It is known that one of the most important parameters for lithium ceramics, promising for use in solid-state fusion blankets, includes their properties regarding tritium. Tritium generated in lithium ceramics (as a result of reaction of 6Li atom with neutron) is released from the surface after passing through a chain of processes: 1. it is initially thermalized in the ceramic volume (it should be noted that at this stage, if the reaction of its generation has occurred in the near-surface region, it can be released from the sample in an inactivation-free manner), 2. after that it diffuses to the open surface, interacting with traps in the ceramic volume (here both reversible and non-reversible capture of tritium by traps, which are usually defects in the structure, is possible); 3. tritium atoms associate with each other or with hydrogen impurities on the surface, after which the resulting molecules are desorbed. To determine the parameters of gas release from ceramics generated by neutron irradiation of tritium, reactor studies are usually carried out. Analysis of the results of such reactor experiments is usually complicated by the need to consider various factors and requires careful consideration of these factors while creating and selecting model parameters. The present work presents data on modeling the results of a previously conducted reactor experiment. Modeling was carried out by the finite element method (FEM) based on a complex model that considers temperature gradients across the ceramics during the reactor experiment, as well as the processes of tritium diffusion in the volume and desorption of tritium molecules from the ceramic surface. We investigated the sections of the reactor experiment where the reactor power was varied, leading to changes in the temperature fields in the ceramic samples and the released flux of tritium molecules.

The globally increasing contents of microplastics (MP) in ecosystems have become a serious environmental problem with far-reaching and at present unpredictable consequences for both aquatic life and human well-being. Until recently, most research on MP focused on marine ecosystems. Research on the occurrence of MP has lately started to focus on freshwater environments. This comprehensive and critical review examines the multifaceted problem of MP pollution in freshwater ecosystems, delving into its diverse sources, transport mechanisms, environmental impacts, detection methods, and mitigation strategies. The environmental impacts of MP pollution span a spectrum of impacts on aquatic life, food webs, and biodiversity in general. In addition, human health concerns have arisen due to potential exposures resulting from the consumption of contaminated freshwater and biological resources. The review summarizes analytical methods and technologies used to detect and quantify MP in freshwater samples, while recognizing the challenges and new innovations in this area. Mitigation and management strategies are explored, ranging from waste management and recycling initiatives to engineering solutions such as wastewater treatment and stormwater management. Legislative measures aimed at curbing MP pollution are also reviewed. Reviewed case studies highlight regional differences, and the unique challenges faced by different freshwater ecosystems. The review concludes by highlighting the urgent need for global awareness, further research, and coordinated action to address the growing problem of MP pollution in freshwater. As humanity faces this complex environmental challenge, interdisciplinary approaches, and international collaboration are essential for sustainable solutions and protection of freshwater ecosystems and health of the planet. © 2024 The Author(s)

The study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the water quality and toxicology indicators of the Verkhnetobolskoye and Karatomarskoye reservoirs in northern Kazakhstan to identify potential pollutants, including heavy metals, organic and inorganic substances, and pesticides, and to assess the influence of these parameters on the suitability of water for various uses. The study combined hydrochemical and toxicological analysis, including atomic absorption spectrometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and ion chromatography to detect heavy metals, pesticides, and organic pollutants. The data were analyzed using statistical methods to determine correlations between different pollutants and to assess overall water quality according to national and international standards. The analysis suggests that both reservoirs are subject to moderate or severe pollution. Elevated concentrations of heavy metals, especially cadmium and zinc, were detected at several sampling points, exceeding the threshold limit value for safe water use. Although the levels of most pesticides are within the required limits, trace amounts of chlorinated pesticides were detected. The water quality in both reservoirs is classified as bad (class 4), with a high content of suspended solids, magnesium, and sulfates, making this water unsuitable for domestic use without thorough treatment. The reservoirs remain suitable for industrial uses, including irrigation and mining. The findings underscore the need for stricter water quality monitoring and improved water purification infrastructure in the reservoirs of Kazakhstan. © 2024, Arab Society for Fungal Conservation. All rights reserved.

The problem of eliminating gas contamination in mine workings and reliably forecasting accident probability remains relevant in the coal industry. This article presents scientific and technical developments for managing the aerodynamic parameters of working areas and collapsed rock massifs to combat gas contamination at the production face. The authors propose controlling gas emissions in the working area by regulating air leaks through the mined-out space of the longwall. The study considered the working area as a quasi-network model. Based on this model, theoretical and experimental studies were conducted on air leaks from the longwall and its inflows into the supported ventilation workings. These studies focused on working areas with a direct-flow ventilation scheme in the Karaganda coal basin mines. Numerical experiments were carried out for three methods of gas emission control. As a result, a mathematical model was developed to calculate aerodynamic resistance, taking into account the length of the column, longwall mining, and the distribution of airflow in the mining section (Q1/Q2). This model enables the estimation of the probability of forming an explosive concentration of methane, thus improving safety measures in coal mine operations. ©2025 The authors.

Green synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles offer suitable alternatives as low-cost, eco-friendly and versatile materials for wastewater remediation. In this work, we presented an overview on green techniques for the synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles from agricultural biomass, algae, microorganisms and natural polymers for organic pollutants degradation. The unique and potential features of the materials such as optical and electronic properties, diverse surface chemistry, redox activities, high porosity, thermal and mechanical stabilities, and non-environmental toxicities have been emphasized. Overview on their photocatalytic efficiency towards degradation of dyes, pharmaceuticals, phenols, herbicides and pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other spectrum of organic pollutants have been presented. Modifications for improvement of the materials performance using techniques such as metal doping, bimetallic metal oxide, heterojunctions with carbon-based, organic polymers, carbon dots and other functionalized materials have elaborated. Mechanisms governing the photocatalytic process has been elucidated. The suitability of the materials for the photocatalytic application has been emphasized. The prospects and challenges regarding the materials application have been highlighted. Lastly, innovative approaches for the improvement of the efficiency of the materials for real wastewater applications have been proposed. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.

This paper discusses the study of parameters for improving the heat transfer of a borehole heat exchanger for a ground source heat pump application. The study of efficiency parameters was carried out based on an experimental prototype of a ground source heat pump developed by the authors. A mathematical model has been developed for calculating the efficiency of a ground heat exchanger based on three-dimensional equations of heat and mass transfer in a porous medium. The numerical solution was carried out using the COMSOL Multiphysics software. The numerical calculation algorithm was verified by comparison with experimental data from the created prototype. Calculations were made of the efficiency of a borehole heat exchanger with various geometric configurations of the pipes in the well. With an increase in the tube diameter, the heat transfer increases. With a tube diameter of 40 mm, the thermal efficiency of the heat exchanger was 42.4 W/m in the heat charging mode, which is 24% more with a diameter of 20 mm. With increasing well depth, the heat transfer efficiency increases. The influence of the thermal conductivity coefficients of the pipe material, grout material and various types of ground on the heat transfer efficiency was also studied. It was shown that with an increase in the thermal conductivity coefficients of grout and ground, the heat flux increases, but above 6.0 W/m K, the heat flux practically does not change. When the coefficient of thermal conductivity of the pipe material is higher than 1.0 W/m K, the heat fluxes almost do not change. In general, materials containing plastics are used for piping of ground heat exchangers, the thermal conductivity coefficients of which vary between 0.24-0.42 W/m K. © 2022 Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

Background: Today, genomic changes are an important cause of the occurrence, growth and progression of cancer. Technological advances in cancer genomic analysis platforms have made it possible to identify genomic alterations that may influence response to lung cancer treatment. Methods: The study examined tumor growth-inhibiting oncogenes and genes responsible for cell growth and division to identify mutations characteristic of malignant lung tumors. The mutations were studied in 400 postoperative samples after amplifying p53 and HRAS fragments and p53, p21Waf1, MDM2 mRNA. p53 or p21Waf1 were expressed in 50% of squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the lung. Results: The study examined tumor growth-inhibiting oncogenes and genes responsible for cell growth and division to identify mutations characteristic of malignant lung tumors. The mutations were studied in 400 postoperative samples after amplifying p53 and HRAS fragments and p53, p21Waf1, MDM2 mRNA. p53 or p21Waf1 were expressed in 50% of squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the lung. HRAS mutations were present in most squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the lung. EcoR1 and Pst1-restriction enzymes destroyed the RT-PCR product of the p53 and p21Waf1 mRNA and increased the level of detected mutations in lung adenocarcinoma to 75% and 50 %, respectively. EGFR mutations were more frequent in lung adenocarcinoma than in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Mutations in EGFR exons 19 and 21 found in 65 of 263 lung tumor samples indicated the tumor sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. EGFR deletions in exon 19 occurred mainly in adenocarcinoma, L858R mutations in EGFR exon 21 were quite common in lung adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: The mutations detected in most squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the lung could be used to diagnose and predict the disease severity and targeted therapy efficacy. © 2023, Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention. All Rights Reserved.

Conversion of waste into innovative materials that contribute to the sustainable development of infrastructure and the construction industry is an important task in today's society. Wood-cement composites which are building materials that combine wood components and a cement matrix are studied herein. These composites have a number of such advantages as high strength, excellent thermal insulation properties, durability and environmental friendliness. The manufactured composite material is a lightweight concrete based on secondary resources, binders and mineral components. Standardized measuring equipment and methods intended to analyze the chemical composition and physical and chemical properties of wood-cement composites (arbolite) were used in laboratory experimental tests. All samples studied were 40 mm × 40 mm × 160 mm lightweight concrete. Four options to obtain a wood-cement composite in various combinations of binders, minerals and other additives were proposed in the research work. All samples were tested to determine the physical and mechanical characteristics and the optimal composition with improved properties. Secondary resources in the form of wood waste and ash from combined heat and power plants (CHPP) were obtained from industrial structures of the Republic of Kazakhstan. An X-ray diffraction analysis of the CHPP ash was performed to determine the chemical mineral composition that showed a high content of silicon. According to the test results, the CH-4 sample demonstrated high physical and mechanical characteristics. The compression strength of the wood-cement composite sample reached 37.1 MPa, and the bending strength was 7.4 MPa on the 28th day, which proves the high performance properties of this composite.

The anomalous geomagnetic field of Central Kazakhstan reflects the different level of magnetization of rocks, as well as their relative position, structure and occurrence depth. The highest contrast of ΔTa anomalies is observed above the outcrops to the ground surface of the pre-Mesozoic basement, where elements of the geological structure, deep faults, blocks of sedimentary-volcanic formations, areas of secondary changes in rocks, as well as some mineral deposits confined with them, are shown in the structure of the anomalous geomagnetic field. The morphology, intensity and size of geomagnetic anomalies give an opportunity for identification and geological prediction, while the differentiation of these anomalies, their gradient characterize the qualitative (structural) features of causative magnetic bodies. The anomalous geomagnetic field of Central Kazakhstan is caused by inhomogeneously magnetized rocks lying at different depths in the Earth's crust. The high differentiation of this field reflects the geological structure of Central Kazakhstan and induces genetic and tectonic-magmatic aspects of its geological structure and geological evolution. In Central Kazakhstan, magnetic anomalies of various parameters are observed: a) in morphology: linear-elongated and arc-shaped, tortuous with a clearly expressed of the larger axis, polygonal, subisometric, oval, circular, mosaic and complex in configuration and in plan; b) in tension: intense and low-intensity; low-and high-gradient (contrasting); c) in size: large, medium and small. There is a relationship between the magnetization of rocks and the vertical component Bz of the magnetic field with seismic activity and anomalies of the latest and modern movements of the earth's crust, with geophysical potential fields, including thermal fields. Earthquake sources are confined to deep faults or fault nodes and are characterized by violent changes in the signs of intensity and orientation of magnetic anomalies. The largest number of seismic events is confined with faults delimiting tectonic blocks with geomagnetic field anomalies of different intensity and sign. © 2023, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. All rights reserved.

Unbalanced relations between all participants of the food chain in the dairy business hinder the development of the livestock sector. Implementation of cluster policy in dairy cattle breeding enables the development of a competitive reference standard using benchmarking analysis. For the full and comprehensive development of the dairy cluster, it is necessary to observe organisational independence to meet the economic interests of all participants. The developed mechanism acts as the basis of a new area of economic analysis that measures synergetic results possible only within the framework of cluster system economic interaction in dairy cattle breeding.