Karelian Research Centre

Abstract Once nearly eradicated from Europe, grey wolves ( Canis lupus ) have recently undergone a remarkable demographic recovery, but their long-term survival remains precarious. By analyzing 1,001 genomes, we uncover a mosaic of distinct evolutionary lineages, not a single recovering population. Northern populations exhibit Asian wolf ancestry, while southern populations preserve ancient Holocene lineages, with dog introgression varying by region. Isolated wolves from the Scandinavian, Italian, and Iberian peninsulas harbored particularly high levels of inbreeding and fixed deleterious mutations. Signatures of genome erosion were widespread across Europe, with many populations falling well short of the minimum size recommended for long-term survival. Our study reveals the complex tapestry of wolf ancestry and variation across Europe, which calls for nuanced, regional conservation plans founded in genetic monitoring.

Abstract Scalar order parameters are widely used to describe critical transitions in nonlinear systems, yet their structural validity is rarely stated explicitly. This paper identifies a sharp obstruction to scalar diagnostics that arises when regime boundaries are generated by interacting degeneracies. We show that if the reduced boundary ideal is non-principal, then the boundary-induced comparability structure necessarily contains incomparabilities, and no scalar index can be faithful (even up to monotone transformation) to the underlying boundary constraints. Our analysis yields a boundary-first classification. In the codimension-one principal regime, the boundary is a hypersurface with a canonical generator Δred (unique up to units and admissible reparametrizations), and scalar crisis diagnostics are structurally pinned down to a single channel. Beyond this regime, scalarization fails intrinsically: the failure is ideal-theoretic rather than a calibration artifact. We illustrate the mechanism by a minimal two-fold construction producing a non-principal boundary, and introduce the positive-degree Betti Profile Index BPI∗ as a minimal cohomological gatekeeper that becomes informative exactly when the scalar paradigm is no longer defensible.

The review is dedicated to the collection of works by the historian of the Time of Troubles, Herman Andreevich Zamyatin (1882–1953). The published book is the first edition that gathers together essays based on his doctoral dissertation. The reviewer’s focus is on highlighting G. A. Zamyatin’s scientific legacy and the relevance of his conclusions in contemporary historical science.

Introduction. The relevance of the cartographic method in toponymy is justified by the spatial nature of the naming process itself, which is realized within discrete geographical objects. Despite this, in studies devoted to local toponymic systems, cartographic analysis is used only sporadically. The aim of this research is to demonstrate the effectiveness of comprehensive microtoponym mapping for solving both purely toponymic tasks and broader tasks of an ethnocultural nature. Materials and Methods. The research material was the Card Index of Karelia Toponyms, in which a significant portion of the microtoponyms are linked to topographic maps. Based on the card index data, an electronic resource – the “Toponymy of Karelia” geographic information system (GIS) – was created, which enables the mapping of toponymy within local topo-systems. The study employs maps of various formats as illustrations, ranging from standard maps of the “Atlas of Karelia” (scale 1 cm = 1 km) to field sketches and electronic maps in the OpenStreetMap format. In addition to the cartographic method itself, the methodology of etymological reconstruction and semantic analysis was employed. Results and Discussion. This article examines three applications of the method of comprehensive microtoponym mapping. Its contribution to solving core toponymic tasks (problems of nomination) is illustrated by the route-based perspective that mapping reveals. The potential of comprehensive microtoponymic mapping for extracting ethnocultural information is also demonstrated. Through the areal distribution of microtoponyms with Russian and Karelian-derived stems, the primary routes of Russian linguistic influence into the specific local territory of the historical Vyrozero Volost in Zaonezhye are outlined. Localization is often a decisive factor in determining toponymic origin. The article demonstrates its use in establishing the Sami roots of two island toponyms (Oryatsaari and Pellotsaari), which encapsulate the idea of the islands’ position relative to the center of an island archipelago in the Ladoga region. A geographical motivation is proposed for the toponymic stem Akka- (Gen. Akan-) meaning ‘old woman’ or ‘crone’, prompted by a linguistic metaphor. Conclusion. The method of continuous mapping of local topo-systems allows for a more in-depth understanding of the nature of toponymic nomination and also facilitates the identification of etymological, cultural-historical, and other information embedded in the localization of toponyms. In this regard, the experience of the approaches outlined in the article is useful for application in other toponymic expeditions. The research results contribute to the development of the cartographic method, as well as to the study of toponymic nomination within a local toponymic system.

Whatever level of recurrent plus breeding cycle is achieved, there is a need of additional supplement of breeding population with new elite tree specimens. Therefore, investigations concerning the confluence of ecological, genetic, and intracelomic factors facilitating their appearance is ever more relevant. Five elite and three normal stands, which included 71 elite trees growing within the northern taiga subzone, were studied in 2021–2023. Most of the stands were relatively even-aged because of their formation after total catastrophic events, such as clear cuts and windfalls. The “elite” phenomena for new pine stand became possible precisely because of some kind of catastrophic event accompanied by fire (slash fire or natural fire), which cleared space, and was followed soon by abundant crop of pine seeds from surrounding stands. Specimens belonging to the leading group of trees, which germinated in the first phase (0–15 years) of pine self-regeneration, had the maximum probability to evolve into elite ones. The genetic proximity of trees of all selection categories can be explained by the fact that all of them belong to the same generation period (about 30 years). At the same time, the actual genetic features of elite trees most commonly remain unrevealed and special trials with vegetative and seed progenies are needed to bring them to light.

A sample of a Mesoarchean banded iron formation (BIF) from the Shurlovaara Formation was studied. It consists of three types of layers: an iron-enriched (magnetite quartzite) type, a silica-enriched type (quartzites), and a type consisting of chlorite-amphibole schist. The BIF displays a sedimentary cyclicity: a cycle begins with schists, which are followed by magnetite quartzites, and then by quartzites. The mineral and chemical composition of minibeds of each type has its own distinctive features. The quartzites consist of quartz with accessory magnetite, chlorite, carbonate, pyrite, apatite and amphibole impurities. They are depleted in all minor and trace elements, except for Ba, Rb and As. Rare-earth elements (REEs) are characterized by depletion in light REEs (LREEs) and the presence of a poorly defined positive Eu-anomaly. The magnetite quartzites consist mainly of magnetite, quartz and chlorite with amphibole, apatite and pyrite impurities. The rocks of these minibeds are a major concentrator of V and Ga. They are considerably depleted in LREEs and clearly show a positive Eu-anomaly. The chlorite-amphibole schists are made up of quartz, chlorite and amphibole; pyrite, magnetite, titanomagnetite, apatite, and zircon are present as secondary and accessory elements. The schists are richer in practically all minor and trace elements than other rocks of the minibeds. REEs in the schists are enriched in heavy REEs, and their positive Eu-anomaly is the most defined. The chlorite-amphibole schists are modelled as a mixture of the destruction products of Kontokki komatiite-basaltic and felsic volcanics with addition of iron-silica substrate.

Abstract We consider configuration graphs with N vertices. The vertex degrees are independent identically distributed random variables and for any vertex of the graph the distribution of its degree η satisfies the following condition: P { η = k } ∼ d k g ln h k , k → ∞ , $$\mathbf{P}\{\eta=k\} \sim \frac{d}{k^g \ln ^h k}, \quad k \rightarrow \infty,$$ where d > 0, h ⩾ 0, 2 < g < 3. We obtain the limit distributions of the maximal degree of vertices in the configuration graph as N , n → ∞and n / N (3 g −4)/(2 g −2) → ∞under the conditions that the sum of vertex degrees is n .

The possible nutrient load on Lake Onego and its catchment area by the middle of the 21st century is substantiated, taking into account the RCP climate change scenarios and socioeconomic conditions. The assessments of socioeconomic development were derived from the analysis of official statistical data and model estimates for the seven largest regions included in the lake catchment area. Possible climate changes and their impact on the water balance of the lake are considered. It is shown that the implementation of the RCP 2.6 scenario may reduce the nutrient load on the lake from the main tributaries due to a decrease in river runoff, and if the RCP 8.5 scenario is implemented, an increase in runoff and a corresponding increase in the export of phosphorus and nitrogen by 14.0–22.5% should be expected. Calculations based on the ILLM model (Institute of Limnology of theRussian Academy of Sciences) for assessing the diffuse nutrient load showed that the introduction of the best available technologies in agricultural production will not have a noticeable effect on the ecological conditions of Lake Onego. Estimates of a possible increase in the input of nitrogen and phosphorus from the catchment area and its sub-basins into the lake by 2050 at the current growth rate of fish farming in water bodies of the catchment area, show that a slight increase in the nutrient load on the lake in terms of phosphorus by <4% compared to 2021 can be expected. However, if the rate of production growth increases, the nutrient load may increase up to 30% compared to the current level. The permissible nutrient load and the assimilation potential of the lake for nutrients to maintain the trophic status of the lake are estimated. The obtained calculations formed the basis for assigning the nutrient load on the lake until 2050 to assess the possible changes in the lake ecosystem on a 3-D SPLEM model of high spatial resolution (1 km), which showed that, if the considered scenarios are implemented, the main increase in primary production of phytoplankton until 2050 will be observed in the bays and gulfs of Lake Onego, while in the open areas of the lake, a slight increase in primary production may be observed.

Carrying out decarbonization of the economy requires a mechanism for determining the price of carbon. The work is built on the data of the world’s leading studies, statistical and exchange indicators, that are analyzed using the methods of descriptive statistics and integral equations. The features of carbon as an external effect are highlighted, which, in comparison with standard exchange assets, to a greater extent limit the possibility of setting a price for it in the course of negotiations and bargaining (the Coase theorem). The incompatibility of ensuring physical equivalence of emitted and stored carbon with economic equivalence, taking into account time preferences, is shown. The method for determining the price of carbon is proposed to achieve a balance of interests between current and future generations, taking into account differences among countries and emitted greenhouse gases. This method was tested for Russia. The criteria and mechanisms of carbon pricing as an external effect, keeping in mind its highlighted features, are put forward. Measures aimed at maximizing the effect of decarbonization of the economy are proposed.

In view of the continuing human expansion in Antarctica, it is crucial to implement a wide range of measures to effectively protect the natural environment and uphold the fundamental principles of the Antarctic Treaty system. Soil is the most important component of all terrestrial ecosystems, which plays a crucial role as the spatial basis of ecosystems. Despite the considerable research performed in different sectors of Antarctica, soils and soil-like bodies of Antarctica remain poorly investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate the processes of biogenic accumulation of substances and biogenic-abiogenic interactions in the soils of the Pravda Coast and the Haswell Archipelago, East Antarctica — vicinities of the Antarctic station Mirny. Field observations and laboratory analyses were conducted, focusing on determining the chemical composition and levels of organic matter in the soils. It was found that the soils exhibit a moderately acidic to near-neutral pH. High levels of organic carbon accumulation were recorded on Haswell Island, influenced by ornithogenic factors. Unlike most soils in East Antarctica, these soils display a presence of humus-like plasma. The soils studied are characterized by low (or moderate) levels of contamination, according to Igeo (geoaccumulation index); however, an increase in pollutant accumulation rates is observed in ornithogenic habitats and on the surfaces of peat horizons.