diff --git a/base/modules/psb_serial_mod.f90 b/base/modules/psb_serial_mod.f90
index 80f29212..8f2987b6 100644
--- a/base/modules/psb_serial_mod.f90
+++ b/base/modules/psb_serial_mod.f90
@@ -493,6 +493,40 @@ module psb_serial_mod
        integer, intent(in), optional        :: lrw, nzin
      end subroutine psb_zspgetrow
   end interface
+
+
+  interface psb_gelp
+    ! 2-D version
+    subroutine psb_dgelp(trans,iperm,x,info)
+      real(kind(1.d0)), intent(inout)      ::  x(:,:)
+      integer, intent(in)                  ::  iperm(:)
+      integer, intent(out)                 ::  info
+      character, intent(in)                :: trans
+    end subroutine psb_dgelp
+    ! 1-D version
+    subroutine psb_dgelpv(trans,iperm,x,info)
+      real(kind(1.d0)), intent(inout)    ::  x(:)
+      integer, intent(in)                  ::  iperm(:)
+      integer, intent(out)                 ::  info
+      character, intent(in)              :: trans
+    end subroutine psb_dgelpv
+    ! 2-D version
+    subroutine psb_zgelp(trans,iperm,x,info)
+      complex(kind(1.d0)), intent(inout)      ::  x(:,:)
+      integer, intent(in)                  ::  iperm(:)
+      integer, intent(out)                 ::  info
+      character, intent(in)                :: trans
+    end subroutine psb_zgelp
+    ! 1-D version
+    subroutine psb_zgelpv(trans,iperm,x,info)
+      complex(kind(1.d0)), intent(inout)    ::  x(:)
+      integer, intent(in)                  ::  iperm(:)
+      integer, intent(out)                 ::  info
+      character, intent(in)              :: trans
+    end subroutine psb_zgelpv
+  end interface
+
+
   
   interface psb_msort
     module procedure imsort
diff --git a/base/modules/psb_tools_mod.f90 b/base/modules/psb_tools_mod.f90
index 7f1c9803..904de70c 100644
--- a/base/modules/psb_tools_mod.f90
+++ b/base/modules/psb_tools_mod.f90
@@ -132,25 +132,27 @@ Module psb_tools_mod
   end interface
 
   interface psb_sphalo
-    Subroutine psb_dsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
+    Subroutine psb_dsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rowcnv,colcnv,&
+         & rowscale,colscale,outfmt,data)
       use psb_descriptor_type
       use psb_spmat_type
       Type(psb_dspmat_type),Intent(in)    :: a
       Type(psb_dspmat_type),Intent(inout) :: blk
       Type(psb_desc_type),Intent(in),target :: desc_a
       integer, intent(out)                :: info
-      logical, optional, intent(in)       :: rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow
+      logical, optional, intent(in)       :: rowcnv,colcnv,rowscale,colscale
       character(len=5), optional          :: outfmt 
       integer, intent(in), optional       :: data
     end Subroutine psb_dsphalo
-    Subroutine psb_zsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
+    Subroutine psb_zsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rowcnv,colcnv,&
+         & rowscale,colscale,outfmt,data)
       use psb_descriptor_type
       use psb_spmat_type
       Type(psb_zspmat_type),Intent(in)    :: a
       Type(psb_zspmat_type),Intent(inout) :: blk
       Type(psb_desc_type),Intent(in)      :: desc_a
       integer, intent(out)                :: info
-      logical, optional, intent(in)       :: rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow
+      logical, optional, intent(in)       :: rowcnv,colcnv,rowscale,colscale
       character(len=5), optional          :: outfmt 
       integer, intent(in), optional       :: data
     end Subroutine psb_zsphalo
@@ -227,42 +229,6 @@ Module psb_tools_mod
   end interface
 
 
-  interface psb_gelp
-    ! 2-D version
-    subroutine psb_dgelp(trans,iperm,x,desc_a,info)
-      use psb_descriptor_type
-      type(psb_desc_type), intent(in)      ::  desc_a
-      real(kind(1.d0)), intent(inout)      ::  x(:,:)
-      integer, intent(inout)               ::  iperm(:),info
-      character, intent(in)                :: trans
-    end subroutine psb_dgelp
-    ! 1-D version
-    subroutine psb_dgelpv(trans,iperm,x,desc_a,info)
-      use psb_descriptor_type
-      type(psb_desc_type), intent(in) ::  desc_a
-      real(kind(1.d0)), intent(inout)    ::  x(:)
-      integer, intent(inout)             ::  iperm(:), info
-      character, intent(in)              :: trans
-    end subroutine psb_dgelpv
-    ! 2-D version
-    subroutine psb_zgelp(trans,iperm,x,desc_a,info)
-      use psb_descriptor_type
-      type(psb_desc_type), intent(in)      ::  desc_a
-      complex(kind(1.d0)), intent(inout)      ::  x(:,:)
-      integer, intent(inout)               ::  iperm(:),info
-      character, intent(in)                :: trans
-    end subroutine psb_zgelp
-    ! 1-D version
-    subroutine psb_zgelpv(trans,iperm,x,desc_a,info)
-      use psb_descriptor_type
-      type(psb_desc_type), intent(in) ::  desc_a
-      complex(kind(1.d0)), intent(inout)    ::  x(:)
-      integer, intent(inout)             ::  iperm(:), info
-      character, intent(in)              :: trans
-    end subroutine psb_zgelpv
-  end interface
-
-
   interface psb_geins
     ! 2-D double precision version
     subroutine psb_dinsi(m,irw,val, x,desc_a,info,dupl)
diff --git a/base/serial/Makefile b/base/serial/Makefile
index 4c8f94af..86ff101f 100644
--- a/base/serial/Makefile
+++ b/base/serial/Makefile
@@ -12,7 +12,8 @@ FOBJS = psb_cest.o psb_dcoins.o psb_dcsmm.o psb_dcsmv.o \
 	psb_zfixcoo.o psb_zipcoo2csr.o psb_zipcsr2coo.o psb_zipcoo2csc.o \
 	psb_zcoins.o psb_zcsprt.o psb_zneigh.o psb_ztransp.o psb_ztransc.o\
 	psb_zrwextd.o psb_zsymbmm.o psb_znumbmm.o psb_zspscal.o psb_zspclip.o\
-	psb_getifield.o psb_setifield.o psb_update_mod.o psb_getrow_mod.o
+	psb_getifield.o psb_setifield.o psb_update_mod.o psb_getrow_mod.o\
+	psb_dgelp.o psb_zgelp.o
 
 LIBDIR=..
 MODDIR=../modules
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_dgelp.f90 b/base/serial/psb_dgelp.f90
similarity index 77%
rename from base/tools/psb_dgelp.f90
rename to base/serial/psb_dgelp.f90
index ed32f990..a3bf37fb 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_dgelp.f90
+++ b/base/serial/psb_dgelp.f90
@@ -30,9 +30,6 @@
 !!$  
 ! File: psb_dgelp.f90
 !
-!  WARNING: This routine should be changed and moved to the serial part 
-!           i.e. taking out the descriptor. 
-!
 !
 ! Subroutine: psb_dgelp
 !             Apply a left permutation to a dense matrix
@@ -42,24 +39,22 @@
 ! iperm    - integer.
 ! x        - real, dimension(:,:).
 ! info     - integer.                 Return code.
-subroutine psb_dgelp(trans,iperm,x,desc_a,info)
-  use psb_descriptor_type
-  use psb_serial_mod
+subroutine psb_dgelp(trans,iperm,x,info)
+  use psb_serial_mod, psb_protect_name => psb_dgelp
   use psb_const_mod
-  use psb_psblas_mod
   use psb_error_mod
-  use psb_penv_mod
   implicit none
 
-  type(psb_desc_type), intent(in)      ::  desc_a
   real(kind(1.d0)), intent(inout)      ::  x(:,:)
-  integer, intent(inout)               ::  iperm(:),info
+  integer, intent(in)                  ::  iperm(:)
+  integer, intent(out)                 ::  info
   character, intent(in)                :: trans
 
   ! local variables
   integer                  :: ictxt,np, me,nrow,ncol
-  real(kind(1.d0)),pointer :: dtemp(:)
+  real(kind(1.d0)),allocatable  :: dtemp(:)
   integer                  :: int_err(5), i1sz, i2sz, dectype, i, err_act
+  integer, allocatable     :: itemp(:)
   real(kind(1.d0)),parameter    :: one=1
   logical, parameter :: debug=.false.
 
@@ -88,47 +83,34 @@ subroutine psb_dgelp(trans,iperm,x,desc_a,info)
   info=0
   call psb_erractionsave(err_act)
 
-  ictxt   = psb_cd_get_context(desc_a)
-  dectype = psb_cd_get_dectype(desc_a)
-  nrow    = psb_cd_get_local_rows(desc_a)
-  ncol    = psb_cd_get_local_cols(desc_a)
   i1sz    = size(x,dim=1)
   i2sz    = size(x,dim=2)
 
-  call psb_info(ictxt, me, np)
-
-  if (debug) write(*,*) 'asb start: ',np,me,&
-       & psb_cd_get_dectype(desc_a)
-  !     ....verify blacs grid correctness..
-  if (np == -1) then
-    info = 2010
+  if (debug) write(*,*) 'gelp: ',i1sz,i2sz
+  allocate(dtemp(i1sz),itemp(size(iperm)),stat=info)
+  if (info /= 0) then
+    info=2040
     call psb_errpush(info,name)
     goto 9999
-  else if (.not.psb_is_asb_desc(desc_a)) then
-    info = 3110
-    call psb_errpush(info,name)
-    goto 9999
-  endif
-
-
-  if (.not.isaperm(i1sz,iperm)) then
+  end if
+  itemp(:) = iperm(:) 
+  
+  if (.not.isaperm(i1sz,itemp)) then
     info = 70
     int_err(1) = 1      
     call psb_errpush(info,name,i_err=int_err)
     goto 9999
   endif
 
-  if (debug) write(*,*) 'asb: ',i1sz,i2sz,nrow,ncol
-  allocate(dtemp(i1sz),stat=info)
 
-  call dgelp(trans,i1sz,i2sz,iperm,x,i1sz,dtemp,i1sz,info)
+  call dgelp(trans,i1sz,i2sz,itemp,x,i1sz,dtemp,i1sz,info)
   if(info /= 0) then
     info=4010
     ch_err='dgelp'
     call psb_errpush(info,name,a_err=ch_err)
   end if
 
-  deallocate(dtemp)
+  deallocate(dtemp,itemp)
 
   call psb_erractionrestore(err_act)
   return
@@ -178,9 +160,6 @@ end subroutine psb_dgelp
 !!$ 
 !!$  
 !
-!  WARNING: This routine should be changed and moved to the serial part 
-!           i.e. taking out the descriptor. 
-!
 !
 ! Subroutine: psb_dgelpv
 !             Apply a left permutation to a dense matrix
@@ -190,24 +169,22 @@ end subroutine psb_dgelp
 ! iperm    - integer.
 ! x        - real, dimension(:).
 ! info     - integer.                 Return code.
-subroutine psb_dgelpv(trans,iperm,x,desc_a,info)
-  use psb_descriptor_type
-  use psb_serial_mod
+subroutine psb_dgelpv(trans,iperm,x,info)
+  use psb_serial_mod, psb_protect_name => psb_dgelpv
   use psb_const_mod
-  use psb_psblas_mod
   use psb_error_mod
-  use psb_penv_mod
   implicit none
 
-  type(psb_desc_type), intent(in)    ::  desc_a
   real(kind(1.d0)), intent(inout)    ::  x(:)
-  integer, intent(inout)             ::  iperm(:), info
+  integer, intent(in)                  ::  iperm(:)
+  integer, intent(out)                 ::  info
   character, intent(in)              ::  trans
 
   ! local variables
   integer :: ictxt,np,me
   integer :: int_err(5), i1sz,nrow,ncol,dectype, err_act
-  real(kind(1.d0)),pointer ::  dtemp(:)
+  real(kind(1.d0)),allocatable  ::  dtemp(:)
+  integer, allocatable     :: itemp(:)
   real(kind(1.d0)),parameter    :: one=1
   logical, parameter :: debug=.false.
 
@@ -238,43 +215,30 @@ subroutine psb_dgelpv(trans,iperm,x,desc_a,info)
 
   i1sz = size(x)
 
-  ictxt   = psb_cd_get_context(desc_a)
-  dectype = psb_cd_get_dectype(desc_a)
-  nrow    = psb_cd_get_local_rows(desc_a)
-  ncol    = psb_cd_get_local_cols(desc_a)
-
-  call psb_info(ictxt, me, np)
-
-  !     ....verify blacs grid correctness..
-  if (np == -1) then
-    info = 2010
+  if (debug) write(*,*) 'gelp: ',i1sz
+  allocate(dtemp(i1sz),itemp(size(iperm)),stat=info)
+  if (info /= 0) then
+    info=2040
     call psb_errpush(info,name)
     goto 9999
-  else if (.not.psb_is_asb_desc(desc_a)) then
-    info = 3110
-    call psb_errpush(info,name)
-    goto 9999
-  endif
-
-  if (debug) write(0,*) 'calling isaperm ',i1sz,size(iperm),trans
-
-  if (.not.isaperm(i1sz,iperm)) then
+  end if
+  itemp(:) = iperm(:) 
+  
+  if (.not.isaperm(i1sz,itemp)) then
     info = 70
     int_err(1) = 1      
     call psb_errpush(info,name,i_err=int_err)
     goto 9999
   endif
 
-  allocate(dtemp(i1sz),stat=info)
-
-  call dgelp(trans,i1sz,1,iperm,x,i1sz,dtemp,i1sz,info)
+  call dgelp(trans,i1sz,1,itemp,x,i1sz,dtemp,i1sz,info)
   if(info /= 0) then
     info=4010
     ch_err='dgelp'
     call psb_errpush(info,name,a_err=ch_err)
   end if
 
-  deallocate(dtemp)
+  deallocate(dtemp,itemp)
 
   call psb_erractionrestore(err_act)
   return
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_zgelp.f90 b/base/serial/psb_zgelp.f90
similarity index 79%
rename from base/tools/psb_zgelp.f90
rename to base/serial/psb_zgelp.f90
index da5a3c76..62418918 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_zgelp.f90
+++ b/base/serial/psb_zgelp.f90
@@ -30,9 +30,6 @@
 !!$  
 ! File: psb_zgelp.f90
 !
-!  WARNING: This routine should be changed and moved to the serial part 
-!           i.e. taking out the descriptor. 
-!
 !
 ! Subroutine: psb_zgelp
 !             Apply a left permutation to a dense matrix
@@ -42,23 +39,21 @@
 ! iperm    - integer.
 ! x        - real, dimension(:,:).
 ! info     - integer.                 Return code.
-subroutine psb_zgelp(trans,iperm,x,desc_a,info)
-  use psb_descriptor_type
-  use psb_serial_mod
+subroutine psb_zgelp(trans,iperm,x,info)
+  use psb_serial_mod, psb_protect_name => psb_zgelp
   use psb_const_mod
-  use psb_psblas_mod
   use psb_error_mod
-  use psb_penv_mod
   implicit none
 
-  type(psb_desc_type), intent(in)      ::  desc_a
   complex(kind(1.d0)), intent(inout)      ::  x(:,:)
-  integer, intent(inout)               ::  iperm(:),info
+  integer, intent(in)                  ::  iperm(:)
+  integer, intent(out)                 ::  info
   character, intent(in)                :: trans
 
   ! local variables
   integer                  :: ictxt,np,me,nrow,ncol
-  complex(kind(1.d0)),pointer ::  dtemp(:)
+  complex(kind(1.d0)),allocatable ::  dtemp(:)
+  integer, allocatable     :: itemp(:)
   integer                  :: int_err(5), i1sz, i2sz, i, err_act
   real(kind(1.d0)),parameter    :: one=1
   logical, parameter :: debug=.false.
@@ -88,46 +83,34 @@ subroutine psb_zgelp(trans,iperm,x,desc_a,info)
   info=0
   call psb_erractionsave(err_act)
 
-  ictxt   = psb_cd_get_context(desc_a)
-  nrow    = psb_cd_get_local_rows(desc_a)
-  ncol    = psb_cd_get_local_cols(desc_a)
   i1sz    = size(x,dim=1)
   i2sz    = size(x,dim=2)
 
-  call psb_info(ictxt, me, np)
-
-  if (debug) write(*,*) 'asb start: ',np,me,&
-       & psb_cd_get_dectype(desc_a)
-  !     ....verify blacs grid correctness..
-  if (np == -1) then
-    info = 2010
+  if (debug) write(*,*) 'gelp: ',i1sz,i2sz
+  allocate(dtemp(i1sz),itemp(size(iperm)),stat=info)
+  if (info /= 0) then
+    info=2040
     call psb_errpush(info,name)
     goto 9999
-  else if (.not.psb_is_asb_desc(desc_a)) then
-    info = 3110
-    call psb_errpush(info,name)
-    goto 9999
-  endif
-
-
-  if (.not.isaperm(i1sz,iperm)) then
+  end if
+  itemp(:) = iperm(:) 
+  
+  if (.not.isaperm(i1sz,itemp)) then
     info = 70
     int_err(1) = 1      
     call psb_errpush(info,name,i_err=int_err)
     goto 9999
   endif
 
-  if (debug) write(*,*) 'asb: ',i1sz,i2sz,nrow,ncol
-  allocate(dtemp(i1sz),stat=info)
 
-  call zgelp(trans,i1sz,i2sz,iperm,x,i1sz,dtemp,i1sz,info)
+  call zgelp(trans,i1sz,i2sz,itemp,x,i1sz,dtemp,i1sz,info)
   if(info.ne.0) then
     info=4010
     ch_err='zgelp'
     call psb_errpush(info,name,a_err=ch_err)
   end if
 
-  deallocate(dtemp)
+  deallocate(dtemp,itemp)
 
   call psb_erractionrestore(err_act)
   return
@@ -189,24 +172,22 @@ end subroutine psb_zgelp
 ! iperm    - integer.
 ! x        - real, dimension(:).
 ! info     - integer.                 Return code.
-subroutine psb_zgelpv(trans,iperm,x,desc_a,info)
-  use psb_descriptor_type
-  use psb_serial_mod
+subroutine psb_zgelpv(trans,iperm,x,info)
+  use psb_serial_mod, psb_protect_name => psb_zgelpv
   use psb_const_mod
-  use psb_psblas_mod
   use psb_error_mod
-  use psb_penv_mod
   implicit none
 
-  type(psb_desc_type), intent(in)    ::  desc_a
   complex(kind(1.d0)), intent(inout) ::  x(:)
-  integer, intent(inout)             ::  iperm(:), info
+  integer, intent(in)                  ::  iperm(:)
+  integer, intent(out)                 ::  info
   character, intent(in)              ::  trans
 
   ! local variables
   integer :: ictxt,np,me
   integer :: int_err(5), i1sz,nrow,ncol, i, err_act
-  complex(kind(1.d0)),pointer ::  dtemp(:)
+  complex(kind(1.d0)),allocatable  ::  dtemp(:)
+  integer, allocatable     :: itemp(:)
   real(kind(1.d0)),parameter    :: one=1
   logical, parameter :: debug=.false.
 
@@ -237,35 +218,25 @@ subroutine psb_zgelpv(trans,iperm,x,desc_a,info)
 
   i1sz = size(x)
 
-  ictxt   = psb_cd_get_context(desc_a)
-  nrow    = psb_cd_get_local_rows(desc_a)
-  ncol    = psb_cd_get_local_cols(desc_a)
-
-  call psb_info(ictxt, me, np)
 
-  !     ....verify blacs grid correctness..
-  if (np == -1) then
-    info = 2010
-    call psb_errpush(info,name)
-    goto 9999
-  else if (.not.psb_is_asb_desc(desc_a)) then
-    info = 3110
+  if (debug) write(*,*) 'gelp: ',i1sz
+  allocate(dtemp(i1sz),itemp(size(iperm)),stat=info)
+  if (info /= 0) then
+    info=2040
     call psb_errpush(info,name)
     goto 9999
-  endif
-
-  if (debug) write(0,*) 'calling isaperm ',i1sz,size(iperm),trans
-
-  if (.not.isaperm(i1sz,iperm)) then
+  end if
+  itemp(:) = iperm(:) 
+  
+  if (.not.isaperm(i1sz,itemp)) then
     info = 70
     int_err(1) = 1      
     call psb_errpush(info,name,i_err=int_err)
     goto 9999
   endif
 
-  allocate(dtemp(i1sz),stat=info)
 
-  call zgelp(trans,i1sz,1,iperm,x,i1sz,dtemp,i1sz,info)
+  call zgelp(trans,i1sz,1,itemp,x,i1sz,dtemp,i1sz,info)
   if(info.ne.0) then
     info=4010
     ch_err='zgelp'
diff --git a/base/tools/Makefile b/base/tools/Makefile
index f7819d50..799d7595 100644
--- a/base/tools/Makefile
+++ b/base/tools/Makefile
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 include ../../Make.inc
 
 FOBJS = psb_dallc.o psb_dasb.o psb_dcsrp.o psb_cdprt.o \
-	psb_dfree.o psb_dgelp.o psb_dins.o \
+	psb_dfree.o psb_dins.o \
 	psb_cdals.o psb_cdalv.o psb_cd_inloc.o psb_cdcpy.o \
 	psb_cdfree.o psb_cdins.o  \
 	psb_cdren.o psb_cdrep.o psb_cdtransfer.o psb_get_overlap.o\
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ FOBJS = psb_dallc.o psb_dasb.o psb_dcsrp.o psb_cdprt.o \
 	psb_ifree.o psb_iins.o psb_loc_to_glob.o\
 	psb_zallc.o psb_zasb.o psb_zfree.o psb_zins.o \
 	psb_zspalloc.o psb_zspasb.o psb_zspfree.o\
-	psb_zspins.o psb_zsprn.o psb_zcdovr.o psb_zgelp.o
+	psb_zspins.o psb_zsprn.o psb_zcdovr.o 
 
 MPFOBJS = psb_dsphalo.o psb_zsphalo.o psb_icdasb.o psb_dcdovr.o psb_zcdovr.o
 
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_cd_inloc.f90 b/base/tools/psb_cd_inloc.f90
index d61bc15d..397784e9 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_cd_inloc.f90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_cd_inloc.f90
@@ -31,13 +31,13 @@
 ! File: psb_cdalv.f90
 !
 ! Subroutine: psb_cdalv
-!    Allocate descriptor
-!    and checks correctness of PARTS subroutine
+!    Allocate descriptor with a local vector V containing the list 
+!    of indices that are assigned to the current process. The global size 
+!    is equal to the largest index found on any process. 
 ! 
 ! Parameters: 
-!    m       - integer.                       The number of rows.
 !    v       - integer, dimension(:).         The array containg the partitioning scheme.
-!    ictxt - integer.                       The communication context.
+!    ictxt - integer.                         The communication context.
 !    desc_a  - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The communication descriptor.
 !    info    - integer.                       Eventually returns an error code
 subroutine psb_cd_inloc(v, ictxt, desc_a, info)
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_cdals.f90 b/base/tools/psb_cdals.f90
index 2da3be41..a78eef14 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_cdals.f90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_cdals.f90
@@ -37,7 +37,8 @@
 ! Parameters: 
 !    m       - integer.                       The number of rows.
 !    n       - integer.                       The number of columns.
-!    parts   - external subroutine.           The routine that contains the partitioning scheme.
+!    parts   - external subroutine.           The routine that contains the 
+!                                                 partitioning scheme.
 !    ictxt - integer.                         The communication context.
 !    desc_a  - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The communication descriptor.
 !    info    - integer.                       Error code (if any).
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_cdalv.f90 b/base/tools/psb_cdalv.f90
index c22378ae..f6ad2fa8 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_cdalv.f90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_cdalv.f90
@@ -31,16 +31,17 @@
 ! File: psb_cdalv.f90
 !
 ! Subroutine: psb_cdalv
-!    Allocate descriptor
-!    and checks correctness of PARTS subroutine
+!    Allocate descriptor by means of a global map vector V: index I 
+!    is assigned to process V(I). It is assumed that V is identical 
+!    on all calling processes.
+!    
 ! 
 ! Parameters: 
-!    m       - integer.                       The number of rows.
 !    v       - integer, dimension(:).         The array containg the partitioning scheme.
-!    ictxt - integer.                       The communication context.
+!    ictxt - integer.                         The communication context.
 !    desc_a  - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The communication descriptor.
-!    info    - integer.                       Eventually returns an error code
-!    flag    - integer.                       ???
+!    info    - integer.                       Return code
+!    flag    - integer.                       Are V's contents 0- or 1-based?
 subroutine psb_cdalv(v, ictxt, desc_a, info, flag)
   use psb_descriptor_type
   use psb_serial_mod
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_cdcpy.f90 b/base/tools/psb_cdcpy.f90
index 9b0efcb2..ca3c7a36 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_cdcpy.f90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_cdcpy.f90
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 ! Parameters: 
 !    desc_in  - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The communication descriptor to be cloned.
 !    desc_out - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The output communication descriptor.
-!    info     - integer.                       Eventually returns an error code.
+!    info     - integer.                       Return code.
 subroutine psb_cdcpy(desc_in, desc_out, info)
 
   use psb_descriptor_type
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_cdins.f90 b/base/tools/psb_cdins.f90
index fac22403..ceb6a291 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_cdins.f90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_cdins.f90
@@ -38,7 +38,10 @@
 !    ia       - integer,dimension(:).          The row indices of the points.
 !    ja       - integer,dimension(:).          The column indices of the points.
 !    desc_a   - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The communication descriptor to be freed.
-!    info     - integer.                       Eventually returns an error code.
+!    info     - integer.                       Return code.
+!    ila      - integer,dimension(:).          The row indices in local numbering
+!    jla      - integer,dimension(:).          The col indices in local numbering
+!
 subroutine psb_cdins(nz,ia,ja,desc_a,info,ila,jla)
 
   use psb_descriptor_type
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_cdprt.f90 b/base/tools/psb_cdprt.f90
index 0c58a33b..d895ee8c 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_cdprt.f90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_cdprt.f90
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@
 !    desc_p        - type(<psb_desc_type>).  The communication descriptor to be printed.
 !    glob          - logical(otpional).      Wheter to print out global or local data.
 !    short         - logical(optional).      Used to choose a verbose output.
+!
 subroutine psb_cdprt(iout,desc_p,glob,short)
   use psb_const_mod
   use psb_descriptor_type
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_cdren.f90 b/base/tools/psb_cdren.f90
index cd0eafec..b25e8d74 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_cdren.f90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_cdren.f90
@@ -29,14 +29,18 @@
 !!$ 
 !!$  
 ! File: psb_cdren.f90
-!
+!  
+!  WARNING: this routine is almost certainly obsolete. Must be reviewed.
+! 
 ! Subroutine: psb_cdren
 !    Updates a communication descriptor according to a renumbering scheme.
 ! 
 ! Parameters: 
-!    trans    - character.                     Whether iperm or its transpose should be applied.
+!    trans    - character.                     Whether iperm or its transpose 
+!                                              should be applied.
 !    iperm    - integer,dimension(:).          The renumbering scheme.
-!    desc_a   - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The communication descriptor to be updated.
+!    desc_a   - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The communication descriptor
+!                                              to be updated.
 !    info     - integer.                       Eventually returns an error code.
 !
 subroutine psb_cdren(trans,iperm,desc_a,info)
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_cdtransfer.f90 b/base/tools/psb_cdtransfer.f90
index dead1f7a..c950b2aa 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_cdtransfer.f90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_cdtransfer.f90
@@ -34,9 +34,10 @@
 !   Transfers data and allocation from in to out (just like MOVE_ALLOC). 
 ! 
 ! Parameters: 
-!    desc_in  - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The communication descriptor to be transferred.
+!    desc_in  - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The communication descriptor to be 
+!                                               transferred.
 !    desc_out - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The output communication descriptor.
-!    info     - integer.                       Eventually returns an error code.
+!    info     - integer.                       Return code.
 subroutine psb_cdtransfer(desc_in, desc_out, info)
 
   use psb_descriptor_type
@@ -75,18 +76,31 @@ subroutine psb_cdtransfer(desc_in, desc_out, info)
   endif
 
   call psb_transfer( desc_in%matrix_data ,    desc_out%matrix_data  , info)
-  if (info == 0)  call psb_transfer( desc_in%halo_index  ,    desc_out%halo_index   , info)
-  if (info == 0)  call psb_transfer( desc_in%bnd_elem    ,    desc_out%bnd_elem     , info)
-  if (info == 0)  call psb_transfer( desc_in%ovrlap_elem ,    desc_out%ovrlap_elem  , info)
-  if (info == 0)  call psb_transfer( desc_in%ovrlap_index,    desc_out%ovrlap_index , info)
-  if (info == 0)  call psb_transfer( desc_in%ext_index   ,    desc_out%ext_index    , info)
-  if (info == 0)  call psb_transfer( desc_in%loc_to_glob ,    desc_out%loc_to_glob  , info)
-  if (info == 0)  call psb_transfer( desc_in%glob_to_loc ,    desc_out%glob_to_loc  , info)
-  if (info == 0)  call psb_transfer( desc_in%lprm        ,    desc_out%lprm         , info)
-  if (info == 0)  call psb_transfer( desc_in%idx_space   ,    desc_out%idx_space    , info)
-  if (info == 0)  call psb_transfer( desc_in%hashv       ,    desc_out%hashv        , info)
-  if (info == 0)  call psb_transfer( desc_in%glb_lc      ,    desc_out%glb_lc       , info)
-  if (info == 0)  call psb_transfer( desc_in%ptree       ,    desc_out%ptree        , info)
+  if (info == 0)  &
+       & call psb_transfer( desc_in%halo_index  ,    desc_out%halo_index   , info)
+  if (info == 0)  &
+       & call psb_transfer( desc_in%bnd_elem    ,    desc_out%bnd_elem     , info)
+  if (info == 0)  &
+       & call psb_transfer( desc_in%ovrlap_elem ,    desc_out%ovrlap_elem  , info)
+  if (info == 0)  &
+       & call psb_transfer( desc_in%ovrlap_index,    desc_out%ovrlap_index , info)
+  if (info == 0)  &
+       & call psb_transfer( desc_in%ext_index   ,    desc_out%ext_index    , info)
+  if (info == 0)  &
+       & call psb_transfer( desc_in%loc_to_glob ,    desc_out%loc_to_glob  , info)
+  if (info == 0)  &
+       & call psb_transfer( desc_in%glob_to_loc ,    desc_out%glob_to_loc  , info)
+  if (info == 0)  &
+       & call psb_transfer( desc_in%lprm        ,    desc_out%lprm         , info)
+  if (info == 0)  &
+       & call psb_transfer( desc_in%idx_space   ,    desc_out%idx_space    , info)
+  if (info == 0)  &
+       & call psb_transfer( desc_in%hashv       ,    desc_out%hashv        , info)
+  if (info == 0)  &
+       & call psb_transfer( desc_in%glb_lc      ,    desc_out%glb_lc       , info)
+  if (info == 0)  &
+       & call psb_transfer( desc_in%ptree       ,    desc_out%ptree        , info)
+
   if (info /= 0) then
     info = 4010
     call psb_errpush(info,name)
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_dcdovr.F90 b/base/tools/psb_dcdovr.F90
index 1e9c7ce0..be12a616 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_dcdovr.F90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_dcdovr.F90
@@ -33,8 +33,7 @@
 ! Subroutine: psb_cdovr
 !    This routine takes a matrix A with its descriptor, and builds the 
 !    auxiliary descriptor corresponding to the number of overlap levels
-!    specified on input. It really is just a size estimation/allocation
-!    front end for <psb_cdovrbld>.
+!    specified on input. 
 ! 
 ! Parameters: 
 !    a        - type(<psb_dspmat_type>).       The input sparse matrix.
@@ -42,7 +41,22 @@
 !    novr     - integer.                       The number of overlap levels.
 !    desc_ov  - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The auxiliary output communication 
 !                                              descriptor.
-!    info     - integer.                       Eventually returns an error code.
+!    info     - integer.                       Return code.
+!    extype   - integer.                       Choice of type of overlap:
+!                               psb_ovt_xhal_: build a descriptor with an extended 
+!                                              stencil, i.e. enlarge the existing 
+!                                              halo by novr additional layers.
+!                               psb_ovt_asov_: build a descriptor suitable 
+!                                              for Additive Schwarz preconditioner.
+!                                              This last choice implies that: 
+!                                              a. The novr halo layers are added to
+!                                                 the overlap;
+!                                              b. The novr layers are also copied to 
+!                                                 the ext_ structure to provide 
+!                                                 the mapping between the base 
+!                                                 descriptor and the overlapped one.
+!                                              c. The (novr+1) layer becomes the new 
+!                                                 halo.
 !
 Subroutine psb_dcdovr(a,desc_a,novr,desc_ov,info, extype)
 
@@ -670,7 +684,7 @@ Subroutine psb_dcdovr(a,desc_a,novr,desc_ov,info, extype)
     ! Build an overlapped descriptor for Additive Schwarz 
     !  with overlap enlargement; we need the overlap, 
     !  the (new) halo and the mapping into the new index space. 
-    ! Here we need: 1. (orig_ovr + t_ovr_idx -> ovrlap
+    ! Here we need: 1. (orig_ovr + t_ovr_idx) -> ovrlap
     !               2. (tmp_halo) -> ext
     !               3. (t_halo_in) -> halo 
     !               4. n_row(ov)  current.
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_dcsrp.f90 b/base/tools/psb_dcsrp.f90
index 92872650..292586f0 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_dcsrp.f90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_dcsrp.f90
@@ -30,13 +30,18 @@
 !!$  
 ! File: psb_dcsrp.f90
 !
+!  WARNING: This routine should be changed and moved to the serial part 
+!           i.e. taking out the descriptor. 
+!
 ! Subroutine: psb_dcsrp
 !    Apply a right permutation to a sparse matrix, i.e. permute the column 
 !    indices. 
 ! 
 ! Parameters: 
-!    trans   - character.                       Whether iperm or its transpose should be applied
-!    iperm   - integer, pointer, dimension(:).  A permutation vector; its size must be either N_ROW or N_COL
+!    trans   - character.                       Whether iperm or its transpose 
+!                                               should be applied
+!    iperm   - integer, dimension(:)            A permutation vector; its size 
+!                                               must be either N_ROW or N_COL
 !    a       - type(<psb_dspmat_type).          The matrix to be permuted
 !    desc_a  - type(<psb_desc_type>).           The communication descriptor.
 !    info    - integer.                         Eventually returns an error code
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_dfree.f90 b/base/tools/psb_dfree.f90
index f1c4d605..f1cd3340 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_dfree.f90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_dfree.f90
@@ -34,9 +34,9 @@
 !    frees a dense matrix structure
 ! 
 ! Parameters: 
-!    x        - real, pointer, dimension(:,:).    The dense matrix to be freed.
+!    x        - real, allocatable, dimension(:,:).    The dense matrix to be freed.
 !    desc_a   - type(<psb_desc_type>).            The communication descriptor.
-!    info     - integer.                          Eventually returns an error code
+!    info     - integer.                          Return code
 subroutine psb_dfree(x, desc_a, info)
   !...free dense matrix structure...
   use psb_const_mod
@@ -109,9 +109,9 @@ end subroutine psb_dfree
 !    frees a dense matrix structure
 ! 
 ! Parameters: 
-!    x        - real, pointer, dimension(:).    The dense matrix to be freed.
+!    x        - real, allocatable, dimension(:).    The dense matrix to be freed.
 !    desc_a   - type(<psb_desc_type>).          The communication descriptor.
-!    info     - integer.                        Eventually returns an error code
+!    info     - integer.                        Return code
 subroutine psb_dfreev(x, desc_a, info)
   !...free dense matrix structure...
   use psb_const_mod
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_dsphalo.F90 b/base/tools/psb_dsphalo.F90
index 38ed63d2..a66f5f83 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_dsphalo.F90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_dsphalo.F90
@@ -30,16 +30,32 @@
 !!$  
 ! File: psb_dsphalo.f90
 !
-!*****************************************************************************
-!*                                                                           *
-!*  This routine does the retrieval of remote matrix rows.                   *
-!*  Note that retrieval is done through GTBLK, therefore it should work      *
-!*  for any format.                                                          *
-!*                                                                           *
-!*                                                                           *
-!*                                                                           *
-!*****************************************************************************
-Subroutine psb_dsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
+! Subroutine: psb_dsphalo
+!  This routine does the retrieval of remote matrix rows.                   
+!  Note that retrieval is done through GTBLK, therefore it should work      
+!  for any matrix format in A; as for the output, default is CSR. 
+!    
+! 
+! Parameters: 
+!    a        - type(psb_dspmat_type)     The local part of input matrix A
+!    desc_a   - type(<psb_desc_type>).    The communication descriptor.
+!    blck     - type(psb_dspmat_type)     The local part of output matrix BLCK
+!    info     - integer.                  Return code
+!    rowcnv   - logical                   Should row/col indices be converted
+!    colcnv   - logical                   to/from global numbering when sent/received?
+!                                         default is .TRUE.
+!    rowscale - logical                   Should row/col indices on output be remapped
+!    colscale - logical                   from MIN:MAX  to 1:(MAX-MIN+1) ? 
+!                                         default is .FALSE. 
+!                                         (commmon use is ROWSCALE=.TRUE., COLSCALE=.FALSE.)
+!    data     - integer                   Which index list in desc_a should be used to retrieve
+!                                         rows, default psb_comm_halo_ (i.e.: use halo_index)
+!                                         other value psb_comm_ext_, no longer accepting 
+!                                         psb_comm_ovrl_, perhaps should be reinstated in the future. 
+!
+!
+Subroutine psb_dsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rowcnv,colcnv,&
+     &  rowscale,colscale,outfmt,data)
 
   use psb_const_mod
   use psb_serial_mod
@@ -60,20 +76,20 @@ Subroutine psb_dsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
   Type(psb_dspmat_type),Intent(inout) :: blk
   Type(psb_desc_type),Intent(in), target  :: desc_a
   integer, intent(out)                :: info
-  logical, optional, intent(in)       :: rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow
+  logical, optional, intent(in)       :: rowcnv,colcnv,rowscale,colscale
   character(len=5), optional          :: outfmt 
   integer, intent(in), optional       :: data
   !     ...local scalars....
   Integer    :: np,me,counter,proc,i, &
        &     n_el_send,k,n_el_recv,ictxt, idx, r, tot_elem,&
        &     n_elem, j, ipx,mat_recv, iszs, iszr,idxs,idxr,nz,&
-       &     nrmin,data_,ngtz
+       &     irmin,icmin,irmax,icmax,data_,ngtz
   Integer :: l1, icomm, err_act
   Integer, allocatable  :: sdid(:,:), brvindx(:),rvid(:,:), &
        & rvsz(:), bsdindx(:),sdsz(:), iasnd(:), jasnd(:)
   real(kind(1.d0)), allocatable :: valsnd(:)
   integer, pointer :: idxv(:)
-  logical :: rwcnv_,clcnv_,cliprow_
+  logical :: rowcnv_,colcnv_,rowscale_,colscale_
   character(len=5)  :: outfmt_
   Logical,Parameter :: debug=.false., debugprt=.false.
   real(kind(1.d0)) :: t1,t2,t3,t4,t5,t6,t7,t8,t9
@@ -85,20 +101,25 @@ Subroutine psb_dsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
   call psb_erractionsave(err_act)
 
   if(debug) write(0,*)'Inside DSPHALO'
-  if (present(rwcnv)) then 
-    rwcnv_ = rwcnv
+  if (present(rowcnv)) then 
+    rowcnv_ = rowcnv
+  else
+    rowcnv_ = .true.
+  endif
+  if (present(colcnv)) then 
+    colcnv_ = colcnv
   else
-    rwcnv_ = .true.
+    colcnv_ = .true.
   endif
-  if (present(clcnv)) then 
-    clcnv_ = clcnv
+  if (present(rowscale)) then 
+    rowscale_ = rowscale
   else
-    clcnv_ = .true.
+    rowscale_ = .false.
   endif
-  if (present(cliprow)) then 
-    cliprow_ = cliprow
+  if (present(colscale)) then 
+    colscale_ = colscale
   else
-    cliprow_ = .false.
+    colscale_ = .false.
   endif
   if (present(data)) then 
     data_ = data
@@ -133,12 +154,12 @@ Subroutine psb_dsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
   case(psb_comm_halo_) 
     idxv => desc_a%halo_index
 
-  case(psb_comm_ovr_) 
-    idxv => desc_a%ovrlap_index
-
   case(psb_comm_ext_) 
     idxv => desc_a%ext_index
 
+!!$  case(psb_comm_ovr_) 
+!!$    idxv => desc_a%ovrlap_index
+!!$  ! Do not accept OVRLAP_INDEX any longer. 
   case default
     call psb_errpush(4010,name,a_err='wrong Data selector')
     goto 9999
@@ -261,8 +282,8 @@ Subroutine psb_dsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
   Enddo
   nz = tot_elem
 
-  if (rwcnv_) call psb_loc_to_glob(iasnd(1:nz),desc_a,info,iact='I')
-  if (clcnv_) call psb_loc_to_glob(jasnd(1:nz),desc_a,info,iact='I')
+  if (rowcnv_) call psb_loc_to_glob(iasnd(1:nz),desc_a,info,iact='I')
+  if (colcnv_) call psb_loc_to_glob(jasnd(1:nz),desc_a,info,iact='I')
   if (info /= 0) then
     info=4010
     ch_err='psb_loc_to_glob'
@@ -290,8 +311,8 @@ Subroutine psb_dsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
   !
   ! Convert into local numbering 
   !
-  if (rwcnv_) call psb_glob_to_loc(blk%ia1(1:iszr),desc_a,info,iact='I',owned=cliprow_)
-  if (clcnv_) call psb_glob_to_loc(blk%ia2(1:iszr),desc_a,info,iact='I')
+  if (rowcnv_) call psb_glob_to_loc(blk%ia1(1:iszr),desc_a,info,iact='I')
+  if (colcnv_) call psb_glob_to_loc(blk%ia2(1:iszr),desc_a,info,iact='I')
 
   if (info /= 0) then
     info=4010
@@ -309,23 +330,42 @@ Subroutine psb_dsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
   end if
   l1  = 0
   blk%m=0
-  nrmin=max(0,a%m)
+  !
+  irmin = huge(irmin)
+  icmin = huge(icmin)
+  irmax = 0
+  icmax = 0
   Do i=1,iszr
-!!$      write(0,*) work5(i),work6(i)
     r=(blk%ia1(i))
     k=(blk%ia2(i))
-    If ((r>nrmin).and.(k>0)) Then
+    ! Just in case some of the conversions were out-of-range
+    If ((r>0).and.(k>0)) Then
       l1=l1+1
       blk%aspk(l1) = blk%aspk(i)
-      blk%ia1(l1) = r
+      blk%ia1(l1) = r 
       blk%ia2(l1) = k
-      blk%k = max(blk%k,k)
-      blk%m = max(blk%m,r)
+      irmin = min(irmin,r)
+      irmax = max(irmax,r)
+      icmin = min(icmin,k)
+      icmax = max(icmax,k)
     End If
   Enddo
-  blk%fida='COO'
-  blk%infoa(psb_nnz_)=l1
-  blk%m = blk%m - a%m
+  if (rowscale_) then 
+    blk%m = irmax-irmin+1
+    blk%ia1(1:l1) = blk%ia1(1:l1) - irmin + 1
+  else
+    blk%m = irmax
+  end if
+  if (colscale_) then 
+    blk%k = icmax-icmin+1
+    blk%ia2(1:l1) = blk%ia2(1:l1) - icmin + 1
+  else
+    blk%k = icmax
+  end if
+
+  blk%fida            = 'COO'
+  blk%infoa(psb_nnz_) = l1
+
   if (debugprt) then 
     open(50+me)
     call psb_csprt(50+me,blk,head='% SPHALO border .')
@@ -336,32 +376,16 @@ Subroutine psb_dsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
 
   if(debug) Write(0,*)me,'End first loop',counter,l1,blk%m
 
-  !
-  ! Combined sort & conversion to CSR. 
-  !
-  if(debug) write(0,*) me,'Calling ipcoo2csr from dsphalo ',blk%m,blk%k,l1,blk%ia2(2)
-
-  select case(outfmt_)
-  case ('CSR') 
-    call psb_ipcoo2csr(blk,info,rwshr=.true.)
-    if (info /= 0) then
-      info=4010
-      ch_err='psb_ipcoo2csr'
-      call psb_errpush(info,name,a_err=ch_err)
-      goto 9999
-    end if
-  case('COO')
-    ! Do nothing! 
-  case default
-    write(0,*) 'Error in DSPHALO : invalid outfmt "',outfmt_,'"'
+  ! Do we expect any duplicates to appear???? 
+  call psb_spcnv(blk,info,afmt=outfmt_,dupl=psb_dupl_add_)
+  if (info /= 0) then
     info=4010
-    ch_err='Bad outfmt'
+    ch_err='psb_spcnv'
     call psb_errpush(info,name,a_err=ch_err)
     goto 9999
-  end select
-  t5 = psb_wtime()
-
+  end if
 
+  t5 = psb_wtime()
 
 !!$  write(0,'(i3,1x,a,4(1x,i14))') me,'DSPHALO sizes:',iszr,iszs
 !!$  write(0,'(i3,1x,a,4(1x,g14.5))') me,'DSPHALO timings:',t6-t2,t7-t6,t8-t7,t3-t8
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_zcdovr.F90 b/base/tools/psb_zcdovr.F90
index a48e7823..5ee59750 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_zcdovr.F90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_zcdovr.F90
@@ -33,15 +33,30 @@
 ! Subroutine: psb_zcdovr
 !    This routine takes a matrix A with its descriptor, and builds the 
 !    auxiliary descriptor corresponding to the number of overlap levels
-!    specified on input. It really is just a size estimation/allocation
-!    front end for <psb_zcdovrbld>.
+!    specified on input. 
 ! 
 ! Parameters: 
 !    a        - type(<psb_zspmat_type>).       The input sparse matrix.
 !    desc_a   - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The input communication descriptor.
-!    norv     - integer.                       The number of overlap levels.
-!    desc_ov  - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The auxiliary output communication descriptor.
-!    info     - integer.                       Eventually returns an error code.
+!    novr     - integer.                       The number of overlap levels.
+!    desc_ov  - type(<psb_desc_type>).         The auxiliary output communication 
+!                                              descriptor.
+!    info     - integer.                       Return code.
+!    extype   - integer.                       Choice of type of overlap:
+!                               psb_ovt_xhal_: build a descriptor with an extended 
+!                                              stencil, i.e. enlarge the existing 
+!                                              halo by novr additional layers.
+!                               psb_ovt_asov_: build a descriptor suitable 
+!                                              for Additive Schwarz preconditioner.
+!                                              This last choice implies that: 
+!                                              a. The novr halo layers are added to
+!                                                 the overlap;
+!                                              b. The novr layers are also copied to 
+!                                                 the ext_ structure to provide 
+!                                                 the mapping between the base 
+!                                                 descriptor and the overlapped one.
+!                                              c. The (novr+1) layer becomes the new 
+!                                                 halo.
 !
 Subroutine psb_zcdovr(a,desc_a,novr,desc_ov,info, extype)
 
@@ -668,7 +683,7 @@ Subroutine psb_zcdovr(a,desc_a,novr,desc_ov,info, extype)
     ! Build an overlapped descriptor for Additive Schwarz 
     !  with overlap enlargement; we need the overlap, 
     !  the (new) halo and the mapping into the new index space. 
-    ! Here we need: 1. (orig_ovr + t_ovr_idx -> ovrlap
+    ! Here we need: 1. (orig_ovr + t_ovr_idx) -> ovrlap
     !               2. (tmp_halo) -> ext
     !               3. (t_halo_in) -> halo 
     !               4. n_row(ov)  current.
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_zcsrp.f90 b/base/tools/psb_zcsrp.f90
index 115c125e..f2c5d192 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_zcsrp.f90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_zcsrp.f90
@@ -30,13 +30,18 @@
 !!$  
 ! File: psb_zcsrp.f90
 !
+!  WARNING: This routine should be changed and moved to the serial part 
+!           i.e. taking out the descriptor. 
+!
 ! Subroutine: psb_zcsrp
 !    Apply a right permutation to a sparse matrix, i.e. permute the column 
 !    indices. 
 ! 
 ! Parameters: 
-!    trans   - character.                       Whether iperm or its transpose should be applied
-!    iperm   - integer, pointer, dimension(:).  A permutation vector; its size must be either N_ROW or N_COL
+!    trans   - character.                       Whether iperm or its transpose 
+!                                               should be applied
+!    iperm   - integer, dimension(:)            A permutation vector; its size 
+!                                               must be either N_ROW or N_COL
 !    a       - type(<psb_zspmat_type).          The matrix to be permuted
 !    desc_a  - type(<psb_desc_type>).           The communication descriptor.
 !    info    - integer.                         Eventually returns an error code
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_zfree.f90 b/base/tools/psb_zfree.f90
index cda58bb6..eb637423 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_zfree.f90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_zfree.f90
@@ -34,9 +34,9 @@
 !    frees a dense matrix structure
 ! 
 ! Parameters: 
-!    x        - real, pointer, dimension(:,:).    The dense matrix to be freed.
+!    x        - real, allocatable, dimension(:,:).    The dense matrix to be freed.
 !    desc_a   - type(<psb_desc_type>).            The communication descriptor.
-!    info     - integer.                          Eventually returns an error code
+!    info     - integer.                          Return code
 subroutine psb_zfree(x, desc_a, info)
   !...free dense matrix structure...
   use psb_const_mod
@@ -109,9 +109,9 @@ end subroutine psb_zfree
 !    frees a dense matrix structure
 ! 
 ! Parameters: 
-!    x        - real, pointer, dimension(:).    The dense matrix to be freed.
+!    x        - real, allocatable, dimension(:).    The dense matrix to be freed.
 !    desc_a   - type(<psb_desc_type>).          The communication descriptor.
-!    info     - integer.                        Eventually returns an error code
+!    info     - integer.                        Return code
 subroutine psb_zfreev(x, desc_a, info)
   !...free dense matrix structure...
   use psb_const_mod
diff --git a/base/tools/psb_zsphalo.F90 b/base/tools/psb_zsphalo.F90
index 219a92e7..e699ca73 100644
--- a/base/tools/psb_zsphalo.F90
+++ b/base/tools/psb_zsphalo.F90
@@ -30,16 +30,32 @@
 !!$  
 ! File: psb_zsphalo.f90
 !
-!*****************************************************************************
-!*                                                                           *
-!*  This routine does the retrieval of remote matrix rows.                   *
-!*  Note that retrieval is done through GTBLK, therefore it should work      *
-!*  for any format.                                                          *
-!*                                                                           *
-!*                                                                           *
-!*                                                                           *
-!*****************************************************************************
-Subroutine psb_zsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
+! Subroutine: psb_zsphalo
+!  This routine does the retrieval of remote matrix rows.                   
+!  Note that retrieval is done through GTBLK, therefore it should work      
+!  for any matrix format in A; as for the output, default is CSR. 
+!    
+! 
+! Parameters: 
+!    a        - type(psb_zspmat_type)     The local part of input matrix A
+!    desc_a   - type(<psb_desc_type>).    The communication descriptor.
+!    blck     - type(psb_zspmat_type)     The local part of output matrix BLCK
+!    info     - integer.                  Return code
+!    rowcnv   - logical                   Should row/col indices be converted
+!    colcnv   - logical                   to/from global numbering when sent/received?
+!                                         default is .TRUE.
+!    rowscale - logical                   Should row/col indices on output be remapped
+!    colscale - logical                   from MIN:MAX  to 1:(MAX-MIN+1) ? 
+!                                         default is .FALSE. 
+!                                         (commmon use is ROWSCALE=.TRUE., COLSCALE=.FALSE.)
+!    data     - integer                   Which index list in desc_a should be used to retrieve
+!                                         rows, default psb_comm_halo_ (i.e.: use halo_index)
+!                                         other value psb_comm_ext_, no longer accepting 
+!                                         psb_comm_ovrl_, perhaps should be reinstated in the future. 
+!
+!
+Subroutine psb_zsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rowcnv,colcnv,&
+     &  rowscale,colscale,outfmt,data)
 
   use psb_const_mod
   use psb_serial_mod
@@ -60,20 +76,20 @@ Subroutine psb_zsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
   Type(psb_zspmat_type),Intent(inout) :: blk
   Type(psb_desc_type),Intent(in), target :: desc_a
   integer, intent(out)                :: info
-  logical, optional, intent(in)       :: rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow
+  logical, optional, intent(in)       :: rowcnv,colcnv,rowscale,colscale
   character(len=5), optional          :: outfmt 
   integer, intent(in), optional       :: data
   !     ...local scalars....
   Integer    :: np,me,counter,proc,i, &
        &     n_el_send,k,n_el_recv,ictxt, idx, r, tot_elem,&
        &     n_elem, j, ipx,mat_recv, iszs, iszr,idxs,idxr,nz,&
-       &     nrmin,data_,ngtz
+       &     irmin,icmin,irmax,icmax,data_,ngtz
   Integer :: l1, icomm, err_act
   Integer, allocatable  :: sdid(:,:), brvindx(:),rvid(:,:), &
        & rvsz(:), bsdindx(:),sdsz(:), iasnd(:), jasnd(:)
   complex(kind(1.d0)), allocatable :: valsnd(:)
   integer, pointer :: idxv(:)
-  logical :: rwcnv_,clcnv_,cliprow_
+  logical :: rowcnv_,colcnv_,rowscale_,colscale_
   character(len=5)  :: outfmt_
   Logical,Parameter :: debug=.false., debugprt=.false.
   real(kind(1.d0)) :: t1,t2,t3,t4,t5,t6,t7,t8,t9
@@ -85,20 +101,25 @@ Subroutine psb_zsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
   call psb_erractionsave(err_act)
 
   if(debug) write(0,*)'Inside DSPHALO'
-  if (present(rwcnv)) then 
-    rwcnv_ = rwcnv
+  if (present(rowcnv)) then 
+    rowcnv_ = rowcnv
+  else
+    rowcnv_ = .true.
+  endif
+  if (present(colcnv)) then 
+    colcnv_ = colcnv
   else
-    rwcnv_ = .true.
+    colcnv_ = .true.
   endif
-  if (present(clcnv)) then 
-    clcnv_ = clcnv
+  if (present(rowscale)) then 
+    rowscale_ = rowscale
   else
-    clcnv_ = .true.
+    rowscale_ = .false.
   endif
-  if (present(cliprow)) then 
-    cliprow_ = cliprow
+  if (present(colscale)) then 
+    colscale_ = colscale
   else
-    cliprow_ = .false.
+    colscale_ = .false.
   endif
   if (present(data)) then 
     data_ = data
@@ -133,12 +154,12 @@ Subroutine psb_zsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
   case(psb_comm_halo_) 
     idxv => desc_a%halo_index
 
-  case(psb_comm_ovr_) 
-    idxv => desc_a%ovrlap_index
-
   case(psb_comm_ext_) 
     idxv => desc_a%ext_index
 
+!!$  case(psb_comm_ovr_) 
+!!$    idxv => desc_a%ovrlap_index
+!!$  ! Do not accept OVRLAP_INDEX any longer. 
   case default
     call psb_errpush(4010,name,a_err='wrong Data selector')
     goto 9999
@@ -261,8 +282,8 @@ Subroutine psb_zsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
   Enddo
   nz = tot_elem
 
-  if (rwcnv_) call psb_loc_to_glob(iasnd(1:nz),desc_a,info,iact='I')
-  if (clcnv_) call psb_loc_to_glob(jasnd(1:nz),desc_a,info,iact='I')
+  if (rowcnv_) call psb_loc_to_glob(iasnd(1:nz),desc_a,info,iact='I')
+  if (colcnv_) call psb_loc_to_glob(jasnd(1:nz),desc_a,info,iact='I')
   if (info /= 0) then
     info=4010
     ch_err='psb_loc_to_glob'
@@ -290,8 +311,8 @@ Subroutine psb_zsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
   !
   ! Convert into local numbering 
   !
-  if (rwcnv_) call psb_glob_to_loc(blk%ia1(1:iszr),desc_a,info,iact='I',owned=cliprow_)
-  if (clcnv_) call psb_glob_to_loc(blk%ia2(1:iszr),desc_a,info,iact='I')
+  if (rowcnv_) call psb_glob_to_loc(blk%ia1(1:iszr),desc_a,info,iact='I')
+  if (colcnv_) call psb_glob_to_loc(blk%ia2(1:iszr),desc_a,info,iact='I')
 
   if (info /= 0) then
     info=4010
@@ -309,23 +330,42 @@ Subroutine psb_zsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
   end if
   l1  = 0
   blk%m=0
-  nrmin=max(0,a%m)
+  !
+  irmin = huge(irmin)
+  icmin = huge(icmin)
+  irmax = 0
+  icmax = 0
   Do i=1,iszr
-!!$      write(0,*) work5(i),work6(i)
     r=(blk%ia1(i))
     k=(blk%ia2(i))
-    If ((r>nrmin).and.(k>0)) Then
+    ! Just in case some of the conversions were out-of-range
+    If ((r>0).and.(k>0)) Then
       l1=l1+1
       blk%aspk(l1) = blk%aspk(i)
-      blk%ia1(l1) = r
+      blk%ia1(l1) = r 
       blk%ia2(l1) = k
-      blk%k = max(blk%k,k)
-      blk%m = max(blk%m,r)
+      irmin = min(irmin,r)
+      irmax = max(irmax,r)
+      icmin = min(icmin,k)
+      icmax = max(icmax,k)
     End If
   Enddo
-  blk%fida='COO'
-  blk%infoa(psb_nnz_)=l1
-  blk%m = blk%m - a%m
+  if (rowscale_) then 
+    blk%m = irmax-irmin+1
+    blk%ia1(1:l1) = blk%ia1(1:l1) - irmin + 1
+  else
+    blk%m = irmax
+  end if
+  if (colscale_) then 
+    blk%k = icmax-icmin+1
+    blk%ia2(1:l1) = blk%ia2(1:l1) - icmin + 1
+  else
+    blk%k = icmax
+  end if
+
+  blk%fida            = 'COO'
+  blk%infoa(psb_nnz_) = l1
+
   if (debugprt) then 
     open(50+me)
     call psb_csprt(50+me,blk,head='% SPHALO border .')
@@ -336,32 +376,16 @@ Subroutine psb_zsphalo(a,desc_a,blk,info,rwcnv,clcnv,cliprow,outfmt,data)
 
   if(debug) Write(0,*)me,'End first loop',counter,l1,blk%m
 
-  !
-  ! Combined sort & conversion to CSR. 
-  !
-  if(debug) write(0,*) me,'Calling ipcoo2csr from dsphalo ',blk%m,blk%k,l1,blk%ia2(2)
-
-  select case(outfmt_)
-  case ('CSR') 
-    call psb_ipcoo2csr(blk,info,rwshr=.true.)
-    if (info /= 0) then
-      info=4010
-      ch_err='psb_ipcoo2csr'
-      call psb_errpush(info,name,a_err=ch_err)
-      goto 9999
-    end if
-  case('COO')
-    ! Do nothing! 
-  case default
-    write(0,*) 'Error in DSPHALO : invalid outfmt "',outfmt_,'"'
+  ! Do we expect any duplicates to appear???? 
+  call psb_spcnv(blk,info,afmt=outfmt_,dupl=psb_dupl_add_)
+  if (info /= 0) then
     info=4010
-    ch_err='Bad outfmt'
+    ch_err='psb_spcnv'
     call psb_errpush(info,name,a_err=ch_err)
     goto 9999
-  end select
-  t5 = psb_wtime()
-
+  end if
 
+  t5 = psb_wtime()
 
 !!$  write(0,'(i3,1x,a,4(1x,i14))') me,'DSPHALO sizes:',iszr,iszs
 !!$  write(0,'(i3,1x,a,4(1x,g14.5))') me,'DSPHALO timings:',t6-t2,t7-t6,t8-t7,t3-t8