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LANGUAGE IDEOLOGIES AND LANGUAGE PRACTICES OF ETHNIC MINORITY STUDENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF TRILINGUAL EDUCATION IN KAZAKHSTAN
No full textThe Trilingual Education Policy in Kazakhstan, aiming to create a new unified national identity promoting equality and balanced use of Kazakh as the state language, Russian for interethnic communication, and English for global competitiveness, has raised concerns related to the exclusion of ethnic minorities’ languages and interests. A phenomenological qualitative research design with semi-structured interviews was used to explore their language ideologies and practices of ethnic minority students in the context of trilingual education. Participants include undergraduate and graduate students of diverse ethnic backgrounds (Uighur, Korean, and Tatar) from various regions of Kazakhstan. Findings reveal that students acknowledge growing societal emphasis on Kazakh and feel pressure to achieve fluency as a “civic duty.” However, in practice, Russian and English remain dominant languages in education, work, and the public domain. Heritage languages are often confined to the home, creating a sense of being “in shadow.” This complex linguistic environment creates tensions for minority students, impacting their identity construction and discrimination incidents. Participants’ narratives illustrate a spectrum of experiences in identity construction ranging from strong cultural identification to feelings of “otherness” and “nobody” reflecting alienation and detachment from their heritage language. Moreover, though aimed at inclusion, Kazakhstani trilingual education policy exposes minority students to discrimination based on ethnicity, language, and appearance. Thus, the study reveals the disconnect between policy aims “unity” and “equality” and the experiences of ethnic minority student
FORMAL MODEL DEFINITION OF WEB SERVICE BEHAVIOR FROM SOURCE CODE IN REWRITE LOGIC
No full textDevelopers of web applications strive for implementing state-of-the-art design patterns.
One of them is microservice architecture design, which increases the number of web
services employed in the applications’ back end. Formal verification may help to verify the
safe and proper interaction between concurrent web services. Most of the current tools
focus on verification of existing formal models defined using specification languages such
as BPEN (Business Process Execution Language), WS-CDL (Web Service Choreography
Description Language), and recently, Conductor. We propose a framework for building
formal models of web service architectures using an imperative programming language
called WAFL - Web Architecture Formal Language. We also provide a way to define
temporal logic properties based on assertions defined using WAFL. The implementation of
the framework was realized using the Maude rewrite logic language as an extension to the
language itself. The advantage of such a framework is that it provides a way for software
developers to model web service architectures without knowledge of formal modelling
languages and with little understanding of formal verification
CYTOSKELETON DISRUPTION EFFECT ON FOCAL ADHESION DYNAMICS
No full textThis thesis project investigates the changes in Focal Adhesions (FAs) dynamics following the disruption of the cytoskeleton components. FAs are necessary protein complexes in chemical signaling, mechanical force transmission, and cell migration. Focal adhesion occurs in protrusion sites by assembling integrin and mechanosensory proteins like FAK, talin, and vinculin. Despite numerous studies available about the interaction of focal adhesion proteins with each other, little detail is known about how the cytoskeleton components influence the lifetime, area, translocation, and formation frequency of focal adhesion.
Chemotherapy is the most common cancer treatment. Pharmacological agents such as nocodazole, latrunculin B, and cytochalasin D are known to influence the cytoskeleton components of the cell and are applied in the laboratory. The interaction of the cytoskeleton with focal adhesions is crucial for many cellular processes, including motility and cell adhesion. Thus, given the influence of focal adhesion on the cytoskeleton, studying the effect of these drugs on cell migration could contribute to the development of therapies against tumor growth.
In our study, we show that adding nocodazole changes the behavior of cells. Moreover, microtubule depolymerization alters the dynamics of focal adhesions by increasing their area and decreasing their lifetime. Furthermore, disruption of microfilaments with 0.5 μM latrunculin B and 0.5 μM cytochalasin D significantly inhibits cell migration. Furthermore, these actin filament inhibitors substantially reduce the translocation and formation of focal adhesions at the edges of the cell
THROUGH HARDSHIP TO THE RED STAR: THE FORGING OF GERMAN COLONISTS INTO SOVIET GERMANS
No full textReferred to commonly in scholarship as Soviet Germans, at the beginning of the Soviet Union these people did not represent a unified nationality. Instead within the early Soviet Union there existed many disparate groups of German colonists that had settled during the Russian Empire. While unified by the government's classification of them as German and application of policy towards them as German, these people often spoke separate dialects of German and had strong regional and confessional identities. However, by the end of the Soviet Union a community that would describe themselves as Soviet Germans would exist.
This study hopes to understand how this situation came about. Through an examination of a broad range of sources, such as Soviet archival documents, trial records, diaries, and petitions, a deeper understanding of the policies and experiences that created a common Soviet German identity will be revealed. The primary policies that formed this nationality were korenizatsiia, deportations, forced labor, limitations of rights and movement, and eventually consideration for an autonomous region in Kazakhstan. This study also deals with the continuity of the Soviet Union’s policies towards Germans with the policies of the Russian Empire. As well as the aftereffects of these policies following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The shared experiences of hardship these policies served as the catalyst towards the formation of the Soviet Germans. This study employs theories of identity which consider identity to organize group experiences, as a method of involvement with ideology, and as a continual construction. It also uses theory about the Gulag to understand the transformative and redemptive nature of labor in the Soviet Union
PHOTOTOUCH: SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE METHODS FOR PHOTOELASTIC TACTILE SENSOR
No full textThis thesis introduces a novel approach for predicting force at the fingertips of
tendon driven robotic fingers using the photoelastic effect. The core of this
technique lies in the detection of stress-induced birefringence in silicone, which
becomes visible as distinctive fringe patterns under polarized light. These
patterns emerge when tendons, embedded within a silicone matrix, apply forces
that compress the material. They are not merely visual markers, but also contain
valuable data about the applied forces and their distribution within the silicone.
To extract and utilize this data effectively, Convolutional Neural Network
(CNN) was employed, specially designed to analyze and interpret the intricate
fringe patterns. Thousands of these images were captured in various force
application states, resulting in a substantial dataset for the CNN to learn from.
The finger was used to show the position control and force control capabilities of
photoealastic tactile sensor. It was successful in following the sine wave during
force control mode, with RMSE of 0.59 N at a frequency of 0.05 Hz.
This document will further delve into relevant literature, elaborate on the
research methodology, describe the experimental setup, and present preliminary
findings. Col lectively, these components unveil the immense potential of the
proposed system in augmenting the tactile capabilities of robotic appendages,
with far-reaching implica tions for the fields of robotics and automated systems
DELAYS IN MAJOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: IDENTIFYING THE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS IN THE CONTEXT OF KAZAKHSTAN
No full textThis study investigates one of the most common problems in the construction sector in Kazakhstan which is the delay of projects. The construction industry is strategically significant in Kazakhstan since it provides servicing and supporting roles to other sectors. Annual growth in the construction industry makes it a critical component of the modern economy of the country. Numerous conditions have been established by the state at the republic and local executive levels to encourage the growth of this sector. However, real-world construction projects frequently face extensive time delays during their life cycle and take longer to complete than scheduled, even with detailed planning, advanced management techniques, and critical path networks. This is because these projects are more complex and have a wider scope at different activity levels, and there are numerous practical constraints concerning labor, materials, equipment, management, environment, and effectiveness. In Kazakhstan, construction projects suffer and are affected by this problem too.
The methodology of the work consists of quantitative and qualitative research methods to obtain more reliable and valuable results. Based on the literature review the survey method using a questionnaire was conducted among building professionals. The main goal is to identify the most frequent and important delay causes according to respondents' experience and opinions. The results according to responses the scope, initial duration, and budget of the projects are important and initially these factors should be discussed. Most respondents agreed that owners’ financial situations, lack of planning, coordination, and management skills, and unclear scope of the owner led to delays. Also, issues that are out of control such as force majeure, construction material supply chain problems, and increased prices affect the duration of the project.
Conducting the case study method through a primarily descriptive exploration of real-life cases of delayed projects in Kazakhstan, the concepts that are beneficial in the clarification of the whole phenomenon of delays in natural settings, are presented. According to the analyzed and collected data, further understanding of the causes of delay issues has been provided, namely financial problems, poor scope definition, project complexity, etc. Mostly their impact on the country is tremendous. In addition, modern techniques that are currently and often used for delay analysis in projects and effectively calculate and predict the time extensions in Kazakhstan are discussed in the work. Nowadays, the implementation of BIM is contemporary and it transforms into a new approach as TIMCO.
Results of secondary data collection methods and primary data collection methods were compared and discussed, and the main 14 causes that are widespread in the country were detected. The main goal and result of the study are to pay attention to the specialists from the country to the importance of the delays and try to prevent its causes. This study, among the most extensively discussed, introduces the primary subject in the country and gives more insights into the construction industry
SLOPE STABILITY ANALYSIS OF UNSATURATED CLAY SOIL UNDER FREEZE-THAW AND RAINFALL INFILTRATION EFFECTS
No full textThis thesis examines how rainfall infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles affect the slope stability of unsaturated clay soils in Kazakhstan. The effect of these environmental factors makes slope vulnerable to landslides by changing soil’s thermal and hydraulic properties. To analyze the impact of rainfall infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles, this study uses GeoStudio software in order to understand how environmental stresses affect slope stability. Three different modules were used to assess Factor of Safety: TEMP/W, SEEP/W, and SLOPE/W. Moreover, 5 various cases of simulations were highlighted and added to study: change in soil properties, temperature variations, soil types, evaporation rate, etc. The numerical simulation was done using results of laboratory works for soil properties such as SWCC curve and unsaturated permeability values along with rainfall and temperature data for Almaty climate. The results suggest that the main impact is from rainfall infiltration as it significantly lowers the Factor of Safety of Soil. Using SEEP/W results, paper found that even incorporation of evaporation effect was less effective in recovery of Factor of Safety of Soil as the main influence was still from rainfall. This paper further analyzed TEMP/W results by adding temperature fluctuations, however influence was not very large
FABRICATION OF GRADIENT SCAFFOLDS USING 3D PRINTING AND CRYOGELATION FOR REGENERATIVE MEDICINE APPLICATIONS
No full textIntroduction: Tissue engineering is a promising area aiming to develop artificial tissues and organs to combat the worldwide shortage of organ donations and provide alternatives to in vivo animal testing. There are several obstacles associated with using allografts or autografts for tissue repair, including the risk of immune rejection, susceptibility to infections, and the limited supply of donor tissues. To address these challenges, scientists have developed artificial implants using various biomaterials, such as natural or synthetic polymers, metallic substances, and ceramics. These biomaterials offer a porous structure resembling the natural biological environment, regulate the extracellular matrix, and support the formation of bone tissue. A gradient scaffold with large pores promotes cell growth by facilitating the production of extracellular matrix.
Method: In this study, we introduce a novel approach for creating multilayered porous scaffolds utilizing three-dimensional (3D) printing and cryogelation techniques. These scaffolds are constructed using hydrogel composed of a combination of Gelatin, oxidized alginate (OxAlg), and different concentrations of Hydroxyapatite (HAp). A series of analyses, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical assessments, and in vitro biocompatibility were carried out to evaluate the suitability of the multi-layered macroporous scaffold for supporting cell proliferation.
Results: Our findings indicate that the multilayered scaffolds containing higher concentrations of HAp facilitated greater cell proliferation. This enhancement can be attributed to the structural arrangement of the multilayered scaffold, which offers an optimal environment for cells to adhere and multiply sequentially, layer upon layer.
Conclusion: The conclusion drawn is that the multi-layered scaffolds with higher concentrations of HAp in this study are successful candidates for applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering
ENERGY EFFICIENT CLOCK SYNCHRONIZATION IN IOT USING REINFORCEMENT LEARNING
No full textThis project addresses the vital challenge of achieving precise clock
synchronization within the Internet of Things (IoT), a foundational element for the
seamless and efficient operation of interconnected devices. Such synchronization is
indispensable for critical IoT functions like coordinated actions, streamlined
communication, and power management. The project introduces a novel approach
leveraging Reinforcement Learning (RL), specifically the
State-Action-Reward-State-Action (SARSA) algorithm. This method equips devices with
the capability to autonomously learn and anticipate the timing of data transmissions,
fostering self-synchronization without manual intervention or pre-programmed
schedules. It's a significant shift from traditional manual adjustments of clock drift,
accommodating the unique timing characteristics of each device's crystal oscillator.
Small testbeds with ESP32 devices using the ESP-NOW protocol have validated the
approach's adaptability to transmission timing variances, maintaining a high success
rate in data receipt. Furthermore, the project continues to work on incorporating
knowledge transfer techniques and Huffman coding to compress trained data,
facilitating rapid convergence to optimal behavior and fostering an environment where
devices benefit from shared learning experiences
POLYCAPROLACTONE AND POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE NANOFIBER GRAFTS FOR ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT TISSUE APPLICATIONS
No full textThe present study hypothesizes that the produced graft from two different polymers (PCL&PET) with aligned-bimodal and unaligned-unimodal fibers can mimic the properties of healthy and injured ACL rabbit tissue, respectively. To observe if the created graft is useful to replicate the conditions for ACL restoration, primary fibroblasts taken from rabbit’s ACL tissue were seeded on two different types of scaffolds: aligned fibers, which represent healthy ACL tissue, and unaligned, which represent injured ACL tissue. After cell seeding, the evaluation of cell proliferation and DNA were evaluated in 3-time points from day 0 to day 7