Aim. The aim is to conduct a comparative analysis of the composition of the terrestrial fauna of the Tethys desert-steppe region of the Palearctic.

Materials and methods. The work was based on the materials collected in different republics and regions of the Caucasus and the south of the European part of Russia during 50 years (from 1961 to 2016) which are kept in various domestic and foreign institutions. Catalogs on the studied model groups were also used to conduct the research. In making the dendrograms, a cluster analysis based on the Jaccard coefficient was used.

Results. A detailed analysis was carried out by model groups of the animals of the Eastern and Western Thethys complexes of the desert-steppe region of the Palearctic. Comparative analysis has shown that a significant number of species and genera of the discussed territories is characterized by an exceptionally high ratio of endemic species and superspecies taxa. Indicators of endemism in model groups fluctuate depending on the population's ability to resettle. High endemism of faunas of darkling beetles, ground beetles, click beetles and land snails in the Eastern Tethys complex was noted.

Conclusion. The Caucasus (in a new interpretation) is characterized by a high percentage of endemism for the studied model groups. A large number of the common Tethys genera and species in all model groups attests to their fundamental role in the overall composition of the biota against the background of powerful autochthonous centers of species-formation and, most importantly, the formation and functioning of the Palaearctic desert-steppe belt as the Tethys ocean reduced. 

Aim. The aim is to conduct an inventory and comparative analysis of the species and generic composition of the flora of the Caucasus, Turkey, Iran and Kopetdag.

Methods. In the research, authors’ own collections and catalogs of flora of Turkey and Iran are used. In making the dendrograms, the Jaccard similarity coefficient was used; the Sorensen-Chekanovskii coefficient was used for the dendrites.

Results. The species composition of the flora of the study territory was analyzed; the dominant families and genus were identified. In total, in the area under consideration, there are currently 17487 species related to 1742 genera. 125 genera are common for the study area. The calculated similarity coefficients showed the common flora for the Caucasus and Turkey: the generic composition (more than 60%) and the species composition (more than 20 %.)

Conclusion. Analysis of the literature data illustrates the role of Central Asia and the Caucasus as ancient independent centers of formation of flora and fauna of arid regions of the Tethys desert-steppe belt of the Palearctic. The research allowed to identify the specific features of participation of various system groups in the general biota of the Caucasus; features of the geographical distribution of endemic species are determined. 

Aim. The aim is to analyze the main points of the formation of the biota of the Caucasus.

Results. Discussed points: the boundaries of the Tethys desert-steppe belt of the Palaearctic and the place of the Caucasus in it, as well as the role of marine littoral complexes and the islands of the Tethys ocean, orogenetic ascent of the mountain biota in the process of formation. To cover the wide range of environmental parameters and at the same time, major taxonomic groups, in the research were used the materials on the biological diversity of families of Carabidae (328 genera, 7213 species), Tenebrionidae (378 genera, 4914 species), Scarabacidae (263 genera, 2227 species), Elateridae (112 genera, 1451 species); land snails (429 genera, 2614 species), soil mites (381 genera, 1506 species); 17487 species of 1242 plant genera were also examined.

Conclusion. All the summarized, comparative materials and outgoing conclusions are original and unique. The biogeographical analysis of this vast material with completely different phylogenetics, bionomy, ecology, carried out according to monotypic method, shows that in the Tethys desert-steppe belt of the Palaearctic, the distribution of all studied model groups of animals and plants has a similar character subject to general patterns. 

The aim of the research is to determine the optimal terms of the accumulation of vitamins by the organs of Geum depending on the rhythms of their seasonal development.

Methods. The method for determining the vitamin C is based on the ability of ascorbic acid to change the color to blue in the acidic medium - 2,6 - dichlorophenolindophenol - to the leucoform, while ascorbic acid is oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid. Determination of vitamins A and E was carried out by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results. It was found that the highest indices of vitamin A and E in the leaves of G. urbanum and G. rivale are observed in July. In the rhizomes of avens, the maximum concentration of vitamins A and E is observed in March during their intensive growth, vitamin C in January. Decrease in the supply of rhizomes of plants with vitamins A and E continues in the autumn period, while for the vitamin C it is observed in the early spring. In the inflorescences, at the beginning of flowering, G. rivale L. and G. urbanum L. are characterized by the greatest content of vitamin A; by the end of flowering, vitamins E and C are accumulated more intensively.

Conclusion. The leaves of wintering plants of G. urbanum L. and G. rivale L. continue to contain vitamins A, E, C despite low temperatures under snow cover and are not subject to significant destruction. During the winter rest period, the content of vitamin C in the roots reaches a maximum. 

The aim of this work consists in the analysis of modern scientific conceptions about infectious salmon anemia (ISA) etiologically linked with ISAV (infectious salmon anemia virus) (Orthomyxoviridae, Isavirus). ISA is deadly disease of Salmonidae fishes.

Discussion. ISA began to extend actively among salmon breeding farms since the extremity of the XX century and poses nowadays serious threat of fishing industry as there are no not only anti-ISAV chemopreparates and effective vaccines, but also scientifically based ideas of ISAV ecology. In the offered review data on the discovery history, taxonomical status, virion morphology and genome structure as well as ecology of ISAV, clinical features, pathogenesis and laboratory diagnostics, actions in the epizootic foci for the prevention of further distribution and prophylaxis of ISA, arrangement for protection against salmon louses and utilized approaches to anti-ISAV vaccines development are discussed. There is very important that ISAV is capable to be transferred by salmon louses – pelagic crustaceans (Copepoda: Caligidae) that allows to classify ISAV as arbovirus ecological group which are transferred due to biological transmission by arthropods (copepods) to vertebrate animals (salmons). It is the only example known so far when representatives of Crustacea act as a vector for arboviruses.

Conclusion. Investigation of ISAV ecology turns into one of "touchstones" allowing to judge technological readiness of mankind to master resources of the World Ocean. 

The aim is to conduct the biodiagnosis of soil sampled in the area of the underground storage of natural gas (UGS) (Stepnoye village, Saratov region) with the use of microbiological analysis.

Methods. In the course of the work, using Koch’s solid medium method were estimated the following: the total number of heterotrophic microorganisms on meat peptone agar, amount of methylotrophic, hydrocarbon oxidizing, ironoxidizing and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in the respective selective mediums; as well as the hydrogen index, oxidation-reduction potential and magnetic susceptibility of the soil.

Results. Microbiological analysis of the soil in the Stepnovsky UGS area has shown changes in soil biocenoses. A reduced content of heterotrophic microorganisms was detected in comparison with background samples. In a number of samples, we also discovered an increased content of hydrocarbon-oxidizing and methylotrophic microorganisms, including obligate ones, which suggest the methane entering the upper layers of the soil. An increased content of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria was also detected; the presence of iron-oxidizing microorganisms in the soil was shown.

Conclusions. The revealed features in the content of indicator microorganisms in the soil sampled in the area of the underground storage of natural gas, indicating the development of specialized soil microorganisms, confirmed the presence of contaminants in the soil which are hydrocarbons and sulfur compounds. The use of microbiological indicator values seems promising for environmental monitoring of soils in the areas of gas storage and early detection of methane leakage. 

The aim of the research is to determine the possibility of using bioplateau with higher aquatic vegetation in order to reduce the concentrations of iron in mine waters before releasing to the surface water body.

Methods. The use of the results of theoretical and empirical studies determined during the analysis of literature data made it possible to evaluate the feasibility of using higher aquatic vegetation to accumulate iron ions depending on the water temperature, as well as the ability to form iron compounds in the aqueous system as well as their further precipitation.

Results. The materials obtained during the research made it possible to determine the size and design of bioplate in order to purify the water from iron ions taking into account the use of higher aquatic vegetation and minimizing the area of land resources used for the device.

Conclusions. A technological scheme for cleaning mine water from iron has been developed, including filters loaded with crushed stone for immobilization of iron bacteria and bioplateau. The bottom of the bioplateau is made of waterproof clay. At the bottom, hydrophytes are planted in the ground. According to the foregoing, it is advisable to plant narrowleaved cattail or reed. The facilities, on the basis of phytotechnology, work as a self-regulating system. 

The aim is to assess the prospects for the integrated development of geothermal resources in the North Caucasus region.

Methods. Technological solutions are proposed for integrated development of hightemperature hydrogeothermal resources of the North Caucasus region. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed technologies was carried out with the use of physico-mathematical, thermodynamic and optimization methods of calculation and physico-chemical experimental studies.

Findings. Were estimated the prospects of complex processing of highly parametrical geothermal resources of the Eastern Ciscaucasian artesian basin (ECAB) with conversion of thermal energy into electric power in a binary GeoPP and subsequent extraction of dissolved chemical compounds. The most promising areas for the development of such resources were indicated. In connection with the exacerbated environmental problems, it was shown the need for the firstpriority integrated development of associated high-mineralized brines of the South Sukhokum group of gas-oil wells in North Dagestan. At present, associated brines with a radioactive background exceeding permissible standards are discharged to surface filtration fields; technological solutions for their decontamination and integrated development were proposed.

Conclusions. The comprehensive development of high-temperature hydrogeothermal brines is a new direction in geothermal energy, which will significantly increase the production of hydrogeothermal resources and develop the geothermal industry at a higher level with the implementation of energy-efficient advanced technologies. Large-scale development of brines will solve significant problems of energy supply in the region and import substitution, fully meeting Russia's needs for food and technical salt and other rare elements. 

Aim. The aim of the research was to improve the elements of agro-technology for cultivating new high-yielding varieties of winter wheat under conditions of the plain zone irrigation depending on the doses and the terms of introducing mineral nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers.

Methods. Research was carried out on chestnut heavy loamy soils. Sampling of soils and plants, as well as agrochemical properties of soils were determined according to standard generally accepted methods. Mathematical processing of data on the yield of cereals was carried out by analysis-of-variance method using computer technology.

Results. Our studies showed that the most productive of the studied varieties was Grom, which, on average for three years (2012-2015) gave a grain yield of 7.6 t/ha with nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers introduced at a dose of N180P100 against 5.6 t/ha in a similar version to the control during sowing of the Tanya variety. Vassa and Sila varieties were also inferior to Grom variety for yields, respectively, by 1.1 t/ha and 1.4 t / ha. It was also revealed that with the Grom variety, when applying an increased dose of mineral fertilizers (N180P100), on average for three years, the best indicators were by the area of the leaf surface (63.6 thousand m2/ha), photosynthetic index of crops was 2765.6 thousand m2/ha and net productivity of photosynthesis was 6.3 g/m2, day. For other varieties of winter wheat and doses of mineral fertilizers, these indicators were lower.

Conclusion. In steady-state experiment, when studying the potential of new high-yielding varieties of winter wheat at different levels and times of introducing mineral nutrition, the Grom variety showed the best yields. 

Aim. The aim of the research is to substantiate the role of nutrients in increasing soil fertility which contribute to the growth of economic efficiency of the main spring corn crops for grain and grain sorghum in the linkages of crop rotation under conditions of irrigation of the Tersko-Sulak subprovince.

Methods. Sampling of the soil and plants was carried out according to standard methods; statistical processing of yield data was carried out by the method of variance analysis using a standard method and computer program, thus based on the data obtained, the economic efficiency of the main spring corn crops for corn and grain sorghum was determined.

Results. Studies (2015 - 2016) showed that the maximum net income was received during the growing season of corn for grain on options using a green mass of planting peas, amaranth, spring rapeseed, and winter wheat straw at the rate of 2 tons per hectare as well as mineral fertilizers of N150P75K75 treatment level, thus the net income amounted to 46.0 - 37.5 thousand rubles, respectively. While, with the cultivation of grain sorghum, the maximum net income was obtained on the variants of the green mass of amaranth, sowing peas, straw of winter wheat at the rate of 2 tons / ha, mineral fertilizers of N150P75K75 treatment level, thus the net income amounted to 58.9 - 44.1 thousand. rub. respectively.

Conclusion. The cultivation of the main spring corn crops for grain and grain sorghum after the plowing of nutrients in the soil in the linkages of crop rotation under conditions of irrigation of the Tersko-Sulak subprovince proved to be profitable. 

Aim. We studied the life quality indicators of the population in Buynaksk city, Dagestan, in a random representative sample of 315 people (155 women and 160 men) aged between 18 and 76 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) – 83.4 and 82.9 points, respectively, the lowest – on the scale of general health (GH)– 58.6. 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 (RF) and physical functioning (PF) – 54.2 and 48.0% respectively and the least marked on the scale of mental health – 4.4%. The value of the integral index of quality of life in population-based study in Buynaksk city, Republic of Dagestan was 583.4.

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 was development of approaches to predict the risk of social tension for population of the Russian Federation regions.

Methods. Theoretical studies based on the analysis of cartographic material from the National Atlas of Russia. The use of geo-information technologies has provided modeling of environmental load in the territory of certain regions of Russia. Experimental studies were performed using standard methods of psycho-physiological testing involving 336 persons 18-23 years old of both sexes.

Results. As a fundamental biologically significant factor of the environment, differentiating the Russian Federation territory to areas with discrete actual physical effects, total solar radiation was determined. The subsequent allocation of model regions (Republic of Crimea, Rostov and Saratov regions) based on the principle of minimizing regional differences associated factors of environmental pressure per person. Experimental studies have revealed persistent systemic relationships of phenotypic characteristics and tendency of person to neuropsychic tension. The risk of social tension for the study area population is predicted on the condition of finding more than two thirds of the representatives of sample within the borders of a high level of general non-specific reactivity of an organism.

Main conclusions. The expediency of using the northern latitude as an integral index of differentiation of areas on the specifics of the severity of the physical factors of environmental impact on human activity is justified. The possibility of the application for the level of general nonspecific reactivity of an organism as a phenotypic trait marker of social tension risk is identified. An algorithm for predicting the risk of social tension among the population, compactly living in certain territories of the Russian Federation is designed. 

The aim is to determine the organizational and economic aspects of sustainable development of the tourist and recreation complex in the Republic of Dagestan.

Methods. Logical analysis, forecasting, economic and statistical method, method of comparative and expert assessments, sociological surveys, complex-factor method, SWOT-analysis.

Results. In line with the aim of the study, we made an assessment of the state of the tourism industry in the Republic of Dagestan, thus existing challenges were identified. In the republic, measures are being taken in order to develop the tourism industry on the basis of using a unique cultural and historical heritage, natural and climatic potential, improve the quality of tourist services and implement the priority projects for the development of the Republic of Dagestan. Despite the existing resources, as well as the positive trends of recent years that can be seen both in the growth of the tourist flow and the construction of new facilities of tourist infrastructure, the tourist potential of the republic is not fully realized.

Conclusions. Tourist and recreation complex should be considered as one of the most promising and priority directions of development of the economy of the Republic of Dagestan. In the republic, it is necessary to implement a set of measures aimed at institutional, investment and infrastructure support of the tourist and recreational complex; strengthen human capacities; support scientific and research activities in the tourist and recreational area; increase the level of safety of tourist facilities; promote the tourist product of the Republic of Dagestan in the Russian and world markets. To form a positive tourist image of the Republic of Dagestan, it is necessary to use the marketing tools in tourism trade. 

Aim. It is known that free-living ciliates quickly react to the slightest changes in environmental conditions. This feature of physiological reactions on the basis of long-term studies made it possible to use some species of free-living ciliates to indicate the degree of organic pollution.

Methods. In the period 2012-2016, with 9 stationary sample points in the Samur-Yalama National Park, with varying degrees of human influence has been collected and processed 870 soil samples. To ciliates study used silver impregnation methods. Analysis of soil ciliates community structure was carried out using conventional environmental options.

Rezults. According to our data it has compiled a list of 83 species of ciliates saprobic indicators. Analysis of the results of the occurrence of species, as well as taking into account their quantitative development at various collection points enabled us to get an idea about the state of forest soils different parts of Samur-Yalama National Park, including areas with high human impact.

Conclusions. The results showed the possibility and prospects of application saprobiological methods in soil zoology and a clear dependence of species indicators of the degree of influence of anthropogenic factors. 

Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the content of chromium, cobalt, nickel, zinc, manganese and cadmium in the gastrointestinal tract of man and of the Caspian seal.

Materials and methods. Material for research were the fragments of the tissues of the stomach and intestines of humans (Homo sapiens) (material obtained by sectional study of deaths from accidents healthy individuals aged 40 to 68 years) and Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) (samples of organs and tissues of Caspian seals aged 1 to 20 years were obtained in the result of the expeditions in the period from 2010 to 2014). The study of characteristics of cumulative distribution of the elements was performed by atomic absorption spectrography atomic absorption spectrometer MGA-915.

Results. In the largest quantities among the studied trace elements in the stomach and intestines, both human and Caspian seals accumulates zinc, due to its physiological role in metabolic processes. To a lesser extent in the digestive tract of humans accumulate cobalt, and the seal cadmium, which is probably related to the quality of habitat of the marine mammal.

Conclusions. Thus, the obtained data on the accumulation of zinc, nickel, cadmium, chromium, manganese and cobalt in tissues of the stomach and intestines of humans and Caspian seals testify about the peculiarities of the distribution of metals in the body, characterized by uneven and depend on the species, functional characteristics of organs, their cumulative activity and chemical properties of the metal itself. 

Aim. The aim is to study the technological processes of obtaining Bester caviar in the unconventional autumn-winter period.

Methods. Extraction of caviar was carried out antemortem by the pillow method cutting the oviducts. The scheme of gonadotropic stimulation for all Bester females was the same: preliminary surfagon injection at the rate of 0.5 mkg/kg, while an acceptable dose of injection is 2.5 mkg per kilogram of fish weight. The object of the research was the female bester (Acipenser nikoljukini) grown in ponds at the age of 12-13 years with the polarization rate of 7-9, the caviar of which was extracted for the third time. The mass of fish and the yield of eggs were determined by the method of Pravdina I.F. The studies were performed in 4 experimental and 1 control variants.

Results. We studied the possibility of extracting the caviar of the Bester females (Acipenser nikoljukini) inhabiting the ponds at the natural water temperature in the unconventional autumnwinter period. It is shown that the hybrid form of sturgeon fishes, here, the female bester, can spawn without gradual withdrawal to spawning temperature regime and without prior exposure in these conditions in contrast to the recommendations adopted in sturgeon breeding.

Conclusion. We established the possibility of obtaining and producing fresh caviar of sturgeon fishes, especially when the demand increases during the pre-New Year holidays.