The Escalada Formation: Characterization of a potential chert supply source in the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain) during prehistory

[EN] A study of the chert nodules found in the Escalada Formation (Carboniferous, Ponga region, Cantabrian Zone) was carried out as a means to characterise a number of lithic raw materials found in several prehistoric sites of the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain). This study comprises fieldwork aimed at locating the outcrops and obtaining samples. Some selected samples from two localities were used for both petrological (macroscopic and microscopic analyses from thin sections) and geochemical (X-ray fluorescence and powder diffraction) analysis. The macroscopic study shows a rather homogeneus coloration and a conchoidal fracture although two extreme types of cherts with a variety of intermediate forms can be differentiated according to the matrix composition. The microscopic analysis shows a high heterogeneity in carbonate versus silica percentage and gentle differences in some other features such as type of silica, origin of carbonates, occurrence of organic matter and type of skeletal components. The results of several geochemical analysis suggest that there are not geochemical features neither in the major elements nor in the traces that allows us to clearly distinguish between the analysed samples. All these studies allow us to define the main features of these chert nodules and to establish several types and varieties among them. Those varieties with high percentage of silica and with a more homogeneous matrix are the most suitable samples for knapping. These results together with the study of the geological and geographical location of archaeological sites suggest that the nodules from the Escalada Formation likely were lithic material supply sources used in knapping activities When aiming to demonstrate the use of these materials at archaeological sites the sole macroscopic analysis of the pieces does not suffice; further analyses, such as those involving thin sections, are necessary. The absence of chert from Escalada Formation in some Mesolithic sites in the area was confirmed via these additional analyses.SIThis study was supported by funds from project AF-87 “Análisis de industrias líticas prehistóricas: materias primas y tecnología” of the Vicerrectorado de Investigación (Universidad de León, Spain)

Deficiencias del sistema societario Costarricense: El derecho de información dentro de las sociedades anónimas

Tesis para optar por el grado de Licenciatura en Derecho de la Univerisidad de Costa RicaEl presente trabajo se encuentra encaminado a establecer las deficiencias que existen sobre la aplicación del derecho a la información en Costa Rica, para lo cual la exposición se divide en tres capítulos. Se inicia con un capítulo dedicado a la historia de la sociedad, así como los principios y conceptos generales de esta figura jurídica. En dicho capítulo se explica el origen de la sociedad, su evolución en el tiempo, y su desarrollo en el derecho costarricense. Posteriormente, en el segundo capítulo, se establecen los principios y conceptos básicos de la sociedad anónima, desde su naturaleza jurídica hasta su estructura interna. Se detalla el funcionamiento como un todo de sus órganos y, posteriormente, se explica individualmente la estructura y principios básicos de cada uno. De este modo se exponen las particularidades de los tres órganos de la sociedad anónima, a saber, el órgano de deliberación, el órgano de administración y el órgano de fiscalización. Asimismo, se hace un análisis del llamado “órgano de representación” el cual se encuentra conformado por el Presidente de la sociedad anónima, quien se destaca de todos los demás administradores por ostentar poderes limitados solamente por la ley, sin poder ser limitados por los estatutos legales de la sociedad anónima. Dentro de este capítulo se hace alusión a los derechos que deben poseer los accionistas de la sociedad anónima, entre ellos el Derecho de Información, lo que da pie al análisis que se realiza en el capítulo tercero y último del presente trabajo. En dicho capítulo tercero, encontrará el lector una introducción al tema del derecho de información del accionista en la sociedad anónima, los principales conceptos necesarios para una mejor comprensión del tema y las principales características de este derecho. Posteriormente, se desarrollan las manifestaciones más comunes del derecho de información, separadas de acuerdo a los diferentes momentos de la vida social. Posteriormente el trabajo aborda 2 temas de gran importancia, en primer lugar, los límites del derecho de información, y en segundo lugar el ejercicio del derecho de información en situaciones particulares. En relación con esto último, se analizan los casos de embargo, prenda y usufructo de acciones. Por último, se hace un análisis de las acciones posibles en caso de violación del derecho de información, tanto contra los acuerdos como contra los administradores mismos.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Sociales::Facultad de Derech

The Escalada Formation: Characterization of a potential chert supply source in the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain) during prehistory.

A study of the chert nodules found in the Escalada Formation (Carboniferous, Ponga region, Cantabrian Zone) was carried out as a means to characterise a number of lithic raw materials found in several prehistoric sites of the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain). This study comprises fieldwork aimed at locating the outcrops and obtaining samples. Some selected samples from two localities were used for both petrological (macroscopic and microscopic analyses from thin sections) and geochemical (X-ray fluorescence and powder diffraction) analysis. The macroscopic study shows a rather homogeneus coloration and a conchoidal fracture although two extreme types of cherts with a variety of intermediate forms can be differentiated according to the matrix composition. The microscopic analysis shows a high heterogeneity in carbonate versus silica percentage and gentle differences in some other features such as type of silica, origin of carbonates, occurrence of organic matter and type of skeletal components. The results of several geochemical analysis suggest that there are not geochemical features neither in the major elements nor in the traces that allows us to clearly distinguish between the analysed samples. All these studies allow us to define the main features of these chert nodules and to establish several types and varieties among them. Those varieties with high percentage of silica and with a more homogeneous matrix are the most suitable samples for knapping. These results together with the study of the geological and geographical location of archaeological sites suggest that the nodules from the Escalada Formation likely were lithic material supply sources used in knapping activitiesWhen aiming to demonstrate the use of these materials at archaeological sites the sole macroscopic analysis of the pieces does not suffice; further analyses, such as those involving thin sections, are necessary. The absence of chert from Escalada Formation in some Mesolithic sites in the area was confirmed via these additional analyses

LegioLit: Knappable material lithotheque in the Prehistory Laboratory at the University of León, Spain

This work introduces a comparative collection located in the Prehistory Laboratory at the University of León (Spain) specialised in knappable raw materials, mainly comprising radiolarite and black chert (micro-crypto crystalline quartz), from the western Cantabrian Mountains (north of Iberian Peninsula). A standardised protocol of sample collection and data organisation was developed, which includes the use of several methodologies. First, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for referencing lithic sources. Second, direct observation of the sample for the macroscopic characterization, both de visu and stereomicroscope. Third, petrographic microscopy for a description of main petrological, and palaeontological features, complemented with the identification of the different minerals that make up the samples by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Forth, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Thermogravimetry – Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG-DSC) for geochemical and thermal features of the samples. Finally, the results of these analyses were entered in a database. All this information is contributing towards the creation of a physical reference collection specialised in local Palaeozoic formations (mostly from Devonian to Carboniferous) that outcrop in the western Cantabrian Mountains, a region whose potential resource base was previously not very well known. This collection would allow to compare archaeological lithic remains from different sites inside and outside the Cantabrian Mountains

Chert from the Vegamián Formation: A new raw-material supply source in the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain) during prehistory

This work provides the keys to the mineralogical and geochemical characterization of black chert from the Vegamián Fm. This formation crops out throughout the whole of the Cantabrian Zone (of Palaeozoic age), one of the geological zones of the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain). The geographical distribution of this formation is very wide, surfacing in the provinces of León, Asturias, Palencia and Cantabria.This variety of chert had been included within the group generically known as ‘black chert’, a macrogroup including different types of chert that appear in different Palaeozoic formations in the area and which share a characteristic black colour at the macroscopic level. The characterisation presented here has enabled us to distinguish it from other varieties. In this study, Vegamián chert has been divided into two different groups depending on their textural, mineralogical, geochemical and thermal propierties. Type 1, the most suitable for knapping, is characterized by high content in silica (>97%), laminated matrix and, occasionally, ghost of radiolarians.  In addition, the characteristics specific to this chert make it suitable for lithic knapping processes. To confirm its use by prehistoric populations, this chert will be compared to that found in two Mesolithic sites, the caves of La Uña and El Espertín (León, south versant of the Cantabrian Mountains), the raw materials from which are currently under study

Determination of lithic raw materials in Cantabrian Spain during Greenland Stadial 2: The Magdalenian of Tito Bustillo Cave (Ribadesella, Asturias)

The lithic assemblage studied here comes from the space known as the ' Area de Estancia in Tito Bustillo Cave (Ribadesella, Asturias, Spain), a representative Magdalenian site. The remains were found in Sub-level 1c2 in the Lower Complex (1LC), which was excavated by J.A. Moure Romanillo from 1981 to 1983 and is associated with abundant evidence of osseous industry, fauna, portable art, etc. The present study is especially innovative because it introduces a holistic approach to the understanding of the management of lithic resources by hunter -gatherer groups in the late Pleistocene. It establishes the two main groups of raw materials in the assemblage (flint and quartzite) and the different types through a petrographic description, and the different procurement strategies that were employed. Some preliminary results about the functionality of these tools are also offered. The occupants of this cave during the Greenland Stadial 2 traced a diversified and complex dynamic of exploitation of lithic resources that combined both the most immediate, easily available and in greater volume (for example, quartzite and Pilon similar to a flint), and the most distant, of good knapping quality (Flysch flint, funda-mentally). This circulation of raw materials is parallel to the patterns detected in other deposits in the region with a similar chronology. Significant differences are observed in the knapping schemes between raw materials based on the production of blanks for the manufacture of tools, whose typological classification and analysis of use-wear makes us propose a specialized and little diversified functionality, which is usually related to that of temporary occupations.This research was undertaken in the context of Ph.D. scholarship Junta de Castilla y León and Fondo Social Europeo (S. Martín-Jarque), and of the Spanish projects PID2020-114462 GB-100 and PID2020-118359 GB-I00 both funded by the Programa Estatal de Fomento de Generación de Conocimiento y Fortalecimiento Científico y Tecnológico, of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. A. Prieto is a postdoctoral researcher supported by the UPV/EHU and the Spanish Ministry of Science with UE-Next-Generation funds (María Zambrano Fellowship). His research was also supported by the PID2021-126937NB-I00 and the HAR2017-82493-C3-1-P Spanish Ministry of Science projects

Validation of a simple sample preparation method for multielement analysis of bovine serum

Here we propose a single acid digestion (SAD) sample preparation method for ICP-MS analysis of animal serum samples to determine trace element contents. The method was evaluated in comparison with a commonly used procedure involving dilution of samples in an alkaline solution (AKD). In the SAD procedure, aliquots (1 mL) of bovine serum samples were treated at low temperature with a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Trace elements (As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, U, and Zn) were directly determined by ICP-MS analysis of diluted solutions of samples. Both methods were sufficiently sensitive to enable quantification of most trace elements, with the exception of the AKD method for Cd, Hg and Pb. The quality of the data was verified by using certified reference material. Good results were obtained for the SAD procedure and all elements, but recoveries were unacceptable with the AKD procedure for Se (recovery: 57%), Cd (154%) and Fe (139%). Strong associations (R2 >0.90, P = 0.000) between the data obtained by both methods were demonstrated for the elements considered. The proposed SAD sample preparation method produced satisfactory results for determining most toxic and essential trace elements targeted in monitoring studies.S

An overview of the Mesolithic in the northwest Atlantic and inland area of the Iberian Peninsula

[EN] This paper reviews the Mesolithic in the northwest Atlantic and inland area of the Iberian Peninsula and it is considered in the overall context of the rest of the Peninsula. The Cantabrian Mountains are the northern boundary of the study area, which excludes the adjoining coastal area. In addition to the geographical, geological and environmental settings, the chronology and human remains are also reviewed, paying special attention to the specific characteristics of each of the main sites. The primary faunal, plant remain, bone and stone industry - including raw material supply, technology and typology - features of the main settlements are also presented. All of the above allow us to discuss the similarities and peculiarities of the Mesolithic of this area in relation to other regions of the Peninsula.S

Las implicaciones del desarrollo de la agricultura durante la Edad del Hierro en el norte de la península ibérica: el caso de la Peña del Castro (La Ercina, León, España)

The archaeological work carried out at Peña del Castro documented four occupation phases from the First Iron Age to the Roman Empire. The present work aims to analyse the importance of agriculture during the third phase, dating to the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. In this phase various carpological remains have been preserved carbonised, together with, a complete set of agricultural tools and mills. For this paper, the different agricultural processes have been evaluated, as well as the impact of agriculture on the economy and society of the settlement during the Late Iron Age. The carpological elements have been identified according to external morphological criteria. Moreover, the macroscopic analysis of the remains of the building walls has been carried out, as well as a typological analysis of the lithic and metallic materials. All these factors have made it possible to identify a complex agriculture with an important influence from the “Meseta” area. This agricultural model also coincides with the time of maximum development of the settlement, as well as of greater social stratification, phenomena related to agricultural surpluses.Los trabajos arqueológicos realizados en la Peña del Castro documentaron cuatro fases de ocupación en este poblado desde la I Edad del Hierro hasta el Imperio Romano. El presente trabajo analiza la relevancia de la agricultura durante la tercera fase, desarrollada entre los siglos II-I a. C. De la misma se conservan carbonizados diferentes restos carpológicos junto a un completo conjunto de herramientas agropecuarias y molinos. Se han evaluado los diferentes procesos agrícolas, así como el impacto de la agricultura en la economía y sociedad del poblado durante los últimos momentos de la Edad del Hierro. Los restos carpológicos han sido identificados atendiendo a su morfología externa. Además, se ha acompañado el análisis macroscópico de restos de paredes de los edificios con otro tipológico de los materiales líticos y metálicos. Gracias a todos estos factores se ha definido una agricultura compleja con una importante influencia del área meseteña. Este modelo agrícola coincide con el momento de máximo desarrollo del asentamiento, junto con una creciente estratificación social, fenómenos relacionados con los excedentes agrícolas

The Neolithic Flint Quarry of Pozarrate (Treviño, Northern Spain)

In this work, we present the preliminary data we have obtained in the Neolithic flint quarry of Pozarrate, currently under archaeological works. We want to put forward an update about the sedimentary fillings of one of the crescent-shaped dump quarries (6000-5600 BP). It is located at the Sierra de Araico-Cucho (Trevino, northern Spain). In this region, Tertiary carbonated terrains which host important silicifications called Trevino flint (Tarrino, A. (2006). El silex en la cuenca vasco-cantabrica y Pirineo Navarro. Caracterizacion y su aprovechamiento en la Prehistoria. Monograia 21, Museo Nacional y Centro de Investigacion de Altamira. Madrid: Ministerio de Cultura) are outcropped. The procurement of these silicifications by prehistoric populations was motivated by the good quality of this raw material for knapping. Currently, it constitutes one of the few Neolithic known flint mines of the Iberian Peninsula, understood as places of exploitation of flint with landscape modifications. Some instruments related to prehistoric quarry works have been recovered, such as picks, maces, and hammers made of flint, dolerite, and deer antler. Studies on Pozarrate material remains have been conducted in an interdisciplinary way, in order to have a better understanding of the prehistoric mining processes. Several methodologies are being used in the study of the lithic industries, including flint characterization, procurement, typological, typometrical, technological, and functional approaches. We have obtained the initial data about extraction, selection, management, and use processes of the flint and dolerite assemblages. Deer antler remains have recently undergone a restoration process and preliminary data have been offered. Moreover, an experimental approach has been applied to clarify specific archaeological issues and technical solutions for quarrying using dolerite maces.This article is the result of the collaboration of several researchers from different institutions, including the Universities of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Oviedo, Leon, CENIEH and UNED-Bergara, on the basis of Spanish Science Ministry funding projects: HAR2015-67429-P and PID2020-118359GB-I00. One of the authors (NC) benefited from the Research Talent Attraction post-doctoral fellowship, 2017-T2/HUM-3488, financed by Comunidad de Madrid at the Department of Prehistory and Archaeology of Universidad Autonoma de Madrid. The lithic analysis of the cores was carried out thanks to the "APPREND" project: Apprenticeship in Prehistory, PGC2018-093309-A-I00, founded by the National Spanish Program of Knowledge Generation R&D&I and finally, we express our gratitude to anonymous reviewers 1 and 3 for their suggestions