Murmansk Region Research Articles

Повышение эффективности систем теплоснабжения районов Арктической зоны Российской Федерации за счёт применения ветроэнергетических установок (на примере Мурманской области)

The successful development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is directly related to the reliable and efficient operation of local heat supply systems, including those with minimal anthropogenic impact on the environment. Today, the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation uses mainly imported fossil fuels for heat generation, most of which (with the exception of coal and wood in some places) are delivered from other regions of Russia, which is associated with great financial difficulties and complicated logistics of fuel delivery to consumers. On the example of Teriberka settlement, located in the Murmansk region on the coast of the Barents Sea, it is shown that one of the solutions to these problems can be the use of wind turbines for heat supply needs together with the local boiler house, operating on organic fuel. The main effect from the use of wind power plants is expressed in the reduction of the boiler house participation in covering the heating load schedule of Teriberka settlement by 7580% and, accordingly, by the same amount in saving fossil fuel consumed at the boiler house, as well as in reducing the negative impact on the natural environment.

Влияние геомагнитных возмущений на сцинтилляции сигналов ГЛОНАСС и GPS спутников по данным наблюдений на Кольском полуострове

We have compared effects of geomagnetic disturbances during magnetic storms of various types (CME and CIR) and during an isolated substorm on scintillations of GLONASS and GPS signals, using a Septentrio PolaRx5 receiver installed in Apatity (Murmansk Region, Russia). We analyze observational data for 2021. The magnetic storms of November 3–4, 2021 and October 11–12, 2021 are examined in detail. The November 3–4, 2021 magnetic storm was one of the most powerful in recent years. The analysis shows that the scintillation phase index reaches its highest values during nighttime and evening substorms (σϕ≈1.5–1.8), accompanied by a negative bay in the magnetic field. During magnetic storms, positive bays in the magnetic field, associated with an increase in the eastward electrojet, lead, however, to quite comparable values of the phase scintillation index.
 An increase in phase scintillations during nighttime and evening disturbances correlates with an increase in the intensity of ULF waves (Pi3/Pc5 pulsations) and with the appearance of aurora arcs. This confirms the important role of ULF waves in forming the auroral arc and in developing ionospheric irregularities. The predominance of the green line in the spectrum of auroras indicates the contribution of disturbances in the ionospheric E layer to the scintillation increase. Pulsating auroras, associated with ionospheric disturbances in the D layer, do not lead to a noticeable increase in phase scintillations. Analysis of ionospheric critical frequencies according to ionosonde data from the Lovozero Hydrometeorological Station indicates the contribution of the sporadic Es layer of the ionosphere to jumps in phase scintillations.
 The difference between phase scintillation values on GLONASS and GPS satellites during individual disturbances can be as great as 1.5 times, which may be due to different orbits of the satellites. At the same time, the level of GLONASS/GPS scintillations at the L2 frequency is higher than at the L1 frequency. We did not find an increase in the amplitude index of scintillations during the events considered.

База данных геоиндуцированных токов в магистральной электрической сети «Северный транзит»

Database containing the results of measurements of geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) for the period of 2011 to 2022 in transformer neutrals at three 330 kV substations of the main power transmission lines “Northern Transit” passing through the territory of the Republic of Karelia, Murmansk and Leningrad regions has been created and is publicly available. The GIC value depends on the geoelectric field magnitude in the Earth surface, on the relative position of the substations to which the power transmission lines are connected, and on the resistance of electrical network elements. Important factors are the electrical network branching, which determines paths of induced current spreading, and the network topology at the time of monitoring data acquisition. We describe the structure and principles of functioning of the Russian unique regional monitoring system of geomagnetically induced currents in the electrical network. We demonstrate the features of the data contained in the GIC database, which must be taken into account when processing and analyzing the data. Examples of using the GIC database for energy and geophysical studies are given. The work performed on the organization of continuous monitoring of GIC at substations of the main power transmission line in the Arctic zone has no analogues in the Russian Federation and provides extensive original material that allows us to study geomagnetic disturbances and their impact on electrical networks. The database is available at [http://gic.en51.ru].

Features of growing new cultivars of annual flowering plants in Kola Subarctic

Annual flower plants are widely used in landscaping of cities of Kola Subarctic. The selection of sustainable, promising species of annuals and the development of agricultural technology for their cultivation are priorities. For the first time in the conditions of the Murmansk region, 7 new cultivars of annuals were tested: Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees cv. Fan var. Deep rose and White, Antirrhinum majus L. cv. Potomac Cherry Rose, Calendula officinalis L. cv. Costa Yellow and cv. Calypso Orange with Black Center, Tagetes erecta L. cv. Big Top Gold, Tagetes patula L. cv. Hot Pack Gold and cv. Alumia Cream Brulee. Flowering time ranged from 55 (Callistephus chinensis cv. Fan) to 120 days (Calendula officinalis cv. Calypso Orange with Black Center). The main biometric indicators (height, diameter of flowers and inflorescences) fully corresponded to plants grown in more southern regions for 4 cultivars (Callistephus chinensis cv. Fan, Calendula officinalis cv. Costa Yellow and cv. Calypso Orange with Black Center, Tagetes patula cv. Hot Pack Gold), 3 others were rated lower. According to most indicators, the cultivar Calypso Orange with Black Center had high decorativeness, due to compactness of bushes and duration of flowering (120 days). The features of agricultural technology of the tested cultivars at the seedling stage were the following: adjustment of timing of sowing seeds, obligatory 3-4-week hardening, regular application of fertilizers and growth stimulants. On the whole, the new cultivars have successfully adapted to the conditions of the region, retaining their decorative properties. therefore, they can be considered promising for flower decoration of populated areas of the Kola Subarctic.

Shaping the Country’s Cultural Sovereignty: Murmansk Hosted the All-Russian Library Congress

June 10—17 in Murmansk, the Library Capital of Russia 2023, the All-Russian Library Congress: XXVII Annual Conference of the Russian Library Association (RLA) took place. The event was supported by the Government of the Murmansk Region. The Congress was attended by 957 delegates from 68 regions of Russia.The professional programme included two plenary sessions and 57 sectional and special events with 634 presentations. The Congress was held under the sign of two significant dates — the 85th anniversary of the Murmansk Region and the 85th anniversary of the Murmansk State Regional Universal Scientific Library. The grand opening and the first plenary session took place on June 12 2023 on the Day of Russia. On June 13 and 14 2023 the work continued at the breakout sessions. The results of the congress were summed up at the final plenary session on June 15 2023.The relevance of the main theme of the Congress “Library — the cultural code of Russia” is connected with the state cultural policy and the tasks set for libraries. The definition of the cultural code of Russia is conditioned by the need to consolidate the citizens of the country on the basis of a common system of values, the formation of cultural sovereignty. The issues of implementation of one of the core documents of the library industry — “Strategy for the librarianship development in the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030” were raised. The work of libraries in new social and geopolitical conditions was analyzed. The “Model Regulations on the Organisation of Research Activities of the Central Library of the Subject of the Russian Federation” was adopted.

FINANCING OF THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

The article focuses on the need to achieve the medium-term strategic goals of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the field of healthcare, aimed at increasing life expectancy to 78 years by 2030; reducing mortality and increasing public satisfaction with medical care. The amounts of financing the activities of the healthcare system in the Russian Federation and in the Murmansk region are investigated. A comparative analysis of indicators that are indicative and reportable in the medium-term strategy for the development of the healthcare system of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030, and in the Murmansk region as the territory of the Arctic zone; their dynamics is investigated. In addition, the structure and dynamics of changes in the amounts of funding from various sources of medical institution activity in the Murmansk region are investigated (the budget of the territorial compulsory medical insurance fund, the consolidated budget of the Murmansk region, the federal budget of the Russian Federation and the own financial resources of the medical institution), recommendations are proposed to improve the efficiency of using budgetary and extra-budgetary sources of funding. It is concluded that the degree of security of the health care system depends not only on the amount of funding, but also on the financial resources management system.

Aphyllophoroid Fungi of the Velikiy Island (Kandalaksha State Nature Reserve, Murmansk Region, Russia)

Velikiy Island is the largest island in Kandalaksha State Nature Reserve (the Reserve). We prepared a check-list of aphyllophoroid fungi of Velikiy Island and the two nearest small islands, including 131 species. Seventy-seven species were recorded in the Reserve for the first time. Byssoporia terrestris, Hyphodontia abieticola, and Hypochnicium multiforme were found in Murmansk Region for the first time. The observations of the three species form the northern limit of their global range. New localities are reported for four Murmansk Region red-listed species (Dichomitus squalens, Hericium coralloides, Junghuhnia collabens, and Leptoporus mollis).

Estimation of scots pine cytogenetic parameters under the conditions of industrial air pollution in European boreal forests.

Cytogenetic studies of Pinus sylvestris seed progeny have been carried out for the first time in the Murmansk region of Russia. Seeds were collected in the territory of 6 district forestries: Zelenoborsky, Kovdorsky, Kandalakshsky, Zasheikovsky, Umbsky and Nickelsky, which were at different distances from large copper-nickel plants. Analysis revealed higher S, Cu, and Ni content in Pinus sylvestris tree seeds from the Zasheikovsky and Nickelsky district forestries. Seeds from the Zelenoborsky district forestry had a higher Cu content (13.6 ± 0.5 mg/kg) compared to other areas. It was found that the frequency of mitotic pathologies in all areas of the study exceeded the level of spontaneous mutation in 5%. The most frequent aberrant cells were registered in the root meristem of seedlings from the Zasheikovsky district forestry, and their proportion averaged 9.4 ± 1.3% of the total number of cells studied at the metaphase and ana-telophase of mitosis stages. In Pinus sylvestris seedlings, micronuclei were noted in the cells at the interphase stage, often varying on average from 0.2 ± 0.1% in plants from the Kandalakshsky district forestry to 0.9 ± 0.3% from the Zasheikovsky district forestry. The data obtained testify to the colossal impact of heavy metals on the living organism cell genetic apparatus. The negative effect from industries, as sources of air pollutants, extends over tens of kilometers. Therefore, regularly monitoring the cytogenetic parameters of bioindicators such as Pinus sylvestris is necessary.

Как совместить охрану природы и рекреационную деятельность в Арк­тике: пример природного парка «Териберка» (Мурманская область)

The authors give ecological arguments for the creation of the Teriberka Nature Park (2,418.5 ha). The Nature Park is characterized by high recreational potential as well as environmental significance. 18 species of plants and animals listed in the Red Data Book of the Murmansk Region, as well as five ones listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation are recorded within the boundaries of the Natural Park. There are natural-territorial complexes of special aesthetic value here: the valley of the Teriberka River, the coast of the Barents Sea with a rugged coastline, beaches and sea terraces formed by large rounded boulders, Batareisky Waterfall, rocky hills and areas of shrub tundra, interspersed with small lakes, sheer cliffs with colonies sea birds, a number of historical and archaeological sites. Currently, the landscapes of lower reaches of the Teriberka River are experiencing a strong human impact. An important feature of the territory is easy transport accessibility for tourists. At present, the uncontrolled tourist flow is the most significant agent of the territory transformation, as a result of which landscapes with high aesthetic qualities begin to degrade. With the creation of a natural park, the intensity and coverage of human disturbances of landscapes will be reduced, and the existing aesthetic potential of landscapes will be used more efficiently. Land use planning has been developed in order to establish a differentiated regime of special protection. The nature protection areas are intended to preserve the environment in its natural state, and the recreational zone is intended to ensure and implement recreational activities and nature-educational tourism. In order to preserve the landscape and architectural unity of the village and the natural park, regulation has been introduced for the construction of new and reconstructed buildings in accordance with the historical environment.

On the priority direction in the communicative functional literacy formation among younger schoolchildren of the Murmansk region

The article presents an analysis of the results of the All-Russian testing works on the subjects of “The Russian language” and “The world around us” in the 4th and 5th grades of educational organizations of the Murmansk region in the period from 2020 to 2022 in the aspect of communicative functional literacy formation in younger schoolchildren as a set of integrative and subject components based on the developed subject, meta-subject and universal methods of educational activity, as well as the ability of students to create speech utterances in writing based on the presented information and their own life experience, including knowledge about their native land

Comparative Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Budget Funds Use at the Regional Level

The purpose of the study. The purpose of the paper is to assess the effectiveness of the use of regional budget expenditures on the example of the budgets of the Nizhny Novgorod and Mur-mansk regions. Materials and methods. General scientific methods are involved: analysis, synthesis, gener-alization, classification; and specifically scientific methods: dynamics analysis, correlation and re-gression analysis, neural network modeling. The information base of the study includes indexes of the execution of the federal budget of the Russian Federation (information from the Federal Treas-ury of the Russian Federation) and regional budgets published in the relevant laws of the regions; statistical data published by Rosstat. The novelty of the research approach lies in the combination of traditional and economic-mathematical methods with the use of the Cobb-Douglas production func-tion. This fact provided an opportunity to assess the impact of budget expenditures on individual factors of production that determine the volume of public product produced. The paper presents a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of budget planning based on normative and program-target methods.Results. It was found that the use of budget funds in the Murmansk region is more effective than in the Nizhny Novgorod region. In this region, starting from 2019, the priority of the task of developing a program-targeted method of budget planning has been reduced, but the region has achieved high efficiency in the use of budget funds due to rational management of budget debt. The budget of the Murmansk Region is characterized by a significant reduction in the debt burden, which reduces the share of public debt servicing costs, and the ratio of the amount of public debt to the expenditures of the regional budget by the end of 2021 approached zero. The study showed that budget expenditures have a significant positive impact on the growth of the capital factor. At the same time, the growth of budget expenditures has a more negative impact on the development of the labor factor. It was found that when using the program-target method, a number of program ex-penditures have a positive impact on the growth of the labor force in the regions, but the degree of such influence is insignificant.Conclusion. In the course of the study, the authors concluded that the efficiency of using budget funds in the Murmansk region is higher than in the Nizhny Novgorod region. This circum-stance indicates a greater influence on the efficiency of the use of budget funds of the quality factor of public debt management in comparison with the influence of the factor of the application of the program-target method of budget planning. The results of the conducted research may be useful to government agencies responsible for planning and budgeting.

О возможностях использования горнопромышленных отходов в Мурманской области

Mining waste products have a significant effect on the vulnerable natural environment of the Arctic and the human health. So, the problem of mining waste utilization is of a particular relevance for the Murmansk Region. The article discusses the existing legal and regulatory framework, promising directions for the development of technologies in this area, and the current waste utilization methods. The author highlights the practical results of mining waste disposal. The tailings facilities (TSF) are considered as technogenic deposits with a low content of valuable components and so can be used in the building industry due to low cost of such materials and reduction of environmental damage during TSF removal.

Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, and Pb in the foot tissue of freshwater pearl mussels from Green Belt rivers of Fennoscandia

Margaritifera margaritifera is a critically threatened species in Europe. Metal pollution may be one of the reasons for its decline, but the influence of this factor remains insufficiently studied. Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, and Pb were determined in the foot tissue of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera (bivalvia, margaritiferidae) from Green Belt rivers of Fennoscandia [the Murmansk region (Kola Peninsula) and Karelia (northern part)] and the accumulation of the metals was shown to be variable; however, their levels in the molluscs, being quite long-lived aquatic organisms, do not exceed the established standards of the Russian Federation. The recorded levels of the metals in the foot tissue of the Margaritifera margaritifera can be considered indicators of the background levels of geologic and anthropogenic metal concentrations in the environment influencing the distribution and development of this protected species in the lake-river systems of the Green Belt of Fennoscandia.

Distinctive aspects of the immune status of the Kola Saami and Russians living in the Far North.

The level of immunological reactivity of the indigenous inhabitants of the Far North may depend on the extreme-discomfort factors of the climatic environment and genetic traits of the population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the distinctive elements of the immune status of the Kola Saami and Russians living in the Far North (Murmansk Region). A complex immunological study of peripheral venous blood composition was performed and involved 67 Saami and 81 Russian inhabitants of the Far North (Murmansk Region) who were aged 21-55. Blood was collected from the cubital vein on an empty stomach in the morning. For the peripheral venous blood, we obtained a hemogram and phagocytic activity of neutrophils, determined the content of lymphocytes with CD4, CD8, CD16, and CD71 phenotypes by indirect immunoperoxidase reaction and flow cytometry using an Epics XL apparatus (Beckman Coulter, United States), obtained concentrations of IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-10, IgA, M, G, E, sCD54, and sCD62L, transferrin, and sCD71 by enzyme immunoassay using the "Evolis" enzyme immunoassay analyzer from Bio-RAD (Germany), and obtained circulating immune complexes by precipitation using 3.5%, 4.0%, and 7.5% PEG-6000. The sIgA content was determined in morning saliva, urine, and gastrointestinal tract secretions. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-criterion, and Pearson correlation coefficient. A decrease in the total number of leukocyte cells in the Saami was associated with a high incidence of leukopenia, lymphopenia, and neutropenia. Deficiency in active phagocytes and serum IgA and sIgA concentrations was revealed as well as increased contents of CD4+ and CD8+ receptor lymphocytes, membrane and free adhesion molecules, and transferrin. Leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, and eosinophilia with increased contents of natural killer cells, IL-6, and IL-10 were recorded more frequently in the Russians. High levels of IgE and IFN-γ, which have the most pronounced cytotoxicity and are indicative of strained immune mechanisms, were characteristic of the Saami and Russians. The distinctive aspects of the immune status of the Kola Saami is related to the deficit in the active phagocyte and serum IgA and sIgA concentrations as well as the increase in the contents of cytotoxic lymphocytes, intercellular adhesion molecules, transferrin, and IFN-γ proinflammatory cytokines. The Russian inhabitants of the Far North are characterized by an adaptive response manifested by an increase in antibody-dependent cytotoxicity, involving IL-6 and IL-10.

Reduction of the prime cost of thermal energy by the utilization of wind power plants in conjunction with boiler houses for heat supply in remote areas of the arctic zone of the Russian Federation (on the example of the Murmansk region)

Providing comfortable living conditions of the local community is the important condition of the stable development and continued existence of remote areas of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF) in modern Russia. The particular role played in this process is assigned to heat supply systems whose reliable and uninterrupted operation is fraught with various problems. The main ones are related to increased costs for the purchase of organic fuel and its delivery to remote areas. This circumstance leads to the fact that the prime cost of thermal energy is higher than the rates level, resulting in unprofitable activity of heat generating facilities, so their continued existence becomes impossible without government subsidies. Under these conditions one of the ways to save imported organic fuel and therefore reduce the prime cost of thermal energy can be the utilization of wind power plants (WPPs) in conjunction with boiler houses for heat supply in remote areas with increased wind potential. THE PURPOSE. It should be shown on the example of the Murmansk region that the utilization of WPPs in conjunction with boiler houses for heat supply in remote areas is a good decision to reduce the prime cost of thermal energy. METHODS. The comparison of the prime cost of thermal energy in a case of heat supply only from boiler houses with the one when utilizing WPPs in conjunction with boiler houses for heat supply. RESULTS. It is shown that the utilization of WPPs in conjunction with boiler houses with a capacity of more than 0.1 Gcal/h for heat supply in remote areas of the Murmansk region saves 60-90% of organic fuel worth 25,000-72,000 rubles/tce at boiler houses and thereby reduces the prime cost of thermal energy by 10-60%. An effect of the utilization of WPPs is reduced for boiler houses of lower capacity, with the lower the boiler house capacity, the more the utilization of WPP being economically impractical compared to a case of heat supply only from a boiler house. CONCLUSION. The results obtained allow us to assess the prospects of the utilization of WPPs in conjunction with boiler houses for heat supply in remote areas of AZRF in terms of the effectiveness of such utilization.

Интродукция кедра и лиственницы в условиях Кольского Заполярья

The purpose of this study was to investigate the history of growth of the introduced species Pinus sibirica Du Tour and Larix sibirica Ledeb. in the Murmansk region and their state in natural areas of preferential protection. The first finds of Siberian cedar in the Arctic region were recorded in 1911, and Siberian larch in 1925. In the 1930s and 1950s–1960s, these kinds of trees were extensively cultivated in the region. Many cedar and larch growth areas are protected as natural monuments of regional significance. Currently, there are eight natural monuments with Siberian cedar growing on the territory of the Murmansk region and seven natural monuments with Siberian larch. The condition of the trees in the territories under preferential protection and the Lapland State Natural Biosphere Reserve was studied in detail. The invasive species occupy a territory of about 70 ha. It was a complete or random enumeration of the trees and undergrowth with measurements of height and diameter. Siberian cedar ranged in height from 0.02 to 18.00 m, whereas Siberian larch was between 0.01 and 18.00 m. Cedar diameters varied from 0.3 to 31.7 cm, whereas larch diameters ranged from 0.4 to 38.3 cm. It is shown that coniferous introduced species are well acclimatized to the natural conditions of the Arctic, which increases the biodiversity of ecosystems and aesthetic perception. Pinus sibirica Du Tour and Larix sibirica Ledeb. fructify in the conditions of the Kola Arctic region that is a sign of a natural regeneration. It is recommended to monitor the conditions of the plantations on a regular basis in order to provide appropriate care. With the inclusion of plots with the growth of the studied species in natural areas of preferential protection, it is necessary to study their condition, location, accessibility, and targeted application. Evaluation of the effectiveness of existing forest management system will allow a more rational approach to the conservation of valuable cedar and larch tree species in the Arctic region. For citation: Isaeva L.G., Ershov V.V., Urbanavichus G.P., Borovichev E.A. Introduced Species of Cedar and Larch in the Climate Conditions of the Kola Arctic Region. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2023, no. 4, pp. . 41–57. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2023-4-41-57

Формирование шишек сосны обыкновенной (Pinus sylvestris L.) в условиях изменения климата

On the example of a number of provenances of the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) of 39 years of age, growing in provenance tests of the Arkhangelsk region (62°54΄ n. w.), as well as natural plantings, the reaction of morfometric indicators of mature macrostrobiles (cones) is shown to change the climatic conditions of growth. It is shown that the formation of cones in the offspring of the provenance of Scots pine from the Murmansk region (67°51΄ s. w.) and from the Leningrad region (60°00΄ s. sh.) occurs with morphometric deviations associated with a reaction to simulated warming or cooling compared to the location of the original plantings. The manifestation of a response to both warming and cooling has been established in direct and derived indicators of cones and their structural parts, as well as in the form diversity of cones. The manifestations of different levels of genetic control over the response of linear and mass indicators during the formation of cones in altered environmental conditions are shown, which can lead to a change in the density of the cone tissues. It is proved that during climatic changes, the parameters of cones will change — weight, size, with relative preservation of morphotypes (apophysis forms), which can lead to a change in the number of fertile seed scales, their dimension and affect the yield of seeds. It has been established that the reaction of the scots pine to climatic changes by the vegetative and generative spheres shows its rather similar direction of manifestation during cooling and warming, and can be associated with both the characteristics of populations and their geographical location in the area of the breed.

Scientific substantiation to updating drinking water quality monitoring programs

Introduction. The results of systematic drinking water quality laboratory tests are the most informative sources. Recommendations on the managing of drinking water quality monitoring were developed in 2020. 
 The purpose of the study was to substantiate methodological approaches to updating drinking water quality monitoring programs.
 Materials and methods. The results of drinking water quality laboratory tests in the Murmansk region, conducted in 2021 in accordance with the monitoring program, were used. The results were analyzed for compliance with the recommendations of the drinking water quality monitoring program. An assessment of the compliance of the results of laboratory studies with hygienic standards and public health risk.
 Results. In Monchegorsk, the drinking water quality was studied at nine control points according to sanitary-chemical, microbiological, and parasitological indicators. The multiplicity of studies per year ranged from 1 to 12 studies. The quality of drinking water in Monchegorsk corresponded to hygienic standards, with the exception of single excesses in the content of chlorine residual free and colour.
 Limitations. When conducting the study, the results of the monitoring were used only for 2021, the results of drinking water quality production control were not taken into account.
 Conclusion. To carry out an objective drinking water quality assessment, it is necessary to update the existing programs of monitoring its quality in the settlements of the Murmansk region carried out within the framework of the social hygienic monitoring (SHM). The authors propose an algorithm for updating monitoring programs

Study of Air Polluted by Microparticles in the City of Apatity, Murmansk Region

Surface layers of apatite-nepheline ores mill tailings were analyzed. During the snowless period in2022, the dynamics of PM2.5 and PM10 dust concentrations in the atmosphere air of Apatity, Murmansk Region, was studied. Excess of MAC of sparingly solubles were detected. Mineralogical analysis of tailings and dust samples were carried out, the presence of nepheline and sodalite was detected, which confirms the involvement of tailing dumps of apatite-nepheline processing plants in air pollution. It was concluded that, in addition to the tailing dump, transport and other industrial sites have a significant impact on the atmosphere air, since airborne dust samples contain small particles of oxidized iron, plastic, glass, and metal scale. The role of green areas in buffer zones and within the boundaries of urban development was emphasized.

Этно-культуральные факторы востребованности альтернативных практик в сфере физического и психического здоровья

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective. </strong>Study aims to investigate the ethno-cultural factors of demand for alternative practices in the sphere of health and psychological well-being among Russian youth. <br><strong>Background. </strong>The decision to seek help is critical to the health and psychological well-being of the individual and society. Turning to non-conventional practices (psychic, paranormal, etc.) to solve problems in the field of both physical and mental health and psychological well-being can be associated with potential risks. <br><strong>Study design. </strong>Quantitative cross-sectional study of adolescents and youth in several Russian regions: Saint-Petersburg and Leningradskaya region, Irkutsk, Murmansk and Tomsk regions, Kamchatka and Krasnoyarsk regions, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Data collection was carried out in the form of an online survey in November-December 2020. <br><strong>Participants. </strong>The study sample consisted of 1258 adolescents and young people aged 14 years and older, of which 671 are adolescents and young people who identify themselves as indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation. Young men constituted 33% of the sample, mean age – 22,1 years (<em>min =</em> 14, <em>max =</em> 35; <em>SD =</em> 6,26). <br><strong>Measurements. </strong>The several scales for assessing the help-seeking and related attitudes towards alternative practices, self-assessment of mental health (HBSC scale). Descriptive statistics, contingency tables to assess differences by ethnicity and gender and a logistic regression model predicting intention to future use of the services were calculated. <br><strong>Results. </strong>Young people's appeal to providers of alternative practices of help (magicians, fortune-tellers, psychics, etc.) has no ethno-cultural specifics. The youth of the indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East significantly more often than the youth of another ethnicity turn only to shamans, who are part of the unique spiritual culture of these ethnic groups but not to any other group of practitioners. <br><strong>Conclusions. </strong>Asking for help from different representatives of alternative assistance is interconnected, which may be the result of "teenager experimentation" in different areas of life, or openness to new experience, including in relation to the search for different types of help. The second important factor of use of alternative services is the distrust of official medicine, which motivates people to use alternative types of health care (turning to shamans, fortune tellers, magicians, sorcerers, etc.).</p>