Using the optical interaction potential between an electron and a helium atom, we have calculated the momentum-transfer cross-section, collision frequency, and energy transfer rate during elastic electron–helium scattering, focusing on energies up to the ionization threshold of helium (24.6 eV). The interaction potential includes static, polarization, and exchange contributions, accurately representing the scattering process in this range. The optical potential method is well-suited for this analysis, as it effectively reduces the complexity of multiparticle interactions while maintaining the essential physics of elastic scattering. The calculated collision frequency as a function of energy exhibits a distinct maximum near 5 eV, consistent with experimental observations, which has not been captured in earlier theoretical studies. The energy transfer rate, derived using the effective collision frequency, demonstrates efficient energy exchange at low electron energies, with a gradual decline as the energy approaches the ionization threshold. These findings offer critical insights into plasma processes in the diverter region of tokamaks, where helium atoms play a significant role, and contribute to modeling energy transport properties such as electron mobility and temperature equilibrium. The results can serve as a valuable reference for plasma simulations and fusion research applications.

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common complication of diabetes, leading to blindness. The asymptomatic onset and the existing difficulties in diagnosing warrant the search for biomarkers that can facilitate the early diagnosis of DR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of plasma microRNAs (miRNAs), which have previously been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of DR and differentially expressed in plasma/serum of patients, as biomarkers for DR in the Kazakhstani population. Materials and Methods: Using quantitative RT-PCR, we compared the levels of ten candidate miRNAs in plasma among three groups: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with DR (DR patients, N = 100), T2DM patients without DR (noDR patients, N = 98), and healthy controls (N = 30). Results: Level of miR-423-3p was significantly reduced in DR patients compared to noDR patients (pFDR = 5.4 × 10−3). Levels of miR-423-3p and miR-221-3p were significantly reduced in DR patients compared to controls (pFDR = 5.4 × 10−3 and 0.024, respectively), level of miR-23a-3p was significantly reduced in noDR patients compared to controls (pFDR = 0.047), levels of miR-221-3p and miR-23a-3p were significantly reduced in T2DM patients (combined group) compared to controls (pFDR = 0.047, and 0.049, respectively). Also, there were several significant differences between groups formed based on clinical-pathological characteristics, but none of these results remained significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Correlation analysis revealed weak associations between the levels of miR-423 and miR-221-3p and DR staging (pFDR = 1.3 × 10−3 and 0.026, respectively), and fair associations between the levels of miR-29b-3p and miR-328-3p and diabetes duration in noDR patients (pFDR = 8.8 × 10−3 and 0.016, respectively). According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, only miR-23a-3p can be considered a potential biomarker with moderate informativeness for diagnosing proliferative DR (PDR); however, a larger sample size is needed to verify this finding. Furthermore, the small magnitude of observed changes in miRNA levels between groups significantly complicates classification. Conclusions: Due to the low specificity and small magnitude of deviations from the norm, the studied miRNAs have low potential in the diagnosis of DR. Copyright 2025 Magazova et al.

Ore deposits, taken in the traditional interpretation of the concept as “natural or man-made accumulations of metallic minerals in the Earth’s crust or on the Earth’s surface, development of which is economical”, are formed during the time length commensurate with the geological time of formation of complexes of minerals and rocks. In the practice of subsoil use, ore deposits are developed 5–10 thousand times faster than they can be recreated in the subsoil, so the world civilization faces the main task of solving the problems of providing mankind with metal resources for their safe, economically efficient and technologically feasible extraction on the historical time scale. This problem is complicated by the need to simultaneously address the environmental consequences of human impact on nature. The complications of implementing practical measures depend on two objective factors: —the impending complete depletion of metal reserves in the continental earth’s crust to a depth of anthropogenic-and-technological capability HATC = 5 km within 30–1500 years depending on the type of metal; —the demand for metals which continuously increase in geometric progression in relation to the growth of the population. The authors propose new trends of development of material basis to meet the necessaries by creation of reproduction of reserves using deposits of new type to be mined with application of new geotechnologies and mineralogical sciences, and with a full closed cycle of multiple use of metals.

The aim of the work is to justify the possibility of using organic polymers as a binding material for a positive temperature technology designed for long-term equipment of operational wells of various purposes with systems for mechanical purification of liquid and gaseous mineral resources in productive horizons located at depths greater than 200 m, represented by medium-grained, fine-grained, silty, and dusty sands. The work utilizes methods of analysis of innovative technologies and materials, synthesis and research of materials, as well as the development of systems for mechanical purification of liquid mineral resources, along with the generalization of scientific and technical information. The selection of the binding material for the polymer-gravel composite of the inverse gravel filter of the block type has been justified, as well as the technology for its use in systems for the mechanical purification of liquid and gaseous mineral resources, intended for the equipment of productive horizons. For the first time, the use of water-based binding materials containing organic polymers for solidification of loose gravel material into a block structure of a gravel filter for mechanical purification systems of operational wells has been justified, according to the proposed technology. For the first time, the dependence of the physical-mechanical properties of the polymer-gravel composite on the mass concentration of the binding material has been established. It lies in the development of a program and conducting studies on the physical-mechanical properties of the polymer-gravel composite filter, and based on this, the development of well-founded recommendations for determining the parameters of technologies for manufacturing systems for mechanical purification of mineral resources and equipping hydrogeological wells with them. © 2025 Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. All rights reserved.

This article examines the qualitative and quantitative indicators of the reverse supply chain strategy. These indicators are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of the reverse supply chain. The study explores the reverse supply chain for producing new construction materials from mining and metallurgical industry waste in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Utilizing industrial tailings for further processing and the production of new products will address strategic, environmental, and economic challenges. Based on the example of the Ridder Metallurgical Complex of KazZinc LLP, qualitative and quantitative indicators are proposed for achieving the strategic goals of sustainable development in the reverse supply chain. The list of indicators requires expansion and refinement for further research.

Introduction. Oil waste has a high degree of toxicity and poses a great danger to humans and to the natural environment as a whole. One of the most acute problems is the negative impact of oily waste. The negative impact of petroleum products on the soil can lead to irreversible changes in the chemical composition, physical biochemical and microbiological properties of the soil, which determine, among other things, its fertility. The main potential sources of soil pollution with oil and petroleum products include ground vehicles, oil storage facilities, oil refining enterprises, as well as transport transporting petroleum products. The study of the physico-chemical properties of ash and slag waste to reduce the anthropogenic load on the environment. In Kazakhstan, as a result of the production activities of a number of large oil-producing enterprises, huge amounts of oil-and-oil soils have accumulated, significantly polluting the environment. The areas of polluted lands continue to increase as a result of emergency oil spills. Therefore, on the territory of the Kumkol oil field, it is very relevant to conduct environmental monitoring of soil pollution and carry out reclamation measures to restore land fertility The purpose of the research. Environmental monitoring in the conditions of development of the Kumkol deposit and the development of an effective technology for the reclamation of contaminated lands through the use of highly effective biological products to reduce the anthropogenic load on the natural environment. Research materials. For the research, samples of smeared soils of various sites of the Kumkol deposit of the Kyzylorda region of Kazakhstan were used. Research methods. The choice of soil monitoring methods was carried out taking into account the available sources of pollution and types of soil pollution: chemical, biochemical, biochemical, microbiological, etc. The analysis of existing methods of ecological monitoring of soils shows that due to the high cost and technological complexity, the use of a number of them is limited. Therefore, an effective approach to determine the degree of contamination of soils with petroleum products is the use of bioindication and biotesting methods Research results and discussion. As a result of the environmental monitoring, the technology of recultivation of polluted lands was developed using a biological product obtained by composting rice husks with the help of aerobic and anaerobic soil microorganisms. The scientific novelty of the proposed method of recultivation of contaminated soils is confirmed by the patent of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which confirms the scientific and practical significance of the work. The results of the research can be useful in the reclamation of oil-contaminated lands in other regions and the restoration of their vegetation cover. Conclusion. The monitoring of soil pollution by oil and petroleum products shows that the main potential sources include ground transportation facilities, oil storage facilities, oil refineries and transport, which first brings petroleum products. The developed technology of biorecultivation, firstly, reduces the anthropogenic load on the soil surface due to the biodegradation of oil spills, and, secondly, at the same time, the disposal of spilled oil in the form of vermicompost is carried out. In the work, for the first time on the basis of the application of a new technology for the reclamation of contaminated land resources using a biological product obtained from waste of plant and food origin, a new approach to the problem of utilization of oil-contaminated soils and restoration of their fertility, with the production of vermicompost, is proposed. Suggestions for practical application. A new approach to the problem of utilization of oil-contaminated soils and restoration of their fertility, with the production of vermicompost, is proposed, which can be useful in solving environmental problems in other oil-producing regions of Kazakhstan. © 2023 North Caucasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, State Technological University. All rights reserved.

Abstract: The issues related to professional training and quality of driver education are considered. The design of car simulators is analyzed and the design of an interactive car simulator, which is a combination of a virtual simulator and a training device using a real car frame, is described. The functional structure of the developed simulator, which can be used for professional selection considering the psychophysiological qualities of a person at the stage of driver training, is presented. © Allerton Press, Inc. 2025.

Over the last five decades, solar-based hydrogen (H2) production has been intensively studied. Specifically, the study of biophotolysis by cyanobacteria has received great attention to produce H2, and promising research approaches have been established. To date, numerous photobioreactors (PBRs) have been built to collect cyanobacterial biomass and generate bioenergy. Additionally, different PBR parameters were adjusted to increase the product yield. PBR development holds great potential not only for cell biomass but also for biological H2 production. This review aimed to examine the mechanisms involved in H2 production by cyanobacteria, explore the factors influencing the process, and describe five distinct PBRs known for their high H2 production. This article examines the pros and cons of the most efficient PBRs for H2 production and offers insights into strategies for increasing their productivity. © 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC

The primary data of micro- and macroplastics in the aquatic environment of Lake Markakol, located in the mountainous area of East Kazakhstan, are presented. The determination of micro- and macroplastics in water is based on sieving, drying, liquid oxidation, density separation and visual sorting using a microscope with a magnification of 40×. The detected plastic fragments in the aquatic environment include fishing line nets, Styrofoam balls, plastic bags, plastic bottles, wrappers, food labels and packages and other types of plastic waste. The sizes of the plastic fragments were ˃25 mm, 1.0–5.0 mm and 0.315–1.0 mm. The concentration of plastic in Lake Markakol was 837.5 µg/m3 in the tributaries and 482.1 µg/m3 in the lake water. The detected plastic mainly corresponded to sieve mesh sizes of 1.0–5.0 mm and 0.315–1.0 mm. The main sources of plastic pollution are fishing, tourism and the lack of adequate infrastructure for household waste management. These data emphasize the importance of measures to regulate plastic waste management in order to preserve the Lake Markakol ecosystem and maintain human health. © 2024 by the authors.

Due to its persistence and potential negative effects on ecosystems and human health, microplastic pollution in aquatic environments has become a major worldwide concern. Photocatalytic degradation is a sustainable manner to degrade microplastics to non-toxic by-products. In this review, comprehensive discussion focuses on the synergistic effects of various photocatalytic materials including TiO2, ZnO, WO3, graphene oxide, and metal–organic frameworks for producing heterojunctions and involving multidimensional nanostructures. Such mechanisms can include the generation of reactive oxygen species and polymer chain scission, which can lead to microplastic breakdown and mineralization. The advancements of material modifications in the (nano)structure of photocatalysts, doping, and heterojunction formation methods to promote UV and visible light-driven photocatalytic activity is discussed in this paper. Reactor designs, operational parameters, and scalability for practical applications are also reviewed. Photocatalytic systems have shown a lot of development but are hampered by shortcomings which include a lack of complete mineralization and production of intermediary secondary products; variability in performance due to the fluctuation in the intensity of solar light, limited UV light, and environmental conditions such as weather and the diurnal cycle. Future research involving multifunctional, environmentally benign photocatalytic techniques—e.g., doped composites or composite-based catalysts that involve adsorption, photocatalysis, and magnetic retrieval—are proposed to focus on the mechanism of utilizing light effectively and the environmental safety, which are necessary for successful operational and industrial-scale remediation. © 2025 by the authors.