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Megaflaps comprise steeply dipping to overturned panels of the oldest suprasalt strata flanking steep diapirs, and represent the roofs of early inflated salt. These large-scale structures result from salt-sediment interaction at minibasin scales and entail multiple kilometres of folding and vertical relief. They are divided into two end-member types (halokinetic and contractional) and form by some combination of limb rotation and kink-band migration. They can be difficult to image and interpret adjacent to flaring diapirs and beneath allochthonous salt due to steep bedding dips and suboptimal illumination. Using physical models, we investigate halokinetic megaflaps driven by differential loading. Models with vertically-stacked vs. laterally-shifting loading above a prekinematic layer have been run to determine the main processes and mechanisms controlling the growth and kinematic evolution of megaflaps. Parameters such as the thickness of the prekinematic cover, the width of the proto-salt wall, the synkinematic sedimentation rate, and variations in the mechanical properties of the prekinematic cover have been tested to evaluate their role in megaflap generation. The experimental results demonstrate that in absence of tectonic forces, halokinetic megaflaps are generated by a combination of 1) an early increase of pressure-head gradient between two adjacent minibasins with different rates of sedimentation and subsidence, and 2) the disappearance of this gradient that occurs when welding occurs beneath the more quickly subsiding minibasin. The geometry, kinematic evolution, and degree of small-scale deformation of the megaflaps in our analogue models are consistent with both exposed (e.g., Paradox Basin) and seismically imaged halokinetic megaflaps (e.g., deepwater northern Gulf of Mexico). • We investigate halokinetic megaflaps driven by differential loading using analogue models. • Modelled megaflaps stretch and thin upward when they are made by sand, and have a constant thickness when are more cohesive. • They formed by rapid subsidence of a minibasin once the adjacent one was welded and pressure-head gradient disappears. • Halokinetic megaflap folding was dominantly by bed rotation early, but mostly by kinkband migration late in the history. • Megaflap's development ended when allochthonous salt broke out and overrode them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To gain further insights on the wedge sole ( Dicologoglossa cuneata Moreau, 1881) physiology and behavior, we evaluated its daily feeding and locomotor activity rhythms and compared three different feeding strategies: self-feeding (SF), diurnal feeding schedule (DS) and nocturnal feeding schedule (NS). 450 fish divided into three groups (three replicates each), were kept during 65 days. SF had free access to self-feeders whereas DS and NS were fed four times a day. Physiological stress parameters as plasma cortisol, glucose, lactate, proteins and triglycerides were determined. Under the SF setting, the 91% of feeding demands occurred during the dark phase. Furthermore, locomotor activity was also higher during the scotophase (64% of the total activity). Significantly higher values for specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency rate (FER) were observed in NS (0.49 and 0.48% day − 1 , respectively); whereas SF consumed much less food than the rest and presented a high mortality rate (46%). Plasma cortisol levels were dramatically increased in SF and DS compared to NS (21.8 ± 6.1, 65.8 ± 30.3 and 0.3 ± 0.1 ng mL − 1 , respectively). In summary, the wedge sole appears as a species with nocturnal locomotor and feeding behaviors and NS as the most appropriate feeding strategy. These new findings appear as key information for both the preservation of natural stocks of this species and its rearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Objectifs Prédire les adaptations cardiorespiratoires et l’évolution de la performance des athlètes entraînés en endurance mais non acclimatés lors d’un exercice à une altitude proche de 2000 m. Le but étant d’établir des recommandations pour cette population d’athlètes, de plus en plus nombreuse, désirant performer en altitude modérée. Méthodes Quinze athlètes entraînés en endurance ont réalisé une épreuve d’effort à charge croissante en plaine et à 2150 m. La saturation de l’hémoglobine en oxygène (SpO 2 ), les échanges gazeux ainsi que la fréquence cardiaque (FC) ont été mesurés en continue tout au long des tests. Résultats En altitude modérée, les seuils ventilatoires (SV) sont apparus pour des FC inférieures : −13 ± 3,4 bpm pour le SV1 et −7 ± 1,5 bpm pour le SV2 ( p < 0,01). Les puissances développées étaient également diminuées de 40 watts en moyenne pour le SV1 et le SV2 ( p < 0,01). Sept athlètes ont présenté une diminution significative de SpO 2 en fin d’exercice en plaine (hypoxémie induite à l’exercice [HIE]). La diminution de consommation maximale d’oxygène ( V ˙ O 2 max ) en altitude était de −22 ± 2,9 % pour les athlètes HIE et de −15 ± 1,9 % pour les athlètes non HIE ( p < 0,01). Les athlètes HIE présentaient une diminution de FC max significative en altitude (−8 ± 3,3 bpm, p < 0,05). La diminution de V ˙ O 2 max en altitude était corrélée avec la diminution de FC max et le volume d’entraînement. Conclusion Cette étude a souligné l’importance de mesurer la SpO 2 lors des tests d’effort en plaine pour les athlètes voulant performer en altitude. En effet, les athlètes présentant une diminution de SpO 2 en plaine ont une plus grande diminution de V ˙ O 2 max et de FC max en altitude modérée. Pour tous les athlètes, les FC et les puissances des SV doivent être adaptées en altitude modérée aiguë. Summary Aim To predict the effect of moderate altitude exposure on performance and cardiorespiratory adaptations in order to provide recommendations to endurance trained athletes who want to perform exercise at moderate altitude. Method Fifteen endurance trained athletes have performed an incremental maximal exercise at sea level and at 2150 m. Haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ), gas exchanges and heart rate (HR) were recorded continuously during the tests. Results HR at ventilatory threshold (VT) was lower at moderate altitude compared to sea level: −13 ± 3.4 bpm at VT1 and −7 ± 1.5 bpm at VT2 ( P < 0.01). Power output was also decreased by around 40 watts at both VT1 and VT2 ( P < 0.01). Seven athletes showed a significantly drop in SpO 2 at the end of exercise at sea level (exercise induced hypoxemia [EIH]). Maximal oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 max ) at altitude was decreased by 22 ± 2.9 % in EIH athletes and by 15 ± 1.9 % in non-EIH athletes ( P < 0.01). EIH athletes showed a significantly decrease in HR max at altitude (−8 ± 3.3 bpm, P < 0.05). A correlation was found between the decrease in V ˙ O 2 max and two others variables, the decrease in HR max at altitude and the training load. Conclusion This study points out the importance of SpO 2 measurement during exhaustive ramp test at sea level for athletes who want to perform at altitude. Indeed, athletes with a significantly drop in SpO 2 at sea level present a greater decrease in V ˙ O 2 max and HR max at moderate altitude. However, HR and power output at VT must be adjusted during acute exposure to moderate altitude for all athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paleomagnetism together with an analysis of the internal structure of the Bicorb-Quesa and northern Navarrés salt-wall segments (Prebetic Zone in SE Iberia) were used to constrain their kinematics and driving mechanisms. Paleomagnetic data from Upper Triassic red beds of the selected salt-related structures and from the Miocene rocks belonging to adjacent syn-diapiric half-grabens reveal 15–30° counter-clockwise vertical-axis rotations of the salt-wall rocks and a 20° clockwise rotation of the Jurassic-Miocene cover block located south of the salt-wall. This, together with the salt-wall structure, indicates that the origin of the salt-wall was linked to the motion of a late Miocene thin-skinned extensional fault system, which detached on the Upper Triassic evaporites. Specifically, the salt-wall formed by the south-southwest displacement with a 20° clockwise rotation component of a cover block bounded northwards by the detachment disruptions generated by the motion of pre-existent basement faults. The Upper Triassic detachment level was first affected by a counter-clockwise vertical axis rotation and, during the Paleogene-earliest Miocene building of the Iberian Chain, by tight WNW-trending folds and SSE-directed minor thrusts. This study also shows that Paleomagnetism together with the analysis of the internal structure can successfully depict the geometry and kinematic evolution of complex salt-wall structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Somatostatin receptors are expressed in a large number of human tumours. The somatostatin receptors types 1–5 expression in a series including 100 gastro-entero-pancreatic endocrine tumours were analysed. Methods: From a prospectively built database of patients with gastro-entero-pancreatic endocrine tumours referred from three institutions, 100 cases with clinical and pathological data were selected. Somatostatin receptors expression by immunohistochemistry with somatostatin receptor types 1–5 antibodies in tissue paraffin sections were studied and correlated with the histological diagnosis according to the WHO classification, location and functional status. Results: Of the 100 cases, 67 were gastrointestinal tumours, 25 pancreatic and 8 liver metastasis of unknown origin. Thirty-one of them were functioning tumours: 2 insulinomas, 5 gastrinomas, 1 glucagonoma and 23 carcinoids. Somatostatin receptors expression was observed in 94 tumours. The six negative cases were all non-functioning tumours. Somatostatin receptors 2a and 5 were highly expressed (86 and 62%, respectively), and surprisingly found even in poorly differentiated endocrine carcinomas. Somatostatin receptors expression was less frequent in pancreatic than in gastrointestinal tumours. Well-differentiated neoplasms had a higher density of somatostatin receptors. Only SSTR2a showed membrane staining. Conclusions: Immunohistochemistry revealed that somatostatin receptors were highly expressed in both primary and metastatic gastro-entero-pancreatic endocrine tumours with heterogeneous staining distribution. It proved to be a reliable technique even in small tumour samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The new MARCONI-3 deep seismic profile allows recognition of the upper crustal structure of the eastern part of the Bay of Biscay and the main features of its Alpine geodynamic evolution. It denotes that the easternmost part of the Bay of Biscay consists of a thick wedge of uppermost Cretaceous to Cenozoic synorogenic sediments lying unconformably on the top of a thinned continental crust with the Mesozoic Parentis Basin to the north and the coeval Landes High to the south. The Parentis Basin appears as a major half-graben bounded southwards by a north-dipping planar fault. It is filled by a thick sequence of Jurassic–Upper Cretaceous carbonates affected by salt domes and squeezed diapirs made up of Triassic evaporites and mudstones. These salt tectonic structures also affect the overlying uppermost Cretaceous to Lower Miocene synorogenic deposits which are folded upon these structures. The Landes High includes a thin pre-Upper Cretaceous cover tilted to the south. In the Basque shelf, it is deformed by a basement-involving thrust wedge emplaced during the Late Eocene–Miocene that constitutes the North-Pyrenean contractional front. Geometric relationships and thickness variations depict that this overall structure results from the following. [•] Mesozoic extensional stage which includes a Late Jurassic (?)–Late Aptian syn-rift stage in which the Parentis Basin formed; and an Albian–early Late Cretaceous post-rift stage in which diapirs of Triassic evaporites grew close to this major fault. [•] Compressive deformational stage coeval to the Pyrenean orogeny which led to (1) the development of a latest Cretaceous up to Middle Miocene foreland basin; and (2) from Late Eocene, the formation of a basement-involving thrust wedge in the innermost foreland basin, the squeezing of the diapiric structures formed previously in the Parentis Basin and, later (Middle Miocene), the partial inversion of some pre-existent faults located in the southern Parentis Basin margin. This geodynamic evolution together with the structure of the area evidences that the extensional structure resulting from the opening of the Bay of Biscay played an important role both in the location of the North-Pyrenean front and in the North-Pyrenean foreland contractional deformation features. Specially, the lack of significant inversion structures in the Parentis Basin, despite that it belongs to a severely thinned crustal area before the Alpine compression, denotes that the Mesozoic Landes High acted as an important buffer for the propagation of the Pyrenean contractional deformation to the north. This deformational buffer was active until Early Miocene and probably vanished afterwards during the last stages of Pyrenean orogen development when some basement faults reactivated in the Parentis Basin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, the effect of the application of a pulse system to anoxic upflow sludge bed (USB) denitrifying reactors for enhancing sludge granulation was studied. In all, three 0.8L reactors (two operated with flow pulsation, P1 with effluent recycling and P2 without recycling, and one without pulsation and effluent recycling, no pulsation (NP)) were fed with a mixture of NaNO3 and glucose and inoculated with methanogenic granular sludge. The organic loading rate (OLR) and the nitrogen loading rate (NLR) were progressively increased and, at the end of the experiment, extremely high values were obtained (67.5kgCOD/m3 d and 11.25kg /m3 d). Ammonia and nitrite accumulation in reactor NP were important in the maturation stage, decreasing the denitrification efficiency to 90%, while in reactor P1 only low nitrite values were obtained in the last few days of the experiment. In reactor P2, nitrogen removal was 100% most of the time. Several operational problems (flotation and the subsequent wash out of biomass) appeared in the NP reactor when working at high denitrifying loading rates, while in reactors P1 and P2 there were no notable problems, mainly due to the good characteristics of the sludge developed and the efficient degasification produced by the pulsing flow. The sludge formed in the NP reactor presented a flocculent structure and a total disintegration of the initial methanogenic granules occurred, while a small-sized granular biomass with a high specific density was developed in the pulsed reactors due to the shear stress produced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The projection of dip data onto a section plane can be a source of errors in the relative and absolute position of data depending on the choice of projection vectors. To properly transfer data in conical folds onto a plane of section, a best-fitting cone must be defined for the fold. Dip data must be projected along the best-fit cone generatrices, which are defined individually for each dip measurement according to its orientation. For individual dip measurements on bedding in a conical fold, their corresponding generatrix can be defined as the line of tangency between bedding and the conical fold. Dip measurements on bedding not fitting an ideal conical geometry must be corrected before a valid generatrix can be calculated. Graphical procedures to obtain generatrices for individual dip data are discussed, and a new analytical method is proposed to calculate generatrices for dip measurements on bedding not fitting an ideal conical geometry. The maximum projection distance within conical folds is discussed, and a way to estimate the natural extent of conical folds is defined. The proposed methods are illustrated with data from a conical syncline in NE Spain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents an expert system developed for the monitoring and diagnosis of anaerobic wastewater treatment plants. Architecture of the system; Data acquisition; Labels of the variables used for diagnosis.

The green bond market is emerging as an impactful financing mechanism in climate change mitigation efforts. Studies investigating this market have revealed the notion of a 'green premium' or 'greenium' within green bond pricing, including insights into influential characteristics and drivers that govern it. However, methodological heterogeneity among these studies has resulted in general ambiguity regarding a consensus over the existence of the green premium. This research addresses this gap through a systematic literature review with the aim of establishing a consensus on the existence, or nonexistence, of a green premium in the green bond market. The review examines studies published between 2007 and 2019. A ranking of the green bond characteristics most likely to exhibit a green premium is organised, including a framework of driving factors. The findings confirm a consensus on the existence of a green premium within 56% of primary and 70% of secondary market studies, particularly for those green bonds that are government issued, investment grade, and that follow defined green bond governance and reporting procedures. The green premium varies widely for the primary market; however, an average greenium of −1 to −9 basis points on the secondary market is observed. Overall, our findings highlight the crucial role of strengthening environmental preferences amongst bond market participants; including implications for bond pricing theory, by suggesting that future bond pricing should consider noneconomic motives of investors, such as environmental preferences; and, for future growth implications as a catalyst towards the financing of climate change mitigation efforts globally. • Systematic literature review investigates a consensus on a green premium in the green bond market. • Drivers of the green bond premium are investigated. • Bond characteristics most likely to exhibit a green premium are organised and ranked. • A consensus is established on the green premium within green bond prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Previous and new geological and geophysical datasets provide s the basis of an improved conceptual model explain the localization of hot geothermal fluid systems at relatively shallow depths. • Geothermal flow localization is enhanced further by the presence of fault-related structural complexities, such as high-fractured zones in relay ramps. • The complexity of the fault zone structure of normal faults is attributed to fault segmentation and the breaching of relay ramps, which provide enhanced intensities of dilational and hybrid fractures, surpassing those of conventional along-fault damage zones. • Fracture networks localize fluid flow, with the self-sealing of individual fractures a transient feature of a system characterized by the valving of overpressured fluids, and the seismic pumping associated with earthquake events. The Vallès-Penedès Fault is a Neogene normal fault marked by the presence of two established geothermal systems at La Garriga-Samalús and Caldes de Montbuí, within the Catalan Coastal Ranges (NE Spain). The analysis and collation of existing and new geological and geophysical datasets provide the basis for the development of an improved conceptual model that explains the presence and localization of hot geothermal fluid systems at relatively shallow depths (e.g., 60 °C at surface and 90 °C at 1 km). Geothermal flow is concentrated within Paleozoic granodiorites of the immediate footwall of the V-P fault, host rocks that are susceptible to fault-related fracturing, and the generation of both extension and hybrid fracture systems in association with active fault displacements. Flow localization is enhanced further by the presence of fault-related structural complexities, with both systems marked by 300 m wide steps in the main fault trace. These are attributed to relay development and breaching characterizing host rocks by high fracture intensities and fault rock development on a fault that locally has a vertical displacement of over 1.5 km. Accentuated fracturing and deformation are consistent with strain localization predicted by existing models for the development of fault zones along normal faults. The plumbing of the geothermal systems is attributed to up-fault flow in combination with lateral flow controlled by the intersection of the V-P fault with a low-angled Paleogene thrust defining the base of the host-rock granodiorites, with the geothermal systems localized at the distal end of the thrust. Sustained geothermal flow is attributed to groundwater flow circulation associated with seismic pumping and valving of warmer and deeper fluids, and the ingress of groundwater along faults and within fractured basement rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heavy ceramic industry (building materials and refractory products manufacture) is an important source of pollutants to the environment. For this reason these industrial sub-sectors are included in prevention and control pollution policies, specifically those of the European Union. The IPPC Directive pays particular attention to the mineral industries, not least to the ceramic industry (epigraph 3. 5, Annex I). In this paper, a methodology which is being applied to support IPPC installations and the competent administrative authority in Galicia (NW Spain) is presented. For that, the Galician heavy ceramic industry is analysed, as also are the ways to study the Best Available Techniques (BAT) with a view to establishing the emission limit values (ELV) for each specific case. Hence, a technological state of the art has been carried out for both sub-sectors, from the point of view of implementation of the IPPC in Galicia. Following this, the processes are described briefly and an analysis of the consumption and emission levels of the main pollutants is made. An inventory that includes the best environmental practices and the preventive and abatement candidate techniques as BAT was elaborated for both considered sub-sectors. An information data sheet for each candidate BAT is presented as a method to help both the industries and the competent authority to identify a candidate technique of the inventory as BAT. Three illustrative examples of the application of this procedure are presented for different emissions to environmental media for Galician installations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) have gained attention as a lightweight hardware security primitive. In particular, the SRAM-based PUF uses the unpredictable power-up value of the cells within an SRAM. Although these values should ideally be always the same within each SRAM to accomplish a correct PUF operation, this is often not the case, especially when factors like circuit aging are considered. While certain studies explore the effects of aging on SRAM PUFs, they often simplify the analysis. For instance, some studies assume that only Bias Temperature Instability (BTI) contributes to circuit degradation while others evaluate the overall degradation without accounting for the stochastic effects of aging on each individual cell. In this work, we first perform a detailed characterization of the nature of aging in SRAM PUFs, demonstrating that the impact of Non-Conductive Hot-Carrier Injection cannot be neglected. We also show that different cells degrade differently, highlighting the importance of accounting for the stochasticity of aging. After that, a method based on the Data Retention Voltage metric to select the cells with the most stable power-up response is introduced. Using these cells to generate the PUF identifier will result in a more stable response, and thus a better PUF performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work presents the results from the environmental sustainability assessment of a wood-based particleboard manufacturing process located in Spain, using the Ecological Footprint methodology for the analysis. The consumption of material resources revealed as the major contributor to the Ecological Footprint due to the high amounts of roundwood used as particleboard component. Hence, the effect of increasing the ratio of recycled wood wastes employed for particleboard production was explored, obtaining a range for the indicator from 0.896 to 0.020 gha m−3 particleboard, corresponding to substitution ratios from 0 to 100%. These results suggest that the effort for improving environmental sustainability should be mainly focused on material resources category, although further study is required on types and ratios of recycled material used and their influence on particleboard's quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The first isolation of Vibrio tapetis from Wedge sole (Dicologoglossa cuneata) is reported. The bacterium was recovered from ulcers of ailing cultured fish, from two different outbreaks occurred in spring 2005. The four isolates found (a200, a201, a204 and a255) were biochemically, genetically and serologically characterized and diagnosis was confirmed by PCR V. tapetis specific primers and multilocus sequencing analysis (MLSA). The isolates constituted a homogeneous phenotypic and genotypic group, being distinct to the already serological and genetic groups defined within the species. A virulence evaluation of the isolate a255 was also carried out; however this strain was unable to induce disease in fry and juvenile Wedge sole. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present work, a set of generic parameters was proposed for a pharmacokinetic model, with the objective of predicting Cd concentration in the tissues of diverse fish species under different environmental conditions. Cd concentrations in a number of tissues of Oncorhynchus mykiss and Cyprinus carpio were estimated by a structurally identifiable multicompartmental model (unique solution). The 13 generic parameters of the model comprised exchange rates, tissue-blood partition coefficients, and weight-corrected elimination rate constants accounting for the routes of water respiration, excretion and egestion. On the other hand, absorption efficiencies from water and food were considered to be condition-specific and estimated for each experiment. These two parameters reflected the differences in fish exposure to diet (food type and metal concentration) or water (water chemistry and bioavailable metal concentration). A data set of 27 experiments of Cd bioaccumulation in fish tissues was compiled for model calibration. The selected dynamics on trout and carp were performed under very different experimental conditions, involving water and/or food exposure, different fish weights and exposure concentrations and the presence/absence of depuration periods. Model predicted, for most compartments and experiments, the tendency of Cd dynamics. However, accumulation in liver and kidney was underestimated in approximately a half of the experiments, due mainly to a rapid metallothionein (MT) sequestration phenomena and subsequent saturation on liver and kidney produced under high exposure concentrations. On the other hand, both generic and condition-specific parameter values were in accordance with the values reported in literature when available. Therefore, the results obtained in this work are an initial step indicating that a generic global input parameter set could be applied to physiology-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for estimating Cd accumulation in fish in different types of scenarios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, several alternatives related to the application of ozone in different streams of a seafood industry WWTP were evaluated to minimize the production of waste sludge. The WWTP was composed of two coagulation-flocculation units and a biological unit and generated around of 6550kg/d of sludge. Ozone was applied to sludge coming from flotation units (110gTSS/L) at doses up to 0.03gO3/gTSS during batch tests, no solids solubilization being observed. Ozone doses ranging from 0.007 to 0.02gO3/gTSS were also applied to the raw wastewater in a bubble column reaching a 6.8% of TSS removal for the highest ozone dose. Finally, the effect of the pre-ozonation (0.05gO3/gTSS) of wastewater coming from the first flotation unit was tested in two activated sludge systems during 70days. Ozonation caused a reduction of the observed yield coefficient of biomass from 0.14 to 0.07gTSS/g CODTremoved and a slight improvement of COD removal efficiencies. On the basis of the capacity for ozone production available in the industry, a maximum reduction of sludge generated by the WWTP of 7.5% could be expected. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The structure of the Cordillera de Domeyko is dominated by a number of elongated N–S-trending basement ridges. These ridges were uplifted by steep reverse N–S faults that deformed the Mesozoic–Cenozoic cover. The vergence of the fault system varies along strike, conferring an apparent doubly vergent “pop-up” geometry to the axial zone. Two Mesozoic pre-compressional extensional events were recorded in the area. New structural data presented in this paper indicate that most of the generated N–S-trending thrusts and related folds were controlled by the inversion of the pre-existing Mesozoic extensional faults. Thin-skin structures in the Mesozoic–Cenozoic cover are genetically linked to major basement upthrusts, which could be interpreted as basement short-cuts formed during inversion rather than as uplifted blocks associated with major Cenozoic strike-slip faults. Growth-strata geometries date the beginning of the Andean compressional event, which generates the Chilean Precordillera, as far back as 90Ma ago; the resulting structural architecture is strongly controlled by inherited pre-Andean extensional structures. The association of porphyry intrusives with major reverse faults suggests that the emplacement of the Eocene–Oligocene porphyry Cu–Mo deposits in Northern Chile can be explained by an oblique-inversion Tectonics Model. The upper Eocene–lower Oligocene giant porphyry copper bodies (Chuquicamata, La Escondida, El Salvador) located in the Cordillera de Domeyko show an adakitic affinity. This magma affinity, together with structural evidence presented in this work, indicates that porphyry emplacement occurred at the end of the basement-involved contractional stage that generates the anomalous thickened crust needed to generate these magmas. This tectonic evolution is coherent with the existence of a flat-slab subducting beneath the Central Andes (22°–26° S) during early Cenozoic, that will also produce the eastward migrating of the compressional regime in the upper plate since Late Cretaceous. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] In nowadays deeply scaled CMOS technologies, time-dependent variability effects have become important concerns for analog and digital circuit design. Transistor parameter shifts caused by Bias Temperature Instability and Random Telegraph Noise phenomena can lead to deviations of the circuit performance or even to its fatal failure. In this scenario extensive and accurate device characterization under several test conditions has become an unavoidable step towards trustworthy implementing the stochastic reliability models. In this paper, the statistical distributions of threshold voltage shifts in nanometric CMOS transistors will be studied at near threshold, nominal and accelerated aging conditions. Statistical modelling of RTN and BTI combined effects covering the full voltage range is presented. The results of this work suppose a complete modelling approach of BTI and RTN that can be applied in a wide range of voltages for reliability predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Ecological Footprint (EF) is a recent concept which has widely been used as an indicator of environmental sustainability applied to individual lifestyles, regions, nations or even the world. Recently, its application to enterprises has been proposed. In the present study, a textile tailoring plant has been analysed. The overall purpose of this study was to develop a tool useful for evaluating the environmental impact evolution due to the performance of the plant, as well as for comparing the environmental behaviour of different tailoring processes. Therefore, the selected data were those from the manufacturing work. Data were divided in three main categories: energy, resources and waste. The principal contribution to the final EF (expressed in hectares of land) was the resources category, mainly due to the high value associated to the cloth. The consumed energy was the second contributor, while the waste category remained in third place. The final outcomes were divided by the production rates to obtain a comparable relative index, easy to be interpreted by the different stakeholders. This is of special importance for a Company involved in Corporate Social Responsibility and thus meant to have a general communication strategy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Salta Basin of Cretaceous age in the Andes of NW Argentina was inverted during the development of the Cordillera Oriental between the Neogene and Recent. The different orientations of the extensional faults of the Salta Rift System and the subsequent W-E shortening resulted in a great variety of inversion structures. Extensional faults dipping NE to ESE were preferentially reactivated as contractional faults. The initial stepped geometry of these faults gave rise to a distinctive sigmoidal pattern of basement-involved thrusts and related folds. These contractional structures tended to run parallel to the extensional faults and acquired a N-S trend across the previous accommodation zones, resulting in folding interference patterns. Other interference patterns are attributed to the superposition of contractional folds on previous rollovers and to the constrictional deformation imposed by the reactivation of adjacent extensional faults with different orientations. The NNW to WSW dipping extensional faults show no evidence of reactivation despite the fact that some of them are folded. The inversion at crustal scale is limited owing to the presence of the Cretaceous Salta Rift across the different Andean structural units and foreland. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A fuzzy-logic-based diagnosis system for the determination of acidification states on an anaerobic wastewater treatment plant was developed. The diagnosis system uses experts’ knowledge to determine the acidification state of the process. The information of several on-line measured variables, which are classified under linguistic labels, and the expert knowledge are implemented by means of a fuzzy-based rules structure. The acidification state of the system within the anaerobic reactor is determined by means of evaluating the fuzzy inference system for the given inputs. A representative experiment of application of the developed diagnosis system to a progressive acidification caused by a hydraulic overload in the digester is presented and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]