Northern Arctic Federal University Research Articles

System of Criteria and Standards for Renovation Felling in the North-Taiga Forest Region of the European Part of the Russian Federation

The main goal was to test a set of silvicultural measures that would ensure the natural regeneration of larch in areas of mature and overmature plantations with a different proportion of larch in the composition. The objects were laid in the 121st quarter of the Yemtsovsky educational and experimental forestry of the Northern Arctic Federal University (NArFU) in the Arkhangelsk region, in overmature plantations of the green moss group of forest types, the share of larch in which is from 2 to 5 units in the composition. The predominant forest types were pine forests, blueberry larch forests. The average age of larch is more than 160 years; the undergrowth of this species under the canopy was completely absent. Spruce predominates in the undergrowth, its quantity varies from 2.0 to 4.0 thousand pieces/ha. Renewal of mature and overmature plantations was successful due to spruce and pine undergrowth, but there was a settlement on all strips and deciduous species. On all lanes, the birch already has a height of 2-2.5 meters and is a strong competitor in the growth of spruce and pine, which can completely nullify the further productive development and growth of coniferous undergrowth, and especially larch. It is required to carry out care in young stands in order to form the desired target composition of conifers and the optimal density of the future young plantation. The results can be taken into account when developing a strategy for forest management and forest management, making management decisions, planning and designing activities. The obtained results of the research are the scientific basis for improving the structure of the forests of the European North, increasing their productivity, biospheric role and profitability of the forest sector of the economy.

International interdisciplinary Arctic research: Case study of the Russian Arctic biomonitoring mega-grant project

Abstract The Arctic region is commonly seen as a territory of international dialogue and cooperation. This perception is largely due to the science diplomacy efforts that are largely being contributed by universities, scientific centres, research teams and individual scholars. This paper discusses the Arctic science diplomacy initiatives proposed by Russia’s northernmost federal university. Of particular interest is the case of establishing in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation of national biological monitoring network – the initiative supported by the government-funded mega-grant programme. Our analysis suggests that two pillars of science diplomacy – “science for diplomacy” and “diplomacy for science” – can be successfully combined within the framework of one project. Evidence is provided of the pursuit of national interests being not a limiting factor but rather a driver in the process of promoting diplomatic collaborations in science, serving as a third science diplomacy pillar. Significant progress towards ensuring peace and harmony in the Arctic and sustaining international dialogue on science-based responses to global challenges has been achieved through science diplomacy initiatives proposed by Northern (Arctic) Federal University (NArFU). The authors confirm that most effective tools for establishing good neighbourly relations in the Arctic and promoting international cooperation are offered by scientific discussion.

ОПТИМИЗАЦИЯ СИСТЕМЫ ОЦЕНИВАНИЯ МАГИСТЕРСКОЙ ДИССЕРТАЦИИ НА ОСНОВЕ РЕЗУЛЬТАТОВ БЕНЧМАРКИНГА

Transforming university teachers’ way of thinking about assessment seems to be critical for assisting success of higher education reforms, especially when it comes to greater internationalisation of national and institutional policies. One of the critical issues for aligning strategies adopted for a master program is the need to develop critically reflective approaches to assessing a master’s thesis. In this article, we present a case study of an assessment conception for a master’s thesis in master’s programmes delivered at Northern Arctic Federal University (NArFU) (Arkhangelsk, Russia). The discussion is offered for two main reasons. Firstly, the case study could be of interest for other educators and programme developers who are involved in the process. Secondly, we offer a set of places to look for answers in search of promoting validity, reliability and fairness of internationally acknowledged quality of education. The results of the research may serve to inform the education policy-makers about initiatives to be taken for establishing a culture of assessment and continuous improvement within this sphere.

CORRELATION ANALYSIS OF INDICATORS OF ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY AND VARIABILITY OF THE HEART RHYTHM IN SEAFARERS OVER TIME DURING THE ARCTIC VOYAGE

Introduction.The paper presents a correlation analysis between indicators of variability of heart rhythm and electroencephalogram among professional seafarers and expedition members who first set out on an Arctic voyage. The purpose of the work is to evaluate the compensatory-adaptive reactions of the brain and autonomic regulation of heart in seafarers and expedition members in the Arctic.Material and methods. Studies were carried out among groups of men of research vessels and expedition members of the Northern (Arctic) Federal University (NArFU) in the amount of 70 people. The subjects were divided into two groups – these are seafarers of the Professor Molchanov research vessel and the Neotrazimy marine rescue tugboat, as well as members of the NArFU expedition who participated in the Arctic marine expedition for the first time. To solve the tasks at the same time, an electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rhythm variability (HRV) were measured at the beginning of the voyage (65 N) and at the end on the 20–30th day (78 N). Subsequently, a statistical analysis of the indicators and the calculation of correlations between groups were carried out.The results of the studyshowed that at the beginning of the flight, the subjects had high indicators of regulating body systems, due to the specifics of the influence of negative factors in the high latitudes of the Arctic. However, by the end of the month, a tendency towards a decrease in indicators of cardiac activity regulation and central nervous system (CNS) was observed in the group of seafarers. The obtained correlation relationships between the indicators can be used to control the adaptation of seafarers who first set out on an Arctic voyage.

Рабочее совещание по биоразнообразию и функционированию арктических экосистем — продолжение работы над «Архивом Растительности Арктики» (AVA) (Архангельск, 21–23 мая 2019 г.)

The three-days Arctic Vegetation Archive and Classification Workshop, in which 32 participants from 9 countries (Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Republic of Slovakia, Russia, Switzerland, USA) participated, took place at the Northern Arctic Federal University, Arkhangelsk, Russia on 21–23 May 2019. The participants reviewed success in archiving data into the AVA and regional Archives, which has been achieved in the last 2 years. International Archive already contains large number of datasets, which allowed to define the ways to use this data for the assessment the dynamic of vegetation due to climate change. Discussion was also focused on the results of regional classification with an attempt to come up with a common approach. During the breakout session, attention was brought to the necessity of international communication: everyone agreed that developing a network will make cooperation easier. At the end of the meeting on 23 May the participants stated long-term goals for the next 4 years: Integrate Russian data entries into AVA by Komarov Botanical Institute and A. N. Severtsov Institute working groups; Develop standardized methods for surveys, archiving and classification; Establish the system of databases management and rules for sharing data; Create a central website containing basic information about national Archives, georeferences and links; Establish funding to complete AVA, AVC and the website. Next meeting will take place at Arctic Science Summit Week in Portugal 2021.