Early Neoproterozoic Granite-Gneisses of the Junggar Alataw(Southeastern Kazakhstan):Age,Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

The combined petrographic,petrological,geochemical and geochronological study of the Neoproterozoic gneisses of the Sarychabyn and Baskan complexes of the Junggar Alataw of South Kazakhstan elucidate the Precambrian tectonic evolution of the Aktau–Yili terrane.It is one of the largest Precambrian crustal blocks in the western Central Asian orogenic belt.The U-Pb single-grain zircon ages indicate that granite-gneisses formed from the same source and crystallised in the early Neoproterozoic ca.930–920 Ma.The chemical composition of gneisses corresponds to A2-type granites.The whole-rock Nd isotopic characteristics(εNd(t)=−4.9 to−1.0 and TNd(DM-2st)=1.9 to 1.7 Ga)indicate the involvement of Paleoproterozoic crustal rocks in magma generation.Early Neoproterozoic ca.930–920 Ma A-type granitoids in the Aktau–Yili terrane of South and Central Kazakhstan might reflect within-plate magmatism adjacent to the collisional belt or a local extension setting in back-arc areas of the continental arc.

Ecological Niche Modelling Reveals the Peculiarities of Ecological Disjunction Between Two Sympatric Racerunners in Kazakhstan:Eremias lineolata(Nikolsky,1897)and Eremias scripta(Strauch,1867)

The ecological-niche models for two sympatric species,Eremias lineolata(Nikolsky,1897)and Eremias scripta(Strauch,1867),reveal evidence of spatial and temporal disjunction in the actual niches of both species.Eremias lineolata demonstrates a wide range of adaptations and,at the same time,has a greater need for winter precipitation and minimal temperature than E.scripta.Possible explanations for the thermal diversity of both species are provided.Thermal variables(monthly temperatures,monthly solar radiation,etc.)are traditionally important for ectotherm animals.Interestingly,as many as half of the key variables in both species are related to different aspects of environmental water balance(precipitation,air humidity,vapor pressure).There are several ways in which moisture may impact the lizard’s life cycle.Soil humidity is related to soil temperature and may be important during winter hibernation.In summer,soil humidity may support successful embryogenesis.Precipitation during the warm months is a key factor in maintaining the moisture content of the soil.In winter,snow cover provides a better thermal balance of the soil’s top layers where winter shelters are housed.Ecological niche modeling(ENM)is an interdisciplinary approach combining the geographical,climatic,ecological,and biological aspects of the wellbeing of species.This interdisciplinary approach lifts biological studies onto a new,integrative level,providing a comprehensive view on species biology and answering the questions that might not be answered if the traditional methods for studying animals were used alone.

Mortality Rates of Ventricular Septal Defect for Children in Kazakhstan: Spatio-Temporal Epidemiological Appraisal

Objective: The aim is to study the trends in ventricular septal defect (VSD) mortality in children in Kazakhstan.Methods: The retrospective study was done for the period 2011–2020. Descriptive and analytical methods of epidemiologywere applied. The universally acknowledged methodology used in sanitary statistics is used to calculatethe extensive, crude, and age-specific mortality rates. Results: Kazakhstan is thought to be seeing an increase inmortality from VSDs in children. As a result, this study for the years 2011 to 2020 was conducted to retrospectivelyassess data from the central registration of the Bureau of National Statistics that was available throughoutthe nation. Age-standardized mortality data were obtained and compared between age categories. It was shownthat 507 children died from this condition throughout the time period under study. The average annual standardizedmortality rate was 1.88 per 100,000 population and tended to decrease over time. The peak of mortality wasnoted at the age of up to 1 year, namely the neonatal period. Cartogram mortality rates were calculated usingstandardized indicators. Additionally, age-sex variations were taken into account when performing all calculations.Conclusion: In recent years, the death rate from VSD has declined from 1.5 to 0.6 per 100,000 people, withthe trend remaining constant (T = 1.4%, R^(2) = 0.5825). The analysis of mortality trends related to VSD is crucial inboth theoretical and practical aspects, as it enables early detection and treatment of VSDs. The findings of thisstudy will be valuable to public health authorities in developing a strategy to treat VSDs effectively.

How Attitudes towards Air Pollution May Impact Public Health: A Case Study of Almaty, Kazakhstan

Using an original public opinion survey, we study public attitudes and behaviors toward air pollution in Almaty, Kazakhstan. In the Health Belief Model (HBM) framework previously used to understand an individual’s health decision-making, we evaluate citizens’ awareness of the poor air quality, their perception of risk, and their willingness to devote time and resources to reduce their air pollution exposure. We find that although citizens are aware of the gravity and general harms of air pollution, they significantly underestimate their individual health risks, and, as a result, often engage in daily routines that exacerbate their exposure to pollution. We find that behaviors increasing the risk of pollution exposure are related to the underlying beliefs about personal health risks, self-efficacy, and material and economic limitations. This means that treating pollution as an individual health problem rather than social issue in public discourse may promote behaviors reducing exposure and improving personal and public health outcomes.

The“Uyghur Issue”From the Kazakhstan Perspective

The Uyghur ethnic identity and their autochthony of Xinjiang continue to be a subject of academic discussions.However,Chinese authorities as well as Chinese scholars have a permanent position on these matters and reject any alternatives.The“Uyghur issue”has already become a part of the geopolitical game impacting world politics and academia as well.Kazakhstan is a good example of this influence.It has a long common border with northwestern China,a large Uyghur diaspora,and historical connections with Xinjiang.Nonetheless,academia nowadays puts Uyghur Studies in a peripheral position,first of all,because of the geopolitical factor.In this article,I focus on the Uyghurs’ethnic identity and autochthony of Xinjiang based on the historical background of this region covered by Kazakhs and other international historians.It helped me identify the origin of the“Uyghur issue”in the modern context,which explains why there is no global consensus on who the modern Uyghurs are and whether they have the right to claim independence of the territory of modern Xinjiang.During Xi Jinping’s era,control over Xinjiang has sharply strengthened and Kazakhstan has conspicuously showed solidarity with the People’s Republic of China(PRC).The Uyghurs’separatist aspirations are practically suppressed,but the voices of human rights supporters and Western academia have become louder,attracting the attention of the world community to the“Uyghur issue”.

Re-Os geochronology of Cu and W-Mo deposits in the Balkhash metallogenic belt,Kazakhstan and its geological significance

The Central Asian metallogenic domain （CAMD） is a multi-core metallogenic system controlled by boundary strike-slip fault systems. The Balkhash metallogenic belt in Kazakhstan, in which occur many large and super-large porphyritic Cu--Mo deposits and some quartz vein- and greisen-type W-Mo deposits, is a well-known porphyritic Cu--Mo metallogenic belt in the CAMD. In this paper 11 molybdenite samples from the western segment of the Balkhash metallogenic belt are selected for Re--Os compositional analyses and Re--Os isotopic dating. Molybdenites from the Borly porphyry Cu deposit and the three quartz vein-greisen W--Mo deposits--East Kounrad, Akshatau and Zhanet--all have relatively high Re contents （2712--2772 μg/g for Borly and 2.267--31.50 μg/g for the other three W-Mo deposits）, and lower common Os contents （0.670-2.696 ng/g for Borly and 0.0051--0.056 ng/g for the other three）. The molybdenites from the Borly porphyry Cu--Mo deposit and the East Kounrad, Zhanet, and Akshatau quartz vein- and greisen-type W-Mo deposits give average model Re--Os ages of 315.9 Ma, 298.0 Ma, 295.0 Ma, and 289.3 Ma respectively. Meanwhile, molybde- nites from the East Kounrad, Zhanet, and Akshatan W-Mo deposits give a Re--Os isochron age of 297.9 Ma, with an MSWD value of 0.97. Re--Os dating of the molybdenites indicates that Cu-W-Mo metallogenesis in the western Balkhash metallogeuic belt occurred during Late Carboniferous to Early Permian （315.9--289.3 Ma）, while the porphyry Cu--Mo deposits formed at ~316 Ma, and the quartz vein-greisen W--Mo deposits formed at ~298 Ma. The Re--Os model and isochron ages thus suggest that Late Carboniferous porphyry granitoid and pegmatite magmatism took place during the late Hercy- nian movement. Compared to the Junggar-East Tianshan porphyry Cu metallogenic belt in northwestern China, the formation of the Cu-Mo metallogenesis in the Balkhash rnetallogenic belt occurred between that of the Tuwu-Yandong in East Tianshan and the Baogutu porphyry Cu deposits in West Junggar. Collectively, the large-scale Late Carboniferous porphyry Cu-Mo metallogenesis in the Central Asian metallogenic domain is related to Hercynian tectono-magmatic activities.

The relationship between energy consumption and economic growth and the development strategy of a low-carbon economy in Kazakhstan

Fossil energy is the material basis of human survival, economic development and social progress. The relationship between energy consumption and economic growth is becoming increasingly close. However, energy consumption is the major source of greenhouse gases, which can significantly affect the balance of the global ecosystem. It has become the common goal of countries worldwide to address climate change, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and implement sustainable development strategies. In this study, we applied an approximate relationship analysis, a decoupling relationship analysis, and a trend analysis to explore the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth using data from Kazakhstan for the period of 1993-2010. The results demonstrated： （1） the total energy consumption and GDP in Kazakhstan showed a ＂U＂-type curve from 1993 to 2010. This curve was observed because 1993-1999 was a period during which Kazakhstan transitioned from a republic to an independent country and experienced a difficult transition from a planned to a market economy. Then, the economic system became more stable and the industrial production increased rapidly because of the effective financial, monetary and industrial policy support from 2000 to 2010. （2） The relationships between energy con- sumption and carbon emissions, economic growth and energy exports were linked; the carbon emissions were mainly derived from energy consumption, and the dependence of economic growth on energy exports gradually increased from 1993 to 2010. Before 2000, the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth was in a recessional decoupling state because of the economic recession. After 2000, this relationship was in strong and weak decoupling states because the international crude oil prices rose and energy exports increased greatly year by year. （3） It is forecasted that Kazakhstan cannot achieve its goal of energy consumption by 2020. Therefore, a low-carbon economy is the best strategic choice to address climate change from a global perspective in Kazakhstan. Thus, we proposed strategies including the improvement of the energy consumption structure, the development of new energy and renewable energy, the use of cleaner production technologies, the adjustment and optimization of the industrial structure, and the expansion of forest areas.

Development of Magnesium-Dominant Soils Under Irrigated Agriculture in Southern Kazakhstan

Irrational irrigation practices in the Arys Turkestan Canal command area in the southern part of Kazakhstan have led to the formation of soils with poor physical and chemical properties. To study whether irrigation and leaching practices and/or groundwater rise have contributed to the accumulation of Mg2+ on the cation exchange complex of these soils, historical changes in soil and groundwater quality were used as source data and the Visual MINTEQ model was applied to analyze the chemical composition of water and soils in the study area. The imposed irrigation regime and the leaching of light sierosem soils led to the dissolution and subsequent leaching of inherent gypsum and organic matter from the soil profile. Further, the domination of bicarbonate in the irrigation water promoted weathering of the carbonate minerals present as calcite. The higher concentrations of Mg2+ in comparison to Ca2+ in the irrigation water resulted in the replacement of Na+ by Mg2+ on the cation exchange complex. In the lower part of the command area, shallow groundwater has contributed to the accumulation of Na+ and to a large extent of Mg2+ on the cation exchange sites.

Early Miocene flora of central Kazakhstan(Turgai Plateau) and its paleoenvironmental implications

The investigation of the fossil floras from the Turgai plateau (central Kazakhstan) contributes to a better understanding of the origin of the temperate Turgai type flora which spread to Kazakhstan and adjacent areas during the Oligocene-Miocene transition. In this paper, we present the results of a carpological and palynological study of the Kumyrtas flora collected from a flora-bearing horizon of the regional coalbearing Zhilanchik suite, dated to the Aquitanian period. Pollen analysis identified 33 taxa, with are dominated by angiosperms (about 73%) and reflect zonal vegetation. The high percentages of Betula (27%) and Pterocarya (7.5%) that were found in this flora allows comparisons with other Aquitanian floras of Kazakhstan. Based on descriptions of fossil fruits and seeds, we determined that 19 taxa were dominant;these taxa had meosphytic herbaceous components, suggesting mostly edaphic local conditions. The incongruence between the carpological and the pollen records suggests a significant taphonomical effect. Quantitative reconstruction of the palaeoclimate based on pollen records supports—and slightly extends—previous findings based on fossil leaf data, but contradicts findings deduced from the carpological record. Plant Functional Type (PFT) classification was used to characterize the vegetation patterns. Pollen records show that about 45% of diversity relates to the arboreal broadleaved deciduous components and ca. 35% to conifers. Fossil fruit and seed data indicate riverine vegetation with a high diversity of aquatic components and shrub stratum.

Migration and accumulation of heavy metals in disturbed landscapes in developing ore deposits, East Kazakhstan

This paper studied the contents of heavy metals and their accumulation in the disturbed landscapes in ore deposits of East Kazakhstan. A total of 14 sites were examined in Zyrynovsky and Tishinsk deposits and Ridder town, and 50 soil samples were taken. Results indicated that the contents of heavy metals in the soil reached the maximum permissible concentration. Emissions of the zinc plant negatively affected the soil of nearby territories. In the remediated areas, a high concentration of heavy metals was observed at a depth where the bulk soil borders the rock. Accumulation of heavy metals on the surface of the remediated areas occurred due to biological accumulation in the plant. Plants transmitted heavy elements through the root system to the upper vegetative organs, making them accumulate in the upper layers of the soil. The heavy metals migrated and accumulated from the lower layers to the surface layers of the soil. The absence of soil meso-fauna resulted in the contamination of soil by heavy metals. The analysis of water samples, taken from the waste storages and the waste waters with heavy metals in the Zyryanovsk deposit and Ridder town, revealed severe water contamination.

Epidemiology and transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses in Kazakhstan

AIM: To investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the two major ethnic groups in Kazakhstan. METHODS: A cross-sectional prospective study of HBV and HCV seroprevalence was performed among individuals born in Kazakhstan with no history of chronic hepatitis or liver disease. RESULTS: There were 290 volunteers (140 Russians and 150 Kazakhs) aged 10 to 64 years, males accounted for 46%. Active HBV infection (HBsAg positive) was present in 3.8%, anti-HBc in 30%. The prevalence was similar in females and males (33% vs 25%) (P = 0.18). The prevalence of anti-HBc increased from 19% in 10-29 years old volunteers to 53% in 50-years and older volunteers. The prevalence of HBV infection was higher in married than in single adults (38% vs 26%, respectively) (P = 0.2) and more common in Kazakhs (35%) than in Russians (24%) (P = 0.07). HCV infection was present in 9 subjects (3.2%), 5 of them also were positive for anti-HBc in the absence of HBsAg. CONCLUSION: The frequency of active HBV infection (3.8%) coupled with a high prevalence of HBV exposure in those > 50 years of age increases with age, which suggests that horizontal transmission likely relates tothe use of contaminated needles. The low prevalence of HCV infection suggests that HBV and HCV are acquired differently in this group of subjects.

Rare Metal Deposits of East Kazakhstan: Geologic Position and Prognostic Criteria

In the article the features of the formation and metallogeny of the geological structures of Great Altai (Rudny Altai, Kalba-Narym, Western Kalba and Jarma-Saur) which are included into the system of the Central Asian mobile belt are considered. The characteristic of the main types of rare metal minefields of the Kalba-Narymsky belt genetically connected with the Perm granitoid magmatism of the post-conflict orogenny stage of activization is given. The rhythmical and pulsation model of pegmatitovy ore formation in the conditions of the half-closed magmatic system, reflecting the phasic development of mineral complexes from graphic and oligoclase-microcline (barren) to microcline-albite and albite-spodumene ore (Ta, Nb, Be, Li, Sn, etc.) is developed. On the basis of the revealed criteria of ore formation recommendations about the direction of the further researches are made.

Epidemiological Investigation of Fatty Liver Disease and Abnormal Liver Function in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Aim: Little is known about the epidemiology of fatty liver disease (FLD) among high-risk primary care subjects in Kazakhstan. We investigated the prevalence of FLD (alcoholic liver disease [ALD] and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]) and abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) in high risk adults in Kazakhstan during their routine visit to the general practitioner. Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out at 75 clinical sites in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The full analysis set population consisted of 5109 subjects. Results: Among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects, established metabolic syndrome (MetS) and/or obese subjects, the prevalence of FLD was 30.8%. LFT abnormalities were found in 53.2% subjects with FLD and 40.0% without FLD. FLD subjects had significantly higher levels of alanine transaminase (ALT;p p p p = 0.021) compared to those without FLD. LFTs increases were significantly higher in subjects with FLD compared to those without FLD and were also significantly higher in ALD subjects compared to those with NAFLD. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the prevalence of FLD and abnormal LFTs in subjects with T2DM and/or established MetS and/or who are obese in primary care settings in Kazakhstan. These findings can help healthcare providers in Kazakhstan and elsewhere to better recognize and manage patients at risk of liver disease, which will improve clinical outcomes.

Bioclimatic Modeling of the Potential Distribution of the Western Tien-Shan Endemic <i>Tulipa kaufmanniana</i>Regel (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan)

The article analyzes the natural distribution area of the species Tulipa kaufmanniana Regel using the programs of type MaxEnt and ArcGis, the endemic of Central Asia (past, current, future). According to the results of the study, it is proved that the main distribution of the species coincides with the boundaries of the areali Tien-Shan mountain system (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan). It is noted that the climatic factors that are optimal for the species are sufficient temperature and annual precipitation.

Research on Design and Management of Community-Based Ecotourism Model in Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve of Kazakhstan

This study investigates the community-based ecotourism (CBE) model using a sample of the Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve (NR). The aim is to propose a suitable CBE model for Aksu-Zhabgly nature-based tourism destinations by employing a combination of field observation, examination, evaluation, and SWOT analysis. The study determines the strategic suggestions for CBE model designing by the results of SWOT analysis. It concludes that convenient transportation and superior location, diversified wild animals and plants, rich in ethnocultural resources, traditional and tranquil life in a typical rural setting, hospitality and positive attitude of locals to tourism and great potential of the region for sustainable development of ecotourism are the strengths. At the same time, the far residential location from the provincial cities, low-quality service, outdated facilities and shortage of skilled employees in tourism management are the main weakness. Another group of constraints to tourism development is lack of tourism marketing and promotion agencies, lack of transparency, poor institution arrangement and corruption, and lack of preferential policies for CBE development. Finally, the paper recommends that economic development, environmental protection, culture and heritage, marketing and image, favorable political environment, and local residents’ empowerment are the main essential to effectively implement the sustainable development of CBE in the Aksu-Zhabagly tourist destination.

Palynological characteristics of Kazakhstan Province of Carboniferous Euramerican Region

The paper presents results of palynological studies of the coal-bearing Carboniferous in Central Kazakhstan. A quantitative dynamics of major genera of miospores reflects an overall succession of the Carboniferous miospore assemblages. Visean Serpukhovian assemblages are dominanted by Lophozonotriletes fuscatus, Acanthozonotriletes cristifer, A. inclusus, Punctatisporites glabratus, Crassispora ignorata, C. scrupea, Cyclobaculisporites trichacanthus, Lycospora breviapiculata, L. echinata and Vallatisporites decrescens. Rare Punctatisporites bertschoguriensis , Stenozonotriletes marginellus , Vallatisporites appilicatus , Verrucosisporites serobiculatus , Retieulatisporites caneellatus, Granulatisporites areuatus are recorded, which are not found in assemblages from overlying sediments. Bashkirian-Moseovian assemblages are dominated by Lyeospora subtriquetra, L. pusilla, Vallatisporites ciliaris, Apiculatisporis mollis, Cyelogranisporites testieulatus, Calamospora mierorugosa, Sehopfipollenites principalis, Psilohyrnena psiloptera, Florinites grandis and Granulatisporites piroformis miospores. Cristatisporites latispinus, Angulisporites didymus, Thymospora obseura and Torispora securis are also present, as well as single Apieulatisporis eurvispinus, Raistriekia inordinata, Marsupipollenites retroflexus, Entylissa eaperata, Potonieisporites grandis and Cordaitina sp. A similar succession of miospore assemblages is recorded in the Carboniferous deposits of Europe and North America, which allows carrying out correlations, despite an endemic characters of many species of Paleozoic miospores from the coal-bearing Carboniferous of the Kazakhstan Province in the Euramerian Paleofloristic Region.

Regime dynamics of hydrochemical and toxicological parameters of the Irtysh River in Kazakhstan

Since the Irtysh River flows through the important economic, ecological and social territories of China, Kazakhstan and Russia, the water quality issues growingly draw the attention of the water authorities from these countries. Therefore, a detailed study of the hydrochemical regime and toxicological indicators in Kazakhstan was carried out for understanding the regime dynamics of water quality and its affect factors. The combined assessment of maximum permissible concentration （MPC） of chemical components and biotesting method were proposed and performed for the study area. The results clearly showed that the concentrations of single chemical component at different locations are mostly under MPC standard in a basin scale. However, the watershed surface runoff and tributary stream flow from mining industry areas had high concentration of heavy metals and had significant impact on the water quality near Ust-Kamenogorsk. Furthermore, even the stream water generally meet MPC standard, the results of biotesting method show the toxicity level of water sample is lethal for the test objects of phytoplankton and Daphnia. The survival rates of most water samples are lower than 46.7%. Hereby, this study strongly suggests using combined water assessment methods to evaluate the water quality.

Fauna of Heteroptera in the deserts of Kazakhstan

Heteroptera is an important group among the insect orders,not only for its number of species,but also for its distribution and food preference.A total of 405 species of Heteroptera were identified in the desert areas of Kazakhstan,in which 158 species are distributed in the sandy deserts,105 species in the Solonchak deserts,75 species in the clay deserts,and 67 species in the rocky-rubbly deserts.

Young People’s Conceptualization of Their Wellbeing: Culturally Situated Understandings in the Context of Kazakhstan

Little is known about the wellbeing of young people living in post-Soviet nation contexts such as Kazakhstan. The qualitative data reported represents the views of 309 Kazakhstani young people on their conceptualizations of wellbeing that fell broadly into three major thematic categories: external factors from one’s surroundings;relationships with others;and internal aspects of the self. The direct consequence of inadequate physical environment on health and the environment’s impact on psychological wellbeing through leisure, lifestyle, education, and employment opportunities were emphasized. Affirmative connections with others were associated with increased levels of emotional wellbeing. The importance of making independent choices as well as being actively involved in leisure, volunteering and extracurricular school activities for achieving optimal levels of wellbeing was highlighted.

Human Health Cost of Air Pollution in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, like other former Soviet Republics, inherited a number of serious environmental problems. Air pollution is one of these serious problems, leading to significant environmental health effects on the population of Kazakhstan. This study provides a baseline analysis of health damages from air pollution, based on readily available information. Mean estimates of mortality risk attributable to air pollution are about 16,000 cases per year with a 95% confidence level of the risk not exceeding 25,500. Even taking into account all the uncertainties related to the collection and processing of primary data, as well as the application of risk analysis methodology, we conclude that air pollution in Kazakhstan constitutes a significant contribution to the environmental burden of diseases. In relative terms, the impact of air pollution on premature mortality in Kazakhstan is notably higher than in Russia and the Ukraine.