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Describes experimental program based on the ideas of the communicative approach to teaching English as a foreign language that was implemented at the Centre for Studies in Tourism in Havana in 1987. Special emphasis is on the difficulties encountered by teachers in a foreign language setting who had been previously used to teaching prescribed, teacher-centered, structural methods. (six references) (JL)

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The lionfish is an exotic invasive fish native to the Indo-Pacific, which is established in the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Lionfish can affect native fishes and invertebrates through direct predation or competition for food. The present review aims to analyze the most relevant characteristics of the biology and ecology of lionfish as an invasive alien species, with an emphasis on Cuba. We provide a current view of the well-known lionfish as a successful invasive fish, and we put in this context the information regarding lionfish in Cuban waters, enriching the background knowledge, and giving novel and relevant information. The compilation of numerous publications on the subject has allowed for a more complete analysis of essential aspects of this invader in the Cuban archipelago. The consulted literature records that the first report of lionfish in Cuba occurred in 2007; subsequently, sightings of lionfish were reported in numerous localities. In 2010, the lionfish was considered an invasive alien species, which currently is established in various habitats, at depths up to 188 m, throughout the Cuban archipelago (e.g., coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, submerged artificial structures). In addition, it has reached very high densities (12.42 ind./100 m2), which exceed those reported in the Indo-Pacific as well as in many locations in the Western Atlantic. It has been confirmed that the lionfish in Cuba also presents numerous characteristics that guarantee its success as an invader, among them: less quantity and diversity of parasites than other Atlantic fishes found in similar environments, a high number of gametes in the gonads, reproductive activity during all year and wide diet. The most important fish families for the lionfish diet in Cuba have been Pomacentridae, Gobiidae, Scaridae, Holocentridae, Mullidae, Labridae and Acanthuridae; and the most important crustacean orders are Decapoda, Mysida, Stomatopoda and Isopoda. In Cuba, as in the entire invaded region, numerous investigations have been directed to evaluate the impact of this invader on ecosystems, and although there is enough information, their results differ. Additional studies are required to assess the impact of lionfish as a predator after several years of invasion on a larger geographic scale in Cuba and other areas of the region. This knowledge will allow the development of more effective control strategies. Periodic lionfish culling have been carried out in Cuban MPAs as a control strategy, and some positive results have been observed, such as the average size reduction; however, further efforts are still required. Due to the importance of the study of lionfish as an invader, this review is a necessity as it provides, for the first time, a comprehensive analysis of lionfish information and results from Cuba, which is adequately contrasted with previous studies of other areas, particularly, from the Greater Caribbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the different moments and contents of the strategies of the evangelization process practiced by the Spanish during the conquest and colonization of Cuba, as well as possible reasons for its failure. States that the Indians were enslaved and directed through evangelism toward acculturation. (BT)

Explains the relationship between Spanish colonialism in Cuba, evangelization of the Indians, and the origins of Cuban culture, as well as the role the Jesuits played in this process of transculturation. Analyzes the first phase in the history of the educational work of the Jesuits in Cuba (1566-1574). (BT)

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We present a speleothem record from western Cuba, spanning the period 98.7–84.9 ka BP. Our record shows two distinctive periods of high δ18O corresponding to dry and/or cold periods during 85–87.6 and 90.2–93.1 ka BP, synchronous with Heinrich events 8 and 9 (H8 and H9). Hence, we provide the first proxy evidence of the local Caribbean climate response to H8 and H9. Interestingly, H8 is more pronounced compared to H9, which may be a local response to lower temperatures in the North Atlantic resulting in a weak AMOC and reduced deep water formation, therefore a stronger south shift of the ITCZ. Our data complement existing speleothem records from western Cuba which, collectively, provide a nearly continuous paleoclimate time-series spanning the last 100 ka BP, indicating a consistent response to millennial-scale events as dry and/or cooler conditions. The comparison with regional paleoclimate records reveals an anti-phased relationship with South America, caused by the southern movements of the ITCZ during millennial-scale events which lead to dry conditions in the Caribbean and a stronger South American Monsoon System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuba's shelf has been invaded by lionfish (Pterois volitans/Pterois miles), which have become established over the archipelago, including areas of natural importance. The present study aims to evaluate morphometric features of lionfish and to explore the relationship between lionfish size and diet composition in different habitats in the Punta Frances National Park, Cuba. In total 620 lionfish were captured at 29 sites between 2013 and 2016. Lionfish stomachs were removed and their contents were analyzed using frequency and numerical methods. The length-weight allomentric relationship was obtained, and a decrease in lionfish sizes was shown over time, likely due to the extractions carried out. The diet was composed by fishes, crustaceans, mollusks and phytobenthos, with a predominance of fishes. Lionfish caught in seagrass beds tended to be smaller in size and consumed fewer fishes and more crustaceans than those captured in coral reefs. A positive correlation was observed between lionfish body size and gape size; however, no significant correlation was detected between lionfish body size and prey size. Larger lionfish tended to consume more fishes, while crustaceans were more significant in the diet of juvenile lionfish. This is the first study that examines the feeding habits of lionfish in the Punta Frances MPA, and provides valuable information on lionfish inhabiting this MPA across four years of sampling. Furthermore, this research may serve as a baseline for subsequent evaluations of lionfish impact and management actions in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cuba were reported on March 11, 2020, followed by multiple introductions of infected travelers from Europe, America, and Asia. This work aimed to characterize the SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating in Cuba from March to September 2020 by partial nucleotide sequencing of the S and N genes. Methods: Between March and September 2020, 38 nasopharyngeal exudates from 38 SARS-CoV-2 patients were received at the National Reference Laboratory for Influenza and Respiratory Viruses at the Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí" (IPK). The Sanger sequencing method was used to amplify and sequence a 2539 bp fragment of the spike gene (from position 22020 to 24550) and a 370 bp of the nucleoprotein gene (from position 28340 to 28710). The GISAID database was used to identify the mutation profile of both fragments, and phylogenetic analysis was used to confirm the clades. In addition, clinical and epidemiological data from patients were gathered. Results: There were 34 and 25 sequences from S and N genes, respectively. In 21 of them, both genes (S and N) were available, whereas, in the remaining 13 and 4, only S or N sequences could be obtained. Based on the presence of the D614G mutation, 32 samples (84.2%) were classified as clade G of SARS CoV-2, and two were classified as Wuhan. No classification was possible in the remaining four (where only the N sequence was available). In one sample each, five different mutations were detected in clade G samples: L517F, L517X, N603T, A846V, and E281V. The 26 N sequences obtained were 100.0% identical to those circulated in most countries. The G30R mutation was detected in an infected patient in Cuba. Fourteen of the 38 patients studied were imported cases. The first three cases detected with COVID-19 in Cuba were clade G and originated in Italy. Ten individuals were asymptomatic, four presented severe forms of the disease (two fatal), and the remaining presented mild symptoms. No relationship was observed among the clades or the mutational profile with the clinical features, country of origin, and Cuban provinces. Conclusion: The early establishment of SARS-CoV-2 genetic surveillance in Cuba was helpful for tracking the epidemic. It demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 clade G was introduced initially and was the variant that circulated in the country during 2020, although the Wuhan strain was also detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Knowing the departure date of each container is paramount to scheduling an optimal stacking in container terminals, and thus, reducing the fuel consumption of the yard cranes. Supervised classification algorithms are typical for estimating such a dwell time. However, we show that an ordinal regression algorithm outperforms the supervised classification algorithms regarding the mean absolute error and the reshuffles generated. This research has been applied in an inbound yard from Cuba as part of a project for the optimization of the import container flow. Our results can state a baseline for further dwell time estimation systems. The optimal stacking of import containers in a terminal reduces the reshuffles during the unloading operations. Knowing the departure date of each container is critical for optimal stacking. However, such a date is rarely known because it depends on various attributes. Therefore, some authors have proposed estimation algorithms using supervised classification. Although supervised classifiers can estimate this dwell time, the variable "dwell time" takes ordered values for this problem, suggesting using ordinal regression algorithms. Thus, we have compared an ordinal regression algorithm (selected from 15) against two supervised classifiers (selected from 30). We have set up two datasets with data collected in a container terminal. We have extracted and evaluated 35 attributes related to the dwell time. Additionally, we have run 21 experiments to evaluate both approaches regarding the mean absolute error modified and the reshuffles. As a result, we have found that the ordinal regression algorithm outperforms the supervised classifiers, reaching the lowest mean absolute error modified in 15 ( 71 % ) and the lowest reshuffles in 14 ( 67 % ) experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging has been established as a major risk factor for prevalent diseases and hence, the development of anti-aging medicines is of great importance. Recently, herbal fermented beverages have emerged as a promising source of potential anti-aging drug. Pru, a traditional Cuban refreshment produced by decoction and fermentation of multispecies plants with sugar, has been consumed for many years and is claimed to have multiple medicinal properties. Besides the traditional method, Pru is also manufactured industrially. The present study analyzed the major components of both traditional Pru (TP) and industrial Pru (IP) to reveal their potential application in promoting the health span. We performed desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) and acquired mass spectra by scanning over the 50e1200 m/z range in both positive and negative ion modes. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was performed for validating the compound assignments. Three important compounds were identified by comparing the MS and MS/MS spectra with reported literature and the online database. One of the identified compounds, gluconic acid, was found to be the most abundant shared metabolite between TP and IP whereas the other two compounds, magnoflorine and levan were exclusively detected in TP. The present study is the first report of component profiling in Cuban traditional and industrial Pru using DESI-MS and FTICR MS/ MS, and reveals the potential application of Pru as a health-promoting agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spawning aggregations are critical for the resilience of some coral reef fish populations and for the sustainability of many coastal fisheries. However, overexploitation of these aggregations is leading to a rapid decline of fish stocks. The fish aggregation site (FAS) associated with the San Felipe Keys National Park (in southwestern Cuba) is of great importance for the conservation of northern Caribbean snapper. An assessment of the pressure which fishing is placing on these populations, however, has not to date been conducted. To characterize the fishing use of San Felipe Keys FAS, data pertaining to five snapper species were evaluated in 2014. Samples consisted of 3879 individuals collected from 80 catch samples from commercial and sport fishing modalities. Catch assessment was performed using indicators based on length-frequency data (minimum legal size, length at first maturity, optimal length and average size of catch) and on fisheries effort data (seasonal and spatial yield by different modalities). To identify whether individuals were caught before or after spawning, the stage of gonads was analyzed. Individuals with sizes below the maturity length and with mature gonads before spawning prevailed in the five species, with Lutjanus analis and L. cyanopterus being the most affected. The government commercial fishing fleet had the highest volume of catches and the largest impact. The indicators suggest that the current use of this FAS may impede the effective preservation of reproductive capacity of the population. Therefore, management and conservation initiatives of this FAS are urgently needed to maintain the sustainability and resilience of the coralline social-ecological system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuba embraced integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) after the Earth Summit, 1992. A series of legal and institutional arrangements rapidly emerged, creating a more solid framework for ICZM in the Caribbean island. Nonetheless, although nearly 48% of Cuba jurisdictional area is ocean, the scope of most ICZM initiatives in the country has been limited to coastal terrestrial issues. Thus, recognition for the inclusion of the marine component of the coastal zone in the national policies and legislation for ocean and coastal management is needed. This paper discusses a number of policy and legal shortcomings that constrain integration and success in ICZM initiatives. Such limitations coupled with opportunities arising from the current political and economic context in the island put the realization of successful ICZM at risk. Overall, the development of a new and comprehensive policy that supports integrated coastal and ocean management in Cuba is critical for: i) addressing the gaps and limitations of the national ICZM approach; and ii) addressing the imminent challenges and opportunities that the new Cuban economic model may represent to the national governance of ICZM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuba is an HBsAg low-prevalence country with a high coverage of anti-hepatitis B vaccine. Its population is essentially the result of the population mix of Spanish descendants and former African slaves. Information about genetic characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains circulating in the country is scarce. The HBV genotypes/subgenotypes, serotypes, mixed infections, and S gene mutations of 172 Cuban HBsAg and HBV-DNA positive patients were determined by direct sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of HBV S gene sequences showed a predominance of genotype A (92.4%), subgenotype A2 (84.9%) and A1 (7.6%). Genotype D (7.0%) and subgenotype C1 (0.6%) were also detected but typical (sub)genotypes of contemporary West-Africa (E, A3) were conspicuously absent. All genotype A, D, and C strains exhibited sequence characteristics of the adw2, ayw2, and adrq serotypes, respectively. Thirty-three (19.1%) patients showed single, double, or multiple point mutations inside the Major Hydrophilic domain associated with vaccine escape; eighteen (10.5%) patients had mutations in the T-cell epitope (amino acids 28-51), and there were another 111 point mutations downstream of the S gene. One patient had an HBV A1/A2 mixed infection. This first genetic study of Cuban HBV viruses revealed only strains that were interspersed with strains from particularly Europe, America, and Asia. The absence of genotype E supports previous hypotheses about an only recent introduction of this genotype into the general population in Africa. The presence of well-known vaccine escape (3.5%) and viral resistance mutants (2.9%) warrants strain surveillance to guide vaccination and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori can predict the development of different gastroduodenal diseases. There are scarce reports in Cuba about H. pylori isolates genotyping. The aim of the present investigation was to identify allelic variation of the virulence genes vacA, cagA, and iceA in sixty-eight patients diagnosed as H. pylori positive by culture. In seven out of 68 patients, strains from both gastric regions were obtained and considered independent. DNA was extracted from all the H. pylori strains and evaluated by PCR-genotyping. The vacA s1 allele, cagA gene, and iceA2 allele were the most prevalent (72.0%, 56.0%, and 57.3%, respectively). Alleles from m-region showed a similar frequency as s1a and s1b subtypes. The presence of multiple H. pylori genotypes in a single biopsy and two gastric region specimens were found. Significant statistical association was observed between iceA2 allele and patients with non-peptic ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) (P=0.037) as well as virulence genotypes (s1, s1m2) and patients over 40 years old (P<0.05). In conclusion, the results demonstrated a high prevalence of H. pylori virulent genotypes in Cuban patients over 40 years old while iceA2 alleles demonstrated a good specificity in patients with NUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on research concerning biological risks facing by the Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias. It mentions that interview with the researchers of the center and the use of the methodology for evaluating biological risks. It also mentions that the results of this research represent an essential factor for the Biosafety documentation development adapted to the Center and according to the legal basis in terms of biological safety in Cuba.

Abstract: With the aim to characterize the HCV genotype distribution in Cuba, sera were collected from two subgroups: HCV-monoinfected and HCV/HIV co-infected patients. A combination of reverse transcription-PCR using genotype-specific primers, restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing was used to determine the genotype of 84 samples. Seventy-nine (94%) showed single infections (10 [12%] were genotype 1a and 69 [82%] genotype 1b) and 5 (6%) samples corresponded to mixed infections (2 [2%] with genotypes 1a/3a and 1 sample [1%] each with 1b/3a, 1b/4a and 1a/1b/3a). HCV/HIV co-infected subjects had a higher frequency of mixed infections (p=0.08), infection with genotype 3a (p=0.18) and for the first time genotype 4a was found. There was no association of any demographic characteristics with any specific genotype although HCV/HIV co-infected patients showed a tendency to have mixed genotypes in those older than 45 years of age (p=0.11). Phylogenetic analysis showed that HCV isolates clustered with subtypes 1b (n=15, maximal genetic distance 2.51%) and 1a (n=2, maximal genetic distance 0.35%). This report presents the prevalence of HCV genotypes in monoinfected and HIV co-infected patients, mixed HCV infections in HCV/HIV co-infected men who have sex with men with high-risk sexual practices and for the first time identifies that the uncommon genotype 4a can be present in a patient co-infected with HIV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the research to identify and evaluate the biohazard in the Immunology and Bioproducts Centre (CIBHO) in Cuba. It mentions that identification and risk assessment is an important tool to plan and improve biological safety, quality control and in general health and safety at workplace. It mentions that the result of the study helps implementing safety regulations which includes, measures for biological safety and health and safety at work.

As part of a project on professionals' lived experience of ethics, this article explores the guiding concepts and values concerning ethics of mental health professionals in Cuba. The data, obtained through individual interviews and focus groups with 28 professionals, indicate that Cubans conceptualize applied ethics in terms of its central role in professional practice and its connection to the social context and subjective processes. Findings also show that Cuban professionals are guided not only by a set of professional values but by a specific set of civic values as well. The former are subdivided into other-oriented values and self-oriented values. The study of ethics in another culture such as Cuba offers a unique point of view from which to critique the social construction of our own conceptions of applied ethics in North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is the second one in a series dealing with mental health ethics in Cuba. It reports on ethical dilemmas, resources and limitations to their resolution, and recommendations for action. The data, obtained through individual interviews and focus groups with 28 professionals, indicate that Cubans experience dilemmas related to (a) the interests of clients, (b) their personal interests, and (c) the interest of the state. These conflicts are related to power differentials among (a) clients and professionals, (b) professionals from various disciplines, and (c) professionals and organizational authorities. Resources to solve ethical dilemmas include government support, ethics committees, and collegial dialogue. Limitations include minimal training in ethics, lack of safe space to discuss professional disagreements, and little tolerance for criticism. Recommendations to address ethical dilemmas include better training, implementation of a code of ethics, and provision of safe space to discuss ethical dilemmas. The findings are discussed in light of the role of power in applied ethics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an overview of the Cuban political system and the changes which have occurred during the 1990s. Origins of the Cuban political system; Centrality of the Cuban political system to the socialist order; Impact of the economic reforms on the Cuban political system.

A small, isolated outbreak of dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS) due to dengue virus type 2 (DEN-2) was documented in Santiago de Cuba on the island of Cuba beginning in January 1997. There were 205 DHF/DSS cases, all in persons older than age 15 years. All but three had evidence of a prior dengue infection, with the only known opportunity being the islandwide dengue virus type 1 (DEN-1) epidemic of 1977–1979. Virtually complete clinical and laboratory surveillance of overt disease was achieved. From December 1997 to January 1998, a random, age-stratified serum sample was obtained from 1,151 persons in 40 residential clusters in Santiago. Sera were tested for DEN-1 and DEN-2 neutralizing antibodies. The prevalence of DEN-2 antibodies in children age 15 years and under, born after the 1981 DEN-2 epidemic, was taken as the 1997 DEN-2 infection rate. This was adjusted slightly to accommodate observed cases, resulting in an estimated infection rate of 4.3%. Dengue fever and DHF/DSS attack rates were calculated from estimated total primary and secondary DEN-2 infections. Only 3% of 13,116 primary infections were overt. The DHF/DSS attack rate for adults of all ages was 420 per 10,000 secondary DEN-2 infections. Am J Epidemiol 2000;152:793–9. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Discusses Cuban policy in Central America after the Sandinista defeat and during the late phase of the negotiation process shows that Cuban influence in the region has diminished. Cuba's economic difficulties have reduced its capacity to aid Nicaragua; The hostility of the post-Sandinista regime to Cuban influence; The changing role of the Sandinista party and the Salvadorian Frente Farabundo Marti de Liberacion Nacional; More.

Reflects on the night the author, a Cuban American, dreamt about her grandmother. Scent of aloe in her grandmother's room; Train travels in visiting her grandmother; Life as a child with grandmother; Pain felt for not having been able to see her grandmother's grave in Cuba.

The author offers his insights on the dengue virus infection study by doctor Vaughn D. in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and some parts of the world. He mentions that Vaughn had identified alarming implications of weaken dengue viral strains that made disease in heterotypically immune individuals. He states that it was good to emphasize the ability of neutralizing antibodies to quantify past dengue infections for the population-based studies of dengue infection and disease are rare.

With the first case of COVID-19 in Cuba on March 11, 2020, the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Havana began an extensive vaccine program. Two vaccines based on RBD recombinant protein were developed, one for systemic administration "Abdala" and one mucosal vaccine "Mambisa". Abdala received the EUA in July 2021 and "Mambisa" completed its clinical development as a booster dose for convalescent subjects. Two doses (25 and 50 µg) and two schedules (0-14-28 and 1-28-56 days) were evaluated in phase I clinical trials with volunteers 19 to 54 years old. The phase II and III clinical trials were also double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled, and included respectively 660 and 48,000 volunteers from 19 to 80 years. The anti-RBD titers were evaluated using a quantitative ELISA system developed at the Center for Immunoassay, Havana Cuba, and ELECSYS system from Roche. The RBD to ACE2 plate-based binding competitive ELISA was performed to determine the inhibitory activity of the anti-RBD polyclonal sera on the binding of the hFc-ACE2 coated plates. The neutralization antibody titers were detected by a traditional virus microneutralization assay (MN50). The Abdala vaccine reached 92.28% efficacy. The epidemic was frankly under control in Cuba after the vaccine introduction having reached the highest levels of cases and mortality in July 2021 with the dominance of the Delta strain. The peak of the Omicron wave, unlike other countries, did not reach half of the cases of the Delta wave with a significant reduction in mortality. The mucosal vaccine candidate "Mambisa" completed its clinical development as a booster dose for convalescent subjects reaching the trial end-point. Vaccine composition based on RBD recombinant antigen alone is sufficient to achieve high vaccine efficacy comparable to mRNA and live vaccine platforms. The vaccine also protects against different viral variants including Delta and Omicron strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ophiolites in Cuba are fragments of either the proto-Caribbean or Caribbean plate, however, neither the time of initial subduction nor the mechanism by which it was induced are well constrained. The Moa Baracoa ophiolitic massif, eastern Cuba, consists chiefly of harzburgite, layered gabbro, gabbro sills and dykes, and lavas. The gabbro sills and dykes yielded zircon U Pb ages of 136.7 ± 1.8 Ma and 122.2 ± 0.5 Ma, respectively; in contrast, zircons from the layered gabbros yielded a wide range of ages (158 to 2556 Ma). The layered gabbros mostly show high MgO, Al 2 O 3 , and CaO, coupled with low TiO 2 , Na 2 O + K 2 O and incompatible elements, suggesting a cumulate origin. Their crystallization sequence (plagioclase before clinopyroxene), low plagioclase An values (69.8–73.5), and clinopyroxene Mg# values (80.4–81.6), are similar to those of mid-ocean ridge gabbros, however, modeled equilibrated melts based on clinopyroxene compositions have a forearc basalt geochemical affinity. In the gabbro sills, crystallization of clinopyroxene before plagioclase, high plagioclase An values (83.7–88.5), high clinopyroxene Mg# values (85.1–89.5), and the presence of magmatic amphibole require hydrous magmas from a supra-subduction zone. The gabbro dykes have moderate plagioclase An values (76.1–80.5) and clinopyroxene Mg# values (83.2–88.1), and modeled melts of the gabbro sills and dykes also show subduction-related geochemical features. High positive whole-rock εNd(t) (+8.48 to +10.81) and low (87Sr/86Sr) i ratios (0.702500–0.703645), coupled with high positive εHf(t) (zircon) (+12.0 to +17.7) suggest that all the Moa-Baracoa gabbros were derived from a depleted source. However, strongly heterogenous δ18O (zircon) values (0.41–6.32‰) in the gabbro sills and dykes indicate addition of a subduction-related fluid. Our data suggest that the Moa-Baracoa ophiolitic massif originated in a forearc environment in the early Cretaceous during subduction initiation. Combined with the regional geological background, we propose that subduction of the proto-Caribbean plate was initiated before 137 Ma. Thus, the zircon in the layered gabbros (δ18O = 6.28 to 8.39‰, εHf(t) = −1.94 to −9.10) must be detrital grains derived from subducted crustal material. The youngest zircon in these rocks implies that some of the crustal material may have been recycled in as little as 20 Myr. [Display omitted] • The Moa-Baracoa gabbro sills and dykes formed in the early Cretaceous (137–122 Ma). • The Moa-Baracoa ophiolitic massif originated in a forearc environment. • Subduction of the proto-Caribbean plate beneath the Caribbean plate was initiated before 137 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ti-poor high-Al chromitites are identified in the Moa-Baracoa ophiolitic massif, eastern Cuba. • Parental magma of the chromitite is hydrous, and has low TiO 2 content and high oxygen fugacity. • Cr-spinel crystallized in a wide depth range. • Ti-poor high-Al chromitites originated from a nascent forearc environment. Podiform chromitite is an important archive recording detailed information on mantle magmatism, heterogeneity and dynamics. High-Al chromitites are believed to have formed in mid-ocean ridge, back-arc, and forearc basin environments. Correlation between the geochemical composition of high-Al chromitites and their geodynamic settings is not well explored. Here, we present the petrographic, microstructural, mineral chemical, and whole-rock platinum-group element (PGE) data of the high-Al podiform chromitites from the Moa-Baracoa ophiolitic massif (MBOM) (eastern Cuba), to investigate their petrogenesis and constrain their geodynamic settings. The chromitites occur in massive and semi-massive forms enveloped in dunite within the host harzburgite. The Cr-spinels in these chromitites contain inclusions of silicates (e.g., clinopyroxene, amphibole, and phlogopite), platinum-group minerals, and base-metal sulfides. These chromitites (Cr# = 42.5–54.7, Mg# = 64.1–75.5) are poor in TiO 2 (0.02–0.15 wt%), and display an obvious enrichment in IPGE (Os, Ir, and Ru) over PPGE (Rh, Pt, and Pd). Cr-spinel grains usually show low-pressure characteristics illustrated by inclusions of amphibole and phlogopite. Additionally, high-pressure/high-temperature microstructures, such as densely exsolved needles of clinopyroxene, strong crystal-plastic deformation, and overgrowth, can be found in some Cr-spinels. The coexistence of high- and low-pressure characteristics implies that some Cr-spinel grains crystallized in a relatively deep mantle while others crystallized at a shallow depth. Mineralogical and chemical features indicate that the parental magma of the chromitites was hydrous and TiO 2 -poor, and had high oxygen fugacity. We propose that the Ti-poor high-Al chromitite of the MBOM originated from a nascent forearc mantle during subduction initiation, in which deep-crystallized Cr-spinel were carried upward by the parental melt and deposited together with the shallow-crystallized crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control of plagues with chemical products is a necessity in the world, although in most of the cases people works intensely in the integrated control. The cost of the activity ends up representing 25% of the costs in citrus fruits cultivation in dependence of the price for the pesticide used. The spraying machines of projected jet use fans, for what the energy expense are high, reaching consumptions of fuel of 12 L/h, constituting this 35% of the operational expenses. The lack of precision in the application is harmful for the human health besides what represents in the economy of the agricultural company. In the work is carried out a study of the spectrum of drops and the quality of the aspersion in the spraying machine Mañez-Lozano in plantations of citrus in Cuba. In this research was used a crusher with a fixed regulation in the fan, the pesticide solution quantity was varied per hectares at two levels changing the spray nozzles diameter. The analysis of the spectrum of drops was carried out according ASAE normative and the drops were captured in cards sensitive to water. The results demonstrate that the increase in the solution quantity to be applied from 1300 L/ha to 3200 L/ha maintaining constant the regime of the fan in the crusher's deteriorates the quality covering index from 73% to 63%. The VMD of the spectrum of drops varies from 340 to 680 µm with the increase of liquid for area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which examined the effect of age on the outcome of secondary dengue 2 infections in Cuba in 1977. Materials and methods; Results; Discussion.

Melt-rock interactions are important for understanding the long-term evolution of the Earth and for addressing various mantle compositions. However, details of the mechanisms and evolution of interactions in supra-subduction zones remain poorly understood. This study presents petrographic and geochemical analyses of the harzburgites from the Moa-Baracoa Ophiolitic Massif, eastern Cuba, to constrain the melt-rock interaction within the lithospheric mantle. The harzburgites preserve pristine microstructures by recording three-stage petrogenetic processes: incongruent melting of orthopyroxene (Opx) in stage I; crystallization of interstitial clinopyroxene (Cpx), spinel (Sp), and base-metal sulfides (BMS) at the expense of Opx in stage II; and re-equilibration characterized by Sp-Cpx symplectite in stage III. The harzburgite compositions are highly refractory with Al 2 O 3 (0.21–0.81 wt%) and TiO 2 (~0.04 wt%) and show "U"-shaped rare earth element (REE) patterns and significant LREE and large ion lithophile element (LILE) enrichments. The olivines have an E-type fabric and a narrow range of compositions (Fo = 90.6–91.6). Interstitial Cpx has moderate Mg# (92.1–94.9) and Al 2 O 3 (1.06–2.88 wt%) and extremely low TiO 2 contents (<0.03 wt%). Opx and interstitial Cpx have low ∑REE contents (0.09–0.14 ppm and 0.24–0.49 ppm, respectively) and are depleted in LREE and variably enriched in LILE. Spinels possess similar Cr# values (56.7–64.8) but variable Mg# values (37.2–58.4). BMS is primarily dominated by pentlandite, which is partly or completely replaced by magnetite and/or heazlewoodite. Modeling of whole-rock HREE variations suggests that the harzburgites experienced >25% partial melting. Widespread interstitial Cpx and BMS, elevated whole-rock Cu and Pt, and variable LILE enrichment in Opx and Cpx indicate the interaction of the refractory harzburgites with migrating sulfur-saturated, low-silica melts. Melts equilibrated with interstitial Cpx appear to have an affinity for FAB. Mineralogical, chemical, and olivine fabric evidence suggests that the Moa-Baracoa harzburgites originated in a nascent forearc mantle. The harzburgites experienced partial melting facilitated by migrating low-silica melts in stage I. Subsequent interactions with FAB melts at relatively high temperatures precipitated Sp, Cpx, and BMS in stage II. Finally, the re-equilibration of high-temperature/pressure pyroxenes produced Sp-Cpx symplectite as the harzburgites were rapidly emplaced into the lithospheric mantle during subduction initiation. • The Moa-Baracoa harzburgites are highly refractory. • Interaction of the harzburgites with FAB melts produces clinopyroxene, spinel and base-metal sulfides. • The harzburgites originated in a nascent forearc mantle during subduction initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]