Sancti Spiritus Research Articles

La autoría ficticia de Juan Unay

This paper reflects on the question of fictional authorship based on the case of the Libro de los grandes hechos, an apocalyptic text circulated in Spanish, Catalan, and Portuguese during the fifteenth century. All versions attribute its creation to a supposed visionary friar of the order of the “Sancti Spiritus” named Juan Unay (or similar). However, no other documents on this figure exist. To analyze this problem from both theoretical and practical perspectives, I will organize the paper in three sections. First, I will introduce two general approaches with which to address the study of authorship in the field of medieval apocalyptic literature. Secondly, I will explore the different hypotheses developed by specialists regarding the authorship of the Libro de los grandes hechos. Finally, I will propose my own interpretation of the identity of Juan Unay with the help of Umberto Eco’s concept of the “model author.”

Leaf-based characterization of intermediate forms between Cuban and Honduran mahogany

The genus Swietenia includes two mahogany species, Swietenia macrophylla (King.), commonly known as Honduran mahogany, and Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq, commonly known as Cuban mahogany. There are reports of morphologically intermediate forms between Cuban and Honduran mahogany that have been localized in some Caribbean islands. The main objective of this research is to distinguish morphologically intermediate forms between the parental species S. mahagoni and S. macrophylla based on leaf morphological characters. Phenotypic data from a total of 357 mahogany trees were collected in the province of Sancti Spiritus, Cuba. Rachis length, petiole length, leaflet length, leaflet width, number of leaflets and number of nerves were evaluated. Morphological descriptor analysis revealed significant differences in the morphometric variables of the evaluated leaves, with rachis length, number of leaflets, leaflet length, petiole length, leaflet width, and number of nerves being significantly higher in S. macrophylla than in S. mahagoni. ANOVA reflected the variance between all leaf morphological parameters evaluated between the two pure species with statistically significant difference. Using the function obtained in the first DC of the two species, the individuals in the mixed stands were classified into 71 morphologically intermediate forms, 45 S. macrophylla and 64 S. mahagoni. In the second DC with the two species and the morphologically intermediate forms, Wilks’ partial lambda indicates that the variable "leaflet length" with 0.67 contributed most to the overall discrimination.

Pesticides used in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) cultivation in Cuba: toxicological and ecotoxicological pressure

Introduction. Pesticides are used to control pests and diseases in agricultural activities. Improper handling of these products constitutes a potential risk to human health and the environment. Objective. To evaluate the toxicological (eco) pressure exerted by synthetic pesticides on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) crops in the province of Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. Materials and methods. A database of the Provincial Directorate of Plant Health for the period 2016-2019 was used, where the pesticides assigned to the province for this crop were taken and compared with those declared by the farmers interviewed. The dual indicator POCER was used to obtain the results, which determined the pressure exerted by the different pesticides and their harmful reference on humans and the environment. Results. The trend in pesticide consumption (summarized in tables and graphs) showed a decrease of 50 %, which corresponds to the country's crop protection policy. Farmers mentioned the use of authorised and unauthorized active ingredients in the surveys carried out. Sixteen high-risk active ingredients were detected in the samples analyzed. Evaluation of the POCER results and analyzed samples shows that there is a high (eco)toxicological pressure on both the environment and human health exerted by a group of highly toxic active ingredients used in tobacco cultivation in the province. Conclusion. With the use of the dual indicator POCER, an evaluation of the toxicological (eco) pressure exerted by the synthetic pesticides used in the cultivation of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) in the province of Sancti Spiritus, Cuba for the study period is obtained.

Efficiency conduction in irrigation systems of rice companies

The determination of the conduction efficiency in the production units of rice-producing companies is a working tool for technicians and officials involved in the operation of irrigation systems, as it provides greater precision for the implementation of water demands and control of the water used, and accurate information on the technical condition of the canals, which is the basis for the programming of maintenance and repairs. In order to determine the behaviour of the conduction efficiency of a rice irrigation system under production conditions and compare the results with the indicators traditionally used, a study was carried out on the irrigation system supplied by the P-4 canal of the Unidad Básica de Producción Cooperativa (UBPC) Sur de Jíbaro, belonging to the company of the same name in the province of Sancti Spiritus. The hydro-technical works located at the regulation points, which had been previously calibrated, and the section and velocity method in cases where these works were not available, were used to determine the flow rate. The results indicate a general conduction efficiency of the system of 42%, a value that differs considerably from that reflected in the documents governing this activity, with the greatest losses in the tertiary canals in which 57% efficiency was obtained.

Historical Mapping vs. Archaeology: Rethinking Fort Sancti Spiritus (1527–1529)

The first cartographic representations of the Paraná delta have been used to characterize the elements that comprised the archaeological site of Fort Sancti Spiritus, an iconic place in the beginnings of the colonization process initiated by the crown of Castile in the southern sector of the Plata drainage basin. The maps of Sebastian Cabot, Sancho Gutiérrez, and Ruy Díaz de Guzmán are compared with written documentation, other maps from the same time, and the information obtained in the latest archaeological studies. This comparative analysis demonstrates the potential of historical cartography as a primary source to enlarge on or nuance knowledge of the initial stages of the conquest and colonization of this region.

A first survey of the history of Angolan lexicography

This paper is a first attempt to provide an overview of the main lexicographic works of the most spoken Angolan languages of African origin, which were written by missionaries of Portuguese Patronage and laymen who were living in the current territory of Angola (western Africa), from the beginning of Portuguese colonization until its independence in 1975. The current Republic of Angola encompasses old African kingdoms, specifically those of Kongo, Lunda, Matamba, Ngola-Ndongo, and Benguela, and has almost 50 African languages, but Portuguese is the only official language. The Angolan languages of African origin most studied and described by the Portuguese were initially Kimbundu, and, more recently, Umbundu and Nyaneka. The first dictionary of a Bantu language was written in mid-1648 by Italian and Spanish Capuchins led by the Portuguese–Congolese mestizo secular priest Manuel de Roboredo (later, Francisco de São Salvador, O. F. M. Cap., d. 1665). However, the regular linguistic description of the Angolan languages was initiated at the beginning of the 19th century by the Italian Bernardo Maria [Cassaro] da Canicattì, O. F. M. Cap. (1749–1834). In addition, after the “re-establishment” (which was never officially assumed) of the religious orders in Portugal (ca. 1870), the Portuguese Province of the Congregatio Sancti Spiritus (C.S.Sp.) [Congregation of the Holy Spirit] was formed in 1867 mainly because of the evangelization of Angola. In point of fact, the most relevant dictionaries of the Angolan languages in the 20th century were written by the Holy Ghost Fathers [João] Albino Alves [Manso] (1908–1956) (Kimbundu, 1951), António Joaquim da Silva (1909–1995) (Nyaneka, 1966), and José Francisco Valente (1912–1993) (Umbundu, 1972). There are also relevant lexicographic works by laymen, such as the Brazilian Doctor Saturnino de Souza e Oliveira (1820–1871), the Angolan poet, writer, and journalist Joaquim Dias Cordeiro da Matta (1857–1894) for Kimbundu, and the Portuguese medical officer José Pereira do Nascimento (1861–1913) for Umbundu.

Origin and establishment of the introduced Cuban Blue Anole, Anolis allisoni, in Florida

In the state of Florida, USA, lizards of the genus Anolis are well represented with at least nine established non-native species and a single native species, A. carolinensis. The most recently introduced species is A. allisoni, a close relative to both the native A. carolinensis and one of the introduced species (A. porcatus). Anolis allisoni is thought to have been present in two locations in Florida since at least 2013 based on photographic evidence. Here, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences from these three closely related Anolis species to infer the most likely region of origin in the native range and confirm the establishment of the recent invader in Tampa, Florida. We found a single haplotype belonging to A. allisoni, which was closely related to native sequences from east-central Cuba. The most likely geographic origin is a tourist destination in the province of Sancti Spiritus, suggesting the potential for human-mediated introduction of A. allisoni to Florida. Given the evidence of hybridization within the carolinensis subgroup, the presence and establishment of the phylogenetically related and ecomorphologically similar A. allisoni may create novel opportunities for interspecific genetic exchange.

Origin and establishment of the introduced Cuban Blue Anole, Anolis allisoni, in Florida

In the state of Florida, USA, lizards of the genus Anolis are well represented with at least nine established non-native species and a single native species, A. carolinensis. The most recently introduced species is A. allisoni, a close relative to both the native A. carolinensis and one of the introduced species (A. porcatus). Anolis allisoni is thought to have been present in two locations in Florida since at least 2013 based on photographic evidence. Here, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences from these three closely related Anolis species to infer the most likely region of origin in the native range and confirm the establishment of the recent invader in Tampa, Florida. We found a single haplotype belonging to A. allisoni, which was closely related to native sequences from east-central Cuba. The most likely geographic origin is a tourist destination in the province of Sancti Spiritus, suggesting the potential for human-mediated introduction of A. allisoni to Florida. Given the evidence of hybridization within the carolinensis subgroup, the presence and establishment of the phylogenetically related and ecomorphologically similar A. allisoni may create novel opportunities for interspecific genetic exchange.

Sustainability Evaluation of Rural Electrification in Cuba: From Fossil Fuels to Modular Photovoltaic Systems: Case Studies from Sancti Spiritus Province

In the last ten years, there has been a progressive improvement in rural electrification indexes in developing countries, and renewable energies are progressively being integrated into electrification programs. In Cuba, the government has set a target of 700 MW in solar photovoltaic energy by 2030, including rural electrification and off-grid systems. Within this framework, 10,000 modular systems of 300 Wp are being installed in isolated communities. Nowadays, previously diesel-electrified settlements are migrating into renewable energy technologies projects in rural Cuba. The objective of this research is to evaluate the sustainability of these changes in order to identify the implications for other developing countries, taking four different dimensions into account: environmental, technical, socioeconomic, and institutional. For this purpose, the rural communities of Yaguá (diesel-based) and Río Abajo (solar-based) in the province of Sancti Spiritus are visited and studied. Results show that the institutional dimension of sustainability is positive thanks to improvements in energy security and promotion of the Cuban national plan goals. Moreover, results confirm that the energy transition from diesel-based to solar PV is environmentally sustainable in Cuba, but improvements are still necessary in the power capacity of solar modules to strengthen the socioeconomic and technical dimensions.

HMC Europe HG-80 autoclave qualification for its use with solid materials at the sancti spiritus (Cuba) - faculty of medicine vaccination center

The sterilization process in biotechnological industry ensures safety on materials used during drugs and biological reagents production. The most frequently used technique is sterilization by means of pressurized steam. This paper describes the HG-80 autoclave qualification and tests for steam sterilization cycle performance qualification in order to demonstrate reliability and verify compliance with sanitary regulations. In a first step, it was evaluated whether the autoclave was able to control and maintain the programmed operating temperature, by determining the temperature distribution and behavior along the chamber. In the second stage, sterilization cycles were performed in triplicate of two loading patterns where the influence of the materials on the temperature profile was studied. Simultaneously, the biological indicators challenge was executed, which play an important role in the evaluation of the process effectiveness together with the F0 concept. The F values obtained at each studied point indicate the process provides sufficient lethality to eliminate the potentially resistant forms of microbial life present in the loading pattern materials. The results obtained show that the evaluated sterilization processes generated consistent and reproducible results according to the established specifications; therefore, the validated process is considered as follows.

La carta de Quírico de Barcelona a Tajón de Zaragoza (CPL 1271, Díaz 211) : Estudio, edición crítica y traducción

This paper provides an introductory study, critical edition and Spanish translation of the only conserved letter from Quiricus Barcinonensis († 666) to Taio Caesaraugustanus († 683), « En beatissime uirorum sancti spiritus intentione… » (CPL 1271, Díaz 211). The text has been transmitted in eight manuscripts, dated between the 9th and 17th centuries, and its circulation is linked to that of the Taio’s Sententiae (CPL 1268, Díaz 209), since the epistle is essentially a letter of thanks to Taio for the previous delivery of his work.

Independent Work Management Through Adaptive Teaching-Learning Environment APA-Prolog

Reaching independence in learning is essential in professional formation. In this line, this article aims to describe the use of the APA-Prolog environment in the teaching‑learning process adjusted to the dynamics of the independent work management process. The study was conducted with a quantitative methodological approach and a non-experimental descriptive design. A survey with a Likert scale type was conducted to 22 students from the Computing Engineering program at the University of Sancti Spiritus to measure the use of the environment adjusted to the planning, orientation, execution, and control-evaluation phases. The data were analyzed through the calculus of the mean values of answers, the percentage of representativeness, and the typical deviation. The results showed the ordered fulfillment of the phases that allowed the recognition of the cognitive independence abilities and the interaction with simulators, trainers, tutorials, evaluators, and hypermedia conceptual maps, which were controlled by intelligent agents that made decisions based on the previous students’ knowledge. It was concluded that the development of cognitive independence abilities—such as reading, analysis, interpretation, deduction, and processing—was stimulated. It was also concluded that the students manage the knowledge by means of free or assisted browsing according to their choice and the type of activity to solve and that the teaching-learning adaptive environments favor a dynamic educative process based on the student.

Human exposure to toxic trace elements present in local crops of Sancti Spíritus, Cuba

Food consumption and tobacco smoke are the main sources of toxic trace elements (TTE) for humans. To the present, no study has been carried out that assessed human exposure to TTE (Cd, Pb, As, Ni, Cr, Cu, and Co) through the consumption of the tomatoes, rice, and tobacco crops grown in the Sancti Spiritus territory of Cuba. Accordingly, the main goal of this study was to assess which metals and crops should receive priority attention for metal pollution management in the local environment. Combining residue element analysis in crops with consumption data collected from a survey, a deterministic exposure assessment was performed. The study identified that priority attention should be focused on Ni and Cd. First, the average concentration of Ni in tomato and rice was found above their reference limits. As a consequence, the concentration of Ni represented a risk to the maximum scenario of children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Together with Ni, Cd, and Cu also contribute slightly to the cumulative risk. Then, Cd and Ni were quantified in tobacco smoke at a concentration that represented an equal risk to both active and passive smokers. Concentrations high enough to hazard from these toxic elements. The study helped to identify children as the highest stratum at risk of developing adverse health effects due to exposure to Ni and Cd. The results obtained from the basis for future research aimed at reducing the polluting pressure of TTE on human health and the environment.

El Desarrollo del Aprendizaje Reflexivo desde la Genética Médica

El aprendizaje reflexivo garantiza la apropiación activa y creativa de los conocimientos preparando al estudiante para resolver los problemas de la profesión. El artículo presenta una estrategia didáctica dirigida al desarrollo del aprendizaje reflexivo en los estudiantes de segundo año de la carrera de Medicina de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la provincia de Sancti Spíritus. Se realizó un estudio experimental en el período comprendido de enero de 2016 a julio de 2016. La población fue de 296 estudiantes que cursan la asignatura Genética Médica, y la muestra fue de un grupo (29). Se emplearon métodos teóricos: inductivo-deductivo, histórico-lógico y analítico-sintético; y empíricos: análisis documental, encuesta, y métodos estadísticos-matemáticos. Se constató que la concepción y formulación de los objetivos no facilita la orientación para alcanzarlos con éxito; además, de la tendencia a favorecer la asimilación reproductiva. La estrategia didáctica pretende el desarrollo del aprendizaje reflexivo. Ella permite, estimular el aprendizaje reflexivo, hace posible que el contenido, se estudie en sus contradicciones, facilita la búsqueda, el cuestionamiento y la puesta en práctica de procedimientos, Fomenta el vínculo teoría-práctica y concede una función protagónica a los estudiantes en su proceso de aprendizaje.

Vulnerability of Fishery-Based Livelihoods to Extreme Events: Local Perceptions of Damages from Hurricane Irma and Tropical Storm Alberto in Yaguajay, Central Cuba

Hurricanes can cause extensive long-term damage to small-scale fisheries. Yet, information is scarce on how communities are locally impacted by extreme events in the Caribbean and in other parts of the world. Focusing on an artisanal fishery in Yaguajay, Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, this article explores how artisanal fishers have perceived and responded to the different damages brought about by Hurricane Irma in September 2017 and the inundations associated with Storm Alberto in May 2018. Combining discussions and short interviews carried out pre and post-storms Irma and Alberto, this study identifies major environmental impacts and matching responses. In addition, the article sheds light on the evolution of small-scale fishing communities in Cuba and their current organization. Results show local perceptions of extensive biodiversity loss in terms of mangrove coverage, changes in salinity, and the quality of coastal environments that have affected the composition of captures and fish sizes. As a consequence of these changes, fishers are adjusting their effort and fishing intensity to match perturbations. Findings underscore the need to identify the synergistic relations that may exist between prior environmental degradation and different extreme events such as droughts, hurricanes, and excessive precipitation. The interrelation of these factors may result in compounded aggravated impacts that may unfold over longer temporal scales and not just as a one-time event. Authors conclude by stressing the importance of including the systematic study of extreme events along with local perceptions of ecological change in fishery management plans. Because fishers´ responses to hazards are based on their experiences and knowledge of the state of coastal and marine habitats, and especially on expectations about what constitutes normal ranges of change, threats, and levels of risks, this information is key to guide behavioral interventions and decision frameworks that can foster the development of hurricane resistant communities.

La Atención al Egresado: Su Incidencia en la Formación del Personal docente para el sector Rural

En los momentos actuales constituye una preocupación la atención y seguimiento a los egresados de la facultad de Ciencias Pedagógicas, con énfasis en el sector rural. Se presentan los resultados, sustentados los postulados socio-histórico-culturales de Vigotski, donde se revela al hombre como centro de la actividad, además se particulariza en la actividad de dirección y en la actividad profesional de dirección. Para penetrar en este campo del saber fueron empleados como métodos del nivel empírico: observación pedagógica, prueba pedagógica, encuesta, pre-experimento y el análisis de documentos, del nivel teórico se utilizaron el análisis y síntesis, histórico y lógico, sistémico e inductivo y deductivo. La implementación en la práctica escolar ocurre en la provincia de Sancti Spíritus, donde se lograron los resultados esperados.

CONSIDERACIONES ACERCA DE LA ENSEÑANZA DE LOS RASGOS FONO-PROSÓDICOS DEL FRANCÉS COMO LENGUA EXTRANJERA

This work constitutes a brief analysis of the teaching of the phono-prosodic traits of French as a foreign language in the Bachelor's degree in Education, Foreign Languages, at the University of Sancti Spiritus Jose Marti Perez, Cuba. It is based on the conceptions of the Cuban context for the teaching of foreign languages, the theoretical contributions offered by the classics of the didactics of French pronunciation. It is assumed that pronunciation is a skill that has to be taught and developed in the teaching-learning process of LE so that the student, as part of his communicative competence, reaches a phonic competence. Finally, three activities are proposed to demonstrate what has been seen in the investigated theory.

Efecto de la aplicación asociada entre Rhizobium leguminosarum y microorganismos eficientes sobre la producción del fríjol común

Con el objetivo de evaluar la asociación entre diferentes formas de aplicación de microorganismos eficientes y la inoculación con Rhizobium en el comportamiento morfológico y productivo del frijol común se desarrolló un experimento en la Cooperativa de Créditos y Servicios “Mártires de Taguasco”, Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, de octubre de 2012 a febrero de 2013 y se utilizó el cv. Cuba cueto. Fueron evaluados dos factores, el primero fue la utilización de Rhizobium (sin y 1 kg/46 kg de semilla) y el segundo fue cuatro formas de aplicación de microorganismos eficientes, sin (0), al surco (100 mg/L), foliares (100 mg/L) y la asociada (surco más la foliar). Los indicadores morfológicos y productivos que se determinaron fueron: promedio de hojas por plantas, altura de las plantas (cm), legumbres por plantas, granos por legumbres, masa de 100 granos (g/100 semillas) y rendimiento (t/ha). Los resultados mostraron que la aplicación asociada al surco más la foliar de microorganismos eficientes comparadas con las otras formas, incrementó los parámetros morfológicos y productivos evaluados como la producción de hojas, altura de la planta, legumbres por planta, granos por legumbre, la masa de 100 semillas y el rendimiento del grano en 153,23 % cuando no fueron inoculadas con Rhizobium y 100,00 % con la inoculación en relación al tratamiento control.

Uso de herramientas de gestión de información en bibliotecas universitarias, efecto en la actividad científica: estudio de caso

El objetivo del presente artículo es mostrar los resultados de la puesta en práctica de herramientas para potenciar la gestión de información en la biblioteca de la Universidad de Sancti Spíritus “José Martí Pérez” y el efecto que esto provocó en la producción científica de los docentes, medido a través de sus indicadores fundamentales. El estudio relacionó las perspectivas cualitativa y cuantitativa al seleccionar sus métodos y técnicas propios. Los principales resultados se integraron en cuatro grupos: análisis de la auditoría de información; análisis del programa de alfabetización informacional; análisis del efecto de los cambios de la gestión de información de la biblioteca como caso de estudio en los indicadores de producción científica; reflexiones en torno a los resultados globales. La investigación evidenció la utilidad de dichas herramientas de la gestión de información para lograr un efecto sostenido en los indicadores de los procesos sustantivos de estas instituciones educativas.Palabras clave: gestión de la información, bibliotecas universitarias, producción científica, auditoría informacional, alfabetización informacional.Using Information Management Tools in University Libraries, Effect on Scientific Activity: Case StudyAbstractThis article aims to show the results of the implementation of tools for information management of the Library of the University of Sancti Spíritus “José Martí Pérez” and the effect that had on the scientific production of the same, measured in their fundamentals. For this descriptive research linking qualitative and quantitative methods, tools, techniques and seeks to identify the characteristic behavior in the scientific production of the university from management tools selected for this information are made. The main results were integrated into four groups: analysis of audit information; analysis of information literacy program; analysis of the effect of changes in information management library, as a case study in scientific output indicators; reflections on the overall results. The most important conclusion is evident the need to include these tools of information management in a continuous cycle in the university library, for information management requires ongoing review for sustained effect on indicators of substantive processes university.Keywords: Information management, university libraries, scientific production, information audits, information literacy.

El Desarrollo del Aprendizaje Reflexivo desde la Asignatura Genética Médica

El aprendizaje reflexivo garantiza la apropiación activa y creativa de los conocimientos preparando al estudiante para resolver los problemas de la profesión. El artículo presenta una estrategia didáctica dirigida al desarrollo del aprendizaje reflexivo en los estudiantes de segundo año de la carrera de Medicina de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la provincia de Sancti Spíritus. Se realizó un estudio experimental en el período comprendido de enero de 2016 a julio de 2016. La población fue de 296 estudiantes que cursan la asignatura Genética Médica, y la muestra fue de un grupo (29). Se emplearon métodos teóricos: inductivo-deductivo, histórico-lógico y analítico-sintético; y empíricos: análisis documental, encuesta, y métodos estadísticos-matemáticos. Se constató que la concepción y formulación de los objetivos no facilita la orientación para alcanzarlos con éxito; además, de la tendencia a favorecer la asimilación reproductiva.La estrategia didáctica pretende el desarrollo del aprendizaje reflexivo. Ella permite, estimular el aprendizaje reflexivo, hace posible que el contenido, se estudie en sus contradicciones, facilita la búsqueda, el cuestionamiento y la puesta en práctica de procedimientos, Fomenta el vínculo teoría-práctica y concede una función protagónica a los estudiantes en su proceso de aprendizaje.