadership in science and innovation projects was collected, including projects implemented with the International Atomic Energy Agency, scientific publications, the Nuclear Energy and Advanced Technologies Agency (AENTA) Awards, Cuban Academy of Science Awards, National Innovation Awards, AENTA Branch Forum, international awards, state scientific-technological protection services - radiological surveillance and specialized productions. The analysis has been carried out for the period between 2000-2022, corresponding to the last 22 fiscal years in which there has been an increase in the active participation of women in the nuclear sphere, with the aim of contributing to the decisions in the design of policies and their implementation in the nuclear field for the empowerment of Cuban women in this sector, and with special contribution to the future actions of the Network of Cuban Women in the Nuclear, known as WiN Cuba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In her book Casas del Vedado (1983), Cuban author María Elena Llana explores themes and compositional strategies of non-realistic literary traditions that have remained in force in Latin America to date. In this paper I analyze one of her stories, "Claudina", with the aim of obtaining an understanding of her specific poetics in the general framework of supernatural fiction in our continent, as well as the symbolic meaning of the supernatural used by the author in this short story. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues the origins of research in chemical sciences at the University of Orient, and the first chemical degree course in Cuba. The peculiar origin of the career, as a consequence of the orientation to research towards basic science, promoted by Dr. H. Harry Szmant from whiting the career of Industrial Chemical Engineering, is demonstrated. The creation, purposes and evolution of the Chemical Research Center at the Universidad de Oriente are analized. It is argued that the early decision to organize the Chemistry Conference in 1964, the first on the country, arose from identifying the need to divulgate the results and promote exchange among scientists, It is shown that this event served as platform for the creation of the Cuban Society of Chemistry and the Cuban Journal of Chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the present paper is to systematize the contributions of more than 15 15 years teamwork around the understanding of communication as a field of complex inter and transdisciplinary reflections, built on the research practice of the Center for Cuban and Caribbean Social Studies “Dr. José A. Portuondo ”, from the Universidad de Oriente (Cuba). To systematize the results, a large volume of data contained in 49 undergraduated and postgraduated investigations, 60 scientific articles, 8 books, 15 book chapters, as well as the empirical experience accumulated in dozens of communities, cultural projects, social institutions was analyzed., local governments, unions, companies, scientific events among others, where research results have been socialized and introduced. A complex conception of communication of a socio-anthropological and micro-cultural nature is proposed, which is already located in the analysis of the media, cultural management, socio-cultural relations, politics and local development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the V International Conference “Antropología 2000”, two researchers presented a hypothesis in which they identified three pictographs of Cuban rock art as ideographic expression of the myth of “the creation of the sun and the moon” in the Antillean aboriginal cosmogony. The purpose of the present work is to review the published versions the paper and to provide complementary evidence through the critical examination of the cosmogonical notes of Fray Ramón Pané and their comparison with the Arhuaco myth “Yuí/Tima”, the Desana myth of the creation and a variant of motif 751 of the Motif-Index of Stith Thompson. Using the structural method, a synchronic reading of the mythical compositions is made, isolating their mythemes and correlating them analytically. As main results, it was possible to identify significant parallelisms between the cosmogonical notes of Pané and the continental compositions, obtaining a pattern that points to the linkage of the distinctive accentuation between the mythical subjects with the aboriginal social structures and with the identified rupestreme. In this way it was possible to conclude that the hypothesis presented by the Cuban researchers can be partially revitalized in the light of new evidence; corroborating the thesis of cultural continuity between the Antillean aborigines and their continental ancestors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the project for the Introduction of Technologies for the Diagnosis and Treatment of cancer in our country, the Cuban Cyclotron Project was carried out, which included the structural design of the building where a medium energy particle accelerator is installed and the rest of equipment and facilities for the production of positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals, the preparation of the production plan and the development of various stages until the start of operations. It is the first time in Cuba that a center for the production of radiopharmaceuticals of this type is set up, which is subject to compliance with specific radiological safety requirements and good practices so that the facility is safe and sustainable in the future. This paper presents the experience carried out over ten years to design and build a production center that meets the production expectations of the Ministry of Public Health to improve early diagnosis capabilities for cancer and other chronic non-communicable diseases. As a result, a facility has been built in Havana where the first cyclotron in Cuba was launched at the Specialized Center for Diagnosis and Therapy, which has a production capacity to distribute radiopharmaceuticals to the capital and other provinces of the country; as well as export to countries in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the ending of the XVIII century, there are in Cuba a distinguished group of People with a great monetary power and interested in culture. Colonial authorities don't feel safe with this people who has something in common: they are afro-descendant. This s the main argument for create a politic oppression designed for destroy this economic elite. This was created against the colonial system and they were involved in polemic actions like La Escalera Conspiracy in 1844. But colonial authorities just can pull down their economic power, not their ideas. With this paper, from the view of the oppression against black people, we want to give light about the resistance and the educational level that black Cubans reach in the most significant time within the process of creation of the whole Cuban identity between 1844 and 1898. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the historical trajectories of South-South and triangular cooperation and its dimensions in Latin America. Based on this information, the paper intends to assess the framework’s role as an instrument of public diplomacy in developing countries, which enables participating countries to strengthen their international presence and establish strategic alliances with other countries. Building on the theoretical perspective of the framework, the study analyzes specific Cuban cases of South-South cooperation, linking them with the characteristic elements of public diplomacy, and assesses their impact on international development cooperation. In conclusion, the paper contends that Cuba and South Korea should explore the possible concrete links between the elements of international development cooperation and those of public diplomacy, and seek opportunities to foster South-South cooperation as part of public diplomacy. This will help developing countries to discover and establish new forms of exchanges between them and strengthen their cooperative relations with partner countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the individual conditions of journalistic production in two independent medias of the media-partisan structure in Cuba. These can be considered among the most internationally recognized Cuban media. In the research, in-depth interviews with 40 journalists. It was found that these conditions are marked, fundamentally, by the confluence in the two media organizations of young graduates of journalism courses in the country with a multiple spatial location, and different referents and professional trajectories. A professional identification with the functions of journalism to inform, monitor power, participate in social debate and show society in its diversity, among others, was also detected. In addition, personal concerns were found about the violence against independent journalism on the island. It was concluded that these conditions materialize in terms of an anti-authoritarian professional discursiveness (and representation) shared by journalists. A comparison with the findings of inquiries located in other national spaces is proposed in the conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cojímar Formation, --Lower Miocene (upper part) to Middle Miocene (lower part)--, is a unit in Western Cuba well known for its extensive development and exposure outcrops. It has been widely used in bioestratigraphic studies. However, paleoecological studies on this unit through foraminifera, both planktonic and benthic species, are considered insufficient. The richness and variety of microfossils, especially foraminifera, has allowed us to address the paleoecological aspect. In this paper, the sedimentary environment is established. Besides the systematic classification of these species was updated and the biozonation re-evaluated from planktonic foraminifera. A detailed sampling, from material taken every 15 meters was fulfilled along with a compilation of all species of foraminifera reported for the studied unit. The micropalaeontological analysis allowed the identification of 40 taxa of planktonic foraminifera grouped into 12 genera, being the most representative Globigerina, Globigerinoides, Orbulina, and Globorotalia. Moreover, 226 taxa of benthic foraminifera belonging to 102 genera were determined. These included: Lituolida, Loftusiida, Textulariida, Lagenida, Rotaliida and Miliolida suborders. The main genres represented were Cibicides, Cibicidoides, Cibicobis, Uvigerina, Angulogerina, Anomalinoides, Planulina, Bolivina, Amphistegina, Lenticulina, Nodosaria, and Textularia. Cojímar Formation corresponds to a deep platform, which was determined from the benthic microforaminifera (Uvigerina, Lenticulina, Marginulina) analyzed. Thanatocenoses developed in outer neritic to upper bathyal depths between 100 m - 500m. New reports of both planktonic foraminifera species for that unit as small benthic, such as Anomalinoides flintii, A. trinitatensis, Planulina valued cf. P. mantaensis, Catapsydrax cf. C. dissimilis, Globigerinoides cf. G. obliquus, Globigerinoides primordius, and Hastigerina praesiphonifera were evaluated. As a contribution Gyroidinoides cibaoensis taxon is here first reported to Cuba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the efficiency and effectiveness of social spending in Cuba, considering that this serves as a reference to analyze the importance assigned to social policy in a country. For this purpose, it starts with the analysis of Cuba's current situation in comparison with Latin America, based on the use of different social performance indicators. Likewise, a synthetic indicator of such performance is constructed as a measure of effectiveness and is compared with the expenditures spent for such purposes, as a measure of efficiency. It is found that Cuba is the most effective country in the region, but at the same time the least efficient. In order to face this challenge, a set of policy reflections is synthesized to contribute to the improvement of equity in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El profesor José Rafael Estrada González es considerado el "Padre de la Neurología cubana". Su formación como neurólogo y neuropatólogo en el Massachusetts General Hospital de EE. UU., después de graduarse como médico en la Universidad de La Habana, junto a su reconocido intelecto, hicieron que fuera pionero en el desarrollo de la Neurología en el país desde comienzos de la década de los cincuenta. Al triunfo de la Revolución, el Ministerio de Salud Pública lo designó para organizar los servicios neurológicos y neuroquirúrgicos, junto a los escasos especialistas de Neurocirugía que quedaron en el país. Fundó el Hospital de Neurología en enero de 1962, en el puesto de director, que a partir de 1966 pasó a ser el Instituto de Neurología y Neurocirugía. Se distinguió como neurólogo, docente e investigador, y sus enseñanzas se han extendido no solo a las generaciones de neurólogos y neurocirujanos, sino también a toda la comunidad de neurocientíficos que formó. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo describir algunos aspectos de la trayectoria del Prof. José Rafael Estrada González en lo que concierne a su vida personal, como médico, científico, educador y revolucionario. Professor José Rafael Estrada González is considered to be the father of Cuban Neurology. His training as a neurologist and neuropathologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital in the USA, after graduating as a doctor at the University of Havana, together with his renowned intellect, made him a pioneer in the development of Neurology in the country from the beginning of the fifties. At the triumph of the Revolution, the Ministry of Public Health appointed him to organize neurological and neurosurgical services, alongside the few neurosurgery specialists that remained in the country. He founded the Neurology Hospital in January 1962, in the position of director, which from 1966 became the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery. He distinguished himself as a neurologist, professor, and researcher, and his teachings have extended not only to generations of neurologists and neurosurgeons, but also to the entire community of neuroscientists that he trained. The present paper aimed to describe some aspects of Prof. José Rafael Estrada González path in regard to his personal life, as a doctor, scientist, professor and revolutionary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the powerful influence of Cuba on the life and work of Benito Pérez Galdós, whether in his journalistic or literary production. Spaniard emigration to the Caribbean, the wars in Cuba and, in particular, the defeat of 1898, are recurring themes in his work, as well as the role played by the United States in the disappearance of the last Spanish overseas possessions and the threat of North American imperialism to the Hispanic culture of America. Galdós, therefore, coexisted with the importance of the Island for Spain in the 19th century, the impact of its loss and sympathy for the Cuban political project (liberal, secular and reformist). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines secondary sanctions as part of the triangular relations between the United States, the European Union and Cuba. The analysis - built on Dittmer's (1981) strategic triangle theory and Womack's (2016) studies of asymmetric relationships - questions the evaluation of sanctions carried out by the US Departments of State, Commerce and the Treasury, noting that, by prioritising the impact on the target's economy, the evaluation ignores other fundamental effects of the sanctions in terms of triangular relations with allies and alternative powers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their characteristics, cooperatives have a great potential for women and men to participate on equal terms, although gender imbalances still exist. In order to explore this issue, this paper reviews the evolution of the cooperative movement with respect to gender equality, paying attention to the forces in the environment that have strengthened this position. It also analyses the elements that act in environments as disparate as those of Cuba and Spain and that favor the participation of women in cooperatives. Reference is made to Non-agricultural Cooperatives in Cuba and Associated Work Cooperatives in Spain, which are similar organizations. Using a qualitative methodology, theoretical methods of a socio-legal nature were used, which made it possible to focus on the evolution of cooperativism as part of a historical process and to compare the cases of both countries. The corpus has been made up of the main international declarations on gender and the Social Economy, as well as laws, regional and national public policies that promote gender equality in cooperatives. The results indicate that, with the particularities of each country, the evolution of the international context has exerted pressure for action in this area. However, the changes introduced by cooperatives require that the experience for women be successful, in terms of promoting real long-term empowerment and being a viable economic alternative that transcends the times of crisis that have encouraged them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with major challenges faced by Cubans concerning labor and care, from the perspective on the care economy and its implications for gender equality. Concepts are discussed first, and then the current situation of labor and care in Cuba is depicted. Some suggestions about what kind of public policies should be adopted are made. The results show that, in spite of the progress made in Cuban women's rights and opportunities, gender equality is not fully guaranteed, which is showed mostly in sociocultural patterns accentuating the sexual division of labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuba's new Fundamental Law, passed on February 24th 2019, is considered the next step in the structural changes that have taken place in the country. These changes create uncertainties, increase social vulnerability and highlight spaces subject to greater risks. This paper forms part of the current debate on Cuba's transformation, based on knowledge of its socioeconomic reality and the thinking of Poland's "transitology" school. The text of the country's new constitution is analysed through this comparison. Based on the conviction that individual and collective actions in Cuban society increase the unpredictability of the process of change, this article aims to suggest that the text of the new constitution manifests the imponderables of the Cuban transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher education continues to be in the process of change in the national and international context, determined by the needs of structural and curricular modernization, as well as by the need to respond to social requirements. Massiveness is a strength based on accessibility to the university and is related to equity and equality of rights for all in the training process of the health professional, but, on the other hand, it constitutes a challenge for the system which can directly affect quality in the process of medical teaching. This paper aims to address some guidelines and points of view about the interaction between medical teaching in mass environments and its challenge to increase quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El financiamiento de los sistemas de salud juega un rol central en los niveles de cobertura de los servicios de salud; asimismo, repercute en la calidad y en los resultados alcanzados no solo en esta esfera, sino también en términos sociales en general. Es por ello, que el propósito del presente artículo es reflexionar acerca de cómo el financiamiento de los sistemas de salud juega un rol clave en la provisión de servicios de mayor calidad, en el logro de una mayor cobertura y mejores resultados. La experiencia cubana ha alcanzado notables resultados en esta área, los cuales constituyen un referente a nivel mundial. En el caso de Cuba, esto se ha traducido en un financiamiento estatal de manera creciente en tiempo destinado al sistema nacional de salud, como una forma de garantizar una elevada cobertura, acceso universal, sostenibilidad de diferentes programas; así como, la calidad y resultados alcanzados en dicha área. Financing of health systems plays an essential role in the coverage levels of health services, likewise, this financing influence in quality and results achieved not only in this sphere, but also in social terms in general. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to reflect about the way the financing of health services plays an essential role in the provision of higher quality services, in achieving a greater coverage and better results. Cuban experience has reached remarkable results in this area, which constitutes a point of reference worldwide. In the case of Cuba, this has been translated in an ever growing state financing of the national health system in order to guarantee a higher coverage, worldwide access, different programs sustainability, as well as the quality and results achieved in such area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the city of Havana, the Isotope Center reviews its activity since its creation. The production of radionuclidemarked compounds and other radiochemical work at the Institute of Nuclear Physics, inaugurated in 1969, stimulated the applications of open radioactive sources, which can be considered as the most tangible organized antecedent of the center. Later in the 1980s, the Executive Secretary for Nuclear Affairs accelerated, diversified and expanded nuclear applications, developed the training of highly qualified staff and experts as well as international cooperation. The creation of the Center for Applied Nuclear Development Studies coincided with the consolidation of a group of biotechnological research and production institutions and with these applications gaining importance in Nuclear Medicine. It was soon recognized that it was not possible to continue managing a growing inventory of radionuclides. As a result, CENTIS, a specialized center with a complete cycle, was designed and built, which comprised not only research and development, but also production and marketing. When in 1994 CENTIS became part of the Nuclear Energy Agency, investment was concluded and the production methodologies of the most important radiopharmaceuticals were established. In more than 20 years of work CENTIS has become the main support of Nuclear Medicine in the country. With its metrological capabilities in the magnitude of radioactivity and its non-clinical and clinical research, it is increasingly part of the socio-economic life of the country and its capital. In this paper the main results of each stage are detailed in relation to the mission of the center and a technical assessment is made regarding the actions taken to favor their target sectors: health and biomedical research. Periods of five years in favor of centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a historic essay about the 3rd Congress of the Cuban Communist Party in 1986 developed as an analysis of the international context and the discourses by Fidel Castro and Raúl Castro in the party plenary sessions. This work is justified on the basis of a need to understand the nature of the political changes by the Cuban government in the latest years of the Cold War. This era was marked by the economic precariousness and the geopolitical transitions in Latin America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the frame of a society which is building Socialism, the analysis of employment and wages variables, as well as the scheme of a wage policy, even international theory and experience in market economies can be assessed, cannot leave aside Marxist conceptions, instead they must be conceptualized from a vision coherent to the basic principles of a socialist model. In that model, wages are an instrument for individual and social realization of the subject in her/his double condition of worker and co-owner of the means of production and, besides, for distribution of the wealth created according to work in order the develop productive forces and to achieve social equality. This paper analyzes the characteristics of the transition period to Socialism and then qualifies what are consider the essential foundations for a wage policy according to the Cuban socioeconomic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financing of health systems plays an essential role in the coverage levels of health services, likewise, this financing influence in quality and results achieved not only in this sphere, but also in social terms in general. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to reflect about the way the financing of health services plays an essential role in the provision of higher quality services, in achieving a greater coverage and better results. Cuban experience has reached remarkable results in this area, which constitutes a point of reference worldwide. In the case of Cuba, this has been translated in an ever growing state financing of the national health system in order to guarantee a higher coverage, worldwide access, different programs sustainability, as well as the quality and results achieved in such area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents, in the context of the universal health strategy, some general considerations and economic actions on financing, efficiency and other economic challenges of public health in Cuba. Official bibliographic sources of the Cuban state were revised up to 2015. The analyses of time series were adjusted to constant prices of 1997 and the official exchange rate of 1 Cuban peso = 1 US dollar. The Cuban National Health System has a solid infrastructure, consisting of a wide network of health facilities that guarantee full coverage, access and equity in the services provided to the population through qualified human resources. An economic analysis was carried out under the conceptual framework of the universal health strategy, with an emphasis in financing, efficiency and challenges of the Cuban public health system to maintain the right to health of its citizens, equity, coverage and access to the services provided, including the elimination of economic, sociocultural and gender barriers, as well as solidarity with the Cuban population and the world. It was concluded that in Cuba, universal health is considered one of its most valuable achievements, although it is needed a most efficient analysis of reliable and available sources, research and application of results to practice on the strengths and weaknesses of the system regarding health economics, updating and a better use of resources and technologies, as well as deepening the lessons learned and facing remaining challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to describe the opportunities and challenges of training processes in the coordination of regional and national communication initiatives for arboviral disease prevention, using the lessons learned in the Cuban context as an example. In February 2016 and December 2017, professional staff from the Pedro Kour' Institute of Tropical Medicine attended workshops for strengthening communication capacities for arboviral disease prevention in primary health care settings through gradual introduction of the most recent approaches promoted by the Pan American Health Organization in this regard. National, provincial, municipal, and health area specialists with diverse professional profiles were trained; multidisciplinary teams were strengthened at the different levels; specific tasks were assigned and coordinated at each level; and demonstration sites were established for the communication approaches promoted in the workshops. Learning needs in the field of mass communication were also identified, and activities for training technical staff and for monitoring and evaluation were introduced in the national strategy 2018-2021 to guarantee the implementation and sustainability of communication activities. Notwithstanding, participating institutions will have to address the challenges characteristic of communication for arboviral disease prevention, which include the rotation of trained personnel, the mobilization of resources for communication, and the identification of appropriate evaluation indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The achievements and challenges arising from the application of eHealth in the Cuban context to support universal health are presented. The Ministry of Public Health defi- ned the Computerization Strategy, whose lines of work are based on the components declared in the Strategy and Plan of Action on eHealth of the Pan American Health Organization, and in the Policy for the Computerization of the Society, approved by the Cuban Government. The paper describes the actions of the Cuban strategy elaborated to solve the limitations in the technological infrastructure, to develop the platforms, the tools and the applications required by the health services, and to stimulate the professionals' abilities to use them. The results of eHealth in Cuba are based on the application and evaluation of the strategy implemented in the framework of the improvement of the health sector through projects such as the electronic medical record called Galen Clínicas, the training of human resources and the resources for information and education from the Infomed Health Telematics Network. These models of solidarity and collaborative networking have contributed to universal health and positively impacted on the health system beyond the borders. The challenges of eHealth are the development of initiatives in mobile health --in which there is little experience--; telemedicine --a project that is stopped--; integration and interoperability among applications; the sustainability of the implemented solutions; insuffi- cient technological infrastructure; and strengthening of the legal framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its impact on human health and its capacity to cause damage, disasters are one of the global problems that most concern the international community. However, and in spite of the efforts made by many health systems, the reduction of vulnerabilities and the lack of strategies to avoid or minimize risks have not received enough attention yet. As Cuba is located in an area of permanent danger of disasters, its health sector has accumulated considerable experience in the management of risks and in the assurance of less risky future scenarios, with active participation of the community and a planned and organized process to address the impact of climate change. This paper summarizes some of these experiences and describes the dangers, vulnerabilities, and risks of disasters in Cuba, its Civil Defense System, and planning and organization in the health sector for disaster reduction, as well as the main effects and challenges of climate change in the health system. Lessons learned and good practices support the key role of human resources to reduce vulnerabilities; the greatest challenges are to avoid or minimize risks, to advance research, to train professionals for climate change, and to optimize the organization of health systems and services in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The so-called "special period" in Cuba and its ensuing severe economic crisis had a great influence in the literary creation of the Cuban youth, particularly in the generation of writers known as the "novísimos" ("the newest"). This paper presents a topic -so far unexplored by literary criticism- found in the narrative of these authors: the insertion and contextualization of mythical references taken from different cultures. The objective is to characterize the rhetorical resemantization of mythical discourse in a representative sample of these Cuban young writers (1993-2003) from a semantic-discursive perspective with the inter- and trans-disciplinary approach inherent in contemporary discourse studies (Charaudeau, 2009). The analysis is made on the basis of various proposals and the selected rhetorical procedures, always taking into account the historical, political and social dimensions of the artistic work. The research reveals that the myth is also an expressive means to portray the hardships the island was undergoing during that historical period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A summary of the actualized knowledge obtained up today, regarding the study of the marine, estuarine, and fresh epi and hipogean waters Cuban amphipods, is presented. This paper contents the basic morphology, history, taxonomy and the Cuban bibliography. Amphipods are an important group of peracarid crustaceans, which taxonomy is very complex because of the small size (less than 1 cm long), and very diverse from the taxonomic point of view. Cuban amphipods were practically unknown until last century. Only two species record were given then. From the 70th a systematic taxonomic research was carried out by the authors until 2010, when the last Cuban paper of the group was published. After that, three other papers were published on foreign Journals, and some taxonomic information it about is herein pointed out. A new record of a sponge inhabitant eusiroid amphipod is given, as well as a table including the 45 described species till present, which type localities are from Cuba. It shows the fact that no other country in the region has the highest number of amphipod type localities belongings. Actually, the group is represented in Cuba by 53 families, 132 genera and 204 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with interior design of social housing in Cuba. The work starts form the idea that interior design is a component of the architectural design, but this relation depends on architectural factors as well as other coming from the social conditions of its production. This work uses theoretical methods to explain the results of studies devoted to define satisfaction levels of people regarding their home spaces, and the conditions of production of habitat in last decades. This paper exposes some of the principal problems of indoor spaces at home; explains its possible causes and proposes approaches for its solution. We conclude that interior design of social housing is different from other type of buildings so it must be reviewed in the politics of housing under nowadays-productive conditions in order to improve its quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South-South cooperation (SSC) has over seventy years of experience, although a due attention has not always been focused on it. Although there is a dense rhetoric trying to keep SSC away of the traditional North-South cooperation (NSC), emphasizing its more horizontal and its untied character, this paper tries to argue the role that the SSC has as an instrument of foreign policy of countries. To support this point, a review is made of the broad SSC promoted by Cuba, a key driver in this context. Given the shortcomings in the systems of information of Cuban cooperation, one of the contributions of this paper is to provide systematic information on this subject, to support the suggested hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The figure and work of Rubén Darío have been the object of appropriation in Nicaragua, according to the given dominant political and ideological configurations. This paper describes and analyzes the operation performed made by Casa de las Américas, on the centennial of the birth of the poet, in 1967. In the "Encuentro con Rubén Darío" held in Varadero in February of that year and the issue of Casa de las Américas that contains the various papers given by intellectuals discussing Dario's contributions. The political outcome of the event was to canonize the Nicaraguan poet as anti-intellectual, together with the figures of José Martí and Simón Bolívar. The discussions that occurred among intellectuals present at the Encuentro about the figure of Darío are analyzed in this article. Finally, we describe how the appropriation of the figure and work of the poet for the revolutionary discourse occurs in Nicaragua over the next decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertisols are soils constituted by very particular characteristics that are being studied in the world from different approaches (genesis, classification and characterization) and overall in the last years in relation with soil cracking and water availability in these soils. This paper presents the last criteria to the diagnosis of characteristics that define the classification of Vertisols; at a world level (Soil Taxonomy and World Reference Base), as well as in Cuban clasification. Also, physical, morphological and chemical properties are shown in three soil profiles studied near City of Havana, in low parts of the relief with a tropical sub humid climate with 1100 to 1300 mm of rainfall in the year. Finally this paper highlights that it is the first time of the characterization and classification of Vertisols in provinces near to Havana City (Mayabeque and Artemisa province). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meteorological drought is an extreme phenomenon that is part of the natural climate variability. In this century, studies have shown that the drought processes in our country have become more frequent, intense and extensive, both temporally and spatially and their impact on populations and economies is important. The general objective of this paper is to evaluate the state of the meteorological drought in Villa Clara in the period 2000-2017. The state of the meteorological drought was also evaluated according to seasonal periods, dry (November-April) and rainy (May-October). The evolution of the current drought process 2014-2017 was characterized as well. Lastly, the precipitation trend between 1950 and 2017 and the synoptic processes associated with them were analyzed. To this end, the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Man-Kendall Test were used for the monthly and seasonal precipitation series. The main results obtained showed that in the province there were 11 seasonal periods with drought, 4 in the rainy period and 7 in the drier season. Additionally, the driest rainy season in the province was recorded in May-October of 2004, while the driest dry season was between November of 2004 and April of 2005. The rainfall trend shows that the greatest decreases are concentrated in the bimester May-June; the rainiest season of the year is associated with the increase in the influence of high pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current paper was to develop a Website for the study of the insect pests and natural enemies in soybean (Glycine max. (L.) Merrill) in Cuba. It was built using Macro media Dream Weaver 8.0 and contains a picture gallery and information supporting the taxonomy and management of the crop insect pest. The site is being validated by students of Matanzas University and researchers of the Provincial Plant Health Laboratory and the National Center for Animal and Plant Health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Constitution of Cadiz was applied throughout Cuban territory in the two periods in which it was in force, 1812-1814 and 1820-1823, when the island was free from the convulsions of the wars of independence. This paper analyzes the participation of the Cuban ecclesiastical establishment in this process. As the sources reveal, the Cuban clergy, encouraged by the bishop of Havana, was characterized by its involvement at the local level in establishing the representative system. The clergy had a dual role as citizens and representatives of the new State, but were also vocal in defense of local interests against other authorities, and resisted the criticism of the most pro-colonial reactionary faction, especially during the Liberal Triennium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the decade of 1940s, Cuba had an increase in action groups. These organizations gathered former fighters against Machado regime, and ex soldiers from the Spanish Civil War, and Second World War. Under the term of revolutionary, during the Auténtico leadership, they became in battle front against the opposition, took benefits from the corruption of public officials and they was engaged in sanguinary internecine struggles. This paper aims to analize action groups, from the premise that its existence was not only a product of its inmediate sociopolitics circumstances, but also it is related with the consagration of insurrectional idealistics as a base of cuban political culture of burgeois republic. Also, the article propose an approach to classify action groups, taking into account its composition, methods, financing ways, relationship with the government, and ideological perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism is a key industry in Cuba, representing this country an important role in the international market. Thus, there is a need to analyze the tourism research developed by authors and institutions of this country. This paper analyzes the contribution in tourism academic journals (national and international) of those researchers of Cuban institutions. Considering the dynamic evolution in the period 2006-2011 and due the wide extension of the analysis, the paper will be published in two parts. This paper is the second part and shows a ranking of authors, but also the geographic application of the studies, number of co-authors, and the citations of their papers. Finally, the paper highlights some conclusions and recommendations about the current situation of tourism research in Cuba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism is a key industry in Cuba, representing this country an important role in the international market. Thus, there is a need to analyze the tourism research developed by authors and institutions of this country. This paper analyzes the contribution in tourism academic journals (national and international) of those researchers of Cuban institutions. Considering the dynamic evolution in the period 2006-2011 and due the wide extension of the analysis, the paper will be published in two parts. This paper allows for identifying the evolution of Tourism Research in Cuba and those institutions that has shown a higher performance in researching and publishing their studies in tourism. The second part of the article shows a ranking of authors, but also the geographic application of the studies, number of co-authors, and the citations of their papers. Finally, the paper highlights some conclusions and recommendations about the current situation of tourism research in Cuba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of work in creating collective wealth is a basic precept of the building of socialism in Cuba. A large number of social researchers have theorized on distribution according to work, and many of them have considered this type of distribution to occur in the socialist state sector only. However, there are a lot of self-employed workers today in Cuba, with them being important economic agents to be considered when performing macroeconomic research. This paper is aimed at demonstrating that distribution according to work also occurs in the non-state sector. It is also important to bear in mind that the Cuban economic and social model is being updated, and at the same time the Cuban economic theory is being elaborated currently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eduardo Chibás was one of the most important politicians of the fifties in Cuba. Insightful and aggressive in his speeches, the way of his death supposed a shock in the island. In this paper, we try to show the media impact of this decease outside of Cuba, in the rest of the world. The importance of Eduardo Chibás dead is not limited to the disappearance of an extraordinary politician, the suicide and the reasons behind this suicide are very important too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The end of the "Ten Years War" marked a turning point within the Cuban social and labor relations. Reformism, which had led the first workers' struggles during the 1860s, turned to be ineffective in a new political-economic reality marked by the abolition of slavery and the arrival of socialist ideas from Europe, notably the anarchism. This fact made the workers have to seek new societal systems to carry out their demands. Then emerged the Círculo de Trabajadores de La Habana, an institution based on libertarian approaches that was quickly replicated in other Cuban localities outside the capital. This paper aims to explore the birth and structuring of this innovative model, as well as to analyse the real extent of its influence on other external labor entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a historical analysis of two fundamental aspects of hydraulic engineering is made. They are the construction of works and engineering teaching in Cuban context. Evolution of construction and its influence in the formation of professionals can be appreciated. Also, the presence of this professionals has influenced the amount and complexity of works. Here, some social and environmental factors are mentioned, establishing an ancient memory, which has been divided into five parts withholding five centuries. On each part development of works and teaching of this engineering are presented, thus making a historical - logical link between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the results of a bibliometric study of cuban scientific production on osteoporosis are exposed. This work was done in order to determine the productivity and visibility of researchers and institutions that have among their fronts research, prevention, care and treatment of osteoporosis. The study was conducted in the period from 1973 to 2015. It was used as the primary source of information Scopus database. The articles where Cuban researchers participated are analyzed. Bibliometric indicators are used to characterize the most productive researchers and institutions. The main countries with which Cuba is associated to investigate the topic under study, as well as internal collaborations are identified. The most productive researchers belong to the Center of Natural Products, from the National Center for Scientific Research, a leading institution in this field. Spain, followed by Mexico are the countries with the most partnerships are established. The cuban, spanish and swiss journals are the most commonly used to disseminate the results of cuban researchers in this field. In addition, research fronts were identified according to the dynamics of publications about characterization, prevention and management of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of knowledge resulting from the fast-paced advance of science, and its use as a commodity, has given rise to the so-called «knowledge economy», and, consequently, to the emergence of high tech companies. The present paper provides some concepts and proposals, regarding the structure the economic management model of this kind of enterprises in Cuba should. The suggested model is aimed at guaranteeing key. Likewise, the paper also presents the feasibility of implementing this type of companies following existing circumstances and regulations in our economy, and regarding established guidelines as part of updating process of cuban economic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the health conditions in Cuba and the general characteristics of the Cuban health system, including its structure and coverage, its financial sources, its health expenditure, its physical, material and human resources, and its stewardship functions. It also discusses the increasing importance of its research institutions and the role played by its users in the operation and evaluation of the system. Salient among the social actors involved in the health sector are the Cuban Women Federation and the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution. The paper concludes with the discussion of the most recent innovations implemented in the Cuban health system, including the cardiology networks, the Miracle Mission (Misión Milagro) and the Battle of Ideas (Batalla de Ideas). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a review of information on personalities, institutions, publications, projects, studies, investigations, and scientific instruments related to Cuban seismology. The paper covers 479 years, from the first earthquake report (1528, in Baracoa) to the present. Five seismologists (Andrés Poey γ Aguirre {1825-1919}, Benito Viñes Martorell, S.J. {1837- 1893}, Pedro Salteraín γ Legarra {1835-?}, Mariano Gutiérrez Lanza {1865-1943}, and Eduardo Montelieu γ de la Torre {1883-?}) carried out scientific work of outstanding quality. The seismicity in the southeastern part is the most important in the country, in terms of magnitude, intensity and frequency of earthquake occurrence. Two earthquakes of 9 degrees (MSK) and eight of 8 degrees (MSK) were recorded, and a 6.9 maximum magnitude was registered on 25.05.1992 in Cabo Cruz. The strongest earthquake in the western part of the island occurred on 22.01.1880 (I = 8 degrees, MSK) in San Cristóbal. Recorded fatalities from earthquakes for the entire territory are slightly over one hundred, much less than in other countries in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]