bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of social networks in enhancing the library profession and promoting academic library services: A comparative study of the University of Jordan and Al-Balqaa’ Applied University
Authors: Hamad Faten , Tbaishat Dina , Al-Fadel Maha
Published: July 2016

This paper investigates how academic librarians perceive the role of social networks in enhancing the professional skills of library staff, and how they can be used to promote library services. It is based on case study design in real organizational settings, which are two academic libraries in Jordan, namely the University of Jordan library and Al-Balqaa’ Applied University library. The authors used questionnaires to collect the required data in order to investigate the perceptions of library staff in relation to social networks and how they used social networks to promote library services. The results indicate high awareness and extensive use of social networks for professional development. However, it appears that social networks were not fully exploited to promote library services. It was noted that “job title” (staff position) was the only factor that affected the results, while other factors such as gender, experience, frequency of use and age had no effect on the results. It is concluded that academic libraries in Jordan should make better use of social networks to promote library services.
Optimal control of structures subjected to traveling load
Authors: Pisarski Dominik
Published: July 2016

The problem of the optimal semi-active control of a structure subjected to a moving load is studied. The control is realized by a change of damping of the structure’s supports. The objective is to provide a smooth passage for vehicles and extend the time needed for the safety service of the carrying structures. In contrast to the previous works of the author, in this paper, the model used takes into account time-varying passage speeds, which allows a broader application, in particular, to robotics. The study of the optimal control problem produces a practical condition that justifies whether, for a given set of parameters, the controlled system can outperform its passively damped equivalent. For the optimization, an efficient method of parametrized switching times is developed and tested via a numerical example. The designed optimal control is examined on a real test stand. The experiments are carried out for three different passage scenarios. In terms of the assumed metrics the proposed method outperforms the passive case by over 40%.
Making Reliability Reliable
Authors: Cho Eunseong
Published: July 2016

The current conventions for test score reliability coefficients are unsystematic and chaotic. Reliability coefficients have long been denoted using names that are unrelated to each other, with each formula being generated through different methods, and they have been represented inconsistently. Such inconsistency prevents organizational researchers from understanding the whole picture and misleads them into using coefficient alpha unconditionally. This study provides a systematic naming convention, formula-generating methods, and methods of representing each of the reliability coefficients. This study offers an easy-to-use solution to the issue of choosing between coefficient alpha and composite reliability. This study introduces a calculator that enables its users to obtain the values of various multidimensional reliability coefficients with a few mouse clicks. This study also presents illustrative numerical examples to provide a better understanding of the characteristics and computations of reliability coefficients.
Integrated model of assisted parking system and performance evaluation with entropy weight extended analytic hierarchy process and two-tuple linguistic information
Authors: Hua Yiding , Jiang Haobin , Ma Shidian , Zhang Daming , Ma Jinlin
Published: July 2016

Evaluating comprehensive performance of assisted parking system has been a very important issue for car companies for years, because the overall performance of assisted parking system directly influences car intellectualization and customers’ degree of satisfaction. Therefore, this article proposes two-tuple linguistic analytic hierarchy process to evaluate assisted parking system so as to avoid information loss during the processes of evaluation integration. The performance evaluation attributes for assisted parking system are established initially. Subsequently, the information entropy theory is proposed to improve the evaluation attribute weight determined by analytic hierarchy process for the influencing factors of the randomness in parking test process. Furthermore, the evaluation attribute measure values of comprehensive performance are calculated and the assisted parking system evaluation results are obtained with ordered weighted averaging operator. Finally, numerical examples of vehicle types equipped with eight different assisted parking systems and computational results are presented.
Motion characteristic between die and workpiece in spline rolling process with round dies
Authors: Zhang Da-Wei , Zhao Sheng-Dun , Ou Hengan
Published: July 2016

In the spline rolling process with round dies, additional kinematic compensation is an essential mechanism for improving the division of teeth and pitch accuracy as well as surface quality. The motion characteristic between the die and workpiece under varied center distance in the spline rolling process was investigated. Mathematical models of the instantaneous center of rotation, transmission ratio, and centrodes in the rolling process were established. The models were used to analyze the rolling process of the involute spline with circular dedendum, and the results indicated that (1) with the reduction in the center distance, the instantaneous center moves toward workpiece, and the transmission ratio increases at first and then decreases; (2) the variations in the instantaneous center and transmission ratio are discontinuous, presenting an interruption when the involute flank begins to be formed; (3) the change in transmission ratio at the forming stage of the workpiece with the involute flank can be negligible; and (4) the centrode of the workpiece is an Archimedes line whose polar radius reduces, and the centrode of the rolling die is similar to Archimedes line when the workpiece is with the involute flank.
Experimental and numerical study on casing wear in highly deviated drilling for oil and gas
Authors: Yu Hao , Lian Zhanghua , Lin Tiejun , Liu Yonghui , Xu Xiaofeng
Published: July 2016

Aimed at studying the casing wear in the highly deviated well drilling, the experimental study on the casing wear was carried out in the first place. According to the test data and the linear wear model based on the energy dissipation proposed by White and Dawson, the tool joint–casing wear coefficient was obtained. The finite element model for casing wear mechanism research was established using ABAQUS. The nodal movement of the contact surface was employed to simulate the evolution of the wear depth, exploiting the Umeshmotion user subroutine. In addition, the time-dependent geometry of the contact surfaces between the tool joint and casing was being updated continuously. Consequently, the contact area and contact pressure were changed continuously during the casing wear process, which gives a more realistic simulation. Based on the shapes of worn casing, the numerical simulation research was carried out to determine the remaining collapse strength. Then the change curve of the maximum casing wear depth with time was obtained. Besides, the relationship between the maximum wear depth and remaining collapse strength was established to predict the maximum wear depth and the remaining strength of the casing after a period of accumulative wear, providing a theoretical basis for the safety assessment of worn casing.
Online optimized hysteresis-based steering feel model for steer-by-wire systems
Authors: Kirli Ahmet , Arslan Mehmet Selçuk
Published: July 2016

In rubber-wheeled road vehicles, the mechanical connection between steering wheel and front wheels provides steering-related feedback to the driver. The torque fed back to the driver through the steering linkages and steering wheel, which is called steering feel, helps the driver in controlling the vehicle. The torque feedback is reproduced via artificial methods in steer-by-wire systems due to the lack of mechanical connection. In this work, in order to minimize the physical workload and the lateral acceleration under the consideration of handling performance, optimization of a hysteresis-based steering feel has been studied. A 2-degree-of-freedom bicycle model based on the magic formula tire model has been used for simulations and hardware-in-the-loop experiments. A mathematical model is proposed in order to create an adaptive model-based optimization of the hysteresis parameters simultaneously while driving. A hardware-in-the-loop experimental setup has been used for the driving tests. The weave and the double-lane change tests have been performed with different drivers in order to demonstrate and quantify the optimization methods that are presented in this work.
Dynamic responses of space solar arrays considering joint clearance and structural flexibility
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Wang Zilu , Wang Cong , Huang Wenhu
Published: July 2016

This article numerically investigates the effects of revolute joint clearance and structural flexibility on the overall dynamic characteristics of a deployable solar array system. Considering torque spring, close cable loop configuration, and lock mechanism, a typical mechanism composed of a main body with a yoke and two panels is used as a demonstration case to study the effects of clearance and flexibility on the dynamic response of the deployable solar array system in the deployment and lock process. The normal contact force model and tangential friction model in clearance joint are established using Lankarani Nikravesh model and modified Coulomb friction model, respectively. The numerical simulation results reveal that the coupling of clearance and flexibility makes different effects on the dynamic characteristics of the deployable space solar arrays for different operation stages. Besides, the clearance and flexibility of a mechanical system play crucial roles in predicting accurately the dynamic response of the system, which is the foundation of mechanism design, precision analysis, and control system design.
Surgical treatment of a concurrent type 5 acromioclavicular joint dislocation and a failed anterior glenohumeral joint stabilization
Authors: Rashid Abbas , Lawrence Christopher , Tytherleigh-Strong Graham
Published: July 2016

Traumatic glenohumeral joint dislocation and acromioclavicular joint subluxations tend to occur in young active males. Use of the coracoid process either as a transfer in recurrent instability or in suspensory reconstructions of the coracoclavicular ligaments have gained popularity. However this requires careful consideration in the event of concomitant injuries if they both require surgery.
The anti-borreliae efficacy of phytochemicals and micronutrients: an update
Authors: Goc Anna , Rath Matthias
Published: July 2016

Naturally occurring substances have been used for centuries to fight against various pathogens. They serve as a source for new chemical entities or provide options to already existing therapeutics. While there is an increasing interest in studying antimicrobial properties of naturally derived agents, little is known about their effects against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative pathogens of Lyme disease. A better understanding of this aspect could advance knowledge about pathophysiology of these bacteria and help improve the efficacy of current approaches against Lyme disease. Here, we review all naturally occurring substances scientifically evaluated to date, including plant extracts, their metabolites, and micronutrients, against vegetative (spirochetes) and latent (rounded bodies, biofilm) forms of Borrelia sp. This summary reveals the potent anti-borreliae activity of several of these natural compounds indicating their potential in enhancing the efficacy of current treatments for Lyme disease, and offering new options to already existing therapeutic regiments.
The Effectiveness and Safety of a Homeopathic Medicinal Product in Pediatric Upper Respiratory Tract Infections With Fever
Authors: van Haselen Robert , Thinesse-Mallwitz Manuela , Maidannyk Vitaliy , Buskin Stephen L. , Weber Stephan , Keller Thomas , Burkart Julia , Klement Petra
Published: July 2016

We investigated the clinical effectiveness of a homeopathic add-on therapy in a pediatric subpopulation with upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in a randomized, controlled, multinational clinical trial. Patients received either on-demand symptomatic standard treatment (ST-group) or the same ST plus a homeopathic medication (Influcid; IFC-group) for 7 days. Outcome assessment was based on symptom and fever resolution and the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey–21 (WURSS-21). A total of 261 pediatric (<12 years) patients (130 IFC-group; 131 ST-group) were recruited in Germany and the Ukraine. The IFC-group used less symptomatic medication, symptoms resolved significantly earlier ( P = .0001), had higher proportions of fever-free children from day 3 onwards, and the WURSS-assessed global disease severity was significantly less ( P < .0001) during the entire URTI episode. One adverse event (vomiting) was possibly related to IFC. IFC as add-on treatment in pediatric URTI reduced global disease severity, shortened symptom resolution, and was safe in use.
Vietnam’s Strategy of ‘Cooperating and Struggling’ with China over Maritime Disputes in the South China Sea
Authors: Thayer Carlyle A.
Published: July 2016

Since the normalization of relations in 1991, bilateral relations between Vietnam and China have developed into one of normal or mature asymmetry. This is a relationship in which China seeks acknowledgement of its primacy and Vietnam seeks recognition of its autonomy. Maritime disputes in the South China Sea have emerged as the major irritant in bilateral relations because of salience of conflicting claims to sovereignty. This article presents an analysis of Vietnam’s strategy to maintain its autonomy in relations with China with respect to maritime disputes in the South China Sea. Vietnam pursues a strategy of ‘cooperation and struggle’ with China over maritime disputes in the South China Sea. Vietnam’s leaders have attempted to prevent maritime boundary disputes from spilling over and impacting negatively on Vietnam’s comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China. At the same time, Vietnam has attempted to manage its maritime disputes with China through government-to-government negotiations and in times of crisis through party-to-party channels. During the oil rig crisis of May–July 2014, Vietnam defended its autonomy by standing up to Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Book Review: Priti Darooka, Road to Rights: Women, Social Security and Protection in India
Authors: Konwar Papori
Published: July 2016

Priti Darooka, Road to Rights: Women, Social Security and Protection in India. New Delhi, SAGE Publications and YODA Press. 2016. Pp. 228. ₹ 750
Women Leaders Bring Indigenous and Black Issues to Colombia Peace Table
Authors: Bailey Kay
Published: July 2016

Labour leader Agripina Hurtado Caicedo, land rights leader Francia Elena Márquez Mina and international advocate Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli are three extraordinary women working to bring peace to Afro-Colombian communities after five decades of violent conflict and centuries of discrimination and disempowerment. Agripina grew up among sugar cane cutters, whose working conditions 20 years ago deteriorated to such an extent that they came to resemble modern-day slavery. As a union leader, she fought to have the protections of Colombia’s labour laws implemented and she has also endured violent antiunion harassment, including the murder of her daughter and unborn grandchild. Agripina is currently president of the Afro-Colombian Labour Council and works on behalf of Afro-Colombian workers to end discrimination and unfair labour practices. Francia comes from one of many communities whose lands and livelihoods have been threatened by big mining companies. The corporations’ industrial approach devastates the ecosystem and displaces thousands of Afro-Colombians to urban violence and lives of destitution. In 2010, Francia led her community to victory through peaceful protests and court battles against the holder of an illegal mining permit. Since then, she, as a member of Black Communities Process, has been advocating at the national and international levels against environmental destruction and the displacement. Gimena is based in Washington but, with close ties to Afro-Colombian activists, she has become the go-to person for trade unions, displaced Afro-Colombian communities and human rights networks when they need protection and international support.
Leptin as a critical regulator of hepatocellular carcinoma development through modulation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase
Authors: Stefanou Nikolaos , Papanikolaou Vassilis , Furukawa Yoichi , Nakamura Yusuke , Tsezou Aspasia
Published: July 2016

Background

Numerous epidemiological studies have documented that obesity is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the biological actions regulated by leptin, the obesity biomarker molecule, and its receptors in HCC and the correlation between leptin and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), a known mediator of cellular immortalization.

Methods

We investigated the relationship between leptin, leptin receptors and hTERT mRNA expression in HCC and healthy liver tissue samples. In HepG2 cells, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to study signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) and myc/mad/max transcription factors downstream of leptin which could be responsible for hTERT regulation. Flow cytometry was used for evaluation of cell cycle modifications and MMP1, 9 and 13 expression after treatment of HepG2 cells with leptin. Blocking of leptin's expression was achieved using siRNA against leptin and transfection with liposomes.

Results

We showed, for the first time, that leptin's expression is highly correlated with hTERT expression levels in HCC liver tissues. We also demonstrated in HepG2 cells that leptin-induced up-regulation of hTERT and TA was mediated through binding of STAT3 and Myc/Max/Mad network proteins on hTERT promoter. We also found that leptin could affect hepatocellular carcinoma progression and invasion through its interaction with cytokines and matrix mettaloproteinases (MMPs) in the tumorigenic microenvironment. Furthermore, we showed that histone modification contributes to leptin's gene regulation in HCC.

Conclusions

We propose that leptin is a key regulator of the malignant properties of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through modulation of hTERT, a critical player of oncogenesis.
Evaluation of mammographic density patterns: reproducibility and concordance among scales
Authors: Garrido-Estepa Macarena , Ruiz-Perales Francisco , Miranda Josefa , Ascunce Nieves , González-Román Isabel , Sánchez-Contador Carmen , Santamariña Carmen , Moreo Pilar , Vidal Carmen , Peris Mercé , Moreno María P , Váquez-Carrete Jose A , Collado-García Francisca , Casanova Francisco , Ederra María , Salas Dolores , Pollán Marina ,   DDM-Spain
Published: July 2016

Background

Increased mammographic breast density is a moderate risk factor for breast cancer. Different scales have been proposed for classifying mammographic density. This study sought to assess intra-rater agreement for the most widely used scales (Wolfe, Tabár, BI-RADS and Boyd) and compare them in terms of classifying mammograms as high- or low-density.

Methods

The study covered 3572 mammograms drawn from women included in the DDM-Spain study, carried-out in seven Spanish Autonomous Regions. Each mammogram was read by an expert radiologist and classified using the Wolfe, Tabár, BI-RADS and Boyd scales. In addition, 375 mammograms randomly selected were read a second time to estimate intra-rater agreement for each scale using the kappa statistic. Owing to the ordinal nature of the scales, weighted kappa was computed. The entire set of mammograms (3572) was used to calculate agreement among the different scales in classifying high/low-density patterns, with the kappa statistic being computed on a pair-wise basis. High density was defined as follows: percentage of dense tissue greater than 50% for the Boyd, "heterogeneously dense and extremely dense" categories for the BI-RADS, categories P2 and DY for the Wolfe, and categories IV and V for the Tabár scales.

Results

There was good agreement between the first and second reading, with weighted kappa values of 0.84 for Wolfe, 0.71 for Tabár, 0.90 for BI-RADS, and 0.92 for Boyd scale. Furthermore, there was substantial agreement among the different scales in classifying high- versus low-density patterns. Agreement was almost perfect between the quantitative scales, Boyd and BI-RADS, and good for those based on the observed pattern, i.e., Tabár and Wolfe (kappa 0.81). Agreement was lower when comparing a pattern-based (Wolfe or Tabár) versus a quantitative-based (BI-RADS or Boyd) scale. Moreover, the Wolfe and Tabár scales classified more mammograms in the high-risk group, 46.61 and 37.32% respectively, while this percentage was lower for the quantitative scales (21.89% for BI-RADS and 21.86% for Boyd).

Conclusions

Visual scales of mammographic density show a high reproducibility when appropriate training is provided. Their ability to distinguish between high and low risk render them useful for routine use by breast cancer screening programs. Quantitative-based scales are more specific than pattern-based scales in classifying populations in the high-risk group.
Up-regulation of 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 Expression by Hedgehog Ligand Contributes to the Conversion of Cortisol Into Cortisone
Authors: Zhu Haibin , Zou Chaochun , Fan Xueying , Xiong Wenyi , Tang Lanfang , Wu Ximei , Tang Chao
Published: July 2016

The cortisol-inactivating enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) that catalyzes the intracellular inactivation of glucocorticoids plays a pivotal role in human pregnant maintenance and normal fetal development. Given the fact that the main components of Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway are predominantly expressed in syncytial layer of human placental villi where 11β-HSD2 is robustly expressed, in the present study, we have investigated the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of HH signaling in 11β-HSD2 expression. Activation of HH signaling by a variety of approaches robustly induced 11β-HSD2 expression as well as the 11β-HSD2 activity, whereas suppression of HH signaling significantly attenuated 11β-HSD2 expression as well as the 11β-HSD2 activity in both human primary cytotrophoblasts and trophoblast-like BeWo cells. Moreover, among glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) family transcriptional factors in HH signaling, knockdown of GLI2 but not GLI1 and GLI3 significantly attenuated HH-induced 11β-HSD2 expression and activity, and overexpression of GLI2 activator alone was sufficient to induce 11β-HSD2 expression and activity. Finally, GLI2 not only directly bound to the promoter region of gene hsd11b2 to transactivate hsd11b2 but also formed a heterodimer with RNA polymerase II, an enzyme that catalyzes the transcription of DNA to synthesize mRNAs, resulting in up-regulation of hsd11b2 gene transcription. Taken together, the present study has uncovered a hitherto uncharacterized role of HH/GLI2 signaling in 11β-HSD2 regulation, implicating that HH signaling through GLI2 could be required for the human pregnant maintenance and fetal development.
Dental mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Sharpe Paul T.
Published: July 2016

Mammalian teeth harbour mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which contribute to tooth growth and repair. These dental MSCs possess many in vitro features of bone marrow-derived MSCs, including clonogenicity, expression of certain markers, and following stimulation, differentiation into cells that have the characteristics of osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes. Teeth and their support tissues provide not only an easily accessible source of MSCs but also a tractable model system to study their function and properties in vivo. In addition, the accessibility of teeth together with their clinical relevance provides a valuable opportunity to test stem cell-based treatments for dental disorders. This Review outlines some recent discoveries in dental MSC function and behaviour and discusses how these and other advances are paving the way for the development of new biologically based dental therapies.
Retinal determination genes coordinate neuroepithelial specification and neurogenesis modes in the Drosophila optic lobe
Authors: Apitz Holger , Salecker Iris
Published: July 2016

Differences in neuroepithelial patterning and neurogenesis modes contribute to area-specific diversifications of neural circuits. In the Drosophila visual system, two neuroepithelia, the outer (OPC) and inner (IPC) proliferation centers, generate neuron subtypes for four ganglia in several ways. Whereas neuroepithelial cells in the medial OPC directly convert into neuroblasts, in an IPC subdomain they generate migratory progenitors by epithelial-mesenchymal transition that mature into neuroblasts in a second proliferative zone. The molecular mechanisms that regulate the identity of these neuroepithelia, including their neurogenesis modes, remain poorly understood. Analysis of Polycomblike revealed that loss of Polycomb group-mediated repression of the Hox gene Abdominal-B (Abd-B) caused the transformation of OPC to IPC neuroepithelial identity. This suggests that the neuroepithelial default state is IPC-like, whereas OPC identity is derived. Ectopic Abd-B blocks expression of the highly conserved retinal determination gene network members Eyes absent (Eya), Sine oculis (So) and Homothorax (Hth). These factors are essential for OPC specification and neurogenesis control. Finally, eya and so are also sufficient to confer OPC-like identity, and, in parallel with hth, the OPC-specific neurogenesis mode on the IPC.
Identification of STAM1 as a novel effector of ventral projection of spinal motor neurons
Authors: Nam Heejin , Lee Seunghee
Published: July 2016

During spinal cord development, motor neuron (MN) axons exit the spinal cord ventrally, although the molecular basis for this process remains poorly understood. STAM1 and Hrs form a complex involved with endosomal targeting of cargo proteins, including the chemokine receptor CXCR4. Interestingly, the absence of CXCR4 signaling in spinal MNs is known to enforce improper extension of the axons into the dorsal side of the spinal cord. Here we report that the MN-specific Isl1-Lhx3 complex directly transactivates the Stam1 gene and STAM1 functions in determining the ventral spinal MN axonal projections. STAM1 is co-expressed with Hrs in embryonic spinal MNs, and knock-down of STAM1 in the developing chick spinal cord results in down-regulation of the expression of CXCR4, accompanied by dorsally projecting motor axons. Interestingly, overexpression of STAM1 or CXCR4 also results in dorsal projection of motor axons, suggesting that proper CXCR4 protein level is critical for the ventral motor axon trajectory. Our results reveal a critical regulatory axis for the ventral axonal trajectory of developing spinal MNs, consisting of the Isl1-Lhx3 complex, STAM1 and CXCR4.
Prickle1 promotes focal adhesion disassembly in cooperation with CLASP-LL5β complex in migrating cells
Authors: Lim Boon Cheng , Matsumoto Shinji , Yamamoto Hideki , Mizuno Hiroki , Kikuta Junichi , Ishii Masaru , Kikuchi Akira
Published: July 2016

Prickle is known to be involved in planar cell polarity including convergent extension and cell migration; however, the detailed mechanism by which Prickle regulates cellular functions is not well understood. Here, we show that Prickle1 regulates front-rear polarization and migration of gastric cancer MKN1 cells. Prickle1 preferentially accumulated at the cell retraction site in close proximity to paxillin at focal adhesions (FAs). Prickle1 dynamics were associated with those of paxillin during FA disassembly. Furthermore, Prickle1 was required for FA disassembly. CLASP and LL5β have been reported to form a complex at cell edge and controls microtubule-dependent FA disassembly. Prickle1 was associated with CLASP and LL5β, and was required for the LL5β-dependent accumulation of CLASP at the cell edge. Knockdown of CLASP and LL5β suppressed Prickle1-dependent cell polarization and migration. Prickle1 localized to the membrane through its farnesyl moiety, and the membrane localization was necessary for Prickle1's ability to regulate migration, bind to CLASP and LL5β, and promote microtubule targeting of FAs. Taken together, these results suggest that Prickle1 promotes FA disassembly during the retraction processes of cell polarization and migration.
Studying the cognitive states of animals: Epistemology, ethology and ethics
Authors: Lehto Otto
Published: July 2016

The question of cognitive endowment in animals has been fiercely debated in the scientific community during the last couple of decades (for example, in cognitive ethology and behaviourism), and indeed, all throughout the long history of natural philosophy (from Plato and Aristotle, via Descartes, to Darwin). The scientific quest for an empirical, evolutionary account of the development and emergence of cognition has met with many philosophical objections, blind alleys and epistemological quandaries. I will argue that we are dealing with conflicting philosophical world views as well as conflicting empirical paradigms of research. After looking at some examples from the relevant literature of animal studies to elucidate the nature of the conflicts that arise, I propose, in strict Darwinian orthodoxy, that cognitive endowments in nature are subject to the sort of continuum and gradation that natural selection of fit variant forms tends to generate. Somewhere between the myth of “free” humans and the myth of “behaviourally conditioned” animals lies the reality of animal behaviour and cognition. In the end, I hope to have softened up some of those deep-seated philosophical problems (and many quasi-problems) that puzzle and dazzle laymen, scientists and philosophers alike in their quest for knowledge about the natural world.
Are “non-human sounds/music” lesser than human music? A comparison from a biological and musicological perspective
Authors: Rottner Regina
Published: July 2016

The complexity and variation of sound emission by members of the animal kingdom, primarily produced by the orders Passeriformes (songbirds), Cetacea (whales), but also reported in species belonging to the Exopterygota (insects) and Carnivora (mammals), has attracted human attention since the Middle Ages, where birds’ calls were used in compositions of that time. However, the focus of this paper will be on sound productions of birds and whales, as recent scientific and musicological research concentrates on these two animals.
Resemblance: From a complementarity point of view?
Authors: Merrell Floyd
Published: July 2016

Three premises set the stage for a Peirce based notion of resemblance, which, as Firstness, cannot be more than vaguely distinguished from Secondness and Thirdness. Inclusion of Firstness with, and within, Secondness and Thirdness, calls for a nonbivalent, nonlinear, context dependent mode of thinking characteristic of semiosis — that is, the process by which everything is always becoming something other than what it was becoming — and at the same time it includes linear, bivalent classical logic as a subset. Certain aspects of the Dao, Buddhist philosophy, and Donald Davidson’s ‘radical interpretation’ afford additional, and perhaps unexpected, support for the initial set of three premises.
Hegemonic signification from cultural semiotics point of view
Authors: Ventsel Andreas
Published: July 2016

This paper attempts to integrate discourse theories, mainly the theory of hegemony by Essex School, and Tartu–Moscow School’s cultural semiotics, and sets for itself the modest task to point to the applicability of semiotic approach in political analysis. The so-called post-foundationalist view, that is common for discourse theories, is primarily characterized by the rejection of essentialist notions of ground for the social, and the inauguration of cultural and discursive characteristics (such as asymmetry and entropy; explosion; antagonism; insurmountable tension between organization and disorganization, regularity and irregularity, etc.) into the wider social scientific paradigm. Customarily, those characteristics have been attributed to contingent or peripheral events and phenomena that by nature do not belong to the social structure proper. Grounds for such ‘groundless’ contingencies are found in philosophy (Marchart), or for instance from the psychoanalytic notion of affect (Laclau). Many discourse theorists proceed here from Derrida’s position that in the process of signification there is an overabundance of meaning which renders final closure impossible (Howarth; Glynos). However, it seems that despite placing communication at the heart of their conceptions of discourse, the communicative character of constructing power relations remains undertheorized in those conceptions. This article attempts to approach the above mentioned problem by way of the concepts of communication and autocommunication(Lotman). The outcomes stemming from the latter are unavoidable,since the result of any possible research (text) itself belongs to culture or a larger discourse and opera tes as the organizing function of the latter. Hence, research practice and its results always need to be looked at as mutually affecting each other.
Semiotics as science
Authors: Salupere Silvi
Published: July 2016

The present article gives an overview of different approaches on semiotics as science, its objects of investigation, methods and genesis (where, how and when does semiotics begin?). The author does not aim at establishing one prescriptive approach. Quite the opposite, by leaving the question open, the author aspires to encourage further discussion about the criteria for scientificity, establishing the borders of scientific disciplines, and the productivity of the dialogic (or, rather, polylogic) scientific meta-discourse in science in general and in semiotics in particular.
On the independence of the humanities: Tartu–Moscow School and official Soviet politics of science
Authors: Ventsel Andreas
Published: July 2016

Review: Maxim Waldstein, Soviet Empire of Signs: A History of the Tartu School of Semiotics.
Introduction: Framing nature and culture
Authors: Linask Lauri , Magnus Riin
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Framing nature and culture.
Textualities of the city – from the legibility of urban space towards social and natural others in planning
Authors: Remm Tiit
Published: July 2016

‘Text’ has been a frequent notion in analytical conceptualizations of landscape and the city. It is mostly found in analyses of textual representations or suggestions concerning a metaphor of “reading” an (urban) landscape. In the Tartu- Moscow School of Semiotics the idea of the text of St. Petersburg has also been applied in analysing particular cities as organizing topics in literature and in culture more widely, but it has not happened to an equal degree in studies of actual urban spaces. The understanding of text as a semiotic system and mechanism is, however, more promising than revealed by these conceptions. Some potential can be made apparent by relating this textual paradigm to a more pragmatic understanding of the city and its planning. My project in this paper is to uncover an analytical framework focusing on the concepts of ‘text’, ‘textualization’ and ‘texting’ in studying the planning of urban environment. The paper observes the case of the urban planning process of the Tartu city centre in Estonia during 2010–2016, and is particularly concerned with the roles that urban nature has acquired in the process of this “textualization” of the local environment, societal ideals, practices and possible others.
Multiplicity and Welt
Authors: Hendlin Yogi Hale
Published: July 2016

This article interprets Jakob von Uexküll’s understanding of different beings’ Innenwelt, Gegenwelt, and umwelt through Deleuzian insights of multiplicity, context, and particularity. This Deleuzian interpolation into Uexküll’s insights acknowledges the absence of a unitary ‘human’ view of nature, recognizing instead that plural viewpoints of cultures, subgroups and individuals understand and interpret natural signs variously not just because of ideology but because of physiology and contrastive fundamental ways of accessing the world. Recent formative research in comparative neurobiology suggests that universal anthropological claims of cross-cultural semiotic similarity are incorrect.Interpreting biosemiotics as the investigation of apprehending the Innenwelt of radically different others (species), such semiotic understandings themselves are not necessarily generalizable between different members of the same species in a group, same-species groups in different natural cultural contexts, or even (as with humans) the same animal at different points of time (based on new understandings, patterns, or events of meaning altering interpretations of self and events). Conjoining Deleuze’s insights of the complexity of multiplicity with Uexküll’s scientific-imaginative system of comprehending other creatures’ ways of understanding their world offers an increased self-reflexivity regarding the simultaneous levels of actual semiotic activity for biosemiotic inquiry.
The biosemiotics of Aldo Leopold
Authors: Potter Rebecca C.
Published: July 2016

Responding to Jean-Claude Gens’ article, “Uexküll’s Kompositionslehre and Leopold’s ‘land ethic’ in dialogue”, which appeared in Sign Systems Studies in 2013, the article further develops a direct connection between Aldo Leopold’s approach to ecology and Jakob von Uexküll’s umwelt theory. The connection between Uexküll and Leopold is especially evident in Leopold’s descriptions of animal behaviour that he presents in the first part of his seminal work, A Sand County Almanac. In this work specifically, Leopold illustrates the biosemiotic processes described by Uexküll, and does so with a purpose: to reshape our understanding of the biotic community as a place of semiotic interaction.
Semiotic dimensions of human attitudes towards other animals: A case of zoological gardens
Authors: Mäekivi Nelly , Maran Timo
Published: July 2016

This paper analyses the cultural and biosemiotic bases of human attitudes towards other species. A critical stance is taken towards species neutrality and it is shown that human attitudes towards different animal species differ depending on the psychological dispositions of the people, biosemiotic conditions (e.g. umwelt stuctures), cultural connotations and symbolic meanings. In real-life environments, such as zoological gardens, both biosemiotic and cultural aspects influence which animals are chosen for display, as well as the various ways in which they are displayed and interpreted. These semiotic dispositions are further used as motifs in staging, personifying or de-personifying animals in order to modify visitors’ perceptions and attitudes. As a case study, the contrasting interpretations of culling a giraffe at the Copenhagen zoo are discussed. The communicative encounters and shifting per ceptions are mapped on the scales of welfaristic, conservational, dominionistic, and utilitarian approaches. The methodological approach described in this article integrates static and dynamical views by proposing to analyse the semiotic potential of animals and the dynamics of communicative interactions in combination.
Constitutional Framework of Wages and Social Insurance in Russia
Authors: Абузярова Найра , Abuzyarova Nayra
Published: July 2016

In accordance with the author´s intention, and in accordance with the constitutional framework, the article analyzes the wages and social insurance in Russia, unjustified super differentiation in wages, which excludes financial participation of low-income workers in the compulsory social insurance, who should be included in the system of compulsory social insurance without any conditions and restrictions. The author analyzes the state of wages, the necessity of state regulation of wages, the basic state guarantee on wages — minimum wages and salaries in Russia, with the aim to determine the conceptual basis for legal regulation of the wages in Russia in the interests of its population, in particular, it is argued that consumer demand is the main and only engine of the market economy and it has to be moderately in advance of the production capabilities. The author draws the attention to the use of state and contractual regulation of labour, as it is objectively necessary and socially justified if public and private regulation of labor relations in the sphere of remuneration are correctly interrelated. The main purpose of contractual regulation of remuneration should be the improvement of the situation of workers on the basis of the agreement between the parties to social partnership. For its part, the state should not interfere with the balance and supply of labour in the labour market, the formation of a natural price for labour. According to the author, it is necessary to constitutionalize the concepts of “decent work” and “decent wages”, “compulsory social insurance”. “Decent work” and “decent wage” should be recognized at the constitutional level as the principles of work organization.
Problems of the Status of Private Educational Institutions in the Light of the Reform of the Legislation on Proprietary Rights
Authors: Козлова Наталия , Kozlova Nataliya
Published: July 2016

In the light of the reform of the legislation on proprietary rights and improvement of the provisions on legal entities, a question arises on the necessity to preserve, in the Russian law and order, the structure of private institutions based on the right of operational management. The problem is becoming relevant because this form is widely used for the creation of private educational institutions (schools, higher educational institutions, etc.), and any reforms in this area will affect the customers, the contractors and the consumers of the educational services. The article considers the notion, the significance and the place occupied by private institutions within the system of legal entities according to the Russian civil law, both from the viewpoint of trends of development of civil law and the legal stance of judicial authorities and from the viewpoint of traditions of the Russian science of private law. The author pays special attention to the analysis of the legal nature, structure and scope of application of the right of operational management in proprietary relations. The author substantiates that during the reforming of the legislation on proprietary rights, only governmental (municipal) enterprises and institutions should remain the subjects of the right of operational management. The author analyzes the topical issues of legal bonds between founders in case of a creation of a private institution by several persons, as well as the topical issues of legal bonds between the institution and its founders.
Preconditions of the Criminal World Origins in Russia
Authors: Акимова Наталия , Akimova Nataliya
Published: July 2016

The article examines the emergence and formation of the criminal world in the Russian society. The author believes that social, economic, political and other processes taking place in the society in the process of its development will inevitably affect the criminal world evolution. The author analyzes the concept “criminal world”. The author draws the conclusion that nowadays in Russia the structure of the criminal world in social life is rather developed; it can determine the nature of social development, trigger aggravation of social crises, influence economic, political, cultural, moral-legal and other processes in social environment. The sources of its formation and development are: professional general and economic crime, and also corrupt representatives of the state establishment, who are directly or indirectly associated with shadow income and privatization procedures.
To the Question about Terminology Optimization for the Theory of Public Administration and Administrative Law in the Context of Understanding Efficient, Good, Reasonable Public Governance
Authors: Аврутин Юрий , Avrutin Yuriy
Published: July 2016

The article analyzes the approaches of the theory of public management and administrative law to such concepts as public governance, public administration and regulation, proves inexpediency of the use of the wide approach to understanding public administration; analyzes a pproaches to understanding control functions and managerial functions, suggests the author’s definition of the concept of “function” and “control function”, proves the expediency of using such concepts as functions-tasks and functions-operations. The author pays special attention to problematic issues of understanding governance as efficient, good, proper, reasonable governance, reveals general and specific content of these concepts, proves that they are conventional concepts and serve as qualitative characteristics of public governance and are of a doctrinal political-legal and axiological nature. As doctrinal concepts, they can influence modernization of the administrative law paradigm as a science, academic discipline, and a branch of legislation. The use of these concepts for instrumental purposes can help to specify criteria and indices, applied during the assessment of the status of public governance, actions and decisions of public administration agencies and functionaries, to the level of common sense, reflecting social feeling of citizens on the way to overcome estrangement between power and population, which is traditional for Russia.
Forms and Methods of Protection of Citizens’ Rights in Social Support Sphere
Authors: Гусев Алексей , Gusev Aleksey
Published: July 2016

The article considers the categories “protection of the right to social support” and “social protection”, which, in the author’s opinion, should be differentiated. The author presents the approach to understanding protection of any right as a variant of realization of the right in a very specific form. The author analyzes forms of protection of the right to social support (jurisdictional (legal) form is presented as activities of the right protection bodies, envisaged by the statute, and interests, protected by the statute, and non-jurisdictional (non-legal) form — as application of measures by an authorized subject independently, without applying to any body); their typical methods, applied as part of a civil process through judicial recourse, and also through self-protection of the right to social support. The author considers variants of protection of citizens’ rights by trade unions, and through applying to the commission on labor disputes. The author notes discrepancies in covering the methods of right protection by the rules of the civil and labor legislation.