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Malaria remains one of the most important infectious diseases globally due to its high incidence and mortality rates. The influx of infected cases from endemic to non-endemic malaria regions like Europe has resulted in a public health concern over sporadic local outbreaks. This is facilitated by the continued presence of competent Anopheles vectors in non-endemic countries.We modelled the potential distribution of the main malaria vector across Spain using the ensemble of eight modelling techniques based on environmental parameters and the Anopheles maculipennis s.l. presence/absence data collected from 2000 to 2020. We then combined this map with the number of imported malaria cases in each municipality to detect the geographic hot spots with a higher risk of local malaria transmission.The malaria vector occurred preferentially in irrigated lands characterized by warm climate conditions and moderate annual precipitation. Some areas surrounding irrigated lands in northern Spain (e.g. Zaragoza, Logroño), mainland areas (e.g. Madrid, Toledo) and in the South (e.g. Huelva), presented a significant likelihood of A. maculipennis s.l. occurrence, with a large overlap with the presence of imported cases of malaria.While the risk of malaria re-emergence in Spain is low, it is not evenly distributed throughout the country. The four recorded local cases of mosquito-borne transmission occurred in areas with a high overlap of imported cases and mosquito presence. Integrating mosquito distribution with human incidence cases provides an effective tool for the quantification of large-scale geographic variation in transmission risk and pinpointing priority areas for targeted surveillance and prevention.

A pesar de la mala fama y reputación de las arañas, la realidad es que su mordedura ocurre de manera accidental y es peligrosa únicamente en un número muy limitado de casos. Sin embargo, durante los últimos años se está observando un aumento significativo de los casos de mordeduras en España, principalmente atribuidas a la especie Loxosceles rufescens (Dufour,1820), vulgarmente conocida como la araña reclusa mediterránea, cuyo veneno citotóxico, proteolítico y hemolítico, puede producir lesiones en la piel y causar un cuadro clínico conocido como loxoscelismo. En este estudio presentamos cuatro casos humanos de mordedura presuntivamente por L. rufescens en Mallorca, Gerona y Bizkaia, con diferente tipo de clínica y evolución tras la mordedura. Además, se aporta una sucinta revisión sobre otros casos de mordeduras ocurridos en España, orientaciones en la identificación de L. rufescens, así como de su biología, vigilancia, control integrado y tratamiento médico. El principal objetivo del presente artículo es arrojar información objetiva sobre estos artrópodos cuya aparición resulta cada vez más evidente, así como sensibilizar a la sociedad y concienciar a las autoridades de la necesidad de incluir a esta especie en los programas de vigilancia y control de plagas urbanas, ya que se trata de un problema de repercusión en la salud pública del ámbito privado y público.

Abstract We present strong evidence that semiclassical gravity can give place to self-consistent ultracompact stars beyond the Buchdahl limit. We integrate the semiclassical equations of (spherically symmetric) stellar equilibrium for a constant-density classical fluid. The semiclassical contribution is modelled by a quantum massless scalar field in the only static vacuum state compatible with asymptotic flatness (Boulware vacuum). The Renormalized Stress-Energy Tensor (RSET) is firstly approximated by the analytic Polyakov approximation. This already reveals a crucial difference with respect to purely classical solutions: stars with compactness close to that of a black hole exhibit bounded pressures and curvatures up to a very small central core compared with the star radius. This suggests that a more refined approximation to the RSET at the core may give rise to strictly regular configurations. Following this suggestion, we prove that a minimal deformation of the Polyakov approximation inside the central core is sufficient to produce regular ultracompact stellar configurations.

Mosquitoes (Fam. Culicidae), sand flies (Subfam. Phlebotominae), biting midges(Fam. Ceratopogonidae), black flies (Fam. Simuliidae) and stable flies (Fam. Muscidae) are groups of insects capable to transmit pathogens of public health and veterinary importance [...]

Abstract Taking the principles of quantum mechanics as they stand and applying them to gravity, leads to the conclusion that one might be able to generate superpositions of spacetimes, at least formally. We analyze such a possibility from an analogue gravity perspective. We present an analogue toy model consisting of a Bose–Einstein condensate in a double-well potential and identify the states that could potentially be interpreted as superposition of effective spacetimes. These states are unstable and the source of instability from a microscopic point of view can be related to the absence of a well-defined causal structure in the effective geometric description. We explore the consequences of these instabilities and argue that they resonate with Penrose’s ideas about the decay that superpositions of states with sufficiently different gravitational fields associated should experience.

Abstract In this work we analyse the potential for a warp drive spacetime to develop instabilities due to the presence of quantum matter. Particularly, we look for points of infinite blueshift (which are analogous to points of a black hole inner horizon, known for its semiclassical instability), and categorise them through the behaviour of geodesics in their vicinity. We find that warp-drive bubbles in dimension 2+1 or higher are in fact likely to be stable, as they generally contain only isolated points where divergences are approached, leading to a finite limit for the overall accumulation of destabilising energy. Furthermore, any semiclassical instabilities in the warp drive due to energy-density buildups can be further diminished with particular, more “aerodynamic” shapes and trajectories for the drive.

Abstract Analogue gravity systems offer many insights into gravitational phenomena, both at the classical and at the semiclassical level. The existence of an underlying Minkowskian structure (or Galilean in the non-relativistic limit) in the laboratory has been argued to directly forbid the simulation of geometries with Closed Timelike Curves (CTCs) within analogue systems. We will show that this is not strictly the case. In principle, it is possible to simulate spacetimes with CTCs whenever this does not entail the presence of a chronological horizon separating regions with CTCs from regions that do not have CTCs. We find an Analogue-gravity Chronology protection mechanism very similar in spirit to Hawking’s Chronology Protection hypothesis. We identify the universal behaviour of analogue systems near the formation of such horizons and discuss the further implications that this analysis has from an emergent gravity perspective. Furthermore, we build explicit geometries containing CTCs, for instance spacetimes constructed from two warp-drive configurations, that might be useful for future analysis, both from a theoretical and an experimental point of view.

Abstract Background Active surveillance aimed at the early detection of invasive mosquito species is usually focused on seaports and airports as points of entry, and along road networks as dispersion paths. In a number of cases, however, the first detections of colonizing populations are made by citizens, either because the species has already moved beyond the implemented active surveillance sites or because there is no surveillance in place. This was the case of the first detection in 2018 of the Asian bush mosquito, Aedes japonicus, in Asturias (northern Spain) by the citizen science platform Mosquito Alert. Methods The collaboration between Mosquito Alert, the Ministry of Health, local authorities and academic researchers resulted in a multi-source surveillance combining active field sampling with broader temporal and spatial citizen-sourced data, resulting in a more flexible and efficient surveillance strategy. Results Between 2018 and 2020, the joint efforts of administrative bodies, academic teams and citizen-sourced data led to the discovery of this species in northern regions of Spain such as Cantabria and the Basque Country. This raised the estimated area of occurrence of Ae. japonicus from < 900 km2 in 2018 to > 7000 km2 in 2020. Conclusions This population cluster is geographically isolated from any other population in Europe, which raises questions about its origin, path of introduction and dispersal means, while also highlighting the need to enhance surveillance systems by closely combining crowd-sourced surveillance with public health and mosquito control agencies’ efforts, from local to continental scales. This multi-actor approach for surveillance (either passive and active) shows high potential efficiency in the surveillance of other invasive mosquito species, and specifically the major vector Aedes aegypti which is already present in some parts of Europe. Graphical abstract

Several pathogens are known to be transmitted by arthropods. One of the most relevant, in economic terms, affecting animals is bluetongue virus. Its known vectors are several species of Culicoides midges. In Europe, the considered main vector species are Culicoides imicola and Culicoides obsoletus, though other species may be implicated at different levels. In the present work, the activity of these vector species between sunset and sunrise from May to November is analyzed according to their captures in a rotator bottle collector adapted to a light trap. Additionally, the Culicoides populations of two areas in Mallorca (Spain) with different characteristics (rural vs. urban) are compared. The results indicated that June is the month of higher abundance of C. obsoletus in our climatic conditions—being active during the first three hours after sunset. Conversely, C. imicola reached the maximum level of captures during October, and captures were more evenly distributed during the night. Collections from the two areas revealed that Culicoides populations were composed by the same species; however, abundance and sex ratio presented marked differences. These results add valuable insight into the ecology of Culicoides and may be used to design more accurate strategies to control diseases associated with Culicoides.

Phlebotomine sand flies are vectors of several diseases of importance for public health, including leishmaniosis, bartonellosis, and sand fly fevers. An entomological survey on blood-feeding Diptera was conducted in June–November 2020–2021 to know the diversity of insect vectors in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). Among the vectors collected, Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perfiliewi Parrot, 1930 was found being the first record of this species in Spain. Phlebotomus perfiliewi s.l. is one of the main vectors of Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean Basin and Central Asia. The identification of this species was confirmed by both morphological features and DNA barcoding. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the specimens captured were Ph. perfiliewi s.s. (99.85–100% homologues from Italy and Algeria specimens), with a sequence divergence of 0.17%. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene clearly separates the three species that make up the Ph. perfiliewi species complex. In addition, we also provide a brief discussion about their identification remarks, phylogenetic relationships, and vector status.

Human and animal vector-borne diseases, particularly mosquito-borne diseases, are emerging or re-emerging worldwide. Six Aedes invasive mosquito (AIM) species were introduced to Europe since the 1970s: Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus, Ae. koreicus, Ae. atropalpus and Ae. triseriatus. Here, we report the results of AIMSurv2020, the first pan-European surveillance effort for AIMs. Implemented by 42 volunteer teams from 24 countries. And presented in the form of a dataset named “AIMSurv Aedes Invasive Mosquito species harmonized surveillance in Europe. AIM-COST Action. Project ID: CA17108”. AIMSurv2020 harmonizes field surveillance methodologies for sampling different AIMs life stages, frequency and minimum length of sampling period, and data reporting. Data include minimum requirements for sample types and recommended requirements for those teams with more resources. Data are published as a Darwin Core archive in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility- Spain, comprising a core file with 19,130 records (EventID) and an occurrences file with 19,743 records (OccurrenceID). AIM species recorded in AIMSurv2020 were Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus, as well as native mosquito species.

Background: heart diseases were the first cause of deaths in Cuba in 2018, within them, secondly, hypertensive diseases. High blood pressure can be a direct cause of death, but it is also the cardiovascular risk factor that causes the most deaths. Objective: to explore the behavior of blood pressure in a population of a health area, to determine the prevalence of hypertensive patients, the control of the disease in them and the existence or not of new cases. Method: a cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out to explore blood pressure in a population aged between 40 and 70 years, in clinics one and three of the November 27 health area of the Marianao municipality, Havana, in 2018. The Selection of the sample was carried out by feasibility and consisted of 152 individuals, who signed their informed consent. Personalized interviews, physical examination with measurements of blood pressure, weight and height were carried out, and the body mass index was calculated. The data were processed with the statistical program SPSS 15.0. Descriptive statistics were used: frequencies, percentages and Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient. Results: people from the age group 50 to 59 years predominated. There were 68 people with a diagnosis of hypertension the 44.7 % and suspected hypertensive the 4.6 %, upon consolidation, a prevalence of 49.3 % was reached. Conclusion: the measurement of blood pressure in the population is essential for its control.

Abstract Background Culicoides biting midges transmit viruses resulting in disease in ruminants and equids such as bluetongue, Schmallenberg disease and African horse sickness. In the past decades, these diseases have led to important economic losses for farmers in Europe. Vector abundance is a key factor in determining the risk of vector-borne disease spread and it is, therefore, important to predict the abundance of Culicoides species involved in the transmission of these pathogens. The objectives of this study were to model and map the monthly abundances of Culicoides in Europe. Methods We obtained entomological data from 904 farms in nine European countries (Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway) from 2007 to 2013. Using environmental and climatic predictors from satellite imagery and the machine learning technique Random Forests, we predicted the monthly average abundance at a 1 km2 resolution. We used independent test sets for validation and to assess model performance. Results The predictive power of the resulting models varied according to month and the Culicoides species/ensembles predicted. Model performance was lower for winter months. Performance was higher for the Obsoletus ensemble, followed by the Pulicaris ensemble, while the model for Culicoides imicola showed a poor performance. Distribution and abundance patterns corresponded well with the known distributions in Europe. The Random Forests model approach was able to distinguish differences in abundance between countries but was not able to predict vector abundance at individual farm level. Conclusions The models and maps presented here represent an initial attempt to capture large scale geographical and temporal variations in Culicoides abundance. The models are a first step towards producing abundance inputs for R0 modelling of Culicoides-borne infections at a continental scale.

The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) is a highly invasive species widely distributed on the Spanish Mediterranean coast and the Balearic archipelago. Most studies involving this species in Spain have been focused on surveillance and control methods. However, micro-evolutionary studies for Ae. albopictus in Spain have been traditionally neglected. Morphological diversity could be the result of long-term evolutionary diversification in responses to selective pressures such as temperature, precipitation, food availability, predation, or competition that may influence flight activity, host-seeking, and blood-feeding behavior. Wing geometric morphometric have been used not only to study micro- and macro-evolution in mosquitoes but also in studies of population structuring and sexual dimorphism. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to investigate the wing shape patterns of Ae. albopictus populations to unveil sexual dimorphism that could provide information about their ecology and behavior. Mosquito eggs were collected using oviposition traps at the main campus of the University of the Balearic Islands (Palma de Mallorca, Spain) and reared under laboratory conditions. In order to study wing shape variation patterns in Ae. albopictus males and females, the left wing of each adult mosquito was removed and analyzed based on 18 landmarks. Our results indicated strong levels of sexual dimorphism between Ae. albopictus males and females. Furthermore, according to the cross-validated reclassification test, males were correctly distinguished from females with an accuracy of 84% and females from males 75%. We observed a significant sexual dimorphism in the wing shape patterns of Ae. albopictus when considering different seasonal patterns (spring vs. autumn). Our results suggested that selective pressures may affect males differently to females. Host-seeking, blood-feeding, and oviposition behavior of females may act as a major driver for wing shape sexual dimorphism. These results should be considered for the development of more effective and targeted mosquito control strategies.

RESUMEN Introducción: Con el propósito de justificar la decisión diplomática de los Estados Unidos, se publicaron dos artículos científicos en revistas médicas que intentan sostener la idea de que en La Habana hubo un ataque dirigido a personal de la embajada estadounidense. Objetivo: Demostrar la falta de rigor científico en dos investigaciones de series de casos no independientes sobre los síntomas de salud de diplomáticos de los Estados Unidos en La Habana. Método: Se realiza un análisis documental de dos publicaciones de series de casos. Se evalúan hipótesis diagnósticas. Resultados: Existe superposición amplia entre las dos series en cuanto a pacientes compartidos y en contraste se presentan algunas diferencias en los datos clínicos que superan lo esperado. Conclusiones: En ambas publicaciones se desaprovecha la riqueza semiográfica de síntomas y la información psicosocial. Se enfatiza más en argumentos asociados al fetichismo de la tecnología expresado en la interpretación de hallazgos inespecíficos. El análisis de datos clínicos permitió ver que se trata de un grupo heterogéneo de personas cuyas quejas de salud han sido reunidas por la interacción de otros factores psicosociales contextuales.

Abstract Background Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are small hematophagous insects responsible for the transmission of bluetongue virus, Schmallenberg virus and African horse sickness virus to wild and domestic ruminants and equids. Outbreaks of these viruses have caused economic damage within the European Union. The spatio-temporal distribution of biting midges is a key factor in identifying areas with the potential for disease spread. The aim of this study was to identify and map areas of neglectable adult activity for each month in an average year. Average monthly risk maps can be used as a tool when allocating resources for surveillance and control programs within Europe. Methods We modelled the occurrence of C. imicola and the Obsoletus and Pulicaris ensembles using existing entomological surveillance data from Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Poland. The monthly probability of each vector species and ensembles being present in Europe based on climatic and environmental input variables was estimated with the machine learning technique Random Forest. Subsequently, the monthly probability was classified into three classes: Absence, Presence and Uncertain status. These three classes are useful for mapping areas of no risk, areas of high-risk targeted for animal movement restrictions, and areas with an uncertain status that need active entomological surveillance to determine whether or not vectors are present. Results The distribution of Culicoides species ensembles were in agreement with their previously reported distribution in Europe. The Random Forest models were very accurate in predicting the probability of presence for C. imicola (mean AUC = 0.95), less accurate for the Obsoletus ensemble (mean AUC = 0.84), while the lowest accuracy was found for the Pulicaris ensemble (mean AUC = 0.71). The most important environmental variables in the models were related to temperature and precipitation for all three groups. Conclusions The duration periods with low or null adult activity can be derived from the associated monthly distribution maps, and it was also possible to identify and map areas with uncertain predictions. In the absence of ongoing vector surveillance, these maps can be used by veterinary authorities to classify areas as likely vector-free or as likely risk areas from southern Spain to northern Sweden with acceptable precision. The maps can also focus costly entomological surveillance to seasons and areas where the predictions and vector-free status remain uncertain.

Abstract Background Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of bluetongue virus (BTV), African horse sickness virus and Schmallenberg virus (SBV). Outbreaks of both BTV and SBV have affected large parts of Europe. The spread of these diseases depends largely on vector distribution and abundance. The aim of this analysis was to identify and quantify major spatial patterns and temporal trends in the distribution and seasonal variation of observed Culicoides abundance in nine countries in Europe. Methods We gathered existing Culicoides data from Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Poland. In total, 31,429 Culicoides trap collections were available from 904 ruminant farms across these countries between 2007 and 2013. Results The Obsoletus ensemble was distributed widely in Europe and accounted for 83% of all 8,842,998 Culicoides specimens in the dataset, with the highest mean monthly abundance recorded in France, Germany and southern Norway. The Pulicaris ensemble accounted for only 12% of the specimens and had a relatively southerly and easterly spatial distribution compared to the Obsoletus ensemble. Culicoides imicola Kieffer was only found in Spain and the southernmost part of France. There was a clear spatial trend in the accumulated annual abundance from southern to northern Europe, with the Obsoletus ensemble steadily increasing from 4000 per year in southern Europe to 500,000 in Scandinavia. The Pulicaris ensemble showed a very different pattern, with an increase in the accumulated annual abundance from 1600 in Spain, peaking at 41,000 in northern Germany and then decreasing again toward northern latitudes. For the two species ensembles and C. imicola, the season began between January and April, with later start dates and increasingly shorter vector seasons at more northerly latitudes. Conclusion We present the first maps of seasonal Culicoides abundance in large parts of Europe covering a gradient from southern Spain to northern Scandinavia. The identified temporal trends and spatial patterns are useful for planning the allocation of resources for international prevention and surveillance programmes in the European Union.

One of the main problems that emergent-gravity approaches face is explaining how a system that does not contain gauge symmetries ab initio might develop them effectively in some regime. We review a mechanism introduced by some of the authors for the emergence of gauge symmetries in [JHEP 10 (2016) 084] and discuss how it works for interacting Lorentz-invariant vector field theories as a warm-up exercise for the more convoluted problem of gravity. Then, we apply this mechanism to the emergence of linear diffeomorphisms for the most general Lorentz-invariant linear theory of a two-index symmetric tensor field, which constitutes a generalization of the Fierz–Pauli theory describing linearized gravity. Finally we discuss two results, the well-known Weinberg–Witten theorem and a more recent theorem by Marolf, that are often invoked as no-go theorems for emergent gravity. Our analysis illustrates that, although these results pinpoint some of the particularities of gravity with respect to other gauge theories, they do not constitute an impediment for the emergent gravity program if gauge symmetries (diffeomorphisms) are emergent in the sense discussed in this paper.

General relativity predicts its own demise at singularities but also appears to conveniently shield itself from the catastrophic consequences of such singularities, making them safe. For instance, if strong cosmic censorship were ultimately satisfied, spacetime singularities, although present, would not pose any practical problems to predictability. Here, we argue that under semiclassical effects, the situation should be rather different: the potential singularities which could appear in the theory will generically affect predictability, and so one will be forced to analyse whether there is a way to regularise them. For these possible regularisations, the presence and behaviour of matter during gravitational collapse and stabilisation into new structures will play a key role. First, we show that the static semiclassical counterparts to the Schwarzschild and Reissner–Nordström geometries have singularities which are no longer hidden behind horizons. Then, we argue that in dynamical scenarios of formation and evaporation of black holes, we are left with only three possible outcomes which could avoid singularities and eventual predictability issues. We briefly analyse the viability of each one of them within semiclassical gravity and discuss the expected characteristic timescales of their evolution.

Abstract Backgrounds Aedes albopictus (Diptera; Culicidae) is a highly invasive mosquito species and a competent vector of several arboviral diseases that have spread rapidly throughout the world. Prevalence and patterns of dispersal of the mosquito are of central importance for an effective control of the species. We used site-occupancy models accounting for false negative detections to estimate the prevalence, the turnover, the movement pattern and the growth rate in the number of sites occupied by the mosquito in 17 localities throughout Mallorca Island. Results Site-occupancy probability increased from 0.35 in the 2012, year of first reported observation of the species, to 0.89 in 2015. Despite a steady increase in mosquito presence, the extinction probability was generally high indicating a high turnover in the occupied sites. We considered two site-dependent covariates, namely the distance from the point of first observation and the estimated yearly occupancy rate in the neighborhood, as predicted by diffusion models. Results suggested that mosquito distribution during the first year was consistent with what predicted by simple diffusion models, but was not consistent with the diffusion model in subsequent years when it was similar to those expected from leapfrog dispersal events. Conclusions Assuming a single initial colonization event, the spread of Ae. albopictus in Mallorca followed two distinct phases, an early one consistent with diffusion movements and a second consistent with long distance, ‘leapfrog’, movements. The colonization of the island was fast, with ~90% of the sites estimated to be occupied 3 years after the colonization. The fast spread was likely to have occurred through vectors related to human mobility such as cars or other vehicles. Surveillance and management actions near the introduction point would only be effective during the early steps of the colonization.

Abstract New theoretical approaches developed in the last years predict that macroscopic quantum gravity effects in black holes should lead to modifications of the gravitational wave signals expected in the framework of classical general relativity, with these modifications being characterized in certain scenarios by the existence of dampened rep-etitions of the primary signal. Here we use the fact that non-perturbative corrections to the near-horizon external geometry of black holes are necessary for these modifications to exist, in order to classify different proposals and paradigms with respect to this criterion and study in a neat and systematic way their phenomenology. Proposals that lead naturally to the existence of echoes in the late-time ringdown of gravitational wave signals from black hole mergers must share the replacement of black holes by horizonless configurations with a physical surface showing reflective properties in the relevant range of frequencies. On the other hand, proposals or paradigms that restrict quantum gravity effects on the external geometry to be perturbative, such as black hole complementarity or the closely related firewall proposal, do not display echoes. For the sake of completeness we exploit the interplay between the timescales associated with the formation of firewalls and the mechanism behind the existence of echoes in order to conclude that even unconventional distortions of the firewall concept (such as naked firewalls) do not lead to this phenomenon.

After more than a century of history, the radiation-reaction problem in classical electrodynamics still surprises and puzzles new generations of researchers. Here, we revise and explain some of the paradoxical issues that one faces when approaching the problem, mostly associated with regimes of uniform proper acceleration. The answers we provide can be found in the literature and are a synthesis of a large body of research. We only present them in a personal way that may help in their understanding. Besides, after the presentation of the standard answers, we motivate and present a twist to those ideas. The physics of emission of radiation by extended charges (charges with internal structure) might proceed in a surprising oscillating fashion. This hypothetical process could open up new research paths and a new take on the equivalence principle.

Modern agriculture requires technology to give precise measures about relevant parameters such as pest control. Here, we developed a decision support system (DSS) based on semi-automatic pest monitoring for managing the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). The DSS was based on an algorithm that took into account spatial and temporal patterns of olive fruit fly population in an orchard where all trees were georeferenced, thus precise treatments against the pest were conducted through a location aware system (LAS). The olive fruit fly adult population was monitored by using ad hoc off-the-grid autonomous electronic traps.The results were compared with those obtained with conventional methods. For a pilot trial, we selected an olive-producing orchard, where from June to October 2015, three plots using LAS management and three plots under conventional control (NO-LAS plots) were compared. Spray threshold considered both adult population and fruit damage. An additional non-sprayed plot was selected for assessing biological control due to the parasitoid, Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti). Results showed that the use of DSS reduced by 36.84% the volume of insecticide used in LAS compared to NO-LAS plots. Accordingly, time and distance needed for spraying were also reduced. Adult olive fruit fly population was lower in the LAS plots when compared with the NO-LAS plots; conversely, fruit infestation was higher in LAS compared with NO-LAS. The implementation of LAS and DSS at field level allowed real-time monitoring of adult olive flies, thereby increasing the accuracy and precision of sprays in time and space and decreasing impact on natural enemies.

Se cita por primera vez la especie Eoxenos laboulbenei De Peyerimhoff, 1919 en las Islas Baleares. Varios machos de esta especie se encontraron en capturas obtenidas con una trampa de luz ultravioleta situada en una finca ganadera de Mallorca durante el mes de octubre de 2012. Varios puparios de machos y hembras de Mengenilla sp. se encontraron también en Ibiza en abril de 2013.

Se estudió la sonoridad, la fracción de energía audible, la estabilidad del nivel sonoro y los espectros de ancho de banda porcentual constante de fuentes de ruido características de regiones geomorfológicas de la zona nororiental de Cuba, con el objetivo de describir sus fondos acústicos y contribuir a la microlocalización de asentamientos humanos de proyectos en desarrollo. La metódica utilizada se basó en las determinaciones de medidas resúmenes en los niveles sonoros estables y los espectros de un conjunto de puntos vinculados a distintas regiones geomorfológicas. Los niveles más reducidos de sonoridad y audibilidad correspondieron a los paisajes menos antropizados, más forestados y deprimidos por el relieve, correspondientes a las zonas altas, forestadas y de complejidad topográfica. Se encontró una dependencia lineal entre los parámetros del entorno, en términos de altura y meteorología, y los del sonido del fondo acústico. Los espectros de sonido de las familias de fuentes oscilaron, pero su tendencia resultó esencialmente de 2 tipos: espectralmente planos (ruido blanco: aguas fluviales, litorales y bosques bajos) y especialmente exponenciales (ruido rosa; bosques altos y pastizales, ruido antrópico) con decrecimiento de la energía con la frecuencia. Los parámetros físicos del sonido contrastaron selectiva y significativamente en 8 regiones geomorfológicas estudiadas del nororiente de Cuba. Las fuentes urbanas, industriales y del transporte marcaron singularidades acústicas del territorioThe sonority, the audible energy fraction, the stability of the sound level and the spectra of the pecentage constant bandwidth of noise sources characteristic of geomorphologic regions in the northeastern zone of Cuba were studied aimed at describing their acoustic backgrounds and to contribute to the microlocalization of human settlements of the projects under way. The method used was based on the determinations of summary measures at the stable sound levels and on the spectra of set points linked to different geomorphologic regions. The lowest levels of sonority and audibility corresponded to the least anthropical landscapes, which were the most forested and depressed by the relief, found in the high forestal zones of topographic complexity. It was observed a linear dependency between the parameters of the environment, in terms of height and metereology, and those of the sound of acoustic background. The sound spectra of the families of sources oscillated, but their trend proved to be esentially of 2 types: spectrally flat (white sound: fluvial waters, litorals and forests) and spectrally exponential (rose sound: high forests and pasturelands, anthropic noise). Energy decreased with the frequency. The physical parameters of the sound contrasted selective and significantly in 8 studied geomorphologic regions in the northeastern zone of Cuba. The urban, industrial and transportation sources marked acoustic singularities of the territory.

Con el objetivo de valorar la exposición de la población al campo electromagnético, a cuenta de las transmisiones civiles en Ciudad de La Habana, se efectuaron los cálculos teóricos de propagación de ondas en la gama de frecuencias medias, cortas y ultracortas en modulaciones de amplitud, frecuencia y pulso, y se obtuvieron estimaciones de las zonas de protección sanitaria y límite de construcción a partir de normas europeas para los transmisores instalados que operaban a su máxima capacidad. Con la técnica de reconocimiento de patrones se observó que el riesgo sanitario era de igual modo mayor en los transmisores de televisión del oeste de la ciudad, en los emisores de frecuencia modulada del centro y en una de las frecuencias de radar del este de la ciudad, se hallaron múltiples edificaciones civiles en áreas de presunta restricción. El riesgo sería mínimo en las emisiones de ondas medias. Los valores que resultan de la situación real y los valores medidos indican que en ningún momento llega a transgredirse el nivel permisible de campo para la salud humana. El cálculo teórico de los campos asociados a las líneas de alta tensión que se hallan en zonas aledañas y dentro de la ciudad delimita una extensión de la zona de protección sanitaria del orden hasta de las centenas de metros.Theoretical calculations of the propagation of waves in the range of medium, short and ultrashort frequencies in modulation of amplitude, frequency and pulse were made aimed at assesing the popula-tion's exposure to the electromagnetic field as a result of civil broadcastings in Havana City. Estimations of the sanitary protection zones and construction limits were obteined from European standards for installed transmiters operating at their maximum capacity. By using the patterns recognition technique it was observed that the sanitary risk was greater in the television transmitters from the western part of the city, in the broadcastings of modulated frequency from the center, and in one of the radar frequencies from the eastern part of the city. Multiple civil buildings were found in the alleged restriction areas. The risk was minimun in the medium wave broadcastings. The values resulting from the real situation, as well measured values show that the permissible level for human health is never transgressed. The theoretical calculation of the fields associated to the high voltage lines located at the pearly zones and in the city delimits an extension of the sanitary protection zone of hundreds of meters.

Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles, que incluyó 1 060 casos de pacientes con cáncer de pulmón reportados al Registro Nacional del Cáncer en el período comprendido entre 1987 y 1988, con residencia en Ciudad de La Habana, e igual número de controles, apareados por sexo, edad y lugar de residencia actual. Se les aplicó una encuesta con el objeto de conocer los antecedentes relativos a la historia de tabaquismo, de exposición ocupacional a la inhalación de agentes cancerígenos, así como lugares de residencia, tipo de combustible y ubicación de la cocina en el hogar predominantes en los últimos 40 años. La evaluación de la contaminación atmosférica de cada municipio de la capital se realizó mediante la técnica de "escala y peso", considerando el nivel de contaminación determinado, cumplimiento promedio de los radios de protección sanitaria de las fuentes estacionarias, el carácter principal del territorio, el desarrollo de la red vial y el carácter del territorio a barlovento. El análisis de las asociaciones se realizó mediante regresión logística múltiple condicionada, se calcularon las razones de disparidad ajustadas de las variables e interacciones entre éstas y los correspondientes intervalos de confianza al 95 %. Los resultados mostraron las siguientes asociaciones para ambos sexos: muy fuertes con el hábito de fumar y la intensidad de éste y de menor magnitud con la residencia predominante en las zonas de la capital con mayores índices de exposición a la contaminación atmosférica (significativa en los hombres), con la ubicación de la cocina en habitación de uso común y con el uso de querosén como combustible (no significativas), con un posible efecto sinérgico entre ambas variables, con mayor fortaleza en las mujeres.It was conducted a study of cases and controls which included 1 060 patients with lung cancer reported to the National Register of Cancer from 1987 to 1988, and the same number of controls matched by sex, age, and place of residence. A survey was done aimed at knowing about smoking and occupational exposure to inhalation of cancerigenic agents, as well as about place of residence, type of fuel, and location of the cooker in the house during the last 40 years. The evaluation of environmental pollution at each municipality of the capital was carried out by using the "scale and weight" technique, considering the determined pollution level, the average fulfillment of the sanitary protection ratios of the stationary sources, the main character of the territory, the development of the system of public reads, and the character of the territory windward. The analysis of associations was made by conditioned multiple logistic regression. The ratios of disparity adjusted to the variables and interactions among them were calculated, as well as the corresponding intervals of confidence at 95 %. The results showed the following associations for both sexes: very strong with smoking habit and its intensity, and of less magnitude with the residence predominating in the zones of the capital with higher indexes of exposure to environmental pollution (significant in men), with the location of the cooker in a room for common use, and with the use of kerosene as fuel (no significant), there is a possible synergic effect between both variables, which is stronger among women.

The gravitational collapse of massive stars serves to manifest the most severe deviations of general relativity with respect to Newtonian gravity: the formation of horizons and spacetime singularities. Both features have proven to be catalysts of deep physical developments, especially when combined with the principles of quantum mechanics. Nonetheless, it is seldom remarked that it is hardly possible to combine all these developments into a unified theoretical model, while maintaining reasonable prospects for the independent experimental corroboration of its different parts. In this paper we review the current theoretical understanding of the physics of gravitational collapse in order to highlight this tension, stating the position that the standard view on evaporating black holes stands for. This serves as the motivation for the discussion of a recent proposal that offers the opposite perspective, represented by a set of geometries that regularize the classical singular behavior and present modifications of the near-horizon Schwarzschild geometry as the result of the propagation of non-perturbative ultraviolet effects originated in regions of high curvature. We present an extensive exploration of the necessary steps on the explicit construction of these geometries, and discuss how this proposal could change our present understanding of astrophysical black holes and even offer the possibility of detecting genuine ultraviolet effects in gravitational-wave experiments.

Cuba instrumenta una política para la vivienda dirigida a alcanzar calidad de vida, evaluando su condición sanitaria para el control yprevención de factores de riesgo ambientales. A este fin, se diseñó una Herramienta-Guía para identificar condiciones insalubres y establecer prioridades. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal en cinco municipios durante 2000-2002, comparando la influencia del tipo de vivienda y antigüedad sobre condiciones y agentes que influyen en la salud del medio residencial. La evaluación diagnóstica de viviendas individuales tuvo carácter cuantitativo; realizándose inspecciones higiénico-sanitarias y determinando estado constructivo y tiempo. La tipología de la vivienda se asoció a su calidad sanitaria en todos los municipios excepto en Ciego de Avila; la antigüedad sólo influyó en Habana del Este. En Habana Vieja y Cerro, las cuarterías poseían condiciones más desfavorables. La calidad del agua mostró el comportamiento menos adecuado en Habana del Este y Ciego de Avila.Palabras clave: Vivienda saludable,Tipología, Estado constructivo, Edad de la vivienda, Calidad sanitaria, Insalubridad, Medio residencial.

La calidad de la vivienda en los municipios pudiera relacionarse con la calidad de vida en salud de su población. Se diseñó un estudio descriptivo, transversal para comparar diagnósticos de vivienda saludable en Sagua La Grande, Habana Vieja, Cerro, Habana del Este y Ciego de Avila en los años 2000 al 2002. La evaluación de conglomerados de viviendas se efectuó a través de grupos focales, entrevistas profundas, encuestas cerradas. Predominaron tipologías durables. En Habana Vieja, más de la mitad de las casas presentó estado técnico malo; en Cerro, Habana del Este y Ciego de Avila equivalentemente bueno. Deficiencias en el saneamiento básico fueron comunes en todos los municipios y en varios de ellos aparecieron dificultades en los servicios. Todas las percepciones relacionadas con la salud en la vivienda fueron consideradas mayormente negativas en los residentes encuestados de Habana Vieja y Cerro; ocurrió lo contrario en Habana del Este y Ciego de Avila.Palabras clave: Vivienda saludable, Grupos focales, Encuestas cerradas, Entrevistas profundas, Saneamiento básico, Percepciones.

We give a detailed description of electrodynamics as an emergent theory from condensed-matter-like structures, not only per se but also as a warm-up for the study of the much more complex case of gravity. We concentrate on two scenarios that, although qualitatively different, share some important features with the idea of extracting the basic generic ingredients that give rise to emergent electrodynamics and, more generally, to gauge theories. We start with Maxwellʼs mechanical model for electrodynamics, where Maxwellʼs equations appear as dynamical consistency conditions. We next take a superfluid ^3 He-like system as representative of a broad class of fermionic quantum systems whose low-energy physics reproduces classical electrodynamics (Dirac and Maxwell equations as dynamical low-energy laws). An important lesson that can be derived from both analyses is that the vector potential has a microscopic physical reality and only in the low-energy regime is this physical reality blurred in favor of gauge invariance, which in addition turns out to be secondary to effective Lorentz invariance.

Analogue gravity is a research programme which investigates analogues of general relativistic gravitational fields within other physical systems, typically but not exclusively condensed matter systems, with the aim of gaining new insights into their corresponding problems. Analogue models of (and for) gravity have a long and distinguished history dating back to the earliest years of general relativity. In this review article we will discuss the history, aims, results, and future prospects for the various analogue models. We start the discussion by presenting a particularly simple example of an analogue model, before exploring the rich history and complex tapestry of models discussed in the literature. The last decade in particular has seen a remarkable and sustained development of analogue gravity ideas, leading to some hundreds of published articles, a workshop, two books, and this review article. Future prospects for the analogue gravity programme also look promising, both on the experimental front (where technology is rapidly advancing) and on the theoretical front (where variants of analogue models can be used as a springboard for radical attacks on the problem of quantum gravity).

OBJETIVO: remodelar y estimar el nivel sonoro del tráfico en la capital, definiendo el potencial de impacto del urbanismo y el tráfico en el bienestar y salud de las amas de casa. MÉTODOS: se efectuó un estudio transversal combinado en amas de casa, aplicando un cuestionario de generalidades, test de tensión percibida (PSS) y test abreviado de estado de salud (SF-36) en 133 individuos entre 20 y 40 años residentes en sitios característicos en Ciudad de La Habana (2005-2006). Para definir la magnitud de la contaminación por ruido del tráfico se aplicó un diseño transversal combinado. RESULTADOS: el estado de salud de las amas de casa y la molestia se relacionaron al escenario urbano de los residentes, no así la tensión percibida. La pendiente y el cierre lateral de la vía, mayor edad, tiempo de residencia y antecedentes de afecciones extraauditivas se relacionan a peor estado de salud. CONCLUSIONES: se identifica como fuente más relevante de contaminación acústica la música y la fonación seguida del tráfico. Mayor tiempo de residencia parece relacionarse a una pérdida de la identificación del tráfico como fuente de ruido, pero la percepción del ruido aumenta con la estadía en el domicilio, la escolaridad, la complejidad de oficio y los antecedentes patológicos. No se comprueba una relación lineal de la tensión percibida con el escenario urbano, la caracterización social, ni los antecedentes patológicos personales de las amas de casa.AIM: to redesign and estimate the noise level of traffic in the capital, defining the potential impact of urbanism and traffic on the well-being and health of housewives. METHODS: a combined cross-sectional study was conducted in housewives, using a questionnaire of basic principles; the perceived stress test (PST), and an abridged test of health condition (SF-36) in 133 subjects aged 20-40 living in characteristic sites of Havana City (2005-2006). To define the magnitude of traffic noise pollution, we applied a combined cross-sectional design. RESULTS: health condition of housewives and the inconveniences were related to the urban scenario of the residents, excepting the perceived stress. Slope and the lateral closing of the road, the oldest age, the time of residence, and the antecedents of extra-auditory affections are related to a worse health state. CONCLUSIONS: music and phonation were identified as the most relevant source of acoustic pollution followed by traffic. A longer time of residence seems to be related to a loss of traffic identification as a noise source, but noise perception increases with the home stay, educational level, job complexity, and pathological history. There wasn't a linear relathionship of perceived stress with the urban scenario, the social characterization, and the personal pathological history of housewives.

OBJETIVO: realizar la modelación y estimación del nivel sonoro del tráfico en Ciudad de La Habana y reflejar el nivel de contaminación sonora que se ha alcanzado como fuente en el tránsito vehicular en las principales arterias de la urbe. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio de diseño combinado (analítico y descriptivo) incluyendo como universo la red de arterias principales de la capital con circulación vial superior a 250 vehículos por hora, para las cuales se estableció una zonificación sanitaria. La herramienta de diagnóstico fue un modelo de estimación del nivel sonoro, establecido con técnicas estadísticas desde una muestra opinática de 37 combinaciones diferentes de perfiles ingeniero-viales y del flujo del transporte, cuya variable dependiente fue el nivel equivalente continuo del ruido fluctuante-Leq una hora en dB(A,F) con parámetro de equivalencia q = 3. RESULTADOS: fueron propuestas relaciones funcionales del Leq con los niveles extremos de igual período y con parámetros del flujo de transporte y del perfil ingeniero-vial. El mejor modelo mostró una incertidumbre de 2 dB(AF) Leq. La aplicación del modelo a datos provenientes de fotos satelitales, permitió elaborar un mapa de ruido donde se destaca una generalizada contaminación acústica en las principales arterias viales de la capital, con relación a los valores límites propuestos por el estándar NC 26-04 del NC-CTN 98/SC 1. CONCLUSIONES: se genera un modelo basado en el flujo estandarizado por ancho de vía y la velocidad de vehículos pesados, para la estimación del nivel equivalente continuo del ruido fluctuante. El mapa de ruido para la Ciudad de La Habana refleja altos niveles de contaminación sonora predominantes.AIM: to perform the modeling and estimation of the noise level of traffic in Havana City, and to show the level of noise pollution attained as a source in motor vehicle traffic in the main urban arteries. METHODS: a combined design study (analytical and descriptive) was performed including as a model the network of main arteries of the capital with a road circulation higher than 250 vehicles per hour, for which a health zoning was established. The diagnostic tool was an estimation of the sound level established by using statistical techniques, from an opinion sample of 37 different combinations of engineered road profiles and of transport flow, whose dependent variable was the continuous equivalent level of fluctuating noise-Leq 1 hour in dB(A,F) with an equivalence parameter of q = 3. RESULTS: Leq functional relationships with an extreme level of a similar period and with parameters of traffic flow, and engineered routes profile were proposed. The best model showed an uncertainty rate of 2 dB (AF) Leq. The application of the model to satellite photos allowed to make a noise map where a generalized acoustic pollution stands out in the main arteries of the capital compared with the limit values proposed by the standard NC 26-04 of NC-CTN 98/SC 1. CONCLUSIONS: a model based on the standardized flow by road width and the speed of heavy vehicles is generated to calculate the continuous equivalent level of the fluctuating noise. The noise map for Havana City shows high predominant levels of noise pollution.

Ante hallazgos controversiales en la bibliografía, se realizaron investigaciones sobre la relación entre los campos electromagnéticos de baja frecuencia y la salud. El objetivo fue evaluar la posible asociación entre la exposición residencial a campos electromagnéticos por líneas de alta tensión y el riesgo de padecer leucemia durante la infancia en la Ciudad de La Habana en el período de 1995-2000. El universo estuvo constituido por el total de niños que fueron diagnosticados con la enfermedad. El componente ecológico del estudio permitió explorar las relaciones entre las tasas de afección e indicadores de electrificación del territorio. El componente caso-control se desarrolló para precisar causas atribuibles y controlar factores de confusión. Se seleccionó aleatoriamente igual número de individuos pareados 1:1 de la misma edad, escuela y sexo, como grupo control. Los datos se obtuvieron del Registro Nacional de Cáncer del Instituto de Oncología y Radioterapia. Los factores de sesgo estuvieron representados por el grado de movilidad del residente, la memoria, la prevaricación y factores coyunturales. Los campos electromagnéticos actuarían como factores de riesgo de leucemia infantil de acuerdo a los resultados de regresión en escala ecológica y en el estudio caso-control, por el empleo de correspondencias múltiples, análisis discriminante y regresión logística. Se constituyeron en otros factores de riesgo, el humo del tabaco en el embarazo, antecedentes de cáncer en familiares lejanos y la exposición a tóxicos ambientales.Before controversial finding in literature, research studies were conducted on the relation of low frequency electromagnetic fields and health. The objective was to evaluate the possible association of residential exposure to high-power line electromagnetic fields and the risk of suffering leukemia in childhood in the City of Havana province from 1995 to 2000. The universe of study was the total number of children diagnosed with this disease. The environmental component of the study allowed exploring the relations between rates of disease and territorial electrification indexes. The case-control component served to precise over attributable causes and to control confounding factors. An equal number of matched individuals 1:1 of the same age, school and sex was randomly selected as a control group. Data were collected from the National Register of Cancer of the Institute of Oncology and Radiological Therapy. The bias factors were mobility of the resident, memory, perversion of the course of justice and junctural factors. Electromagnetic fields would act as risk factors for childhood leukemia according to the results of a regression analysis at environmental scale and to the case-control study because of multiple correspondence, discriminatory analysis and logistic regression. Smoking, pregnancy, history of cancer in distant relatives and exposure to environmental toxic products

La literatura internacional relativa a campos electromagnéticos y salud resulta controversial. En Cuba, la situación está matizada por escasas investigaciones científicas al respecto, así como la tendencia incrementada de las defunciones y las tasas de incidencia de leucemia infantil en Ciudad de La Habana, con una diferenciada estructura ecológica entre los municipios al oeste y al este de la capital. Objeto de estudio fue evaluar la posible asociación entre la exposición residencial a campos electromagnéticos por líneas de alta tensión y el riesgo de padecer leucemia en la infancia en Ciudad de La Habana, en el período 1996-2000. Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico tipo caso-control, pareado por edad, sexo y centro escolar; se precisaron causas atribuibles y control de los factores de confusión. El universo estuvo constituido por el total de niños diagnosticados con la enfermedad en La Habana Metropolitana y particularmente en los municipios Lisa, Playa, Marianao, Cerro, Centro Habana y Plaza como grupo estudio. Los datos se obtuvieron del Registro Nacional de Cáncer del Instituto de Oncología y Radioterapia. El análisis de correspondencias múltiples permitió simplificar la estructura de las variables del campo electromagnético. El análisis discriminante permitió clasificar casos y controles e identificar factores de riesgo, lo que se logró con el auxilio de la regresión logística condicional e incondicional. El ambiente electromagnético fue diferente en casos y controles. Un mínimo de variables, en las que predominaron algunas que corresponden al campo electromagnético, discriminó a casos y controles. Se identificaron variables del campo electromagnético como factores de riesgo en la aparición de la leucemia.International literature on electromagnetic fields and health is controversial. In Cuba, the situation is characterized by a few investigations on this regard and by an increasing trend of deaths and of infantile leukemia incidence rates in Havana City, with a differentiated echological structure between the eastern and western municipalities of the capital. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the possible association between the residential exposure to electromagnetic fields due to the existence of high power lines and the risk for suffering from leukemia during childhood in Havana City from 1996 to 2000. An epidemiological case control study matched by age, sex and educational center was undertaken. The attributable causes and the control of the confounding factors were determined. The universe was composed of the total of children diagnosed with the disease in Metropolitan Havana and, specifically, in the municipalities of La Lisa , Playa, Marianao, Cerro, Centro Habana and Plaza as a study group. Data were obtained from the National Cancer Register of the Institute of Oncology and Radiotherapy. The analysis of multiple correspodences allowed to simplify the structure of the variables of the electromagnetic field. The discriminating analysis made possible to classify cases and controls and to identify risk factors by using the conditional and unconditional logistic regression. The electromagnetic environment was different in cases and controls. A minimum of variables, among which some corresponding to the electromagnetic field predominated, made distinctions between cases and controls. Variables of the electromagnetic field were identified as risk factors for the appearance of leukemia.

Se describe la experiencia cubana en la evaluación de impacto en salud de los proyectos de inversión, como parte integral del proceso de la evaluación de impacto ambiental. Se analiza una metodología desarrollada que consta de las siguientes etapas: identificación de los peligros para la salud, identificación de los impactos potenciales en determinantes de salud y determinación de la exposición humana potencial a los peligros ambientales. A partir de puntuaciones obtenidas en estas 3 etapas, se realiza una evaluación cualitativa de riesgos, así como de la aceptabilidad de cada impacto. La metodología tiene las siguientes ventajas: es de rápida aplicación, los datos necesarios para la ejecución del estudio son factibles de obtener y su empleo tiene un bajo costo. Para su introducción a la práctica sanitaria la metodología ha sido publicada en forma de manual y se emplea actualmente en la docencia de pregrado y de posgrado en Cuba.The Cuban experience in the health impact assessment of investment projects, as part of the process of environmental impact evaluation, was described. An analysis was made of amethodology comprising the following phases: identification of health risks, identification of potential impacts in health determinants, and the determination of potential human exposure to environmental perils. On the basis of the three phase scores, a qualitative assessment of risks was made in addition to evaluating the acceptability of each impact. The methodology has the following advantages: rapid implementation, necessary feasible data for the study and low cost. For the introduction in health practice, the methodology has been published in the form of a manual that is now used in undergraduate and graduate medical education in Cuba.

La hipótesis etiológica de la leucemia infantil, que adjudica a los campos electromagnéticos de baja frecuencia la inducción de esta enfermedad, continúa sin confirmación. Para esclarecer la posible influencia del componente magnético del campo electromagnético de baja frecuencia (ELF) en la vivienda, teniendo en cuenta el influjo de la radiactividad natural, se desarrolló un estudio de caso control en Ciudad de La Habana en el período comprendido de 1996 al 2000, a partir de la incidencia de leucemia infantil. Niños sanos y enfermos, respectivamente, fueron pareados por edad, escuela y sexo, seleccionados en el Registro Nacional de Cáncer. La varianza combinada del campo ELF y del perfil gamma mostró estructuras contrastadas en las viviendas de sanos y de enfermos, y se halló que el riesgo se incrementa con la intensidad del campo magnético. En el lugar y período estudiados, el componente magnético del campo ELF explicaría alrededor del 16 % de la incidencia y la dosis gamma equivalente a cerca del 3,0 de la leucemia infantil.The etiological hypothesis of childhood leukemia that relates low frequency electromagnetic fields to the induction of this disease is still unconfirmed. In order to clarify the possible influence of the magnetic component of low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF) on the house, taking into account the natural radioactivity inflow, a case-control study was carried out in the City of Havana from 1996 to 2000, on the basis of childhood leukemia incidence. Healthy and sick children were respectively matched by age, school and sex, being all the cases selected from the National Registry of Cancer. The combined variance of ELF electromagnetic field and gamma profile showed contrasting structures in the houses of healthy and of sick children, and it was found that the risk increases with the electromagnetic field intensity. In the studied period and place, the magnetic component of the ELF electromagnetic field would account for approximately 16 % of leukemia incidence as well as the gamma dose equivalent to 3 % of childhood leukemia cases.

La literatura plantea que los entornos influyen sobre la salud de los individuos que allí habitan. Distintos escenarios urbanos según perfiles ingeniero viales, elementos de la situación social y antecedentes patológicos, podrían influir en el estado de salud. La molestia por el ambiente reflejada en la percepción de ruido, y la tensión percibida por amas de casa residentes en vecindades seleccionadas de Ciudad de La Habana, constituyeron un objetivo a esclarecer para conocer las relaciones entre estos escenarios, la salud y el bienestar de las amas de casa que allí viven. El método aplicado consistió en un estudio transversal combinado, con un componente descriptivo y otro analítico, en una muestra de amas de casa, con edad entre 20 y 40 años, sin vínculos laborales actuales y residentes en las cuadras seleccionadas como escenarios característicos, utilizando un cuestionario de generalidades, el test de tensión percibida (PSS) y el test abreviado de estado de salud (SF-36). Los resultados muestran que el estado de salud y la molestia se vincularon al escenario urbano de la vecindad de residencia, no así a la tensión percibida. El nivel de tensión y el estado de salud autopercibido no fue en general crítico. El ruido se declaró como que afecta la salud, pero la molestia no era intensa, y se identificaron como fuentes más relevantes la música y la fonación, seguidas del tráfico.Literature states that the environment influence on the health of the individuals living there. Different urban settings according to road engineering profiles, elements of the social situation and pathological history may influence on the health status. The annoyance caused y the environment reflected in the perception of noise and the stress perceived by the housewives living in neighborhoods selected in Havana City were an objective to be cleared up in order to know the relation among these settings, health and the well-being of these housewives. The method applied consisted in a combined cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study conducted in a sample of housewives aged 20-40, who do not work at present and live in the blocks selected as characteristic settings. A questionnaire of generalities, the perceived stress test (PSS) and the abbreviated health status test (SF-26) were used. The results show that the health status and the annoyance were linked to the urban setting of the neighborhood, but not the perceived stress. The self-perceived stress level and the health status were not critical in general. It was considered that noise affected health, although the annoyance was not intense. Music, phonation and traffic were identified as the most relevant sources of noise.

La revisión bibliográfica que mostramos expone algunos elementos de la situación de salud ambiental en la ciudad que pueden influir negativamente en el bienestar de sus ciudadanos, a partir del incremento progresivo en el grado de urbanización y el consiguiente deterioro que sufren los escenarios urbanos para países en vías de desarrollo.This bibliographic review includes some elements of the environmental health situation in the city that may exert a negative influence on the wellbeing of its citizens, starting from the progressive increase in the degree of urbanization and the subsequent deterioration suffered by the urban settings in the developing countries.

Los proyectos inmobiliarios pueden contribuir al restablecimiento de la salud cuando sus espacios funcionales reúnen las condiciones apropiadas. En La Habana se promueven proyectos con innovaciones tecnológicas de alto confort, y definir los resultados de estas constituye nuestro objetivo, al comparar las condiciones ambientales físicas de la vivienda con el intemperismo del entorno. Un estudio descriptivo transversal en la inmobiliaria Monte Carlo Palace, realizado durante 10 días, evaluó el microclima, la iluminación, la ventilación y el ruido, con el uso de las metodologías recomendadas por el Consejo de Ayuda Mutua Económica. La vivienda resultó más fría y seca en el interior. Se destacó más alta temperatura y más reducida humedad en la habitación y en el baño, mientras el intercambio de aire en este último no satisfizo la norma. La iluminación natural fue inapropiada en todos los locales, excepto en la sala. El nivel sonoro en la vivienda transgredía levemente el nivel máximo admisible y su exterior reveló una contaminación sonora severa.The real state projects may contribute to health recovery when their functional spaces meet the appropiate conditions. Projects with high comfort technological innovations are promoted in Havana City and, in this sense, it is our goal to define the results on comparing the physical environmental conditions of the house with the conditions outdoors. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Monte Carlo Palace Real State for 10 days to evaluate microclimate, lighting, ventilation and noise by using methodologies recommended by the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. The house proved to be colder and dryer inside. Higher temperature and lower humidity were observed in the bedroom and in the bathroom, whereas the air exchange in the latter did not fulfilled the norm. Natural lighting was inappropriate in every room, excepting in the living-room. The sound level in the house exceeded mildly the maximum admissible level and a severe sound pollution was detected outside.

A pilot study was conducted in the municipality of Centro Habana during the summer of 2002 to classify housing according to its environmental quality by determining factors related to government, perceived stress, biomarkers and respiratory morbidity among residents with constrasted environments. The health guide tool was applied in the house in order to evaluate the health situation of the houses of 48 studied subjects. A survey was also done to get data about living conditions, stress, risk factors, determination of arterial tension (AT), anthropometric indicators and biomarkers. It was possible to make a classification into 2 groups: tenement houses and monofamily apartments. Most of the biomarkers showed a temporarily stable behavior.The cholesterol/HDL index was higher in the residents of better houses, as well as the level of perceived stress. The economic conditions and the respiratory diseases were relatively similar in the studied environments.

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo sobre estresores ambientales en dos tipologías de viviendas de un edificio multifamiliar y en una ciudadela pertenecientes al Consejo Popular Colón, del municipio de Centro Habana, con el objetivo de caracterizar y contrastar los ambientes de ambas. Fueron estudiados aspectos como la circulación del aire , el régimen térmico e hígrico, la iluminación natural y artificial, así como el ruido en el exterior e interior de la vivienda, a partir de las metodologías estandarizadas y los errores tolerables. La temperatura era más cálida en el interior de los domicilios, la humedad del aire en la vivienda era más baja que la del exterior, con situación más desfavorable en la cuartería. El nivel sonoro alrededor del domicilio estaba elevado, valorado sanitariamente como peor en el interior del apartamento que en la cuartería. La iluminación natural y la artificial de la cuartería resultaron en promedio peores que las del apartamento, aunque en ambas viviendas este aspecto era deficitario.A descriptive study on environmental stressors was conducted in two housing typologies of a multifamiliar building and in a tenement house from "Colón" People's Council, in Centro Habana municipality aimed at characterizing and comparing both environments. Aspects such as air circulation, the thermal and humidity regimen, natural and artificial lighting, as well as noise outside and inside the house, were studied taking into account the standardized methodologies and permissible errors. The warmest temperature was detected inside the houses. A more unfavorable situation was observed in the citadel. The sound level around the house was high. From the health point of view, it was worse inside the apartment than in the citadel. Natural and artificial lighting of the citadel as an average were worse than those of the apartment, eventhough this aspect was deficient in both.

La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) construyó la "Villa Centenario" en El Salvador con motivo de las 194 147 casas destruidas por dos terremotos, y solicitó la creación de una metodología para medir, a través de indicadores, la sostenibilidad del proyecto. La presente metodología evalúa la educación sanitaria respecto a los riesgos para la salud en el ambiente interior y exterior de la vivienda , la identificación de recursos económicos para su mantenimiento, la potencialidad de la comunidad de movilizar recursos y las condiciones de la vivienda y su entorno, para valorar el estado de conservación y el impacto del proyecto en la salud. Esta metodología, de bajo costo y de fácil aplicación, será utilizada por el equipo local de salud y poseerá un instrumento integrador de indicadores de salud ambiental, económicos y de educación sanitaria, con el fin de mejorar la calidad de vida, minimizar gastos y establecer prioridades para la acción.The Pan American Health Organizations (PHO) built "Villa Centenario" in El Salvador due to the destruction of 194 147 houses by 2 earthquakes, and requested the creation of a methodology to measure through indicators the sustainability of the project. The current methodology evaluates health education concerning the health risks in the internal and external environment of the house, the identification of economic resources for its maintenance, the potentiality of the community to mobilize resources and the conditions of the house and its sorrounding, to assess the state of conservation and the impact of the project on health. This methodology of low cost and easy application will be used by the local health team and will have an integrating tool of environmental health, economic and health education indicators aimed at improving the quality of life, reducing expenses and establish priorities for action..

Con el objetivo de valorar la exposición de la población al campo electromagnético, a cuenta de las transmisiones civiles en Ciudad de La Habana, se efectuaron los cálculos teóricos de propagación de ondas en la gama de frecuencias medias, cortas y ultracortas en modulaciones de amplitud, frecuencia y pulso, y se obtuvieron estimaciones de las zonas de protección sanitaria y límite de construcción a partir de normas europeas para los transmisores instalados que operaban a su máxima capacidad. Con la técnica de reconocimiento de patrones se observó que el riesgo sanitario era de igual modo mayor en los transmisores de televisión del oeste de la ciudad, en los emisores de frecuencia modulada del centro y en una de las frecuencias de radar del este de la ciudad, se hallaron múltiples edificaciones civiles en áreas de presunta restricción. El riesgo sería mínimo en las emisiones de ondas medias. Los valores que resultan de la situación real y los valores medidos indican que en ningún momento llega a transgredirse el nivel permisible de campo para la salud humana. El cálculo teórico de los campos asociados a las líneas de alta tensión que se hallan en zonas aledañas y dentro de la ciudad delimita una extensión de la zona de protección sanitaria del orden hasta de las centenas de metros.

Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles, que incluyó 1 060 casos de pacientes con cáncer de pulmón reportados al Registro Nacional del Cáncer en el período comprendido entre 1987 y 1988, con residencia en Ciudad de La Habana, e igual número de controles, apareados por sexo, edad y lugar de residencia actual. Se les aplicó una encuesta con el objeto de conocer los antecedentes relativos a la historia de tabaquismo, de exposición ocupacional a la inhalación de agentes cancerígenos, así como lugares de residencia, tipo de combustible y ubicación de la cocina en el hogar predominantes en los últimos 40 años. La evaluación de la contaminación atmosférica de cada municipio de la capital se realizó mediante la técnica de "escala y peso", considerando el nivel de contaminación determinado, cumplimiento promedio de los radios de protección sanitaria de las fuentes estacionarias, el carácter principal del territorio, el desarrollo de la red vial y el carácter del territorio a barlovento. El análisis de las asociaciones se realizó mediante regresión logística múltiple condicionada, se calcularon las razones de disparidad ajustadas de las variables e interacciones entre éstas y los correspondientes intervalos de confianza al 95 %. Los resultados mostraron las siguientes asociaciones para ambos sexos: muy fuertes con el hábito de fumar y la intensidad de éste y de menor magnitud con la residencia predominante en las zonas de la capital con mayores índices de exposición a la contaminación atmosférica (significativa en los hombres), con la ubicación de la cocina en habitación de uso común y con el uso de querosén como combustible (no significativas), con un posible efecto sinérgico entre ambas variables, con mayor fortaleza en las mujeres.