German Kazakh University

Background/Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma remains a major cause of death from cancer globally. While 18F-FDG PET/CT is commonly used for tumor imaging, its sensitivity is limited, especially due to high liver background uptake. Recently, 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT, which targets fibroblast activation protein in tumor stroma, has emerged as a promising diagnostic tool. In this study, we aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT in HCC patients with and without liver cirrhosis and to explore the relationship between PET metrics, tumor size, and PIVKA-II serum marker. Methods: In this prospective single-center study, 59 patients with confirmed HCC (37 with cirrhosis, 22 without) underwent 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT. The standard dose (1.5–2.0 MBq/kg) was administered intravenously, and imaging was carried out 60 min post-injection. Semi-quantitative parameters including SUVmax, SUVmean, and tumor-to-background ratio were calculated. Diagnostic performance was assessed using histopathology and multimodal imaging. Statistical analyses included the Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman correlation. Results: The overall sensitivity for HCC detection was 89.8%, with a specificity of 60% and accuracy of 87%. Sensitivity and specificity showed a tendency to be lower in cirrhotic compared with non-cirrhotic patients, with a notably higher background liver uptake in cirrhosis (SUVmax 3.60 vs. 1.3, p < 0.001), resulting in lower TBR values (3.7 vs. 7.0, p < 0.001). A strong correlation between SUVmax and tumor size was seen in non-cirrhotic HCC, while a moderate association between SUVmax and PIVKA-II levels was observed in cirrhotic patients. Conclusions:68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT demonstrates high sensitivity for HCC detection and may serve as a complementary imaging modality, particularly when interpreted through conventional cross-sectional imaging. Image interpretation in cirrhotic livers may be challenging due to increased background uptake and reduced TBR. Associations between PET-derived parameters, tumor size, and serum PIVKA-II levels should be considered hypothesis-generating and require validation in larger, multicenter studies with clinical outcome data.

Informal economic activity poses significant challenges to fiscal capacity, regulatory efficiency, and inclusive development across the region. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the key factors influencing the level of the informal economy in Central Asia and the Caucasus. The empirical database is based on panel data for six countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia) compiled from statistics from the World Bank and the IMF. A panel regression model with random effects was applied, taking into account the impact of macroeconomic and institutional variables. The results show that higher GDP per capita significantly reduces the size of the informal economy (coefficient –0.00026, p &lt; 0.001), confirming the inverse relationship between income and the shadow sector. Financial development has a strong negative impact (–13.43, p &lt; 0.001), highlighting the role of infrastructure and digital finance in formalization. Urbanization demonstrates a dual effect: in its early stages, it contributes to the growth of informal employment, but in mature urban systems, it reduces its level (–0.41, p &lt; 0.001). Trade openness, on the contrary, positively correlates with the informal economy (+0.019, p&lt;0.001), which indicates the risks of liberalization without accompanying digitalization of customs procedures. The findings confirm the need for targeted state measures to formalize the economy through digital tax infrastructure, expanded financial inclusion, and simplified business registration procedures. Future research may focus on examining tax distortions and wealth inequality as factors sustaining the informal sector.

Background/objectivesDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, primary health care systems worldwide adapted to manage cases in outpatient settings, including those involving children. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of 27,205 outpatient COVID-19 cases among children (0–17 years) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2022, compared with major epidemiological events and public health measures.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was conducted to assess the likelihood of hospitalization regarding demographic characteristics, concomitant diseases, the severity of COVID-19 course, as well as the dynamic of cases.ResultsThe majority of children (99.3%) were asymptomatic or mild. Children in the younger age group (0–4) had a higher risk of severe course and hospitalization compared with adolescents aged 15–17 years. Sex and chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) did not demonstrate statistical significance. The longest spike in outpatient COVID-19 cases in children coincided with the circulation of Delta and Eta strains, the highest with Omicron.ConclusionAmong outpatient COVID-19 cases in children, the likelihood of severe forms and hospitalization is higher if the child is under 5 years of age.

Al-Farabi, one of the foundational thinkers in Islamic philosophy, developed an educational vision deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and influenced by Aristotelian thought. He views the human being as a creation of God, destined to return to Him, and believes that virtue is not innate but acquired through education and conscious effort. Since perfection is not present at birth, it must be cultivated; therefore, education is a central tool for achieving both personal fulfillment and moral excellence. According to Al-Farabi, the path to human happiness involves a clear understanding of what happiness is, a desire to pursue it, and the will to act upon that desire. He distinguishes between two essential methods for developing virtue: ta'dib – تأديب (discipline), which focuses on nurturing intellectual or theoretical virtues, and ta'lim – تعليم (instruction), which supports the growth of ethical and practical virtues. These processes, he argues, must be carried out within a socially guided, morally sound community. Although some aspects of his philosophy may seem idealistic or aspirational, Al-Farabi’s framework emphasizes the transformative power of education and the essential role of society in shaping the virtuous individual. This study examines his classification of virtues, the significance he attaches to civic life, and his belief in the human capacity for moral development. Using textual analysis of primary Arabic sources and comparative insights from Greek and Islamic traditions, the research affirms Al-Farabi’s enduring relevance in contemporary debates on ethics, education, and human potential. Keywords: Al-Farabi, Happiness, Virtue, Education and Training, Islamic Philosophy, Civic Ethics.

Abstract The purpose of the research work is to determine impact of the economic growth, digitization indicators and birth rate on female labor force in the Kazakhstan. For this purpose, Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method was used. Data were obtained from the WDI website for period 1994–2022. Individuals using internet, Mobile cellular subscriptions (MCS), ICT service exports were taken as indicators of digitalization, and GDP growth was taken as indicator of economic growth. As a result of ARDL model, Internet users are negatively linked to the female labor force both in the short and in the long term. Mobile cellular subscriptions have a positive influence on the female labor force only in the short term, and however, showed its insignificance in the long term. ICT service export and GDP growth has a positive effect on the female labor force both in the short term and in the long term. Fertility rate has a positive effect on female labor force in the short and long term. Research work includes review of world literature and, based on this, an econometric model for Kazakhstan was created, and further presents proposals on how women’s employment can increase economic growth in Kazakhstan, also a comprehensive literature review and updated econometric model were developed. This research work carried can be used by other researchers for their regions of interest, and further recommendations can be considered in their case study.

Object: The purpose of this study is to examine the efficiency management of transport companies in the Republic of Kazakhstan by analyzing key factors such as oil prices, passenger turnover, exchange rates, GDP, investments and export trends. Methods: Quantitative analysis is used using data from 2014 to 2023 to evaluate the effect of these parameters on the volume index (PVI) of the transport industry. Multiple linear regression modeling is performed to analyze the relationships between variables and the PMI index. Findings: Regression analysis shows a considerable positive relationship between oil prices and the PVI index, which indicates the impact of fluctuations in oil prices on the performance of the transport sector. In addition, passenger turnover demonstrates a significant negative relationship with the PVI index, which highlights potential problems in optimizing passenger transportation systems. However, variables such as exchange rates, GDP, investments, and export trends did not show statistical significance in the regression model. Conclusions: Efficient management of transportation companies in Kazakhstan needs to take into account various internal and external factors. Strategies to address the effects of oil price fluctuations, optimize passenger transportation systems, manage currency risks, exploit economic growth opportunities and explore export potential are essential to increase productivity and ensure the sustainability of the transport sector.

The growing importance of Kazakhstan's transit and transport industry is a catalyst for expanding trade, strengthening economic ties, investment development, energy cooperation and interregional tourism. This study examines the objectives, main directions and main ideas of scientific research on enhancing Kazakhstan's transport and logistics potential over the last decade. The study aims at a comprehensive analysis of the economic, energy and tourism implications of transit and transport development. The scientific and practical significance is to inform policy makers, stakeholders and researchers about the critical role of an efficient transit and transport sector in shaping the economic landscape of Kazakhstan. The study makes a valuable contribution to future policy and infrastructure investments, enriching the broader field of knowledge related to transport and logistics. In terms of practical relevance, the study serves as a guide for policymakers and industry leaders, offering practical recommendations to improve the efficiency, sustainability and viability of Kazakhstan's transit and transport infrastructure. The results of the study can be used to make strategic decisions that contribute to the long-term development and competitiveness of the country's transport sector.

• The Takht-Gonbad Cu deposit was formed in the Oligocene, as constrained by systematic zircon U-Pb (26.7 ± 0.2–26.0 ± 0.4 Ma) and molybdenite Re-Os dating (26.3 ± 0.3 Ma, MSWD = 1.7). • Chalcopyrite intergrows intimately with dull-CL and low-Ti quartz, and were precipitated at the terminal stage of potassic alteration. • The Takht-Gonbad deposit shares many geological features with other porphyry Cu deposit worldwide, and therefore highlights the potential of Oligocene porphyry Cu deposits in the Kerman belt. The Takht-Gonbad Cu deposit in the Kerman porphyry belt in southwest Iran is unique due to its genetic association with Oligocene magmatism, which was previously considered infertile for porphyry Cu mineralization. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) zircon U-Pb dating of pre-mineralization volcanics, syn -mineralization granodiorite porphyry, and post-mineralization granodiorite at Takht-Gonbad yield ages of 27.9 ± 0.4–27.3 ± 0.2 Ma, 26.7 ± 0.2–26.0 ± 0.4 Ma, and 25.2 ± 0.2 Ma, respectively. Timing of mineralization is constrained at 26.3 ± 0.3 Ma (MSWD = 1.7) by two molybdenite Re-Os ages, agreeing with U-Pb ages of the syn -mineralization intrusions. Hydrothermal alteration and vein sequences at Takht-Gonbad are grouped into three main stages. The early stage is characterized by potassic alteration, expressed by pervasive secondary biotite and magnetite-dominated veins, quartz-magnetite veins, and quartz-dominated veins. The transitional stage represents the end of potassic alteration. Associated veins include chalcopyrite-dominated microfracture infills and chalcopyrite-quartz centerlines in early-stage veins, and molybdenite-siderite-kaolinite-quartz veins. The late stage is marked by chloritic-sericitic alteration. Associated veins include quartz-pyrite and calcite veins. Detailed petrographic and SEM-CL observations and in-situ LA-ICP-MS trace element analysis demonstrate three major generations of hydrothermal quartz (Q1 to Q3) at Takht-Gonbad. The Q1 typically developed in early-stage veins, and is characterized by granular (Q1a) to anhedral shapes (Q1b), sugary mosaic textures, and blurred (Q1a) to oscillatory (Q1b) CL zonings. It has the brightest luminescence and highest titanium contents (Ti > 30 ppm) among all generations. The Q2 develops mainly in transitional stage veins, and occurs as anhedral overgrowth (Q2a) or euhedral crystals (Q2b-c) along earlier Q1 in fracture networks. It is featured by dull-CL and low Ti contents (0.8–53.1 ppm), and is explained by dissolution-reprecipitation of earlier Q1 under conditions of retrograde silica solubility during fluid cooling. Quartz in the late-stage veins is classified as Q3, which is characterized by dark-CL and absence of luminescence zoning. The Q3 has elevated Ti (13.5–39.6 ppm) contents compared with the Q2, indicating its formation from a new batch of magmatic fluid. Chalcopyrite intergrows intimately with dull-CL, low-Ti Q2 in transition-stage veins, suggesting that they were precipitated at the terminal stage of potassic alteration. Hematite daughter minerals in halite-bearing brine inclusions indicate relatively oxidized nature of the ore-forming fluid, which is in line with extensive magnetite alteration in the deposit. Collectively, this study highlights the potential of Oligocene porphyry Cu deposits in the Kerman belt, although the Cu endowments may be not as large as their Miocene counterparts.

This study investigates the attribution of climate change to trends in river discharge during six decades from 1955 until 2014 in 12 selected river catchments across six Central Asian countries located upstream of the main rivers. For this purpose, the semi-distributed eco-hydrological model SWIM (Soil and Water Integrated Model) was firstly calibrated and validated for all study catchments. Attributing climate change to streamflow simulation trends was forced by factual (reanalysis) and counterfactual climate data (assuming the absence of anthropogenic influence) proposed in the framework of the ISIMIP (Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project) or ESM without anthropogenic forcing that were firstly tested and then compared. The trend analysis was performed for three variables: mean annual discharge and high flow (Q5) and low flow (Q95) indices. The results show that trends in the annual and seasonal discharge could be attributed to climate change for some of the studied catchments. In the three northern catchments (Derkul, Shagan, and Tobol), there are positive trends, and in two catchments (Sarysu and Kafirnigan), there are negative streamflow trends under the factual climate, which could be attributed to climate change. Also, our analysis shows that the average level of discharge in Murghab has increased during the historical study period due to climate change, despite the overall decreasing trend during this period. In addition, the study reveals a clear signal of shifting spring streamflow peaks in all catchments across the study area.

Shifting Security and Power Constellations in Central Asia and the Caucasus , page 189 - 210