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”.

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.

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.

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.

Polymorphisms at <i>GSTM </i>1, <i>GSTP </i>1, <i>GSTT </i>1 Detoxification Genes Loci and Risk of Breast Cancer in Kazakhstan Population

Associations of null polymorphism (copy number variation) of detoxification genes GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 (at rs2495636, 105 Ile/Val) with the breast cancer (BC) were assessed in two main ethnic groups of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Kazakhs and Russians). Total number of patients was 181, and of controls 397. Statistically significant difference was observed between BC patients and healthy individuals in alleles frequency (χ2 = 4.89, р = 0.007) of GSTP1 gene at rs2495636 (105 Ile/Val) among the Kazakhs ethnic group. Difference in genotypes distribution (χ2 =5.26, р = 0.076) at this site is approximating to be statistically significant. In the Russian group, no differences were found in genotypes and alleles atrs 2495636 of GSTP1 gene between cases and controls. There was no significant difference between null polymorphism (copy number variation) of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes among cases and controls in both ethnic groups.

Karst and Pseudokarst of the West Kazakhstan (Republic of Kazakhstan)

An analysis of the formation of karst and karst-suffosion forms on the territory of the West Kazakhstan region is presented in this paper. Numerous literary sources were used as the information database for the analysis of the relief features of the West Kazakhstan region. Evaluation of the morphometric features of the collapsed new formations on the basis of materials of our own field research is presented here for the first time. According to the research objectives there were defined localization places of the karst-collapsed phenomena where the reconnaissance field surveys were carried out. Survey points’ localization has been carried out by means of GPS system with the help of 12-channel GPS-receiver of Garmin eTrex model. Geoinformational technology, based on MapInfo 9.5 and ArcGIS 9.2 packages was used for the building of the information and cartographic database. Original thematic maps compiled on the basis of the research results’ analysis have been obtained in this research. The features of the Caspian Basin’s karst landscapes, formed as a result of salt-dome tectonic manifestations (Inder Mountains, Malaya Bogdo Mountain, Bish-Chokho hill) are described in this paper. The important elements of the Caspian Basin salt-dome landscapes are landforms of the karst origin from large karst depressions of the karst-tectonic origin to modern forms of the sulfate karst: sinkholes, wells, polje, knobs (“Kurgantau”), arches, caves and grottoes. Some karst formations have a non-salt-dome origin. Three areas with the collapsed forms that have the karst-suffosion origin have been identified (near Konyr village, Berezovka village and Zhanatalap village). The mechanism of the sinkholes formation is due to the changes of the groundwater regime and the displacement of limestone eluvium as a result of active anthropogenic impacts. The sinkholes occurence near Zhanatalap village, which is located near the Karachaganak oil and gas field, is probably due to the anthropogenic initiation of karst-suffosion processes.

Associations of Polymorphisms of the <i>CYP</i>1<i>A</i>1 and <i>CYP</i>1<i>B</i>1 Cytochrome P450 Genes with Breast Cancer in Kazakhstan

Associations of polymorphisms in rs4646903 site of CYP1A1 and rs1056836 site of CYP1B1 genes with the breast cancer (BC) were studied in two main ethnic groups of Kazakhstan Republic (Kazakhs and Russians). Total number of BC patients was 181, controls—397. The statistically significant differences were revealed in allele frequencies (χ2 = 5.93, р = 0.004) and in genotypes distribution (χ2 = 8.71, р = 0.015) in rs4646903 site of CYP1A1 gene in Kazakh but not in Russian group. The study of CYP1В1 rs1056836 site demonstrated differences in genotype distributions (χ2 = 7.48, р = 0.023) between BC patients and controls in Russian but not in Kazakh ethnic group.

Lack of Association between Polymorphisms in rs2981582, rs2420946, rs17102287, rs1219648, rs2981578, and rs17542768 Sites of FGFR2 Gene with Breast Cancer in the Population of Kazakhstan

Worldwide, breast cancer (BC) is the most common invasive cancer in women. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is a member of the family of individually distinct fibroblast growth factor receptors involved in tumorigenesis. FGFR2 gene is amplified and over expressed in breast cancer (1 - 3). The aim of the study was to determine whether polymorphisms in rs2981582, rs2420946, rs17102287, rs1219648, rs2981578, and rs17542768 in FGFR2 gene are associated with breast cancer susceptibility in the population of Kazakhstan. The statistically significant associations between SNPs analyzed and breast cancer risk according χ2 and p < 0.05 criterions were not evaluated. The information describing the association of SNPs in FGFR2 with BC risk in the world populations could not be unambiguously used for Kazakhstan population.

On the State of the Soil Microflora in the Areas Separating from Launch Vehicle in Central Kazakhstan

The results of the comparative analysis of physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the soil cover at the sites of the first stage of the proton launch vehicle (LV) fall in the Yu-2 zone (Central Kazakhstan) are presented. Conclusions are made about the increased sensitivity of the microflora of brown, mostly solonetzic soils to mechanical and chemical loads during the fall of the separating parts of space rockets. Lack of moisture, increased carbonate content and density of saline in the upper horizons complicate the restoration of the disturbed fertile soil layer even 10 years after the impact of rocket and space activities (SRA).

Heavy Metals Distribution in Soil, Water, Vegetation and Meat in the Regions of East-Kazakhstan

In this study, the pollution level of Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu was estimated in the samples of soil, water, vegetation and milk collected from the regions of East-Kazakhstan. High concentrations in the soils were measured of Cd in Ayaguz 0.11 mg/kg, of Pb in Urdzhar 19.7 mg/kg, of Zn in Naualy 17.3 mg/kg and Cu in Kabanbai 0.21 mg/kg. These measured data did not exceed the National limits for Cd 0.5 mg/kg, Pb 32.0 mg/kg, Zn 23.0 mg/kg and Cu 3.0 mg/kg. The results of the vegetation analysis showed the presence of high levels of Cd in Ayaguz 0.346 mg/kg, which exceeded the National limit 0.2 mg/kg. Considerable quantity of Pb 1.96 mg/kg, Zn 20.7 mg/kg, Cu 11.1 mg/kg was measured in Naualy. In water samples of Urdzhar region Pb value of 0.039 mg/dm3 was a little higher than the National limit of 0.03 mg/dm3. Zn content in Naualy 1.5 mg/dm3, in Kabanbai 1.25 mg/dm3, in Urdzhar 1.05 mg/dm3 was found to exceed the National limit 1.0 mg/dm3. The level of Pb in milk samples from Urdzhar 0.39 mg/kg, Naualy 0.24 mg/kg and Ayaguz 0.15 mg was found to be higher than the National limit 0.1 mg/kg. Zn concentration exceeded the National limit 5.0 mg/kg in the samples from Kabanbai 6.3 mg/kg and Naualy 5.8 mg/kg.

China Confirms to Participate in 2017 Astana Expo Held In Kazakhstan

On August 24,Jiang Zengwei-Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT),officially submitted in Beijing the confirmation documents for China’s participation in Astana Expo to Kazakh First Deputy Foreign Minister Rapil Zhoshybayev,which signals that the preparation work for China to participate in Astana Expo has been officially initiated.