Governments enter into public–private partnership (PPP) agreements to attract private financing and bring innovation to the development of their sustainable public infrastructure; however, PPP projects are marked by their complexity and are driven by uncertain economic and institutional environments. The purpose of this study is to conduct a cross-country comparison of PPP risks in three developing countries (Colombia, Kazakhstan, and Ghana) and provide insights into their best practices. The research surveyed diverse risk factors involving 261 local respondents with pertinent experience in PPPs. The study conducted Cronbach’s alpha and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance tests to check the validity of responses, an ANOVA test to examine the differences in the risk perceptions, and risk ranking to reveal the country-specific as well as top-rank risks in the countries. The results of the quantitative analysis revealed risk aversion among developing countries with PPP programs at different maturity stages. Less mature programs, with lower overall investment, exhibited greater overall risk aversion (for Kazakhstan) and greater concerns about transparency and corruption (for Ghana). Highly populated countries with more mature PPP programs that rely significantly on transportation projects demonstrated higher risk aversion regarding the social and political legitimacy of PPPs and land acquisition (for Colombia). © 2024 by the authors.

In research work the problem of studying the process of ozone control with the help of electronic sensors is considered. In research work, special sensors were used, which are formed around coronary electrodes in the ozonator and to monitor the concentration of ozone in the room. This is because ozone is known to adversely affect human health if its maximum permissible air concentration exceeds 0.16 mg/m3. A small system of ozonators was developed in a special laboratory, theoretical and experimental tests were carried out. In practice, the obtained data and the electric diagram of the ozonator (on the ARDUINO platform) were collected. "Prana Air" sensors and current sensors were used to accurately det ermine the ozone (O3) concentration around the ozone nozzle to measure the current at the electrodes. © 2024, Politechnika Lubelska. All rights reserved.

The research is devoted to solve the problem of elevated dust levels in subway air through the implementation of a proposed dust collection system. A comprehensive experiment to determine the fractional and chemical compositions, as well as dust density, in the existing metro systems of Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Novosibirsk (Russian Federation) was conducted. The experiment results led to hypotheses about the sources of dust emission in subways. An innovative method for de-dusting tunnel air has been developed. The method is based on the use of air flows generated by the piston action of trains and the installation of labyrinth filters in the ventilation joints of stations. The parameters of the computational model of a subway line on the basis of decomposition approach to mathematical modeling of aerodynamic processes methods of computational aerodynamics by transition from a full model of a subway line to an open-ended periodic one have been substantiated. The research also justifies the geometric parameters of the labyrinth filters, determining their effectiveness based on air velocity and the number of filter element rows. Additionally, potential energy savings achievable with the proposed system were assessed. The scope of application of the results of the presented study of air distribution from the piston effect in subway structures and the effectiveness of the proposed air filtration system are limited to subways with single-track tunnels and open-type stations equipped with ventilation joints.

This scientific work is focused on detoxifying and purifying harmful compounds in the groundwater of the Talgar district, Almaty region, using a pilot autonomous complex unit. The groundwater in the district contains heavy metals, chemical compounds, and microorganisms that pose a threat to human health and the environment. During the research, comprehensive purification methods for water detoxification and purification were considered. A pilot ETRO-02 ozonator unit, based on a special electrical corona discharge, was developed for the purification system. Filtration methods and UV radiation were also applied. The research results aim to improve the quality of groundwater and make it suitable for use in autonomous drinking water systems. During the experimental work, the efficiency of the water purification unit, its parameters, and their impact on water quality were determined. This research is an important step towards providing clean and safe drinking water in rural and urban areas. Comprehensive studies were conducted to determine the effects of ozone dose, contact time of the treated water with the ozone-air mixture, water temperature, concentration of pollutants, filtration rate, iron, manganese, and the degree of water disinfection according to the sanitary rules and regulations (2.1.4.1074-01). The ozone dose ranged between 1.5 mg/l, the contact time with the ozone-air mixture between 5 to 20 minutes, the water temperature between 9 to 15ºC, and the filtration rate between 8 to 15 m/hour. As a result, the concentration of iron significantly decreased with increasing oxidation time, from an initial value of approximately 1.4 mg/l to about 0.1 mg/l within 20 minutes. The concentration of manganese also decreased, albeit at a slower rate, from an initial value of 0.2 mg/l to about 0.03 mg/l within 20 minutes. This demonstrated that heavy metals could be effectively removed from water over a prolonged period using ozone. Additionally, the initial water contained 17 general microbial count and a coliform index of 1575, which were completely eliminated after passing through the purification unit, meeting the sanitary standards (SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01). Moreover, data from the experiments were processed using SMath Solver and Python, and an algorithmic code was written.

In the context of climate change and growing environmental challenges, agriculture requires introducing innovative technologies to increase production efficiency and conserve natural resources. The main engine for creating innovative technologies is the scientific personnel in the agricultural sector. In this regard, this study aims to analyze the potential of scientific personnel in agricultural science and its gender characteristics and develop practical recommendations that will contribute to scientific research and implementation effectiveness. The results of the study show that the level of scientific human resources in the agricultural sector has a moderate development trend. However, from a gender perspective, it was revealed that female researchers have hidden potential and can contribute to activating scientific potential and diversifying research and development in this sector. The article recommends the modernization of the educational program to train future scientists, which focuses on internships as the key to a rapid exchange of knowledge in the agricultural sector.

Water resource management challenges are shaped by territorial and natural conditions, and each country’s specific context and international commitments. Growing water scarcity poses a significant issue at both national and regional levels. Integrated water resource management in the Yertis (Irtysh) river basin is particularly crucial due to its transboundary nature, involving China, Kazakhstan, and Russia. This study assesses water resource pressure in the Yertis basin using the ‘water stress’ indicator from water management plans of the three states. The Yertis River basin in Kazakhstan is highly industrialized, making it a focal point for analyzing water consumption by industrial enterprises, including KAZ Minerals Group. The research compares water use levels by KAZ Minerals Group before and after modernization of water systems from 2015 to 2020. The study highlights the successful implementation of economic instruments, such as water extraction taxes and modernization of water systems, which have led to reduced water abstraction and improved water recycling. These measures have contributed to mitigating water stress and ensuring a reliable water supply amid increasing demand and climate change impacts. The findings emphasize the importance of transboundary cooperation and the integration of economic, administrative, and technological tools to enhance water resource sustainability.

The article presents an analysis of current (during the period 1985–2022) and projected (during the period 2025–2099) changes in the hydrological regime of the Buktyrma, Yesil, and Zhaiyk river basins in Kazakhstan under the conditions of global climate change. This study is based on the integration of data from General Circulation Models (GCMs) of the sixth phase of the CMIP6 project, socio-economic development scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, as well as the results of hydrological modelling using the SWIM model. The studies were carried out with an integrated approach to hydrological change assessment, taking into account scenario modelling, uncertainty analysis and the use of bias correction methods for climate data. A calculation method was used to analyse the intra-annual distribution of runoff, taking into account climate change. Detailed forecasts of changes in runoff and intra-annual water distribution up to the end of the 21st century for key water bodies in Kazakhstan were obtained. While the projections of river flow and hydrological parameters under CMIP6 scenarios are actively pursued worldwide, few studies have explicitly focused on forecasting intra-annual flow distribution in Central Asia, calculated using a methodology appropriate for this region and using CMIP6 ensemble scenarios. There have been studies on changes in the intra-annual distribution of runoff for individual river basins or local areas, but for the historical period, there have also been studies on modelling runoff forecasts using CMIP6 climate models, but have been very few systematic publications on the distribution of predicted intra-annual runoff in Central Asia, and this issue has not been fully studied. The projections suggest an intensification of flow seasonality (1), earlier flood peaks (2), reduced summer discharges (3) and an increased likelihood of extreme hydrological events under future climatic conditions. Changes in the seasonal structure of river flow in Central Asia are caused by both climatic factors—temperature, precipitation and glacier degradation—and significant anthropogenic influences, including irrigation and water management structures. These changes directly affect the risks of flooding and water shortages, as well as the adaptive capacity of water management systems. Given the high level of water management challenges and interregional conflicts over water use, the intra-annual distribution of runoff is important for long-term planning, the development of adaptation measures, and the formulation of public policy on sustainable water management in the face of growing climate challenges. This is critically important for water, agricultural, energy, and environmental planning in a region that already faces annual water management challenges and conflicts due to the uneven seasonal distribution of resources.

Niobium, with its unique properties, plays a key role in high-tech industries, but its recovery from secondary sources remains poorly studied. The kinetics of niobium leaching from niobium-containing middlings obtained via the water treatment of dust chamber sublimations of titanium chlorinators is considered in this study. The leaching process was conducted using a fluoride–sulphuric acid solution. The experiments were performed at 25–90 °C in agitation mode. Kinetic data were analysed using compression-core and mixed-control models, which made it possible to establish the limiting stages of the process. A mixed mechanism, including a chemical reaction on the surface and diffusion through a layer of products with an activation energy of 30.05 kJ/mol, was established. The niobium recovery degree increased from 35.25 to 93.5% as the temperature increased, highlighting its effect on the process. The insoluble residue, rich in titanium, and the liquid phase with niobium and zirconium have the potential for further processing. The results provide the basis to optimise technologies intended to recover niobium from man-made raw materials, contributing to an increase in resource efficiency.

At present, various advanced technologies for field development based on gas-enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods are widely applied worldwide. These include high-pressure gas injection (hydrocarbon gases, nitrogen, flue gases), water-alternating-gas (WAG) injection, and carbon dioxide (CO2) flooding. This study presents the results of filtration experiments investigating the application of gas EOR methods using core samples from a heavy oil reservoir. The primary objective of these experiments was to determine the oil displacement factor and analyze changes in interfacial tension upon injection of different gas agents. The following gases were utilized for modeling gas EOR processes: nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrocarbon gases (methane, propane). The core samples used in the study were obtained from the East Moldabek heavy oil field in Kazakhstan. Based on the results of the filtration experiments, carbon dioxide (CO2) injection was identified as the most effective gas EOR method in terms of increasing the oil displacement factor, achieving an incremental displacement factor of 5.06%. Other gas injection methods demonstrated lower efficiency.

Self-managed teams are perceived as highly productive and have been actively studied in recent times. Considering this, the notion of the utility of establishing and cultivating such teams in small and medium-sized businesses in Kazakhstan has emerged, aiming to enhance their role in the country's economic development. Therefore, the authors of this article have resolved to conduct an empirical study on teams operating within the SMEs sector of Kazakhstan. This study aims to present the findings of an initial survey conducted among employees of small and medium-sized enterprises to characterize their self-management capacities and identify factors influencing their self-management abilities. For this purpose, representatives of teams in small and medium businesses in Kazakhstan were surveyed. The design of the survey questionnaire involved three field experts to validate and refine the questions. Findings reveal that approximately two-thirds of SME teams in Kazakhstan demonstrate characteristics of cross-functionality, diversity, motivation, and co-location, indicative of their self-managing nature. This suggests agile management's potential for organizational goals. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study aimed to investigate how far the teams in Kazakhstani enterprises are self-managed.