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The article presents information about a view from Eastern Europe on the International Sociological Association Cooperation that was organized from September 26-30, 1989 in Moscow. This was an important and unusual conference, held at a significant place and time. The conference seemed to have several levels-which nowadays is true of all conferences-but in Moscow, Autumn 1989, this feeling was unusually strong. Traditional academic sessions focusing on papers and discussions were penetrated by processes of the perestroika itself, expressed in informal talks with Russian sociologists, as well as with members of political clubs, planners, architects, workers in new research institutions and new co-operatives. Quietness was not a feature of this conference and the usual tension caused by the large number of papers and lack of time was sharpened by an awareness of the urgency and seriousness of the problems facing Russian society. Some of these problems were expressed in the opening speeches of three representatives of Russian sociology and will be mentioned briefly below. The author had the impression that all three speakers were explicitly trying to establish keynote themes for the whole conference.

Information about several papers discussed at a conference to commemorate the birthday of professor Leonid Abramovich Gordon held in Russia is presented. The speakers and their papers reflected Gordon's broad worldview and the depth of his interests, as well as his multifaceted personality. The conference featured several colleagues of Gordon including academicians N. A. Simoniia and T. I. Zaslavskaia.

The paper summarizes the ninth annual conference of the Russian Library Association in May 2004. Included are the exhibits, several plenary addresses, the work of the Bibliography Section, and election results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about several papers discussed at a conference in memory of historian G. G. Diligenskii held in Russia is presented. The speakers and their papers talked about the results of 20 years of Russian reforms including the rise of civil society and of the party system. The conference featured various notable people including V. I. Borisiuk and I. M. Bunin.

Copyright of Politologija is the property of Vilnius University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Medunarodni Problemi is the property of Institute of International Politics & Economics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We argue that mass media is a mechanism of institutional evolution and identify three important effects media has on institutions. The ‘gradual effect’ involves media contributing to marginal changes in existing institutions. The ‘punctuation effect’ involves media catalyzing rapid institutional overhaul. The ‘reinforcement effect’ involves media contributing to the durability and sustainability of punctuated institutional equilibria. Our analysis identifies a paradoxical relationship between mass media and institutions wherein media both changes and reinforces existing institutions. This finding resolves a tension in the institutional literature that defines institutions by their durability but recognizes we observe (sometimes rapid and radical) institutional change. Case studies from the collapse of communism in Poland and Russia illustrate our argument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses student science societies and special-interest circles which are among the most venerable forms of corporate association among students in colleges and universities. The first such associations, the "Assembly of University Students for Exercises in Composition and Translation" and "Friendly Science Society," came into being at the University of Moscow, Russia. The author of this article relates how scientific and technical circles began to be widespread after the first Russian Revolution and attempts to examine the different work style characterizing the circles. College students in Russia have always been characterized by a certain amount of local patriotism, which is why quite a few were certain preparing themselves to fulfill noble missions for the good of their home.

A biography of Aleksandr Leonidovich Aseev, director at the Institute of Semiconductor Physics in Russia, is presented. He was born on September 24, 1964 in the town of Ulan Udé and entered at Physics Department of Novorsibirsk State University after graduating from the school town. He then worked at the Institute of Semiconductor Physics where he was promoted as director. During his tenure as director, his accomplishments include his activity that made the institute successful.

Information about several papers discussed at a conference sponsored by European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE), EurAsian Geophysical Society (EAGO) and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) on geosciences is presented. Topics include oil and gas operations, its challenges in different regions of Russia and the geological settings brought by modern technology. The conference was attended by 750 people from 31 countries which also represents 273 companies.

The article discusses the highlights of meeting of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) Working Group on the Value and Benefits of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) that was held in Moscow, Russia, in March 2010. The event was chaired by South African Auditor General Terence Nombembe, the objectives of which include finalizing the discussion paper of the group to be presented at the XX INCOSAI event in South Africa. The event also discussed the need to create a framework to promote and communicate the value of SAI.

Data on supplemental professional education in Russia indicate that in the future it will be increasingly provided by private companies and independent educational institutions rather than by state-funded organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Announces the fifth geoscience conference and competition involving young scientists slated in September 2005 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Associations participating in the event; Presentation of research papers on science, physics and engineering; Prizes for the competition.

Reports on the 15th scientific session of the Russian Acoustical Society held at the Institute of Applied Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences in Nizhni Novgorod. Fields of acoustics covered in the lectures, oral presentations and poster sessions.

The article reports on the growth of clinical research organizations (CRO) in Russia. According to Federal Service on Surveillance in Healthcare and Social Development of the Rusian Federation (RosZdravNadzor, RZN), from January 2004 to July 2007, 305 foreign companies initiated 1003 international multicenter clinical trials in Russia. It revealed that clinical research is no longer exotic to the country and as manifested by the rapid growth of CRO in the country.

Symbols play an important role in the politics of all societies, especially at times of regime change when the symbols of the former regime are subject to three types of process: co-optation, contestation, and disavowal. An important symbol in post-communist Russia has been the body of Vladimir Lenin and, in particular, debate over whether it should remain in the mausoleum where it currently lies or whether it should be buried. Public opinion poll data throw some light on this, and enable us to evaluate the role that Lenin's body plays in contemporary politics in terms of notions of identity, legitimation, chronology and morality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal for East European Management Studies is the property of Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Focuses on the integration of informal institutions and practices into the general political process. Difference between formal and informal institutions; Indications of an inclusive institution; Information on institutions that are related to the electoral way of elite recruitment in Russia; Ways to identify an institution that is not described and empowered by an official text; Problems of interaction between different institutions and practices.

Discusses the nature of relationship between the state and big business in Russia. Fortunes, of the Russian employers' association, the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs; Business-state relations in international, comparative perspective; Questions about Russia's long-term economic development prospects.

Presents information on the 12th Ordinary General Meeting of Societas Europaea Herpetologica which will be held in Saint Petersburg, Russia on August 12-16, 2003. Agenda of the business meeting; Minutes of the 2001 meeting.

The jubilee conference in honor of the 85th anniversary of the Russian Book Chamber (RBC) consisted of three parts: the 10th International Conference on Issues of Bibliology, a conference of the Association of Book Chambers, and a ceremonial session. The bibliology conference, the most important part, included discussion of such pressing problems as the decline of reading and book-buying in Russia, the difficulty of distributing books outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg, and the problems caused by lack of modern equipment in printing establishments. But progress has also been made, e.g., the RBC's establishment of a single information platform for all participants in the book trade. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article is about the creation, resuscitation and activity of the Russian Sociological Association in the context of the transformation of sociology brought about by the changes in its societal setting from 1916 till the end of the 20th century. The periodization used ('thaw', 'stagnation', 'perestroika' and 'transition period'), is the one recognized in the newest reading of Russian history, and is primarily based upon the degree of liberalism of government and freedom of speech. It shows that in the autocratic (Tsarist and later socialist) state there was no place for civil society organizations. The intelligentsia played the role of opposition, expressing its social and political concerns primarily in literary fiction and the arts. The sociological profession was a very ideological one, and the professional association had to control the presentations made by Soviet sociologists. After the collapse of the Communist regime, the imposed unity of the sociological community disintegrated. The gradual transition to civil society provides new opportunities for sociologists, and first of all opportunities for the conscious and scientifically grounded shaping of social processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interviews Apollon Davidson, head of the Center for African History of the Institute of General History in the Russian Academy of Sciences. Study of the history of ties between South Africa and Russia; Teaching of African history during the Soviet era; Major achievements of African studies in Russia; Effect of the Soviet Union's collapse on African studies.

Provides information on the Institute for the History of Science and Technology in Moscow, Soviet Union. Organizational structure of the institute; Details on the collaborators and researchers in the institute; Role of the Communist Party and the State Committee for Science and Technology in science research in the Soviet Union.

Analyzes the story of Vsesoyuzny Nauchno-Issledovatelsky Institut Teknicheskoy Estetki (VNIITE), the most important design institution in Russia from 1962 until the collapse of the Soviet empire. How the institution was founded; Departments of the VNIITE; Evolution of the VNIITE.

This article presents an empirical analysis on the development of organization structures in the economic reform in Russia. It is assumed that changes in industrial organization are determined by the behavior of individual enterprises. The three years of reform demonstrated that industrial enterprises are able to adapt to institutional transformations as well as to influence further changes in organizational structures. The possibilities of receiving financial assistance, additional valuable information and lobbying for enterprises' interests make associations attractive to for many firms.

Thirty years ago a special centre was created in the USSR by the government decision to centralise the collection and bibliographic control of all Soviet grey literature. The centre, now named the Scientific and Technical Information Centre of Russia (the Russian acronym -VNTIC) is responsible for the maintenance of the complete repository for scientific research and development reports and dissertations (candidate and doctoral). VNTIC carries out the dual function of both archiving and disseminating grey literature. A general outline of VNTIC activities is given and a brief description of VNTIC information products and services is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the implementation of the Yes I Can! project in Russia for students with disabilities. Contests for students with disabilities; Collaboration among organizations for the project; Benefits for students with disabilities.