East Kazakhstan Research Articles

Evaluating Land Degradation in East Kazakhstan Using NDVI and Landsat Data

Evaluating Land Degradation in East Kazakhstan Using NDVI and Landsat Data

ҚАЗАҚСТАННЫҢ ШЫҒЫСЫНДАҒЫ КЛИМАТТЫҢ ЗАМАНАУИ ӨЗГЕРУЛЕРІ

Currently, the problem of climate change has not only alarmed meteorologists, but has also become a large-scale topic of public attention in general. One of the Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the United Nations is the Fight against climate change (SDG-13CIS-13), within the framework of which large-scale projects and a number of activities are being carried out in the country. Modern climatic changes in Kazakhstan lead to an increase in air temperature and precipitation, as well as the duration, intensity and frequency of hydrometeorological phenomena. It is important to understand the dynamics of their changes, to determine the patterns of occurrence. During the research in 1942...2022. The meteorological stations Ust-Kamenogorsk, Semey, Shemonaiha, Katon-Karagai, Kurchum, Zaisan, Aksuat in East Kazakhstan have a tendency to increase air temperature by 0,2...0,4 0C every 10 years. There was a tendency for precipitation to increase by 1,6...7,7 mm every 10 years at Zaisan, Shemonaiha and Semey stations, and by 4,1...5,9 mm every 10 years at other stations. Anomalies in air temperature and precipitation over the past decade have shown a positive trend.According to the Mann-Kendall test, the value of the air temperature change was higher at all stations in February-March and August. The value of precipitation changes in the spring and autumn months is small, and at Zaisan, Shemonaiha and Semey stations it was higher in the cold season.

Development of Entrepreneurial Activity Using the Integration of Human Capital and Green Technologies to Optimize the Sustainable Development of the Tourism Sector (A Case Study of the Republic of Kazakhstan)

The development of the tourism sector faces serious challenges, which are related to its environmental transformation, digitalization, and integration of new technologies, as well as competitiveness. Tourists’ behavior is also changing. The future demand for tourism is likely to be driven by growing environmental awareness, increased use of digital services and new technologies, a shift towards a more personalized travel experience, and ensuring well-being and better engagement with local communities and culture. Meeting the requirements of the modern tourism industry is a problem not only for the Republic of Kazakhstan but also for other countries that strive for sustainable development of the tourism sector. The purpose of the study is to identify ways to develop entrepreneurial activity by integrating human capital and green technologies to optimize the sustainable development of the tourism sector. The paper examines the basic theoretical concepts of the essence and forms of sustainable tourism and presents the concept of the integration of human capital and green technologies to achieve the principles of sustainable development. Based on an expert survey, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis, and statistical methods, the main ways of promotion and development of sustainable tourism, as well as measures to integrate human capital and green technologies into entrepreneurial activities in the tourism sector in the East Kazakhstan Region, have been identified. The authors have concluded that the introduction of green technologies and the integration of human capital with them provide new standards for the quality of tourist services while preserving the natural resources of the region.

Situational analysis of maternal and infant mortality in Kazakhstan

Background. Previous studies from Western countries have shown an association between maternal and infant mortality and sociomedical problems. The social environment, which influences the health status of mothers and infants, is a function of the economic resources and forms of production of different regions. This study, for the first time, includes the study of preventable mortality from Pregnancy, childbirth, and the perinatal period, and Congenital malformations in Kazakhstan in the context of regions. For 2015-2019, maternal mortality decreased by 16.5% in Kazakhstan. However, since the start of the pandemic in 2020, the maternal mortality ratio has increased by 2.7 times, highlighting the urgent need for action. This study aims to provide the latest maternal and infant mortality policy and analyze their mortality ratios. The findings of this study have the potential to significantly impact healthcare policies and practices, making a substantial contribution to the field of maternal and child health. Methods. The regulatory documents related to maternal and child health in the Kazakhstan health system were appraised over the last ten years. To identify changes in avoidable mortality ratio trends for the period 2011-2021, joinpoint regression was used to calculate the average annual percentage change for every age group using the JoinPoint Regression Program, Version 4.9.1.0. Results. Crude mortality associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period was high in the 30-34 age group from 2015 to 2018. From 2019 to 2021, there has been an increase in mortality in the 35-39 age group from 0.48 (95% CI: - 0.06; 1.03) to 4.37 (95% CI: 2.83; 5.91) per 100,000 women. In general, there is a twofold increase in mortality in the period from 2018 to 2021. Treatable mortality from pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium fluctuated between 0.34 and 0.37 from 2015-2019, after which it rose to 1.07 in 2021 per 100.000 population. The highest increase can be seen in Atyrau, South and East Kazakhstan, Karagandy, and Almaty regions. The treatable mortality decreased in Kyzylorda and Akmola regions in the 2015-2021. Conclusion. Several regions need to increase efforts to reduce maternal mortality, which remains high nationally compared to OECD countries. This is the first study to examine the prevention of deaths from pregnancy, childbirth, and the perinatal period, as well as the development of birth defects in Kazakhstan by region, which helps physician decision-makers reconsider possible approaches to providing care at the primary health care level.

HIGH-RESOLUTION SATELLITE ESTIMATION OF SNOW COVER FOR FLOOD ANALYSIS IN EAST KAZAKHSTAN REGION

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change has made flood forecasting an important issue, particularly in mountainous regions where snowmelt is a major driver of seasonal flooding. This study explores the application of snow cover estimation techniques to assess snowmelt dynamics and their potential impact on flood risks in the Ulba and Uba basins in East Kazakhstan. To achieve this, high-resolution multispectral satellite imagery from the Sentinel-2 Surface Reflectance dataset is used, focusing on images collected between March and October for the years 2021 to 2024. The images are processed in Google Earth engine platform with strict filtering based on spatial intersection with the basins and cloud cover pixels percentage, ensuring high-quality data for snow cover analysis. The study utilizes multiple remote sensing indices for snow cover estimation. The normalized difference snow index is calculated using the green and shortwave infrared bands to detect snow-covered pixels. Fractional snow-covered area is derived from the NDSI using the 'FRA6T' relationship, offering a more nuanced estimate of snow distribution across the basins. Additionally, a near-infrared to shortwave infrared ratio threshold is employed to minimize confusion between snow and water, improving the detection of snow cover, particularly in regions near water bodies or during melt periods. The resulting snow cover maps and fSCA estimates provide a detailed picture of snow distribution and melt dynamics, contributing to the assessment of snowmelt’s role in flood risk development. The obtained insights can assist in refining flood forecasting models, improving early warning systems, and supporting informed water resource management in vulnerable regions.

Breeding work with kazakh horses Zhabe type

Background and Aim. Kazakh horses of Zhabе type differ from local horses in their higher live weight and larger body measurements. Breeding work with Kazakh horses of the Zhabе type is carried out at Tailak farm in Zharminsky district of East Kazakhstan through targeted reproduction, cultivation, and widespread use of the best individuals based on their origin, exterior, productivity, adaptation to year-round grazing, and quality of offspring from stallions and mares. Individuals that are not up to these standards are strictly culled. The aim of the research is to determine meat productivity and study genetic characteristics of a sample of modern population of Kazakh horses of Zhabe type using DNA markers.Materials and Methods. The material for the study was DNA genotyping data from 20 horses of the Kazakh breed type Zhabe. The horses were genotyped according to 17 STR lоci rеcommended by the Internаtional Sоciety for Animаl Gеnetics (ISАG). The international alphabetical code was used to identify alleles. Genetic and population analyses were performed using the GenAIEx software 6.5. The follоwing indicаtors wеre calculаted: the averаge numbеr of allеles per lоcus (Na), the effеctive numbеr of allеles (Ne), levеls of expеcted (He) and obsеrved heterozygоsity (Ho), and inbreеding cоefficient (FIS) .Results. A study on 17 STR loci of DNA in Kazakh horses Zhabе type has shown that they have a unique allele pool with a significant number of identified alleles and high genetic variability. The average inbreeding coefficient (FIS) is negative (-0.059), indicating that the genetic diversity of this breed is preserved within this group.Conclusion. The improvement of these horses is achieved through breeding and cultivation of animals with high genetic potential for productivity, which is passed down through generations of descendants. This is done by carefully selecting horses with desirable traits for breeding.

Food consumption in East Kazakhstan region - focus on stability of indicators

Consumption of food products by the population is an important indicator of food security, as this concept includes not only food independence, but also the availability of food products. The aim is to assess the relationship between economic indicators and sustainable development of agro-industrial complex in East Kazakhstan for 2012-2023, with emphasis on the impact of the existing conditions and factors on food consumption patterns. Methods include econometric modeling, statistical estimation, data synthesis and regression analysis to study the obtained data, identify patterns and summarize suggestions and recommendations. Innovative econometric techniques supported by Eviews 12.0 software allow the interaction between different variables to be quantified with precision. Results show that growth in gross regional product per capita is correlated with improvements in dietary diversity and nutritional quality, increasing food security. The authors note that fluctuations in agricultural production significantly affect food availability and prices. An analysis of the level of food utilization is presented, which makes it possible to determine the state and prospects for the development of key branches of the agricultural sector of the region and the achievement of import substitution policy. The negative point is the problem of economic availability of food products in the region in the necessary volumes and assortment for residents with low incomes, which is caused by the growth of inflation and the decline in real money. It is shown that economic parameters explain about 95% of the variability in food consumption. The subsistence minimum plays an important role in food consumption. Its growth leads to an increase in food expenditures, which in turn affects the overall level of food consumption. Regular adjustments to social standards are needed. Conclusions - the possibilities of food stability in the country depend on the demand trends in the food market. There is a direct correlation between the productivity of agricultural production and the structure of consumer demand for food products. The state policy in the sphere of food consumption and provision of the population with food should include mechanisms to reduce income differences, stabilize prices, focus on balanced nutrition, and a comprehensive approach to forecasting consumer preferences.

FLOOD RISK MAPPING IN THE IRTYSH RIVER BASIN USING SATELLITE DATA

Floods are among the most frequent and devastating natural disasters, causing significant economic damage and loss of life worldwide. Effective flood risk management relies on accurate modeling techniques that can predict vulnerable areas and assess potential impacts. In this study, flood dynamics are simulated in the Irtysh River Basin near Ust-Kamenogorsk, a city in East Kazakhstan prone to seasonal flooding using high-resolution satellite imagery and digital elevation data. The primary objective is to visually model flood risks based on terrain characteristics. The study utilizes imagery sourced from the Mapbox platform, which combines data from MODIS, Landsat 7, Maxar, and the Google Earth Engine, providing access to Sentinel-2 surface reflectance imagery at 10-meter resolution. Elevation data from the Copernicus global digital elevation model, with a 30-meter resolution, is used to simulate flood progression. The flood simulation involves calculating flood depth relative to the terrain’s elevation, allowing for a pixel-by-pixel determination of submerged areas. Each simulation incrementally increases water levels to generate a sequence of images, showcasing the progression of flooding over time. The study describes hydraulic soil characteristics usage, and focuses on visualizing flood risk based on terrain data and water level changes. The simulation results indicate that flooding initially impacts riverbanks as water flow starts from the northwest of the city with critical infrastructure becoming vulnerable once water levels exceed 2 meters from the lowest elevation point. These findings highlight the potential of high-resolution satellite imagery and terrain data for flood risk assessment and improving urban flood preparedness. The results provide valuable insights into flood progression enabling more informed decision-making for disaster mitigation.

Oil and fat industry of the Eastern region of the Republic of Kazakhstan: growth reserves, economic potential

The aim is to study the trends and problems of development of the oil and fat industry of the East Kazakhstan region. Methods - statistical-economic in the study of phenomena and processes occurring in the oil-fat segment, calculative-constructive - to identify possible alternative directions of increasing the volume of production of the oil-fat subcomplex in the future, abstractlogical - to analyze the current situation in the oil-fat sector of the region, comparative - to compare the indicators of economic activity of this food industry by different criteria depending on the final objectives. Results - on the basis of statistical information and other official sources the questions concerning the produced agricultural products, their processing and the sphere of trade in finished goods were considered, at that, the final main product is edible and technical vegetable oils. Conclusions - detailed monitoring allowed to reveal the reasons restraining the expansion of the oil and fat industry in the region, in particular, limited provision of necessary raw materials, low percentage of utilization of production capacities of oil refineries, insufficient supply of high quality seeds. Measures to stabilize the output of oil and fat products have been proposed. These are, first of all, the use of innovative technologies in the production cycle, the formation and functioning of various integrated structures in the agro-industrial complex, which will increase the efficiency of enterprises and solve the issues of food security of the country. High-technology and equipment of advanced brands will significantly reduce the cost of processed products, and cooperation of producers with the support of service centers will make it possible to increase the sown areas of this oilseed crop. It is necessary to use innovative technologies, the implementation of which will contribute to the production of high-quality environmentally friendly food products that are in demand in domestic and foreign markets.

Компьютерно-игровая зависимость у студентов

<p>The article addresses the pressing issue of computer gaming addiction in the modern information society. It examines the extent of gambling addiction among students, including identifying the frequency and duration of gaming activity, as well as the manifestation of aggressiveness and depression associated with gambling addiction. The author's “Computer Gaming Addiction” questionnaire, which includes scales of addiction, aggressiveness, and depression, was used as empirical research method. Statistics method: φ* Fisher criterion. The study involved 1st-4th year students of the East Kazakhstan University named after Sarsen Amanzholov, aged 17 to 35 years. A total of 198 people participated, of which 77% were female. The study provides evidence of a connection between computer gaming addiction and aggression, indicating more pronounced aggressiveness among individuals with high levels of gaming addiction. The results suggest that the male sample is more susceptible to gambling addiction, and the associated aggressiveness can manifest in real life.</p>

Two new records of Erebidae and Noctuidae (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea) from the eastern Zaisan Depression (East Kazakhstan)

Two new records of Erebidae and Noctuidae (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea) from the eastern Zaisan Depression (East Kazakhstan)

Model of the formation of monzogabbrodiorite-syenite-granitoid intrusions by the example of the Akzhailau massif (East Kazakhstan)

Model of the formation of monzogabbrodiorite-syenite-granitoid intrusions by the example of the Akzhailau massif (East Kazakhstan)

ОБЗОР СЕЛЕВОЙ ОПАСНОСТИ ДОЖДЕВОГО ГЕНЕЗИСА ПО ГОРНОЙ ТЕРРИТОРИИ РЕСПУБЛИКИ КАЗАХСТАН ЗА 2023 ГОД

The review was prepared based on the results of monitoring the debris-flow hazard caused by rainfall in the mountainous territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023. Monitoring was carried out for debris-flow hazard areas of Almaty, Zhetysu, Zhambyl, Turkestan, Mangistau, Abay and East Kazakhstan regions. The Ile, Kungey, Teriskey, Zhetysu, Kyrgyz and Talas Alatau, Ugam, Mangystau, Saur, Tarbagatai and Kazakhstan Altai mountains ridges are debris-flow hazard areas. The Review contains a map of debris-flow hazard on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, information on the hydrometeorological situation and debris f low occurrences during the 2023 debris-flow-hazardous period. In the monitoring process information from the state observation network of the RSE «Kazhydromet» in operational mode, synoptic and numerical weather forecasts of the RSE «Kazhydromet» was used, etc.

Lithium capacity of Kazakhstan mineral resource base

Relevance. Weak knowledge of the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan on lithium raw materials previously mined in the East Kazakhstan region. Aim. To study lithium raw material base in the Republic of Kazakhstan and prospects for the extraction of lithium raw materials. Methods. Content analysis of all information on the subject of the mineral resource base of lithium in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Results. Within the Republic of Kazakhstan, ore deposits of scapolite pegmatites and lithium-bearing greisens-hydrothermal growths are known along alkaline granites. Residual lithium reserves from previously developed rare metal deposits that are equivalent to 36.3 thousand tons of Li2O, predicted resources of known lithium occurrences are estimated at 140 thousand tons of Li2O. It is possible to develop known rare metal deposits with the extraction of tantalum, niobium, beryllium and associated extraction of spodumene concentrate. GRK «Ognevsky Mining and Processing Plant» is already planning to put back to mining of tantalum and beryl (with the associated extraction of spodumene concentrate – up to 2.5 thousand tons/year) at the Bakennoe deposit and processing the resulting ore concentrates at the operating Ulba metallurgical plant of Kazatomprom. With regard to lithium-bearing hydro-mineral resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the situation is more complicated, due to the data limitations on the completeness of formation water testing and the reliability of data on surface waters of stagnant lakes. Such oil and gas fields as Karachaganak (up to 196 mg/l Li2O), Kolkuduk (up to 130 mg/l Li2O), Teplovskoe (up to 82.5 mg/l), Urikhtau (up to 52 mg/l) and Western Opak (up to 45 mg/l) are known for high concentration of lithium in formation waters. First two deposits are ready for oil and gas development and production with an annual extraction of up to 1 thousand tons of lithium carbonate. With regard to the lithium content of stagnant lakes of the Republic of Kazakhstan, it should be noted almost total lack of reliable information on sampling their surface waters. Given the fact of finding industrially significant lithium-bearing hydro-mineral lake deposits in adjacent regions of China and Mongolia, it is necessary to intensify the thematic works to assess the lithium content of endorheic lakes throughout the Republic of Kazakhstan, with sampling not only of surface waters, but also of natural brine, lake mud, saline clayey rocks of solonchaks and takyrs.

A Newly Dated Late Pleistocene and Holocene Archaeological Assemblage from Bukhtarma Cave in the Southern Altai Piedmont, East Kazakhstan

The Altai mountains contain a number of cave and rockshelter sites that have given crucial information about human evolution in Asia. Most of these caves are located in the Gornyi Altai of Siberia, while the southern flank of the range remains much less known. Bukhtarma Cave was a karstic cave located near the former village of Peshchera, on the banks of the Bukhtarma River running through the foothills of the southern (Kazakh) Altai mountains. The Soviet East Kazakhstan Archaeological Expedition carried several excavation campaigns in the cave in the early to mid 1950s, discovering Paleolithic stone tools as well as animal bones. The collections were split between the East Kazakhstan Regional Museum of Local History in Öskemen (the lithic and part of the faunal collection) and the Zoological Institute in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) (most of the fauna). Subsequently, the site was flooded by the construction of the Bukhtarma Reservoir in 1958, such that further fieldwork is impossible. However, in 2020, we reanalyzed the zooarchaeological collections and obtained several 14C dates. Based on the excavation documentation and the newly obtained dates exclusively taken from cut marked and carnivore-modified bone, we reconstruct at least three Paleolithic archaeological horizons, spanning the time between ca. 47–30 ka cal BP and exhibiting Middle and Upper Paleolithic characteristics, as well as the remains of several Holocene occupations, the latest of which dates to the Bronze Age. We present here a summary of the lithic and faunal assemblage and draw general conclusions about the site’s placement within the regional Paleolithic.

The role of language and education in self-identification and integration of kandas into Kazakhstan society

The purpose of this article is to determine the role of language and education in the self-identification and socioeconomic integration of repatriates into Kazakh society. The study is based on an analysis of historical materials, a comparison of statistical data and scientific works on this topic, as well as the results of field research – narrative biographical interviews with kandas, which were conducted in 3 regions of Kazakhstan: Almaty region, Esik; East Kazakhstan region, Shygys village; and North Kazakhstan region, the village of Sergeevka. These field studies were carried out in July-August 2023 under the project “Identification aspects of the integration of Kandas into Kazakh society”, dedicated to the problems of adaptation and integration of repatriates in Kazakhstan. The article examines various aspects related to language problems, such as insufficient knowledge of the Russian language, the impact of the language issue on self-identification and sociocultural adaptation and economic integration of the kandas. The article also examines the economic opportunities of repatriates depending on their level of education as well as education programs are offered by the state for young repatriates. In conclusion, the article summarizes the results and offers recommendations for improving integration mechanisms, such as strengthening language and cultural training; development of professional retraining and advanced training programs; simplification of bureaucratic procedures related to employment and obtaining documents; improving information support and consulting services for repatriates. This study is important for understanding and supporting the process of adaptation of kandas and creating a favorable environment for their socio-economic integration in Kazakh society. The results of the study can be used to develop and improve government programs aimed at supporting repatriates. The recommendations proposed in the article can help improve integration mechanisms and create more favorable conditions for the socioeconomic adaptation of the kandas. Taken together, the scientific significance of the article is manifested in its ability to expand knowledge about the processes of integration of repatriates and provide practical recommendations for improving these processes.

Stages of relief development in the area of the paleolithic site of Ushbulak (East Kazakhstan)

The study was carried out with the support of the Russian Science Foundation № 21-78-10146 “Upper Paleolithic mosaic — cultural and technological variability of stone industries in the foothill zones of northern Central Asia in the second half of the Late Pleistocene” (field work and absolute dating), geomorphological studies were carried out within the framework of the state assignment of the Faculty of Geography of Lomonosov Moscow State University (121040100323-5 and 121051100135-0), Paleogeographic studies are supported by the state assignment of the IG RAS (FMWS-2024-0005).

THE IDEA OF ALASH AND CENSORSHIP

The article examines the censorship policy of the Soviet government, which strictly prohibited the propaganda of the idea of Alash. Chronicle data and the creative heritage of Alash figures, as well as archival materials of the Semipalatinsk Museum of Local Lore and the archive fund of East Kazakhstan Region (now Abai region) were used as the object of research. Historical data and narrative data were analyzed on the basis of mutual historical-comparative and comparative approaches to research, evidence of hypothetical conclusions was revealed by the method of biographical parallel and content analysis (quantitative, qualitative). As a result of the study, it was determined that the main cause of various movements and uprisings, considered colonial policy and the struggle for independence, is the struggle for the idea, and the definition of the idea of Alash is given. In addition, methods of underground, secret or disguised ideological work against the censorship mechanism, which tightly controlled the propaganda work of the idea of Alash, were revealed.

Urbanization and the Emergence of Small Towns: Rural Urban Transformations and the Formation of Urban Vernacular Settlements in East Kazakhstan

Urbanization and the Emergence of Small Towns: Rural Urban Transformations and the Formation of Urban Vernacular Settlements in East Kazakhstan

Снижение экологической нагрузки на регион за счет рационального способа утилизации фторангидрита

The article considers the chemical industry technologies contaminating the environment with sulfate-calcium waste in three regions of the former Soviet Union, i.e., the Tomsk region (SHK LLC, Seversk), the Perm territory (Galopolimer JSC, Perm), and East Kazakhstan region (UMZ JSC, Ust-Kamenogorsk). The differences and similarities of technological processes of anhydrous calcium sulfate production in the above-mentioned regions have been considered. Some properties of sulfate calcium (acid fluoride) that until recently was the main environmental contaminator used in the technology of hydrogen fluoride production have been specified. The objective of the study is to provide generalized positive results obtained by the authors of the article in the field of optimization of sulfuric decomposition of fluorspar not changing the production conditions and the quality of the main product — hydrogen fluoride. As a result of the process, the solid waste of hydrogen fluoride production is transformed into a target product, i.e., a technogenic anhydrite binder that can be an alternative to Portland cement and gypsum binders in the construction industry. Therefore, acid fluoride waste is removed from the hydrogen fluoride technology, and the environmental contamination with sulfate-calcium waste is prevented. In addition, a new trend in the construction industry is set, which is the industry production of anhydrite materials and products. The list of pilot-industrial and semi-industrial tests of the production of various anhydrite products has been provided (as an image listing the fields of use of acid fluoride in the industry of construction materials). In conclusion, the amount of environmental damage caused by the acid fluoride waste has been specified. In the Ob basin of the West Siberian region, it was 270 million rubles for 2023.