Douglas C. Nord's book on sister city diplomacy in the late Cold War era and beyond has many merits. It represents an important turn from the traditional study of diplomacy and strategic competition toward a focus on non-state actors. The emergence of such actors—especially in the Soviet/Russian context, where they were never fully independent—signaled more than the growing influence of grassroots initiatives or the weakening of the state. It underscored the exhaustion of great-power rivalry itself: the inability of professional diplomats to move beyond strategic gridlock, the arms race, and mutual fear. Not surprisingly, Nord includes the story of Samantha Smith, the young schoolgirl from the U.S. state of Maine who wrote to the Soviet leader Yurii Andropov and became a symbol of popular efforts to foster peace and mutual understanding. By highlighting municipally based initiatives of bilateral engagement, Nord's study opens one of the alternative pathways available in this period and makes a valuable contribution to Cold War history.Nord brings a particularly valuable perspective as both participant and observer. Personally involved in the early Duluth–Petrozavodsk contacts, he maintained friendships in both cities for decades and was able to draw on them as sources. Particularly important is his grasp of the mechanics of U.S. civic initiative and his conclusion that enthusiasm, resources, and institutional support at the city and regional levels are necessary to sustain such partnerships. His discussion of the role of educational exchanges—notably, the contributions of the University of Minnesota Duluth and the College of St. Scholastica on the U.S. side and Petrozavodsk State University on the Soviet—is especially insightful. Professors’ participation and student engagement, as Nord demonstrates, left a lasting legacy, poignantly captured in the testimony of a former Petrozavodsk student with which the book concludes. The narrative of these institutions and individuals illustrates how local universities and cultural actors could, in practice, substitute for formal diplomacy in maintaining dialogue when interstate channels were closing.Several limitations, however, should be noted. First, although the title promises a comprehensive history of U.S.-Soviet and U.S.–Russian sister city diplomacy, the book focuses almost exclusively on Duluth–Petrozavodsk. Yet the Russian Sister Cities site lists more than 70 U.S.–Russian partnerships (not including those in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine; further details can be found in Mezhdunarodnaya assotsiatsiya “Porodnennye goroda,” available online at: http://goroda-pobratimy.ru/porodnennye-goroda). A broader comparative approach would have been particularly valuable in tracing both the variety of experiences and common obstacles these partnerships faced.Second, although Nord takes care to contextualize his narrative within the larger framework of U.S.–Soviet/Russian relations, he does not engage the history of U.S.–Soviet city partnerships that predated Duluth's involvement. Situating the story within the explosive growth of sister city diplomacy during the perestroika era under Mikhail Gorbachev—followed by its slowing in the 1990s and its effective end after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine—would have been a better approach to take.A more serious limitation is the book's reliance almost entirely on U.S. and other English-language sources. With the exception of a few Russian voices cited near the conclusion, Nord makes no use of Russian archival materials and disregards Russian-language scholarship. This is unfortunate because Russian historians have written extensively on the subject, including studies focusing on the Duluth–Petrozavodsk program itself, which Nord does not cite and seems unaware of. See, for example, A. V. Sheremet, “Petrozavodsk–Dulut: iz istorii razvitiia pobratimskikh sviazei sovetskikh i amerikanskikh gorodov v 1970–1980-e gody [Petrozavodsk–Duluth: From the History of Sister City Ties between Soviet and American Cities in the 1970s–1980s],” Vestnik Severnogo Federal'nogo Universiteta, Series on Humanities and Social Sciences, No. 2 (2017), pp. 37–45. Moreover, Nord's book omits a systematic analysis of Soviet and Russian governmental involvement, even though official institutions often determined both the scope and the permissible fields of cooperation., as highlighted in V. B. Maksimov, “Mezhdunarodnye kontakty gorodov SSSR kak chast’ vneshnei politiki pravitel'stva [International Contacts of Soviet Cities as Part of the Foreign Policy of the Government],” Vestnik Volgogradskogo gosudarstvennogo universiteta, Series on History, Regional Studies, and International Relations, No. 2 (2012), pp. 96–102. Incorporating these perspectives would have provided a richer, more balanced account, showing how such partnerships were simultaneously encouraged and constrained by state priorities.In sum, Sister City Diplomacy is a valuable and engaging study that offers unique insights into a neglected dimension of Cold War history. At the same time, it highlights the need for future research that integrates Russian sources and perspectives more fully into the story of community diplomacy across the U.S.–Russian divide.

The problems of contemporary science and education are the reproduction of the intellectual environment and the formation of professional guidelines for young scientists. According to sociological studies, the family factor is one of the leading ones in the formation of motivation for scientific activity. The purpose is to find out the way of comprehension and presentation of the socialization experience of a scientist brought up in a Soviet intelligentsia family in the memoir narrative. The article analyzes the memoirs of I. P. Lupanova (1921-2003), philologist and professor. She came from a family of highly qualified teachers who were not from the capital, studied and completed her postgraduate studies at the Leningrad State University under the guidance of outstanding philologistsM. K. Azadovsky and V. Ya. Propp, then taught at the Petrozavodsk State University until 1979. Her memoirs were written in the second half of the 1990s - early 2000s. In 2007, after the author’s death, her students edited and published the work. The first part of the book is a complete narrative and covers the period of her life from the mid-1920s to the fall of 1950, that is, from early childhood to the end of her postgraduate studies, the thesis defense, and the beginning of her independent work. An analysis of the work using the concepts of memoir chronotope and biographical time shows changes in the socio-cultural space of the future scientist and teacher and the role of her parental family at each stage of this process. The family, which had sufficient cultural, educational and social resources, contributed to the development of cognitive interests, formed the motivation for studying science and Russian literature, laid down the values and personal qualities necessary for the successful development of a scientist in the difficult social, domestic and ideological circumstances of postrevolutionary and wartime. Teachers and mentors, who are prominent philologists, strengthened motivation for scientific activity. At the same time, the influence of her parental family affected throughout the memoirist’s professional and personal life.

The purpose of the study was to find ways to ensure the effectiveness of training of universal specialists in energy fields in the implementation of the concept of lifelong learning through a practice-oriented approach.Research methods. To understand the current and future needs of the energy industry, especially in terms of the development of higher professional education, the study used the method of forecasting, direct survey of regional employers of energy enterprises, analysis of the needs of industrial partners in qualified specialists. The normative basis of the study was the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation Nо. 204 (2018) and the federal state educational standard of higher education in the direction of training 13.03.02 “Electric power engineering and electrical engineering”. The theoretical basis of the study is the model of the system of continuous professional education, adapted to the training of specialists for the energy industry. The joint use of these methods has formed a holistic approach to understanding the personnel problems of the power industry and the possibilities of the educational system in their solution.Results. Based on the model of the system of continuous professional education and the results of the analysis of the labor market demand in the Republic of Karelia, a practice-oriented educational program for training specialists in the field of power engineering was designed and implemented. Employers are increasingly looking for specialists with universal skills, capable of solving both typical and non-standard tasks and ready for further training during their working life. Successful implementation of the developed educational program is based on the joint cooperation of energy sector employers and university lecturers. Integration of industry experience with theoretical knowledge, vision of the industry development prospects allowed industrial partners and the university to jointly ensure the successful implementation of the designed educational program, helping to solve the problem of deficit of qualified personnel in the energy sector of the economy in the regions of the Russian Federation. The article presents the experience of the Department of energy supply of enterprises and energy efficiency of Petrozavodsk State University in training bachelors for the energy sector of the economy. The article reveals the totality of all the components of the model of the continuous education system, which contributes to the training of a universal specialist in the field of energy. The integrative qualities of the model are demonstrated, including the possibilities to receive higher and additional professional education for university students, productive combination of study and work at enterprises, ensuring the effectiveness of training, which is achieved by involving industrial partners in the educational process and strengthening the motivational component of the learning process. The educational programs are supplemented with disciplines forming digital and engineering competences, integrative forms of training are introduced: training and profile practice on the basis of ElectroSkills, internships with part-time employment, project activities with the solution of real tasks of enterprises.Conclusion. The authors have proposed and realized new approaches to the formation of professional skills required for university graduates. The key role of industrial partners’ participation in the educational process during the whole period of training is shown, the existing problems and difficulties in the implementation of practice-oriented approach in the training of specialists are outlined, the ways of eliminating the identified problems are proposed. The content and methods of step-by-step implementation of the practice-oriented educational program of training students of energy fields are demonstrated on specific examples.

The article describes the process of efficiency estimation of different variants for locating an enterprise for the production of corrugated veneer panels using a specialized simulation model developed at Petrozavodsk State University. A corrugated veneer panel is a new type of panel-type building facing materials intended for interior decoration. Panels of this type are made of softwood veneer, the processing volumes of which in the Republic of Karelia are currently insignificant, and local loggers experience certain difficulties with its sale. The solution to the problem is based on the use of a simulation model of traffic flows in timber transport, implemented in the AnyLogic software environment. Using the proposed simulation model, it is possible to obtain accurate estimates of the operating speed of timber trucks on a specific route, taking into account road conditions, speed limits, and changes in the traffic intensity on different sections of the route. This makes it possible to compare the economic efficiency of different variants for traffic flows organizing. For comparison, the options of production placement in Medvezhyegorsk and Pryazha were selected. In this case, seven southern forestries of the Republic of Karelia act as sources of resources. The obtained results allow us to conclude that the placement of the enterprise for the production of corrugated veneer panels in Pryazha is more profitable. In this case, the total transport costs are 2% less, which corresponds to savings of 5.8 million rubles per year. In this case, the annual run of all trucks is reduced by 42,900 km, which is 3.5%, but this does not lead to a reduction in the total trucks operating time, since the average operating speed is 0.6% less than in the case of placement in Medvezhyegorsk. The average specific transport costs when placing the plant in Pryazha are 24.1 rubles/m3 less. Thus, a 3.5% reduction in the run leads to a reduction in costs by only 2%.

In this article a comparative analysis of physical fitness of students of Petrozavodsk State University (PetrSU) in the 90s of the last century with students of the present time is carried out. The aim of the study: to analyze and compare the normative indicators of physical fitness of students of Petrozavodsk State University at different times of study. The following tasks were set in the work: to analyze the scientific and methodical literature and to identify the main normative requirements for physical training of students of higher educational institutions, to conduct a comparative analysis of archival data of normative indicators of physical training of PetrSU students at different times, to compare the level of physical fitness of different generations of students. To solve the set tasks the following methods were used: review and analysis of basic requirements for physical training of students of universities, generalization of literature. The main research methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, study of archival materials. Hypothesis of the study: comparative analysis of the obtained data with the standards will help physical education teachers to determine the quality of teaching their subject, to improve the effectiveness of the educational process.

The purpose of the study is to analyze the sensory-motor response of blind and visually impaired athletes during the training process in table tennis. Research methods and organization. Research methods: analysis of scientific and pedagogical studies, testing, interviews. The diagnostic tools include tests such as the "falling ruler" test, the Romberg test, the "hit the hoop" test, the "throwing a ball at half strength" test, the "long jump at half strength" test, tremorometry, dynamometry, meter reproduction, and time perception. The study was conducted at the Center for Adaptive Physical Culture of Petrozavodsk State University over a two-year period. The category of participants consisted of twelve athletes aged between 25 and 50 years, who have visual impairments and participate in the Showdown table tennis section. Research results and conclusions. At the final stage of the study, a positive trend in quantitative indicators was observed across all control tests, albeit without confirmation of statistical significance. The participants reported a genuine perception of positive dynamics in their sensory-motor state, enabling them to navigate and overcome obstacles in their daily lives. The final results objectively corroborate the positive development of sensory-motor response among blind and visually impaired athletes during the table tennis training process. Subjective assessments from the participants indicate a beneficial impact of table tennis activities on the quality of daily life for individuals with visual impairments. Combined with a specially designed exercise program, table tennis can serve as both a means for the development of physical and psychomotor skills, as well as a tool for rehabilitation, social integration, and adaptation.

The review presents the materials of a scientific seminar dedicated to the 90th anniversary of Professor Sofia M. Loiter and the publication of a bibliographic index of her scholarly works. Sofia Loiter is a Professor at the Department of Classical Philology, Russian Literature, and Journalism of the Institute of Philology at Petrozavodsk State University. This seminar served as a continuation of the previous seminars commemorating Professors Irina P. Lupanova and Evgeniy M. Neyolov, aimed to rekindle the attention of young researchers in the study of folklore and literary fairy tales, children’s literature, science fiction, and fantasy, as well as to establish a continuity of approaches and methodology developed by earlier scholars. The seminar featured various topics and new works that enhance interest in these fields and enrich the materials presented in a variety of formats by the participants, including educators, researchers, undergraduates, and master’s students. The reviewed reports address the scholarly legacy of Sofia Loiter and emphasize the innovative nature of her works, which can already be recognized as classics of Russian philology of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Introduction. The challenges of the modern world require university graduates to possess not only professional skills, but also the skills to preserve their mental health, manage emotions to control their reactions to stress and make informed decisions. Taking care of mental health also contributes to increased productivity and performance. The task of universities is to train young professionals who are able not only to assimilate knowledge and develop competencies, but also to maintain a high degree of efficiency and adaptability. The purpose of the article is to describe the implementation of the international project on psychological mutual aid of university students in Russia and Kazakhstan and to analyze the results obtained. Materials and methods. 127 students of Petrozavodsk State University and Eurasian National University participated in this project. Comparative data analysis, formalized questionnaire surveys of open and closed type, self-assessment and methods of statistical analysis were used as research methods. Research results. Joint work on the project allowed to realize positive dynamics in the development of cognitive and autopsychic components of psychological competence of students of two universities. Similarities and differences in their awareness of the degree of importance of psychological problems were revealed. The target indicators of the experimental groups were statistically significantly higher in their understanding of the seriousness of problems and necessary steps to overcome stress, panic attacks and anxiety (t emp_PetrSU – 9.73, t emp_ENU – 2.82604602), various psychological dependencies (t emp_PetrSU – 5,12, t emp_ENU – 4,48), problems in relations with parents (to a greater extent among PetrSU students, t emp_PetrSU – 10,76, t emp_ENU – 10,02), problems with self-esteem and dissatisfaction with their appearance (t emp_PetrSU – 10,51, t emp_ENU – 4,93). Project participants realized the necessary algorithm of actions in the situation of abusive parent-child relationships (t emp_PetrSU – 9.993, t emp_ENU – 6.17), as well as bullying (t emp_PetrSU – 9.73, t emp_ENU – 5.33). A significant result of the project was the creation of a website. Discussion and Conclusion. The integration of the interdisciplinary project aimed at the maintaining the psychological health of students in order to form their psychological competence into the content of foreign language teaching at the university has confirmed its effectiveness. Recommendations for the dissemination of this experience in the organization of training of students of technical and natural science directions of training are offered

In the context of rapid changes and uncertainty, the task of preparing students who are capable of systemic and critical thinking, solving complex problems, and quickly adapting to a changing environment becomes particularly relevant. Scientific work opens up vast opportunities for the development of such skills – not only for professional but also for personal growth. Therefore, it is essential to construct a system of scientific mentorship at universities that addresses multiple objectives: effectively ensuring the reproduction of personnel within the academic and university science system; enhancing the level of scientifi c culture in society; assisting students in the comprehensive realization of their potential. The aim of this article, presented as a case study, is to describe the experience of organizing student science and scientific mentorship at Petrozavodsk State University (PetrSU), identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing model, and propose pathways for its transformation. The empirical foundation of the article consists of the results of a mass survey conducted among students and faculty in October 2023, which involved 1,192 students and 345 faculty members from all institutes and fi elds of study at PetrSU. The analysis of the existing model of scientifi c mentorship at PetrSU (the central element of which is the student scientifi c society) and the survey of students and faculty allowed the authors to identify the limitations of the current model. The authors also proposed a new (restructured) model that would address the contemporary challenges faced by the university, along with a comprehensive set of measures to cultivate leaders in student science within the framework of the “professor – graduate student – master’s student – senior undergraduate student – first-year student” chain. The described case of Petrozavodsk State University may be benefi cial for organizing scientific mentorship and the activities of student scientifi c societies in other higher education institutions.

Importance. The problem of modern students’ motivation to study Swedish in the conditions caused by a sharp reorientation of the country’s course is analyzed. Understanding motivation, especially the characteristics of learning motivation, is one of the issues that has remained relevant in pedagogy and foreign language teaching methodology for decades. The aim of the study is to analyse students’ learning motivation and determine the correlation of the initial and current motivation to study Swedish due to the sharp change in the country’s geopolitical course.Materials and Methods. The research is conducted on the basis of Petrozavodsk State University (PetrSU), the respondents are students of the Institute of Philology, Department of German Philology, and Scandinavian Studies, studying Swedish as a main language from the 1st to the 4th year of undergraduate studies. The number of respondents is 34. Sociological and statistical methods of research are used to collect materials, for processing and analysis; theoretical and descriptive methods are used. Studies of E.N. Deulina, T.A. Deulina, M.V. Spirina, N.V. Lobastova, G.N. Arutyunyan, I.B. Vorozhtsova, etc., which are considered with the methodology of foreign language teaching and the problem of learning motivation, as well as students’ answers received during the research, are used as research materials.Results and Discussion. Based on received data, the methodology of Swedish language teaching has been improved. The dependence of motivation for learning foreign languages on external and internal factors has been established on the basis of students’ answers. The answers received in the research help to correct and adjust the learning process in rapidly changing conditions, to organise the work with the team correctly, to increase the learning motivation, and to keep the contingent of students.Conclusion. The study has practical relevance and research perspectives: no significant decrease in motivation to learn Swedish has been revealed, however, there is a consistent, logical, and wellexplained change in motivation throughout the learning process caused by external factors such as the “plateau effect”, a specific response to the teaching efforts of the instructor, changes in the types and forms of work, technologies, methods, and teaching techniques. Despite the fluctuating nature of motivation, students remain persistent and determined in learning the foreign language. The decrease in motivation to learn a foreign language is caused by too much academic workload and/or personal problems; while the increase in motivation is related to the variety of tasks and forms used, including the inspiring activities of the teacher.

The researchers of F. M. Dostoevsky’s epistolary heritage recognize the historical value of correspondence as a reliable source that helps build a genuine biography of the writer. Dostoevsky’s letters are not only a biographical source, especially since the writer did not keep a diary and did not leave memoirs, but also a part of the writer’s literary heritage. The tradition of publishing Dostoevsky’s letters has a long, 140-year history. Since the 1880s different types of letter publications have been implemented: individual publications, as part of collections and complete works, and in scientific articles. Currently, the researchers have published and commented on all known Dostoevsky’s letters preserved in autographs. Over time, scientists also realized the value of letters from correspondents addressed to the writer. Commented publications of individual letters, thematic groups and epistolary cycles of correspondence appeared. The researchers faced the task of systematizing all letters and preparing a commented publication of a unified set of Dostoevsky’s correspondence. In Russian editional practice, a tradition has developed of publishing the correspondence of the 19th-century classics, an example is the correspondence of A. S. Pushkin, which has been reprinted more than once. Despite the experience with this kind of publication, the epistolary heritage of such an outstanding 19th-century classic as Dostoevsky has not been published in the form of a complete set of correspondence, including letters from correspondents. Its preparation poses various many questions for researchers. The article identifies the editional tasks that arise in the process of publishing correspondence, and proposes possible ways to solve them. The work on the publication of Dostoevsky’s entire creative heritage in the language of the 19th century is carried out as part of the publication of his Complete Works in the author’s spelling and punctuation. In part, these tasks were implemented through electronic publication of letters from Dostoevsky and his correspondents on the website of Petrozavodsk State University Philolog.ru. At the moment, it contains most of the letters, which are verified by handwritten autographs. In the future, a scientifically commented set of correspondence is slated for publication. Electronic publication allows to offer a variable and multi-level representation of Dostoevsky’s epistolary, thereby solving many editional problems.

The study presents information about 28 new findings of lichen species from the territory of the Pinezhsky Nature Reserve. Arthopyrenia cerasi, Verrucaria elaeomelaena, and V. murina are new for Northwest Russia, other 14 species are new for the Arkhangelsk Region, 11 — new for its mainland part. The findings were confirmed by specimens stored in the herbaria of Petrozavodsk State University (PZV) and the University of Helsinki (H).

The subject of the study is the time series of the difference in electrical potentials along the trunk of a pine tree and the aligned time series of meteorological and geomagnetic parameters measured by hardware and software complexes of the Petrozavodsk geophysical observatory and the Petrozavodsk State University Botanical Garden in 2017 – 2022, as well as the time series of the global geomagnetic activity Kp index database. It is demonstrated that there exist characteristic patterns in the electric potential difference in pine trees depending on season, temperature, precipitation, humidity, underpinned by physical environmental factors and physiological processes in the tree. The response of the electric potential difference of pine trees to atmospheric processes, thunderstorms, and space weather phenomena (magnetic storms and solar eclipse) are studied. The results of these observations are qualitatively interpreted using features of the Earth’s electric field.

The level of anxiety in modern stressful and foreign policy unfavorable conditions becomes one of the determining factors in the educational process, before the new reforms in the sphere of education there is a problem of organization of pedagogical process in students with high level of anxiety. In this article we study the actual indicators of personality and reactive anxiety in students of Petrozavodsk State University, we obtained data on statistically reliable differences in personality anxiety in students of different genders. We also conducted a systematic analysis of the literature on the platform elibrary.ru, which allowed us to obtain data on the average level of anxiety in students of different institutions of higher education from 2010 to 2022. The used indicators of the results were the values of the methodology ShRLT (Reactive (situational) and personality anxiety scale) C.D. Spielberger-J.L. Khanin.

the Petrozavodsk State University, PhD (Law) The article considers the issue of the possibility of placing information signs of a non-advertising nature by economic entities on the facade of an apartment building, the legality of the requirement to approve these signs at the general meeting of the owners of the MKD and the legality of charging fees for their placement and use (rent). The author takes the position that the placement of signage on the facade should not be considered solely from the standpoint of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation. This is a complex issue involving the use of housing and civil legislation in its consideration, including the Law of the Russian Federation "On Consumer Rights Protection".

Introduction. In teaching foreign languages to Russian students there is a tendency of decreasing motivation in learning European languages because of changes in the geopolitical situation. The aim of the article is to analyze the dynamics of the changes in students’motivation to learn English at Petrozavodsk State University from 2019 to 2022. Theoretical analysis. A comparative analysis of Russian and foreign studies shows that low motivation to learn prevents students from achieving high results. The motivational sphere is influenced by such objective and subjective factors as profession, age, gender, learning environment, and university curriculum. Empirical analysis. The study revealed two different trends. If the future historians, political scientists, and social workers still show their interest in learning English for the purpose of self-education and self-realization, then among the students specializing in “Tourism” the decrease in motivation, caused by the reduction of opportunities to use English in their professional activities in the near future, was recorded. Conclusion. The authors conclude that the task of stimulating students’ interest in learning European languages in Russian universities and the search for new non-standard methods of teaching foreign languages does not lose its relevance.

The article analyzes the impressions and statements of foreign and Russian authors of the late 19th - early 20th centuries about the history and culture of the Muslim world. The importance of original orientalist publications from the rare book reading room collection of the Scientific Library of the Petrozavodsk State University in the study and understanding by student historians of the Islam world is shown.

Upbringing the younger generation on the basis of national traditions contributes to the spiritual and moral enrichment of society. The article is devoted to the problem of introducing students — future teachers — to the origins of national culture through folklore, which has a great educational potential. The author focuses on the study of folk tales in the educational process as a direction related to the preservation of traditional folk culture, the formation of a meaningful attitude to the national artistic heritage. Karelian fairy tales are valuable folklore material with educational potential in the development of aesthetic and moral qualities, instilling love for the native land, glorifying its beauty and unique traditions. The author pays attention to the artistic representation of the characters of Karelian fairy tales, reveals their mythological basis and artistic traditions of embodiment. The article describes the experimental work carried out by the author in the academic year 2023/2024 at the Department of Technology, Fine Arts and Design of the Petrozavodsk State University and the Petrozavodsk Specialized School of Arts. Plunging into the world of folklore traditions of their homeland, the students comprehend the need to implement a national and regional component in university and secondary education. The study of folklore traditions helps to introduce students to the origins of national culture, the formation of ethno-cultural and civic identity, and the ability to carry out practical activities.

Pollen analysis of aerial and subsurface spectra was carried out in different places in Petrozavodsk that is located in the Russian North-West: Botanic Garden of the Petrozavodsk State University and in some areas in Petrozavodsk (Klyuchevaya, Kukkovka, Drevlyanka, railway station and hotel &laquo;Severnaya&raquo;) during 2019 and 2020. For this purpose, pollen traps were installed on the introducents (Sea-buckthorn (<em>Hippopha</em><em>ё rhamnoides</em> L.), Douglas fir (<em>Pseudotsuga menziesii</em> Franco), Manchurian walnut (<em>Juglans mandschurica</em> Maxim.), Siberian larch (<em>Larix sibirica</em> Ledeb.), European ash (<em>Fraxinus excelsior</em> L.), European white elm (<em>Ulmus laevis </em>Pall.), Northern red oak (<em>Quercus rubra</em> L.)) for two seasons to study the distance of pollen transportation and representation of surrounding plants in pollen spectra. Subsurface spectra were collected in the places of pollen traps installation and in the 10 km distance from the Botanic Garden, in the town. In two years, totally, 36 samples were studied. Materials from the pollen traps were treated according Erdtman acetolysis method and subsurface materials were treated according to Grichuk separation method. Arboreal pollen dominated (58&ndash;98%) in all spectra. Native species &ndash; pines (<em>Pinus </em>sp.), spruces (<em>Picea</em> sp.), birches (<em>Betula</em> sp.), alders (<em>Alnus</em> sp.), dominated in all spectra. Quantity of pollen of carried pollen traps plants varied in 2019 and 2020. Pollen of plants that grow at the border of their range &ndash; Small-leaved lime (<em>Tilia cordata</em> L.), Norway maple (<em>Acer platanoides</em> Mill.) were found mainly in the spectra collected in 2019. Introduced plants pollen contents differed in 2019 and 2020. Lilacs (<em>Syringa</em> sp.) pollen was found in spectra of both years. <em>Pseudotsuga</em> sp., yews (Taxaceae), <em>Rhododendron</em> sp., <em>Hippopha</em><em>ё</em> sp. pollen were found only in samples of the first year. <em>Juglans</em> sp. pollen was present only in five samples in 2019 and almost in all spectra in 2020. <em>Quercus</em> sp. pollen was present also only in five samples in 2019, but in three traps in 2020. Herbs were represented by pollen of the native taxa of grasses (Poaceae), asters (Asteraceae), sedges (Cyperaceae) in a small quantity (0.3-7.5%). Studied pollen spectra mainly reflect the regional vegetation features. Local floral components of the spectra were detected in the spectra in the immediate vicinity of them. Pollen of two or more introduced species was found in studied pollen spectra in small quantities. Spectra of the Botanic garden of the Petrozavodsk State University are typical for the spectra of the middle taiga. Differences of pollen spectra in different years could be caused by weather conditions and a number of other factors that are discussed like local vegetation state in these periods that affects on pollination and many others.

The subject of the study is the time series of the difference in electrical potentials along the trunk of a pine tree and the time series of meteorological and geomagnetic parameters consistent with them, measured by hardware and software complexes of the geophysical observatory "Petrozavodsk" and the Botanical Garden of Petrozavodsk State University in 2017-2022, as well as the time series of the K-index database global geomagnetic activity. The existence of characteristic regimes in the difference in electrical potentials of pine trees is shown, depending on the season, temperature, precipitation, humidity, determined by physical environmental factors and physiological processes in the tree. The reaction of the electrical potential difference of pine trees to meteorological parameters, thunderstorms, and space weather phenomena: magnetic storms and solar eclipses is analyzed. The results of these observations are qualitatively interpreted using known features of electric field of the Earth.