Search Results (137)

This study investigates the determinants of economic growth in the Next-11 economies over the period 1996–2024, with particular emphasis on the roles of structural, institutional, and human capital factors. Using a comprehensive panel dataset for eleven emerging economies, the analysis employs three robust estimation techniques—Driscoll–Kraay Standard Errors (DKSEs), Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLSs), and Panel-Corrected Standard Errors (PCSEs)- to address common econometric issues such as heteroskedasticity, serial correlation, and cross-sectional dependence. The empirical results reveal that industrial output, energy consumption, human capital, institutional quality, and foreign direct investment significantly contribute to economic growth. Among these factors, industrial output and energy consumption exhibit particularly strong and consistent positive effects across all estimation methods, highlighting the importance of structural transformation and energy availability in supporting economic expansion. In contrast, trade openness shows a negative and statistically significant relationship with economic growth in most model specifications, suggesting that structural constraints, import dependence, and limited domestic productive capacity may restrict the growth benefits of external integration in these economies. The study also explores the conditional effects of foreign direct investment through interaction terms with human capital and institutional quality. The findings indicate that the growth-enhancing impact of foreign investment depends significantly on domestic absorptive capacity, particularly the availability of skilled labor and effective governance structures. These results emphasize the importance of complementary policies aimed at strengthening education systems, improving institutional quality, and enhancing regulatory effectiveness. From a policy perspective, the findings suggest that the Next-11 economies should prioritize industrial development, energy infrastructure expansion, human capital investment, and institutional reforms to maximize the benefits of globalization and foreign investment. Overall, the study contributes to the literature by providing robust empirical evidence on the interconnected roles of structural, institutional, and human capital factors in shaping economic growth in emerging economies. Full article

This article addresses a pressing issue—the study of ecological and geodynamic conditions in the southern part of the Uzbekistan Republic of Karakalpakstan Ustyurt plateau. The article synthesizes and systematizes the findings from both archival and personal research on the current state of ecological and geodynamic conditions. A schematic map of ecological–geodynamic conditions has been developed to assess the manifestation of various processes and their impact on the region’s flora and fauna, as well as on engineering and geological conditions relevant to mineral development and human economic activities. The overarching methodology involves system analysis and mapping of the natural-geological environment and geodynamically active zones. The primary criteria for evaluation include the state of the landscape, soil-grounds, and soil-forming rocks. The ecosystem serves as a nutrient base for plants and a fodder base for livestock development. In the Karakalpak Ustyurt, precipitation distribution is uneven, with annual precipitation ranging from 200–220 mm in the central and northern parts to 120–140 mm in the southern part. The Karakalpak Ustyurt presents morphological challenges related to the study of the nature of the relief, surface runoff, and the composition, state, and properties of the soil massif, including its ecological and geodynamic indicators. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the region’s ecological dynamics, contributing to sustainable development and conservation efforts. Thus, the conducted studies have revealed geodynamic processes associated with both natural geological phenomena and human engineering or economic activities. In principle, ecological geodynamics and engineering geodynamics rely on the same geological information to assess the manifestation of these processes Full article

Pathogenic variants in the PMP22 gene can lead to hereditary peripheral demyelinating neuropathies of varying severity, including hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP), Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease types 1A and 1E (CMT1A, CMT1E), Roussy–Lévy syndrome, and Dejerine–Sottas disease (DSS). This study describes a novel deep intronic variant c.179-2809A>G in the PMP22 gene, identified in two unrelated Avar families from Dagestan republic, Russia. This variant was identified in nine patients. In seven cases, it was detected in a heterozygous state, leading to the development of HNPP. In two cases, this variant was found in a homozygous state, resulting in a more severe CMT1A phenotype (Dejerine–Sottas disease). The performed functional analysis allowed us to characterize the deleterious effect of this variant and propose an approach for personalized antisense therapy. This work demonstrates that, in Avar people with HNPP traits, variant c.179-2809A>G should be considered as disease-causing and included in standard genetic testing. Full article

This study explores the drivers of economic growth in the BRICS economies—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—over the period 1994–2024, focusing on the roles of digital infrastructure and financial development. Using a balanced panel, we examine how internet connectivity and access to credit shape growth, both independently and in combination, while accounting for gross fixed capital formation, urbanization, and government expenditure. Given the macro-panel structure, which exhibits heteroskedasticity, serial correlation, and cross-sectional dependence, we employ robust estimation techniques, including Driscoll–Kraay standard errors (DKSE), Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS), and Panel-Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE). To capture potential heterogeneity across different growth scenarios, we further apply the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) as a robustness check. Our findings show that both internet connectivity and financial development consistently promote economic growth across all main specifications. Importantly, the interaction between these two factors is also significant, indicating that the benefits of digital infrastructure are stronger in countries with deeper financial systems, and vice versa. Among the control variables, capital accumulation and government spending positively contribute to growth, while urbanization exhibits a negative association, reflecting the structural challenges of rapid urban expansion. MMQR results confirm that these relationships hold across low-, medium-, and high-growth periods, highlighting their broad relevance. These findings highlight the synergistic role of technological and financial development and underscore the importance of integrated policies to sustain long-term, inclusive growth in the BRICS economies. This study suggests that policymakers should adopt integrated strategies that enhance digital connectivity, deepen financial development, and support productive public investment to sustain inclusive and resilient economic growth. Full article

The Moroccan locust (Dociostaurus maroccanus) is one of the most economically significant locust species in the Caucasus and Central Asia. In the past, the Mediterranean region also experienced severe damage to crops and pastures, until widespread grassland conversion to cropland began in the second half of the 20th century. However, climate change, environmental shifts, land-use changes, cropland abandonment, and overgrazing are likely to alter the spatial distribution and outbreak patterns of this pest. Understanding potential changes and geographic shifts is essential for proactive pest management, including effective monitoring and control strategies. In this study, we apply Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) using 12 machine learning algorithms, historical survey data covering the species’ full distribution range, and relevant abiotic variables to identify the most suitable areas for potential mass breeding during 1991–2020 and the near future (2021–2040), based on the “middle-of-the-road” Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP2-4.5) scenario. Our results indicate significant regional shifts. Notably, breeding suitability is projected to increase in parts of Greece, Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. In contrast, countries such as Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Spain are likely to experience a decline in optimal breeding areas. The forecast results support field observations of a geographical shift northward and toward higher altitudes. Additionally, higher temperatures in suitable areas suggest more drought-like conditions, which typically promote locust population explosions and outbreaks. If left unaddressed, such outbreaks can cause severe economic damage to affected regions. Full article

Solar-driven irrigation, a promising clean technology for agricultural water conservation, is constrained by mismatched photovoltaic (PV) pump outflow and irrigation demand, alongside unstable PV output. While compressed-air energy storage (CAES) shows mitigation potential, existing studies lack systematic explorations of pump water-lifting characteristics and supply capacity under coupled meteorological and air pressure effects, limiting its practical promotion. This study focuses on a solar-coupled compressed-air energy storage regulated sprinkler irrigation system (CAES-SPSI). Integrating experimental and theoretical methods, it establishes dynamic flow models for three DC diaphragm pumps considering combined PV output and outlet back pressure, introduces pressure loss and drop coefficients to construct a nozzle pressure dynamic model via calibration and iteration, and conducts a 1-hectare corn field case study. The results indicate the following: pump flow increases with PV power and decreases with outlet pressure (model deviation < 9.24%); nozzle pressure in pulse spraying shows logarithmic decline; CAES-SPSI operates 10 h/d, with hourly water-lifting capacity of 0.317–1.01 m³/h and daily cumulation of 6.71 m³; and the low-intensity and long-duration mode extends irrigation time, maintaining total volume and optimal soil moisture. This study innovatively incorporates dynamic air pressure potential energy into meteorological-PV coupling analysis, providing a universal method for quantifying pump flow changes, clarifying CAES-SPSI’s water–energy coupling mechanism, and offering a design basis for its agricultural application feasibility. Full article

This study involved a systematic literature review using bibliometric analysis to examine the evolution and current trends of Biological Remediation studies. The bibliometric analysis was used for the descriptive, intellectual, social, and conceptual network analyses, while systematic reviews were used to identify the application of the Biological Remediation. A total of 4835 papers were selected and extracted from Scopus between 2020 and 2025. The publication trends, most influential countries and articles, leading journals, collaboration networks, coupling networks, and application of the Biological Remediation in various disciplines were described. This study summarized the research agenda of the Biological Remediation field, which would be helpful for researchers and funding agencies. This article highlights four new research directions in Current Bioremediation Trends: (1) understanding the interactions between petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals in composite pollution systems; (2) exploring microbial community succession during bioremediation; (3) utilizing biosurfactants to enhance contaminant solubilization and biodegradation; and (4) developing integrative, multi-mechanistic remediation approaches. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge influenced by social determinants of health (SDHs) such as poverty, overcrowding, malnutrition, and limited healthcare access. Although Central Asia (CA) has achieved progress through vaccination, screening, and treatment, the region continues to face severe disease consequences, unstable incidence patterns, and an escalating challenge of TB resistant to first-line drugs. This study aimed to analyze TB incidence dynamics in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan from 2000–2023, forecast trends to 2030, and identify key SDHs shaping the epidemic. Methods: Data on TB incidence were obtained from the World Bank DataBank for 2000–2023. Of 61 socioeconomic, environmental, and health-related indicators, 29 were included in the analysis. Statistical procedures in SPSS (v24.0) involved time-series forecasting through 2030, calculation of average annual percentage change (AAPC), correlation testing, and linear regression, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: TB incidence generally declined across CA during 2000–2023, though trends varied by country. Forecasts suggest continued decreases in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, while Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic display fluctuating or nonsignificant patterns, likely influenced by SDHs. Regression analyses indicated that anemia, undernourishment, and population density showed a positive relationship with TB incidence, while clean fuel access, physician density, and Gross Domestic Product per capita (GDP) were inversely related. Conclusions: The findings highlight the heterogeneous nature of TB dynamics in CA and the possible role of SDHs. Enhanced surveillance, nutritional and social interventions are required to sustain progress toward End TB targets. Full article

Naturally colored cotton offers ecological advantages by eliminating the need for chemical dyeing; however, its limited fiber quality restricts its commercial utilization. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of the SSR marker BNL1604 for marker-assisted selection in naturally colored cotton (G. hirsutum L.) and to assess fiber quality variation among hybrid progenies derived from crosses between colored and elite white-fiber cultivars. As an expected outcome of this approach, we also assessed whether hybridization of naturally colored lines with elite white-fiber cultivars could contribute to the improvement of fiber quality traits in segregating progenies. Five colored lines (brown and green), three elite cultivars, and fifteen derived F₃ progenies were analyzed. Fiber traits, including upper half mean length (UHML), strength, elongation, and micronaire, were measured using HVI. Genotyping was conducted with BNL1604, and in silico mapping localized this marker to chromosome A07, with a homoeologous region on D07. White-fiber cultivars exhibited superior fiber length (33.4–35.4 mm) and strength (>31 g·tex⁻¹) compared with colored lines. Several F₃ hybrids exhibited transgressive segregation (progeny with trait values significantly exceeding those of both parents, as confirmed by frequency distribution and ANOVA analyses). For instance, the F₃ (C-6577 × L-4099) hybrid achieved UHML values of 30.51 mm and strength > 31.93 g·tex⁻¹. Most progenies maintained optimal micronaire (4.0–4.9). It was concluded that the presence of the 107 bp allele of BNL1604 marker was strongly associated with high-quality fiber, specifically improved fiber strength and length. In silico annotation revealed candidate genes near the BNL1604 locus linked to fiber development. These findings highlight the potential of combining hybridization with selection based on the presence of this 107 bp allele to develop high-quality, naturally colored cotton cultivars. Full article

Among the Central Asian republics, Uzbekistan is unique in that approximately 80% of its territory lies within a plain, characterized by an arid geographic zone and dry climate. Agricultural production in these regions is possible only through artificial irrigation. In recent years, global climate change and challenges related to transboundary water use have led to a reduction in water availability. The average annual water allocation to Uzbekistan is estimated at 51–53 billion m³, of which 90–91% is consumed by the agricultural sector. Due to the uneven distribution of water resources and the complex topography of irrigated lands, water supply is supported by numerous pumping stations operated by the state, water users associations, farms, and clusters. Additionally, well-based pumping systems are employed to maintain groundwater levels and ensure irrigation. On average, these facilities consume around 8.0 billion kWh of electricity annually. The agricultural sector faces several critical challenges, including crop water deficits caused by water shortages, slow adoption of water-saving technologies, and limited implementation of drip irrigation on household plots, dachas, and greenhouses that play a key role in food supply. Moreover, the delivery of water to fertile lands situated far from main power lines and water sources remains problematic. This article aims to explore the integration of solar energy solutions to support drip irrigation in both large-scale agricultural lands (ω = 1.0–100.0 ha and above) and small-scale areas such as homestead plots, dachas, and greenhouses (ω = 0.01–1.0 ha), as well as their application in small- to medium-sized pumping stations. Based on the research and experimental design work carried out, three mobile photovoltaic units—MPPU-8-500-4000, MPPU-2-550-1100, and MPPU-4-500-2000—were developed and implemented to address water and energy shortages in agriculture. Full article

Cotton is a globally important crop, with fiber quality traits governed by complex quantitative trait loci (QTL). However, the utility of QTL data is often limited due to inconsistencies across studies. This study conducted a comprehensive Meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis by integrating 2864 QTLs from 50 independent studies published between 2000 and 2024. Of these, 2162 high-confidence QTLs were projected onto a consensus genetic map using BioMercator V4.2.3, resulting in the identification of 75 MQTLs across the cotton genome. These MQTLs exhibited significantly reduced confidence intervals and enhanced statistical support, with 14 MQTLs reported for the first time. Several MQTLs, including MQTLchr7-1, MQTLchr14-1, and MQTLchr24-1, were identified as stable clusters harboring key fiber quality and stress tolerance traits. Candidate gene analysis within select MQTL regions revealed 75 genes, 38 of which were annotated with significant gene ontology terms related to lignin catabolism, flavin binding, and stress responses. Notably, GhLAC-4, GhCTL2, and UDP-glycosyltransferase 92A1 were highlighted for their potential roles in fiber development and abiotic stress tolerance. These findings provide a refined genomic framework for cotton improvement and offer valuable resources for marker-assisted selection (MAS) and functional genomics aimed at enhancing fiber quality, yield, and stress resilience in cotton breeding programs. Full article

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a widely cultivated and economically important fruit crop with increasing consumer demand worldwide. Nowadays, in Uzbekistan, strawberry cultivation surpasses that of many other fruits and vegetables in terms of production volume. However, most genetic studies have focused on a limited set of cultivars, leaving a substantial portion of varietal diversity unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic variability and heritability among selected strawberry cultivars, as well as correlations between certain valuable agronomic traits, using molecular and statistical approaches. Polymorphism analysis was performed, using 67 gene-specific SSR markers, through PCR, and allele variations were observed in 46.3% of the markers analyzed. Among them, 31 markers displayed polymorphic bands, identifying fifty alleles, with one to four alleles per marker. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using MEGA 11 software, while statistical evaluations included AMOVA (GenAIEx), correlation (OriginPro), and descriptive statistics based on standard agronomic methods. Additionally, the degree of cross-compatibility and pollen viability among the cultivars were studied, and their significance for cultivar hybridization was analyzed. The highest fruit weight was observed in the Cinderella cultivar (26.2 g), and a moderate negative correlation (r = −0.688) was found between fruit number and fruit weight. These findings demonstrate the potential of molecular tools for assessing genetic diversity and provide valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at developing improved strawberry cultivars with desirable agronomic traits. Full article

An overview of research on superconducting materials has been provided, including brief annotations of published papers and scientific cooperation among the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. It is shown that fundamental research on superconducting materials is being funded for development and study more at the government level in each republic than from private funds or organizations. One of the most promising materials, as indicated by recent studies, are those synthesized from metal hydrides, particularly lanthanum hydride, which exhibits superconducting properties at 203–253 K, close to room temperature. Unfortunately, this type of material’s practical application is currently limited because of the extremely high pressure necessary during exploitation. The most promising direction, as inferred from research conducted in CIS countries, is the development of cuprate superconductors doped with rare-earth elements such as yttrium, lanthanum, and other metals. There are also iron–nitrogen junctions, metallic and organic superconductors, and research into improving technologies for producing ultrathin substrates using laser or plasma deposition methods. CIS countries have established a strong scientific foundation in superconductivity, with Russia leading fundamental and experimental advances in high- and low-temperature superconducting materials. Future research will likely focus on improving synthesis techniques for ultrathin superconducting films and exploring novel doped hydride systems to achieve stable superconductivity near ambient temperatures. Full article

Euphorbia esula is widely distributed across China, Central Asia and other regions worldwide. For centuries, it has been applied in folk and traditional medicine as a cure for diverse ailments. Nevertheless, the bioactive components responsible for anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects remain incompletely identified. In this study, two undescribed chemical constituents, a pyrrole alkaloid (1) and a loliolide analogue (2), alongside nine known components (3–11) were separated from the aerial parts of Euphorbia esula indigenous to Uzbekistan. Their chemical structures were comprehensively elucidated utilizing HRESIMS, NMR, IR and UV spectroscopy. Corresponding absolute configurations were determined based on comparison of experimental and calculated ECD data. Compounds 3–11 were firstly isolated from Euphorbia esula, among which 4, 5, 7 and 9–11 were yielded from the genus Euphorbia for the first time. Chemically, the discovery of various skeletons covering pyrrole alkaloids (1, 9), norisoprenoids (2–8), furanone (10) and unusual cyclooct-2-enone (11) particularly highlighted the structural diversity. Bioactivity assays revealed that some compounds (1, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8) exhibited certain anti-inflammatory effects via inhibiting the NO release in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Full article

Derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione exhibit a variety of biological activities, including antimicrobial (e.g., compounds 31d–k, 32d, 36f), antitumor (e.g., 71, 77a–c, 82g, 94h), anti-inflammatory, analgesic (100a, 102, 105), antidiabetic, and antioxidant (104, 138) activity. These compounds can be efficiently synthesized by classical methods (e.g., cyclization of thiosemicarbazides) and/or modern “green” approaches, which allow for obtaining target compounds in high yields (up to 96%). The presence of electron-donating groups (e.g., -OH, -OCH₃) enhances antimicrobial and antitumor activity. Substituents in the aromatic ring (e.g., NO₂, Cl) affect the ability to bind to biological targets such as DNA or enzymes. 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones can also be used as fungicides and herbicides (e.g., 131), demonstrating high efficiency against phytopathogens. Thus, 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione derivatives are multifunctional compounds with high potential for the development of new drugs and agrochemicals. Their further study and modification can lead to the creation of more effective and safer drugs. Full article