Arctic Regions Of Russia Research Articles

Creating zones in administrative districts located in the Russian arctic region specific as per threats of cattle burials decay due to permafrost degradation

Climatic changes have already resulted and will continue to result in gradual degradation of active upper layers in permafrost due to increased average air temperature in summer. Anthrax is an example of a climate-depending bacterial infection; anthrax agent creates spores that remain viable for a long period of time they spend in cryptobiosis in permafrost. Apparent permafrost degradation is already detected in most arctic regions in Russia and it can lead to anthrax burials decay thus creating elevated risks of the infection among farm animals and people who live on these territories. Our research goal was to create specific zones in municipal districts via combining data on permafrost, number of anthrax cattle burials, ascending trends in average long-term temperatures, and population density. We developed two relative hazard coefficients for characterizing anthrax outbreaks probability for animals and local population. Basing on numeric values obtained for these two coefficients, 70 administrative districts located in 15 RF subjects in the Arctic zone were listed in a descending order as per risks of the infection occurrence. We created two score scales showing relative hazard; they indicated that the highest population risk was typical for urban districts as population density there was much high than in rural ones. Our calculations should be helpful for determining priorities when preventive activities are developed on arctic and sub-arctic territories that are endemic as per anthrax. It is also important to obtain an actual list of cattle burials and to develop spatial-time models showing anthrax outbreaks occurrence taking into account climatic warming and permafrost degradation.

Statistical Analysis of the Financial Solvency of the Russian Arctic Regions

The uneven distribution of natural resources on the territory of Russia and the limited financial capabilities of the regions of the Russian Federation to exercising their powers, according to the authors, predetermine the relevance of considering the problem of assessing financial solvency for each region. The Arctic zone of the Russian Federation as a management object is nowadays an issue of concern from researchers and requires special attention since most of the country’s resource potential is concentrated on its territory. The study aims at a statistical assessment of the financial viability of the regions of the Russian Arctic through a correlation analysis aimed at exploring the forms of linking indicators that allow us to identify common and specific features of their regional development.The article substantiates the system of statistical indicators that directly or indirectly characterize the financial solvency of the regions. The analysis of the financial solvency of the regions according to the official statistics for the period from 2005 to 2018 was carried out sequentially and in stages: 1st stage - selection of the data array; 2nd stage - formation of a case of financial indicators; 3rd stage - building a matrix for correlation analysis; 4th stage - correlation analysis; 5th stage - interpretation of the results.Using the method of correlation analysis, the authors constructed a matrix of correlation pairs, identifying the most relevant ones for assessing the financial solvency of the region. Comparative analysis of paired correlation coefficients for the Arctic regions made it possible to assess the relationship between certain directions and features of their development.Assessment of the financial independence of the constituent entities is the central problem of balancing regional budgets. In this regard, the results of the study may be of interest to regional and federal authorities for forecasting and strategic planning of the development of the Arctic regions in the face of limited financial resources.

How climate change is affecting the transitional natural zones of the Northern and Arctic regions of Russia

Continued global warming and the increase in climate extremes have mostly been identified in Northern and Arctic areas of Russia. Investigation of natural and climatic conditions in these regions was conducted using the method of zoning that is based on the environmental conditions of human life. This method estimates the relatively slowly changing landscape component and the rapidly changing climate component of the discomfort. Transitional natural zones represent an open system for the impact of climatic changes. A positive trend in the number of active temperatures and a negative precipitation trend was observed in these regions. At present, the climate conditions of some areas in the tundra, forest-tundra, and northern taiga correspond to the more southerly landscape zones. This situation is conducive to changes in the landscape vegetation and could lead to a shift in the transitional landscape zone borders towards higher latitudes. The relevancy of the study results is that they help to establish the potential consequences of climate change for landscape structures, as well as for the environment and the population of the Northern and Arctic areas. They can be used for developing the regulatory documents that govern the population's life in the Northern and Arctic areas.

Live, work or leave? Arctic youth survey results

The article deals with arctic youth survey results analysis within the framework of international Russian-Finnish project “Live, Work or Leave! Youth – wellbeing and the viablity of (post) extractive Arctic industrial cities in Finland and Russia” focusing on youth well-being in the Arctic industrial cities. Sociological survey results of youth living in 3 Russian Arctic regions of the Russian Federation (Murmanskaya oblast, Yamalo-nenetsky autonomous district, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)) made it possible to assess the attractiveness of various industrial cities in the Arctic as places to live and work. There were 600 respondents aged from 14 to 30 years. The survey results have showed both arctic youth migratory trends as well as level of their happiness and well-being. Arctic youth survey results explore a number of positive perspectives - pursuit of happiness and opportunity, as today’s youth wants to get out of constant mode of survival. The survey results has showed that despite socio-economic difficulties faced by young people, the feeling of happiness is still common for all of them.

The impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the economies of the Russian Arctic regions

The article examines the influence of the crisis caused by the Covid-19 on the economies of the Russian Arctic regions. In it, the authors demonstrate that even within one country, different economic conditions of the territories give rise to different forces and different characteristics of the manifestation of crisis phenomena, identifying the specifics of their manifestations in the regions of the Russian Arctic in comparison with the overall Russian situation, based on the analysis of statistical indicators. The approach of a comparative assessment of the impact of the crisis on the regions of the Russian Arctic used in the article gives visual and easily interpreted results. This analysis of the dynamics of indicators that characterize the situation in the labor market, in industrial production and retail trade in Russia as a whole and in the regions of the Russian Arctic indicated that the economy of the regions of the Russian Arctic demonstrates a specific reaction to the crisis caused by the Covid-19.

Analysis of natural and climatic as well as road conditions in the territories of the Russian Arctic zone

In the course of the study, we analyzed the development of the railway and road network and assessed the prospects of transport infrastructure development in the northern and Arctic regions of Russia. Besides, we reviewed processes of territory development with account for natural and climatic conditions. The article presents potential ways to overcome the specified problems related to the development of transport infrastructure and logistics in the northern and Arctic regions of Russia.

Entrepreneurial activity in the Arctic regions of Russia

Entrepreneurial activity in the Arctic regions of Russia

ВЛИЯНИЕ СПЕЦИФИЧЕСКОГО РЕЖИМА СНЕЖНЫХ ОТЛОЖЕНИЙ НА ВЕЧНОМЁРЗЛЫE ОСНОВАНИЯ В ГОРОДАХ КРИОЛИТОЗОНЫ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ НОРИЛЬСКОГО РЕГИОНА)

With increasing snowfalls and rising winter temperatures in the Arctic regions of Russia (against the background of almost the same summer values), the role of solid precipitation in the formation of the temperature and humidity regimes of seasonally thawed and upper horizons of permafrost grounds becomes extremely important. No regular observations of snow accumulation in built-up areas were conducted in the Arctic settlements. This article presents for the first time the results of snow measurements in urbanized areas of the Norilsk region, and assesses the warming effect of snow cover on the permafrost grounds and foundations. The problems that arise during the mechanical redistribution of snow are identified. In some areas the thickness of the snow cover (near the city of Norilsk) by the end of March can reach 200 cm; in February, the average monthly value for the last 15 years amounts 69 cm, and in the city the height of snow dumps ranges from 2 to 5 m. The warming effect of snow cover on the permafrost layer enhances as the snow height increases from 0 to 2–2.5 m, and then remains unchanged. Large masses of snow existing for many decades in almost the same places (together with the snow drifts of the air from the ventilated subfields) result in the development of degradation tendencies within the permafrost. A slight temperature rise was noted in grounds under 30–40% of the operated objects (as compared with the design values), which causes deformation of the structures.

SWOT-assessment of recycling materials for cheap explosives used in the development of fields in the Russian Arctic zone

The recycling potential is being actualized due to the trends in the production and use of powder and liquid combustible materials from the waste of a mining enterprise in the production cycle of mining, enrichment and processing (polymer packaging and containers of explosives, large tires and rubber products during the operation of mining vehicles, coal powder and coke breeze during enrichment and coking of coal, waste oil products during the operation of vehicles and mechanization equipment). In the material under consideration, a SWOT analysis of the possibility of using the recycling technology of materials in the manufacture of the simplest explosives in the northern and arctic regions of Russia is carried out, including consideration of geological, natural, climatic, economic-geographical, environmental, technological and technical aspects. On the basis of the presented detailing of the indicators of the considered aspects of the SWOT analysis, their role is shown and the value is highlighted when using the technology of recycling materials for the simplest explosives in the development of medium and small deposits. The possibility of obtaining recycled material used for the manufacture of the simplest explosives at mining enterprises from alternative manufacturers is shown.

Incidence of socially significant infectious diseases (HIV, TB and HIV/TB coinfection) in the Arctic regions of Russia)

ABSTRACT The study is aimed to evaluate the HIV, TB, and HIV/TB coinfection incidence per 100,000 population/year in Russian Arctic, based on official statistical data. The epidemics’ incidence in Russian Arctic is uneven. The highest HIV incidence in 2019 was registered in Krasnoyarsk region (94,6), and the highest TB incidence in ChAD (136,1). ChAD was also identified as the region with the worst indicators, where the HIV incidence in 2007–2019 was evaluated at (315,8%), TB (136,1%), HIV/TB coinfection (150,0%). Despite the significant reduction in TB incidence in Arkhangelsk oblast (−63,9%), Karelia (−57,3%) and Komi (−56,2%) republics, it is alarming to observe dramatic increases in HIV incidence in the aforementioned regions (592,3%, 331,8%, 156,5% respectively). External factors influence HIV and TB incidence in most regions. Prevailing in men, HIV and TB incidence disparities between the general population and permanent residents occurred in all regions, except in ChAD and NAD, where the infections were diagnosed only among permanent residents. It is necessary to provide more detailed studies focusing on HIV, TB, and HIV/TB coinfection features in each circumpolar district in order to determine the main risk factors, especially among indigenous peoples as a vulnerable group, and to evaluate the HIV/TB collaborative services’ capacity.

РОССИЙСКАЯ ВЫСОКОШИРОТНАЯ СЕТЬ НАКЛОННОГО ЗОНДИРОВАНИЯ ИОНОСФЕРЫ

The network for monitoring the high-latitude ionosphere by the method of oblique ionospheric sounding deployed in the Russian Arctic region is considered. The study describes the main results of operational data processing for studying the high-latitude ionosphere and determining the conditions for the optimum operation of radio communication systems and over-the-horizon radars in this region. The study demonstrates the potential of the network as a tool for the remote diagnostics of parameters of small-scale artificial ionospheric irregularities induced by powerful HF radio waves in the mid-latitude ionospheric F-region.

The role of extractive industries in developing peripheral Arctic regions of Russia and Canada

Russian Federation and Canada are the largest arctic powers that have similar features in evolving their Arctic zones. In the mid-1920s both countries formalized their rights to the northern territories. Russian and Canadian arctic regions are located in harsh climatic zones,geographically distant from national political and business centers, poorly populated, and rich in natural resources. At the same time, there are obvious differences in political institutions,“core-periphery” relationships, business organization, and social activities of aboriginal people and newcomers. The purpose of this study is a comparative evaluation how the rich resource base and industrial production impact on the socio-economic development of the Arctic regions of Russia and Canada. To reach the goal authors use the official statistical sources of the Russian Federation and Canada. Case study method, comparative analysis, and econometric calculations are applied. As a result similar and distinctive features of the industrial development of the Arctic regions of these countries were identified. It can be explained, first of all, by the institutional characteristics of Russia and Canada. Comparing an evidence of the leading extractive companies completed the empirical analysis. Authors concluded that the regions under consideration are characterized by a high or medium share of the extractive industry in the regional economy. Specialization in natural resources extraction and primary processing does not have a negative impact on the economic development of the territories. However, outer companies are engaged in this business that increases the dependence of the regional economy on the conjuncture of world markets. The article investigates in empirical studying common features of the extractive industry in the peripheral Russian and Canadian Arctic territories and its impact on the socio-economic development of these regions.

ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ И ЭВОЛЮЦИОННОЕ РАЗВИТИЕ ИННОВАЦИОННО-ИНДУСТРИАЛЬНЫХ ПОЯСОВ ТОРГОВЫХ ПУТЕЙ В РОССИЙСКОЙ АРКТИКЕ В ЦЕЛЯХ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ ИНКЛЮЗИВНОГО РОСТА

The research is aimed at studying and analyzing the formation and evolutionary development of innovative industrial belts of trade routes in the Russian Arctic in order to ensure inclusive growth. Goal. To determine the main directions of development of innovative and industrial belts of trade routes in the Russian Arctic as locomotives of the transition from the raw material to the high-tech structure of the national economy by using existing developments and competitive advantages in the field of spatial development of the regions of the Far North, the creation and functioning of polar communications. Tasks. To determine the main directions of the evolutionary development of innovative and industrial belts of trade routes in the Russian Arctic, to identify the problems and prospects of transport and logistics innovations in the Russian Arctic. Methodology. The research uses methods of world system analysis, evolutionary and institutional theory, the theory of production and technological balance and technical and economic patterns, expert and analytical assessments. Results. It is determined that the basis for the diversification of the national economy and increasing its technological level is the formation of innovative and industrial belts of trade routes of the Arctic region in all possible directions. The formation, functioning and development of trade routes in the XXI century has become one of the key directions of global anti-crisis policy, changes in the geo-economic configuration of the world economy, a source of income, a sphere of application of investment and credit resources, an infrastructure and integration basis for the implementation of major geopolitical projects. The problems and prospects of transport and logistics innovations in the Russian Arctic are revealed. Conclusions. The creation and effective functioning in the Arctic region of Russia of trade routes of the XXI century and their innovative and industrial belts should occur through the construction and efficient operation of global year-round land transport communications. First of all, we are talking about the development, implementation and scaling of open magnetic levitation transportation technologies, characterized by high-tech, maximum use of domestic developments, sparsely populated, a wide field for automation, robotization and digitalization, compliance with the requirements of the Sixth techno-economic order.

ИНСТИТУЦИОНАЛЬНОЕ ОФОРМЛЕНИЕ ПРОЦЕССОВ СТРАТЕГИЧЕСКОГО РАЗВИТИЯ АРКТИЧЕСКОЙ ЗОНЫ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ

The article analyzes the formation of processes of institutional regulation of socio-economic activity in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation. An assessment of state support measures for the eco-nomic development of the Arctic space, business stimulation, increasing the investment and social attractive-ness of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation was given. It was revealed that the formation of the institu-tional space of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation would allow the Arctic regions of Russia to become the world's largest economic zone with a single set of administrative, tax and investment preferences, as well as a geopolitical tool for strengthening the regional presence of Russia in the Arctic.

Radiation-hygienic characteristic of the global radionuclide fallout in the arctic regions of Russia (based on the data of the Institute of Radiation Hygiene after professor P.V. Ramzaev)

The recent years are associated with active development of the coastal areas of the Russian arctic regions including a construction of the facilities of the extraction and processing of the hydrocarbons, the civil and military facilities. The nuclear weapon tests, performed by the USSR and other nuclear countries in the second half of the XX century, lead to the global radioactive fallout, including the fallout on costal areas of the arctic regions of the USSR. Five most powerful nuclear munitions were tested on the Novaya Zemlya Test Site in the Arkhangelsk region. The Institute of Radiation Hygiene after professor P.V. Ramzaev (before 1994 — the Leningrad Scientific-Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene) has accumulated a 20-year experience of the radiation-hygienic surveys on the assessment of the consequences of the nuclear weapon tests for the Far-North of the USSR: from the development of the equipment and methods for the extraction, analysis and measurement of the low levels of the radioactive isotopes in humans and environment, to the wide-scale radiation-hygienic surveys of the links in the “northern food chain” — lichen, raindeers and native inhabitants. The obtained data allowed performing a complex assessment of the role of the radiation factor in the health of the public residing on the coastal areas of the Arctic Ocean.

АРКТИКА: ТРАНСПОРТНАЯ И ИНФОРМАЦИОННО-ТЕЛЕКОММУНИКАЦИОННАЯ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРА, ЭКОНОМИКА И НАЦИОНАЛЬНАЯ БЕЗОПАСНОСТЬ

At the current time, it is impossible to manage the economy of the Russian Arctic regions without creating an infrastructure that will allow organizing effective management of the entire complex of industries located in these territories. In order to organize the development of the territory and living conditions on it, it is necessary to create the infrastructure and environment for comfortable living of the employed and residing population. First of all, it concerns the necessity to strengthen integration processes as the population living there experiences discomfort from the impossibility to use modern telecommunication and information services. In this article the author analyzes and proposes the concept of development and use of fiber-optic communication lines, which could provide (after their installation) the most inhabited communities with digital economy services at affordable prices. The population living in the northern regions and working in hydrocarbon production companies is partially provided with modern services through the construction of departmental communication lines for the management of production and transportation complexes. Get the integration of regional management systems based on the development of digital economy from the laying of Russian communication lines, replacing the use of satellite Internet owned by foreign companies. This will help to use information resources more efficiently in the process of management and interactions to solve common tasks of the Russian Arctic zone where the population lives on a permanent basis. In addition, the most important part of the construction of modern communication lines in the Arctic is to ensure the country’s defense capability of its northern borders, protection of the Northern Sea Route — the main route for the delivery of liquefied gas to Europe and Asia.

АНАЛИЗ КРЕДИТНЫХ ИНСТРУМЕНТОВ НАРАЩИВАНИЯ ФИНАНСОВО-ИНВЕСТИЦИОННОГО ПОТЕНЦИАЛА РЕГИОНА

The article is devoted to analyzing credit instruments for increasing the financial and investment potential of the region. The place of credit instruments in the state monetary policy system is considered, and the influence of the monetary policy on regional economic processes is analyzed. Based on the analysis of the relevant research works, the thesis on different reactions of regions to significant decisions of monetary authorities while implementing the monetary policy is confirmed. Possibilities of differentiating application of the monetary policy instruments by territories in accordance with the development specifics of individual regions or their clusters are studied. It is concluded that some of the instruments (interest rates on operations of the Bank of Russia, mandatory reserve requirements, open market operations, refinancing of credit institutions) have a potential to adapt their use in the regional context. Separately, the article highlights and analyzes direct regional tools for enhancing credit activities, such as direct lending to priority areas and sectors of the economy by regional authorities, subsidizing credit rates for certain categories of borrowers, and creating regional credit organizations with governmenta participation. Based on the assessment of the principles of using the instruments to increase the financial and investment potential of the region, the article provides recommendations for choosing credit instruments for the regions of the Russian Arctic zone (Arkhangelsk region, Nenets Autonomous district, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous district, Republic of Karelia, Komi Republic, Murmansk region, Krasnoyarsk territory, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)). For this purpose, the features of building and functioning of the financial systems of the Russian Arctic regions, and the state and performance indicators of their banking sector were analyzed.

Innovation Clusters in the Arctic Zone of Russian Federation

The article discusses the problems, directions and opportunities for the development of federal level innovation clusters in the Arctic zone of Russian Federation (AZRF), taking into account the Russian state long-term plans for Arctic territories development and implementing major investment projects. The article analyzes the current territorial structure of supported clusters in the AZRF, explores their industry and production specifics, and identifies the main distinctive features and characteristics of them. Based on the analysis of Russian Arctic regions socio-economic development indicators, the regions, municipalities and cities for the prospective cluster formations development are identified; directions, key specializations and cluster development factors are distinguished. The article justifies the relevance of innovative clusters formation in the context of task innovative, territorial, technological, information and communication, socio-economic development by AZRF.

Polymorphism of the mannose-binding lectin gene in the Arctic indigenous populations of the Russian Federation

Маннозосвязывающий лектин (mannose-binding lectin, MBL) – паттерн-распознающий острофазовый белок, относящийся к системе врожденного иммунитета и активно участвующий в элиминации широкого круга патогенных микроорганизмов посредством активации лектинового пути системы комплемента. Значительная часть человеческой популяции имеет врожденно низкий уровень продукции и/или низкую функциональную активность MBL вследствие носительства различных вариантов гена MBL2, что может модифицировать течение самых разнообразных инфекционных заболеваний. Частота генотипов и гаплотипов полиморфизмов в гене MBL2 имеет значительные популяционные различия. К настоящему времени данные относительно распределения генотипов гена MBL2 в коренных популяциях территорий Арктической зоны Российской Федерации отсутствуют. Цель исследования – изучение частоты и этнической специфики распределения аллельных вариантов полиморфизмов гена MBL2 rs11003125, rs7096206, rs7095891, rs5030737, rs1800450 и rs1800451 и их гаплотипов в популяциях Таймырского Долгано-Ненецкого района Красноярского края (ненцы, долганы-нганасаны, русские). В настоящем исследовании нами впервые получены данные о частотах генотипов и гаплотипов гена MBL2 у коренных народностей, проживающих на территориях Арктической зоны Российской Федерации. Частота встречаемости гаплотипа HYPA, ассоциированного с высокой концентрацией MBL, составила 35.4 % для русских новорожденных Восточной Сибири, что соответствует частотам европейских популяций (27–33 %). У новорожденных арктических популяций частота гаплотипа HYPA была статистически значимо выше, чем у русских, и составила 64 % для ненцев и 56 % для долган-нганасан, что приближается к значениям частот, выявленных для эскимосов и североамериканских индейцев (64–81 %). Популяции ненцев и долган-нганасан демонстрируют существенно более низкие частоты MBL-дефицитных гаплотипов в сравнении с европеоидами Восточной Сибири (3.9, 6.4 и 21.3 % соответственно). Мы предполагаем, что изолированные арктические популяции исторически позже столкнулись с некоторыми внутриклеточными инфекциями (туберкулезом, лепрой) и, в отличие от европеоидных популяций, сохранили сформированную на ранних этапах эволюции человека высокую активность лектинового пути активации комплемента.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ДОХОДОВ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ МУРМАНСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ: ТЕНДЕНЦИИ И ДЕТЕРМИНАНТЫ

Incomes are an indicator of the population living standard and a source for meeting various needs. The article is devoted to analysis of population incomes in one of the Arctic regions of Russia —the Murmansk region. For the region, the problem of increasing population incomes is especially acute due to harsh natural and climatic conditions and high living cost. The paper aims to analyze, systematize and evaluate the specifics of the formation, levels and dynamics, as well as differentiation of population incomes in the Murmanskregion in 2000–2019, to identify trends in incomes, as well as determinants influencing incomes formation in this Arctic region. The study was based on the methods of analysis and synthesis of statistical information, grouping, generalization and comparison. The analysis of relevant statistical data made it possible to reveal and compare trends in population incomes both in the Russian Federation and in the Murmansk region over the last two decades. For the country as a whole the main trends include slowing down growth rates of average per capita income, the persisting high level of income differentiation, decrease in share of income received from entrepreneurship and property. The main trends in changing population incomes in the Murmansk region are identified and compared with the Russian ones. It is found that main trends in this region in the studied period are a slowdown in the growth rate of per capita income of the population with lower rates of income growth compared to the national average, decreasein real incomes, a downward trend in the purchasing power of incomes, decrease in poverty and smoothing the degree of population stratification. Also the determinants influencing formation of population incomes in the Murmansk region as an Arctic region are identified. First of all these are the effect of regional coefficients and northern allowances and the specific structure of the population's needs. Measures aimed at increasing population incomes and directions for building up a state policy regulatingpopulation incomes in the Murmansk region as an Arctic region are formulated. The practical significance of the work is that the results of the study can be used by the regional authorities for developing and correcting the socio-economic policy.