Nazarbayev University Repository (NUR) is an institutional electronic archive designed for the long-term preservation, aggregation, and dissemination of scientific research outcomes and intellectual property produced by the Nazarbayev University community and affiliated organizations.

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Recent Submissions

ItemOpen Access
Epistemic Injustice and Epistemic Resistance: An Intersectional Study of Women’s Entrepreneurship Under Occupation and Patriarchy
(Sage, 2023-12-07) Omran, Wojdan; Yousafzai, Shumaila
Women face unique challenges in their quest to achieve business success relative to men. Applying the theories of epistemic injustice and intersectionality, this study collectively analyzes the overlapping impacts of identities that complement gender at multiple levels in the context of the oppressive, interconnected power structures of occupation and patriarchy. Our findings explain how the impact of institutional oppressors, through structural and normative discrimi- nation, may cause some Palestinian women entrepreneurs to internalize and accept injustice while others tap into available resources to engage in epistemic resistance.
ItemOpen Access
Breaking barriers and bridging gaps: the influence of entrepreneurship policies on women’s entry into entrepreneurship
(Emerald Publishing, 2024-06-24) Raza, Ali; Yousafzai, Shumaila; Saeed, Saadat
Purpose – How does the interplay between entrepreneurship policies and both formal and informal gender equality affect women’s inclination towards self-employment in contrast to men? Design/methodology/approach – This study introduces and validates a comprehensive multi-level model underpinned by symbolic interactionism, institutional theory, and the nuances of gendered institutions. Employing innovative analytical techniques and leveraging data from 66 countries, we scrutinize how formal and informal gendered institutional arrangements either inhibit or facilitate an environment favorable to women’s entrepreneurial activities. Findings – Significantly, our research delves into the nuanced effects of specific entrepreneurship policies across diverse nations. While these policies can bridge the gendered resource gap, a profound understanding of broader gender dynamics is crucial for fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. Originality/value – Our insights advocate for a more integrated approach to bolster women’s participation in entrepreneurship, thus furthering their socio-economic progression.
ItemOpen Access
Circular entrepreneurial ecosystems: a Quintuple Helix Model approach
(Emerald Publishing, 2024-04-03) Borrero, Juan D.; Yousafzai, Shumaila
Purpose The shift toward a circular economy (CE) represents a collaborative endeavor necessitating the presence of efficient frameworks, conducive contexts and a common comprehension. This research serves as a pivotal stride towards this goal, presenting an exclusive prospect for the investigation and fusion of these frameworks, with particular emphasis on the Quintuple Helix Model (5HM), into a unified theoretical framework that underscores the core principles of the CE. This study is centered on three pivotal questions aimed at decoding the CE transition in specific regional settings. Design/methodology/approach Adopting an abductive approach firmly anchored in a two-stage qualitative process, this study specifically merges the foundational principles from institutional theory, entrepreneurship literature and CE frameworks to provide insights into the dynamics of circular ecosystems, with a specific focus on the Huelva region in Spain. Findings The findings demonstrate significant potential in the CE, ranging from the integration of product and service systems to innovations in eco-industrial practices. Yet, a notable deficiency exists: the absence of institutional entrepreneurs, highlighting the essential role that universities can play. As recognized centers of innovation, universities are suggested to be key contributors to the transformation toward a CE, aligning with their societal and economic responsibilities. Practical implications This study highlights the importance of managing relationships with entities like SMEs and policymakers or academia for effective CE adoption. Policymakers can refine strategies based on the research’s insights, while the impact of university-driven circular ecosystems on sustainable societies is another crucial area for research. Originality/value The sustainability models cited in CE literature may not be comprehensive enough to prevent problem shifting, and it can be argued that they lack a sound theoretical and conceptual basis. Furthermore, the connections between sustainability objectives and the three levels of the CE operating system remain vague. Additionally, there is insufficient information on how regions foster the involvement of the environment in fivefold helix cooperation and how this impacts the CE.
ItemOpen Access
Investigating the Suitability of Mare’s Milk-Derived Exosomes as Potential Drug Carriers.
(MDPI, 2024) Sergazy, S.; Zhetkenev, S; Shulgau, Z.; Chulenbayeva, L.; Kamyshanskiy, Y.; Nurgaziyev, M.; Nurgozhina, A.; Mukhanbetzhanova, Z.; Berikkhanova, K.; Gulyayev, A.; Aljofan M.
Exosomes are cell-derived, membrane-surrounded particles that deliver bioactive molecules to various cells. Due to their small size, low immunogenicity, extended blood circulation, and involvement in cellular communication, they hold potential as effective drug carriers. Exosomes are present in various biological fluids, including mare’s milk, a traditional drink in Central Asia. This study aims to compare exosome isolation methodologies and determine the stability of mare’s milk-derived exosomes as potential therapeutic carriers. Three extraction methods—immunoprecipitation, size exclusion chromatography, and total exosome isolation—were compared in terms of exosome characteristics, purity, and content. The isolated exosomes were then loaded with quercetin, and their ability to increase its bioavailability was tested in vitro and in vivo. Total exosome isolation was identified as the most efficient method for producing high-quality exosomes. These exosomes were loaded with quercetin and compared to free quercetin and exosomes alone. Exosomes loaded with 80 µM quercetin significantly restored β-galactosidase activity and cellular viability in doxorubicin-treated cells, exhibiting similar potency to 160 µM free quercetin. In aged model animals, treatment with quercetin-loaded exosomes resulted in significantly less acute and subacute damage to the myocardium, kidneys, and liver compared to untreated control animals. This study provides a proof-of-concept that mare’s milk-derived exosomes can be effectively absorbed by cells and animal tissues, supporting their potential use as drug carriers.
ItemOpen Access
Antiproliferative and Cytotoxic Activity of Geraniaceae Plant Extracts Against Five Tumor Cell Lines
(Taylor & Francis, 2021) Sergazy Shynggys; Vetrova Anastassiya; Orhan Ilkay Erdogan; Senol Deniz Fatma Sezer; Kahraman Ahmet; Zhang Jian_Ye; Aljofan Mohamad
Aim: To determine the antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities of Geranium and Erodium species against human cancer and noncancer cell lines, respectively. Methods: Twenty-one species of Geranium and Erodium were extracted and screened against cancerous and noncancerous human cell lines. Results: In a dose-response manner, G. glaberrimum, G. asphodeloides, E. brandianum and E. leucanthum were able, with variable potency, to inhibit cellular proliferation. Except for E. brandianum, all extracts induced cellular autophagy in tumor cells with similar levels to that of rapamycin; but, only E. brandianum induced cellular apoptosis, likely through Bcl2 and BAX protein expressions. Discussion: This is the first study to report the potential antiproliferative effects of ethanol extracts of several Geraniaceae species. Lay abstract Several plant species of the genera Geranium and Erodium were extracted and screened against five tumor cell lines for their potential antitumor activities. Out of the tested species, four showed potential antitumor action against all the tumor cells used. Interestingly, they appeared to achieve their antitumor activities by inducing important cellular defense mechanisms called autophagy and apoptosis. The current work is the first to test the antiproliferative potential of these species against different tumor cells.