bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Economic Model for Field-Wide Shale Gas Development in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Casey Meaghan , Rajan Surya , Kohshour Iman Oraki , Adejumo Adebola , Kugler Imre
Published: January 2015

Shale gas development is characterized by a composite of several experience curves in terms of operations, resource assessment and infrastructure development. More specifically, the learning curve for the operator grows as operational characteristics are fine-tuned, such as experience ramp-up, logistics and supply chain optimization, and factory-style operations. Technical understanding of the basin then grows as operators learn how to design and execute the most suitable horizontal well trajectory; how best to land the lateral section in the pay zone; where to perforate the formation; how to optimize perforated sections, and the number and size of frac stages; and where the sweet spot is located relative to asset sections with marginal economics. Supporting infrastructure must grow in pace with development growth, which is also influenced by the fine tuning of supporting policy and regulations, resulting wellhead costs and market factors. Each phase is characterized by associated costs and uncertainties.

A field-wide shale gas economic model was applied as an extension of the original single-well economic model, which captures the various phases of unconventional resource development. The base model was tested against North American shale basins; fundamentals of the same model were adjusted to assess unconventional development in the Middle East, and specifically calibrated to analyze field development in the Qusaiba shale in Saudi Arabia.

Model results for Saudi Arabia shed light on the commercial feasibility of shale gas development in the country, along with operational constraints and limitations. While broad findings apply to the Middle East as a whole, country-specific modeling reveals specific operational issues that must be addressed in the course of development of unconventional resources in the region.
Real-Time Use of Microseismic Monitoring for Horizontal Completion Optimization Across a Major Fault in the Eagle Ford Formation
Authors: Zakhour Nancy , Sunwall Mark , Benavidez Raul , Hogarth Leah , Xu Jian
Published: January 2015

Introduction

The Eagle Ford Shale is upper cretaceous hydrocarbon-bearing marl that is currently being aggressively developed over a 15,000 square mile, 26 county area in south Texas. It varies in thickness from 50 to 300 feet and is productive at depths ranging from 5,000 to 14,000 feet subsea. The Eagle Ford formation is bounded at the base by the lower Cretaceous Buda Limestone and overlain by the Austin Chalk. It has relatively low total clay content and a calcite volume greater than 50% making it a more brittle rock favourable for hydraulic fracturing operations. The highly laminated, impermeable and anisotropic nature of the reservoir requires increasingly sophisticated completion designs. In addition, the high per acre valuation has pushed operators to optimize the location and spacing of development wells within their leasehold, in order to maximize the ultimate production of reserves, resulting in the necessity to drill wells across major fault zones.

An E&P company drilled two horizontal laterals in the gas/condensate window of the Eagle Ford shale trend in Karnes County, Texas. The respective Wells A and B consist of two parallel, toe-down laterals drilled approximately 330 feet apart (Fig. 1). The main challenge associated with the wells was drilling and completing the laterals across a major fault zone while targeting a fairly narrow vertical interval within the lower Eagle Ford formation. In fact, the downthrown portion of the Well B lateral drifted into the Buda limestone for about 80 feet (Fig. 1), highlighting the validity of this concern.

Microseismic monitoring provided the opportunity to identify fault interaction in real-time and analyse the mechanisms of interaction after the job. The integration of treatment data with the microseismic results proved essential for the analysis in both real-time and post-job.
Two‐Level Multivariable Control System of Dissolved Oxygen Tracking and Aeration System for Activated Sludge Processes
Authors: Piotrowski Robert
Published: January 2015

The problem of tracking dissolved oxygen is one of the most complex and fundamental issues related to biological processes. The dissolved oxygen level in aerobic tanks has a significant influence on the behavior and activity of microorganisms. Aerated tanks are supplied with air from an aeration system (blowers, pipes, throttling valves, and diffusers). It is a complex, dynamic system governed by nonlinear hybrid dynamics. Control of the aeration system is also difficult in terms of control of the dissolved oxygen. In this article, a two‐level multivariable control system for tracking dissolved oxygen and controlling an aeration system is designed. A nonlinear model predictive control algorithm was applied to design controllers for each level. This overall hierarchical control system was validated by simulation based on real data records provided by a water resource recovery facility located in Kartuzy, Northern Poland. The effect of control system parameters and disturbances was also investigated.
Sein und „Als“. Notizen zu einer denkfigur in Heideggers werk
Authors: Kaminski Andreas
Published: January 2015

Formulierungen, welche die ?Als-Struktur? pointieren, finden sich in
Heideggers Texten wiederholt. Sie fungieren wie ein Faden, der nur zuweilen
an die Oberfl?che gelangt, das Werk jedoch insgesamt durchzieht und es
gleichsam in einem systematischen Zusammenhang h?lt. Ob in Sein und Zeit, in
Die Frage nach der Technik oder im Der Ursprung des Kunstwerks - wiederholt
verwendet Heidegger Formulierungen, welche die ?Als-Struktur? betonen. Eher
selten expliziert er jedoch ihre Bedeutung; ihre systematische Funktion
bleibt unausgesprochen. Die Absicht des Beitrags ist, diese wiederkehrende
Denkfigur zu identifizieren sowie ihre Bedeutung und ihren Bedeutungswandel
nachzuzeichnen.
Dilthey und die Hermeneutik. Überlegungen zu einem spannungsgeladenen Verhältnis
Authors: Trostel Ildikу
Published: January 2015

Diltheys Denken wird seit der zweiten H?lfte des 20. Jahrhunderts aus einer
hermeneutischen, durch Gadamer bestimmten Perspektive beurteilt. Dilthey am
Ma?stab der Hermeneutik zu messen bedeutet aber, seine grundlegend
handlungstheoretische Einstellung auszublenden. Denn die ?innere Erfahrung?,
auf die bei der erkenntnistheoretischen Grundlegung der Geisteswissenschaften
zur?ckgegangen wird, hat die Struktur von Handlung. Sie wird von Dilthey als
?Zweckzusammenhang? bzw. auf einen Zweck gerichteter Funktionszusammenhang
beschrieben, schlie?lich geht es dem Menschen schon auf der biologischen
Ebene darum, triebhaft gesteuerte Bed?rfnisse durch entsprechende Handlungen
zu befriedigen. Das Erlebnis des zweckgerichteten psychischen Zusammenhangs
gibt uns das Muster f?r das Verst?ndnis der Welt vor. ?Verstehen? wird dem
entsprechend von Dilthey als ?Nacherleben? konzipiert. Naturalismus und
Hermeneutik werden in diesem Konzept einander angen?hert.
Philosophy and war: Hegel’s therapeutic movement of the spirit
Authors: Jovanov Rastko
Published: January 2015

In addition to Axel Honneth?s thesis on the therapeutic function of the
concept of ethical life in Hegel?s philosophy, I want to underline two
moments which, to my mind, show Hegel?s views on the therapeutic dimension of
both philosophy and the war against the pathology of civil society more
clearly. In this context, (a) philosophy performs a corrective function by
fostering the individual?s virtue conceived as an ethical duty of care both
for oneself and for others. The main aim of Hegel?s practical philosophy is
hence to return the individual from abstract subjective concepts to his
concrete everyday intersubjective practices, and to show him the way to
understand himself and the social world as originally related to each other;
(b) one of the main problems for the moral development of individuals
consists in their propensity to perceive the good in particularist and
selfish terms: in this context events such as natural disasters or wars can
be seen as performing a therapeutic function by teaching individuals to view
the good in more principled and general terms.
Well-being, capabilities and philosophical practice
Authors: Bulatovic Aleksandra
Published: January 2015

The concept of well being has become the main criterion to assess quality of
life in contemporary society. Individual well-being describes the individual
quality of life, while social well-being refers to quality of life in a
society. Given that well-being has a multitude of dimensions, a unique
definition of it is elusive to scholars. In this article social well-being is
conceptualised as a dynamic process within the context set by social
integration as one?s relationship to society and the community. This includes
the quality of interaction between the individual and society and one?s
?social actualisation? understood as the realisation of one?s social
capacities. Social actualisation also involves one?s ability to influence
social processes and to benefit from social cohesion, which consists, in any
society, of the quality, organisation and functioning of the social world.
Hence the ability to impact society is an integral part of individual well
being. This paper suggests that philosophical practice as a new paradigm in
the humanities holds out promise for the improvement of both individual and
social well-being.
Social discord as the foundation of republicanism in Machiavelli’s thought
Authors: Matic Ivan
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of social discord,
based on the analysis of early chapters of Niccolo Machiavelli?s Discourses
on Livy. I argue that, by deriving a broader philosophical concept from
Machiavelli?s peculiar position that strife between the plebs and the senate
made the Roman republic free and powerful (Machiavelli 1998: 16), we can
greatly enhance our understanding of not only some of the more original and
controversial positions within the Florentine theorist?s magnum opus, but
also of his thought in general. Furthermore, by analyzing crucial moments
within Machiavelli?s observation of the rise and fall of the Roman republic
through the lens of social discord, I argue that the concept can be
established as the foundation of his understanding of republicanism, while
contesting his designation of the people as the guardians of liberty.
Finally, I contrast the concept of social discord with that of social
conflict - a subtle and seemingly negligible distinction that can, in my
understanding of Machiavelli?s thought, nonetheless mean the difference
between a republic?s development and prosperity and its untimely downfall.
Patriotism and cosmopolitanism in intellectual discourse: Pescanik and Nova srpska politicka misao
Authors: Petrovic-Trifunovic Tamara , Spasic Ivana
Published: January 2015

Rather than being just abstract notions scholars write about, patriotism and
cosmopolitanism are used by social actors in ongoing social life. Whether
employed to name ?us? and exalt the values of one?s own group, or to name
?them? and stigmatize what the opponents stand for, the two terms have long
served as potent discursive weapons in the struggle for various kinds of
power in Serbia. While they retain some significance to this day, the peak of
their intensive and consequential employment in public discourse occurred
between 2005 and 2010. In this paper we aim to reconstruct the symbolic
battles over the foundations of Serbian political community, based on
critical discourse analysis of the discursive material produced by
intellectuals and made public via Pescanik and Nova srpska politicka misao
media outlets.
Frequency and quality of root canal fillings in an adult Serbian population
Authors: Ilic Jugoslav , Vujaskovic Mirjana , Tihacek-Sojic Ljiljana , Milic-Lemic Aleksandra
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Estimation of frequency and quality of root canal fillings is
the way to evaluate endodontic treatment needs and success/failure rates of
performed endodontic procedures. Objective. The aim of this study was to
determine the frequency and quality of root canal fillings and the frequency
of apical periodontitis on endodontically treated teeth in a group of adult
patients from Serbia. Methods. In order to analyze the presence and quality
of root canal fillings and the frequency of periapical radiolucencies on
endodontically treated teeth, 3526 teeth were examined on orthopantomograms
of 153 adult patients. Results. Overall, 12.5% of examined teeth were root
filled, and 51.8% of them had radiographic signs of apical periodontitis.
The analysis of root fillings quality revealed the presence of more
inadequate ones (55.9%). The frequency of apical periodontitis was
significantly higher in teeth with inadequate than in those having adequate
root canal obturation (72.2% and 25.9%, respectively). Conclusion. The
frequency of apical periodontitis on root-filled teeth in this group of
patients was high, indicating a low success rate of performed endodotic
procedures and high endodontic retreatment needs.
Eugenol-based temporary luting cement possesses antioxidative properties
Authors: Ilic Dragan , Obradovic-Djuricic Kosovka , Antonijevic Djordje , Todorovic Tatjana
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Antioxidants protect against reactive oxygen species and expose
beneficial anti-inflammatory activity when in contact with biological
tissues. Dental materials that are used as temporary luting on fixed dental
restorations are often in contact with injured gingival tissue, hence they
should contain anti-inflammatory characteristics that are essential after
prosthetic procedures preceding cementation of final restauration. Objective.
The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effect through the
oxidation inhibition (OI) of mixed dental cement for temporary luting or
their liquid component. Methods. Eight study groups were prepared each by ten
samples: 1) ex tempore preparation of zinc-oxide eugenol paste (Kariofil Z
Galenika, Serbia), 2) Viko Temp paste (Galenika, Serbia), 3) Temp Bond NE
paste (Kerr, Germany), 4) ScutaBond (ESPE, Germany), 5) Cp-CAP paste
(Germany, Lege Artis) and oil component of 6) Kariofil Z, 7) Viko Temp and 8)
Cp-CAP. The samples were subjected to spectrophotometer to measure OI
2,2?-azino-di-(3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) using Randox
kit, United Kingdom. The control samples were pure ascorbic acid (1% w/v).
Results. High values of OI exposed materials (groups 1, 5, 6, 7, 8) with
content of eugenol (or its derivates) in the range of 100-88.8% were
statistically more significant than the values of non-eugenol substances
(groups 2, 3, 4) with the range of 8.2-43.5%. Conclusion. Eugenol containing
temporary fixation materials show significant antioxidative properties and
therefore they may be used in those clinical situations where surrounding
gingival tissue is injured during restorative procedure.
Parapneumonic effusions: Features, diagnostics and treatment options
Authors: Djuric Mirna , Djuric Dejan , Culibrk Tamara , Povazan Djordje
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Parapneumonic effusions, as a complication of inflammatory
processes in the lungs, usually have a good course, but they sometimes
progress into pulmonary empyema, thus becoming a significant clinical
problem. Objective. To review clinical and radiological features, as well as
diagnostic and therapeutic options in parapneumonic effusions. Methods. The
analysis included 130 patients with parapneumonic effusions hospitalized at
the General Pulmonology Clinic of the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of
Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica during 2013. Results. Of 385 patients with
pneumonia, 130 (33.8%) had parapneumonic effusion, 78 (60.0%) of whom were
males. Most patients (36l; 27.7%) were 60-69 years of age. The most common
symptoms included fever (92; 70.8%) and cough (91; 70.0%). Hypertension was
the most common comorbidity registered in 81 (62.3%) patients, and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease present in 33 (25.4%) patients. Pleural
puncture was performed in 62 (47.7%) patients. Macroscopically, effusion was
clear in most cases (31; 50.0%), and cytologically the mixed type was most
frequently established (26; 41.9%). Bronchoscopy was performed in 52 (40.0%)
patients, and video-assisted thoracoscopy in 9 (6.9%) patients. Empyema signs
were registered in 13 (10.0%) patients; in all a thoracic drainage with
administration of intrapleural streptokinase was performed. Conclusion.
Patients with a parapneumonic effusion have the symptoms of acute respiratory
infection and frequent concomitant diseases. Further diagnostic and
therapeutic treatment depends on pleural fluid features and chest CT finding.
Retinal detachment in the eye with the choroidal coloboma
Authors: Vukovic Dragan , Petrovic-Pajic Sanja , Paovic Predrag
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Choroidal coloboma is a congenital defect caused by an
inadequate closure of embryonic fissure. About 40% of the eyes with the
choroidal coloboma (CHC) develop the retinal detachment (RD). It is extremely
difficult to manage these cases due to the lack of pigmentation at the site
of choroidal coloboma. Outline of Cases. This is a case series of five
patients with CHC and RD who were successfully operated using one of two
different surgical techniques: pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) + silicone oil
internal tamponade and/or scleral buckle with encircling band with laser
photocoagulation (SB+EB+LPC) around the coloboma. The purpose of this paper
is to present how to successfully handle patients with CHC, who have
concurrent retinal detachment in the same eye and to compare two different
techniques and indications for the predominant use of one of them in a
specific case. Conclusion. Both surgical techniques can be applied with equal
success in the operation of retinal detachment in eyes with the chorioidal
coloboma. Which one will be used depends only of the posterior segment of eye
findings. We use scleral buckling in cases with RD accompanied by CHC when
the peripheral break is evident and there are no breaks in the coloboma
itself. We also perform, 2-3 days after surgery, laser burns around the
coloboma, which is our modification of this technique. In all other cases it
is indicated to perform PPV+silicon oil internal tamponade.
Low estriol levels in the maternal marker screen as a predictor of X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita: Case report
Authors: Durkovic Jasmina , Milenkovic Tatjana , Krone Nils , Parajes Silvia , Mandic Bojana
Published: January 2015

Introduction. X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) is a rare cause of
adrenocortical insufficiency. Early postnatal diagnosis may prevent severe
hypoglycemia, Addisonian crises and death. Low maternal estriol (E3) levels
in the second trimester of pregnancy could indicate the possibility that the
fetus suffers from a disorder that causes adrenal insufficiency. Suspicion
is based on the fact that E3 originates from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
synthesized in the fetal adrenals. In case of adrenal insufficiency, the
impaired production of fetal DHEA leads to a subsequent reduction of E3
concentrations in maternal serum. There are only a few reports of AHC
suspected prenatally due to low maternal E3 levels. Case Outline. We
describe two brothers with adrenal insufficiency due to AHC. The older
brother was admitted to the hospital at the age of 33 days due to failure to
thrive, vomiting, and dehydration. Genetic analysis revealed a hemizygous
mutation in DAX-1 gene, thus confirming the diagnosis of ACH. The same
mutation was detected in his mother. In the second pregnancy, E3
concentrations were determined from maternal serum. Estriol levels during
the second trimester were extremely low suggesting the diagnosis of AHC. The
diagnosis was confirmed during the neonatal period by genetic testing, and
replacement therapy was started at the age of 10 days. This boy never
experienced an adverse episode such as hypoglycemia or adrenal crises.
Conclusion. Since determination of E3 is a simple, sensitive, noninvasive
and cheap method, its use as an obligatory prenatal screening test should be
accepted as a standard practice in Serbia.
Oligomeganephronia: Case report and literature review
Authors: Yang Xiang-Dong , Shi Weiwei , Li Dengren , Peng Tao
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Oligomeganephronia (OMN) is one of rare congenital kidney
disease. The number of nephrons reduces and the volume of glomerulus
increases. The incidence of OMN is uncertain because it is difficult to
diagnose. There are no any special clinical manifestations of OMN. Renal
pathology is the only way to diagnose OMN, so missed diagnosis always happens
without renal pathology. Case Outline. A 26-year-old male was diagnosed OMN
associated with proteinuria and increased serum creatinine. The size of both
kidneys on ultrasound was smaller than normal. Pathological features involved
a reduced number of greatly enlarged glomeruli indicating OMN. Conclusion.
OMN is a rare disease and it has been rarely reported. The exact mechanism is
not clear. The diagnosis mainly depends on pathological findings. For
patients with OMN, proteinuria and renal dysfunction are often the main cause
to visit a doctor. Early diagnosis is important.
Inflammatory mechanisms in nasal polyposis
Authors: Peric Aleksandar , Vojvodic Danilo
Published: January 2015

Nasal polyposis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal and paranasal
sinuses mucosa, characterized by prolaps of edematous mucosa, most commonly
from the area of anterior ethmoid. The mean histological characteristics are
proliferation of pseudostratified respiratory epithelium, thickening of the
basement membrane, focal fibrosis and eosinophilic and lymphocytic
infiltration of the lamina propria. Although etiology is unknown, two
hypotheses are dominant among the scientists: ?hypothesis of staphylococcal
superantigens? and ?hypothesis of immune barrier dysfunction?. Although we
have not yet achieved a full understanding of the precise mechanisms
underlying the pathogenesis of this disease, it is known that nasal polyposis
is associated with intensive chronic inflammation, followed by dysregulation
of chemotaxis, migration, activation and function of eosinophils. A great
number of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules are involved in the
regulation of these complex mechanisms. After activation, eosinophils produce
and release enzymes, which can lead to the damage of mucosa and tissue
remodeling. Hyperactive eosinophils release a new amount of chemokines and
cytokines, attracting new eosinophils into the site of inflammation, and may
cause the persistence of chronic inflammation.
The renin-angiotensin system and its blockers
Authors: Igic Rajko , Skrbic Ranko
Published: January 2015

Research on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has contributed significantly
to advances in understanding cardiovascular and renal homeostasis and to the
treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This review offers a brief history of
the RAS with an overview of its major components and their functions, as well
as blockers of the RAS, their clinical usage and current research that
targets various components of the RAS. Because angiotensin-converting enzyme
(ACE) metabolizes two biologically active peptides, one in the
kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) and one in the RAS, it is the essential
connection between the two systems. ACE releases very powerful hypertensive
agent, angiotensin II and also inactivates strong hypotensive peptide,
bradykinin. Inhibition of ACE thus has a dual effect, resulting in decreased
angiotensin II and increased bradykinin. We described the KKS as well.
Erbium - doped fiber laser systems: Routes to chaos
Authors: Rubezic Vesna , Jovanovic Ana
Published: January 2015

Erbium-doped fiber laser systems exhibit a large variety of complex dynamical
behaviors, bifurcations and attractors. In this paper, the chaotic behavior
which can be achieved under certain conditions in a laser system with
erbium-doped fiber, is discussed. The chaos in this system occurs through
several standard scenarios. In this paper, the simulation sequence of
quasiperiodic, intermittent and period-doubling scenario transitions to chaos
is shown. Quasiperiodic and intermittent transitions to chaos are shown on
the example system with a single ring. The electro-optical modulator was
applied to the system for modulating the loss in the cavity. We used the
sinusoidal and rectangular signals for modulation. Generation of chaos is
achieved by changing the parameters of signal for modulation. Period-doubling
transition to chaos is illustrated in a system with two rings. Simulation
results are shown in the time domain and phase space.
Application of hybrid boundary element method: Example of semishperical ground inhomogeneity
Authors: Cvetkovic Nenad , Ilic Sasa , Vuckovic Dragan , Jovanovic Dejan , Krstic Dejan
Published: January 2015

One new, so-called hybrid boundary element method (HBEM) is presented in this
paper. It is a recently proposed numerical method for stationary and
quasi-stationary EM field analysis. The method application is illustrated on
the example of solving the problem of modelling hemispherical ground
inhomogeneity influence on grounding system. The applied procedure also
includes using of quasi-stationary image-theory. The obtained results are
compared with those ones based on using the Green?s function for the point
source inside semi-spherical inhomogeneities as well as with the results
obtained by applying COMSOL program package.
Magnetic field of rectangular current loop with sides parallel and perpendicular to the surface of high-permeability material
Authors: Juhas Anamarija , Pekaric-Nadj Neda , Toepfer Hannes
Published: January 2015

In this paper, method of current images is used to calculate magnetic field
of a rectangular loop in presence of high-permeability material. We provide
closed form description for the images of the current loop placed between two
semi-infinite blocks of high-permeability material, in the cases when the
plane of the loop is parallel or perpendicular to the surfaces of blocks. A
case study of using the method of images to calculate magnetic field of
rectangular loop inside cube made of high-permeability material is also
provided.
Social status of motherhood with special reference to Serbia today
Authors: Sekulic Nada
Published: January 2015

The paper deals with the problem of the theoretical exploration of maternity
and motherhood as a feminist political idea and includes the overview of the
social practices and methods aimed at strengthening maternity and parenting
in modern states, emphasizing the issue of the political support and social
status of motherhood in Serbia today. The general trend in current changes is
the separation of the population policy from the social policy of family
planning, and deterioration of the social status of parenthood and
motherhood, while the formal legal framework and ideas for improving the
gender equality has been nominally improved, which contributes to their
impracticability. Recent changes and adoption of new laws dealing with family
and parenthood are fully adapted to the neoliberal transformation of Serbia,
within which the social position of women is getting worse. In response,
nationalist and patriarchal family policy are reinforced in the broader
society. The article highlights the importance of examining women?s
experiences and needs of women related to their reproduction and maternity,
as a necessary starting point for developing appropriate policies in the
wider society.
Transition from marrage into parenthood: Discourses and practice - dyadic perspective
Authors: Bobic Mirjana , Stanojevic Milena
Published: January 2015

This paper stems from grounded theory applied on evidence gathered together
by interviews and observations of 30 couples (60 men and women) from
Belgrade. The field research has been a part of a wider one named Policy of
Parenthood, carried out in 2013/14, by the Institute for sociological
research of the Faculty of Philosophy. We deployed methodological
individualism, aimed at conceptualizing various behavioral patterns of
couples undergoing major transition from marriage into parenthood. We first
undertook in depth analysis of all couples, who represented a variety of
coping strategies throughout three main phases: before childbirth
(preparatory phase), childbearing (central phase) and aftermath
(reconstitution of a group). We have then selected three couples, which
identify specific modes of ?crisis management? following family
transformation. Couples were given specific labels conveying clear meanings
as of their prevalent behavioral styles: the first one - ?intelligentsia?,
the second one - very proactive, ?strategists? and finally - ?defeatists?. In
this paper, unlike vast majority of domestic qualitative researches and case
studies, the three couples were analyzed as a whole, thus gradually and
integrally disclosing their life phases and social biographical context. The
prior insight into the overall evidence enabled us to construct semantic
units (nodes) and subordinated codes, latter ones covering concrete meanings
conveyed by couples (dimensions). Interpretation of each and every couple is
followed by a comparative discussion of (dis)similarities of their
sentiments, behaviors and action potentials. Our main idea was to demonstrate
as to what extent individuals and couples critically reflect upon themselves,
their partnership, and life course; what is their reference toward current
and future state of affairs. We also investigated whether they clearly pose
any specific prospective goal in terms of personal and social advancement and
if so, which strategy do they intend to enact. Our research was also
undertaken with the goal to assess ability of a couple to establish a control
over itself and social settings along with the social stress. We deemed it as
a way partners and individuals dispose their personal capacity for change,
i.e. active social integration in ever changing environment, which is,
supposedly, belated but necessary individual strategy for globally running
second modernization.
Positioning the experience of motherhood within the social network of family relationships
Authors: Jaric Isidora
Published: January 2015

The experience of motherhood is, in a symbolic sense, one of the most
important women?s experiences closely associated with constructs emphasized
femininity (Connell, 1987). It is a social experience that incorporates
internal ambivalence. On the one hand it is one of the most intimate
experiences through which women discover new frontiers of the relations with
themselves and their own bodies. On the other hand it is a social construct
through which different power relations that exist within the society and
culture they belong to refract, and reshape their relations with others.
This paper attempts to reconstruct how women of different ages, education
and social background in their narratives conceptualize their own social
experiences related to motherhood, strategies of adjustments and changes
that these experiences produce related to their position within the social
network of family relationships. On the basis of the collected empirical
data within project Politics of Parenthood of Institute for Sociological
Research (Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade) the paper
reconstructs two basic types of adjustment strategies which women use in
order to find a balance between their own construct of motherhood, and its
own related identity positions, on the one hand, and frustrated and
disempowered (wider and narrower) referent social contexts. These strategies
are: (a) strategy of conforming or mimicry, which is being implemented in
two possible ways through: full acceptance of the ideological and normative
positions that dominate within the referent family network, and the practice
of self-sacrificing micro-matriarchy (Blagojevic, 1997); and (b) strategy of
active confrontation, which is also being implemented in two different ways
through: indirect confrontation (distancing strategies), and / or direct
confrontation.
Woman as a subject of childbirth: Physical, technological and institutional aspects
Authors: Stankovic Biljana
Published: January 2015

Childbirth represents a specific meeting point between nature and culture: it
is a biological event in which the main actors are social beings, a natural
process which has been given a special cultural status through the process of
scientific-technological translation. The complex nature of childbirth also
raises twofold challenge to woman in labour. On the one hand, the flow of
dramatic bodily changes that is mostly beyond her control represents a threat
to her embodied subjectivity. On the other hand, the fact that labour is
turned into an object of medical knowledge, practices and techniques in
contemporary society usually implies its reduction to medically guided
physiological process that does not rely on women?s subjective involvement in
any relevant way. This brings up the question of whether a woman manages to
be the subject of a process that is happening to her and that is primarily
technologically mediated and externally regulated? I will think of the birth
experience as a complex process which relies on the interaction between the
constantly changing embodied experience and medical knowledge and techniques
that woman is subjected to. Based on the analysis of the birth narratives,
I?ll try to follow the flow of this experience and numerous changes that
women as subject is going through in local obstetrical context which bears a
number of institutional specificities.
Parenting and institutions in Serbia: Case study of day care services in primary school
Authors: Jaric Isidora
Published: January 2015

The text analyzes the existing day care service in primary schools from the
perspective of parents as social actors. In contemporary Serbian society,
parents are exposed to different social pressures arising from their
different structural positions. The analysis tries to reconstruct: (a) the
reasons why parents opt for this service, instead of other as institutional
support for their own project of parenting, (b) the way in which they
perceive this service (in the sense of satisfaction) and (c) how they would
like that this service be organized in the future, and (d) whether certain
specific parents? structural characteristics influence that. Contrary to the
research presumptions analysis showed that gender is not distinctive
variable, in contrast to the education and place of residence of parents.
Families in Serbia as a factor of regional economic development
Authors: Sokolovska Valentina , Bilinovic Ana
Published: January 2015

This paper broadly analyzes the nature of the impact of family types on the
(regional) economic development. Results of the research of these issue at
the level of regions in Europe have pointed to the relevance of the ?family
perspective? for the study of differential economic development, which opens
the way for consideration of this issue at the level of regions in Serbia. In
order to test the impact of family types on regional economic development in
Serbia we have collected and analyzed data on average household size, family
composition of households, types of families, the average number of household
members, educational attainment measured by the proportion of the population
with basic and higher education, the overall share of employees in the
workforce, data on employment of women, as well as data on gross domestic
product. The above demographic and socio-economic data are collected based on
data from the 2011. census, and are represented at the level of four regions
of Serbia (Belgrade region, the region of Vojvodina, Sumadija and Western
Serbia, the region of Eastern and Southern Serbia). The research was largely
done based on theoretical and methodological foundation used to investigate
the impact of family types on regional socio-economic development of Europe,
with extensive use of Emmanuel Todd descriptions of family types. The results
suggest that although many factors exogenous to family structure seem likely
to cause major economic changes, family structure itself may be a key
determinant in adapting such changes.
Design of a broadband high-efficiency two-port beam subwavelength grating splitter by modal method
Authors: Chen Lianna , Jing Xufeng , Tian Ying , Jin Shangzhong , Yang Kai , Wang Le
Published: January 2015

On the basis of the comparison of diffraction efficiencies calculated by the simplified modal method to exact results predicted from rigorous coupled-wave analysis, the accuracy of modal method for subwavelength triangular-groove gratings is evaluated. It is revealed that a larger error exists in smaller grating period and lower groove depth. To enhance the validity of simplified modal method, we consider the reflection loss of propagating grating modes by using the optical thin film theory. Then, we design a highly efficient transmission two-port beam splitter grating with subwavelength triangular-grooves by using the enhanced simplified modal method. The physical mechanism of the designed grating splitter with a high transmitted performance over a broad spectrum and a wide angular spectrum can be explained by using the modal method with consideration of accumulated average phase difference of two excited propagating grating modes. Obviously, the designed splitter with triangular-grooves has higher transmitted diffraction efficiency and more broadband property than that with general rectangular ones. The broadband highly efficient transmission characteristic can be attributed to gradient effective index from air-grating interface to grating-substrate interface.
Women in Local Politics in Russia: Coping with Poverty and Strategies for Development
Authors: Sätre Ann-Mari
Published: January 2015

In historical continuation from the Soviet Union, social policy is predominantly a female responsibility. The present article focuses on women in local politics, who have an important role in local change, and who; among others, cope with poverty and try to solve reasons and consequences of poverty. Based on interviews and observations, the article shows how women’s entrepreneurial skills of handling various shortcomings in the Soviet system are reflected in their present strategies for social development in local contexts in Russia. While the state leadership decides about reforms, setting new formal rules, local politicians develop their own routines and strategies. Being responsible for organising social welfare, interviewed female politicians told about how they use different strategies. This means that adopted practices are likely to be more heterogeneous than before. It seems important to both rely on useful norms inherited from the Soviet time, while also developing strategies based on new possibilities, arising as a result of reforms. The empirical data is based on interviews from three minor communities in one Russian region, conducted in 2002 to 2012.
Rural Youth in Russia: Their Status and Prospects for Development
Authors: Mukhanova Maria N.
Published: January 2015

This article analysed the place of rural youth in the socio-structural processes taking place in the Russian countryside, using the findings of Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey of the population’s economic condition and health (RLMSHSU); conducted between 1994 and 2011, and of the Integrated Survey of the Living Conditions of the Population carried out in all 86 Russian regions in 2011. Rural youth (15 to 30 year-olds) are the first generation socialized in the period of cardinal institutional changes and market economy formation. They make up a great part of the rural population. This investigation showed that; in spite of the rise in the educational level, the share of the unemployed and occupied in the informal sector of the economy is great in the rural youth employment structure, which leads to the growth of poverty and migration. The material and financial status of young countrymen’s households and rural youth’s marital behaviour were also examined.
Residents’ Attitudes and Perception towards Tourism Development: A Case Study of Rural Tourism in Dragacevo, Serbia
Authors: Blešić Ivana , Pivac Tatjana , Besermenji Snežana , Ivkov-Džigurski Andjelija , Košić Kristina
Published: January 2015

This research examined the residents’ profile, attitudes, and perception towards tourism development based on 176 respondents interviewed. Residents’ attitudes toward tourism were measured by adapting 24 items from the Tourism Impact Attitude Scale developed by Lankford and Howard (1994). This study aimed at identifying the relationships between residents’ socio-economic and demographic attributes and their attitudes toward tourism by focusing on villages where tourism is in the development stage.
Everyday activity of rural employees in Siberia
Authors: Artemov Viktor , Novokhatskaya Olga
Published: January 2015

The article presents the results of the fifth bi-seasonal survey conducted in 2004- 2005 within the framework of the longitudinal study of the time use, everyday activity and living conditions of the rural population. The study is conducted on a sample group of villages representative of the south of Siberia in rather different historical periods. The emphasis is made on changes that have taken place in the rural everyday life and on the use of time during the last two decades; in particular, in the beginning of the new century. It presents the results of the analysis of the time budgets of working women and working men and their answers to questions concerning the facts of reality, their assessments and values. In the early 2000s the working time of men increased, while their time spent on private plot production and housework decreased. Similar situation was observed in the case of women; however, the time spent on household production increased. More pronounced changes were observed among agricultural workers, especially men (increasing working time and decreasing time of housework, sleep and leisure). On the whole, there was a noticeable redistribution of time between work in the house and household production and work in the agricultural enterprise being the source of the material well-being of the rural family. The male-female difference in the total work load and leisure time has decreased.
The influence of the aspheric profiles for transition zone on optical performance of human eye after conventional ablation
Authors: Fang L.
Published: January 2015

The analysis in the impact of transition zone on the optical performance of human eye after laser refractive surgery is important for improving visual correction technology. By designing the ablation profiles of aspheric transition zone and creating the ablation profile for conventional refractive surgery in optical zone, the influence of aspheric transition zone on residual aberrations was studied. The results indicated that the ablation profiles of transition zone had a significant influence on the residual wavefront aberrations. For a hyperopia correction, the profile #9 shows a larger induced coma and spherical aberration when the translation of the centre of pupil remains constant. However, for a myopia astigmatism correction, the induced coma and spherical aberration in profile #1 shows relatively larger RMS values than those in other profiles. Therefore, the residual higher order aberrations may be decreased by optimizing ablation profiles of transition zone, but they cannot be eliminated. In order to achieve the best visual performance, the design of ablation pattern of transition zone played a crucial role.
Directionality of the Associations of High School Expectancy-Value, Aspirations, and Attainment
Authors: Guo Jiesi , Marsh Herbert W. , Morin Alexandre J. S. , Parker Philip D. , Kaur Gurvinder
Published: January 2015

(This study examines the directionality of the associations among cognitive assets (IQ, academic achievement), motivational beliefs (academic self-concept, task values), and educational and occupational aspirations over time from late adolescence (Grade 10) into early adulthood (5 years post high school). Participants were from a nationally representative sample of U.S. boys N = 2,213). The results suggest that (a) self-concept and intrinsic value have reciprocal effects with academic achievement and predict educational attainment, (b) self-concept is consistently found to predict occupational aspirations, (c) the associations between achievement and aspirations are partially mediated by motivational beliefs, and (d) academic self-concept in high school had stronger long-term indirect effects on future occupational aspirations and educational attainment than task values and IQ.
Marooned Plants: Vernacular Naming Practices in the Mascarene Islands
Authors: Kull Christian A. , Alpers Edward A. , Tassin Jacques
Published: January 2015

This article explores possible histories of plant exchanges and plant naming tied to the slave trade between East Africa, Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands. The subsequent '
marronnage
' of slaves on these islands – their escape from captivity, sometimes to live in mountain hideouts – continues to inspire cultural references. Inspired by the use of the adjective '
marron/marronne
' for a number of plants on Reunion Island, we compile evidence of plant exchanges and plant naming from ecological records, historical accounts and the use of descriptive, emotive or symbolic vernacular names as clues for deepening our knowledge of historical societies and environments. The evidence from the Mascarenes opens a window into the role of the African diaspora in plant introduction, diffusion, domestication and cultivation. We document that maroons relied on a variety of wild, escaped and cultivated plants for their subsistence. We also highlight the role of
marronnage
in the popular and literary imaginary, with the result that many plants are named '
marron/marrone
' in a metaphorical sense. Finally, we identify a few plants that may have been transported, cultivated, or encouraged in one way or another by maroons. Along the way, we reflect on the pitfalls and opportunities of such interdisciplinary work.
How Africans and Their Descendants Participated in Establishing Open-Range Cattle Ranching in the Americas
Authors: Sluyter Andrew
Published: January 2015

Following the introduction of cattle into the Caribbean in 1493, open-range ranching proliferated in a series of frontiers across the grasslands of the Americas through the nineteenth century, establishing novel social and environmental relations with consequences that persist to the present. While historians have recognised that Africans and Afro-descendants were involved in the establishment of those ranching frontiers, the emphasis has been on their labour rather than creative participation. Now material culture and other primary sources that complement archival documents have begun to reveal a fuller understanding of their roles. Two case studies illustrate how such complementary types of evidence reveal that African and Afro-descended herders took active roles in the processes of innovation regarding use of the lasso from horseback in North America and water-lifting technology in South America. Such contributions were critical to the expansion of open-range cattle throughout the Americas and consequent environmental transformations.