Aim. On the basis of four experimental bottom stations installed at various depths of the North Caspian shelf, the local communities of marine organisms were formed, on various constructions and in close proximity to them were investigated. The aim of the work is to study the features of community development on the basis of bottom biological stations, to measure their quantitative characteristics, to assess the informative character of the structural and functional characteristics of local communities for analyzing the state of the marine environment. Methods. Experimental bottom stations were installed in various regions of the North Caspian shelf using diving equipment to study their impact on the environment. Control over the development of associated fauna was carried out with the help of traps and the method of direct accounting for the materials of photo-video surveys. Sampling of fouling was carried out by the method of registration sites. Based on the number of species of flora and fauna of local communities, a ballroom information system has been suggested, that can be used for monitoring. Results. Research materials indicate a significant difference in the species composition, biomass and the structure of communities of local cenoses formed at the bottom stations with the same design and ecological capacity at various depths of the North Caspian shelf. In the shallow shelf zone at depths of 6-8 m in the local community of the bottom station, the vegetation component is dominant. At great depths, the total biomass increases in local cenoses and animal communities, including filter-feeders, make significant contribution to the self-purification of the marine environment. Conclusions. The results indicate the possibility of using complex observations of the structure and functional characteristics of local communities formed on the base of bottom stations, as well as the development of species of indicators and objects of accumulation of toxicants for assessing the state of the marine environment. The development of this approach involves the experiments with different station costructioons and materials and use of biotechnology implantation of test organisms on the design of bottom stations.

Aim. In conventional medicine, the species of the Boraginaceae family are not used due to the poor scientific knowledge of the products of secondary metabolism and the lack of information about most of the species. We investigated micromorphological features of the epidermis and conducted histochemical analysis of the products of secondary metabolism in the leaves of Pulmonaria mollis Wulfen ex Hornem., Echium vulgare L., Symphytum asperum Lepech. and S. caucasicum M. Bieb. Methods. Micromorphological analysis included the study of the shape of the main cells of the epidermis, the structure of trichomes and stomata. The number of stomata and trichomes was calculated per 1 mm2. Were used the histochemical reactions in order to identify the products of secondary metabolism. Results. The studied species are characterized by the bifacial type of leaves, numerous trichomes, including long leaf fuzz with a rosette of epidermal cells. The anomocytic type of stomata is characteristic for P. mollis and E. vulgare, anomocytic and anisocytic for S. asperum and S. caucasicum. The leaves of P. mollis, E. vulgare and S. caucasicum are amphistomatic while S. asperum is hypostomatic. The ratio of the non- glandular and glandular trichomes of the intercostal zones of the lower epidermis to the upper in P. mollis was 1.08 and 1.83, respectively, in S. caucasicum 1.61 and 2.67, in S. asperum 7.21 and 2.50, in E. vulgare 1.65 (glandular trichomes in the interstitial zones are absent). In the leaves of the studied species, the products of secondary metabolism (tannins, alkaloids, essential oils, anthracene derivatives and mucus) are localized in bases of non-glandular, glandular trichomes, veins and the main cells of the epidermis. Conclusions. Genus signs of the epidermis of leaves of Boraginaceae are the structure and location of trichomes. Species differences are due to the location of stomata, glandular trichomes and shape of the main epidermal cells. The intensity of staining of secondary metabolites depends on their content in the leaves. The presence of biologically active substances in the leaves of P. mollis, S. caucasicum, S. asperum and E. vulgare determines the value of these species in the creation of new phytopreparations.

Aim. The article is devoted to the study of the anatomical structure of the vegetative organs of Nitraria schoberi L. growing on saline soils in the Caspian lowland of Dagestan and to the analysis of some of its features in relation with its habitat. Methods. Were studied 10 samples of leaves, stems and roots of N. schoberi. Preparations of temporary specimen as well as the description of tissues and cells of vegetative organs of N. schoberi were carried out in accordance with conventional methods. Results. The main tissues of leaf, stem and root of N. schoberi are described; their quantitative estimation is given; ecologically significant adaptive anatomical signs are also identified. Conclusion. The presence of a thin cuticle, dense mesophyll, water-preserving tissue, large stomata and deposition of excess salts in containers to maintain high osmotic pressure of the protoplasm is associated with the phreatophytic nature of N. schoberi which allows the species grow on saline soils at high air temperatures. The increase of the proportion of vessels in the xylem of shoots with age in comparison with the cells of the libriform is associated with an increase in water demand for successful photosynthetic processes and thermoregulation in the conditions of the Caspian lowland. The obtained data can be used in a comparative evaluation with other ecotypes of N. schoberi and of the genus Nitraria.

Aim. Comparative analysis of the aeration features of the bottom waters during the different seasons of the year between the Sevastopol and Donuzlav Bays as geomorphological similar in configuration semi-closed sea reservoirs of the Black Sea under different anthropogenic loads. Material and methods. Sevastopol and Donuzlav Bays, located in the Western part of the Crimean Peninsula, were studied. The concentration and total consumption of dissolved oxygen in the water column and the bottom layer were determined in situ using a digital LDO analyzer. The redox potential in bottom sediments was measured using a platinum electrode. Results. Aeration of the water column in the Sevastopol seaside is suitable for normal life of pelagic and epibenthic organisms. At the same time, in the Sevastopol and Donuzlav Bays the large-scale anoxia in the surface layer of bottom sediments was found. Also, the muddy sediments of the Sevastopol Bay’ bed can be an oxygen-deficient extreme biotope for most of the year, the minimum concentration of O2 in the bottom water is not higher than 0.11-0.36 mg/l. The benthal zone here was well aerated only at the end of November. Conclusion. The general patterns of benthic hypoxia were identified for such coast objects as Sevastopol and the Donuzlav Bays, which are similar by their contours and recent seabed structures. Benthal zones of both investigated bays-fjords can be attributed to hypoxic high-gradient habitats, that have a whole generality with oxygen-deficient marine waters habitats – estuarine zones, areas of gas seeps, etc. Strong oxygen deficiency, toxic H2S contamination coupled with organic enrichment a typically benthic environment for such biotopes.

Aim. The aim is to justify the application of the landscape approach in urban planning on the basis of theoretical concepts of landscape studies and the requirements of urban planning practices. Discussion. The basic scheme of the landscape approach is to study the natural and anthropogenic landscape as a complex geosystem consisting of a complex of various components which form the planning structure of the city. In territorial and urban planning, the structure and properties of natural and urban landscapes are revealed using functional, historical-genetic, morphotypic, geo-ecological and visual research methods. Abroad, a similar trend is called "landscape urbanism", the theoretical basis of which is based on the understanding that the best option for the organization of urban areas should be based on the landscape features of the city. With the use of the above-mentioned approaches, an urban landscape approach is being formed, a new nature-urban planning system which, in addition to natural complexes, includes man-made structures: buildings, infrastructure, parks and squares. If the natural landscape is a self-regulating geo-system, then the urban one is controlled by man. When taking actions to transform natural landscapes should be taken into account their structure and functioning, as well as the limits of possible impacts and the likely consequences of these changes. Conclusion. The demand for a landscape approach is constantly growing as a result of the significant transformation of modern cities, the replacement of architectural styles, the growth of urban space and communications, the desire to improve the quality of the urban environment and the comfort of the urban population.

The aim of the study is to monitor the social, performance and financial-economic indicators of each rural area of the region on the basis of an analysis of the "problem map" and the "development reserve diagram", as well as to develop long-term programs for social and economic development. Methods. A package of methodological materials was developed to ensure systematic and comprehensive monitoring of the current state of the rural areas in the region and their reserves of socio-economic development. Results. The authors propose a new methodology for monitoring the sustainable development of the agro-industrial complex and rural areas on the basis of an integrated approach aimed to assess the socio-demographic situation, indicators of agricultural performance, financial and economic parameters and municipal management, which distinguishes it from the well-known methods of analyzing statistical data, municipal reports and economic subjects, expert evaluation of indicators and qualimetric method. The complex nature of monitoring, the objectivity of assessments of social as well as the performance and financial-economic indicators allow us to figure out the rating of each rural area of the region, which should be taken into account when providing government support and subsidizing agriculture and supporting the rural areas. Conclusion. We suggest, developed by us, a scheme of the guaranteed strategic development of rural areas which can be implemented in any region of Russia subject to the creation of maps of land zoning, development of regional and municipal schemes for the rational allocations, production and processing of agricultural products, development of a package of regulatory and legal documents, practical tools and recommendations, regulatory and legal framework for improving leases, development of a methodology to monitor the current state of the rural areas and their reserves of socio-economic the development.

The leading sector of the South of Russia is crop production and livestock-raising with a relatively high risk. Animal husbandry in the region is facing a crisis; the structure and size of herds have sharply decreased. The cost of livestock products and the gap in the rate of its growth are constantly growing. There were problems with fodders and their structural and nutritional imbalance. There is a shortage of meat and dairy products. The volume of gross production for the period from 2005 to 2013 is provided by domestic and foreign meat imports which increased 3-fold. Methods. An analytical study on the state of animal husbandry is conducted on the basis of reports and statistical materials. The system "natural resource potential – industry sector" is described. Analysis of the current state of the industry is aimed at determining the methods of making decisions on land use management on the example of the structural and functional model of development of the agricultural enterprises. Results. At the present time, conditions arise when it is necessary to shift to a new scientifically grounded structural and functional model of the spatial organization of the enterprises. This will allow implementing the strategy of ecoadaptive intensification of grassland production, since the value of cultivated pastures is determined by high proportion of forage grasses in the feed balance and their huge ecological function. Conclusion. This structural and functional approach is based on the consolidation of the territory of agrarian enterprises and the phased subsequent replacement of biological species with different life cycle duration. In this case, the result is the rapid achievement of the maximum productivity of species with low competitive ability which will lead to short payback period.

Aim. To carry out a comparative analysis of self-rated health, medical activity, and satisfaction with the quality of medical care in public health institutions by residents of rural settlements of the Untsukul district, Republic of Dagestan. Methods. The study was conducted by the method of questioning 2643 respondents, among them 1453 women and 1181 men. Results. According to the results of the survey, the majority of the interviewed residents of Untsukul district (68.2%) are satisfied with their health. Medical activity of the population at the time of the study was 60.6%. As to respondents who applied to the medical institutions of the Untsukul district during this period, 13.5% are not satisfied with the quality of medical care in public health institutions, 23.5% are fully satisfied, 30% are not fully satisfied. Conclusion. A social survey in the form of a questionnaire is one of the most effective methods of obtaining information about the self-rated health of the population. Timely analysis of medical activity of the population, its satisfaction with the quality of medical care will improve the efficiency of the health system.

Aim. The aim of the work is to identify the specific features of teaching the concept of sustainable development in the general education establishments of the Untsukul District of Dagestan. Methodology. Were used the methods of empirical study, test results of students of 5-11 grades of secondary schools, obtained during the expedition to the given region. The questionnaires and tests were developed by the staff of the Institute of Ecology and Sustainable Development of DSU. A total of 1825 anonymous questionnaires were analyzed. Of these, 1011 questionnaires in 5-8th grades; 499 in 9-11th grades as well as 315 teachers. Statistical processing of expedition data is based on well-known techniques using the Statistica software. Results. The analyzed data showed a negative downward trend in the level of both general and ecological knowledge. The findings of our previous studies in some other districts and cities of Dagestan coincide with those obtained in the Untsukulsky district, thus the findings reflect the general situation of the environmental education in Dagestan schools which is the students’ unbalanced knowledge in certain sections of the curriculum. In the analysis of students’ knowledge, it was revealed that the knowledge gained in the course of teaching biology dominates rather than from the course of geography. Our long-term extensive studies show deficiencies in the education system, including environmental training and, as a consequence, the likely complexity of the transition to a modern educational innovation paradigm. Conclusion. The results of empirical and statistical studies have revealed a low level of ecological knowledge of schoolchildren. We propose the introduction of a separate discipline "Ecology and Sustainable Development" to meet the requirements set by the society towards the modern education.

Aim. In the present work we investigated the circulation of AIV in wild bird populations and studied the sorption of the influenza virus in the feathers of wild waterfowl nesting on reservoirs during the autumn mass migration. Material and methods. Sampling was carried out on the territory of the Novosibirsk region on Lake Chany during the period from August to September 2014-2016. Biological samples were collected from 188 wild waterfowl of various species. AIV isolation from cloacal swabs and swabs collected from feathers was carried out in the developing chick embryo system (RCC) as previously recommended. The isolated viruses were tested by HA/HI with specific sera, PCR analysis was carried out with subtyping primers. The genomes of the isolated viruses were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Results and discussion. As a result of monitoring, cloacal and feather swabs were collected from 188 individuals belonging to 13 species of the Anseriformes and Charadriiformes, whose representatives are the main natural reservoir of AIV. Fifteen new AI viruses were isolated from the collected samples. Four of them were isolated from plumage samples and the rate was more than 2 times lower, compared with virus isolation from cloacal swabs. Main conclusions. Thus, it can be assumed that avian influenza virus transmission by plumage during migration is not sufficiently taken into account. The key role in AIV ecology may play the virus spreading by its adsorption on bird feathers.

Aim. The steppe zone is not only a unique natural and geographical formation, but also within the framework of European Russia a special region with specific socio-economic and demographic processes. In this article, we consider the issues of town-planning ranking of rural settlements on the basis of comparing the dynamics of their population as the most unique of all socio-economic indicators. Methods. To assess the dynamics of the population, we used the difference in population numbers over a five-year period from 2012 to 2016. When ranking settlements on the dynamics trend, 7 groups were identified, the results were mapped and analyzed. Results. Town-planning ranking has made it possible to identify the most depressive regions that gravitate toward the peripheral territories of the regions, join the borders of neighboring entities, and also form a "frontier" along the Russian-Kazakh border. The most promising areas are located in the south-west of the region under consideration (Krasnodar, Stavropol Krai, south of the Rostov region), where favorable economic and natural-climatic conditions are combined. In addition, promising rural settlements gravitate toward the administrative centers of the regions. Main conclusions. Based on the ranking we have identified trends in the decline of socio-economic indicators from west to east, the negative impact of the Russian-Kazakh border and the periphery of the territory, the growth of prospects towards the Black Sea coast, as well as "urbanization polarization", expressed in the compression of the regional urban space to urbanized centers.

Aim. The aim of the study is to analyze and reveal the features of the temperature regime of the Novotroitsky water reservoir surface based on remote sensing data; to determine the influence of the temperature regime of the surface waters of Novotroitsky reservoir on the ecological state of the reservoir, as well as to determine the areas of the surface water zones of the Novotroitsky reservoir with optimal and unfavorable temperature conditions for fish. Methods. The temperature values of the earth's surface (water area) were calculated according to the generally accepted methodology. Its essence lies in the fact that the calculation of the earth's surface temperature is performed after radiometric calibration of the images and compensation of the effect of the optical density of the atmosphere taking into account the emissivity of various objects on the earth's surface. The calculations were performed separately for the 10 and 11 channels of images from the Landsat 8 satellite, and then averaged. Results. Were established the quantitative characteristics of the inhomogeneity of the temperature fields of the water surface of Novotroitsky reservoir during the summer period due to discharges of the heated waters of the Stavropol GRES power plant. The peculiarities of the spatial variability of the temperature fields of the Novotroitsky water reservoir surface in summer season were revealed. It is shown that the use of the Novotroitsky water reservoir as a reservoir-cooler is potentially accompanied by the development of eutrophication processes and creation of risks for drinking purposes, as well as cultural, household and fishery use. The table shows the data demonstrating the temperature condition of the Novotroitsky reservoir water surface. The figure shows the temperature fields of the surface of the Novotroitsky water reservoir. Conclusions. In summer period, half of the water area of the Novotroitsky water reservoir can be attributed to the zones of optimum temperatures for the juvenile pikeperch. Were revealed the periods when the reservoir becomes practically unsuitable for growth and development of juveniles of oxyphilic fish. Excessive rise of water temperature in summer was established in accordance with SanPiN (Sanitary Rules and Regulations) 2.1.5.980-00.2.1.5. Such an increase in temperature is observed in 13-16% of the whole water area.

Aim. The aim of this study is to structure the problem areas of pedagogical adaptation of the content of the concept of sustainable development into the practice of Russian higher education. Methods. Analysis, synthesis and generalization of some relevant works, including foreign ones, in this field were used as research methods, as well as the results of many years of professional pedagogical activity of the authors (pedagogical observation, peer review, pedagogical interpretation). Results. The findings of the research are the identification of the problem areas for overcoming the difficulties of pedagogical adaptation of the principles of education for sustainable development in the practice of the Russian higher school. Conclusions. The findings of the study include the problems of pedagogical adaptation of content and methods of effective education for sustainable development, such as: 1) the inconsistency of the content tendencies of higher education in relation to objective needs of the society and politics that contradict sustainable development as a whole; 2) the problem of insufficient methodological support to develop critical thinking in students in the process of environmental education, as well as the pedagogical problem of the formation of students' reflexive experience; 3) the problem of "locality" and "targeting" of the content and methods of education for sustainable development; 4) the problem of developing inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary approaches for the education for sustainable development; 5) the problem of pedagogical adaptation of the axiological foundations of education for sustainable development.

Aim. The aim is to study some of the bio-ecological and morpho-physiological features of the main species of cultivated carp fish, the influence of a complex of biological methods of intensification on the growth and yield of bioproducts. Methods. Frontal method was used to obtain larvae from mirror and scaly carp species. Hydro-chemical and hydro-biological studies of water bodies, establishment of qualitative and quantitative criteria for the main groups of the trophic chain were carried out according to the existing methodology. Results. To clarify the growth characteristics of scaly and mirror carp fish under different growing conditions, we conducted experiments on their separate farming in four ponds. According to the planned experiment, from June 1, carps in ponds number 3 and 4 were fed with artificial fodders. From the first days of farming, scaly carp had a higher rate of growth, ahead of the same age mirror carps almost one and a half times. Since the beginning of feeding, the ratio in the growth rate of carp of different groups has changed dramatically, scaly carp with additional feeding increased the average weight by 8.6 g, while the mirror ones by 10.3 g over the same period. Conclusions. From the analysis of the experiments carried out, it follows that in the first year of life scaly carp have a higher growth rate on natural diet compared to the mirror ones by 16%, and in the second year, by 9% (P>0.999). Consequently, for intensive fish farming with the use of additional fodder, it is possible to recommend both scaly and mirror species of carp.