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Here we describe a new ornithopod species, Emiliasaura alessandrii gen. et sp. nov. from Valanginian rocks (Early Cretaceous) of northwestern Patagonia. This new taxon exhibits affinities with the Rhabdodontomorpha and is primarily represented by two specimens of mid-sized ornithopods collected from different sites and stratigraphical levels of the Mulichinco Formation. The holotype specimen MLL-Pv-001 includes the coracoid, the proximal end of a scapula, a humerus and a complete right hind limb, whereas the paratype specimen MLL-Pv-006 preserves vertebral elements, haemal arches, an incomplete pelvis, and nearly complete hind limbs. The new taxon has an anteroposteriorly elongate ilium with a sigmoidal dorsal border and broad brevis shelf, a femur shaft with an extensive, mid-shaft positioned fourth trochanter, and a second pedal digit with a short, robust, blunt ungual phalanx similar to those in Ankylopollexia ornithopods. The new ornithopod taxon formed part of a diverse dinosaur association from the Mulichinco Fm that includes dicraeosaurid sauropods and carcharodontosaurid theropods, and represents the first South American record of a rhabdodontomorph, and the oldest and most primitive representative of this clade. [Display omitted] • A new taxon of the dinosaur clade Ornithopoda, Emiliasaura alessandri , is described. • Emiliasaura is the first recognized South American rhabdodontomorph ornithopod taxon. • Emiliasaura represents the earliest Patagonian Cretaceous ornithischian dinosaur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Algora is a recently discovered vertebrate fossil site located in the Cenomanian strata of the Arenas de Utrillas Formation (Guadalajara, Central Spain). This fossil site is rich in turtle remains, but other clades of reptiles are also identified, including plesiosaurs, crocodyliforms and dinosaurs. The only remains of dinosaurs from Algora so far studied corresponded to theropod teeth. However, several sauropod remains are here presented and analyzed, revealing the presence of several shared features with members of Titanosauriformes, some common found in derived members belonging to Lithostrotia clade. This sauropod fossil assemblage corresponds to the richest sauropod fossil accumulation found in the Cenomanian of Europe. In addition, one of the first studies of the pneumatic features in dorsal ribs using CT scan is also provided here. The performed cladistic analysis places the Algora sauropod within Lithostrotia, in a more derived position than Malawisaurus (supported, for example, by the presence of convex posterior articulation up to the posterior section of the tail), in a clade which also includes Rapetosaurus (Maastrichtian, Madagascar) and the Italian indeterminate titanosaur MSNM V7157 (late Aptian–early Albian). The Algora titanosaur and MSNM V7157 are recognized as closely related. This analysis shows the presence of two different lineages (Algora titanosaur + MSNM V7157 and Normanniasaurus , from the Albian of France) in the Early and middle Cretaceous of Europe, and at least one with a Gondwanan origin. The close relationship of the Algora titanosaur and MSNM V7157 suggests a pre-late Aptian faunal contact between the Adriatic Plate and Laurasia, in accordance with several previous studies, which proposed faunal exchanges between Laurasia and Gondwana through the Adriatic plate during the Early Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recommender Systems (RS) provide a relevant tool to mitigate the information overload problem. A large number of researchers have published hundreds of papers to improve different RS features. It is advisable to use RS frameworks that simplify RS researchers: a) to design and implement recommendations methods and, b) to speed up the execution time of the experiments. In this paper, we present CF4J, a Java library designed to carry out Collaborative Filtering based RS research experiments. CF4J has been designed from researchers to researchers. It allows: a) RS datasets reading, b) full and easy access to data and intermediate or final results, c) to extend their main functionalities, d) to concurrently execute the implemented methods, and e) to provide a thorough evaluation for the implementations by quality measures. In summary, CF4J serves as a library specifically designed for the research trial and error process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of phosphorescence curves is an alternative procedure to glow curve analysis in order to find the parameters characterizing trap and recombination centers of thermoluminescence materials. In this article a new algorithm to analyze phosphorescence curves is reported, which is derived from the set of coupled differential equation describing the carrier traffic without resorting to approximations. The new algorithm has been employed to analyze the phosphorescence curves of the K 2 YF 5 :Pr compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new Lower Cretaceous vertebrate sites (Vadillos-1, Vadillos-2, El Tobar) have been recently discovered and studied in the Cuenca Province (Central Spain). They are located in deposits of “Wealden” facies belonging to the El Collado Sandstone and Clay Formation. In these outcrops, micro and macroremains corresponding to plants, invertebrates and vertebrates have been collected and subsequently assigned to macrophytes, charophytes (e.g., Atopochara trivolvis triquetra , Globator maillardii trochiliscoides , Clavator harrisii harrisii ), ostracods (e.g., Cypridea gr. modesta , Cypridea cf. C . isasae , Cypridea sp. aff. C . moneta , Cypridea sp. 1, Cypridea sp. 2), molluscs (Unionoida, Viviparus sp.), fishes, amphibians, turtles (cf. Eucryptodira), crocodyliforms (Neosuchia) and dinosaurs (ankylosaurs, ornithopods, theropods). Among the vertebrate remains, scales, teeth, plates, osteoderms, phalanges, ribs, vertebrae and other incomplete bones, as well as eggshell fragments have been identified. This rich and diverse assemblage was deposited in an upper Barremian alluvial-palustrine muddy floodplain crossed by braided sandy channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) as a control measure to avoid transmission against COVID-19 has generated a challenge to the waste management and enhances plastic pollution in the environment. The research aims to monitor the presence of PPE waste and other plastic debris, in a time interval where the use of face mask at specific places was still mandatory, on the coastal areas of Granada (Spain) which belongs to the Mediterranean Sea. Four beaches called La Rijana, La Charca, La Rábita and Calahonda were examined during different periods. The total amount of sampled waste was 17,558 plastic units. The abundance, characteristics and distribution of PPE and other plastic debris were determined. Results showed that the observed amount of total plastic debris were between 2.531·10−2 and 24.487·10−2 units per square meter, and up to 0.136·10−2 for PPE debris, where face masks represented the 92.22 % of the total PPE debris, being these results comparable to previous studies in other coastal areas in the world. On the other hand, total plastic debris densities were in the range from 2.457·10−2 to 92.219·10−2 g/m2 and densities were up to 0.732·10−2 for PPE debris. PPE debris supposed 0.79 % of the weight of total waste and the 0.51 % of total items. Concerning non-PPE plastic waste: cigarettes filters, food containers and styrofoam were the most abundant items (42.95, 10.19 and 16.37 % of total items, respectively). During vacation periods, total plastic debris amount increased 92.19 % compared to non-vacation periods. Regarding type of beaches, the presence of plastic debris was significantly higher on touristic/recreational than in fishing beaches. Data showed no significant differences between accessible and no-accessible beaches, but between periods with restrictive policy about mask face use and periods with non-restrictive policy data suggest significant differences between densities (g/m2) for PPE litter. The amount of PPEs debris is also correlated with the number of cigarettes filters (Person's r = 0.650), food containers (r = 0.782) and other debris (r = 0.63). Finally, although interesting results were provided in this study, further research is required to better understand the consequences of this type of pollution and to provide viable solutions to this problem. [Display omitted] • First personnel protective equipment litter study in beaches of Granada, Spain • Total plastic debris were between 2.531·10−2 and 24.487·10−2 units/m2. • Personnel protective equipment debris supposed 0.79 % of the weight of total waste. • The beaches were predominantly polluted by face masks (92.22 % of personnel protective equipment). • Statistical analysis was made to compare results of different beaches and periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the development of starch-based nanocomposite films containing AgNPs obtained by different green synthesis techniques, the characterization of their relevant properties, the study of their cytotoxicity and their application as food packaging on cheese. AgNPs were obtained by different green synthesis techniques: AgNP in situ and AgNP L. The incorporation of AgNP L improved the barrier properties of nanocomposite films, since water vapor permeability decreased (0.63 ± 0.07 × 10−10 g/m s Pa) compared to films containing AgNPs in situ (1.9 ± 0.1 × 10−10 g/m s Pa), while the UV–vis barrier capacity was higher (371.5 ± 15.6 and 314.1 ± 14.7, respectively). Films with AgNPs synthesized in situ were less cytotoxic for the Caco-2/TC7 line (90% viability) in comparison with films containing AgNPs synthesized with lemon juice (AgNP L). Vero cells were susceptible to adhesion problems on both control and nanocomposite films. Likewise, the differences observed between monocytes and macrophage THP-1 cells may be associated with the expression of different markers. Then, active packages were developed by thermo-sealing the films. The nanocomposite samples were able to extend the shelf life of cheese by 7 days, but the CL and AgNP L films were more effective, probably due to the synergistic effect of the active compounds present in the lemon juice and the low pH of the film-forming suspension. Finally, production costs and the current legislative framework for this type of material were revised. [Display omitted] • Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by using two different green methods. • Nanocomposite starch-based films were developed and characterized. • Cytotoxicity of nanocomposite films was evaluated on three cell lines. • Nanocomposite packages were obtained by thermo-sealing. • Active packages extend the cheese shelf life under refrigerated conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The upper Campanian-lower Maastrichtian site of Lo Hueco (Cuenca, Spain) has provided a set of well-preserved partial skeletons in anatomical connection or with a low dispersion of their skeletal elements. One partial skeleton is herein described and a new titanosaurian sauropod is established, Lohuecotitan pandafilandi . This titanosaur is diagnosed by eight autapomorphic features: dorsally and ventrally widened or bifurcated posterior centrodiapophyseal lamina in anterior and middle dorsal vertebrae; short postspinal lamina with a transversely expanded distal end represented by smooth scars in the dorsal vertebrae; anteriormost caudals with the medial spinoprezygapophyseal and medial spinopostzygapophyseal laminae ventrally connected with the prespinal and postspinal laminae, respectively; anterior caudal neural spines with a dorsal projection of the prespinal and postspinal laminae; anterior caudal neural spines bears a “greek-cross”-like cross-section; middle caudal centra having two round and rough structures in the dorsal edge of the posterior articulation, which extends to the dorsal surface of the centrum; the articular ends of the rami of the haemal arches are divided in two articular surfaces; and tuberosity between the anterior and the lateral trochanter of the fibula. The herein performed phylogenetic analysis considered L. pandafilandi as a member of Lithostrotia more derived than Malawisaurus . The known palaeodiversity of the Late Cretaceous Ibero-Armorican titanosaurs is increasing, and further analyses focused on this group will be necessary to better understand the evolutionary history of European titanosaurs and to clarify their relationships within Titanosauria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently described clade Allodaposuchidae includes European eusuchian crocodyliforms restricted to the Late Cretaceous (Campanian and Maastrichtian). A new allodaposuchid crocodyliform is here described based on two specimens from the upper Campanian–lower Maastrichtian fossil site of Lo Hueco (Cuenca, Spain). This new taxon, Agaresuchus fontisensis gen. et sp. nov., is described by two complete skulls and a lower jaw associated with one of them. This new species can be distinguished unambiguously from Lohuecosuchus megadontos , the other allodaposuchid known from the same fossil site. The presence of two allodaposuchid crocodyliforms in Lo Hueco allows the recognition of the synchronic and sympatric existence of two representatives of this clade for the first time. The new genus Agaresuchus , comprises a previously described Iberian allodaposuchid species, “ Allodaposuchus ” subjuniperus , as Agaresuchus subjuniperus , new combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Upper Cretaceous outcrops of Armuña (Segovia Province, Spain) yielded relatively abundant material of vertebrates during prospection and excavation in the second half of the 1980s. However, little has been published on these remains. A new analysis of the specimens from this upper Campanian site reveals the presence of some clades in the site for the first time (e.g., Dortokidae, Anguimorpha, Mosasauroidea). Furthermore, the material of the clades previously recognized there has been reviewed and described in more detail, with some previous systematic attributions confirmed and others refuted. Consequently, a relatively high local diversity has been identified. New taxa (i.e., a member of Anguimorpha and a eusuchian crocodyliform) are identified in Armuña, coexisting with other taxa previously described in other sites from the Iberoarmorican Realm. The vertebrates from Armuña confirm that the fauna from the Upper Cretaceous of the Iberian Peninsula is composed of a mixture of European endemic clades and lineages shared with other continents such as North America (e.g., anguimorphs) and Africa (e.g., bothremydids). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shell pitting is relatively abundant but with unclear character and etiology in extinct turtles, since reports on extant turtles with similar condition do not usually include morphological descriptions, illustrations, or data concerning etiology or pathogenesis. Therefore, the available interpretations on shell pitting in the fossil record of turtles are generally speculative or poorly justified. We analyze herein a mark identified in a partial carapace of a bothremydid turtle from the Upper Cretaceous (upper Campanian–lower Maastrichtian) fossil site of Lo Hueco (Cuenca, Central Spain). This mark has been analyzed both through physical examination and by the use of computerized axial tomography scan. The discussion has been established following a differential diagnosis procedure, a presumptive diagnosis was made on the basis of analogy and total or partial similarities with other cases previously documented both in extinct and extant turtle specimens. As a result, information regarding the possible etiology, pathogenesis, and stages of healing of the mark studied here are provided. An ectoparasitic origin is suggested as the most parsimonious hypothesis explaining its etiology, this mark being considered as a pathology. This study represents to the first report of a pathology of ectoparasitic origin in the shell of a bothremydid turtle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, there is an increased demand for micro-products and micro-components in many industry sectors therefore development of advanced manufacturing technologies and metrological instrumentation in this range, have thus become a critical issue and an engineering challenge. If a product cannot be measured, although it might be manufactured, it would not be possible to analyse its design in order to improve its functionality. Electroforming could be defined as the highly specialized use of electrodeposition for the manufacturing of metal parts. Due to progress in materials, processes and equipment, electroforming has shown considerable development. Consequently, electroforming is increasingly combined with other micro-manufacturing technologies, giving rise to other processes such as LIGA and UV-LIGA. Thanks to the accumulated experience of Fabricación Integrada y Avanzada research group, of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the electroforming process focused on macro-scale, as well as specific equipment available, this paper aims to analyse the potential of electroforming process for micro-injection mould manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is part of a methodological renovation project from Ingeniería de Fabricación Innovative Education Group, from University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It has developed learning materials for courses in Manufacturing Engineering that can be used in several degrees. In this first learning material, it was decided to take a plastic injection mould as a teaching resource, and can be summarized into design and manufacture a plastic injection product whilst developing a teaching material aimed to explain the necessary stages to make an injection mould, as well as the manufacturing processes related to it. All this work has generated a lot of educational material for both laboratory practices and multimedia. Abundant information generated has been used to develop an interactive electronic publication. Finally this learning material has been chosen by the Publishing and Scientific Diffusion Service from this University, as a new line of work in publications of educational innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the managerial style profiles of successful project managers in different types of projects. The research is carried out by means of a survey addressed to project management practitioners of different countries. This questionnaire includes thirteen questions about managerial preferences, and each question inquiries two opposite options (e.g., preference for making decisions based more on logic or on emotions). This questionnaire was developed based on Jung's personality theory. The answer to each question is gathered by means of a 5-point Likert scale. Seventy eight responses were collected from project managers with a minimum experience of 3 or more years in different fields or industries. Out of these data, it was concluded that most successful project managers have common core traits as extroversion, rational judging and structured behaviors. Differences by project field and years of experience were also accounted for further categorization and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetic parameters of dosimetric peaks of CaF 2 :Tm (TLD-300) were found by employing a kinetics model derived from differential equations describing the carriers traffic but without resorting to the quasi-equilibrium approximation. Since both shape and position of glow peaks were observed not to change with dose, retrapping rates have been assumed negligible compared to rates of thermal release of electrons. The reported results show that the quasi-equilibrium approximation does not hold, an approximation used for derivation of first order kinetics, which is the kinetics employed so far for analyzing glow curves of the TLD-300. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant proportion of transplant patients undergoing immunosuppressant therapy experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The SIGIT-QoL is a brief instrument developed to measure adverse gastrointestinal effects on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The goal of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the SIGIT-QoL that are required for its use in clinical research and practice, especially its value for detecting changes in the impact of gastrointestinal symptoms on HRQoL of solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. To this end, an observational, multicenter, prospective study was conducted. SOT patients aged ≥18 years who had received the graft 3 to 24 months before and were experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated at baseline, 1 to 2 weeks later, and 3 months after baseline. Sociodemographic and clinical data recorded included: age, sex, SOT type (lung, kidney, liver, or heart), acute allograft rejection, gastrointestinal etiology, Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) and Patient Global Impression (PGI) Severity of Illness (SI) and Global Improvement (GI) scores, and the SIGIT-QoL (scores range from 0 [maximum impact] to 68 [minimum disruption]). Intraclass correlation coefficients, differences between baseline and last visit (Wilcoxon test), effect size (Cohen's d), the minimal important differences (using CGI and PGI scores as anchors in General Linear Models), and the cutoff score (receiver-operating characteristic analysis) were calculated. In total, 277 SOT patients (61.4% male) were included. Mean ± SD age was 52.69 ± 11.65 years, time since transplantation was 12.31 ± 6.74 months, and 22.4% experienced an acute allograft rejection. At baseline, total SIGIT-QoL mean scores (51.21 ± 11.25) showed an impact on patients' HRQoL that was diminished 3 months later (57.40 ± 8.38; P < .001). SIGIT-QoL test–retest reliability was adequate (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.740–0.895). A moderate effect size (d = −0.550) was found. Moreover, a minimal important difference of 4.2 points in total scores was found (F 4,223 = 16.917 [ P < .001] and F 4,224 = 25.138 [ P < .001]). Finally, a cutoff point (55.00 points) was estimated (area under the concentration–time curve, 0.846 [95% confidence interval, 0.798–0.894], P < .001; sensitivity, 0.793; specificity, 0.713; negative likelihood ratio, 0.290; positive likelihood ratio, 2.762). We concluded that the SIGIT-QoL is a feasible (average completion time, <6.5 minutes), reliable, and valid instrument for assessing the impact of gastrointestinal symptoms on the HRQoL of SOT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Projects are complex works subjected to significant time, budget and quality constraints. One or the greatest challenges in project management still remaining unsolved is determining what is necessary to do in order to achieve success or failure. According to the specialized literature, both concepts of success factors and failure causes in projects are largely subjective and therefore difficult to quantify, depending on the point of view of the stakeholders involved. This paper tries to determine the most frequent failure causes and the most important success factors for ICT projects carried out in Spain within the framework of a much wider research, by means of a worldwide empirical survey carried out among project managers intended to gather their personal perceptions. The survey is based on a questionnaire anonymously distributed through a professional internet network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology of the amniotic band syndrome is unknown, and has been subject of debate since the time of Hippocrates. The most accepted theories fail to cover all the abnomalities found in affected children. During organogenesis the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process (EMTP) participates in adequate formation of different organs from three embryo layers. Altered activation of EMTP occurs when the epithelial homeostasis is disturbed, the resulting myofibroblasts are able to secrete extracellular matrix proteins and deposit them on the tissues contributing to a fibrotic phenotype. If injury occurs during organogenesis, wound healing could be exaggerated and fibrotic response could be triggered. The molecule that regulates both of these processes (EMTP and fibrosis) is the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ); indeed null animals for TGFβ isoforms show similar defects than those seen in the amniotic band syndrome. Based on documented evidence this review intends to explain how the epithelial mesenchymal transition process may contribute to the pathogenesis of amniotic band syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dortokidae is a relatively poorly-known clade of Pan-Pleurodira, exclusively recognized in Europe. It is the only clade of Laurasiatic pan-pleurodirans known in the post-Jurassic record. Its presence has been recognized in several locations and ages. However, only two nominated valid taxa have been described so far: the western European Upper Cretaceous Dortoka vasconica, and the Romanian late Paleocene Ronella botanica. A new dortokid is studied here, Eodortoka morellana gen. et sp. nov. This new taxon is the oldest nominated dortokid, coming from the lower Aptian (Lower Cretaceous) of the Spanish town of Morella. It shows several primitive characters not shared with the so far described dortokids, such as the presence of mesoplastra and the absence of overlap of the second pair of pleural scutes onto the first pair of costal plates. The comparison of Eodortoka morellana gen. et sp. nov. with other specimens allows us to recognize the presence of two members of Dortokidae in the Iberian Lower Cretaceous record. This study shed light on the early evolution of Dortokidae, as well as on the systematic and paleobiogeography of this clade. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Campanian–Maastrichtian Konzentrat-Lagerstätte at Lo Hueco (Spain) has yielded a large sample of appendicular elements referable to sauropod titanosaurs that exhibit considerable morphological variability. The taxonomic assessment of these elements is difficult, they display various degrees of preservation (including fragmentary preservation and taphonomic deformation, each of which were addressed in the methods applied in this study), and also many of the appendicular elements are found as isolated remains. Accurate taxonomic determinations are generally difficult to achieve from the morphological information available on appendicular remains of sauropods, and particularly in groups such as titanosaurirformes. In these cases, the geometric morphometrics (GMM) tool kit is a suitable methodology to explore morphological variability for taxonomic assessment. In this study, several femora, tibiae and fibulae from Lo Hueco were analyzed. To this purpose, the remains were digitized, and the resultant mesh representations were used for definition of 3D landmarks and curves that were analyzed through GMM methods. The quantification of shape variables allowed the use of clustering and K-means techniques as well as a proposed statistical workflow. Several hypotheses of a priori anatomically-defined morphotypes and the results from our machine learning algorithms revealed the presence of two main morphotypes as the most plausible explanation for the morphological variability in the sample of titanosaurian hind limb elements from Lo Hueco. • Hundreds of appendicular titanosaur specimens have been discovered in the Late Cretaceous Lo Hueco site (Cuenca, Spain). • The sample presents morphological variability that makes it difficult to discriminate how many species are represented. • Morphological variability was analyzed with 3D-geometric morphometrics to identify probable taxonomic differences. • At least two main morphotypes were recognized, supported by morphology and cluster analyses of the 3D-GMM shape variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The parameters characterizing trap and recombination centers, such as activation energies, recombination and trap probabilities, involved in thermoluminescent materials can be found by analyzing phosphorescence curves with an adopted model consisting of trap and recombination centers, and assuming the mechanisms involved in the carrier traffic (kinetics). Nowadays the most employed kinetics is the General Order kinetics (GO). Since this model is heuristic, this article reports how successful it is in providing reliable values for the traps parameters. The equations describing the traffic of carriers were used to generate simulated phosphorescence curves for specific values of trap and recombination parameters. These simulated phosphorescence curves were later analyzed with the GO kinetics, and the resulting parameters compared to the correct ones in order to evaluate the validity of the model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electroforming is an electrolytic process that enables the manufacture of metallic parts with good mechanical properties and a high level of accuracy and reproducibility. In this process a thin metallic shell is deposited onto a model part and later released from it. However the two main disadvantages of electroforming are the non-uniform thickness distribution and the high time of processing. Procesos de Fabricación research group, of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), has been working in the electroforming process and its applications focused on rapid manufacturing techniques, for the last twelve years. Elecform3DTM product is an innovative numerical analysis and simulation tool of electroforming process, based on the boundary elements method, which aims to facilitate design and manufacturing tasks for metallic shells production. This product work enables better thickness uniformity as well as lower time manufacturing, achieving High Speed Electroforming therefore enabling new application fields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The glow curve of Al2O3:C compounds has been analyzed by employing a model consisting of two active traps, thermally disconnected traps and one recombination centre. The analysis takes into account interaction among traps and the thermal quenching of the thermoluminescent emission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A software factory applies manufacturing techniques and principles to software development to mimic the benefits of traditional manufacturing. Software factories are generally involved with outsourced software creation. Outsourcing and externalization of maintenance services has become a common practice in financial companies for years. One of the characteristics of this sector is that they have externalized the development process, but they keep the top level processes in place due to strategic reasons. This paper aims to identify Key Performance Indicators which permit effectiveness to be improved in these types of organizations. The different key indicators are conveniently set in a scorecard that allows decision-making associated with top level project portfolio management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Transplant patients receiving immunosuppressant treatment suffer gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) limiting their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and causing dose redíuctions and discontinuations. Methods: This observational, multicenter, cross-sectional study aims to develop and validate a questionnaire for detecting and quantifying the impact of GIS on the HRQOL of patients with functioning organ transplants. We developed a pilot version of the questionnaire SIGIT-QOL (Impact of Gastrointestinal Symptoms on Quality Of Life) and then evaluated the feasibility, validity, and reliability. We consecutively recruited 274 solid organ transplant patients from 20 hospitals. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Patients completed the SIGIT-QOL and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index-GIQLI- questionnaires. Results: Mean age was 52.7 (SD, 7.59) and 181 were male; 43.4% showed an episode of GIS since transplantation (3–12 months before). Of all patients, 95.3% completed the SIGIT-QOL. Mean time of completion was 6.49 minutes. Exploratory factorial analysis identified a 1-dimensional structure (42% of total variance). Internal consistency was high (Cronbach''s alpha, 0.889). A significant association was found between the SGITI-QOL and the presence of GIS (P < .01). Finally, correlation coefficients between SIGIT-QOL and GIQLI were moderate-high except for Social Function. Conclusion: The brief SIGIT-QOL questionnaire can detect and quantify the GIS and their impact on the HRQOL of solid organ transplant patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The palaeontological site of “Lo Hueco” was discovered in Cuenca, Spain, in 2007. It includes a stratigraphic interval in “Garumn” facies belonging to the upper part of the Villalba de la Sierra Formation. A succession of versicolor marly mudstone levels (V, G1, R1, G2, R2 and M) can be observed at the site studied. This succession is partially modified by a sandy channel structure (C) and by a sulphated interval (S). The C structure and the G1, G2 and R2 (lower part) levels have an extremely rich and varied fossil concentration and have provided to date more than 8500 macroremains. These are mainly from vertebrates, but also from plants and invertebrates. In general, vertebrates are represented by mineralized bones with an early infilling of gypsum, a ferruginous crust, and a secondary precipitation of gypsum; invertebrates by internal moulds; and plants by carbonized remains. Among the vertebrates, titanosaur dinosaurs (some of them with partially articulated skeletons) are by far the most common representatives, although lepisosteid fishes, bothremydid turtles, squamate lizards, eusuchian crocodiles, and ornithischian and theropod dinosaurs are also well represented. The relative stratigraphic position and the palaeontological content of this site allow to attribute it to the upper Campanian-lower Maastrichtian. Interpretation of its materials suggests a near coast muddy flood plain crossed by distributary sandy channels environment, exposed to brackish to fresh water aquatic influence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]