Specific features in operation of road construction equipment in the Far North

The development of the Far North goes hand in hand with the use of road construction equipment. The article addresses the main factors that affect the operation of this equipment in extremely cold climates. The effect of low temperatures on the operation of machines and individual units is examined. In particular, information is provided on the effect of low temperatures on operation of the hydraulic drive, power plants, and metal structures. The influence of the requirement to observe the methodological recommendations regarding the ergonomics and physiology of workers on increasing the cost of works with the use of road construction machinery has been noted.

Unrecognized Ant Megadiversity in Monsoonal Australia: Diversity and Its Distribution in the Hyperdiverse Monomorium nigrius Forel Group

We document diversity and its distribution within the hyperdiverse Monomorium nigrius Forel group of the Australian monsoonal tropics, an unrecognized global centre of ant diversity. The group includes a single described species, but several distinct morphotypes each with multiple clearly recognizable taxa are known. Our analysis is based on 401 CO1-sequenced specimens collected from throughout the Australian mainland but primarily in the monsoonal north and particularly from four bioregions: the Top End (northern third) of the Northern Territory (NT), the Sturt Plateau region of central NT, the Kimberley region of far northern Western Australia, and far North Queensland. Clade structure in the CO1 tree is highly congruent with the general morphotypes, although most morphotypes occur in multiple clades and are therefore shown as polyphyletic. We recognize 97 species among our sequenced specimens, and this is generally consistent (if not somewhat conservative) with PTP analyses of CO1 clustering. Species turnover is extremely high both within and among bioregions in monsoonal Australia, and the monsoonal fauna is highly distinct from that in southern Australia. We estimate that the M. nigrius group contains well over 200 species in monsoonal Australia, and 300 species overall. Our study provides further evidence that monsoonal Australia should be recognized as a global centre of ant diversity.

A healthy eating plan for employees engaged in oil and gas exploration and production in the Far North

Proper nutrition is undoubtedly one of the most important factors of good health. Currently, the priority field of study for the Russian nutritionists is the development of well-balanced nutrition plans which can help to prevent or alleviate the most common medical conditions and work-related diseases. Extensive research has been carried out for the stateled program for the Development of Hydrocarbon Resources in the Northern Regions of Russia, including the Far North, where the huge oil and gas fields are located, and the specialists of Art-Life scientific production association have developed a healthy eating plan to help people working in the Far North maintain general well-being.

The cytogenetic parameters of Pinus sylvestris L. under conditions of the Far North of Russia (Karelia)

The cytogenetic analysis of the Pinus sylvestris L. seed progeny in the forests of the northern taiga in the Far North of Russia conditions was carried out. Two Pinus sylvestris populations growing in Ambarnskoy and Pyaozerskoy forest divisions of Loukhsky district of Karelia Republic were studied. The number of chromosomes, the frequency and types of mitosis disturbances at the metaphase, anaphase and telophase (as a percentage of the total number of dividing cells at the same stages), and the frequency of micronuclei occurrence, as well as the laboratory seed germination, were studied. As a result of the study, it was found that 50–56% of the studied sprouts were mixoploid. Analysis of mitosis showed that the root meristem of the studied samples contained cells with various pathologies; simultaneously, the frequency of mitosis pathologies in the Ambarnskoy population was significantly higher than in the Pyaozerskoy one. It amounted to 6.8 ± 0.4 and 4.9 ± 0.4%, respectively. Nine types of abnormalities were identified; chromosome overrun and bridges prevailed. Micronuclei were registered in 35–38% of the studied Pinus sylvestris sprouts. At the same time, the proportion of cells with micronuclei in the Ambarnskoy population was 2-fold higher than in the Pyaozerskoy one and averaged 0.12 ± 0.03% and 0.07 ± 0.02%, respectively.