scholarly journals AN INTRODUCTION TO THE THEORY OF ACTIVITY (To the memory of my dear friend Gregory Bedny)

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (3) ◽  
pp. 84-91
Author(s):  
Fred Voskoboynikov
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Activity Theory ◽  
Human Activity ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
General Activity ◽  
Independent Direction ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Military

In this paper we present a brief overview of general, applied and systemic-structural activity theories. Activity Theory (AT) was created in the former Soviet Union by three prominent scholars - Vygotsky, Leont'ev and Rubinshtein. General activity theory was first introduced by the Sergey Rubinshtein (1958). It was further developed in the works of Leont'ev (1977) and Vygotsky (1978). The development of AT was shaped by the practical demand of ergonomics, engineering psychology and education. The important requirement of psychological studies in the former Soviet Union was a possibility to utilize psychology for practical application and particularly in the study of human work and learning. Thus, the effect of practical application on AT is not accidental. With the development of mechanization and automation in the industry, in transport, in the military sphere and in other modern fields of human activity it became obvious, that the direct application of the general activity theory for the study of human activity was not possible. The theory received recognition in the West, and particularly in the USA. We will consider basic concepts of activity theory and will outline some difficulties which Western scientists experience in their interpretation and application of the theory in science and practice. To the response of technological progress, a more advanced theory, namely, applied activity theory (AAT), was created in the works of a number of Soviet psychologists in the 1970s. The Rubinstein-Leont'iev-Vygotsky's general activity theory became the theoretical and philosophical basis of applied activity theory. Creation of AAT was the first step in an attempt to apply activity theory to the study of human activity. The further development of applied activity theory led to the creation of the systemic-structural activity theory (SSAT) as an independent direction of AAT. The theory was founded by Gregory Bedny1 (2007). The creation of SSAT has greatly advanced the science of activity because it can be applied to the study and practice of human work. The focus of this article will be mostly on the Systemic-Structural Activity Theory (SSAT).

Does Aid Fragmentation Affects Growth: The Case of Nepal

2021 ◽  
pp. 097215092110115
Author(s):  
Kishor Sharma ◽  
Badri Bhattarai
Keyword(s):  
Cold War ◽  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Empirical Results ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Reporting Requirements ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Strategic Position ◽  
The Cold War ◽  
India And China

Nepal’s strategic position and open border with India and China have attracted unusually high attention, particularly during the Cold War era, not only from these two large neighbours but also from European countries, the USA and the former Soviet Union. However, despite decades of aid inflows, Nepal remains one of the poorest countries. While debate over aid–growth nexus remains unsettled, our empirical results do suggest that aid fragmentation is detrimental to growth, perhaps due to increased administrative burden to manage a large number of small projects and meet reporting requirements of the donor community. While we find that aid is good for growth, attracting uncoordinated and fragmented aid without the need for assessment can, in fact, do more harm than good. These findings point to the importance of coordinated aid approach not only at the country level but also among the donor community.

scholarly journals Military and Political Integration of the Scandinavian Countries in the European Security Architecture after the Second World War

2017 ◽  
pp. 39-52
Author(s):  
Valerii Pavlenko
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Soviet Union ◽  
Political Integration ◽  
Security Architecture ◽  
European Security ◽  
Close Link ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
The North ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Military

The Article examines the military and political integration of Scandinavia in the European security architecture after 1945 and analyzes the historical experience of the countries of the North Europe in the late 1940s-1960s in the security space issues. Particular attention is paid to the close link between the military and political rapprochement with the processes of the economic, technological and political integration in the Western European region. It is emphasized that the economic basis of common interests encourages the EU member states all the time to seek peaceful means to resolve possible disputes. Considerable attention is paid to the analysis of alternative approaches to the European security that the North European countries have used in their foreign policy. The role and place of these countries in the sphere of the European security during the late 1940s-1960s was determined. The influence of the USA and the USSR on the formation of the foreign policy of the Scandinavian countries, especially the pressure of the Soviet Union on Finland in its attempts to get a neutral state status, has been shown. The reasons for the failure to implement the military and political cooperation projects in the form of the Scandinavian Defense Alliance have been revealed.

The Preconditions of Social Identity of a Small State in Transition to Democracy

1998 ◽  
pp. 33-39
Author(s):  
Jurate Morkuniene
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Social Identity ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Active Agent ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Transition To Democracy ◽  
Essential Condition ◽  
Adverse Conditions ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Definition Of

The definition of social identity consists of two parts. First, it means protection against threats to the nation’s existence and well-being. Second, it means the search for measures and possibilities to achieve the goals of social development and improvement. Social identity implies the creation and preservation of conditions in which each citizen can develop as educated, creative and responsible persons. Today, especially for nations throughout the former Soviet Union, the chief danger to social identity lies in the adverse conditions of continued underdevelopment. It follows that for these nations, identity means first of all development. The essential condition for a small nation’s identity and survival is based on the people’s resolution to rely on themselves and to envision the potential for their own country. The modern strategy for ensuring social identity would essentially rely on the principle that every citizen is part of the national identity, i.e., its active agent. For this reason, of central importance is the creation of equal starting possibilities (equality of opportunities) for everyone.

Russian policymakers will await new US president

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Russian Foreign Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Russian Military ◽  
Vladimir Putin ◽  
Military Campaign ◽  
The Military ◽  
Offensive Strategies

Subject Russian foreign policy in 2016. Significance Russian foreign policy is driven by an amalgam of realpolitik, nationalism and anti-Western ideology, and consists of both defensive and offensive strategies. The robust, confrontational approach championed by President Vladimir Putin in recent years has produced successes in such areas as the military campaign in Syria, but an undecided outcome in Ukraine and mixed results in other parts of the former Soviet Union. Impacts A NATO summit this July may result in a tougher, more coordinated stance on Russia. Following its official partial withdrawal from Syria, the Russian military will conduct selective attacks. Russia will need careful diplomacy to keep Belarus and Kazakhstan from drifting away as allies.

Acculturation and consumer loyalty among immigrants: a cross-national study

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1579-1599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigal Segev ◽  
Ayalla Ruvio ◽  
Aviv Shoham ◽  
Dalia Velan
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cultural Transition ◽  
Consumer Loyalty ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Original Culture ◽  
Acculturation Orientation ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Culture Maintenance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of acculturation on immigrant consumers’ loyalty. The authors posit that the acculturation orientation of immigrants determines their consumer loyalty to both ethnic and mainstream brands and stores. Design/methodology/approach – Using a sample of Hispanic consumers in the USA and consumers from the former Soviet Union in Israel, this study tests a model in which two acculturation continua, original culture maintenance and host culture adaptation, serve as antecedents for immigrants’ consumer loyalty. Findings – Acculturation determines the extent of immigrants’ consumer loyalty. Both acculturation continua are associated with distinct loyalty patterns that are similar across the two immigrant groups. Research limitations/implications – Despite sampling limitations, the paper demonstrates that immigrants’ acculturation orientation influences their loyalty to ethnic and mainstream brands and stores. Shared by ethnic consumers in two culturally diverse markets, this relationship transcends geographic boundaries. Practical implications – The results provide insights for marketers with respect to the development of segmentation and positioning strategies and tactical implementations that address the preferences of ethnic consumers. Social implications – This paper highlights the importance of understanding the unique needs of ethnic consumers and addressing them. Successful integration of immigrant consumers into the marketplace can also help in their integration into the host society at large. Originality/value – Findings shed light on the commonalities and differences among immigrant groups in different national settings. The paper highlights the role of cultural transition as a key experience that affects immigrants regardless of specific environmental or situational circumstances.

scholarly journals Conditions and background for the creation of encyclopedias of small territories in the former Soviet Union countries

2014 ◽  
pp. 57-59
Author(s):  
Klara Agliullina Agliullina
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Rural Settlements ◽  
Small Cities ◽  
The Creation

The last decade of the 20th and the first 21st centuries in Russia is characterized by an encyclopedia boom. Encyclopedias of the regions (republics of Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, Chuvashia, Chelyabinsk, Saratov and another ones), large and small cities (Moscow, Chelyabinsk, Zlatoust), as well as encyclopedias of administrative districts, and rural settlements are published. The article describes the conditions and background for the compiling of encyclopedias of small territories.

scholarly journals The Modernization of Poland Defense Forces to Respond Russia Military Presence in Kaliningrad Oblast (2014-2017)

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
Anak Agung Banyu Perwita ◽  
Widya Dwi Rachmawati
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Kaliningrad Oblast ◽  
The Soviet Union ◽  
Military Presence ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Russian Military ◽  
Polish Government ◽  
The Military

The geopolitical security condition of Eastern Europe has undergone a drastic shift from Communist to Democratic ideology. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Poland immediately joined the Western alliance, which led to the massive structural changes of the country. The shift has had an enormous impact on Russia where it has made various confrontations to regain its influence in the region. Russia continues to increase tensions by increasing the military capabilities of Kaliningrad Oblast, which is directly bordered by Poland. In response, the Polish government made efforts to modernize its military as part of the Defense White Book 2013 to improve its military capabilities in response to Russian military presence in Kaliningrad Oblast. The role of the global players (EU, NATO, and the USA) is key important to the security stability of the region. Poland on its four pillars specifically calls the alliance with the USA and becomes a member of NATO as an important factor in the formulation of its defense policy, in which Poland could increase the capabilities of its Armed Forces.

scholarly journals On the works of Nicholas K. Roerich in the Primorye State Art Gallery

2021 ◽  
pp. 58-71
Author(s):  
Е.П. Яковлева
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Art Gallery ◽  
Educational Activities ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Creation

В статье, основанной на материалах многолетних исследований автора, рассматриваются два произведения Николая Константиновича Рериха из собрания Приморской государственной картинной галереи. Внимание заостряется на причастности пейзажа «Туман» (1907) к серии «Финляндских этюдов» художника, а этюда «Дорожка» (1908) — к известной петербургской коллекции, в 1910-е годы принадлежавшей А.В. и Е.Л. Румановым. В настоящее время коллекция Румановых рассеяна по двадцати пяти государственным музеям бывшего Советского Союза. Больше всего произведений входит в собрание Русского музея. В Приморской картинной галерее хранится всего одна работа — этюд Рериха «Дорожка», и по ней довольно сложно судить о масштабе коллекции Румановых и месте данного этюда в числе других работ художника, входивших в ее состав. Уточнение истории создания и бытования обоих пейзажей Н.К. Рериха из собрания Приморской картинной галереи имеет важное значение для их изучения и научной каталогизации, а также для просветительской деятельности галереи. The article, based on the materials of the author's long-term research, examines two works by Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich from the collection of the Primorye State Art Gallery. Attention is focused on the involvement of the landscape “Fog” (1907) in the series of “Finnish sketches” by the artist, and the sketch “Path” (1908) — in the famous St. Petersburg collection, in the 1910s owned by A.V. and E.L. Rumanov. Currently, the Rumanov collection is scattered across twenty-five state museums of the former Soviet Union. Most of the works are included in the collection of the Russian Museum. The Primorye Art Gallery has only one work — Roerich's sketch “The Path”, and it is quite difficult to judge the scale of the Rumanov collection and the place of this sketch among other works of the artist that were part of it. Clarification of the history of the creation and existence of both landscapes by N.K. Roerich from the collection of the Primorye Art Gallery is important for their study and scientific cataloging, as well as for the educational activities of the gallery.

scholarly journals Inverse modelling of the Chernobyl source term using atmospheric concentration and deposition measurements

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolaos Evangeliou ◽  
Thomas Hamburger ◽  
Anne Cozic ◽  
Yves Balkanski ◽  
Andreas Stohl
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Source Term ◽  
Main Direction ◽  
Inverse Modelling ◽  
Spent Fuel ◽  
Atmospheric Concentration ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Modelling Techniques

Abstract. The present paper describes the results of an inverse modelling study for the determination of the source term of the radionuclides 134Cs, 137Cs and 131I released after the Chernobyl accident. The accident occurred on 26 April 1986 in the Former Soviet Union and released about 1019 Bq of radioactive materials that were transported as far away as the USA and Japan. Thereafter, several attempts to assess the real magnitude of the emissions were made that were based on the knowledge of the core inventory and the levels of the spent fuel. More recently, when modelling tools were further developed, inverse modelling techniques were applied to the Chernobyl case for source term quantification. However, because radioactivity is a sensitive topic for the public and attracts a lot of attention, high quality measurements, that are essential for inverse modelling, were not made available except for a few sparse activity concentration measurements far from the source and far from the main direction of the radioactive fallout. For the first time, we apply Bayesian inversion of the Chernobyl source term using not only activity concentrations, but also deposition measurements from the most recent public dataset. These observations refer to a data rescue attempt that started more than 10 years ago, with a final goal to give such kind of measurements into anyone interested. As regards to our inverse modelling results, emissions of 134Cs were estimated to be 80 PBq or 30–50 % higher than what was previously published. From the released amount of 134Cs, about 70 PBq were deposited all over Europe. Similar to 134Cs, emissions of 137Cs were estimated as 86 PBq, in the same order with previously reported results. Finally, 131I emissions of 1365 PBq were found, which are about 10 % less than the prior total releases. The inversion pushes the injection heights of the three radionuclides to higher altitudes (up to about 3 km) than previously assumed (≈ 2.2 km) in order to better match both concentration and deposition observations over Europe. The results were of the present inversion were confirmed using an independent Eulerial model, for which deposition patterns were also improved when using the estimated posterior releases. Although the independent model tends to underestimate deposition in countries that are not in the main direction of the plume, it reproduces country levels of deposition very efficiently. The results were also tested for robustness against different set-ups of the inversion through sensitivity runs. The source term data from this study are made publically available.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document