Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Research Articles

DEDICATION TO THE FIRST UNIVERSITY OF KAZAKHSTAN ON THE EVE OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AL-FARABI KAZAKH NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

On the eve of the 90th anniversary of the al-Farabi Kazakh National University (and this is quite a respectful time distance), we would like to make a brief excursion into the history of Kazakh National University. The history of the university is rich in various events of scientific, educational and social life, it is saturated with the enthusiasm of the young and the wise mentors, the powerful energy of knowledge and the power of scientific thought. The creative search and painstaking daily work of many generations of students, lecturers and scientists pieced together the glorious fate of the country's First University. The spirit of our university has no boundaries. He fills our lives and gives us confidence in the future. For 90 years, you have proved your independence and uniqueness to us, and we are proud to have been students, lecturers and members of your family. You have created many traditions and continue to inspire our youth to great achievements. You give us the opportunity to grow and develop, showing the world our progress and our future.

STUDYING INDICATORS OF CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS OF MACROELEMENTS CONCENTRATION IN HUMAN SALIVA UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS

Seasonal and circadian research in the field of chronobiology and chronomedicine is currently of particular interest to scientists. Chronobiology has discovered previously unknown approaches to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases. For biological objects, as an open thermodynamic system, in their development have absorbed all the laws of the rhythmically oscillating external world and interact with it with the help of these vibrations. Therefore, at the present stage of the development of chronobiology, any research that fills, like bricks, still empty niches of new knowledge reflects the advanced frontiers of natural science and is included in the creation of a future general theory of biology. This is confirmed by a number of discoveries of scientists in the field of physics, physiology and medicine. Thus, a group of scientists became laureates of the Nobel Prize in physics in 2017 for the discovery of gravitational waves, and in the field of physiology and medicine, a number of scientists (Hall, Rosbash, Young) became Nobel laureates for a series of works on the topic: "Studying the mechanisms of the circadian dynamics of the body." Today, chronobiology can characterize periodic fluctuations of, perhaps, all organs, all body systems. A large amount of data has been accumulated on the daily and seasonal rhythms of the digestive and urinary tract organs, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, brain, etc. A violation of biorhythms can lead to the development of defects in oral and maxillofacial tissues, the development of inflammation and tumors, which affects cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, etc. The main purpose of this work was to study the characteristics of circadian rhythms of macroelement concentrations in human saliva under normal conditions. A feature of the research work is the determination of the concentration of macroelements in saliva in the summer. The saliva of 12 healthy volunteers was taken as the study material. Age 22-30 years. The method of spectrophotometry was used in this research work. The research work was carried out in the summer at the Department of Biophysics, Biomedicine and Neuroscience of the al-Farabi Kazakh National University and at the City Clinical Hospital №1 in Almaty. During the study, a saliva sample was collected on 1.5 ml of Eppendorf. All samples were stored in the freezer. Before the experiment, the material was soaked at room temperature for 30-40 minutes. Using the spectrophotometric method, we determined the concentration of macroelements in saliva using a set of special reagents. We have identified the features of the daily dynamics of the concentration of macroelements in the saliva of healthy people in summer: K, Na, Ca, Mg and P. The concentration of macroelements varied widely throughout the day. As a result of the study, the concentration index of K during the day normally ranges from 528±36 µg/ml to 634±42 µg/ml; Na - from 153.4±19.8 µg/ml to 144.9±25.1 µg/ml; Ca-from 35.4±4.0 µg/ml to 45.5±5.1 µg/ml; Mg-from 2.12±0.15 µg/ml to 4.02±0.25 µg/ml and P-from 134.5±7.7 µg/ml to 151.6±10.1 µg/ml. Summing up, we have identified the features of the daily dynamics of the concentration of macroelements in the saliva of healthy people in summer. In summer, the daily dynamics of the concentration of macroelements in saliva ranged from 2.12±0.15 µg/ml (Mg) to 634±12 µg/ml (K).

Action research арқылы кәсіби өсу: магистрлік бағдарламадағы ағылшын тілі мұғалімдерінің мүмкіншіліктері

This article provides a comprehensive overview of action research, emphasizing its significance as a systematic inquiry process conducted by English teachers within their own classrooms to improve teaching and learning. The main goal is to identify the popularity and usage of Action Research among EFL teachers, at the same time Master’s degree students. The study explores Action Research's role in improving teachers' professional growth and the basic knowledge of the graduate students on Action Research. Action research was first conducted in Kazakhstan in 2012 as a joint project of the University of Cambridge and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS) with the goal of improving educational practices. The quantitative research was conducted on the basis of the discipline “Action Research” for the 1st year graduate students of the profession “Two Foreign Languages” of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The results of a survey given to Master's students have different levels of familiarity and experience with Action Research. The study will assist to identify the spread and the usage of Action Research among EFL teachers in Kazakhstan. In addition, the study will help school administrators, teacher mentors to understand obstacles faced by EFL teachers and improve educational system in Kazakhstan.

BORROWINGS IN PEDAGOGICAL DISCOURSE OF THE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE: FROM GRAPHICS TO NETWORK RESOURCES

The article discusses borrowing issues in pedagogical discourse associated with the emergence of new concepts and terms (anglicisms) in the modern Russian language. Penetration of English words in the third millennium of the 21st century happens due to a number of reasons. Thus, the main one, according to the authors, is strengthening of digitalization caused by transition to online learning in the context of a global pandemic. The article poses the problematic aspect of whether borrowed words are a random element in the modern Russian language or it is a challenge of the time. Constant change in the consciousness of humanity, promoting development of all spheres of life in the new reality, inevitably leads to changes in guidelines in the economy, politics, culture, and education. There is a need to revise the goals and objectives of the education and development of an individual who effectively uses the acquired knowledge in upgrading of all spheres of life. New reality requires new concepts to realize and decode unfamiliar phenomena, which leads to a change in scientific and educational paradigms, the emergence of new trends in education, and adaptation of thinking. Challenges of the present millennium force us to make attempts to find out the feasibility of the changes being made. Thus, the authors of the article analyzed the corpus of borrowed units in the pedagogical discourse of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Anglicisms and their derivatives were identified by a continuous sampling method from oral and written speech of lectures and students, the context of educational materials and educational platforms of the university. Analysis of the borrowings of pedagogical discourse in a given period allows us to identify main mechanism of adaptation of new terms and determine the speed of their penetration.

Social and pedagogical adaptation of foreign students to the university environment

Relevance. Teaching foreign students is an important part of supporting international relations and part of internationalising education. Increasingly often foreign students choose the Republic of Kazakhstan for higher education, but there are difficulties in their adaptation in an unfamiliar country, which determines the relevance of this study. Purpose. The purpose of the study is to determine the problems of adaptation of foreign students to the university environment. Methodology. To achieve the goal, the methods of analysis and synthesis, comparison, and the author�s questionnaire �Success of the adaptation process� were used. Results. The study conducted among 1769 foreign students at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University revealed that the primary challenges faced by these students in their adaptation process include language barriers, communication issues with teachers, differences in educational systems, and difficulties with dormitory living. It was found that first-year foreign students experience higher levels of stress compared to those in senior courses. Conclusions. The research concluded that effective adaptation of foreign students can be facilitated through joint leisure activities and accommodation with local students, long-term language courses, and the use of social networks. The study emphasized the crucial role of teachers in supporting and interacting with foreign students, suggesting that the findings can be utilized by university management and educators to enhance the integration and educational experience of foreign students in Kazakhstan. Keywords: higher education institution; international education; integration; cultural differences; student support

Conservation techniques for promising bacteria in the oil industry to preserve biological properties

Background: The conservation of valuable bacterial strains is crucial for various scientific, industrial, and environmental applications. Microorganisms with oil-emulsifying and oil-displacing properties are potentially significant for biotechnologies applied in the oil industry, particularly in such areas as bioremediation and tertiary enhanced oil recovery. To supply enterprises with pure cultures of microorganisms, they should be constantly maintained in the collection conditions in an active state while monitoring the preservation of their biotechnological properties. Therefore, keeping microorganism strains in working conditions and preserving their valuable properties are important for almost any work with microorganisms, ranging from primary research to their use in the production of various biopreparations.
 Aim: The article focuses on studying a method for preserving bacteria that are useful in the oil industry. This method involves modifying the technique of microencapsulating microorganism cells in alginate gel by adding glycerin, which is used as an agent with biostatic action.
 Materials and methods: The subject of research are eight hydrocarbon-oxidizing cultures of microorganisms that were sourced from the Department of Biotechnology of the al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Of these, four cultures were spore-bearing, while the other four were non-spore-bearing. The research employed microbiological methods of cultivation and storage of microorganisms in both solid and liquid media under aerobic conditions. In addition, Cooper's method was used to determine oil emulsification index and statistical methods for data analysis.
 Results: It has been found that adding glycerin (15% vol.) as a biostatic to the gel-forming matrix of sodium alginate can ensure long-term (up to 6 months) cell viability for the studied bacteria in the range of 88-96% while maintaining functionality of immobilized cells. The values of the bacteria’s oil emulsification remained at the pre-conservation levels, whereas traditional storage methods result in a lower number of viable cells after six months. It should be noted that after six months of being stored in encapsulated form with glycerin, the viability of non-sporе-forming Pseudomonas cultures is lower (88-91%) than spore-forming Bacillus (95-98%). This correlation is also is observed for traditional methods.
 Conclusion: The modern method of preserving bacteria allows for their long-term storage while maintaining functionality and viability.

Болашақ педагог-психологтардың цифрлық сауаттылығы

Digital technologies expand the boundaries of access to education in the education system, on the basis of which virtual laboratories, video lectures, online courses are created, mobile electronic educational resources are actively used. The article discusses the importance of digital literacy as an employee of the field of education, as well as teachers-psychologists. In particular, the digital literacy of a teacher-psychologist is socio-psychological support and optimal adaptation of the younger generation, which allows effective pedagogical and psychological support not only through personal communication, but also through digital communication. The study described five main levels of digital literacy - information literacy, computer literacy, media literacy, communication literacy, innovation and literacy in the implementation of technological changes. In the course of the research work, an analysis of the concept of digital literacy in the scientific literature was carried out, a review of the history of this problem and the works of domestic and foreign scientists who examined it was conducted. It is also considered how a future educational psychologist can use digital literacy in their activities. During the research work at the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, surveys were conducted to identify the digital literacy of 4th-year students studying in the specialty "Pedagogy and Psychology" and their results were analyzed. In the course of the study, in order to improve the digital literacy of future teachers-psychologists, a practical platform "digital development platform" worked. The experimental period of the study was conducted in May and September, the results of the survey for two months were compared and the intermediate dynamics were determined. The successful results of the "Digital Development Platform" were taken into account and other ways of improving the digital literacy of future teachers-psychologists were considered.

МОДЕЛЬ ПОДГОТОВКИ БУДУЩЕГО СОЦИАЛЬНОГО ПЕДАГОГА-ЭРГОНОМИСТА К ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ

This article describes the results of a study that was conducted among students majoring in the social Pedagogy at the A.Margulan Pavlodar Pedagogical University, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, K.Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University, al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Sh.Ualikhanov Kokshetau University. Based on the study findings, the authors concluded that the role of the teacher in Kazakhstan's educational institutions has fundamentally changed. Teachers are no longer just sources of information. Their primary function today is to activate students' cognitive processes. Teachers now act as consultants and colleagues in the acquisition of knowledge, facilitators of learning, friends, helpers, role models, and mentors, whose role is to engage and motivate students toward continuous knowledge growth. Given this shift, the profession of a social pedagogue-ergonomist has become increasingly relevant. The social pedagogue-ergonomist creates a comfortable and safe environment for each student, ensuring the protection of life and health while also supporting the realization of students' rights and freedoms. This role includes creating conditions for the comprehensive development of the individual, both during and outside of school hours. The authors developed a model for the graduate profile of a social pedagogue-ergonomist, along with an electronic textbook titled "Ergonomic Educational Space" for students majoring in social pedagogy.

The study of value orientations of modern Kazakhstani youth as the main determinant of a changing person in a changing world

Despite the strengthening of the world globalization processes accompanied by the development of individualistic values and devaluation of basic values, today we witness that contrary to this there is a strengthening of universal values, primarily related to the increase of spirituality in general. In our opinion, this paradox is caused, first of all, by the events that are taking place in the world today - coronovirus, military actions unleashed by Russia, various natural cataclysms and others. This leads not only to the actualization of the study of value orientations, but also to a change in the paradigm of their research. The study of the peculiarities of value orientations of modern youth is of particular importance, since it is demanded by the actual requirements of the social situation of development of the changing personality of the new generation, formed at the turn of the century - XX and XXI, having no experience of Soviet education and upbringing. Object of the research: students studying at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Empirical base of the study: Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi. The study involved 131 students (1-4 courses) studying at the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science (FPS). The conducted research showed that modern Kazakhstani students (by the example of students of KazNU named after Al-Farabi) have developed more values of Self-Transcendence (Self-Transcendence), including universalism and kindness. The formed values fully manifest themselves in the sphere of moral consciousness, moral actions and personal moral (spiritual) properties, which is confirmed by statistically revealed interrelations. The scientific and practical significance of the study lies in the fact that its results reflect, on the one hand, the formation and ongoing transformation of values in modern youth, on the other hand - the conflict between the way things should be and the way they want to be, what guidelines are set by external social reality. Consequently, the value orientations of modern Kazakhstani students are conditioned by the social situation of development of a changing personality in a changing world.

ИДЕНТИФИКАЦИЯНЫҢ ЖАСТАРДЫҢ ӨЗІН-ӨЗІ ДАМЫТУЫНДАҒЫ РӨЛІ

The article theoretically and practically analyzes the structure and content of the identification process as an important direction of social activity among modern youth. Due to the role of social groups and the characteristics of adult life, young people quickly adapt to transformational processes in society, as well as assimilate the values and cultural changes of a specific period, undergoing identi-fication processes. A comprehensive analysis of the scientific and theoretical literature on the research topic was conducted: the concept of “identification” of personality was examined in the context of philosophy, psychology, and social sciences, which became the basis for determining the features of the formation and content of identification, as well as the signs and factors influencing it.In the article, based on the opinions expressed in the works of foreign, CIS, and domestic scholars, the significance of identification in personal self-development is defined, and an attempt is made to provide a scien-tific and methodological substantiation of this concept. In the practical part of the research, empirical work was carried out. E. Shostrom’s “Self-Actualization Assessment” questionnaire was used, defining self-realization as an indicator of the personal characteristics of youth. The diagnostics involved 79 undergraduate students of the “Pedagogy and Psychology” program from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. According to the results, a differentiation of the levels of personal characteristics of young people was conducted.

THE ISSUE OF NATION-BUILDING IN INDEPENDENT KAZAKHSTAN IN THE WORKS OF DOMESTIC SCIENTISTS: A POLITICAL ANALYSIS

in this paper Kazakh researches literature review conducted on the topic of nation building in Kazakhstan. Based on articles, books and monographs published in «Bulletin of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University», «Journal of Philosophy, Culture and Political Science» of the al-Farabi Kazakh National University, «Kazakhstan-Spectr» of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and e-library of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The purpose of the article is to identify issues of nation-building that have not been considered by Kazakh scientists. The results of the article will serve as the basis for further and in-depth study of aspects of nation building in Kazakhstan. This article provides an overview of studies of kazakh scientists dedicated to issues of nation-building in the period after the country gained independence. The work highlights the diversity of aspects associated with the formation of national identity, including both the state-forming ethnic group (Kazakhs) and other ethnic groups living in Kazakhstan. The focus of research in the early 90s was the formation of nations around national identity. In the following years scientists paid attention to the strategies of nation building - civil or ethnic, as well as the influence of the Internet, globalization and ideology through the education system. Noted that different researchers have identified different aspects, such as strengthening the Kazakh language and economic development as key elements of nation-building. However, in the reviewed works not all aspects supported by empirical data, and the vastness of the topic makes it difficult to formulate specific conclusions. Some studies rely on regulations and government programs that, which creates difficulties in assessing the nation-building process. In conclusion, it is emphasized that in the 90s a new stage of research into nation-building began in post-Soviet countries, including Kazakhstan. Despite the extensive study of certain aspects, questions remain unresolved about the formation of a nation, the role of the state language, the interest of other ethnic groups in the language, the impact of the education system and the development of the film industry on national identity.

Oil dispersion characterization of microorganisms producing biosurfactants

The article is dedicated to studying the ability of crude oil emulsification and displacement by bacteria producing low-molecular-weight biosurfactants. Six hydrocarbon-oxidizing cultures of microorganisms were used in this study: 3 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (T1, T4, D2) and 3 Bacillus cultures: Bacillus licheniformis A3, Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis A12, Bacillus subtilis A9 from the collection of the Biotechnology Department of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The research findings indicate that cells of P. aeruginosa T1 exhibited maximum emulsifying and displacing properties, with an E24 value of 76.4% and an oil displacement ability of 5.1 cm. Among the three genes responsible for the production of low-molecular-weight biosurfactants, the presence of one gene, rhlA, responsible for the synthesis of rhamnolipid biosurfactants, has been confirmed. It was demonstrated that strains P. aeruginosa T1, P. aeruginosa T4, B. subtilis A9, and B. subtilis subsp. subtilis A12 showed high emulsifying activity, making them potentially effective for application in biotechnological processes aimed at enhancing oil recovery from mature reservoirs and in bioremediation processes.

БОЛАШАҚ ПЕДАГОГ-ПСИХОЛОГ ТҰЛҒАСЫН ҚАЛЫПТАСТЫРУДАҒЫ МЕДИАМӘДЕНИЕТТІҢ ТӘРБИЕЛІК ӘЛЕУЕТІ

For the modern Kazakh society, the education of youth through a media culture based on spiritual, cultural and moral values is an urgent research problem. The article analyzes the possibilities, essence and significance of the educational potential of media culture in the formation of students’ personality. In the course of this study, the educational aspects of TV programs aimed at spiritual thinking and suc-cessful socialization, developing the skills necessary for young people to be confident and successful in a changing world, were considered. The article also presents the results of an empirical study aimed at studying the educational influence of media culture on students. The role of national TV channels in society and personality formation has been clarified. Based on the results of a survey conducted in the practical part of our study, it was found that the quality of TV programs, the impact on mass conscious-ness and the education of future specialists is significant. 210 students of various faculties of al-Farabi Kazakh National University took part in the survey. It is proved that the results of research with university students are able to qualitatively change the impact on the mass consciousness and education of young people by attracting highly qualified teachers to create programs According to the results of the study, it is proved that the participation of teachers, the involvement of highly qualified specialists in the creation of programs can influence the mass consciousness and education of young people.Methods of analysis, sorting, questioning, diagnostics, pedagogical experiment, mathematical and statistical processing were used in the course of the study.

New Art Therapy Technology – Quilling

This research work aims to study the main features of quilling technology in art therapy, as well as its impact on group and individual consciousness. The study’s methodological approach was the search and theoretical analysis of thematic literature studying the quilling technique of art therapy, as well as art therapy in general. In this article, the theoretical method, the method of comparative analysis, as well as the method of pedagogical experiment were used. As a result of the scientific research, the technology of art therapy as such was analysed, and its components and influence on children and adults were studied. Also, after performing a pedagogical experiment, the influence of quilling technology on students of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University was studied, and the results were analysed. According to the results of the pedagogical experiment, quilling art has a positive effect on individuals, as well as on the general mood of the group, and the use of the quilling technique as an art-therapeutic tool brings positive changes to the psychosomatics of an individual and a group in general. This research work is of practical importance in the study of the art of quilling as an art-therapeutic method in the development of fine motor skills in the hands of adults and children, as well as the improvement of the psychological state after psychological traumas of various kinds.

THE INFLUENCE OF FIRST AND SECOND LANGUAGES ON THE THIRD LANGUAGE ACQUISITION (PSYCHOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS)

This article presents the results of a pilot experiment, the purpose of which is to study the status of activity of the first (L1) and second languages (L2) of Kazakhstani bilingual students while performing tasks in the target third language (L3). Students of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University took part in the study. For students from the first experimental group, Kazakh is the native/first language (L1), and Russian is the L2. In contrast, for students of the second group, Russian is the first/native language (L1) and Kazakh, respectively, is the L2. A behavioural research method was used in the experiment, as well as a technique that included a “lexical decision task”. The results of this type of research show that in the context of the production of the English language (L3), Kazakh (L1/L2) and Russian (L1/L2) are activated in a competitive way, while the roles of languages and the degree of their activation in a trilingual situation vary in different groups of subjects. In the research process, the key reasons and factors influencing the levels of activation of the Kazakh and Russian languages in the conditions of educational trilingualism were identified.

THE RELEVANCE OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AS AN INDICATOR OF THE QUALITY OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

The demand for educational programs is measured by several indicators, one of which is the quality of professional training. In turn, the indicator of the quality of specialist training in this context is the demand in the labor market. All these opportunities are provided by the educational programs of the Department of General and Applied Psychology of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The review of the department's educational programs demonstrates a high practice orientation in their implementation, a wide range of activities offered to students, an excellent base for training highly qualified psychologists of various profiles and levels (from bachelor to Doctor of Sciences). Keywords: educational program, practice orientation, demand competitiveness, quality of professional training, monitoring the demand for graduates

THE MAIN STAGES OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SCIENTIFIC PROJECT ON THE FORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL SELF-DETERMINATION OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

The main stages of the implementation of a scientific project on the formation of professional self-determination of students with special educational needs are discussed in the article. The project "Formation of professional self-determination of students with special educational needs (SEN) as a national strategy for inclusive education in the Republic of Kazakhstan" was launched in 2022. The purpose of the project: scientific substantiation and practical implementation of the program-methodical support of psychological and pedagogical accompaniment for the process of forming the readiness of students with special educational needs for professional self-determination, taking into account the strategy of inclusive education in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The project involves lecturers of the Department of Pedagogy and Educational Management and the Department of General and Applied Psychology of the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The article was prepared as a part of the funding of the Project: ИРН АР 14872130 "Formation of professional self-determination of students with special educational needs (SEN) as a national strategy in the field of inclusive education in the Republic of Kazakhstan", which won the Grant following the results of the Competition of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan for grant funding of scientific and ( or) scientific and technical projects for 2022-2024, as well as the goal of the sustainable development goals (“Sustainable Development Goals”, 2023), i.e. education, where among the indicators is ensuring access to inclusive education, within the framework of the concept of lifelong education. Keywords: advanced training courses, professional self-determination, students with special educational needs

SOCIAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL ADAPTATION OF FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS TO THE UNIVERSITY LEARNING PROCESS

This study investigates the social-psychological adaptation of first-year students at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, focusing on the transition from high school to university life. This transition is a critical phase, characterized by significant changes and challenges that can impact students' academic success and overall well-being. The research aims to explore the multifaceted nature of this adaptation process, examining both the social and psychological dimensions. The social aspect of adaptation involves students' integration into the university community, including the development of new social networks, participation in campus activities, and building relationships with peers and faculty. The psychological dimension encompasses students' adjustment to the university environment, which includes managing academic stress, developing effective study habits, and coping with the emotional challenges of this new phase of life. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of first-year students. The survey explores various factors, such as perceived academic preparedness, levels of social engagement, and psychological well-being. The qualitative interviews provide deeper insights into students' personal experiences, challenges faced, and coping strategies employed during their transition to university life. This research is significant as it contributes to a deeper understanding of the factors that facilitate or hinder the successful adaptation of first-year students. The findings are expected to inform the development of targeted support programs and interventions at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, aimed at enhancing student adjustment and promoting a positive university experience.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Education: A Cross-Sectional Study of Distance Learning among Medical Students.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected educational institutions and caused the transfer to distance learning. The study aimed to assess medical students' satisfaction with synchronous distance learning (SDL) during the pandemic and predict their choice of it in the future. A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students at the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in July 2021. An online questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic and educational characteristics, satisfaction, and perspective on the future choice of SDL. IBM SPSS Statistics, version 26, was used to analyze the qualitative data on descriptive and inferential statistics. Students' satisfaction and future choice of SDL were 43.2% and 20.2%, respectively. Regression analysis revealed the significance of SDL predictors with a direct relationship in the case of gender and academic performance and predictors with an inverse relationship in the case of residency, student life satisfaction, and SDL with student satisfaction. In the predictive model, student satisfaction and probability of future choice of SDL over traditional learning were 59.5% and 43.5%, respectively; over hybrid learning, it was 20.2% of students. The research findings suggested that slightly less than half of the respondent medical students were satisfied by distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic when their satisfaction probability was significantly higher in the predictive model. The predictive model of perspective of choice of distance learning did not show statistically significant results compared with traditional and hybrid learning.

Preliminary Survey of Exposure to Indoor Radon in al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan

Radon is a major source of naturally occurring radioactivity, and its measurement is considered extremely important in radiation protection, given its association with lung cancer. This pilot study aimed to estimate the annual effective dose received by students and staff based on monitoring data on the concentration of radon in the buildings of al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan), based on the distance to the tectonic fault. The measurements were recorded daily from February 2021 to September 2022 using a RAMON-02 radiometer (SOLO LLP, Almaty, Kazakhstan). All measurements were taken from the basement to the top floor under normal conditions of use. The average accumulated concentrations of radon in the studied buildings ranged from 16.34 to 78.33 Bq/m3, which is below the maximum level of 100 Bq/m3 established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan (200 Bq/m3). Relatively high values were recorded in the basement of the Faculty of Physics and Technology building (282.0 Bq/m3 in winter, 1742.0 Bq/m3 in spring, 547.7 Bq/m3 in summer, and 550.7 Bq/m3 in autumn), which is located closest to the tectonic fault and poorly ventilated. In almost all rooms (94%), radon levels were within the WHO-recommended reference level. The averaged results show the influence of the distance to the fault on the average indoor radon levels. The annual effective dose of radon for university students and staff ranged from 1.09 mSv/year to 1.53 mSv/year. The excess lifetime risk of developing cancer ranged from 0.44% to 0.61%.