bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Project Management as a Tool for Fostering Cooperation Between Municipalities in Slovenia
Authors: Vrečko Igor , Žnidaršič Anja , Kovač Jure
Published: September 2015

Among the answers to the new challenges of contemporary environment, cooperation between those who implement development in public administration at state, local and regional levels is increasingly highlighted. Surprisingly, the role of cooperation in developing projects and the maturity of public administrations’ project management organizations for accelerating the development of municipalities have not been researched until now. This study confirms that project cooperation between Slovenian municipalities promotes the municipalities’ orientation for achieving development through projects, and their management awareness of the importance of fundamental managerial functions and other project management concepts and techniques for the successful achievement of development goals.
Late Payments and Ethics of Management: Possible Solutions for Local Economies
Authors: Šalamon Tanja , Milfelner Borut , Belak Jernej
Published: September 2015

European countries have faced the problem of poor payment discipline for many years. Despite legislation adopted in 2000 and 2011, the situation is not improving. Not much empirical research has been done about the causes of low payment discipline, and even the work that has been done has been generally focused solely on the financial reasons. The current research tried to determine whether the payment discipline is affected and influenced by management ethics. The study showed that board’s and senior management’s ethics affects the length of the average payment delay to suppliers. Based on this evidence and prior research in the field of moral judgment, this study developed a package of measures against late payments based on the improvement of the moral judgments of management.
Constitutional and Legal Foundations of Local Public Administration in Romania
Authors: Apostolache Mihai Cristian , Apostolache Mihaela Adina
Published: September 2015

The article analyzes the constitutional and legal foundations of local public administration in Romania. It appears, therefore, that the local public administration built on the principle of local autonomy benefits from a general regulation starting from its explicit recognition by the constitutional text and continuing with the development of its legal status in different regulations of organic or ordinary character. The Constitution of Romania, adopted in 1991 and revised in 2003, established the constitutional foundation of local public administration, establishing the principles under which the administration of local communities is organized and functions, how the territory of the state is divided, the authorities exercising local autonomy, as well as the body exercising the control of administrative tutelage over the acts of local public administration authorities. The constitutional norms valued as principles allowed the subsequent adoption of regulations that develop and strengthen the status of existing local communities within the administrative-territorial units in Romania.
The Supervision of Self-Government Bodies’ Regulations in Hungary
Authors: Hoffman István , Rozsnyai Krisztina
Published: September 2015

The judicial and constitutional review processes of regulations of Hungarian autonomous bodies with self-government are analysed by our article. Firstly, the circle of the autonomous bodies with self-government and the definition and forms of regulations, general decisions of these organs are reviewed. Secondly, the judicial and constitutional review processes of the local self-government decrees are examined and it could be highlighted that the judicial protection of subjective rights and the execution of court decisions may be problematic. The same problems arise in connection with the supervision activity over professional bodies’ regulations as shown thirdly. The main question of the practical effectiveness of the new regulations are analysed fourthly in the article. Although the tools of legal supervision have been strengthened radically, the importance of these procedures has not changed significantly. As the result of the analysis de lege ferenda recommendations are set forward.
A Fiscal Need Approach to Sub-National Fiscal Equalization. Application to the Case of Chile
Authors: Letelier S. Leonardo E. , Mesa Francisco
Published: September 2015

This research is intended to measure the gap between the existing level of grants for municipalities for school level education, primary health services and other services, regarding a theoretically advisable per beneficiary expenditure level based on the so-called ‘Fiscal Need Approach to Equalization’ as developed by Shah (1996, 2007). This general aim is being tackled while acknowledging that decentralization is a multi- dimensional concept, of which the fiscal one is imbedded in a wider political and economic context. Since the early eighties, Chilean municipalities have administered both school level public education as well as primary health centers, on account of which the central government grants municipalities a certain amount per beneficiary. Our main findings suggest that Chile is not a fiscally ‘centralized’ country as far as the distribution of general government spending in the areas being examined is concerned. Nevertheless, this result does not preclude acknowledging that Chile is still centralized from an economic view point. In this regard, future research should explore ways of promoting convergence across regions nationwide.
Regional Performance Measurement of Healthcare Systems in the EU: A Non-parametric Approach
Authors: Aristovnik Aleksander
Published: September 2015

The main purpose of the article is to estimate the regional performance of healthcare systems within the EU at the NUTS 2 level. Using multiple regional inputs and outputs to characterize healthcare provision, non-parametric methodology is applied to evaluate the relative efficiency of 151 regions in old EU member states (EU-15) and 54 regions in new EU member states (EU-13) in the period 2007–2012. The empirical results show that efficiency differs significantly across the selected regions. In general, less developed regions show a relatively high level of efficiency whereas capital regions seem to be the least efficient regions since they mainly serve as national medical centres employing a disproportionally large amount of health resources. The empirical study also finds evidence of the potential to improve health outcomes by ensuring a sufficient level of healthcare resources in those regions that are lagging behind significantly.
The Salience of Local Urban Development in the Political Party Arena: A Longitudinal Analysis of Slovenian Parliamentary Party Programmes
Authors: Uršič Matjaž , Maksuti Alem , Deželan Tomaž
Published: September 2015

Local urban development is not determined by a collection of non-political and essentially technical measures prepared by professionals and civil servants in municipalities, but in fact strongly depends on the political nature of policy decisions and organised local interests. The planning of local urban development is, therefore, significantly influenced by political decisions based on the promises set out by political parties in their programmes. Thus, the direction of local development and the dynamics of urban growth cannot be fully understood without a thorough understanding of the views presented in party programmes. This paper aims to map the differences in Slovenian parliamentary party preferences related to local urban development across the political spectrum as well as over time (from 1990 to 2014). By implementing computer-assisted content analysis of 96 party programmes and election manifestos conventionally recognised as thematic text analysis, we identified an alarming image of the political landscape of Slovenia concerning topics related to local urban development. The analysis revealed that the majority of parties utilise local urban development concepts on a declarative level, with most dimensions of sustainable urban development being virtually absent.
Exploring Voluntary Tax Compliance Factors in Slovenia: Implications for Tax Administration and Policymakers
Authors: Hauptman Lidija , Gürarda Şevin , Korez-Vide Romana
Published: September 2015

In this paper we test the significance of norms and trust in authorities for voluntary tax compliance in Slovenia. The empirical analysis has shown that national and social norms are significant factor of tax compliance, whilst trust in authorities (the Parliament and the European Union) was not proved as significantly related variables of tax compliance in Slovenia. We discuss possible policy responses to our findings. Since norms and trust in authorities are non-economic factors of tax-compliance the indirect control approach, which focuses on the development of a high trust and high commitment culture of taxpayers has been examined more thoroughly. Due to the generally valid recognition that both direct and indirect control measures need to be used together to tackle the shadow economy, we briefly introduce the responsive regulation approach and the slippery slope framework.
Soft Law Instruments and their Use in Slovenian Local Self-Government
Authors: Repas Martina
Published: September 2015

Article deals with possible use of soft law instruments in the Slovenian local self-government law. Though soft law is typically defined as non-legally binding law, it can have practical and indirect legal effects. Article reveals that soft law instruments could acquire at least indirect legal effect in Slovenian law with courts’ intervention under Article 14 of the Slovenian Constitution according to the principle of equal treatment. Since soft law instruments have an impact on the behaviour of the actors to whom they are addressed and since they should be followed by the adopting authority, it seems that the legal basis for their adoption should exist. Therefore, article explores and analyses the existence of the legal basis for adoption of such type of instrument in Slovenian local-self-government law as well.
Valuing Immovable Cultural Heritage as a Generator of Opportunities for the Revival of Local Identity
Authors: Ivanc Tjaša , Gomes Jose Caramelo
Published: September 2015

Value is the core of heritage conservation; it is what justifies legal regulations for conserving built heritage and financial investments for its maintenance and suggests usefulness and benefits of the heritage as a resource for regional growth and sustainability. Classifying (by means of proclamation) immovable property as being a part of monumental heritage has been the central instrument of heritage protection law. The basis of protection is identifying the (object of) public interest, and this identification ex lege commences legal protection, i.e. conservation regimes are established on proclaimed immovable monuments. Even though values are widely understood to be critical to understanding for heritage conservation, there is but little knowledge on how the whole range of values may be assessed in the context of decision-making and establishing the significance of the built heritage in question. This paper seeks to examine the role of built heritage as property development and its impact on local identity. A critical review of financial management and the attitude of state and local government towards built heritage is also undertaken.
Organizational Challenges of the (Local) Water Supply in the European Union Member States
Authors: Ferčič Aleš , Knez Rajko
Published: September 2015

The authors discuss challenges of water supply in the European Union and the Member States, which mainly refer to local systems. The Member States retain autonomy in the water supply, however European Union general rules, and in particular the competition rules, are used for 'soft' liberalization (and privatization). The authors expose complex public policy issues of water supply; taking into account characteristics of the water sector. The article highlights typical models of the water sector organization with advantages and shortcomings. Dogmatic favouring or ranking of certain models, already at the abstract level, shall be rejected. Authors opt for case-by-case ranking of such organizational models. Dogmatic favouring of private participation and market competition is disputable and a credible discussion shall not be limited only to their advantages but also to their costs and risks.
Cost Efficiency of Public Procurement at Local Level: Chances for Improvement of Local Self-government and Public Enterprises in Serbia
Authors: Jaško Ondrej , Jovanović Predrag , Čudanov Mladen
Published: September 2015

This paper analyses cost efficiency of the public procurement process at local level. Data is gathered in the Serbian environment, and our main hypothesis is that efficiency of public procurement can be improved significantly by the practices of organizational design and external benchmarking, measured by transaction costs. In order to prove this hypothesis, we have described case of major inefficiencies during public procurement process, and then analyzed efficiency of public procurement process, measured in hours per public procurement on a basis of 185.305 directly invested hours, during 18 months period in eight public enterprises. We have shown by statistical analysis that very wide, statistically significant (p
New Metropolitan Regime of Turkey: Authoritarian Urbanization via (Local) Governmental Restructuring
Authors: Alkan Ayten
Published: September 2015

In December 2012, approximately 1,5 years before the March 2014 Local Elections and 2 years before the August 2014 Presidential Elections, Turkish Grand National Assembly –of the single party AKP majority government- enacted a Law not only establishing 14 new Metropolitan Municipalities in addition to the 16 former, but also annihilating 30 Provincial Local Governments, 1.635 Town Municipalities, and 16.580 Village Local Administrations, which makes almost the half of Turkey’s local governments. The Law, at the same time, made amendments to the legislation on local governments. As a consequence of this arrangement which represents the largest restructuration of the (local) administrative system all throughout the Republican history, Turkey’s urban population artificially increased to 91% from 77% in 2012, and 77% of Turkey’s population started to live in metropolitan areas. This paper analyses the demographic, administrative, local governmental changes brought by the new system, and tries to make clear its wider context in terms of late AKP government’s economic and urban policies, and authoritarian tendencies.
The Right of the Minorities to Participate in the Public Life on Local Level: The Case of Republic of Macedonia in the Framework of the EU Policy of ‘Regional Approach’
Authors: Grizo Melina , Ananiev Jovan , Poposka Zaneta
Published: September 2015

The paper aims to contribute to the clarification of several aspects of the minorities’ right to participate in public life on local level. It considers the following elements: analysis of the Macedonian legal and constitutional framework; analysis of relevant provision of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Union’s treatment of the issue in the framework of its foreign policy of ‘Regional Approach’ (1996-1999). The analysis relies on two comparisons. Firstly, it contrasts the content of the EU conditionality in the field of minority rights developed during the 1990’s in the framework of the eastern enlargement with the content of conditionality in the same field developed in the framework of the ‘Regional Approach’. Secondly, the study encompasses a brief comparison with the later development of the relevant standards within the framework of the subsequently developed EU enlargement policy of Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP). Considering that the EU relies on the standards developed in the system of Council of Europe in the field of minority rights, the analysis in particular attempts to contribute to the understanding of the dynamics of this ‘’borrowing’’, during which the Council and the Commission rely on certain aspects of the body of rules of the Council of Europe, while omitting others.
Retrospective Analysis of Motor Development in Infants at High and Low Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Heathcock Jill C. , Tanner Kelly , Robson Danielle , Young Robyn , Lane Alison E.
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE. To measure upper-extremity and gross motor skill development in infants with and without risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

METHOD. Data were coded retrospectively from 39 infants who participated in longitudinal structured early developmental assessments. Twenty-five infants were at high risk for ASD, and the remaining 14 infants were classified as low risk. Upper-extremity and motor skill development were coded at ages 2, 4, and 6 mo. Five infants went on to receive an ASD diagnosis at age 2–4 yr.

RESULTS. Infants at high risk for ASD demonstrated fewer midline behaviors with the upper extremities and delayed motor skill development than the low-risk group. Differences in motor skills were most apparent at age 4 mo.

CONCLUSION. Early monitoring for motor delay in infants at high risk for ASD is warranted. Midline control and play with the upper extremities and overall motor skill development are possible assessment and therapeutic targets.
Effectiveness of Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents: A Systematic Review of Family Outcomes
Authors: Kuhaneck Heather Miller , Madonna Stephanie , Novak Audrey , Pearson Emily
Published: September 2015

This systematic review examined the literature published from January 2006 to April 2013 related to the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their parents to improve parental stress and self-efficacy, coping, and resilience and family participation in daily life and routines. From the 4,457 abstracts, 34 articles were selected that matched the inclusion criteria. The results were mixed and somewhat inconclusive because this body of literature is in its infancy. Studies of children with ASD do not routinely measure parental and family outcomes. Recommendations include an emphasis on family measures other than parental stress and a greater focus on measures of parental and family functioning in all future studies of pediatric interventions to more fully understand the impact of interventions in a wider context.
Effectiveness of Work, Activities of Daily Living, Education, and Sleep Interventions for People With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Weaver Lindy L.
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE. To examine interventions addressing work, activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), education, and sleep for people with autism spectrum disorder.

METHOD. A total of 23 studies were identified, and 9 work-, 11 ADL/IADL-, and 3 education-related interventions were examined. No sleep studies were identified.

RESULTS. Use of mobile and tablet technologies for vocational skills was supported. Support for ADL/IADL intervention is variable, with indications that Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance, sensory integration, and contextual interventions may increase occupational performance. Preliminary evidence suggests that daily yoga and brief exercise may improve classroom performance and behavior; group physical activities may assist with school readiness variables. Evidence for using technologies for IADLs was limited, as was evidence determining effective interventions for feeding and eating issues.

CONCLUSIONS. Studies investigating interventions related to sleep are lacking. More studies are needed in all areas, presenting opportunities for the expansion of science-driven occupational therapy practice and research for people with ASD.
Charging and coagulation of radioactive and nonradioactive particles in the atmosphere
Authors: Kim Y.-H. , Yiacoumi S. , Nenes A. , Tsouris C.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Charging and coagulation influence one another and impact the particle charge and size distributions in the atmosphere. However, few investigations to date have focused on the coagulation kinetics of atmospheric particles accumulating charge. This study presents three approaches to include mutual effects of charging and coagulation on the microphysical evolution of atmospheric particles such as radioactive particles. The first approach employs ion balance, charge balance, and a bivariate population balance model (PBM) to comprehensively calculate both charge accumulation and coagulation rates of particles. The second approach involves a much simpler description of charging, and uses a monovariate PBM and subsequent effects of charge on particle coagulation. The third approach is further simplified assuming that particles instantaneously reach their steady-state charge distributions. It is found that compared to the other two approaches, the first approach can accurately predict time-dependent changes in the size and charge distributions of particles over a wide size range covering from the free molecule to continuum regimes. The other two approaches can reliably predict both charge accumulation and coagulation rates for particles larger than about 40 nm and atmospherically relevant conditions. These approaches are applied to investigate coagulation kinetics of particles accumulating charge in a radioactive neutralizer, the urban atmosphere, and a radioactive plume. Limitations of the approaches are discussed.
Characterizing tropospheric ozone and CO around Frankfurt between 1994–2012 based on MOZAIC-IAGOS aircraft measurements
Authors: Petetin H. , Thouret V. , Fontaine A. , Sauvage B. , Athier G. , Blot R. , Boulanger D. , Cousin J.-M. , Nedelec P.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. In the framework of the MOZAIC-IAGOS program, ozone and carbon monoxide vertical profiles are available since 1994 and 2002, respectively. This study investigates the variability and trends of both species at several tropospheric layers above the Frankfurt and Munich airports where about 21 600 flights have been performed over the 1994–2012 period, which represents the densest dataset in the world (about 75 flights per month on average). Over that period, most mean ozone trends are positive but insignificant at a 95 % confidence level, except in winter where significant upward trends (around +0.38 ± 0.24 ppb yr−1) are found. Conversely, a significant increase of annual background ozone is highlighted, mostly during winter and autumn. Mean annual ozone trends increase with altitude, the largest increase being found in summer due to a noticeable decrease of highest ozone concentrations observed in the lower troposphere during the second half period. Over the 2002–2012 period, most mean CO trends are significantly negative, the decrease being higher in the lower troposphere compared to the mid- and upper troposphere with again, major differences in summer. Trends in the ozone seasonal cycle are also investigated, with a focus on the phase. Ozone maxima occur earlier and earlier with a shift around −10.6 ± 2.9 days decade−1 in the lower troposphere, in agreement with previous studies. The analysis of other ozone datasets in Europe (including surface stations and ozone soundings) confirms this trend, but highlights strong heterogeneities in the phase change. Interestingly, this shift is shown to decrease with altitude, with trends of −4.3 ± 2.4 and −2.0 ± 1.7 days decade−1 in the mid- and upper troposphere, respectively. The geographic origin of the air masses sampled by aircraft is analysed with FLEXPART backward simulations and suggests, together with trends and phase changes results, that an increase of the Asian contribution to ozone in the upper troposphere may compensate during summer the decrease of European and North American contributions associated to emission control over these two regions.
Marine boundary layer drizzle properties and their impact on cloud property retrieval
Authors: Wu P. , Dong X. , Xi B.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. In this study, we retrieve and document drizzle properties, and investigate the impact of drizzle on cloud property retrieval in Dong et al. (2014a) from ground-based measurements at the ARM Azores facility from June 2009 to December 2010. For the selected cloud and drizzle samples, the drizzle occurrence is 42.6 %, with a maximum of 55.8 % in winter and a minimum of 35.6 % in summer. The annual means of drizzle liquid water path LWPd, effective radius rd, and number concentration Nd for the rain (virga) samples are 4.73 (1.25) g m−2, 61.5 (36.4) μm, and 0.38 (0.79) cm−3. The seasonal mean LWPd values are less than 3 % of the LWP values retrieved by the microwave radiometer (MWR). The annual mean differences in cloud-droplet effective radius with and without drizzle are 0.75 and 2.35 %, respectively, for the virga and rain samples. Therefore, we conclude that the impact of drizzle below the cloud base on cloud property retrieval is insignificant for a solar-transmission-based method, but significant for any retrievals using radar reflectivity.
Finding candidate locations for aerosol pollution monitoring at street level using a data-driven methodology
Authors: Moosavi V. , Aschwanden G. , Velasco E.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Finding the number and best locations of fixed air quality monitoring stations at street level is challenging because of the complexity of the urban environment and the large number of factors affecting the pollutants concentration. Data sets of such urban parameters as land use, building morphology and street geometry in high-resolution grid cells in combination with direct measurements of airborne pollutants at high frequency (1–10 s) along a reasonable number of streets can be used to interpolate concentration of pollutants in a whole gridded domain and determine the optimum number of monitoring sites and best locations for a network of fixed monitors at ground level. In this context, a data-driven modeling methodology is developed based on the application of Self-Organizing Map (SOM) to approximate the nonlinear relations between urban parameters (80 in this work) and aerosol pollution data, such as mass and number concentrations measured along streets of a commercial/residential neighborhood of Singapore. Cross-validations between measured and predicted aerosol concentrations based on the urban parameters at each individual grid cell showed satisfying results. This proof of concept study showed that the selected urban parameters proved to be an appropriate indirect measure of aerosol concentrations within the studied area. The potential locations for fixed air quality monitors are identified through clustering of areas (i.e., group of cells) with similar urban patterns. The typological center of each cluster corresponds to the most representative cell for all other cells in the cluster. In the studied neighborhood four different clusters were identified and for each cluster potential sites for air quality monitoring at ground level are identified.
Análise do fluxo de atendimento de serviço hospitalar de emergência: estudo de caso
Authors: Bellucci Júnior José Aparecido , Matsuda Laura Misue , Marcon Sonia Silva
Published: September 2015

Estudo qualitativo, modalidade Estudo de Caso que objetivou analisar o fluxo de atendimento em dois Serviços Hospitalares de Emergência. O estudo foi realizado entre novembro e dezembro de 2010, em um Serviço que atende por meio do Acolhimento com Classificação de Risco e, em outro, por ordem de chegada. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se como técnica a observação direta da prática, com registros em notas de campo que foram tratados com o uso da técnica análise de conteúdo. Das análises das informações coletadas, resultaram duas categorias temáticas: Cuidando do usuário em Serviços Hospitalares de Emergência e Acolhendo o usuário e familiares. Conclui-se que, nos dois Serviços investigados, não há sistema de contrarreferenciamento; o atendimento no Serviço que adota o Acolhimento com Classificação de Risco é contínuo e hierarquizado; o fluxo de pacientes é mais dinâmico, e o enfermeiro tem mais autonomia na tomada de decisão clínica.
Intense nitrogen cycling in permeable intertidal sediment revealed by a nitrous oxide hot spot
Authors: Schutte Charles A. , Joye Samantha B. , Wilson Alicia M. , Evans Tyler , Moore Willard S. , Casciotti Karen
Published: September 2015

Approximately 40% of the total global rate of nitrogen fixation is the result of human activities, and most of this anthropogenic nitrogen is used to fertilize agricultural fields. Approximately 23% of the applied agricultural nitrogen is delivered to the coastal zone, often reducing water quality and driving eutrophication. Nitrogen cycling in coastal sediments can mitigate eutrophication by removing bioavailable nitrogen. However, some of these processes generate nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, as a by‐product. Here we report the discovery of a nitrous oxide production hot spot in shallow barrier island sands. Nitrous oxide concentrations, production and consumption rates, vertical diffusion fluxes, and flux to the atmosphere were measured across triplicate depth profiles. Using a mass balance approach, rates of net nitrous oxide production were estimated to be 40 µmol m−2 d−1. This production was driven by a hot spot of nitrate consumption that removed bioavailable nitrogen from the coastal environment at a rate of 10 mmol m−2 d−1, a rate that is comparable with the highest rates of denitrification reported for coastal sediments.
Estimation of pitch angle diffusion rates and precipitation time scales of electrons due to EMIC waves in a realistic field model
Authors: Kang Suk‐Bin , Min Kyoung‐Wook , Fok Mei‐Ching , Hwang Junga , Choi Cheong‐Rim
Published: September 2015

Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves are closely related to precipitating loss of relativistic electrons in the radiation belts, and thereby, a model of the radiation belts requires inclusion of the pitch angle diffusion caused by EMIC waves. We estimated the pitch angle diffusion rates and the corresponding precipitation time scales caused by H and He band EMIC waves using the Tsyganenko 04 (T04) magnetic field model at their probable regions in terms of geomagnetic conditions. The results correspond to enhanced pitch angle diffusion rates and reduced precipitation time scales compared to those based on the dipole model, up to several orders of magnitude for storm times. While both the plasma density and the magnetic field strength varied in these calculations, the reduction of the magnetic field strength predicted by the T04 model was found to be the main cause of the enhanced diffusion rates relative to those with the dipole model for the same Li values, where Li is defined from the ionospheric foot points of the field lines. We note that the bounce‐averaged diffusion rates were roughly proportional to the inversion of the equatorial magnetic field strength and thus suggest that scaling the diffusion rates with the magnetic field strength provides a good approximation to account for the effect of the realistic field model in the EMIC wave‐pitch angle diffusion modeling.
Supercontinental inheritance and its influence on supercontinental breakup: The Central Atlantic Magmatic Province and the breakup of Pangea
Authors: Whalen Lisa , Gazel Esteban , Vidito Christopher , Puffer John , Bizimis Michael , Henika William , Caddick Mark J.
Published: September 2015

The Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) is the large igneous province (LIP) that coincides with the breakup of the supercontinent Pangea. Major and trace element data, Sr‐Nd‐Pb radiogenic isotopes, and high‐precision olivine chemistry were collected on primitive CAMP dikes from Virginia (VA). These new samples were used in conjunction with a global CAMP data set to elucidate different mechanisms for supercontinent breakup and LIP formation. On the Eastern North American Margin, CAMP flows are found primarily in rift basins that can be divided into northern or southern groups based on differences in tectonic evolution, rifting history, and supercontinental inheritance. Geochemical signatures of CAMP suggest an upper mantle source modified by subduction processes. We propose that the greater number of accretionary events, or metasomatism by sediment melts as opposed to fluids on the northern versus the southern Laurentian margin during the formation of Pangea led to different subduction‐related signatures in the mantle source of the northern versus southern CAMP lavas. CAMP samples have elevated Ni and low Ca in olivine phenocrysts indicating a significant pyroxenite component in the source, interpreted here as a result of subduction metasomatism. Different collisional styles during the Alleghanian orogeny in the North and South may have led to the diachroneity of the rifting of Pangea. Furthermore, due to a low angle of subduction, the Rheic Plate may have underplated the lithosphere then delaminated, triggering both the breakup of Pangea and the formation of CAMP.
The 3‐dimensional construction of the Rae craton, central Canada
Authors: Snyder David B. , Craven James A. , Pilkington Mark , Hillier Michael J.
Published: September 2015

Reconstruction of the 3‐dimensional tectonic assembly of early continents, first as Archean cratons and then Proterozoic shields, remains poorly understood. In this paper, all readily available geophysical and geochemical data are assembled in a 3‐D model with the most accurate bedrock geology in order to understand better the geometry of major structures within the Rae craton of central Canada. Analysis of geophysical observations of gravity and seismic wave speed variations revealed several lithospheric‐scale discontinuities in physical properties. Where these discontinuities project upward to correlate with mapped upper crustal geological structures, the discontinuities can be interpreted as shear zones. Radiometric dating of xenoliths provides estimates of rock types and ages at depth beneath sparse kimberlite occurrences. These ages can also be correlated to surface rocks. The 3.6–2.6 Ga Rae craton comprises at least three smaller continental terranes, which “cratonized” during a granitic bloom. Cratonization probably represents final differentiation of early crust into a relatively homogeneous, uniformly thin (35–42 km), tonalite‐trondhjemite‐granodiorite crust with pyroxenite layers near the Moho. The peak thermotectonic event at 1.86–1.7 Ga was associated with the Hudsonian orogeny that assembled several cratons and lesser continental blocks into the Canadian Shield using a number of southeast‐dipping megathrusts. This orogeny metasomatized, mineralized, and recrystallized mantle and lower crustal rocks, apparently making them more conductive by introducing or concentrating sulfides or graphite. Little evidence exists of thin slabs similar to modern oceanic lithosphere in this Precambrian construction history whereas underthrusting and wedging of continental lithosphere is inferred from multiple dipping discontinuities.
Influence of seismicity on the Lusi mud eruption
Authors: Rudolph Maxwell L. , Manga Michael , Tingay Mark , Davies Richard J.
Published: September 2015

Earthquakes trigger the eruption of mud and magmatic volcanoes and influence ongoing eruptive activity. One mechanism that could trigger an eruption is clay liquefaction. Here we model the propagation of seismic waves beneath the Lusi mud eruption (East Java, Indonesia) using available seismic velocity and density models to assess the effect of subsurface structure on the amplification of incident seismic waves. We find that using an updated subsurface density and velocity structure, there is no significant amplification of incident seismic energy in the Upper Kalibeng Formation, the source of the erupting solids. Hence, the hypothesis that the Lusi eruption was triggered by clay liquefaction appears unlikely to be correct. Independent constraints from gas chemistry as well as analyses of drilling activities at the nearby Banjar‐Panji 1 gas exploration well and an analysis of the effects of other earthquakes all favor a drilling trigger.
Van Allen Probes observations of unusually low frequency whistler mode waves observed in association with moderate magnetic storms: Statistical study
Authors: Cattell C. A. , Breneman A. W. , Thaller S. A. , Wygant J. R. , Kletzing C. A.
Published: September 2015

We show the first evidence for locally excited chorus at frequencies below 0.1 fce (electron cyclotron frequency) in the outer radiation belt. A statistical study of chorus during geomagnetic storms observed by the Van Allen Probes found that frequencies are often dramatically lower than expected. The frequency at peak power suddenly stops tracking the equatorial 0.5 fce and f/fce decreases rapidly, often to frequencies well below 0.1 fce (in situ and mapped to equator). These very low frequency waves are observed both when the satellites are close to the equatorial plane and at higher magnetic latitudes. Poynting flux is consistent with generation at the equator. Wave amplitudes can be up to 20 to 40 mV/m and 2 to 4 nT. We conclude that conditions during moderate to large storms can excite unusually low frequency chorus, which is resonant with more energetic electrons than typical chorus, with critical implications for understanding radiation belt evolution.
Positive tropical marine low‐cloud cover feedback inferred from cloud‐controlling factors
Authors: Qu Xin , Hall Alex , Klein Stephen A. , DeAngelis Anthony M.
Published: September 2015

Differences in simulations of tropical marine low‐cloud cover (LCC) feedback are sources of significant spread in temperature responses of climate models to anthropogenic forcing. Here we show that in models the feedback is mainly driven by three large‐scale changes—a strengthening tropical inversion, increasing surface latent heat flux, and an increasing vertical moisture gradient. Variations in the LCC response to these changes alone account for most of the spread in model‐projected 21st century LCC changes. A methodology is devised to constrain the LCC response observationally using sea surface temperature (SST) as a surrogate for the latent heat flux and moisture gradient. In models where the current climate's LCC sensitivities to inversion strength and SST variations are consistent with observed, LCC decreases systematically, which would increase absorption of solar radiation. These results support a positive LCC feedback. Correcting biases in the sensitivities will be an important step toward more credible simulation of cloud feedbacks.
Cluster observations of unusually high concentration of energetic O+ carried by flux ropes in the nightside high‐latitude magnetosheath during a storm initial phase
Authors: Duan Suping , Dai Lei , Wang Chi , Lui A. T. Y. , Liu Zhenxing , He Zhaohai , Zhang Yongcun , Dandouras I. , Reme H.
Published: September 2015

We present measurements from Cluster spacecraft to investigate the energetic singly charged oxygen ions, O+, within the flux ropes in the nightside high‐latitude magnetosheath during the initial phase of an intense storm on 24 October 2011. Three magnetic flux ropes were identified by Cluster 4 in the intervals from 20:10 UT to 20:20 UT. Unusually, large number density of energetic O+ ions at energy of tens of keV was detected within these flux ropes. The number density of O+ ions was above 0.1 cm−3 and the maximum value was about 0.25 cm−3, 1 order of magnitude larger than the ambient value (~0.01 cm−3) in the magnetosheath. The O+/H+ ratio is as large as ~0.08 within the flux ropes. Enhanced convection electric fields Ey (~10 mV/m) are associated with the flux rope and the high concentrations of energetic O+. The flux ropes, which are presumably produced by magnetic reconnection at the dayside magnetopause or cusp, are convected at a larger velocity than the tailward velocity of ambient flows in the magnetosheath. These observations together show that abundant energetic O+ ions are carried by the flux ropes toward tail in the nightside magnetosheath. Our observations present new evidence for a chain linking the dayside to the nightside in the global O+ transport process.
The nature of GPS differential receiver bias variability: An examination in the polar cap region
Authors: Themens David R. , Jayachandran P. T. , Langley Richard B.
Published: September 2015

While modern GPS receiver differential code bias estimation techniques have become highly refined, they still demonstrate unphysical behavior, namely, notable solar cycle variability. This study investigates the nature of these seasonal and solar cycle bias variabilities in the polar cap region using single‐station bias estimation methods. It is shown that the minimization of standard deviation bias estimation technique is linearly dependent on the user's choice of shell height, where the sensitivity of this dependence varies significantly from 1 total electron content unit (1 TECU = 1016 el m−2) per 4000 km in solar minimum winter to in excess of 1 TECU per 90 km during solar maximum summer. Using an ionosonde, we find appreciable shell height variability resulting in bias variabilities of up to 2 TECU. Comparing northward face Resolute Incoherent Scatter Radar (RISR‐N) measurements to a collocated GPS station, we find that RISR‐derived GPS receiver biases vary seasonally but not with solar cycle. RMS differences between bias estimation methods and observation between 2009 and 2013 were found to range from 2.7 TECU to 3.4 TECU, depending on method. To account for the erroneous solar cycle variability of standard bias estimation approaches, we linearly fit these biases to sunspot number, removing the trend. RMS errors after sunspot detrending these biases are reduced to 1.91 TECU. Also, these ISR‐derived and sunspot‐detrended biases are fit to ambient temperature, where a significant correlation is found. By using these temperature‐fitted biases we further reduce RMS errors to 1.66 TECU. These results can be taken as further evidence of temperature‐dependent dispersion in the GPS cabling and antenna hardware.
Organic aerosol processing in tropical deep convective clouds: Development of a new model (CRM‐ORG) and implications for sources of particle number
Authors: Murphy B. N. , Julin J. , Riipinen I. , Ekman A. M. L.
Published: September 2015

The difficulty in assessing interactions between atmospheric particles and clouds is due in part to the chemical complexity of the particles and to the wide range of length and timescales of processes occurring simultaneously during a cloud event. The new Cloud‐Resolving Model with Organics (CRM‐ORG) addresses these interactions by explicitly predicting the formation, transport, uptake, and re‐release of surrogate organic compounds consistent with the volatility basis set framework within a nonhydrostatic, three‐dimensional cloud‐resolving model. CRM‐ORG incorporates photochemical production, explicit condensation/evaporation of organic and inorganic vapors, and a comprehensive set of four different mechanisms describing particle formation from organic vapors and sulfuric acid. We simulate two deep convective cloud events over the Amazon rain forest in March 1998 and compare modeled particle size distributions with airborne observations made during the time period. The model predictions agree well with the observations for Aitken mode particles in the convective outflow (10–14 km) but underpredict nucleation mode particles by a factor of 20. A strong in‐cloud particle formation process from organic vapors alone is necessary to reproduce even relatively low ultrafine particle number concentrations (~1500 cm−3). Sensitivity tests with variable initial aerosol loading and initial vertical aerosol profile demonstrate the complexity of particle redistribution and net gain or loss in the cloud. In‐cloud particle number concentrations could be enhanced by as much as a factor of 3 over the base case simulation in the cloud outflow but were never reduced by more than a factor of 2 lower than the base. Additional sensitivity cases emphasize the need for constrained estimates of surface tension and affinity of organic vapors to ice surfaces. When temperature‐dependent organic surface tension is introduced to the new particle formation mechanisms, the number concentration of particles decreases by 60% in the cloud outflow. These uncertainties are discussed in light of the other prominent challenges for understanding the interactions between organic aerosols and clouds. Recommendations for future theoretical, laboratory, and field work are proposed.
Producing High‐Strength Metals by I‐ECAP
Authors: Gzyl Michal , Rosochowski Andrzej , Boczkal Sonia , Olejnik Lech , Katimon Mohd Nizam
Published: September 2015

Incremental equal channel angular pressing (I‐ECAP) is used in this work to produce ultrafine‐grained (UFG) pure iron, aluminum alloy 5083, commercial purity titanium (grade 4), and magnesium alloy AZ31B. Pure iron is processed at room temperature, aluminum alloy at 200 °C, titanium at 320 °C, and magnesium alloy at 150 °C. Strength improvement, attributed to the grain refinement below 1 μm, is reported for all processed materials. The yield strength increase is the most apparent in pure iron, reaching almost 500 MPa after one pass of I‐ECAP, comparing to 180 MPa in the as‐forged conditions. UFG titanium, aluminum, and magnesium alloys obtained in this study reached yield stress of 800, 350, and 300 MPa, respectively, in each case exhibiting the yield strength increase by at least 30%, comparing to the alloys processed by conventional metal forming operations such as forging and rolling.
Heterogeneously Integrated Optoelectronic Devices Enabled by Micro‐Transfer Printing
Authors: Yoon Jongseung , Lee Sung‐Min , Kang Dongseok , Meitl Matthew A. , Bower Christopher A. , Rogers John. A.
Published: September 2015

Transfer printing is a materials assembly technique that uses elastomeric stamps for heterogeneous integration of various classes of micro‐ and nanostructured materials into two‐ and three‐dimensionally organized layouts on virtually any type of substrate. Work over the past decade demonstrates that the capabilities of this approach create opportunities for a wide range of device platforms, including component‐ and system‐level embodiments in unusual optoelectronic technologies with characteristics that cannot be replicated easily using conventional manufacturing or growth techniques. This review presents recent progress in functional materials and advanced transfer printing methods, with a focus on active components that emit, absorb, and/or transport light, ranging from solar cells to light‐emitting diodes, lasers, photodetectors, and integrated collections of these in functional systems, where the key ideas provide unique solutions that address limitations in performance and/or functionality associated with traditional technologies. High‐concentration photovoltaic modules based on multijunction, micro‐ and millimeter‐scale solar cells and high‐resolution emissive displays based on microscale inorganic light‐emitting diodes provide examples of some of the most sophisticated systems, geared toward commercialization.