Abstract. Black carbon, a major absorbing component of atmospheric aerosols, plays an important role in climate regulation, air quality, and human health, yet its column concentration and microphysical properties at regional and global scales remains highly uncertain. In this study, we implement an integrated approach that combines multi-angle, multi-band observations from the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) with a Mie scattering framework to estimate black carbon column properties including size and mixing state globally on a daily basis. By constraining particle size distributions with absorption aerosol optical depth and single scattering albedo across all four bands, the method simultaneously retrieves number and mass concentrations. Long-term simulations from 2005 to 2020 reveal distinct spatial and temporal patterns, with particularly high levels over biomass burning regions in Africa and South America as well as industrial and urban centers in Asia. Comparisons with ground-based sun photometer measurements and reanalysis data confirm the robustness and accuracy of the estimates. The resulting dataset provides a consistent global record of black carbon column concentrations, offering valuable support for constraining climate models, improving assessments of aerosol radiative forcing, and informing targeted mitigation strategies. The dataset is publicly available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.30173917 (Liu et al., 2026).

Introduction As the “Water Tower of Central Asia,” the Pamir Plateau is critical for regional water security. Research on its extreme precipitation is therefore vital for water resource assessment, hydrological modeling, and disaster risk planning. Methods Using daily observational data and the Peak Over Threshold method, we constructed extreme precipitation series across the region. Forty-six statistical functions were applied to select the optimal fit for return period analysis at each station, enabling the estimation of precipitation amounts across eight return periods. Results (1) Extreme precipitation exhibits non-synchronous variation with annual precipitation. While about two-thirds of stations show increasing daily extremes, 42.9% show opposite trends between the two. Spatially, extremes are lowest in the southwestern plateau and highest in the Fergana Basin. (2) The contribution of extreme precipitation to multiyear totals ranges from 24.0% to 40.0%, peaking at 88.13% in some years, and shows a significant negative correlation with annual precipitation. Stations above 3,400 m record higher amounts, suggesting a maximum precipitation belt above the previously recognized 2,000–3,500 m range. (3) Stations with annual precipitation below 150 mm exhibit the strongest extremes, where a single 50–100 year return period event can approach or exceed half of the local annual total. (4) The Wakeby and Gen.Pareto distributions show the widest applicability for the region, each optimal for 36% of stations. Extreme precipitation increases 2–3-fold as return periods extend from 2 to 100 years, reaching a maximum of 68.1 mm. Discussion These findings highlight significant flood risks and ecological vulnerability, particularly in arid areas with fragile ecosystems. The identified spatial patterns and the lack of a universally applicable distribution function underscore the complexity of extreme precipitation in the Pamir Plateau. This work provides a critical foundation for improved water resource management and climate adaptation strategies in Central Asia.

ABSTRACT This study provides a nuanced understanding of memorable faith tourism by examining the components of both positive and negative visitor experiences at sacred sites in Central Asia, many of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Using a netnography approach, the research analyzed online visitor reviews to identify key aspects of their experiences. The analysis uncovered four main themes driving positive memorability: (1) spiritual elevation and transcendence; (2) sacred heritage reverence; (3) aesthetic, architectural, and atmospheric awe; and (4) ritual practices and pilgrimage experiences. Conversely, four themes emerged as sources of negative experiences: (1) neglect of sacred heritage; (2) restoration-induced inauthenticity; (3) misalignment, miscommunication, and marginalization; and (4) over-commercialization and visitor harassment. The findings present a dual-sided framework that enhances theoretical understanding of memorable tourism and provides practical insights for heritage site managers in the region to promote positive encounters while reducing negative ones.

The Sawayaerdun gold deposit (3.7 Moz at 1.38 g/t Au), located in the South Tianshan orogen, Northwest China, is distinguished by deformed quartz-sulfide veins and veinlets overprinted by extensive quartz-sulfide stockworks. The paragenesis is delineated into four distinct stages: (0) preore framboidal pyrite (Py0) within carbonaceous slate interlayers, (1) early-ore deformed, porous pyrite (Py1) and arsenopyrite aggregates (Apy1), (2) main-ore zoned pyrite (Py2) and rhombic arsenopyrite (Apy2), and (3) late-ore anhedral pyrite (Py3). Diagenetic Py0 is notably enriched in gold (mean of 4.62 ppm), As, Co, Ni, Ti, Ba, and W. Py1 formed during the brittle−ductile transition and exhibits reduced gold concentrations (mean = 0.35 ppm). Subsequent dissolution−reprecipitation processes introduced low invisible gold (mean of 0.66 ppm in Py2), along with elevated As, Co, W, Ti, and Ba contents. Py3 displays negligible or undetectable gold content. Almost all pyrite types exhibit low Co/Ni ratios (<1), and arsenopyrite (Apy1 and Apy2) contains higher Au concentrations than pyrite (Py1 and Py2). Sulfur isotope values (δ34S = −1.4‰ to +0.61‰) across all sulfide types indicate a homogeneous, auriferous fluid source. The δ34S signatures of Py0 (−1.14‰ to +0.16‰) are comparable to those of the upper Paleozoic clastic-carbonate host sediments, suggesting that sulfur and auriferous fluids were mobilized from these units during regional metamorphism. This interpretation is further supported by Pb isotope compositions, which likewise indicate sedimentary sources for the ore metals. Textural, chemical, and isotopic data indicate that the recrystallization of Au-rich Py0 during regional metamorphism generated auriferous fluids, which through fluid−rock reactions, such as sulfidation and subsequent brittle−ductile transition, formed gold-poor, deformed Py1. Crystallization of Au-poor Py2 resulted from the dissolution−reprecipitation of early Py1 during fluid boiling. These findings, combined with gold contribution estimates, underscore the critical role of early-stage gold enrichment in diagenetic pyrite, and fluid phase separation in concentrating gold in orogenic deposits, thus providing a fundamental exploration target in the South Tianshan region and elsewhere in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Abortusovis is a host-adapted ovine pathogen responsible for late-term abortions and significant economic losses in sheep farming. Despite its recognized importance, up-to-date epizootic data on the global distribution and genetic diversity of this serovar remain notably scarce. In this brief communication, we report the isolation and 16S rRNA-based identification of six S. Abortusovis isolates recovered from five aborted lambs during a single outbreak in the Karaganda region. Bacterial isolation was performed using non-selective enrichment on meat-peptone broth and plating on meat-peptone agar, followed by 16S rRNA gene amplification yielding ~1,100 bp PCR products. Six isolates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing, showing 99% identity with S. enterica serovars Choleraesuis and Paratyphi C. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed their taxonomic position. Phylogenetic analysis using the Maximum Likelihood method (MEGA 11) placed the isolates within a clade including serovars Choleraesuis and Paratyphi C, suggesting close evolutionary proximity. Detailed analysis of electropherograms confirmed the purity of cultures and excluded contamination. Given the lack of recent molecular surveillance data on S. Abortusovis from many regions, including Central Asia, our findings fill an important gap and provide reference material for comparative studies. Further molecular monitoring is needed to support robust diagnostics, trace transmission pathways, and inform regional control strategies against ovine salmonellosis.

This article examines the ecological characteristics of tugai (riparian) forests in Central Asia and the mechanisms underlying the formation of their entomofauna. The study analyzes the influence of species composition, climatic conditions, and soil–hydrological factors on the structure and dynamics of insect communities. Special attention is given to phytophagous, xylophagous, rhizophagous, and dendrophilous insect groups, their distribution patterns, population fluctuations, and impacts on plant communities. Significant pest species from the orders Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and others are described in terms of their ecological roles, adaptive features, and relationships with dominant riparian vegetation.

Water shortages are currently one of the most pressing issues facing Central Asian countries. This article examines ideas for redirecting excess water from Russia’s Siberian rivers to Central Asian countries, as well as the opinions of scientists and experts who oppose such projects.

ABSTRACT Although international efforts to strengthen health systems have intensified over the past two decades, the global distribution of health personnel remains deeply uneven. This study examines physician density trends across 199 countries from 2000 to 2023, using data from the WHO Global Health Workforce Statistics. Annual Theil indices are calculated, and a decomposition analysis is conducted to distinguish between‐region and within‐region disparities. The global Theil index declined from 0.42 in 2000 to 0.32 in 2023, reflecting gradual but incomplete progress. On average, 55% of the observed disparity stems from differences between regions, while 45% arises within them. To explore spatial patterns, Global Moran's I and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) analyses are applied. The results reveal persistent clusters of physician shortages in Sub‐Saharan Africa and South Asia, contrasted by sustained concentrations of physician abundance in Europe and Central Asia. These geographic imbalances highlight the limitations of relying solely on regional coordination. Achieving more equitable health workforce distribution will require country‐specific strategies that address structural disadvantages and reduce the loss of health professionals from underserved areas. Policy options include regional training partnerships, cross‐border mobility frameworks, and integrated workforce planning mechanisms responsive to local capacity and need.

Parental perceptions of healthy eating often diverge from children’s actual diets, but this gap is poorly documented in Central Asia. We examined how parents’ priorities for key food groups relate to nutrient intakes in 390 urban children aged 1–6 years in Central Kazakhstan. In a cross-sectional study, parents completed a 24 h multiple-pass dietary recall and rated the importance of fats and sweets, meat and fish, dairy, vegetables and fruits, and bread and potatoes on 5-point scales. Nutrient intakes were calculated using software, compared with national DRIs, and analyzed using rank-based tests and Spearman correlations. Parents reported near-ceiling priority for restricting fats and sweets and consistently high priority for bread and potatoes, whereas vegetables, fruits, meat/fish, and dairy were rated moderately important, with dairy under-prioritized in 1–2-year-olds. On the recalled day, median intakes of fat, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and calcium were below national recommendations at all ages, and median intakes of iron, thiamine, and niacin were particularly low at 3–4 years, while sodium intake exceeded recommended levels; the 3–4-year group showed the most pronounced clustering of shortfalls. Prevalence estimates indicated that most children had intakes below recommendations for dietary fiber and calcium and above recommendations for sodium, underscoring population-wide nutritional imbalance. Across all scales, parental priorities showed only weak, non-significant associations with nutrient intakes (|r| < 0.11). These findings indicate a perception–intake gap and support interventions that ensure adequate fats, fiber, vitamin C, calcium, and bioavailable iron in preschool diets.

Abstract. Rising summer temperatures and more frequent heat extremes are well-documented outcomes of anthropogenic climate change. However, the extent to which atmospheric circulation changes contribute to these trends remains contested. Regional differences across the northern mid-latitudes suggest that circulation plays a role, yet robustly quantifying its contribution over multiple decades is very challenging. We address this by systematically testing statistical and machine learning methods that decompose temperature signals into a thermodynamic and a dynamic contribution against climate model simulations. Specifically, we use unforced simulations with circulation nudged to match a forced simulation that includes anthropogenic emissions and land-use change. We apply decomposition methods to the forced simulations and compare their estimates of circulation-induced trends with those found in nudged circulation simulations. Our analysis reveals that most methods accurately identify the sign of circulation-induced changes in temperature, although they consistently underestimate their magnitude. Despite this limitation, the results demonstrate that circulation changes have made a substantial contribution to summer temperature trends across the northern mid-latitudes. In Europe, a hotspot region, we estimate that up to half of the observed summer warming between 1979 and 2023 can be attributed to circulation trends. Furthermore, circulation trends have contributed to warmer summer temperatures over Western North America, Central Siberia, Mongolia, Central China, and northeastern Canada. Yet, circulation changes have cooled summer temperatures over Eastern and Central North America, Eastern China, and Central Asia. Overall, our results, based on multiple methods, confirm a circumglobal mid-latitude pattern of considerable, yet contrasting, contributions of circulation changes to summer temperature trends.

This SLR was conducted in the field of digital communication in the specific context of intercultural communication. The main purpose of this SLR was to assess studies on psychological outcomes, anxiety, self-efficacy, and social media fatigue (SMF) among digital natives and digital immigrants who use social media and experience social media overload (SMO). Unlike meta-analyses, which statistically combine effect sizes, the present study was qualitative in nature; therefore, it employed a thematic Systematic Literature Review (SLR) adhering to PRISMA guidelines to ensure the reliability and transferability of the study, specifically the methodological process. A total of 45 studies were chosen using a Boolean search in Scopus. The studies range from 2000 to 2025. To focus on more recent research, most studies are from 2020 to 2025. Older studies were included only if they provided essential empirical support. The Boolean search included relevant predefined keywords aligned with the objectives of the SLR, such as coping patterns, generational adaptation, and stress responses. Due to social comparison, digital natives exhibited higher emotional dysregulation, with psychological outcomes and digital stress as foci, focusing on mobile social media. The SLR addresses the divide between digital immigrants and digital natives, particularly in Asia, Central Asia, and other regions transitioning from classical to digital communication. Additionally, this study found gaps in psychological outcomes and infrastructural issues, alongside the primary technological barriers, according to the objectives of the SLR. For example, immigrants experienced higher stress, including coping mechanisms, anxiety patterns, and barriers to digital literacy, offering psychological implications and recommendations to manage excessive digital exposure and SMO.

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of shamanism in the Central Asian context, arguing that it cannot be reduced to a static relic of the past but should instead be understood as a dynamic and multi-layered system of meaning-making. First, the cosmological and ritual foundations of shamanism—anchored in tripartite universe models and axis mundi schemata—are shown to provide both symbolic and psychosocial frameworks for healing and communal cohesion. Second, shamanic social roles are examined across historical and economic domains, demonstrating how mediators of crisis, narrators of normative order, and agents of fertility and hunting integrate ritual performance with social and ecological life, including gendered dimensions of practice. Third, the interaction between shamanism and Islam is explored as a process of transformation rather than disappearance, highlighting continuities in ritual practice and contemporary revivals shaped by post-Soviet identity politics, heritage regimes, and global neo-shamanic movements. By situating shamanism at the intersections of identity, power, health, ecology, and religion, this study proposes shamanism as a productive analytical lens for understanding the entanglement of local tradition and global circulation.

Purpose – to synthesize current knowledge regarding keratoconus pathogenesis, epidemiology, risk factors, and early detection strategies, with emphasis on preventive medicine approaches relevant to clinical practice in Central Asia, including Uzbekistan. A comprehensive review of contemporary scientific literature was conducted, analyzing molecular mechanisms, environmental and genetic risk factors, global epidemiological patterns, and advanced diagnostic technologies for keratoconus. Special attention was given to modifiable risk factors and screening strategies applicable to resourcevaried settings. Keratoconus pathogenesis involves extracellular matrix degradation, oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and biomechanical compromise. Key modifiable risk factors include chronic eye rubbing, ultraviolet exposure, and atopic conditions. Global prevalence is 289.1 per 100,000 persons, with significant regional variation – highest in Africa and West Asia. Advanced imaging technologies including Scheimpflug tomography, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT), and biomechanical assessment enable early detection. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms achieve >95% sensitivity and specificity for keratoconus identification. Risk-stratified screening targeting individuals with family history, atopic disease, and systemic associations enables timely intervention with corneal collagen cross-linking. Conclusion Keratoconus prevention requires integrated approaches combining public health interventions addressing modifiable risk factors, riskbased screening programs utilizing advanced diagnostic technologies, and early therapeutic intervention. Implementation of comprehensive screening and prevention programs in Uzbekistan and Central Asia could substantially reduce keratoconus-related visual disability. Key words: keratoconus, corneal ectasia, pathogenesis, oxidative stress, eye rubbing, screening, prevention, artificial intelligence

Abstract To accelerate the pace of green transformation, a country relies heavily on the environmental performance of its firms. In this paper, we investigate whether firms with foreign ownership are more likely to adopt green management practices that help these firms to monitor and reduce their environmental impacts. Using firm-level data for 31 countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa, we show that foreign ownership increases the likelihood of adopting green management practices. In addition, we reveal that the magnitude of the relationship depends on host and home country characteristics—holding only for firms (1) in high- and upper-middle-income countries and (2) in countries that receive the bulk of their foreign direct investment from countries with relatively good environmental performance.

Accurate cropland mapping in data-scarce regions remains challenging due to limited field data, strong interannual climatic variability, and heterogeneous cropping systems. This study proposes an NDVI-based training sample migration framework that transfers labeled samples from reference years in irrigated and rainfed agricultural systems to a target year using time-series similarity analysis. Ten similarity metrics representing geometric, temporal alignment, and correlation-based families were systematically evaluated to identify optimal thresholds and robust hybrid combinations for stable cropland transfer. The migrated samples were used to train a Random Forest classifier to generate binary cropland maps for 2021. Independent validation yielded overall accuracies of 86% in Kazakhstan and 95% in Uzbekistan. Comparisons with global cropland products (WorldCereal 2021 and WorldCover 2021) demonstrated improved spatial coherence and reduced misclassification, particularly in semi-arid environments. The proposed framework extends the temporal utility of existing labeled datasets and supports scalable cropland mapping without the need for repeated annual field surveys.

An evaluation of skin and eye diseases associated with exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation in Central Asia.

The article contends that the expanding regional and global terrorism, purportedly by the ‘Islamists’, led to the transformation of Islam in post-Soviet Central Asia, from ‘faith’ to ‘traditional’ Islam. This change was the nadir of a process that commenced with the origin of Islam in the region. The evolution, which was gradual till the pre-Soviet times, pronounced with the emergence of post-Soviet regimes, mainly due to security compulsions. The article further asserts that though this change seems innocent, it has serious implications for the region, per se, increased security threats to existing regimes, their ‘reimagined’ Islam, and the region’s pristine legacy of inter-cultural and intra-faith bonding.

This scientific article analyzes the philosophical foundations of values, major axiological schools, and modern approaches. Special attention is paid to the relationship between axiology and spirituality, the impact of globalization on the evolution of values, and the specific features of value-oriented approaches in Central Asia. The research findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of values in the spiritual development of society.

This article examines South Korea’s soft power policy, with particular emphasis on the content, stages of formation, and key directions of its soft power strategy in the Central Asian region. The study focuses on South Korea’s cultural diplomacy, education, humanitarian cooperation, official development assistance (ODA), as well as mechanisms of influence exercised through international institutions. The strategy is analyzed within the framework of neo-institutionalism and soft power theory, highlighting the interaction between state and non-state institutions and scientifically substantiating the impact of normative values and institutional mechanisms on regional political processes.

ObjectivesTo estimate Global, Regional, and National prevalence of Malnutrition, specifically Coexisting forms of malnutrition (CFM) and its various types: Coexistence of underweight with stunting (CUS), Coexistence of underweight with wasting (CUW), Coexistence of underweight with wasting & stunting (CUWS), Coexistence of stunting with overweight/obesity (CSO) among children under five years in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study utilized latest nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) datasets of 62 LMICs corresponding to six global regions from 2006 to 2024. Data of 541,707 children aged 0 to 59 months with complete anthropometry were analysed descriptively (prevalence estimates) and inferentially (multivariate logistic regression).ResultsThe global malnutrition prevalence among children was 43.9%, of which CFM was observed among 20.9% children. Among various CFM types, CUS was highly prevalent (11.8%), followed by CUW (4.2%), CUWS (3.2%), and CSO (2.1%). South & Southeast Asian had highest CFM prevalence of 29.6%, while Central Asia and Latin America & Caribbean reported the lowest CFM prevalence of 8.1% and 6.2%, respectively. Among all the LMIC included, Timor-Leste exhibited the highest CFM at 41.8%. In general, children aged between 12 to 35 months had 2-3 times higher odds of various forms of CFM. However, female sex, maternal education, improvement in socioeconomic status, medium to large family size showed significantly lower odds with various forms of CFM.ConclusionsThis study advances the understanding of CFM’s prevalence, determinants, and regional variations, filling a critical gap in global nutrition research. The findings serve as a reminder to reinvest in efforts to protect children from malnutrition during their early years of life. Governments and other global health sector must invest in a well-established system of nutrition surveillance for addressing CFM, informing targeted interventions to improve child health outcomes in LMICs.