2026

Introduction: Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) poses a serious viral threat to dogs. Despite the potential contribution of companion animals to antimicrobial resistance, data on CPV and associated bacterial coinfections remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the CPV-2 epizootic situation in Kostanay (Kazakhstan), assess bacterial coinfections and AMR profiles, including molecular markers, and evaluate their relevance to One Health. Methods: Epizootiological monitoring revealed a CPV-2 positivity rate of 19.4% (n = 549). For microbiological and PCR studies, two groups were established: CPV-2+ (n = 198) and clinically healthy (n = 200) dogs. E. coli, Klebsiella spp., and S. aureus were identified by culture/MALDI-TOF; AMR was assessed by disc diffusion (CLSI). Resistance genes were detected by PCR: for Enterobacteriaceae, blaTEM, OXA, tetA/tetB, StrA/StrB, aadB, aphA1, qnr/qepA, and sul1/sul3; for S. aureus, blaZ, ermB/ermC, tetK/tetM, and mecA. Results: A total of 131 isolates were obtained (CPV-2+: 72; healthy: 59), predominantly E. coli (n = 65) and S. aureus (n = 53). CPV-2+ dogs tended to carry more gram-negative bacteria. Enterobacteriaceae were highly resistant to tetracyclines (58.4%) and fluoroquinolones (51.2%), and sporadic carbapenem resistance was detected in Klebsiella (7%). β-Lactamase determinants (blaTEM/OXA) and aminoglycoside resistance genes were more frequently detected in CPV-2+ isolates, whereas blaZ predominated in S. aureus. Conclusion: CPV-2 infection is associated with a significant bacterial burden and pronounced AMR, supporting the need for improved surveillance and empirical therapy optimization. These results fill a geographical data gap in Central Asia and align with AMR trends reported in Europe and Asia, underscoring the cross-border circulation of CPV-2 and resistant bacteria and the need for a One Health approach.

Sowing represents one of the most critical technological processes in grain production, where seed distribution uniformity directly impacts crop yield by determining plant nutrition area efficiency. Conventional sowing methods with varying row spacings often fail to ensure optimal area utilization. This study enhances subsoil-broadcast sowing quality through a novel trough-profile seed guide that ensures uniform seed distribution across the sweep opener’s working width. The research employed a combined methodology of theoretical analysis, DEM simulation, and experimental studies. Theoretical analysis demonstrated that sowing parameters depend mainly on seeder forward speed and the rotational speed of the seed-metering device’s rollers. DEM simulations visually confirmed the mechanism of ordered seed flow formation within the guide. Experiments simulated drill seeder operation, evaluating forward speed (1.2–2.4 m/s) and fluted roller rotational speed (20–25 rpm) effects on distribution uniformity and sowing instability. The results at 20 rpm with 2.0–3.0 grains per cell showed a standard deviation reaching 0.2–0.5 pcs. (CV: 13.0–24.2%). At 25 rpm, the deviation increased to 0.5–1.0 pcs. (CV: 18.2–39.4%). For total sowing instability at 20 rpm with 10.0–15.0 grains per opener, the standard deviation measured 0.3–3.3 pcs. (CV: 2.8–22.4%), while at 25 rpm, with 15.0–19.0 grains, values reached 0.5–3.9 pcs. (CV: 3.5–19.8%). All parameters conform to agrotechnical requirements, confirming solution effectiveness and addressing the literature gap in uniform seed distribution across the sweep opener’s working width.

Subsurface application of mineral fertilisers is an effective agricultural technique that improves both the quantity and quality of cultivated crops. To ensure uniform distribution of granular mineral fertilisers across the width of a tillage working body with a working width of 50 cm or more, spreading devices shaped like triangular prisms with curved working faces are installed in the sub-blade area. For uniform fertiliser distribution across the entire width of the sub-blade area, fertiliser particles must follow variable trajectories that evenly intersect the sub-blade area. Our hypothesis is that this can be achieved by modifying the spreading device, cutting off a portion so that the curved edges of its working faces have different lengths. The aim of this study is to determine the optimal angle of inclination of the cutting plane relative to the prismatic spreader‘s working faces. Our research methods include physical and mathematical modelling, as well as abstraction, analysis, and synthesis. We also conducted experimental studies in accordance with current regulatory documentation. The optimal angle of inclination of the spreader‘s cutting plane was determined to be 80°. We manufactured several spreader prototypes and conducted experimental studies to evaluate how the cutting plane‘s angle of inclination affects the unevenness of fertiliser distribution. The minimum unevenness, ranging from 24.5% to 27.8%, was achieved at a cutting plane angle of α = 75–80°. The graphical modelling method we developed accurately reflects the actual behaviour of the objects. Our hypothesis was proven valid, and the research aim was successfully achieved.

The article presents a comprehensive review and experimental analysis of the development of unmanned systems designed for electronic reconnaissance (REI) tasks. It combines a global assessment of technological trends, engineering solutions, and patent activity in the field of UAV-based radio intelligence platforms with the results of a practical implementation of a prototype SDR-based measurement system. The study outlines structural architectures, modular payload configurations, autonomous navigation strategies, and the integration of artificial intelligence in signal detection and direction-finding. Particular attention is given to approaches for enhancing situational awareness through adaptive signal processing and GNSS-independent navigation. The experimental part demonstrates the design, calibration, and field testing of a multi-antenna SDR system for real-time direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation. Comparative analysis confirms the system’s accuracy and viability, highlighting the feasibility of compact, low-cost radio intelligence solutions. The paper concludes with recommendations for further R&D in autonomous REI systems, emphasizing AI integration, modular design, and resilience to electronic countermeasures.

Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) systems face major challenges at the beginning of test administration, when limited response data produces unstable ability estimates and poor item selection. This cold-start problem reduces measurement precision and testing efficiency, especially for students whose abilities diverge from population norms. This study introduces a hybrid ability-estimation model that dynamically integrates neural network predictions with classical item response theory (IRT) estimation throughout the adaptive testing process. The neural component uses auxiliary student information-including demographics, prior performance, and early response patterns-to generate accurate initial ability estimates, while the IRT component preserves psychometric validity as response data accumulate. A dynamic fusion mechanism gradually shifts estimation weight from the neural model to the IRT model as more items are administered. Experimental validation on 2847 students across four subject domains shows that the hybrid approach reduces RMSE in ability estimation by 34.2% during the first five items compared with traditional CAT methods, while maintaining equivalent precision in later stages. The system also decreases the number of items required to reach target precision (SE < 0.3) by 28.7% on average, with the largest gains observed for students at ability extremes.

This article, based on archival materials from the Orenburg Region State Archives, analyzes a little-known episode: the 1914 “denunciation campaign” against the editorial board of the Kazakh newspaper “Kazak” and its leaders, A. Baitursunov and M. Dulatov. Using source analysis and discourse analysis of administrative documents, the authors demonstrate that denunciation in late imperial Russia was not only a form of private political persecution but also part of an institutionalized mechanism of colonial surveillance. Letters from “trusted Kyrgyz from the Turgai and Ural regions” sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and governor's offices demonstrate a strategy by which some of the local elite positioned themselves as loyal intermediaries between the “authorities” and the “ignorant masses”. The bureaucratic trajectory of these appeals – from local officials to the police department – is traced, revealing the depth of the inclusion of peripheral regions in the imperial surveillance system. A comparison of the texts of denunciations and official responses allows us to reconstruct the logic of imperial administrative culture, in which suspicion and denunciation became the primary instruments of control over the national outskirts.

Brucellosis continues to pose a substantial zoonotic risk in Kazakhstan; however, evidence describing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of cattle farmers and veterinary personnel remains limited. A cross-sectional study was undertaken between May and October 2024 across twelve administrative locations nationwide. Structured questionnaires were administered to 506 cattle farmers and 33 veterinary professionals, and the data were evaluated using descriptive analyses and univariable logistic regression. Awareness of brucellosis in cattle was relatively high among farmers, yet understanding of its implications for human health was markedly lower. In contrast, animal health workers demonstrated consistently higher levels of knowledge (OR: 12.6; 95% CI: 9.88–16.34; p < 0.001). Several practices associated with zoonotic transmission were commonly reported by farmers, including handling aborted materials without protective gloves, consumption of unpasteurised milk, and leaving reproductive tissues in grazing areas. Nevertheless, most farmers expressed readiness to adopt preventive measures, particularly cattle vaccination and the use of basic protective practices. These findings reveal important gaps between awareness and behavior that may contribute to continued transmission of brucellosis. Strengthening farmer education through locally tailored, One Health-based interventions offers a practical pathway to improving brucellosis control and enhancing cattle productivity in Kazakhstan.

The purpose of this article is to examine how documentaries produced by Kazakh television channels contribute to audience discussions and social discourse on YouTube, with particular attention to issues of culture, history, and politics. In the context of the rapid digitalization of Kazakhstan’s media landscape, television documentaries now circulate widely on YouTube and trigger new forms of social conversation, making the study of their impact on public opinion increasingly relevant. The research is based on a quantitative content analysis of official YouTube channels of Qazaqstan TV and Jibek Joly TV between June 2023 and June 2024. Using VidIQ analytics and official statistical sources, the study measured views, likes, comments, approval, and engagement rates, and classified user comments into thematic categories. The findings show that historical and cultural documentaries generate the highest levels of interaction and often stimulate expressions of national pride, while political documentaries attract significantly fewer responses but remain present due to state policy priorities. Audience behavior differs by age, with older viewers engaging more actively than younger ones, and reciprocity between viewers and content creators was found to be limited. The study concludes that YouTube offers Kazakh television channels an effective platform for extending the impact of documentaries beyond broadcast, fostering civic dialogue, and shaping cultural identity. However, to strengthen engagement, broadcasters need to adapt television content to platform-specific formats, incorporate interactive elements, and develop integrated multimedia strategies that reflect the expectations of diverse audiences.

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer deep placement has been widely adopted to improve nutrient use efficiency and maize yield in the semiarid regions of northwest China. However, previous studies on optimal fertilization depth have yielded inconsistent results across climate conditions, limiting its practical application. This study aims to determine the site-specific optimal N fertilization depth for spring maize by evaluating photosynthetic growth dynamics, yield formation, and N utilization in two contrasting semiarid regions. A two-year (2021–2022) field experiment was conducted in Dingxi (semiarid drought-prone region) and Jingning (typical semiarid region), with five fertilization depths: 0 cm (D0), 5 cm (D5), 15 cm (D15), 25 cm (D25), and 35 cm (D35). A 15N-labeled urea micro-plot experiment was additionally conducted to trace N fate. The results demonstrated that, compared with the conventional N placement treatment (D15), D25 increased soil total N storage, net photosynthetic rate, root bleeding rate, and the concentrations of NO3−-N and NH4+-N in the bleeding sap. PLS-PM analysis revealed that fertilization depths that are excessively deep (D35) or shallow (D0, D5, D15) adversely affect the photosynthetic parameters and root activity of maize, thereby inhibiting dry matter accumulation and grain N uptake, which ultimately reduces both yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Compared with D15, D25 increased grain yield, and NUE by 8.79% and 33.19% at Dingxi, and by 7.11% and 11.25% at Jingning. 15N isotope tracing revealed that D25 improved maize N uptake while reducing residual soil N and N losses. Regression analysis indicates regional differences in the optimal N application depth. To achieve the lowest N residual loss and the highest yield and NUE, Dingxi (23.49 cm) requires a deeper fertilization depth compared to Jingning (21.64 cm). In conclusion, N fertilizer deep placement is a viable strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency in semiarid regions, but the appropriate depth should be selected based on local conditions.

Background and Objective: Chlamydial abortion is one of the leading causes of reproductive loss in sheep, yet diagnostic accuracy remains limited due to suboptimal assay conditions. To address this gap, the present study aimed to optimize the conditions of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for the detection of chlamydial abortion in sheep, using TT and MM strains of Chlamydia previously isolated from affected animals. Materials and Methods: Yolk sac suspensions from 6-7-day-old chicken embryos infected with the causative agent of sheep enzootic abortion were used as starting material for antigen preparation. The MM strain was employed to develop an optimal method for the purification and concentration of antigens. Hyperimmunization schemes were designed using purified proteins in combination with biostimulants to obtain positive serum. Conjugates were prepared from isolated immunoglobulins, achieving an activity of 1:800. Immunoglobulins were purified by triple precipitation with saturated ammonium sulfate solution, followed by gel chromatography on Sephadex G-200 and identification by immunoelectrophoresis. Statistical analyses were performed using Student’s t-test (p≤0.05) for continuous data and a one-sided Fisher’s exact test (α<0.05) for comparing group efficacy. Results: The study established optimal contact parameters for antigen antibody interactions in the ELISA system. Results showed that effective binding occurred within 3 hrs at 37±1 °C or 18 hrs at 4±2 °C, while specific conjugate-antigen interaction was optimal for 1 hr at 37±1 °C. These optimized parameters significantly enhanced assay sensitivity and reliability, providing reproducible detection of antibodies against the chlamydial abortion pathogen. Conclusion: This study developed an optimized ELISA protocol for the diagnosis of sheep enzootic abortion by refining antigen preparation, immunoglobulin purification and incubation conditions. The findings contribute to improving diagnostic accuracy and may serve as a foundation for developing more rapid and cost-effective diagnostic kits for field application. Future research should validate these optimized conditions across broader sheep populations and different chlamydial strains.

The aim of this study is to assess the geoheritage of the Uly-Zhilanshik River Basin in the Turgai Depression (Western Central Kazakhstan) and to evaluate its potential for conservation and sustainable geotourism deve lopment. The basin is a geoheritage area of national and international significance, preserving well-exposed Cenozoic stratigraphic sections that document paleoenvironmental evolution and hosting numerous fossil flora and fauna localities that inform regio nal paleoclimatic and paleoecological reconstructions. These geological and paleontological features constitute a natural archive of Earth history and provide a scientific basis for territorial planning and conservation policy. The research combined field surveys of geological and geomorphological sites with an assessment of geotouristic attractiveness of natural complexes, comparative-geographical and socio-cultural analyses, and a review of environmental protection regulations. A SWOT analysis was additionally applied to identify strengths, constraints, development opportunities, and potential risks associated with tourism growth. The study demonstrates the high scientific, educational, and touristic value of the Cenozoic sections, paleontological localities, and associated landscapes, and identifies prospects for integrating geotourism into nature conservation initiatives and regional management strategies. Key directions for sustainable development are outlined, highlighting geotourism as a practical conservation instrument and a viable alternative to resource-extractive economic models. The results support the need for targeted protection measures, responsible access planning, and the incorporation of the Uly-Zhilanshik Basin into broader geoheritage and geopark frameworks within the Turgai Depression.

The aim of this study was to analyze the nutritional value of feed mixtures and premixes produced by selected feed manufacturers in southeastern Kazakhstan for dairy farms. The feed mixtures produced in the analyzed feed mills differed significantly (p≤0.01 and p≤0.05) in terms of their basic nutrient content. The amino acid, mineral, and vitamin composition of the feed mixtures was neither monitored nor balanced, except in the Good-Zhem feed mill, as the facilities did not produce mineral-vitamin premixes. For research purposes, the Kormovik and Vet Effect feed mills developed premixes for lactating cows, dry cows, and young cattle aged 6-12 months. The premixes contained high levels of minerals, including Ca, P, Mg, Na, Cl, Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, Se, and I, as well as vitamins A, D, and E. For high-yielding cows from the OST group and for cows in the first dry period (period I), an antioxidant was added at levels of 177 mg kg-1 and 95 mg kg-1, respectively. Additionally, for low-yielding cows and cows in the second dry period (period II), supplementary vitamins were included: K, B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B9, B12, and PP. The experimental premixes used in cattle feeding on the JSC AIC Adal farm allowed the maintenance of milk yield in cows, kept there at the level of 8 000 kg of milk. The research shows that including a premix in cattle feed rations helps to balance ratios in terms of their nutritional value and content of minerals and vitamins, which ultimately enables better use of the animals’ genetic potential.

This study investigated the prevalence of Brucella abortus and Vibrio melitensis pathogens among farm animals in the Kostanay region of Kazakhstan in 2024. A total of 200 animals (120 cattle and 80 sheep/goats) were sampled from various farms. Blood and tissue samples were analyzed using bacterial culture, serological agglutination tests, and PCR for the detection of pathogens. Results showed that 45% of cattle, 40% of sheep, and 40% of goats were infected, with the highest infection rates observed in animals aged two to five years. Younger animals had a significantly lower infection rate. Serological tests indicated 46% seropositivity for Brucella abortus in cattle and 38% for Vibrio melitensis in sheep/goats. PCR confirmed pathogen presence in 43.3% of cattle and 38.75% of small ruminants. These findings underscore the importance of regular monitoring, vaccination, and enhanced animal welfare to reduce infection rates and mitigate economic losses in the region.

Garlic is a widely cultivated vegetable valued for its health-promoting compounds. This study investigated the effects of humic acid (HA) and potassium (K) on garlic productivity, bioactive compounds, and nutrient uptake. A field trial was conducted to evaluate treatments combining potassium sulfate (120 and 150 kg K₂O ha⁻¹) and humic acid (10 and 20 kg ha⁻¹). Potassium and humic acid significantly enhanced garlic performance, with combined treatments producing the most potent effects. Applying humic and K significantly increased productivity. Photosynthetic pigments increased up to 22% for chlorophylls and 45.7% for carotenoids, improving photosynthesis and photoprotection. HA raised TSS by 20% and vitamin C by 32%. Potassium enhanced TSS by 24%, carbohydrates by 3%, and vitamin C by 28%. Combined treatments maximized TSS (+32%) and vitamin C (+38%), with polyphenols restored to 40%. Bioactive compounds, metabolites, and antioxidants were enhanced, with proline up to 45%, H₂O₂ up to 55.7%, APX up to 25%, SOD up to 42%, and CAT up to 25–79%, indicating improved osmotic and oxidative management. Nutrient uptake (N, P, Ca, Mg, S, and K) improved markedly, highlighting balanced nutrient allocation from leaves to cloves. Moderate combinations (K120+HA10) maximized yield, improved photosynthetic pigments, increased vitamin C and total soluble solids, and balanced nutrient allocation between cloves and leaves. These results demonstrate that integrating HA and K provides a practical strategy to support sustainable production under nutrient-efficient management. © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license.

Context: Nitrogen management is pivotal for attaining sustainable agricultural development in the future. Among the array of mitigation strategies, deep fertilization emerges as a promising approach to address the multifaceted challenges associated with agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and social demands. Objective: This study seeks to comprehensively assess the effects of deep nitrogen fertilization on potato productivity, environmental footprint, ecological and social costs and benefits. The findings are Intended to provide furnish an actionable guidance for advancing sustainable potato production in Northwest China. Methods: Field experiments were conducted over three consecutive years (2021–2023) at four representative sites spanning two typical climatic zones in Northwest China: the arid region (Ganzhou and Yongchang—Site 1 and Site 2) and the semi-arid region (Anding and Jingning—Site 3 and Site 4). All trials were integrated into local mainstream potato cultivation practices, with drip irrigation applied at Sites 1, 2, and 3, whereas Site 4 was cultivated under rain-fed cultivations. Four nitrogen fertilization depths were investigated: D5 (5 cm), D15 (15 cm), D25 (25 cm), and D35 (35 cm), to assess the effects of nitrogen placement depth on multiple performance indicators. Results: In arid region, the lowest nitrogen footprint (NF) and carbon footprint (CF), as well as the highest yield, N-derived potato tuber yield (YN), N-Partial factor productivity (PFPN), private profitability (BP), ecological benefits (BE) and social benefits (BS) were observed when the fertilization depth was 15 cm, while the best performance was observed at 25 cm in semi-arid region. In addition, when the fertilization depth is 35 cm, the ecological cost (Ecost) and social cost (Scost) in arid and semi-arid regions are the lowest. Compared with the conventional fertilization depth (D5) in the northwest region, the NF, CF, Ecost and Scost were significantly reduced by 14.8–34.2 %, 7.1–20.6 %, 15.0–19.7 % and 20.1–25.1 % when the optimal treatment depth was adjusted, and the yield, YN, PFPN, BP, BE and BS were significantly increased by 4.7–22.2 %, 10.2–42.8 %, 4.7–22.2 %, 10.4–86.7 %, 10.9–88.4 % and 11.8–92.5 %. The regression analysis revealed a clear spatial pattern: the optimal fertilization depth for maximizing productivity, minimizing environmental footprint, optimizing cost and benefit was generally shallower in arid areas compared to the semi-arid area, and shallower in the drip irrigation area than in the rain-fed area (with the exception of cost). Conclusions: Based on the comprehensive evaluation of productivity, environmental impacts, and economic and social outcomes, we recommend adjusting the fertilization depths to approximately 18.0 cm for Site 1, 13.3 cm for Site 2, 20.2 cm for Site 3, and 22.9 cm for Site 4. These adjustments are expected to enhance potato productivity and overall benefits.

Context and problem: As potato is one of the four major food crops, enhancing yield is crucial, particularly when considering the mitigation of environmental impacts. Deep fertilization represents a potential strategy for efficient nutrient utilization; however, its specific on potato yield, quality and greenhouse gas emissions require further elucidation. Methods: We conducted a four-year field experiment (2020–2023) using potatoes as the test crop. We investigated the impacts of four fertilization depths (D5, 5 cm, control with locally conventional fertilization depth; D15, 15 cm; D25, 25 cm; D35, 35 cm) on soil C, N, and P content and ratios, enzyme activity, greenhouse gas emissions, potato growth, yield, and quality. Results: Deep fertilization significantly increased the soil SOC:TN, SOC:TP, MBC:MBN, and SIC:SIN ratios, while decreasing the MBC:MBP, MBN:MBP, and POC:PON ratios. In addition to soil catalase, the activities of invertase, urease and phosphatase were closely related to the soil C:N:P ratio. Specifically, deep fertilization increased soil invertase and phosphatase activities but decreased catalase and urease activities. Correlation analysis showed that N2O and CO2 emissions were positively correlated with soil urease activity, whereas CH4 uptake and CO2 emissions were negatively correlated with soil phosphatase and sucrase activities, respectively. Furthermore, increase of soil phosphatase activity enhanced the leaf area index, net photosynthetic rate, and dry matter accumulation of potato while reducing stem lodging, ultimately improving yield and quality. Among these treatments, D25 achieved the highest improvements in large potato rate (16.4 %) and yield (11.5 %), while simultaneously resulting in high tuber quality in starch (42.5 %), reducing sugar (52.7 %), protein (33.4 %), and vitamin C (31.9 %) content. In addition, its greenhouse gas emission intensity was also at the lowest level (decreased by 32.7 %). Conclusions: Deep fertilization affects enzyme activity by altering soil C:N:P ratios, thereby promoting potato production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this region, fertilization depths of 15–25 cm exhibited distinct advantage in terms of yield enhancement, whereas depths exceeding 35 cm were more effective in reducing emissions.