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This study identified four patterns of regional extreme precipitation events (REPEs) in Central Asia (CA) and their crucial synoptic systems and multiscale interactions. Four patterns with distinct spatial distributions were identified in: northern Kazakhstan, southern Xinjiang, western CA, and the Tianshan Mountains. Focusing on the three most frequent REPEs, the kinetic energy (KE) cross‐scale transfer from the basic‐to synoptic‐scale windows exhibited a zonal dipole, resulting in the development and enhancement of REPEs in northern Kazakhstan. The available potential energy (APE) cross‐scale transfer exhibited opposing patterns between the upper and lower troposphere, indicating baroclinic instability in the lower troposphere and barotropic instability of the basic flow in the upper troposphere. Both mechanisms enhanced the Central Asian vortices (CAVs) in southern Xinjiang and induced REPEs. Conversely, the energy budgets exhibited baroclinic instability of the basic flow throughout the entire region when the Tianshan Mountains REPEs occurred, providing energy for prevalent CAVs. Plain Language Summary: A self‐organizing map was employed to classify the regional extreme precipitation events (REPEs) in Central Asia (CA) into four patterns with unique spatial distributions (northern Kazakhstan: P1, southern Xinjiang: P2, western CA: P3, and Tianshan Mountains: P4). This study further illuminated the multiscale interaction mechanisms for the development of key synoptic systems that generate REPEs for the three most frequent patterns (P1, P2, and P4). A zonal dipolar kinetic energy (KE) cross‐scale transfer occurred throughout the region in P1, resulting in the development of a long‐wave trough and the enhancement of REPEs. P2 is characterized by a negative eastward shift of the North Atlantic Oscillation‐like in the original field and the reconstructed intraseasonal‐scale field, which promotes the development of Central Asian vortices (CAVs) over southern Xinjiang. The available potential energy (APE) and KE cross‐scale transfer from the basic‐to synoptic‐scale windows indicate that baroclinic and barotropic instability occur in the lower and upper troposphere, respectively. Thus, providing sufficient energy and dynamic conditions for CAVs enhances REPEs. Furthermore, the Silk Road pattern‐like dominates over Eurasia, and CAVs occur over the northwestern Tianshan Mountains, as observed in P4. APE cross‐scale transfer induces strong baroclinic instability throughout the troposphere and provides energy for more prevalent CAVs that intensify the REPEs. Key Points: The long‐wave trough and Central Asia (CA) vortex are the crucial synoptic systems of summer regional extreme precipitation in CAThe crucial synoptic systems are powered by the basic‐ and intraseasonal‐scale baroclinic instabilityThe spatial inconsistency of local multiscale interactions affects the formation of the crucial synoptic systems and extreme precipitation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractScholarly research on the role of digital activism in authoritarian settings has largely centered around debates on “liberation technology” versus “networked authoritarianism”. In this article we aim to extend existing research by linking authoritarian legitimation theories with emerging scholarship on digital activism. We examine Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, two autocracies in post-Soviet Central Asia, and show how non-democratic regimes use digital activism for legitimation purposes. Our study draws on 33 qualitative in-depth interviews with digital activists and state officials in both countries to generate critical comparative insights into how modern autocracies function in the digital age. Our analysis suggests that autocracies use four mutually inclusive and escalating legitimation mechanisms (limited participation, outputs legitimation, regime discourse, and targeted repression) in their interactions with digital activists to become more resilient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerosols constitute important substance components of the Earth's atmosphere and have a profound influence on climate dynamics, radiative properties, and biogeochemical processes. Here we develop updated emission schemes for dust, sea-salt, and marine primary organic aerosols (MPOA) and augment formation reactions for secondary organic aerosol (SOA) by introducing updated parameterizations within the Community Earth System Model (CESM; version 2.1.3). The modified scheme shifts the original hotspot-like dust emission to a more continuous distribution, improving the dust aerosol optical depth (DAOD) simulations at stations in North Africa and Central Asia. Also, it results in shorter dust residence time, necessary for enhancing concentration simulations downwind of dust source regions. Modifications in the sea-salt emission scheme include an update to sea surface temperature (SST) modulation and the introduction of a relative-humidity-dependent correction factor for sea-salt particle size. The effect of SST is much more significant compared to that of relative humidity. We then extend to incorporate emissions of marine primary organic aerosols (MPOA) as externally mixed with sea-salt aerosols, coupled offline with ocean component Parallel Ocean Program (POP2). The influence of phytoplankton species on modeling MPOA emissions is profound, highlighting the significance of biological diversity in shaping aerosol emissions. In addition to these emission scheme improvements, we also refine the chemical mechanisms in the model. The irreversible aqueous uptake of dicarbonyl compounds is added as a new pathway for the SOA formation in the model. These improvements enrich the capability of the CESM by using ESM's intricate linkage between different spheres of the Earth system, thereby enabling a more comprehensive description of natural aerosol emission and chemical processes and their impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers the social and symbolic work of Hisor as a site of Tajikistan’s cultural heritage. Hisor carries with it an array of meanings and represents a convergence of multiple spheres of social life: leisure, education, life-cycle rites and religiosity. Hisor’s flexibility allows it to materialize Tajikistan’s governing ideology as one local project of modernity. This article discusses three contexts in which visitors experience Hisor as heritage: tourist visits to the ‘Old Madrassa’ museum, wedding photographs in front of the fortress walls and pilgrimages to the shrine of Makhdumi Azam. The heritage practices and discourses associated with Hisor offer a complex case study of how the temporal ambivalence of heritage operates on the ground in Central Asia and suggest some of heritage’s utility as a social practice for instantiating cultural memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is divided into three subspecies. Two of these, subspecies holarctica and tularensis, are highly pathogenic to humans and consequently relatively well studied. The third subspecies, mediasiatica, is rarely isolated and remains poorly studied. It is distributed in the sparsely populated regions of Central Asia and Siberia. Curently this subspecies is not known to have been responsible for human infections in spite of its high virulence in laboratory animals. Subspecies mediasiatica is currently divided into three subgroups—MI, present in Central Asia, MII, present in southern Siberia, and MIII represented by a unique strain, 60(B)57, isolated in Uzbekistan in 1960. We describe here the unexpected observation that MIII strain 60(B)57 is avirulent and immunogenic. We observed that infection with this strain protected mice from challenge 21 days later with a virulent subsp. mediasiatica strain. With an increase of this interval, the protection for mice was significantly reduced. In contrast, guinea pigs were protected from challenge with strains of the subspecies holarctica and mediasiatica (but not subsp. tularensis) 90 days after infection with 60(B)57. We performed genome assembly based on whole genome sequencing data obtained using the Nanopore MinION for strain 60(B)57 and two subsp. mediasiatica strains representing the Central Asian MI and Siberian MII phylogenetic subgroups. The prmA gene is truncated due to a nonsense mutation in strain 60(B)57. The deletion of gene prmA has previously been shown to induce a loss of virulence in Francisella novicida the closest model organism suggesting that the observed mutation might the cause of the avirulence of strain 60(B)57. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walnuts have substantial economic value and are of significant interest being a wild-cultivated species. The study has re-sequenced the entire genome of the wild walnut, aligning it with the walnut reference genome, to identify 2,021,717 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These were used to examine the genetics of 130 wild walnut samples collected from three countries. Utilizing structural and principal component analysis, the walnut samples from Central Asia were classified into four populations: Ili ah in Xinjiang (I), Dushanbe region in Tajikistan (II), Sary-Chelek, Arslanbob in Kara-Alma regions of Kyrgyzstan (III), and Kok-Tundy region of Kyrgyzstan (IV). The 4 groups showed large differences in nucleotide diversity, population differentiation, and linkage disequilibrium decay, as well as gene flow among them. The present geographic distribution of these populations does not align with the genetic distribution pattern as the populations of Central Asian wild walnuts have experienced similar population dynamics in the past, i.e., the highest effective population size at ca. 6 Ma, two sharp population declines at 6 and 0.2 Ma, and convergence at ca. 0.2 Ma. The genetic distribution patterns are better explained by human activity, notably through archaeological findings of walnut use and the influence of the Silk Road, rather than by current geographic distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central Asia (CA) is one of the major sources of global dust aerosols. They pose a serious threat to regional climate change and environmental health and also make a significant contribution to the global dust load. However, there is still a gap in our understanding of dust transport in this region. Therefore, this study utilizes Cloud–Aerosol LiDAR with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) data from 2007 to 2022 to depict the three-dimensional spatiotemporal distribution of dust aerosols over CA and to analyze their transport processes. In addition, the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) was employed to assist in monitoring the movement of typical dust events, and the trajectory model was utilized to simulate the forward and backward trajectories of a dust incident. Additionally, a random forest (RF) model was employed to rank the contributions of various environmental factors. The findings demonstrate that high extinction values (0.6 km−1) are mostly concentrated within the Tarim Basin of Xinjiang, China, maintaining high values up to 2 km in altitude, with a noticeable decrease as the altitude increases. The frequency of dust occurrences is especially pronounced in the spring and summer seasons, with dust frequencies in the Tarim Basin and the Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts exceeding 80%, indicating significant seasonal and regional differences. The high values of dust optical depth (DOD) in CA are primarily concentrated in the summer, concurrent with the presence of a stable aerosol layer of dust in the atmosphere with a thickness of 0.62 km. Furthermore, dust from CA can traverse the Tianshan mountains via the westerlies, transporting it eastward. Additionally, skin temperature can mitigate regional air pollution. Our results contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamic processes of dust in CA and provide scientific support for the development of regional climate regulation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation has a fundamental influence on landscape evolution and erosion rates. Accurate predictions of precipitation changes are crucial for landscape evolution modelling and erosion modelling. The Tianshan Mountains are known as the 'Water Tower in Central Asia', where precipitation is the main water supply for the surrounding lakes and rivers and also supports the population and economic development in the plain areas. This study developed a global climate model (GCM) and digital elevation model (DEM)‐based downscaling method and simulated high‐resolution monthly precipitation in Tianshan from 2000 to 2050, with a resolution of 90 m. The datasets developed from 30 surface observation stations had a high degree of precision and simulated the precipitation processes well in the historical period. The simulation results indicated that precipitation will increase at a rate of 11 mm/decade under the SSP245 scenario and 5 mm/decade under the RCP4.5 scenario from 2022 to 2050. Spatially, precipitation was projected to increase in the central and eastern regions and decrease in the western region. In the Kaidu, Urumqi and Manas river basins in the central Tianshan Mountains, precipitation was projected to increase at a rate of 20 mm/decade. The datasets developed here have important theoretical and practical implications for water resource management, and sustainable development in Central Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The native populations of Iris hymenospatha and Iris histrio, two endangered bulbous species within the large Iris genus in Iridaceae, are threatened with extinction due to mining and other industrial activities in their natural habitats in Central Asia, including Iran. These species not only have a significant economic impact on the global horticultural industry due to their versatility and attractive phenotypic traits, but also have significant ecological value that necessitates their conservation. In this study, we examined the morphological and functional diversity between individuals within these two species, which exhibit high tolerance to environmental stresses. Our study examined 10 populations of I. hymenospatha and two populations of I. histrio based on bulb, flower, and leaf characteristics throughout Iran. We recognized a gradation of five different leaf shapes among I. hymenospatha populations with significant differences between some populations, including "Arak-Khomain" and "Arak-Gerdo". The "Jaro", "Natanz-Karkas", "Ardestan-Taleghan", "Arak-Rahjerd", "Arak-Gerdo", "Ganjnameh", and "Abas-Abad" populations of I. hymenospatha displayed maximal values in leaf width, stem diameter under flower, crown diameter, flower number, leaf number, and bulb diameter. The I. histrio "Velian" population had a significantly larger flower size, a longer stem length, a larger style width, a longer flowering date, and a higher plant height compared to the "Ganjnameh" population of I. histrio. Such characteristics of both species make them remarkable ornamental plants. Our study also revealed that I. hymenospatha populations grow on different soils and elevations and have the ability to adapt to different growing conditions. Given the threats they face, conservation through horticultural selection and propagation offers a viable conservation strategy for both species. This approach not only preserves the genetic diversity of these species, but also enables their further contribution to the horticultural industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camelina sativa, commonly referred to as camelina or false flax, has emerged as a promising cover crop with the potential to mitigate climate change--a pressing global challenge that demands urgent and sustainable solutions. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family and native to Europe and Central Asia, camelina is an oilseed crop known for its resilience in diverse climates, including arid and semiarid regions, making it adaptable to various environments. A breeding program started from a study of six winter varieties and five spring varieties of camelina is described: these genetic materials were characterized by SSRs molecular markers and by GBS technique. Molecular data clearly showed all spring varieties were genetically similar and distinguishable from the winter varieties, which, in turn, clustered together. Using molecular data, parental varieties belonging to the two different clusters were selected to generate new genetic variability. The new variety obtained, selected through the bulk method based on three parameters: yield, earliness, and weight of 1000 seeds, has allowed the generation of the new genetic material provisionally named C1244. Chemical characterization was performed (bromatological and glucosinolates analysis) to better describe C1244 in comparison with benchmark varieties. The new variety exhibited early maturity, similar to spring varieties, making this genetic material promising for use in intercropping systems, a high weight of 1000 seeds (1.46 g) which improves and facilitates seeding/harvesting operations and a high oil content (33.62%) akin to winter varieties making it valuable for human and animal food purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne mineral dust significantly impacts air quality, human health, and the global climate. Due to sparse ground sensors, particularly in source regions, dust monitoring relies mainly on remote sensing through Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) retrievals from polar-orbiting satellite optical instruments. These are valuable but lack the temporal resolution for precise plume tracking and source characterization. We introduce DustSCAN, a five-year, hourly dust plume dataset derived from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager (SEVIRI) images on geostationary-orbit Meteosat satellites. Using multi-channel infrared images, we detect atmospheric dust and track hourly dust-affected pixels. These are clustered into discrete plumes using the Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) algorithm. DustSCAN includes 9950 discrete plumes over 2018-2022 across the Sahara, the Arabian Desert, and Western and Central Asia. It complements existing resources and provides a framework for detailed analysis of dust sources, trajectories, and impacts. Its distinctive event-based and spatio-temporal detail offers an advancement in unraveling the complexities of dust storm dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the first comprehensive assessment of PM pollution sources in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. A total of 138 PM2.5 samples were collected during 2015–2016 and 2018–2019 and were analyzed through gravimetric, ED-XRF, and multi-wavelength absorption techniques. The results show that PM2.5 concentrations were substantially higher than the European annual limit value and WHO Air Quality Guidelines annual average value, with an average of 90.9 ± 68.5 μg m−3. The PMF application identified eight sources of pollution that influenced PM2.5 concentration levels in the area. Coal burning (21.3%) and biomass burning (22.3%) were the dominant sources during the winter, while vehicular traffic (7.7%) contributed more during the warm season. Power plant emissions (17.5%) showed enhanced contributions during the warm months, likely due to high energy demand. Cement industry emissions (6.9%) exhibited significant contribution during the cold period of 2018–2019, while soil dust (11.3%) and secondary sulphates (11.5%) displayed increased contribution during the warm and cold months, respectively. Finally, waste burning (1.5%) displayed the lowest contribution, with no significant temporal variation. Our results highlight the significant impact of anthropogenic activities, and especially the use of coal burning for energy production (both in power plants and for residential heating), and the significant contribution of biomass burning during both warm and cold seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Ethno-religious security factors in Central Asia" by Kadyr Malikov deals with the terrorist attack on the Moscow film palace "Crocus City" in March 2024, in which the IS Vilayat Khorasan was involved. It discusses how interreligious and interethnic factors could influence the geopolitical situation in Central Asia and destabilize the region. The propaganda of IS Vilayat aims to recruit young people from Central Asia and fuel interreligious tensions. It also addresses the cooperation of Central Asian countries with various global actors and the threat from Afghanistan. [Extracted from the article]

The main purpose of this study is to examine the historical course of relations between Yasaviyya and Kubraviyya orders from their emergence until the end of the sixteenth century. In this respect, the ideas, practices and interpersonal relations between the two orders were taken as basis. Three major orders that are active in Central Asia are mentioned: Yasaviyya, Kubraviyya and Khawajagān/Naqshbandiyya. The first of these, “the Yasaviyya”, derived from Ahmad Yasavī (d. 562/1166); the other, “the Kubraviyya” derived from Najm al-Dīn al-Kubrā (d. 618/1221); thirdly “the Khawajagān School”, spearheaded by Abd al-Khālık al-Gucdevānī (d. 616/1219) and it’s sequel “the Naqshbandiyya”, named after Bahā al-Dīn Naqshband (d. 791/1389). By the sixteenth century, Naqshbandiyya, with the support of the administrators, virtually dissolved the other orders in the region and became the most dominant order in Central Asia. That's why the article is based on a specific time period. There are essentially two main factors behind such a study: The first of these is that the orders mentioned above have important roles in both the acceptance of Islam and the social life of the Turks and other peoples of the region. Nevertheless, the contributions of the members of these paths to the sūfī thoughts and practices are also valuable. The positive or negative effects of their relationships with administrators should never be ignored. In addition to all these, the relations between the orders in question are also a part of the history of sūfīsm. Therefore, due to their emergence and spread in nearby geographies, the good or bad relations of the above mentioned orders with each other are of great importance in terms of the history of sūfīsm as well as social and political history. Although today there is a remarkable increase in academic publications related to the main figures and works of Yasaviyya and Kubraviyya, the connections between the orders in question have almost never been discussed as a separate article or book. Recently, the unearthing of the basic sources of Yesevī culture, especially written in Khwarezmian or Chagatai Turkish, and transferring them to our language is another of the main factors that push us such a study. Because these works enable us to make more accurate evaluations about the relations between these orders. In order to realize the above-mentioned issues, the article focuses on the narrations in Yasavī and Kubravī literature, as well as general historical and sūfī sources, and tries to interpret them in terms of text analysis and historical method. Zernūkī's (d. ?) Mir'āt al-ḳulūb and Hazīnī's (d. after 1002/1593-4) Cevāhir al-abrār and Menba‘ al-abḥār which we mostly refer to in our research, are among the most fundamental sources in terms of understanding the relations between the two orders. As a result, it was seen that the relations between the two orders developed at a very good level during the establishment phase, but there were some disputes starting from the sixteenth century. It is noteworthy that Zernūkī, one of Ahmed Yasavī's caliphs, refers to Sheikh Kubrā many times and quotes his words in his treatise. Again, in Hazīnī's mentioned books, some Kubravī sheikhs such as Majd al-Dīn al-Baghdādī (d. 616/1219), Sayf alDīn Bākharzī (d. 659/1260), Sa‘d al-Dīn Hammūyah (d. 649/1251) and Bābā Kamāl Jandī (d. 672/1273) are considered among the caliphs of Ahmad Yasavī. In addition, it is recorded in some other sūfī biographies that a famous Kubravī sheikh like Alī Lālā (d. 642/1244) received sect training under Ahmad Yasavī before meeting Najm al-Dīn al-Kubrā. In addition, the information that the Kubravīs also perform a type of “dhikr-i arra”, like the Yesevī members, are the most important examples of mutual interaction. The disputes that Hazīnī's sheikh, Sayyid Mansūr (d. 965/1557-1558), had with some Kubravī leaders such as Mavlānā Muhammad Zāhid (d. 979/1571) and Kamāl al-Dīn Husayn Khārazmī (d. 958/1551) are interesting examples in the following centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In their relations with Russia and China, Central Asian countries have been influenced by their sensitivities regarding independence and their strong ties with the two states regarding security, economy and trade. Central Asian countries have shown they are unwilling to compromise their sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity while maintaining intensive relations with the two states. The regional organizations led by Russia and China are also inevitable partners of regional states. They took utmost care not to fall under hegemony within these organizations. Their main strategy has been to balance the organizations and the two states against each other and try to protect their interests and sovereignty by creating a network of relations among many actors. This article analyses relations of Central Asian countries with Russia and China in the post-Cold War era by focusing on the relevant factors and aims to shed light on regional and global policies and attitudes and policies of regional countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ideological discourses of Central Asia have been subject to much research. However, the use and the role of ideological discourses in framing internationalization of education policy has been largely overlooked. While much has been studied on how and why internationalization of higher education (HE) became indispensable part of tertiary sector, the cases where internationalization of HE is confronted by a government ideology agenda has largely remained outside of scholarly attention. This pioneering research offers analysis on ideology-based resistance to internationalization of education in authoritarian regimes. The paper argues that it is the framing of internationalization as a threat to national ideologies and a national model of education that confronts HE internationalization in some authoritarian political orders. The paper uses the case of post-Soviet Uzbekistan that promoted national ideologies as the basis of its education model. To support its argument, the paper analyses the official discourses of former President Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan (1991–2016) and the statements of government officials on the country's national education model. It also analyses the interviews held with staff of HE institutions in Tashkent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tianshan Mountains, the largest arid mountain range in Central Asia, feature diverse terrains and significant landscape heterogeneity. The grasslands within the Xinjiang Tianshan region are particularly sensitive to climate change and human activities. However, until recently, the patterns and mechanisms underlying grassland changes in this region have been unclear. In this study, we analyzed spatial and temporal changes in grassland fractional vegetation cover (FVC) from 2001 to 2020, analyzed spatial and temporal changes in grassland, and predicted future trends using Global Land Surface Satellite (GLASS) FVC data, trend analysis, and the Hurst index method. We also explored the driving mechanisms behind these changes through the structural equation model (SEM). The results showed that from 2001 to 2020, the grassland FVC in the Tianshan region of Xinjiang was higher in the central and western regions and lower in the northern and southern regions, showing an overall fluctuating growth trend, with a change in the growth rate of 0. 0017/a (p < 0.05), and that this change was spatially heterogeneous, with the sum of significant improvement (20.6%) and slight improvement (29.9%) being much larger than the sum of significant degradation (0.6%) and slight degradation (9.5%). However, the Hurst index (H = 0.47) suggests that this trend may not continue, and there is a risk of degradation. Our study uncovers the complex interactions between the Tianshan barrier effect and grassland ecosystems, highlighting regional differences in driving mechanisms. Although the impacts of climatic conditions in grasslands vary over time in different regions, the topography and its resulting hydrothermal conditions are still dominant, and the extent of the impact is susceptible to fluctuations of varying degrees due to extreme climatic events. Additionally, the number of livestock changes significantly affects the grasslands on the southern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains, while the effects of nighttime light are minimal. By focusing on the topographical barrier effect, this study enhances our understanding of grassland vegetation dynamics in the Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang, contributing to improved ecosystem management strategies under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aimed to assess the global implications of low physical activity (LPA) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019. Methods: The analysis was conducted by examining the age‐standardized disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) rates over a 30‐year period. To assess the trends, we utilized estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs). Results: The study revealed a notable increase in the burden of DALYs attributable to T2DM resulting from LPA, with an EAPC of 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.78‐0.89). Among the regions examined, Oceania showed the highest burden, whereas Eastern Europe exhibited the lowest burden. Specifically, within the Central Asia region, a considerable increase in T2DM‐LPA DALYs was observed, with an EAPC of 3.18 (95% confidence interval 3.01‐3.36). The burden associated with T2DM‐LPA DALYs was found to be similar between genders and increased across all age groups, peaking in the 80‐84 years. Furthermore, there was a clear association between the socio‐demographic index (SDI) and the age‐standardized DALYs rate. Regions categorized as low‐middle and middle SDI experienced a substantial rise in burden. Conclusion: This study highlights a substantial increase in the T2DM‐LPA DALYs in low‐middle and middle SDI regions, as well as among individuals aged 80‐84 years. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing comprehensive global health interventions that promote physical activity, particularly targeting high‐risk populations and regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invented in the 19th century as an allegory for large-scale human interaction across Eurasia, the idea of "the Silk Road" continues to shape archaeological investigations of trade, travel, cultural exchange, and mobility in the region between the Near East and East Asia. Though long used to refer to trade between the ancient and late medieval periods, the framework of the Silk Road has grown increasingly popular and is used to orient research on mobilities of much earlier periods, as well as to frame movement and exchange at the molecular level, including of human genes. This article reviews the shared challenges confronted by Silk Road archaeologists and explores the narratives about human culture that have been tied up in the Silk Road metaphor from the beginning. Through a review of recent work on and along the Silk Road, I trace common narratives and shared scalar challenges across archaeologies of landscape, material culture, gender, mobile lifeways, and isotopic and genetic assemblages, and examine tensions between globality and locality within Silk Road cultural heritage and the implications of China's Belt and Road Initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional narrative on state-civil society relations in the consolidated authoritarian regimes of Central Asia is one of coercion with little room for independent NGOs which challenge the states' discourse. There is however emerging evidence of a gradual shift in relationships. First, the distinction between independent organizations (NGOs) and government organized bodies (GONGOs) is becoming blurred as the former struggle to remain financially buoyant and the latter find (limited) opportunities to influence the state. Second, the role played by international donors in authoritarian regimes is fraught with obstacles/resistance making internal civil society organizations more self-reliant and the state grants' application process more competitive. Third, the context is changing with a younger more assertive generation willing to challenge the vestiges of the Soviet era. Using Kazakhstan as a Central Asian case study, this article finds there is an increasing role for civil society along an NGO-GONGO continuum aimed at 'challenging existing realities' even within the parameters of authoritarian states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debt-based trade and economic exchanges are becoming more and more widespread in the context of post-Soviet Central Asian societies. In the absence of viable state economic support, a functional banking system, and an effective legal system, trust-based economic exchanges serve as an alternative means for conducting micro-level businesses in Central Asia. The phenomenon of "rassiychilar," which is the central focus of this article, is one of the intriguing examples of debt-based trade in rural Fergana, Uzbekistan. This debt-based trade involves a myriad of informal economic exchanges among various actors, locally and transnationally. The article argues that trust-based economic networks and debt-based trade serve as an alternative means of doing business in rural post-socialist contexts characterized by legal uncertainty, rampant corruption, and an inefficient economic and banking system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the relationship between nomenklatura membership, wealth accumulation and political ties across the post-Soviet region from the 1990s to the mid-2010s. It introduces the Post-Soviet Oligarchs (PSO) dataset, containing the sociodemographic characteristics of the super-rich across the former Soviet republics. While the article finds partial support in favour of the nomenklatura capitalism hypothesis, statistical analysis also points to distinct regional patterns of wealth and political inequality. Thus, the most extensive overlap of wealth and power is observed in the authoritarian regimes of Central Asia and the South Caucasus, where ties to the Soviet regime facilitated the exertion of political influence after 1991, enabling in turn wealth accumulation. By contrast, in democratising contexts, the political connections of the super-rich point to a mutually dependent relationship between the economic and political realms, with wealth featuring as a major power resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars of International Relations (IR) and Global Historical Sociology alike have recently become more and more interested in Eurasian order(s). Yet, most recent works on Eurasian historical international relations approach the subject from a long durée perspective, mostly focusing on "big polities" from a "high altitude." Central Asia, or "Turkestan," and its constitutive polities such as the khanates of Bukhara, Khiva, and Khoqand and the vast array of nomadic groups surrounding them are yet terra incognita in IR, specifically with respect to the pre-Tsarist period. By relying on both primary and secondary sources, this inductive research reveals how precolonial Central Asia was an interpolity order on its own, premised on heteronomy and based on the institutions of sovereignty between the khanates and suzerainty between khanates and nomads; territoriality; Sunni Islam; trade and slavery; diplomacy; and war and aq oyluk. This paper contributes to filling this gap, and to the broader literature on Eurasian historical orders, in three respects. First, it adds granularity, detail, and specificity to current IR knowledge on Eurasia by looking at smaller polities as opposed to empires, which as noted have been the main analytical focus so far. Second, the paper adopts an emic approach to uncover local practices, institutions, and norms of precolonial Central Asia, thus adding to the recent "Global IR" debate. Third, by focusing on a case where heteronomy was the rule, this paper adds a new case to the literature on the entrenchment and durability of heteronomy in historical IR and contributes to its theory-building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the interannual variability of summer precipitation over Central Asia and explores its precursory signals through soil moisture (SM) and sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. The results reveal that southern Central Asia (SCA) is a crucial SM‐precipitation coupling region where summer precipitation is significantly linked to the preceding April SM in the Turan Plain, between the Caspian Sea and the Tibetan Plateau. The preceding Turan Plain SM (TPSM) anomaly can reflect the ensuing summer SM anomalies in the SCA region due to the persistence of SM. The higher TPSM can stimulate anomalous convective ascent and associated negative geopotential height anomalies over the SCA region, which is favourable for more SCA precipitation (SCAP) during summer. Additionally, Indian and Pacific Ocean SST (IPOS) anomalies can regulate the summer SCAP through ocean and land relay effects. The preceding April can reflect the subsequent summer SST anomalies across the northern Indian Ocean and South China Sea, which trigger a Matsuno‐Gill response and induce anomalous water vapour transport into the SCA region, providing favourable moisture conditions for more SCAP during summer. Apart from such an ocean relay effect, the preceding IPOS can modulate the April TPSM first and then affect the summer SCAP through the land relay effect caused by persistent SM anomalies from April to summer. The combined effect of the preceding TPSM and IPOS on the summer SCAP is more pronounced than the respective effect of either TPSM or IPOS. Incorporating the TPSM signal as a supplementary precursor can enhance the predictive skill of summer SCAP. These findings may provide valuable insights into the reasons and prediction of the variability of summer SCAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is seen that the concept of energy security has gained a more dimensional and comprehensive content with the 21st century. Among the energy resources consumed in the world, hydrocarbon resources are widely used due to their high energy efficiency and ease of transportation and storage. Despite investments in renewable energy sources, the demand for hydrocarbon resources will not decrease in the near future. European countries are heavily dependent on Russia for oil and natural gas. Russia’s moves to use energy as a political tool have led Europe to search for new sources and routes. After the Cold War, the Türkiye route was supported by opening up the resources of Central Asia and the Caspian basin to western companies. That’s why Europe has resource diversity and safe routes. Türkiye’s geopolitical location, being one of the important energy markets, and its bridge and terminal feature for Europe place Türkiye at the center of regional oil policies and strategies. Türkiye’s contribution to security of supply is vital for Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geopolitical positioning of Central Asia as the centre of the 'Eurasian Heartland' has been the subject of extensive debates in academic and policy circles over the last three decades. However, the mainstream geopolitical narratives on Central Asia tend to focus on grand-level geopolitical players and discourses, thereby reducing the region and its populations to passive entities without any agency. Not much has been said about how these grand-level narratives are reflected and operate within the micro-level, everyday spaces, relationships and experiences of ordinary people. This paper addresses this lacuna by examining the everyday, micro-level discourses and experiences of geopolitics amongst Uzbek migrant workers in Russia and their left-behind families in Uzbekistan – a form of 'everyday geopolitics'. The paper is based on a transnational ethnography of Uzbek migrant workers in Russia and in their home village in Uzbekistan, conducted between January 2014 and November 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The idea for this research note emerged in the aftermath of a survey that we conducted with Kazakhstani experts about their perceptions of the Western and Russian vectors in Kazakhstan's foreign policy. We found that most of our respondents felt uncomfortable and tended to avoid answering questions related to Russia. In this research note, we seek to discuss and explore the challenges that Kazakhstani researchers experience while studying Russia. While doing so, we find that Kazakhstani academics are facing now what we call a wave of new-Sovietism from Russia that not only instils anxieties but also silences scholarly voices in Kazakhstan and beyond. We call for robust academic dialogue to foster understanding of issues faced by academics within and beyond the country. By highlighting these challenges, we aim to enrich discussions on studying Russia and emphasize the importance of safeguarding academic freedom and intellectual diversity in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research note is a contribution to the growing body of literature discussing the methodological, ethical and personal questions of researching queer issues in Central Asia. Through reflective engagement with my own fieldwork experiences and participant interactions, I critically discuss how I have often found myself both a 'queer insider' and a 'national outsider' at different times and in different eyes. These simultaneous positions intersect to inform and influence my research on queer migration in Kazakhstan. While, so far, my queer insider position has often helped build relationships and trust, for some participants my national outsider position proved more complex: on occasion marking me out as a potential problem, and on occasion as a likely non-judgemental or open listener. By examining these shifting dynamics I hope to contribute to deeper understandings of the ethical considerations of cross-cultural queer research in Kazakhstan, Central Asia and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monsoon is crucial for human sustenance and economic stability. This study explores the correlation between long-term climatic conditions and major invasions on the Indian subcontinent. The study utilizes paleoclimate records of 2500 years for different locations across South and Central Asia. The findings reveal that invasions often occurred during periods of favourable Indian Summer Monsoon. The study highlights how these favourable conditions made the region an attractive target for external forces seeking wealth and control. The presence of trade routes further facilitated invasions by providing access to valuable resources. Understanding this complex relationship between climate and invasions deepens our understanding of the historical dynamics of the region and highlights the role of climate in shaping the socio-political landscape. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of considering climatic factors when analysing historical events and provides insights into the motivations behind invasions in the Indian subcontinent. The correlation between good monsoon seasons, agricultural prosperity, and external interest in the region indicates the influence of climatic conditions on the course of history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread occurrence of the wild boar Sus scrofa, its controversial role in natural communities, and its close relationship with humans make this animal an important and convenient subject for studying the history and evolution of natural communities. The territory of Central Asia has been poorly represented in mammalian phylogeographic studies, namely in the case of wild boars and domestic pigs. In this study, we provide new information on wild boar genetic diversity in Central Asia in terms of mitochondrial and Y-chromosome markers and compare the set of haplotypes observed in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan with those from other parts of the species' range. The wild boar population in Central Asia is characterized by high uniqueness of mitochondrial and Y-chromosome markers and high haplotype diversity (as compared to other Asian regions). A maternal lineage marker (mitochondrial-DNA control region) clearly places this species in the Asian clade, whereas a paternal lineage markers (AMELY + USP9) positions it closer to wild boars from the western clade. Thus, the molecular genetic data supported the existence of a regionally specific subspecies of the wild boar: S. s. nigripes Blanford, 1875. Median-joining network analysis showed that Central Asia may be a center of dispersal and formation of S. scrofa genetic lineages in North Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV testing is the point of entry for linkage to treatment and prevention and is critically important to ending the HIV epidemic. HIV self-testing (HST) is an acceptable, user-controlled tool that can address testing barriers, which is especially important for populations who need to test frequently, like women who exchange or trade sex for money or other needed resources (WES) and women who use drugs. HST is feasible and acceptable among WES, but research among WES who also use drugs is limited, particularly in places like Kazakhstan, where HIV rates remain high and where scale-up of HST and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is in process. To develop effective programming, there is a need to develop tailored services for WES and/or use drugs that address key barriers. We discuss opportunities to increase HST and linkage to services among WES and/or use drugs in Kazakhstan, with a focus on stigma reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With its infrastructural offer and emphasis on connectivity, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) promises to support developing countries aiming to industrialise. The literature on industrialisation has identified a key role for infrastructure, markets and the state. This article looks at the case of Kyrgyzstan, one of the early members of the initiative, to understand the circumstances under which the BRI can facilitate manufacturing growth. Notwithstanding the presence of accessible markets and financial support for infrastructure, Kyrgyzstan has made limited headway in its industrialisation agenda. This can be attributed to the particular political economy of Kyrgyzstan, which predominantly relies on extracting rent from the mining and other sectors and consequently fails to allocate resources towards industrialisation. Though purportedly interested in revitalising the industrial sector, Kyrgyz politicians have primarily focused on extractive industries, hence impeding diversification and industrialisation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition between the Final Bronze and Early Iron Age remains one of the least understood periods in the archaeology of southern Central Asia. In this paper, we introduce the newly discovered site of Kimirek-kum-1 (floruit ca. 1250–1050 cal b.c.) in the old delta of the Zerafshan River in present-day Uzbekistan. Combined pedestrian survey, geomagnetic prospection, hand augering, and stratigraphic excavation, conducted between 2021 and 2023, demonstrate the site's unique potential to improve our understanding of the Final Bronze/Early Iron Age transition and the interface between the Central Eurasian steppes to the north and the Indo-Iranian world to the south. Notably, our investigations yielded nearly 400 objects in copper alloys, lead, gold, and semi-precious stone. These findings strongly suggest that Kimirek-kum-1 represents a substantial new Final Bronze/Early Iron Age center with extensive external links. It raises critical questions about the continuity of long-distance exchanges and elite networks after the end of the Oxus civilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bayingobi basin is located in the middle of Central Asia Orogenic Belt, at the intersection of Paleo‐Asian Ocean and Tethys Ocean, as well as the junction of multiple tectonic plates. This unique tectonic setting underpins the basin's intricate history of tectonic activity. To unravel the multifaceted tectono‐thermal evolution within the southwestern region of the basin and to elucidate the implications of sandstone‐hosted uranium mineralization, granitic and clastic rock samples were collected from the Zongnai Mts. uplift and Yingejing depression, and apatite fission track (AFT) dating and thermal history simulation analysis were performed. AFT dating findings reveal that the apparent ages of all samples fall within the range of 244 Ma to 112 Ma. In particular, the bedrock of the Zongnai Mts. and Jurassic detrital apatite fission tracks have undergone complete annealing, capturing the uplift‐cooling age. Meanwhile, the AFT ages of Cretaceous detrital rocks are either equivalent to or notably exceed the age of sedimentary strata, signifying the cooling age of the provenance. A comprehensive examination of AFT ages and palaeocurrent direction analyses suggests that the Cretaceous source in the Tamusu area predominantly originated from the central and southern sectors of the Zongnai Mts. uplift. However, at a certain juncture during the Late Early Cretaceous, the Cretaceous provenance expanded to include the northern part of the Zongnai Mts. uplift. Based on the results of thermal history simulations and previous studies, it is considered that the Tamusu area has undergone four distinct tectonic uplift events since the Late Paleozoic. The first is the Late Permian to Early Triassic (260–240 Ma), which is associated with the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean and the accretionary orogeny within the Alxa region. The second uplift event took place in the Early Jurassic (190–175 Ma) and corresponded to intraplate orogeny following the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. The third uplift event is the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (160–120 Ma), which is linked to the East Asia's position as the convergence center of multiple tectonic plates during this period. The fourth uplift event is linked to the Late Early Cretaceous (112–100 Ma), driven either by the westward subduction of the eastern Pacific plate or the mantle upwelling resulting from the Bangong–Nujiang oceanic lithosphere subduction and slab break‐off. The primary stress orientation for the first three tectonic uplift phases approximated a nearly SN direction, while the fourth stage featured a principal stress direction of NW. The fourth tectonic uplift event of the Late Early Cretaceous and basaltic eruption thermal event during this period likely exerted a significant influence on the formation of the Tamusu sandstone‐hosted uranium deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tianshan range, a Paleozoic orogenic belt in Central Asia, has undergone multiple phases of tectonic activities characterized by the N–S compression after the early Mesozoic, including the far‐field effects of the Cenozoic Indian–Asian collision. However, there are limited reports on the tectonic deformation and initiation of Triassic intracontinental deformation in the Tianshan range. Understanding this structural context is crucial for interpreting the early intracontinental deformation history of the Eurasian continent during the early Mesozoic. Growth strata and syn‐tectonic sediments provide a rich source of information on tectonic activities and have been extensively used in the studies of orogenic belts. Based on detail fieldwork conducted in this study, the middle–late Triassic Kelamayi Formation of the northern Kuqa Depression in the southern Tianshan fold‐thrust belt has been identified as the typical syn‐tectonic growth strata. The youngest detrital zircon component in two lithic sandstone samples from the bottom and top of the Kelamayi growth strata yielded U‐Pb ages of 223.4 ± 3.1 and 215.5 ± 2.9 Ma, respectively, indicating that the maximum depositional age of the bottom and top of the Kelamayi growth strata is 226–220 and 218–212 Ma. The geochronological distribution of detrital samples from the Early–Middle Triassic and Late Triassic revealed abrupt changes, suggesting a new source supply resulting from tectonic activation in the Tianshan range. The coupling relationship between the syn‐tectonic sedimentation of the Kelamayi Formation and the South Tianshan fold‐thrust system provides robust evidence that the Triassic intracontinental deformation of the South Tianshan range began at approximately 226–220 Ma (during the Late Triassic) and ended at approximately 218–212 Ma. These findings provide crucial constraints for understanding the intraplate deformation in the Tianshan range during the Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of liver cancer among people living with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Our study aimed to estimate the global burden and trends of liver cancer attributable to comorbid T2DM among people living with HBV from 1990 to 2019. Methods: We calculated the population attributable fractions (PAFs) of liver cancer attributable to comorbid T2DM among the burden of HBV-related liver cancer. We applied the PAFs to the burden of HBV-related liver cancer derived from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database to obtain the burden of liver cancer attributable to HBV–T2DM comorbidity. The prevalence, disability-adjusted life year (DALY), and deaths of liver cancer attributable to the comorbidity were assessed at the global, regional, and country levels and then stratified by the sociodemographic index (SDI), sex, and age group. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to quantify the temporal trends. Results: In 2019, the global age-standardized prevalence and DALY rates of liver cancer attributable to HBV–T2DM comorbidity were 9.9 (8.4–11.5) and 182.4 (154.9–212.7) per 10,000,000 individuals, respectively. High-income Asia Pacific and East Asia had the highest age-standardized prevalence and DALY rates of liver cancer attributable to HBV–T2DM comorbidity, respectively. From 1990 to 2019, age-standardized prevalence and DALY rates increased in 16 out of 21 GBD regions. High-income North America had the largest annual increases in both age-standardized prevalence rates (EAPC = 6.07; 95% UI, 5.59 to 6.56) and DALY rates (EAPC = 4.77; 95% UI, 4.35 to 5.20), followed by Australasia and Central Asia. Across all SDI regions, the high SDI region exhibited the most rapid increase in age-standardized prevalence and DALY rates from 1990 to 2019. Additionally, men had consistently higher disease burdens than women across all age groups. The patterns of mortality burden and trends are similar to those of DALYs. Conclusions: The burden of liver cancer attributable to comorbid T2DM among people living with HBV has exhibited an increasing trend across most regions over the last three decades. Tailored prevention strategies targeting T2DM should be implemented among individuals living with HBV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Small intermountain river basins are most suitable for developing new methods to estimate water balance due to their well-defined catchment boundaries, relatively rapid runoff processes, and accessible landscapes for study. In general terms, dissecting the hydrograph of a small mountain river requires calibration of the flow model against multi-year data sets, including (a) glacier mass balance and snow water content, (b) radiation balance calculation, (c) estimation of the groundwater contribution, and (d) water discharge measurements. The minimum primary data set is limited to the precipitation and temperature distributions at the catchment. This approach postulates that the conditions for the formation of all components of river flow are known in advance. It is reduced to calculating the dynamic balance between precipitation (input part) and runoff, ablation, and evaporation (output part). In practice, accurately accounting for the inflow and outflow components of the balance, as well as the impact of regulating reservoirs, can be a challenging task that requires significant effort and expense, even for the extensively researched catchments. Our studies indicate the potential benefits of an approach based on one-time, but detailed, observations of stable isotope composition, temperature, and water chemistry, in addition to standard datasets. This paper presents the results of the 2022–2023 work conducted in the basin of the small mountain river Ala-Archa, located on the northern slope of the Kyrgyz Range in Tien-Shan, which was chosen as an example due to its well-studied nature. Our approach could identify previously unknown factors of flow formation and assess the time and effectiveness of work in similar conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the long‐term spatiotemporal evolution of irrigated cropland is essential for water resource management, but this knowledge remains elusive in most water‐stressed arid areas. In this study, we introduced an integrated framework for long‐term and field‐scale mapping of annual irrigated cropland in arid and semiarid regions. This framework combines the k‐means algorithm with a semiautomatically trained random forest classifier for initial classification and employs the Bayesian Updating of Land Cover algorithm for subsequent postprocessing. Taking the Heihe River basin in northwestern China as the experimental area, we generated 30‐m annual irrigated cropland maps spanning from 1990 to 2020 based on Landsat imagery and the Google Earth Engine. Comprehensive validation confirmed the reliability of this approach, with the overall accuracy of the annual maps ranging from 83% to 88.3% (mean: 86.6%). Our data set provides an unprecedentedly long‐term and fine‐scale perspective for understanding the continuous spatial and temporal dynamics of irrigated cropland in the Heihe River basin, surpassing previous studies in Central Asia and northwestern China. Notably, a rapid expansion of irrigated areas is occurring in the basin, especially in the water‐stressed midstream and downstream areas. This finding points to potential ecological risks in the foreseeable future due to water resource constraints. Key Points: A semiautomatic framework was developed to map irrigated cropland in arid and semiarid areasThe overall accuracy of the annual irrigated cropland maps in the Heihe River basin ranged from 83% to 88.3%The area of irrigated cropland in the Heihe River basin increased by 76% over the past 31 years [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The robust carbon storage (CS) capacity of terrestrial ecosystems is crucial in mitigating climate change and holds indispensable significance for global sustainable development. The diverse topography of Central Asia (CA), comprising oases, grasslands, forests, deserts, and glaciers, has fostered industries like animal husbandry, irrigation agriculture, and mining. However, the fragile arid ecosystems of CA render it highly sensitive to climate change and human activities, with their impact on the sustainable development of multifunctional landscapes in this region remaining ambiguous in the future. This study linked land use changes with multiple socio-economic and ecological indicators to predict the dynamics of land use and changes in CS in CA. The findings reveal a significant spatial heterogeneity in CS, with considerable variations among five countries driven by differences in landscape composition. Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, characterized by grasslands, demonstrate higher CS per unit area, whereas Turkmenistan, dominated by barren land, exhibits the lowest CS per unit area. Strategies involving innovative development and improved biodiversity conservation have proven effective in augmenting CS. Meanwhile, high economic and population growth stimulates the expansion of cropland and urban land, reducing the CS capacity of ecosystems. This study contributes to a more precise assessment of CS dynamics in CA. Furthermore, by elucidating the interrelationships between future socio-economic development and environmental conservation in CA, it offers solutions for enhancing the conservation of multifunctional landscapes in CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microscopic techniques can be applied to solve taxonomic problems in the field of plant systematic and are extremely versatile in nature. This study was focused on the new approaches to visualizing the imaging, tool to cover the micro‐structural techniques applied to the pollen study of flowers. The current research was proposed to evaluate microscopic pollen morphological attributes using light and scanning electron microscopy of herbaceous flora from Samarkand, Uzbekistan. A total of 13 herbaceous species, classified into 11 different families were collected, pressed, and identified, and then acetolyzed their pollen to visualize under light and scanning electron microscopy. Herbaceous flora can be characterized by small to very large‐sized pollen morphotypes presenting four types of pollen shapes, prolate spheroidal (six species), spheroidal (three species) and prolate and oblate (two species each). The polar diameter and equatorial distance were calculated maximum in Hibiscus syriacus 110.55 and 111.2 μm respectively. Pollen of six different types was found namely tricolporate pollen observed in seven species, tricolpate and pantoporate in two species each, sulcate in Gagea olgae and hexacolpate pollen was examined in Salvia rosmarinus. Exine ornamentation of pollen was examined tectate perforate, verrucate‐reticulate, micro‐reticulate, reticulate, reticulate‐cristatum, gemmate‐echinate, echinate‐perforate, perforate‐striate, rugulate, rugulate‐striate, bi‐reticulate, reticulate‐perforate and perforate‐micro‐reticulate showing great variations. Exine thickness was noted highest for Rosa canina 2.9 μm and minimum in Punica granatum 0.65 μm. This study of pollen imaging visualization of herbaceous flora contributes to the opportunity for the taxonomic evaluation of and fills knowledge gaps in studies of herbaceous flora identification using classical microscopic taxonomic tools for their accurate identification. Research Highlights: Pollen in unexplored herbaceous flora of the Samarkand region was studied with light and scanning electron microscopic pollen study.There is a high variation in observed pollen micromorphological characters.Pollen microscopic morphology has important taxonomic value for the identification of herbaceous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of remittances on economic growth is tested by panel data analysis for four Central Asian countries, namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, for the period 2005–2022. One of the most important reasons for the focus of the study on Central Asia is that Central Asia is one of the regions in the world where labor migration is at a very high level in proportion to the population, and as a result, there is a significant number of transfers to the countries of citizenship in proportion to their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Moreover, one of the common characteristics of labor migration in the region is that the destination is Russia. Thus, the analysis will lead us to more explanatory and clearer conclusions, and the results of the study will help to determine common policies. As a result of the regression analysis conducted with the DriscollKraay estimator for the analysis, it was found that the increase in remittances positively affects economic growth. On the other hand, it is found that trade openness, which is included in the analysis as the ratio of total foreign trade to national income, has a negative effect on growth. Accordingly, there is evidence that the remittances of workers from abroad make a significant contribution to economic growth in Central Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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[Objective] The Beishan Range occupies a key position in Central Asia. This study aims to deepen the understanding of the timing, intracontinental deformation processes, and their dynamic mechanisms in the Late Mesozoic on the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). [Methods] We conducted detailed analyses of the Early Cretaceous extensional and earlier compressional structures in the southeastern Beishan Range through field geological observations, interpretation of 2D reflection seismic profiles, and apatite fission track thermochronology. [Conclusion] Field observations show that Lower-Middle Jurassic strata have been strongly deformed by numerous thrusts and folds. 2D seismic reflection profiles reveal two NE- to NEE-striking normal faults. The Suosuojing fault is a SE-dipping low-angle listric normal fault, while the Wudaoming fault is a NW-dipping high-angle normal fault. These normal faults cut through the early-formed fold-thrust system, indicating a transition from contraction to extension. The Suosuojing and Wudaoming faults, respectively, define the northwestern and southeastern boundaries of the Early Cretaceous Zongkouzi basin. The Zongkouzi basin exhibits a graben geometry, with Lower Cretaceous strata displaying typical growth-strata relationships, suggesting that the normal faults were active during the late Early Cretaceous. Thermal history modeling results from apatite fission track data indicate that the footwall of the Suosuojing fault experienced rapid cooling between 132 and 110 Ma. This rapid cooling phase was closely related to the footwall exhumation during the normal slip of the Suosuojing fault. We argue that the Late Mesozoic intracontinental contraction-extension transition in the southeastern Beishan Range likely occurred between ~133 Ma and ~129 Ma in the late Early Cretaceous. The collapse of the thickened crust and coupled mantle upwelling triggered the Early Cretaceous extensional deformation in the southern CAOB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Manas Journal of Agriculture Veterinary & Life Sciences is the property of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This research investigates the challenges associated with inadequate media and information literacy (MIL) knowledge among the population of Uzbekistan, offering a comprehensive analysis within the unique Central Asian context. Employing a case study approach, the study examines real-life instances where insufficient MIL skills have led to issues such as misinformation, digital manipulation, and limited access to reliable information. By delving into these practical scenarios, the research aims to highlight the pressing need for enhanced media literacy. The study not only identifies the problems but also proposes optimal solutions by leveraging various media channels. It explores the potential of TV programs, social media platforms, and other media campaigns as effective tools for disseminating essential MIL knowledge. Through a meticulous examination of successful interventions and their impact, the research provides practical insights into designing and implementing tailored media literacy initiatives. Furthermore, the research acknowledges the evolving nature of media landscapes and considers the influence of cultural and socio-economic factors on the effectiveness of interventions. By adopting a multi-dimensional perspective, the study seeks to offer nuanced recommendations that align with the specific needs and dynamics of the Uzbekistani population. In conclusion, this research contributes a holistic understanding of the challenges surrounding media and information literacy in Uzbekistan, substantiated by real-life cases. It not only underscores the importance of enhancing MIL skills but also presents actionable strategies, particularly through diverse media channels, to address and overcome these challenges in the Central Asian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water resources are scarce and difficult to manage in Kazakhstan, Central Asia (CA). Anthropic activities largely eliminated the Aral Sea. Afghanistan's large-scale canal construction may eliminate life in the main stream of the Amu Darya River, CA. Kazakhstan's HYRASIA ONE project, with a EUR 50 billion investment to produce green hydrogen, is targeted to withdraw water from the Caspian Sea. Kazakhstan, CA, requires sustainable programs that integrate both decision-makers' and people's behavior. For this paper, the authors investigated groundwater resources for sustainable use, including for consumption, and the potential for natural "white" hydrogen production from underground geological "factories". Kazakhstan is rich in natural resources, such as iron-rich rocks, minerals, and uranium, which are necessary for serpentinization reactions and radiolysis decay in natural hydrogen production from underground water. Investigations of underground geological "factories" require substantial efforts in field data collection. A chemical analysis of 40 groundwater samples from the 97 wells surveyed and investigated in the T. Ryskulov, Zhambyl, Baizak and Zhualy districts of the Zhambyl region in South Kazakhstan in 2021–2022 was carried out. These samples were compared with previously collected water samples from the years 2020–2021. The compositions of groundwater samples were analyzed, revealing various concentrations of different minerals, natural geological rocks, and anthropogenic materials. South Kazakhstan is rich in natural mineral resources. As a result, mining companies extract resources in the Taraz–Zhanatas–Karatau and the Shu–Novotroitsk industrial areas. The most significant levels of minerals found in water samples were found in the territory of the Talas–Assinsky interfluve, where the main industrial mining enterprises are concentrated and the largest groundwater deposits have been explored. Groundwater compositions have direct connections to geological rocks. The geological rocks are confined to sandstones, siltstones, porphyrites, conglomerates, limestones, and metamorphic rocks. In observation wells, a number of components can be found in high concentrations (mg/L): sulfates—602.0 (MPC 500 mg/L); sodium—436.5 (MPC 200 mg/L); chlorine—465.4 (MPC 350 mg/L); lithium—0.18 (MPC 0.03 mg/L); boron—0.74 (MPC 0.5 mg/L); cadmium—0.002 (MPC 0.001 mg/L); strontium—15, 0 (MPC 7.0 mg/L); and TDS—1970 (MPC 1000). The high mineral contents in the water are natural and comprise minerals from geological sources, including iron-rich rocks, to uranium. Proper groundwater classifications for research investigations are required to separate potable groundwater resources, wells, and areas where underground geological "factories" producing natural "white" hydrogen could potentially be located. Our preliminary investigation results are presented with the aim of creating a large-scale targeted program to improve water sustainability in Kazakhstan, CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Changes in the hydrologic regime impose great challenges for grain production. We investigated the impact of dry and wet extremes on the recent losses of crops in Severo-Kazakhstanskaya Oblast (SKO), where 25% of Kazakhstan's wheat is produced. We reconstructed the Palmer Drought Severity Index (June–August PDSI) and average grain yields (with an explained variance of 48% and 44%, respectively) using five tree ring width chronologies. The extended history of the moisture variability and yields of spring wheat, oats, and barley shows the strong impact of hydrology, rather than the heat, on the grain production. We defined three distinctive hydrologic regimes in SKO: (1) 1886–1942, (2) 1943–1977, (3) 1978–2023. The early regime had fewer drought events, including some that covered a single year. Their duration increased up to 3 years in the second period. The latest regime is an extreme mode of hydrologic variability with events abruptly switching from extremely dry to extremely wet conditions (called "whiplash"). The 21st century regime signifies that the intensified and prolonged decade-long drought transitioned into pluvial condition. The new regime created sizable instability for grain producers. This crop yield reconstruction denotes the potential of the tree-ring proxy for understanding the impact of climate change on the agriculture and food security of Central Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]