Exploring Practical Horizons of Beyond Sociology: Structure, Agency, and Strategy among Tenants in India

2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 366-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Olsen
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Orientation ◽  
Dynamic Structure ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Household Work ◽  
Rural South ◽  
Structure And Agency ◽  
Land Rental ◽  
Structural Relationships ◽  
Economic Practices ◽  
Future Events

AbstractA theoretical orientation toward 'strategies' is proposed in this paper. This theoretical approach suggests that we study both the context for immediate decision-making and the broader context in which reflection and deliberation occur. Whilst these are very broad concerns, the paper itself is based on fieldwork about land rental relationships in rural South India. The paper introduces strategies as a solution to the theorists' dilemma of choice vs. constraints. We treat tenants (as both households and as individual agents) in their structural contexts whilst respecting the complexity and co-mutuality of their agency. The strategies that people use involve an orientation to current and future events, including possible events which are imagined or which could happen. Both structural relationships and concrete past incidents act as reference points for decisions made today in a given relationship. The strategies of tenants include being pliable vis-à-vis landlords but some tenants make this conditional upon landlords' proper behaviour. Agents negotiate and enforce proper behaviour and, thus, both create and change the system of norms that exists. In Macintyre's terms (1985), the virtues intrinsic to the socio-economic practices are continually being re-worked. The theory of strategies reframes 'virtue' in dynamic structure-and-agency terms. Agents are not simply individuals. The debate about rational choice vs. holism can be augmented by looking at agency supra-individualistically. The strategy of a household is an emergent property of the household as an agent. It includes detailed first-order strategies along with more reflective second-order strategies which reconcile goals in the education, migration, household work, and marriage domains. The paper is, thus, interdisciplinary and contributes to sociology, while pluralistically drawing upon other disciplines.

scholarly journals Reconstruction of the spatial phase and temperature structure of a candle flame using Hilbert optics and shear interferometry methods

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Виталий Арбузов ◽  
Vitaliy Arbuzov ◽  
Эдуард Арбузов ◽  
Eduard Arbuzov ◽  
Юрий Дубнищев ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Field ◽  
Dynamic Structure ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Temperature Structure ◽  
Probe Light ◽  
Abel Transform ◽  
Dynamic Phase ◽  
Diagnostic Complex ◽  
Hilbert Optics ◽  
Candle Flame

The study of the structure of the candle flame is discussed in the work. The optical diagnostics adapted to the study of combustion problems is based on the visualization of phase disturbances induced in the probe light field by the medium under study with using Hilbert optics and interferometry methods combined with pixel-by-pixel processing of the dynamic structure of the recorded images. The diagnostic complex is implemented on the basis of the IAB–463M device with modified blocks of optical filtration, light source, registration and information processing. The dynamic phase structure of the candle flame was visualized. The temperature was measured using thermocouples at the reference points. The phase function was restored on axisymmetric sections from the obtained hilbertograms. The temperature field of flame was reconstructed using the inverse Abel transform.

scholarly journals Dynamic structure and data sets of a GIS database for geological riskanalysis in the Azores volcanic islands

2004 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Gaspar ◽  
C. Goulart ◽  
G. Queiroz ◽  
D. Silveira ◽  
A. Gomes
Keyword(s):  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Volcanic Eruptions ◽  
Dynamic Structure ◽  
Logical Structure ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Gis Database ◽  
Future Events ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Volcanic Islands ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Geological hazards in the Azores archipelago include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, degassing phenomena and landslides, being the cause of thousands of deaths and severe damage and loss. To reduce the impact of future events it is necessary to improve the emergency response and reinforce land-use planning, and this has given rise to the development of AZORIS, a GIS database for risk analysis in the Azores. At present this computer-based system comprises nine main dynamic data sets where elemental, monitoring and historical data are grouped in layers of first and second order. The logical structure of the database was conceived in order to facilitate interactivity between data sets and to guarantee the evolution of the system, as determined by the input and the generation of new and more detailed information. Archive organization was designed taking into account regional and local aspects of geological hazard. In order to ensure consistency of the database and the quality of the data within it, an internal process of validation was included.

Reference Coordinate System Requirements for Geophysics

1975 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 87-92
Author(s):  
P. L. Bender
Keyword(s):  
Coordinate System ◽  
Polar Motion ◽  
Main Part ◽  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Angular Motion ◽  
Coordinate Systems ◽  
Axis Of Rotation ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Fixed System

AbstractFive important geodynamical quantities which are closely linked are: 1) motions of points on the Earth’s surface; 2)polar motion; 3) changes in UT1-UTC; 4) nutation; and 5) motion of the geocenter. For each of these we expect to achieve measurements in the near future which have an accuracy of 1 to 3 cm or 0.3 to 1 milliarcsec.From a metrological point of view, one can say simply: “Measure each quantity against whichever coordinate system you can make the most accurate measurements with respect to”. I believe that this statement should serve as a guiding principle for the recommendations of the colloquium. However, it also is important that the coordinate systems help to provide a clear separation between the different phenomena of interest, and correspond closely to the conceptual definitions in terms of which geophysicists think about the phenomena.In any discussion of angular motion in space, both a “body-fixed” system and a “space-fixed” system are used. Some relevant types of coordinate systems, reference directions, or reference points which have been considered are: 1) celestial systems based on optical star catalogs, distant galaxies, radio source catalogs, or the Moon and inner planets; 2) the Earth’s axis of rotation, which defines a line through the Earth as well as a celestial reference direction; 3) the geocenter; and 4) “quasi-Earth-fixed” coordinate systems.When a geophysicists discusses UT1 and polar motion, he usually is thinking of the angular motion of the main part of the mantle with respect to an inertial frame and to the direction of the spin axis. Since the velocities of relative motion in most of the mantle are expectd to be extremely small, even if “substantial” deep convection is occurring, the conceptual “quasi-Earth-fixed” reference frame seems well defined. Methods for realizing a close approximation to this frame fortunately exist. Hopefully, this colloquium will recommend procedures for establishing and maintaining such a system for use in geodynamics. Motion of points on the Earth’s surface and of the geocenter can be measured against such a system with the full accuracy of the new techniques.The situation with respect to celestial reference frames is different. The various measurement techniques give changes in the orientation of the Earth, relative to different systems, so that we would like to know the relative motions of the systems in order to compare the results. However, there does not appear to be a need for defining any new system. Subjective figures of merit for the various system dependon both the accuracy with which measurements can be made against them and the degree to which they can be related to inertial systems.The main coordinate system requirement related to the 5 geodynamic quantities discussed in this talk is thus for the establishment and maintenance of a “quasi-Earth-fixed” coordinate system which closely approximates the motion of the main part of the mantle. Changes in the orientation of this system with respect to the various celestial systems can be determined by both the new and the conventional techniques, provided that some knowledge of changes in the local vertical is available. Changes in the axis of rotation and in the geocenter with respect to this system also can be obtained, as well as measurements of nutation.

The Formation, Structure, Distribution and Frequency of Nuclear Pores

1971 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 518-519
Author(s):  
G. G. Maul
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Pore Complex ◽  
Nuclear Membrane ◽  
Dynamic Structure ◽  
Nuclear Pore ◽  
Nuclear Pores ◽  
Filter Function ◽  
Etching Technique ◽  
Selective Filter ◽  
Membranous Part

The chromatin of eukaryotic cells is separated from the cytoplasm by a double membrane. One obvious structural specialization of the nuclear membrane is the presence of pores which have been implicated to facilitate the selective nucleocytoplasmic exchange of a variety of large molecules. Thus, the function of nuclear pores has mainly been regarded to be a passive one. Non-membranous diaphragms, radiating fibers, central rings, and other pore-associated structures were thought to play a role in the selective filter function of the nuclear pore complex. Evidence will be presented that suggests that the nuclear pore is a dynamic structure which is non-randomly distributed and can be formed during interphase, and that a close relationship exists between chromatin and the membranous part of the nuclear pore complex.Octagonality of the nuclear pore complex has been confirmed by a variety of techniques. Using the freeze-etching technique, it was possible to show that the membranous part of the pore complex has an eight-sided outline in human melanoma cells in vitro. Fibers which traverse the pore proper at its corners are continuous and indistinguishable from chromatin at the nucleoplasmic side, as seen in conventionally fixed and sectioned material. Chromatin can be seen in octagonal outline if serial sections are analyzed which are parallel but do not include nuclear membranes (Fig. 1). It is concluded that the shape of the pore rim is due to fibrous material traversing the pore, and may not have any functional significance. In many pores one can recognize a central ring with eight fibers radiating to the corners of the pore rim. Such a structural arrangement is also found to connect eight ribosomes at the nuclear membrane.

Application of FRAP and digitized fluorescence microscopy to problems in cell membrane dynamics

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 118-119
Author(s):  
K. Jacobson ◽  
A. Ishihara ◽  
B. Holifield ◽  
F. Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescence Microscopy ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Dynamic Structure ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Membrane Dynamics ◽  
Molecular Cell Biology ◽  
Image Averaging ◽  
Single Living Cells ◽  
Single Living

Our laboratory is concerned with understanding the dynamic structure of the plasma membrane with particular reference to the movement of membrane constituents during cell locomotion. In addition to the standard tools of molecular cell biology, we employ both fluorescence recovery after photo- bleaching (FRAP) and digitized fluorescence microscopy (DFM) to investigate individual cells. FRAP allows the measurement of translational mobility of membrane and cytoplasmic molecules in small regions of single, living cells. DFM is really a new form of light microscopy in that the distribution of individual classes of ions, molecules, and macromolecules can be followed in single, living cells. By employing fluorescent antibodies to defined antigens or fluorescent analogs of cellular constituents as well as ultrasensitive, electronic image detectors and video image averaging to improve signal to noise, fluorescent images of living cells can be acquired over an extended period without significant fading and loss of cell viability.

Neurofilaments and Paired Helical Filaments

1985 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 740-743
Author(s):  
J. Metuzals
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Posttranslational Modifications ◽  
Posttranslational Modification ◽  
Giant Axon ◽  
Paired Helical Filaments ◽  
Squid Giant Axon ◽  
In Vitro Experiments ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Structural Relationships

It has been demonstrated that the neurofibrillary tangles in biopsies of Alzheimer patients, composed of typical paired helical filaments (PHF), consist also of typical neurofilaments (NF) and 15nm wide filaments. Close structural relationships, and even continuity between NF and PHF, have been observed. In this paper, such relationships are investigated from the standpoint that the PHF are formed through posttranslational modifications of NF. To investigate the validity of the posttranslational modification hypothesis of PHF formation, we have identified in thin sections from frontal lobe biopsies of Alzheimer patients all existing conformations of NF and PHF and ordered these conformations in a hypothetical sequence. However, only experiments with animal model preparations will prove or disprove the validity of the interpretations of static structural observations made on patients. For this purpose, the results of in vitro experiments with the squid giant axon preparations are compared with those obtained from human patients. This approach is essential in discovering etiological factors of Alzheimer's disease and its early diagnosis.

Structure, assembly and interactions of the nuclear lamina and the nuclear pore complex

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 490-491
Author(s):  
N. Panté ◽  
M. Jarnik ◽  
E. Heitlinger ◽  
U. Aebi
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Pore Complex ◽  
Divalent Cations ◽  
Nuclear Lamina ◽  
Dynamic Structure ◽  
Nucleocytoplasmic Transport ◽  
Nuclear Pore ◽  
Cytoplasmic Filaments ◽  
Radial Spokes ◽  
Nuclear Ring ◽  
Central Plug

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is a ∼120 MD supramolecular machine implicated in nucleocytoplasmic transport, that is embedded in the double-membraned nuclear envelope (NE). The basic framework of the ∼120 nm diameter NPC consists of a 32 MD cytoplasmic ring, a 66 MD ‘plug-spoke’ assembly, and a 21 MD nuclear ring. The ‘central plug’ seen in en face views of the NPC reveals a rather variable appearance indicating that it is a dynamic structure. Projecting from the cytoplasmic ring are 8 short, twisted filaments (Fig. 1a), whereas the nuclear ring is topped with a ‘fishtrap’ made of 8 thin filaments that join distally to form a fragile, 30-50 nm distal diameter ring centered above the NPC proper (Fig. 1b). While the cytoplasmic filaments are sensitive to proteases, they as well as the nuclear fishtraps are resistant to RNase treatment. Removal of divalent cations destabilizes the distal rings and thereby opens the fishtraps, addition causes them to reform. Protruding from the tips of the radial spokes into perinuclear space are ‘knobs’ that might represent the large lumenal domain of gp210, a membrane-spanning glycoprotein (Fig. 1c) which, in turn, may play a topogenic role in membrane folding and/or act as a membrane-anchoring site for the NPC. The lectin wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) which is known to recognize the ‘nucleoporins’, a family of glycoproteins having O-linked N-acetyl-glucosamine, is found in two locations on the NPC (Fig. 1. d-f): (i) whereas the cytoplasmic filaments appear unlabelled (Fig. 1d&e), WGA-gold labels sites between the central plug and the cytoplasmic ring (Fig. le; i.e., at a radius of 25-35 nm), and (ii) it decorates the distal ring of the nuclear fishtraps (Fig. 1, d&f; arrowheads).

Modulated polarization microscopy displays the dynamics of cytoskeletal structures in living, motile cells

1995 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
pp. 902-903
Author(s):  
J. R. Kuhn ◽  
M. Poenie
Keyword(s):  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Cell Shape ◽  
Dynamic Structure ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Cytoskeletal Proteins ◽  
Polarization Microscopy ◽  
Video Enhancement ◽  
Ultrastructural Studies ◽  
Motile Cells

Cell shape and movement are controlled by elements of the cytoskeleton including actin filaments an microtubules. Unfortunately, it is difficult to visualize the cytoskeleton in living cells and hence follow it dynamics. Immunofluorescence and ultrastructural studies of fixed cells while providing clear images of the cytoskeleton, give only a static picture of this dynamic structure. Microinjection of fluorescently Is beled cytoskeletal proteins has proved useful as a way to follow some cytoskeletal events, but long terry studies are generally limited by the bleaching of fluorophores and presence of unassembled monomers.Polarization microscopy has the potential for visualizing the cytoskeleton. Although at present, it ha mainly been used for visualizing the mitotic spindle. Polarization microscopy is attractive in that it pro vides a way to selectively image structures such as cytoskeletal filaments that are birefringent. By combing ing standard polarization microscopy with video enhancement techniques it has been possible to image single filaments. In this case, however, filament intensity depends on the orientation of the polarizer and analyzer with respect to the specimen.

Structural relationships in the synthesis of cubic boron nitride thin films by ion-assisted deposition

1994 ◽  
Vol 52 ◽  
pp. 638-639
Author(s):  
D. L. Medlin ◽  
T. A. Friedmann ◽  
P. B. Mirkarimi ◽  
M. J. Mills ◽  
K. F. McCarty
Keyword(s):  
Boron Nitride ◽  
Ion Irradiation ◽  
Cubic Boron Nitride ◽  
Film Stress ◽  
Bonded Phases ◽  
Structural Relationships ◽  
Precursor Material ◽  
Pressure Synthesis ◽  
Microstructure Of The Material

The allotropes of boron nitride include two sp2-bonded phases with hexagonal and rhombohedral structures (hBN and rBN) and two sp3-bonded phases with cubic (zincblende) and hexagonal (wurtzitic) structures (cBN and wBN) (Fig. 1). Although cBN is synthesized in bulk form by conversion of hBN at high temperatures and pressures, low-pressure synthesis of cBN as a thin film is more difficult and succeeds only when the growing film is simultaneously irradiated with a high flux of ions. Only sp2-bonded material, which generally has a disordered, turbostratic microstructure (tBN), will form in the absence of ion-irradiation. The mechanistic role of the irradiation is not well understood, but recent work suggests that ion-induced compressive film stress may induce the transformation to cBN.Typically, BN films are deposited at temperatures less than 1000°C, a regime for which the structure of the sp2-bonded precursor material dictates the phase and microstructure of the material that forms from conventional (bulk) high pressure treatment.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document