Cities Of Kazakhstan Research Articles

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown

To prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection on March 16, 2020, Government of Kazakhstan has announced a nationwide emergency and imposed unprecedented lockdown restriction measures. The objective of this study is to evaluate the changes in air quality during the lockdown period in the four cities of Kazakhstan: Aktau, Atyrau, Karagandy, and Shymkent. The data on concentrations of Total Suspended Particles (TSP), NO2, SO2, and CO were collected for 56 days during the lockdown (16 March – 11 May 2020), during 56 days before lockdown (20 January – 15 March), and the same periods of the previous years (2018 – 2019). During the lockdown period (spring 2020), concentrations of TSP, NO2, SO2, and CO (on average for 4 cities) declined by 19, 8, 17, and 25% respectively, compared to the same period in 2018 – 2019, with significant variations between cities. In the pre-lockdown period (winter 2020), concentrations of TSP, NO2, SO2, and CO (on average for 4 cities) also declined, by 16, 13, 7, and 9%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2018 – 2019. Thus, reductions in the concentration of pollutants during 16 March – 11 May 2020, compared to the same period in the previous years could be only partially attributed to lockdown restriction measures and may be also affected by annual changes. In addition, despite some improvement in air quality during the lockdown period, in three out of four cities, the levels of air quality were still high and not safe.

Formation of cluster mode particles (1–3 nm) in preschools

This study is the first study that reports the cluster particle (1–3 nm) formation (CPF) in two modern preschools located in Nur-Sultan city of Kazakhstan from October 28 to November 27, 2019. The average particle number concentration and mode diameter values during major CPF events in Preschool I and Preschool II were found to be 1.90 × 106 (SD 6.43 × 106) particles/cm3 and 1.60 (SD 0.85) nm, and 1.11 × 109 (SD 5.46 × 109) particles/cm3 and 2.16 (SD 1.47) nm, respectively. The ultraviolet PM concentration reached as high as 7 μg/m3 in one of the measurement days. The estimated emission rate in Preschool I for CPF events was 9.57 × 109 (SD 1.92 × 109) particles/min. For Preschool II, the emission rate was 7.25 × 109 (SD 12.4 × 109) particles/min. We identified primary cluster particles (CPs) emitted directly from the sources such as candle burning, and secondary CPs formed as a result of the oxidation of indoor VOCs or smoking VOCs. The secondary CPs are likely to be SOA. Indoor VOCs were mainly emitted during cleaning activities as well as during painting and gluing. Indoor VOCs are the controlling factors in the CPF events. Changes in the training and cleaning programs may result in significant reductions in the exposure of the children to CPs.

Rethinking Transfers of Power and Public Protest in Kazakhstan, 1959–1989

This article attempts to reconstruct and reconnect the history of transfers of power and mass protests in Kazakhstan since 1959. The investigation focuses on two events, the uprising in Temirtau in 1959 and the so-called December events (referred to as ‘Zheltoqsan’) in Almaty and other cities in Kazakhstan in 1986. In doing so, this article does not intend to simply set the two episodes side by side to discuss their similarities and differences. Rather, it aims to explore the common dynamics that influenced and, to a certain extent, shaped Kazakhstan as a polity in the second half of the twentieth century.

On the city brand development: city style as a city brand dimension

The article discusses the issues of the development of the city brand. The main purpose of the study was to identify the factors and components that contribute to the development of the city brand. The city brand model of Thomas Gad has been taken as a theoretical basis of the study. This model describes four dimensions of a city brand: mental, spiritual, social and functional. The author of the article has made an attempt to describe and add one more dimension to above-mentioned model-the dimension of “city style” with its visual and aesthetic aspect. The literature review has been conducted in order to clarify the concepts of “brand” and “city brand”. The questionnaire has been carried out among residents of two cities of Kazakhstan to identify the influence of the city style on the recognition of the city. The above is the theoretical and practical contribution of this study to the development and formation of the city’s brand. The proposal of the author of the study to develop design codes for cities of the Republic of Kazakhstan is of applied importance.

Source analysis of «Letters from Sygnak»

The article provides a source study analysis of the complex of sources, referred to in source science as «Diplomas from Sygnak». An analysis of the articles of the form allows us to conclude that the khan’s labels were issued in the towns near Syrdarya until the 17th century. Of the four labels issued in the southern cities of Kazakhstan – Sygnak, Sairan and Turkestan: two are serving-tarkhan, one is soyurgal, one is vakuf. In essence, these documents contain, in a specific form, mixed elements of the actual tarkhan labels with the soyurgal and vakuf labels. But the combination of individual articles and turns in the form allows you to establish their belonging to specific types of labels. The significance of this study lies not so much in the historical interpretation of sources, but in the collection and identification, disclosure of the evolution of these unique sources based on changes in parts of the labels (diplomatic analysis) and their classification. The article applies interdisciplinary research methods to the written sources of the nomadic civiliza- tion. Extracting historical information from them is impossible without the involvement of new research methods. A thorough source analysis will allow to extract from medieval sources belonging to the Gold- en Horde and post-Golden Horde states, a number of valuable information about the social structure and land relations of the period under study. Key words: labels, abstract formulary, oral historiology, autochthonous sources, diplomacy, sources of the Golden Horde, formulary reconstruction, tarhanism, soyurgal, vakuf label.

Investigating the relationship between tax culture and tax communication in Kazakhstan

The study demonstrated the level of tax culture as the basis for tax compliance. In turn, the formation of a strong tax culture depended on certain factors. Therefore, there were statements that the degree of such a culture depends on the level of tax communication. To show this connection, this paper analyzed the content of text arrays and products of communicative correspondence by keywords income and asset declaration in the Google search system (content analysis). Results of the analysis demonstrated more than 160 news articles and numerous social media posts. Moreover, the study contains the analytics of social media powered by YouScan artificial intelligence platform. This paper also presents the analysis and results of the sociological survey, in which more than a thousand people participated in the two biggest cities in Kazakhstan. The data of the survey were analyzed by the software Statistica 10 – the statistical data analysis system. The survey showed low tax awareness of citizens, almost 72% of respondents did not know about the introduction of the declaration of income and welfare. The results obviously demonstrated that there is a positive correlation between investigated issues, and poor utilization of information and communications technology by the government. In this way, this paper explored the relationship between tax culture and tax communication, where the awareness of citizens could be a huge step in the formation of honest taxpayers and increase confidence in government institutions.

Health-related quality of life in a general population sample in Kazakhstan and its sociodemographic and occupational determinants

BackgroundHealth-related quality of life (HRQL) in the general population of Kazakhstan has never been characterized. We constructed this population-based study of the largest city in Kazakhstan, Almaty with the aim to quantitatively assess HRQL and ascertain whether occupation and lifestyle are associated with HRQL in this population.MethodsIn a random sample (N = 1500) of general population in Almaty (median age 49 (interquartile range 28) years, 50% women), we collected data on demographics, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, lifetime occupational history and general HRQL using SF-8 instrument. The association of demographic and occupational predictors with HRQL was tested in multiple regression models.ResultsNo occupational associations were found for physical component score in the models adjusted for age, sex, income, cigarette and waterpipe smoking, electronic cigarette use, physical activity, alcohol and exposure to secondhand smoke. Ever being a manager (β − 1.63 (95% confidence interval (CI) − 2.92; − 0.34)), a welder (β − 5.11 (95% CI − 8.77; − 1.46)) and a secretary (β − 5.06 (95% CI − 8.56; − 1.56)) for one year or more was associated with poorer mental component score in the models adjusted for age, sex, income, cigarette smoking, physical activity and each other. Age, income and physical activity were independent predictors of both physical and mental components.ConclusionsOccupational history is associated with HRQL in the general population in Almaty, Kazakhstan, but the mechanism explaining this association should be further elucidated.

Accumulation of heavy metal pollution caused by traffic in forest trees in the park of Kerey and Janibek Khans of the city of Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan

Air quality in Nur-Sultan, the fast-growing new capital city of Kazakhstan, has been poorly investigated. This research was carried in Kerey and Janibek Khans Park in Nur-Sultan, the capital city of Kazakhstan, which is affected by “different traffic density” on the roads. Three different categories of contamination (i) high pollution (distance from the main road 10–15 m), (ii) moderate pollution (distance from the side road 15–30 m), and (iii) low pollution (distance from the source of contamination 30–80 m) at different levels resulting from urban transportation were examined. The aim of the study is to determine the pollution accumulation amounts of Ni, Cd, Pb, Cr, Li, Co, Fe, and Zn in five different tree species: Norway spruce (Picea abies /L./ H. Karst.), blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.,), Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.), and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth). Significant differences in Ni, Cd, Pb, Cr, Li, Co, Fe, and Zn accumulation amounts were determined between three different parts of the park exposed to different levels of contamination. Approximately twice higher Ni, 2.3 times Cd, 3.3 times Pb, 2.7 times Co, 1.6 times Zn accumulation were determined in the area exposed to high pollution than in the parts of the park exposed to low pollution. Cd deposition in the area exposed to high contamination was higher in silver birch than in Scots pine and Norway spruce, while Cr and Co deposition values were higher in Norway spruce than in birch and Scots pine.

Development of the smart city on the example of aqkol project: concepts and main trends

The purpose of this research work is to analyze the concept of the “smart city” and its characteristics in literature, to assess the application of the concept in Kazakhstan using the example of the “Smart Aqkol” project in order to identify a number of advantages and disadvantages, problems and trends of innovative technologies in the cities of Kazakhstan. In the course of the research, the author carried out a literary review of the concept of “smart city” by domestic and foreign authors, and also considered the experience of implementing “Smart Aqkol” in Akkol. The methodology of the work is to systematize indicators and approaches to the analysis of smart cities projects using the example of “Smart Aqkol”. The author carried out a SWOT analysis to evaluate this project and form recommendations for future projects of smart cities in Kazakhstan. In conclusion of the study, conclusions were formulated about the feasibility of using the experience of “Smart Aqkol”, which can be used as an example for other cities of Kazakhstan in the implementation of similar projects. The study identified the advantages of the implemented experience based on “Smart Aqkol” and provided statistical evidence of the success of this project, which showed a clear example of the fact that in Kazakhstan there are prerequisites for the effective development of smart cities, similar to “Smart Aqkol”.

Dry eye disease and associated factors in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Dry eye disease (DED) is an ocular condition with a high prevalence globally. The survey was conducted to understand factors that influence the treatment of DED in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and the properties of artificial tears required in its treatment. Purpose. The survey aimed to understand the prevalence of DED in the population of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, whether associated ocular diseases and patient lifestyle affected DED treatment, the properties of artificial tears required in the treatment of DED, and the use of artificial tears in conditions other than DED. Material and methods.A total of 457 ophthalmologists participated in the survey that was conducted between June–July 2019 in selected cities of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The questionnaire assessed the number of patients with DEs, associated ocular diseases, contributing factors to poor adherence to DED treatment, major concerns in DED and properties of artificial tears required in the treatment of DED. Results.About 73 % of the doctors in Kazakhstan and all the doctors in Uzbekistan reported that DE-associated ocular diseases and lifestyle of a patient contribute to poor adherence to DED therapy. Doctors in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan ranked hydration at 1.613 and 1.928, respectively, while considering the properties of artificial tears required for the treatment of DED. Conclusion.A majority of the doctors in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan considered DE-associated ocular diseases and patient lifestyle as major contributing factors to poor adherence to DED treatment. Doctors from both countries considered hydrating property of artificial tears to be the most important ones for the management of DE.

Bullying in the adolescent environment as a socio-psychological problem

The article examines the problems of bullying among adolescents in socio-cultural, psychological and demographic aspects; discusses the need for adolescents to use anti-bullying programs in schools in Kazakhstan, about the possible difficulties in choosing an effective strategy to combat bullying due to insufficient research on the socio-cultural specifics of bullying in schools in different cities of Kazakhstan. A detailed analysis of the reasons for the spread of the practice of bullying, the aggressive attitude of adolescents towards their peers, and the acquisition by adolescents of the role of an aggressor or victim of bullying in adolescents is given. The study involved 150 schoolchildren aged 13-17 years. The fol- lowing methods were used to diagnose bullying: aggressive behavior of subjects, sociometry method, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, Bass-Perry’s aggressive behavior diagnostic questionnaire. Statistical analy- sis of the collected data shows significant differences between adolescents ‘responses to questions about bullying in the group, on the one hand, and students’ recommendations about the initiators and victims of bullying by teachers. The article also reveals the reasons for bullying and its consequences, as well as ways to combat it. In each environment, bullying has a different character, and this depends on the sur- rounding communication environment. Key words: bullying, adolescent aggression, violence, victim, abuser, statistical analysis, psychol- ogy, social, student, imbalance.

The Financial Lives and Capabilities of Women Engaged in Sex Work: Can Paradoxical Autonomy Inform Intervention Strategies?

Despite growing attention to structural approaches to HIV prevention, including economic empowerment interventions for key populations, few studies examine the financial lives of women engaged in sex work (WESW) and even fewer examine the financial lives of those who also use drugs. The purpose of this paper is to examine the financial status, sex work involvement, and individual and structural vulnerabilities of women involved in sex work and drug use in Kazakhstan. We used baseline data from Project Nova, a cluster-randomized controlled trial that tested the efficacy of a combined HIV risk reduction and microfinance intervention for WESW in two cities in Kazakhstan. We collected data on income, savings, debt, sex work, drug use, homelessness, food insecurity, HIV status, attitudes towards safety, and financial knowledge from 400 participants through computer-assisted self-interview techniques. Descriptive statistics were utilized to describe and characterize the sample and aforementioned measures. Findings illustrate the paradoxical nature of sex work, wherein women may achieve economic independence despite the great adversities they encounter in their daily lives and work. The majority of women (65%) in this study reported being the highest income earner in the household, caring for up to 3 dependents, and demonstrated entrepreneurial characteristics and aspirations for the future. However, many were still living below the poverty line (72.5%), as well as experiencing high levels of homelessness (58%) and food insecurity (89.5%). Study findings underscore the need for better understanding of the existing capabilities of WESW and those who use drugs, including financial autonomy and community supports, that may guide the design of programs that most effectively promote women's economic well-being and ensure that it is not at the expense of wellness and safety. Designing such programs requires incorporating a social justice lens into social work and public health interventions, including HIV prevention, and attention to the human rights of the most marginalized and highest risk populations, including WESW and those who use drugs.

A cluster-randomized controlled trial of a combination HIV risk reduction and microfinance intervention for female sex workers who use drugs in Kazakhstan.

IntroductionFemale sex workers (FSW) who use drugs are a key population at risk of HIV in Kazakhstan, and face multiple structural barriers to HIV prevention. More research is needed on the role of structural interventions such as microfinance (MF) in reducing HIV risk. This paper describes the results of a cluster‐randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of a combination HIVRR + MF intervention in reducing biologically confirmed STIs and HIV risk behaviours.MethodsThis study took place from May 2015 to October 2018 in two cities in Kazakhstan. We screened 763 participants for eligibility and enrolled 354 FSW who use drugs. Participants were randomized in cohorts to receive either a four‐session HIVRR intervention, or that same intervention plus 30 additional sessions of financial literacy training, vocational training and asset‐building through a matched‐savings programme. Repeated behavioural and biological assessments were conducted at baseline, 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐months post‐intervention. Biological and behavioural primary outcomes included HIV/STI incidence, sexual risk behaviours and drug use risk behaviours, evaluated over the 12‐month period.ResultsOver the 12‐month follow‐up period, few differences in study outcomes were noted between arms. There was only one newly‐detected HIV case, and study arms did not significantly differ on any STI incidence. At post‐intervention assessments compared to baseline, both HIVRR and HIVRR + MF participants significantly reduced sexual and drug use risk behaviours, and showed improvements in financial outcomes, condom use attitudes and self‐efficacy, social support, and access to medical care. In addition, HIVRR + MF participants showed a 72% greater reduction in the number of unprotected sex acts with paying partners at the six‐month assessment (IRR = IRR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.08, 0.92), and a 10% greater reduction in the proportion of income from sex work at the three‐month assessment (b = −0.10, 95% CI = −0.17, −0.02) than HIVRR participants did. HIVRR + MF participants also showed significantly improved performance on financial self‐efficacy compared to HIVRR over the 12‐month follow‐up period.ConclusionsCompared to a combination HIVRR + MF intervention, a robust HIVRR intervention alone may be sufficient to reduce sexual and drug risk behaviours among FSW who use drugs. There may be structural limitations to the promise of microfinance for HIV risk reduction among this population.

Antibiotic Resistance and Genotypes of Nosocomial Strains of Acinetobacter baumannii in Kazakhstan.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of A. baumannii antibiotic-resistant strains in Kazakhstan and to characterize genotypes related to epidemic “high-risk” clones. Two hundred and twenty four A. baumannii isolates from four cities of Kazakhstan in 2011–2019 were studied. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by using broth microdilutions method according to EUCAST (v 11.0) recommendations. The presence of blaOXA-23-like, blaOXA-24/40-like, blaOXA-58-like, blaVIM, blaIMP, and blaNDM genes was determined by PCR. Genotyping was performed using high-throughput real-time PCR detection of 21 SNPs at 10 chromosomal loci used in existing MLST schemes. Resistance rates to imipenem, meropenem, amikacin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin were 81.3%, 78.6%, 79.9%, 65.2%, and 89.3%, respectively. No colistin resistant isolates were detected. The values of the MIC 50% and the MIC 90% of tigecycline were 0.125 mg/L, only four isolates (1.8%) had the ECOFF value >0.5 mg/L. The presence of acquired carbapenemase genes was found in 82.2% strains, including blaOXA-23-like (78.6%) or blaOXA-58-like (3.6%) genes. The spreading of carbapenem resistant A. baumannii strains in Kazakhstan was associated with epidemic “high-risk” clonal groups, predominantly, CG208(92)OXF/CG2PAS (80.8%) and less often CG231(109)OXF/CG1PAS (1.8%).

ACTUAL PROBLEMS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SECTOR DEVELOPMENT POLICY IN KAZAKHSTAN

The public transport sector in Kazakhstan is the most important industry that requires monitoring, analysis and recommendations from specialists and society, since transport activities require special security measures, as they are accompanied by the threat of various emergencies. At the same time, the analysis of the article in the cities of Kazakhstan is based on previous work on the strategy for the development of sustainable urban transport, as well as proposals for amendments to legislation that facilitate decision-making and improve funding opportunities for improving urban transport infrastructure.

THE IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL IDENTITY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN KAZAKHSTAN

This study intends to explore the salience of national identity for young people from the perspective of ‘commitment and loyalty’ to their nation. The uniqueness of this study is that it provides the opportunity to observe the salience of civic, ethnic, and cultural features of national identity in Kazakhstan.This article has examined the importance of national identity theoretically and critically reviewed the literature on this theme. For the case study, a small survey was conducted in order to evaluate the role of inclusion in shaping national identity among young students.An academic implication of this research entails further research on the salience of belonging and sense of attachment to national identity among young people in other cosmopolitan cities of Kazakhstan, such as Almaty, Nur-Sultan and Atyrau, where the effect of globalisation is more prevalent and the Kazakh customs and traditions less noticeable in order to make a comparative evaluation.In this context, the authors consider the importance of national identity for young individuals by analysing the theories on nations and nationalism, specifically emphasising the relation between individuals and their nations. Analysis is complemented by a short survey on the subject of national identity, which was carried out among students of the Kazakh-Turkish International University in Turkistan, Kazakhstan.

International experience in the development of green building and examples of ecological urbanism

The article discusses the development of green architecture and ecological urbanism, as the most relevant and important today. A number of examples from international architectural and urban planning practices are given. The characteristics of green architecture technology and directions of the development of eco-urbanism are described on the basis of the presented examples. This article is a review in the framework of the master's study on the topic «Green architecture on the example of the largest cities of Kazakhstan».

THE IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL IDENTITY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN KAZAKHSTAN

This study intends to explore the salience of national identity for young people from the perspective of ‘commitment and loyalty’ to their nation. The uniqueness of this study is that it provides the opportunity to observe the salience of civic, ethnic, and cultural features of national identity in Kazakhstan. This article has examined the importance of national identity theoretically and critically reviewed the literature on this theme. For the case study, a small survey was conducted in order to evaluate the role of inclusion in shaping national identity among young students. An academic implication of this research entails further research on the salience of belonging and sense of attachment to national identity among young people in other cosmopolitan cities of Kazakhstan, such as Almaty, Nur-Sultan and Atyrau, where the effect of globalisation is more prevalent and the Kazakh customs and traditions less noticeable in order to make a comparative evaluation. In this context, the authors consider the importance of national identity for young individuals by analysing the theories on nations and nationalism, specifically emphasising the relation between individuals and their nations. Analysis is complemented by a short survey on the subject of national identity, which was carried out among students of the Kazakh-Turkish International University in Turkistan, Kazakhstan.

HIV Stigma, Homophobia, Sexual and Gender Minority Community Connectedness and HIV Testing Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men and Transgender People Who Have Sex with Men in Kazakhstan.

Although HIV incidence is rising among gay, bisexual, and other men (MSM) and transgender people who have sex with men (TSM) in Kazakhstan, whether stigmatizing attitudes and connectedness are associated with HIV testing in this region is not known. We analyzed data from one-time interviews with 304 adult MSM and TSM conducted 2018-2019 in three cities in Kazakhstan. Logistic regression determined whether HIV stigma, internalized homophobia, sexual and gender minority (SGM) connectedness predicted HIV testing (within the lifetime, past year, and past 6months) before and after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics. 80% of participants reported ever receiving an HIV test. Gay-identified participants reported less HIV stigma and internalized homophobia as well as greater connectedness relative to those with bisexual or other identities. In adjusted models, those who had ever tested reported lower HIV stigma (aOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.76-0.91, P < .001) and higher connectedness (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.06-1.29, P = .003) than those who had not; those who had ever tested reported lower internalized homophobia in the unadjusted model only (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99, P = .01). Similar differences and trends were found in models examining testing in the past year and past 6months. Addressing stigmatizing attitudes and connectedness may improve uptake of HIV testing among MSM and TSM in Kazakhstan.

Efficiency of investment projects to modernize facilities housing and communal services (case of Kazakhstan)

The article presents the results of evaluating the economic efficiency of four investment projects for the modernization of housing and communal services. To get the results presented, the authors have previously collected a large database of investment projects for the modernization of housing and utilities. The projects have been prepared for various regions and cities of Kazakhstan, on the basis of which business plans have been developed for more than 30 projects aimed at using innovative technologies in heating, electricity, water and other utilities provided to apartment buildings. The economic evaluation of investment projects was carried out in the framework of digitalization, construction of "smart homes", construction of new non-traditional sources of electricity, introduction of green economy in housing and utilities, expansion of solid waste disposal, application of innovative materials in the construction of residential buildings, use of mechanisms for financing investment projects through public-private partnership. "Catalog of industrial and innovative projects for the modernization of housing and communal services" and "Methods of economic evaluation of investment projects of housing and communal services" were published based on the research results. Individual results of scientific research carried out within the framework of the grant project are presented mainly in tables.