Abstract. Aim. We studied life quality indicators of the population in Kizilyurt district of Dagestan in a random representative sample of 4267 people (2378 women and 1889 men) aged between 17 and 96 years. Respondents were divided into 3 age groups (up to 35 years, 35-50 years and 50 years and older). Methods. The study was performed using a common health survey Medical Outcomes Study-Short Form-36 (SF-36) in accordance with the requirements of the International Quality of Life Assessment Project (IQOLA). Results. We conducted a comparative analysis of age dynamics of population quality of life, as well as the male and female population of the study sample. The highest quality of life indicators are found on the scales of social (SF) and physical functioning (PF) – 76 and 76.8 points, respectively, the lowest on the scale of general health – 58.7. In general, with aging, there is a decrease of life quality among both male and female population. The most marked age-related changes are observed on the scale of role-physical functioning and physical functioning – 32 and 28.4% respectively and the least marked on the scale of mental health – 13%. The value of the integral index of quality of life in population-based study in Kizilyurt district of Dagestan was 551.7. Conclusion. The research findings might be used in planning, developing and evaluating the effectiveness of various reforms, health and socio-economic programs being implemented in the region as well as to improve the quality of life and well-being.

Aim. The aim of the study is to substantiate the measurement of the transition state of the territorial community to the sustainable development by the multiplicative demographic index (MDI) of the social happiness. Methods. There is the authorial concept of a geocentric approach to solving the problem of transdisciplinarity in the synthesis of the information stored in a variety of disciplines and fields of knowledge, including demography. The basis for this decision is the relation between the intangible intervals and frequencies, which measure the qualitative changes of matter and energy flows, that is, the information that permeates the Earth's geosphere. Results. As a result of the interpretation of transdisciplinarity we found an attractor of social happiness in the form of a "square" pyramid of the population in the selected area. By calculating the corresponding values of MDI we estimated the degree of closeness to the attractor of the current state of social happiness in the world, in some of the key countries and CIS countries. Conclusion. Within the meaning of the calculation, the MDI is also an assessment of the variety of the informational links, both within the community and the environment. The "rectangular" community has the maximum diversity of a given population. Since the resource costs to meet the needs of community members by tangible matter and energy is determined by its number, then for an equal number of members, the attractive should be recognized as the most effective. Consequently, social happiness, in the transdisciplinary aspect, can serve as a measure of the state of transition of the territorial community to sustainable development.

Aim. The aim of the work is to analyze the geographic relationships of the family Tenebrionidae, which should be the basis of faunogenesis of the Tethys region of Palaearctic. Methods. The work is based on the material collected by the authors in the various regions of the Caucasus, the south of the European part of Russia, Kazakhstan and North Africa during 50 years (from 1961 to 2016), as well as the extensive literature data. We used the cluster analysis based on the Jaccard similarity coefficient which considers the positive coincidences for analysis the Tethys region tenebrionid faunas. Invasive species are not included in the analysis. Results. Extensive review of the history of study of Western Palaearctic Tenebrionidae from the mid-19th Century to the present day is given. The main directions of contemporary research are marked. Four hundred three genera of darkling beetles are distributed in the Tethys region including dendrophilous groups with tropical origin,  transpalaearctic  and  cosmopolitan  species,  that  represent  63%  of  all  known  Palaearctic  tenebrionid  genera (640 genera). Three quarters of them (304 genera or 75%) combining 5674 species include mainly xerophilous genera that are not found outside the region or presented only by very small number of species in the neighboring territories. Evidences of a common historical development of tenebrionid fauna appear in the 24 common widespread Tethys genera, which may be slightly spread beyond the boundaries, but have a very high diversity of species and infrageneric (probably a center of the origin) diversity within the Tethys region. The significant part (61%) of common Tethys genera, the high diversity of large Palaearctic genera of Tenebrionidae in the western and eastern parts of Tethys region, as well as the presence of complex of supralittoral relics of marine paleobassins (Western Tethys and Eastern Paratethys) from the genus Ectromopsis, indicates a single area of faunogenesis of darkling beetles, which is historically related with epicontinental Paleogene Tethys Ocean. Two super-regions (with western Tethys and eastern Tethys complexis of taxa) are allocated. These two regions are divided on several subregions which differ by high level of taxonomic diversity. The division is based on the analyses of species and generic abudance and level of an endemism. Claster analyses of common to the region genera, Tethys genera, common to the region species and the genus Blaps shows similarity of Anatolia and the Balkan region faunas; the Caucasus is similar to Iran. Two early allocated super-regions are more or less clearly revealed on all dendrograms. The Arabian Peninsula and North Africa have ancient relations with both super-regions based on the analyses of Tethys genera, and the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East have ancient relations with both super-regions using analyses of all tenebrionid species of the Tethys region. Conclusion. The faunogenesis of several subregions of the Tethys region was formed as island type. Analysis of the distribution and taxonomic diversity of darkling indicates a long-time development of the tenebrionid fauna in coastal and island ecosystems of the Tethys Ocean, and later an independent prime of this fauna in different areas of the Tethys desert-steppe region with the retreat of ocean water, aridity and orogeny. At the same time, faunistic elements of relic type of Paleogene origin are preserved and evoluted in the mountain island forests in Anatolia, the Middle East and the Atlas with the Late Tertiary relict flora.

Aim. Over the last twenty years the abundance of migratory populations of the European Bee-eater and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater on their migration routes in the region of the western coast of the Middle Caspian Sea, Daghestan has decreased. The goal of this research is to assess the current status of two studied taxa of bee-eaters and determine reasons inducing long-term fluctuations in their numbers in different parts of the range. Methods. The number dynamics of European and Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters was detected by long-term rows of observation data (1995-2015) in key points of their major flyways. The current status of European and Blue-cheeked  Bee-eaters in different parts of their range, including Daghestan, was identified by means of published data, personal observations and inquiries. Results. Their habitats, abundance trends, timing of migration and characteristics of migration behaviour in plain and mountainous areas of the republic were identified. It has been established that Daghestan is traversed by three independent and stable migration flows of bee-eaters, crossing this transit region along different migration channels. The studies showed that the aridization of climate has lead to the reduction of the bee-eater abundance on their major flyways. Main conclusions. Deterioration of habitats caused redistribution of the Daghestan population of the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater to the north of its range and changed migration routes of the European Bee-eater. A fact of fishing is described for both bee-eater species, which is for the Blue-cheeked  Bee-eater is an unprecedented case in the world science.

The aim is to analyze the long-term results of the avian influenza virus surveillance monitoring of influenza virus in birds of one of the key Northern Eurasia points Lake. Uvs Nuur, the Republic of Tyva. Methods. The analysis of the available sources and our own research results is conducted. We used MEGA 5.2 software to construct a phylogenetic dendrogram. Tree topology is constructed by the method of maximum likelihood. Genetic distance matrix is calculated using the Kimura two-parameter metric method. Results. We conducted a biogeographical analysis of the Great Lakes basin, and an overview of the literature and the original results of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza circulation and molecular epidemiology at Uvs Nuur Lake. Conclusion. Long-term observations at Lake Uvs Nuur revealed the important role of the biogeocoenose for the preservation and evolution of influenza A virus in wild bird populations. Planned ecological and virological monitoring is the basis for correct conclusions about the dynamics of epizootic process, infection control, as well as for the evaluation of the epidemic and pandemic potential of novel viral strains.

Aim. Taxonomy of Caucasian land snails has been studied well enough, but at the same time, the question remains concerning the distribution of some species of snails on the main areas of the Caucasus, especially its eastern part. In this regard, we have set the goal of a more detailed study of the species composition and characteristics of the geographical distribution of land snails of the mountain areas of eastern Caucasus, intramontane Dagestan. Methods. All materials were collected during expeditions of 2011-2015 in the major areas of intramontane Dagestan. We made collections and identified the species according to standard procedures. When determining the species we used common identifiers. Results. As a result of our research we registered, for the territory of intramontane Dagestan, 20 species of land snails belonging to 17 genera of 12 families, among which the most richly repre sented in species diversity can be found the Hygromiidae Tryton family, 1886, which includes in its community 35% of species of land snails of the study area. Conclusion. The findings allow obtaining complete information on the species diversity and characteristics of the geographical distribution of land snails in the intramontane part of Dagestan.

Abstract. Aim. To study the morpho-functional state of reproductive organs of different-age specimens of the Caspian seal. Methods. We have analyzed the organs of the reproductive system of 26 females and 19 males of the Caspian seal, 29 of which are sexually mature specimens and 18 specimens are not sexually mature. The biological material was sampled during specialized research expeditions to the pre-winter herds in October-November 2012, 2014, 2015. The treatment of samples was carried out in accordance with the standard histology techniques.  Results. In organs of the reproductive system of investigated fishes scientists have revealed various pathologies. Sexually maturity of males in testicles had the next violations: hyalinosis of the vessel walls: the absence of the layer of spermatogone: pyknosis of kernels of sperm. Pathologies in tests of immature males were not essential. Sexually maturity females had the signs of glandular endometrial hyperplasia. It is noted the signs of sclerous-cystous ovaries. In the uterus of immature females were revealed pathological changes due to inflammatory reaction; in the feeding substance of the ovaries it was discovered a significant number of interstitial glands. Such violations were registered by a number of authors under chronic intoxication (ecotoxicity). Main conclusions. Immature individuals have not expressed pathological changes, which are less expressed than in older age groups. Increased elimination of germ cells is a result of the damaging effects on the reproductive system of animals. Arduous duty of functioning may cause of the violation of the reproductive potential of the population,that on the background of ecological problem can lead to further reduction in the number of Caspian seal.

Abstract. Aim. The study comparative analysis of flora of bryophytes and vascular spore plants four excursions caves. Objects. Two caves (Vorontsovskaya and Ahshtyrskaya) are located in the Krasnodar region, one cave (Novoafonskaya) in Abkhazia and one cave (Mramornaya) in Crimea. All the caves laid limestone host rocks, have similar climatic conditions and permanent artificial lighting. Methods. In the Novoafonskaya cave, the study was conducted in 2005-2007, Mramornaya in 2007-2008, Vorontsovskaya in 2003-2009, Ahshtyrskaya in 2008-2009. Mosses and ferns of lamp flora communities studied traditional botanical methods. We determined the abundance and occurrence of species in communities. Results. The study shows that species diversity is higher in caves that have not been cleaned from lamp flora. The similarity of the species composition of the flora found only in two caves of  Novoafonskaya  and  Ahshtyrskaya.  Identified  a  number  of  species  and  genera  that  can  be  considered characteristic of communities of lamp flora. Conclusions. Each cave is formed by a unique species composition of lamp  flora,  consisting  mainly  by  species  of  ubikvist  and  cosmopolitan.  Species  richness  varies  depending  on operating conditions of the cave the periodic removal of flora leads to a decrease in species diversity. Species composition is determined by the predominance of the areas of the cave of certain substrates, especially the morphology of the cavity and its connection with the surface.

Aim. The paper studies the influence of water reclamation on vegetation in the central part of the Caspian depression. Findings are necessary for the monitoring studies of natural ecosystems in their modern usage.

Methods. The use of key site method and eco-dynamic profiling makes it possible to trace changes in the horizontal structure of vegetation in the coastal and canal areas of the salt lakes. Results. The findings of field research allowed identifying the environmental levels: low, medium, high. Xerophilous species fall out of the phytocenosis composition, while the typical salt-loving plants become widespread, forming endogenous succession of progressive type in a Precaspian desert zone. It aims to desalinize the upper layers of the soil, lower the groundwater and salinity levels. Conclusions. Fluctuation and succession processes can be observed in the central part of the Precaspian depression, the indicator of which is vegetation, its species composition.

Aim. Analysis of the population dynamics and changes in the share of arable land in the structure of land use separate territory for several historical periods, and to determine the causes of these changes. Methods. Studies have used forwarding, statistical methods, and the method of cartographic modeling and retrospective analysis. Results. Analysis of the results of the population census allows speaking about the general negative dynamics in the rural population of the Volgograd region in general and river basin Bolshaya Golubaya in particular. Historical and cartographic analysis has shown the dependence of the arable lands of the number of residents on the territory residents. In addition, the population of the territory is significantly affected by soil fertility. Main conclusions. The population of the river basin Bolshaya Golubaya over the past hundred years have steadily decreased, as due to various socio-economic reasons, such as consolidation of rural settlements, the planned destruction of farm system, moving people into the city, and due to the difficult climatic conditions for farming: poor soil fertility, high degree of erosion areas, poor soil conditions of the territory.

Aim. One of drought-resistant crops that can provide stable high yields is sorghum, which is salt-tolerant, heat-resistant and a flexible crop of versatile use (green forage, silage, hay, grass meal, grain forage). The research conducted in 2010-2013 included studies on the effectiveness of the methods and norms of sowing the sorghum, required quantities of mineral fertilizers to increase the crop yields and nutritional value of sorghum sown in the irrigated lowland areas of Dagestan. Methods. We conducted three field researches. In experiments with grain sorghum (the middle ripening group Zernogradskiy 88) we studied drill and broad-cast methods of sowing, seeding rate, the calculated doses of mineral fertilizers on programmable levels of crop yields: 6 t/ha (N160P112K70), 7 t/ha (N190P128K80) and 8 t/ha (N220P144K90). Seeding rate was 300, 350 and 400 thousand viable seeds per 1 ha; broadcast was chosen as a sowing method.A field experiment with sweet sorghum included promising hybrid crop Debut, fertilizers N140P80K70, N190P110K95 and N240P140K120 to obtain 60, 70 and 80 t/ha of green mass for two mowings, respectively. Results. The use of fertilizers based on a given level of productivity at optimum plant population can significantly improve the nutritional regime of the soil during the growing season of the sweet sorghum and create optimal conditions for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium security for the crops and thus obtain the planned crop yield. Conclusion. The fodder quality of sweet sorghum varies depending on the nutrient status of the soil and mowing time.

Aim. The aim is to assess the environmental problems in the North Caucasus Federal District of the Russian Federation. Methods. An analysis of the literature and own research at a high anthropogenic pressure on agricultural land through the development of more stringent criteria for assessing the already degraded areas. Results. In the Stavropol region, Andropov district is in the most catastrophic state: of eight ratings five have the highest (fifth catastrophic degree) degree of degradation; two the first (low) and one rating has the second (middle). On the territory of Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, the highest degree of degradation of agricultural land is assigned to rocky ground, where it has a catastrophic rate of 9.76 points. For agricultural workers on steppe plains, the priority is to fight against deflation, as there is also a high degradation level 6.67 (above catastrophic). Conclusion. It was established that in the North Caucasus Federal District the system of rational use of land should be of environmental and resource-conserving nature and provide for the preservation of the soil, limiting the impact on flora and fauna, geological formations, and other components of the environment.

Aim. The aim is to study the effect of bactericidal installation in combination with a device for creating a water curtain on the microclimate in the poultry house and environment. Methods. Epizootic research was carried out according to "epizootic methodology", FGI «Federal Centre for Animal Health» (FGI «ARRIAH»). Gas composition of air was investigated by means of universal gas-analyzer (UG-2); the content of carbon dioxide was measured by Subbotin-Nagorskiy titrimetric method; the amount of dust in the air was measured by a gravimetric (weight) method. Air humidity was calculated by means of August statistical psychrometer. Evaluation of the microbial contamination of air was carried out using the Krotov’s device. Results. The performed studies before and after the air bactericidal purification in a poultry farm showed a reduction of carbon dioxide and ammonia by 2-2.5 times, the total microbial contamination of air by 1.9 times and the dust by 4.3 times. We found a direct link between the increases in the amount of microbial bodies of air depending on the age of the bird. Thus, after air-cleaning in the poultry house room where they kept 15-d-old chicks, we calculated 5 thousand microbial cells per one m3 found (E.coli), and at the age of 45 days, the level of contamination reached 11 thousand microbial bodies. Conclusion. Research in the poultry house reveals that using bactericidal installation paired with water curtain device can significantly reduce the concentration of gases, dust and microorganisms in the air of the house and decrease the release into the environment, which will undoubtedly have an impact on the ecological situation of the environment, animal and human health. 

Abstract. Aim. The aim of this work was the comprehensive study of the ecological state of water objects of the Volga River delta. Methods. The following methods were used: field (collection, observation, organoleptic), uniform chemical analysis techniques are based on colorimetric, settlement, photometric, spectrometric measurement methods. Results. On the basis of results of researches for 2010-2014 performed a comparative analysis of the dynamics of the content of hydro-chemical indicators of environmental quality in waters of the Volga River delta and the residential areas of the background. Applying an integrated approach to the study of biological indicators of water quality. Created digitized map of the quality of aquatic ecosystems of the Volga River delta. Displaying modern ecological condition of watercourses investigated, determined the degree of contamination, the overall trophic and saprobic. Main conclusions. The work has identified adverse environmental situation in water objects of the Astrakhan and the surrounding areas. Average annual concentrations of toxicological substances water objects in the background zone 10 times less than in the water objects of settlements. As a result of work on the basis of ArcGis 10.2.2 created information environment "Eco-monitor", which is a systematic set of information, and quantitatively characterizing the ecological status of water objects. Created on the basis of ArcGis 10.2.2 information environment monitoring system of waterways allows for a temporary and spatial analysis, to assess the quality of different streams in the control sections.

Aim. We aim to analyze the quality of environmental education for sustainable development on the example of secondary schools in Dakhadayevsky district of Dagestan. Methods. As the data for research we used the answers and results on questionnaires and tests held among the students of 5-11 grades of general education institutions in the district. All test materials were compiled at the Institute of Ecology and Sustainable Development, Dagestan State University. Statistical processing of research data was based on well-known techniques and conducted using Excel and Statistica software packages. Results. As a result of the research, we detected low levels of environmental awareness among schoolchildren. A comparative analysis of the level of environmental training of schoolchildren in Dakhadayevsky dictrict showed different results in different villages. It was also revealed that at schools the environmental knowledge is mainly gained in the course of training of biology and to a much lesser extent in the courses of geography and chemistry. The research demonstrates the imperfection of environmental education and hindered transition to a new educational paradigm, which depends on many factors and reflects the general situation of education in Russian schools. Conclusion. We propose to introduce environmental education as a separate discipline into the educational process, as well as a number of relevant topics and methods; to strengthen interdisciplinarity of education in order to learn how to set goals and solve complex social and environmental problems.

Abstract. Aim. The aim is to consider the features of the development of ecological competence of future architects for the conservation of landscapes and biodiversity. Methods. In research, we used narrative, descriptive and experimental methods of investigation. Results. We propose and justify the authorial approach to the methodology of structuring the process of formation of future architects’ look at the problems of conservation of landscapes and biodiversity, the implementation of which is expected to be carried out in three stages: the first stage, as objects for the architectural work in preparing the degree projects we selected disturbed landscapes in the populated areas of the region; the second stage, a student has to offer the architectural methods of solving the problem of restoring the disturbed landscape and biodiversity designated in the first stage; the third stage includes the promotion of environmental architectural ideas in the framework of various scientific, technical and socio-oriented activities. We considered 13 years of experience in testing the proposed approach, which showed its effectiveness both in terms of improving the quality of professional training of environmental architecture students and from the point of view of the need to restore damaged landscapes and biodiversity. Conclusions. The proposed approach makes it possible to solve the problem of development of ecological consciousness in architecture students at the same time and solving specific practical problems on restoration of landscapes and the required level of biodiversity in urban areas, overall resulting in a reduction of environmental and economic damage to urban areas, and lower costs for the implementation of environmental protection measures at restoration of disturbed landscapes.

Abstract. Aim. The aim of study was to investigate morphological changes after the effect of magnetic fields on the embryonic development of Rana macrocnemis. Methods. We conducted four different experiments in which embryos at different developmental stages were exposed to the magnetic field. After hatching, the larvae were measured for the following morphological characteristics: trunk length, tail length, body length, tail height at base. Hypermagnetic conditions were created by increasing the tension of the natural magnetic field. The Petri dish with the egg mass  was placed at an equal distance (9 cm) between opposite poles of two permanent magnets of cylindrical shape. The north magnetic pole was on top and the south at the bottom of the cup. With this arrangement of the magnets, the magnitude of the magnetic flux was 11.5 m/T. Results. The body length is the most stable feature of all investigated species. The most variable parameter is the length of the tail. In the fourth experiment, under the influence of magnetic fields from the neurula stage to the tailbud stage, we observed the most pronounced decrease of features of tadpoles as compared with the control and with the other experiments. Conclusions. Thus, under the effect of hypermagnetic field at various stages of embryonic development of the Iranian long-legged wood frog, the linear sizes all diagnosed features of tadpoles in the test groups decreased, especially the length of the body and tail.

Aim. The aim is to consider the relationship of philosophy and education; the article also reviews the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), a global model for a special educational activity. We also discuss the features of the philosophical approach to the issue of sustainable development. Discussion. In research, we use the method of socio-natural approach, a new educational paradigm that combines the theory and concept of training and education within the anthropocentric approach based on humanistic philosophical ideas which laid the basis for understanding the person as the subject of life, history and culture. We analyzed environmental and educational aspects of sustainable development in the current context. In order to address these challenges, philosophy produces new concepts, theories and paradigms. It is necessary to work on people's motivation and values, develop their cooperation skills, teach civic engagement and democratic by action rather than words. Only a highly educated society can generate environmental paradigm and implement the strategy of sustainable development. Conclusions. We recommend transferring research outcomes into practice in schools starting with elementary school, as well as in vocational schools and universities. Clarifying the essence of the concept of education for sustainable development is possible through philosophical understanding of its genesis and ideas.