In this study we assessed the potential effects of climate variability and change on population health in Cuba. We describe the climate of Cuba as well as the patterns of climate-sensitive diseases of primary concern, particularly dengue fever. Analyses of the associations between climatic anomalies and disease patterns highlight current vulnerability to climate variability. We describe current adaptations, including the application of climate predictions to prevent disease outbreaks. Finally, we present the potential economic costs associated with future impacts due to climate change. The tools used in this study can be useful in the development of appropriate and effective adaptation options to address the increased climate variability associated with climate change.

In response to the Latin American cholera epidemic, El Salvador began a prevention programme in April 1991. The first case was confirmed in August, and 700 cases were reported within 3 months. A matched case-control study was conducted in rural La Libertad Department in November 1991. Illness was associated with eating cold cooked or raw seafood (odds ratio [OR] = 7.0; 95% confidence limits [CL] = 1.4, 35.0) and with drinking water outside the home (OR = 8.8; 95% CL = 1.7, 44.6). Assertion of knowledge about how to prevent cholera (OR = 0.2; 95% CL = 0.1, 0.8) and eating rice (OR = 0.2; 95% CL = 0.1, 0.8) were protective. More controls than patients regularly used soap (OR = 0.3; 95% CL = 0.1, 1.0). This study demonstrated three important points for cholera prevention: (1) seafood should be eaten cooked and hot; (2) populations at risk should be taught to treat household drinking water and to avoid drinking water outside the home unless it is known to be treated; and (3) education about hygiene can be an important tool in preventing cholera.

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This research assumes the study of the construction and the changes in the identity of entrepreneurs based on the analysis of their personal and professional way and the influence of critical incidents and its changes based on Dialogical Self Theory (Hubert Hermans, Harry Kempen, Rens van Loon) leading to increase the quality of life and effectiveness of their business. We made a case-study with four entrepreneurs with less than one-year experience from different countries for six months the research used interview, mapping, journey plot, Personal Position Repertoire, and coaching. They showed a variety of scenarios of forming the entrepreneurial identity in typical contexts, including family business or starting their own business after working for the company or freelance. We observed that the implication of the tools used in the psychological practice helped to make the process systematic, clear and multilevel showing the progress of the participants on every stage as their personal and professional achievements.

The article is dedicated to actual issues of development of human capital, investment to intangible assets and competences development of new generation of professionals. Authors examine this approach using the example of the «Competence platform» project for creating formation of developing environment which allows to create atmosphere of the competence development, identification of professional «self-position» and conditions for disclosure of human potential and talents along with providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.