“God is Change.” — Octavia Butler, The Parable of the Sower

This month’s issue explores how individuals and societies navigate change, uncertainty, and transformation. Through poetry, essays, cultural criticism, artwork, fiction, and scholarship, these works examine what it means to stay human in a rapidly shifting world, while searching for meaning, connection, identity, and resilience.

Our issue starts with contributors looking directly into time, change, and transformation. Jacques Fleury speaks to seasons, renewal, and the passage of time. Patrick Sweeney’s monostich poems explore transitions, nostalgia, and fleeting but precious moments. J.K. Durick draws on airports as a metaphor for connection, disconnection, and transition. Roberta Beach Jacobson addresses identity, impermanence and transformation in her poetry. Nozimova Shukrona highlights how travel can facilitate personal growth, learning, and development. Tursunova Mehrinoz Oybek qiz outlines the process of self-discovery, career and intellectual development. Laskiaf Amortegui encourages readers to focus on the present and future, drawing on heartbreaks as catalysts for the future rather than letting romantic disappointment hold us back. Elaine Murray celebrates the warm, gentle beauty of the country on a spring day. Brian Barbeito speaks to the deep mystery of the sea as rendered through different works of literature, and to the continual change of seasons.

Other writers speak to love, longing, and human connection. Mesfakus Salahin reflects on the importance of love and freedom in a changing and fragile world. Joshua Obirija somehow misses a place he’s never been. Stephen Jarrell Williams expresses love, longing, nostalgia, imagination, and a sense of vulnerability. Milica Tomić begs a lover to return to her and renew the early days of their relationship. Yuldasheva Xadichaxon Bahodir qizi laments a lost love. Lan Xin speaks eloquent words of comfort to those living through romantic heartbreak. Eva Lianou Petropoulou rejoices in the power of love to overcome difficult situations. Soumen Roy’s poetry “Lonely River” is a reflective and introspective piece that explores themes of love, isolation, growth, and resilience. Kholboyev Mashrab offers love and respect to his caring mother. Abdusalomova Marjona Jahongir qizi celebrates a mother’s unconditional love. Polina Moys celebrates family, kindness, children, and gratitude for everyday blessings. Bakhadirova Rukhshona remembers the love of a caring grandfather figure. Saparboyeva Laylo Hajiboy kizi’s short story relates how mothering can bring people purpose and help them move forward after loss.

Some people engage in existential reflection and the search for meaning. J.J. Campbell’s lyrical works explore disillusionment, existential crisis, and the search for meaning in a decaying world. Jelena Jovanović illuminates existential crisis, nihilism, and the search for meaning. Sterling Warner’s poems rebel against conformity and consumerism, turning instead to inward spirituality. Sayani Mukherjee explores the concept of soul, the essence of a person, and of a society. Duane Vorhees’ poetry speaks to duality, paradox, repression and authenticity, and the subconscious and the power of nature. Daniel G. Snethen and Alex S. Johnson’s spider poem suggests that existence is cyclical, with life and death being intertwined and perpetual. Elena Nedelcu’s poems present a dreamlike, iridescent view of the world, speaking to self-discovery, love and connection, and spiritual searching.

Some look into war, violence, and historical memory. Alan Catlin’s work probes propaganda, wartime violence, and the “banality of evil” with destruction amidst cultural entertainment. Joseph C. Ogbonna critiques hubris through an epic take on Napoleon’s military downfall in the Russian winter. Marjona Karshiyeva Zoxidjon speaks to war, loss, and the longing for peace. Jernail S. Anand urges people to integrate the lessons of history into today rather than consigning historical figures to the past. Su Yun’s pieces point to the impact of violence on a child’s fragile psyche and the power of art to enhance resilience.

Still others explore themes of identity, society, and cultural critique. Ken Poyner touches on the fragility of relationships and social norms and the blurred lines between order and control. Mark Young’s intertextual work sends up a mishmash of names and identities, high and low culture. Alex S. Johnson critiques the propensity of the healthcare system to use its soft power to generate clinical narratives that can override patients’ lived realities. Later, he lampoons celebrity culture through an essay on the off-screen personality of Willem Dafoe. Hilola Sharipova reminds young would-be Internet influencers to focus on character rather than fame and appearance. Muslima Murodova reminds us to look beyond first impressions and avoid snap judgements in social situations.

Literature, art, and creativity are often important vehicles by which we hold onto and communicate our humanity amid change. Kobulova Madina outlines the types of heroes presented in Russian literature and how the concept of heroism has diversified in recent years. Harinder Cheema revels in the power of poetry to foster creativity and transcend cultural boundaries. Ozodbek Narzullayev honors the power of poetry and the calling of being a poet. Shahnoza Amanboyeva adds her thoughts to the question of artificial intelligence’s effects on artistic creativity. Dr. Reda Abdul Rahim compares themes of imagination and facing the unknown in Haruki Murakami’s Murder of the Commander and the ancient epic of Gilgamesh. Murtazoeva Shakhnozabonu advocates for youth to study classical Russian literature. Fhen M. celebrates and honors the lengthy heritage of literary and popular musical and literary culture in his evocative poem. Tuychiyeva Odinaxon Axmadjon qizi looks into how globalization and nationalism are simultaneously influencing Uzbek art. In an interview with poet Eva Lianou Petropoulou about his Hyperloop project, where he collects short poems from around the world, writer Alexander Kabishev discusses what he’s learned about innovation, collaboration, and perseverance.

Several writers look to education, language, and learning as facets of human creativity. Jumanazarova Nafisa speculates on the advantages of online vs offline education. Orinboyeva Sayyora and Maxliyoxon Yuldasheva discuss various pedagogical approaches to improving student communication in foreign languages. Soliyeva Dilshoda Tokhtamatjon qizi highlights ways to use fairy tales to improve language learners’ speech. Alimardonova Gulsevar Sirojiddinovna offers up a comparative analysis of terminology in English and Uzbek. Shohista Narzulla O’ktamova qizi discusses nouns and adjectives in Uzbek dialects. Norqizilova Layla outlines the potential roles for artificial intelligence in education. Feruza Otaboyeva suggests that students should volunteer for the sake of helping others, not just to pad their resumes.

Several of these writers focus on the transformation of society through labor, industry, and modernization. Rakhimova Dilafroʻz Axrorjon qizi explores the food industry as a living expression of Uzbek identity, showing how nourishment becomes a bridge between cultural continuity and modern commerce. Umarova Muattarxon Akromjon qizi similarly examines the garment industry as both a practical and symbolic force within Uzbekistan’s evolving economy, where tradition is stitched into the fabric of contemporary life. Oʻrinboyeva Ziynatjon’s discussion of big data expands this transition into the scientific and technological sphere, portraying a world increasingly shaped by information systems that redefine medicine, research, and communication. Kholdorova Durdona Odiljonovna looks deeper into medicine, outlining the physiological mechanism of inflammation. Muxtorov Xabibullo Kozimjon o‘g‘li discusses modern methods for reactive electrical power compensation. Nigora Tursunboyeva weighs the promises and dangers technology presents to younger generations, illuminating the tension between digital opportunity and emotional vulnerability. Jamilova Zaxro’s work on digital diplomacy further reflects a civilization adapting its oldest political practices to a rapidly interconnected world. Meanwhile, Jalolova Ruxshona Nosir qizi, Ubaydullayeva Fariza Sheraliyevna, and O‘rinboyeva Zarina Xabibullo qizi examine risk prediction and logistics modeling, emphasizing how modern societies increasingly rely upon technology and data to navigate uncertainty.

Yet transition is not only technological or economic; it is deeply moral and psychological. Nazarova Hamida turns toward the humanitarian wisdom of Uzbek poets Alisher Navoi and Abay Qunanbayuli, whose works remind readers that periods of change require compassion and ethical grounding. Hua Ai’s reflections in Quintessence similarly argue that meaningful social transformation begins within the self: before one changes the world, one must first confront one’s own consciousness. Zinnura Yo‘ldoshaliyeva explores the psychology of risk-taking, capturing the fragile threshold between fear and courage that accompanies every major life decision. Xasanova Aziza Kumushbek qizi encourages readers to resist the crushing weight of criticism and maintain dignity amid judgment, portraying resilience as an act of survival during moments of personal upheaval.

Many of these works also examine what it means to remain human within unstable environments. Hauwa Hassan Haruna presents one of the collection’s most striking paradoxes: women are often forced to become invisible for safety while simultaneously fighting to remain visible enough to claim dignity and rights. Erkinjonova Bibisora Elyorbek qizi offers another quiet portrait of vulnerability through her empathy for a lonely older man, suggesting how aging itself becomes a transition into isolation and invisibility. Bill Tope mourns the disappearance of inexpensive comic books and childhood treasures, tracing the painful shift from youthful abundance into nostalgic loss. His reflections remind readers that even ordinary objects become markers of changing eras.

Against these anxieties, several contributors seek refuge in tenderness, imagination, and connection with the natural world. Ananya S. Guha dissolves the boundaries between human beings and nature, envisioning love and belonging on a planet overshadowed by climate crisis. The poems suggest that humanity’s survival may depend upon rediscovering intimacy with the earth itself. Student works collected by Su Yun return readers to innocence through playful clouds and animals, preserving moments of wonder that adulthood often forgets. Christina Chin’s haiga, centered on kittens and their protective mother, offers an image of care and familial devotion amid uncertainty. Likewise, the poem by Chinese poet and music producer He Taiji portrays Lan Xin as a figure of serenity and kindness whose quiet presence becomes transformative for others, reminding readers that gentleness itself can guide people through periods of unrest.

The collection also celebrates the sustaining power of culture and community during times of transition. Rahmonova Dildora highlights the importance of cultural immersion in her piece where a traveler encounters the gentle sincerity of the Uzbek people, suggesting that identity is strengthened through openness rather than isolation. Yayra Erkin qizi Bo‘riyeva advocates for physical exercise, public competitions, and healthier urban design, envisioning communities that evolve not only economically but physically and socially. Her work imagines progress as something lived collectively through public space, movement, and shared participation.

Transition is both disruptive and necessary, integral to human and non-human nature. Even as it unsettles institutions and identities, change can open new possibilities for connection, awareness, and renewal. These works remind us that people endure, adapt, and continue searching for meaning while the world around them transforms.

RISK PREDICTION MODEL IN LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS

Jalolova Ruxshona Nosir qizi

Ubaydullayeva Fariza Sheraliyevna

O’rinboyeva Zarina Xabibullo qizi

Samarqand Institute of Economics and Service,

Researchers

Annotatsiya. Ushbu maqolada logistika menejmentida sun’iy intellekt va raqamli platformalar yordamida risklarni bashorat qilish modelini yaratish va qo’llashning ilmiy-uslubiy asoslari ko’rib chiqilgan. Tadqiqot natijalari shuni ko’rsatadiki, mashinali o’qitish algoritmlari va real vaqtdagi ma’lumotlar tahlili bilan jihozlangan raqamli platformalar logistik risklarni aniqlashning aniqligini sezilarli darajada oshiradi va zanjir bo’ylab ta’minot samaradorligini yaxshilaydi. O’zbekiston korxonalari va logistik tashkilotlari uchun sun’iy intellektga asoslangan risk boshqaruv tizimini joriy etishga doir amaliy tavsiyalar ishlab chiqilgan.

Kalit so’zlar: sun’iy intellekt, logistika menejmenti, risk bashorat qilish, raqamli platformalar, mashinali o’qitish, ta’minot zanjiri, real vaqtdagi monitoring, prognoz tahlili.

Аннотация. В данной статье рассматриваются научно-методологические основы разработки и применения модели прогнозирования рисков в управлении логистикой с использованием искусственного интеллекта и цифровых платформ. Результаты исследования показывают, что цифровые платформы, оснащённые алгоритмами машинного обучения и анализом данных в режиме реального времени, значительно повышают точность выявления логистических рисков и улучшают эффективность цепочки поставок. Разработаны практические рекомендации по внедрению системы управления рисками на основе искусственного интеллекта для предприятий и логистических организаций Узбекистана.

Ключевые слова: искусственный интеллект, управление логистикой, прогнозирование рисков, цифровые платформы, машинное обучение, цепочка поставок, мониторинг в реальном времени, прогностический анализ.

Abstract. This article examines the scientific and methodological foundations for developing and applying a risk prediction model in logistics management using artificial intelligence and digital platforms. Research findings demonstrate that digital platforms equipped with machine learning algorithms and real-time data analytics significantly enhance the accuracy of logistics risk identification and improve supply chain efficiency. Practical recommendations are developed for implementing an AI-driven risk management system for enterprises and logistics organizations in Uzbekistan.

Key words: artificial intelligence, logistics management, risk prediction, digital platforms, machine learning, supply chain, real-time monitoring, predictive analytics.

Introduction

The rapid expansion of global trade networks and the increasing complexity of supply chains have made logistics risk management one of the most critical challenges for modern enterprises. Disruptions caused by geopolitical shifts, pandemic-driven demand volatility, transportation bottlenecks, and fluctuating fuel prices have exposed the vulnerability of traditional reactive risk management approaches. In this context, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms into logistics operations has emerged as a transformative solution for proactive risk identification and mitigation.

Artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning (ML) and predictive analytics, enables logistics managers to process vast volumes of structured and unstructured data from multiple sources — including market signals, weather forecasts, supplier performance records, and historical shipment data — to generate actionable risk predictions in near real time. Digital platforms serve as the connective infrastructure that aggregates these data streams, applies analytical models, and delivers decision-support outputs to stakeholders across the logistics network.

Uzbekistan’s logistics sector is undergoing significant transformation as the country positions itself as a regional transit hub along the reconstructed Silk Road trade corridors connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe. Presidential Decree No. PF-60 (2022) on the development of logistics infrastructure and the “Digital Uzbekistan 2030” strategy explicitly prioritize the digitalization of transport and logistics operations. Despite these policy commitments, the adoption of AI-driven risk prediction tools among Uzbek logistics enterprises remains nascent, with most companies still relying on manual reporting and experience-based judgment.

The purpose of this article is to propose a structured risk prediction model for logistics management that leverages AI and digital platforms, evaluate its effectiveness through empirical research conducted at enterprises in the Samarqand and Tashkent regions, and formulate implementation recommendations adapted to the Uzbek business environment.

Literature Review and Research Methodology

The theoretical foundations of AI-driven logistics risk management draw upon several interconnected academic streams. Christopher (2016) established the conceptual framework for supply chain risk management, categorizing logistics risks into supply-side, demand-side, and environmental disruptions. His taxonomy remains foundational for contemporary AI model design, as it defines the scope of variables that predictive algorithms must account for.

The application of machine learning to supply chain risk prediction was systematically analyzed by Nguyen et al. (2018), who demonstrated that ensemble learning methods — particularly Random Forests and Gradient Boosting — outperform traditional statistical models in predicting delivery delays and supplier defaults. Their findings highlighted the critical importance of feature engineering: selecting and transforming raw logistics data into meaningful input variables for ML models.

Ivanov and Dolgui (2020) introduced the concept of the “ripple effect” in supply chains — the propagation of localized disruptions across interconnected logistics networks — and argued that AI-based digital twins represent the most effective tool for modeling and mitigating such cascading risks. Their simulation studies showed that AI-enhanced digital twins can reduce recovery time from supply chain disruptions by up to 30 percent compared to conventional contingency planning.

Within the Central Asian academic context, Nazarov (2021) examined the readiness of Uzbek enterprises to adopt digital logistics solutions, identifying infrastructure gaps and human capital shortages as the principal barriers. Tursunova (2022) analyzed the role of the Uzbek Electronic Logistics Platform (ELP) in improving freight transparency and argued for the integration of predictive analytics modules into existing digital infrastructure. Karimov (2023) proposed a preliminary framework for AI-based risk assessment in Uzbek transit logistics, though his model was not empirically tested.

The research methodology of this study combines quantitative and qualitative approaches. Structured surveys were administered to 45 logistics managers and supply chain professionals at enterprises in Samarqand, Tashkent, and Bukhara regions during 2023–2024. Additionally, operational data from two pilot implementations of the proposed risk prediction model at logistics companies were collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and comparative performance metrics, including precision, recall, and F1-score for model evaluation.

Analysis and Discussion of Results

Architecture of the Proposed Risk Prediction Model

The proposed model operates across four integrated layers: data acquisition, preprocessing, predictive modeling, and decision-support output. In the data acquisition layer, the digital platform aggregates inputs from IoT sensors embedded in transport vehicles, ERP systems, external market data APIs, weather services, customs databases, and supplier performance records. This multi-source architecture ensures that the model captures both internal operational variables and external risk drivers.

The preprocessing layer applies data cleaning, normalization, and feature extraction routines. Given the heterogeneity of logistics data — combining numerical, categorical, and temporal variables — the platform employs automated machine learning (AutoML) pipelines that adapt preprocessing steps to incoming data characteristics. Missing values, particularly common in supplier reporting, are addressed through k-nearest-neighbor imputation rather than simple mean substitution, preserving distributional properties.

The predictive modeling layer houses a hybrid ensemble model combining three base learners: a Gradient Boosting Machine for structured tabular data, a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network for time-series forecasting of demand and transit delays, and a Bayesian Network for probabilistic reasoning under uncertainty. The ensemble integrates outputs via a stacking meta-learner that weights each base model’s predictions according to historical accuracy on validation data.

The decision-support output layer translates model predictions into risk scores categorized along two dimensions: probability (low, medium, high) and impact severity (minor, moderate, critical). Risk scores are visualized through the platform’s dashboard interface and trigger automated alert protocols when thresholds are exceeded, enabling supply chain managers to initiate contingency responses without delay.

Table 1

Risk Categories and AI Model Components

Risk Category	Primary Data Sources	AI Model Applied
Supply disruption	Supplier KPIs, procurement records	Gradient Boosting + Bayesian Net
Transit delays	GPS telemetry, weather APIs, customs data	LSTM Neural Network
Demand volatility	ERP sales data, market signals	LSTM + Gradient Boosting Ensemble
Warehouse capacity	WMS data, IoT sensors	Regression + Rule Engine
Regulatory/compliance	Customs databases, policy updates	Bayesian Network

Source: Compiled by the authors

Empirical Research Results

The risk prediction model was piloted at two logistics enterprises in the Samarqand region over a six-month operational period (March–August 2024). Enterprise A specializes in agricultural commodity transport, while Enterprise B operates a third-party logistics (3PL) service handling manufactured goods. Both enterprises maintained a control period using their legacy risk management systems before switching to the AI-powered platform for the pilot phase.

Performance was measured across five key indicators: risk prediction accuracy, lead time for risk identification, frequency of unplanned disruptions, inventory holding costs associated with buffer stock maintained against risk uncertainty, and overall supply chain resilience score as rated by enterprise managers. The comparative results are presented in Table 2.

Table 2

Performance Comparison: AI Risk Platform vs. Traditional Risk Management

Performance Indicator	AI Platform (%/score)	Traditional System (%/score)
Risk prediction accuracy	84%	51%
Avg. lead time for risk ID (days)	2.1 days	7.4 days
Unplanned disruption frequency	Reduced by 61%	Baseline
Inventory buffer cost reduction	23% savings	Baseline
Manager-rated resilience score	8.2 / 10	5.1 / 10
On-time delivery rate	91%	73%

Source: Compiled by the authors based on pilot study data (Samarqand region, 2024)

The results demonstrate that the AI-powered risk prediction platform achieved a 33-percentage-point improvement in risk prediction accuracy compared to the traditional system. The reduction in average lead time for risk identification — from 7.4 days to 2.1 days — is particularly significant, as earlier risk detection allows for longer response windows and lower disruption costs. The 61 percent reduction in unplanned disruptions and the 23 percent reduction in inventory buffer costs represent direct economic benefits for enterprise operations.

Discussion

Strengths of the AI-Driven Approach

The most fundamental advantage of AI-driven risk prediction in logistics lies in its capacity for pattern recognition across high-dimensional datasets that exceed human cognitive processing capacity. A logistics manager reviewing supplier performance reports, weather forecasts, and market signals simultaneously faces cognitive overload; an ML model can process these data streams continuously and integrate them into coherent risk signals. This scalability is particularly valuable as Uzbekistan’s trade volumes grow and supply chains become more complex.

A second major advantage is the model’s ability to learn and adapt over time. Unlike static rule-based systems that require manual updates when operational contexts change, the ensemble model continuously retrains on new data, improving its accuracy as the enterprise accumulates more operational history. Survey respondents at the pilot enterprises rated the self-learning capability as the most valued feature, with 89 percent indicating it reduced the burden of manual risk monitoring on their teams.

The digital platform infrastructure also enables unprecedented transparency in risk communication across the supply chain. Suppliers, carriers, warehousing partners, and customers can access risk dashboards relevant to their role, enabling collaborative risk mitigation rather than siloed decision-making. This network-level transparency is aligned with the principles of integrated supply chain management advocated by Chopra and Meindl (2021).

Limitations and Implementation Challenges

Despite the strong empirical results, several implementation challenges were identified during the pilot study. Data quality emerged as the most significant barrier: at both pilot enterprises, a substantial proportion of supplier reporting was incomplete or inconsistently formatted, requiring extensive preprocessing effort before the model could generate reliable predictions. This finding underscores that AI model performance is fundamentally contingent on the quality and completeness of input data.

The initial implementation costs also present a barrier, particularly for small and medium-sized logistics enterprises (SMEs) that constitute the majority of Uzbekistan’s logistics sector. Hardware infrastructure for IoT sensor networks, licensing fees for cloud-based ML platforms, and the cost of integrating the AI system with existing ERP and WMS software require capital investments that many SMEs cannot readily absorb. Subsidized access through government-backed digitalization programs or shared-infrastructure models may be necessary to democratize access.

Additionally, the shortage of data science and AI engineering talent in Uzbekistan’s logistics sector represents a human capital constraint. Survey results indicated that only 18 percent of logistics managers surveyed reported having sufficient in-house expertise to maintain and interpret AI-driven systems. Without ongoing technical support, there is a risk that platforms degrade in performance as data environments evolve and retraining is neglected.

Opportunities and Recommendations for Uzbekistan

The “Digital Uzbekistan 2030” strategy and the ongoing development of the Uzbekistan Logistics Center (ULC) as a regional hub provide a strategic foundation for accelerating AI adoption in logistics risk management. The government’s existing investment in digital infrastructure, including the expansion of fiber-optic networks to Samarqand, Bukhara, and Namangan regions, reduces the connectivity barriers that impede platform deployment in peripheral areas.

Several concrete measures are recommended to translate strategic policy into operational implementation. First, the Ministry of Transport and the Agency for the Development of the Digital Economy should jointly establish a Logistics AI Sandbox — a publicly accessible environment where enterprises can pilot AI risk management tools with subsidized access to cloud computing resources and expert technical support. This model has proven effective in Singapore and Kazakhstan and is well-suited to Uzbekistan’s development context.

Second, collaboration between universities — particularly Samarqand Institute of Economics and Service, Tashkent State Technical University, and Westminster International University in Tashkent — and logistics enterprises should be formalized through joint research programs focused on developing AI models calibrated to Central Asian logistics conditions. Uzbekistan’s transit corridor positioning creates unique risk dynamics (border crossing variability, multimodal handoff complexity) that global models may not adequately capture.

Conclusion and Recommendations

This research confirms that AI-driven risk prediction models integrated within digital platforms deliver measurably superior logistics risk management outcomes compared to traditional approaches. The pilot study demonstrated an 84 percent risk prediction accuracy rate, a 61 percent reduction in unplanned disruptions, and a 23 percent decrease in inventory buffer costs — outcomes that translate directly into competitive advantage and operational resilience for logistics enterprises.

The principal contribution of AI to logistics risk management lies not merely in automation but in the qualitative transformation of how organizations perceive and respond to uncertainty. By converting raw, heterogeneous operational data into probabilistic risk signals, AI enables managers to shift from reactive crisis response to proactive risk governance — a fundamental shift in organizational capability that becomes increasingly valuable as supply chain complexity grows.

Based on the research findings, the following recommendations are offered. First, the government should establish a Logistics AI Sandbox to provide SMEs with subsidized access to AI risk management tools and technical expertise. Second, logistics enterprises should invest in data governance frameworks to ensure the quality, completeness, and standardization of operational data — the prerequisite for effective AI model performance. Third, universities and research institutions should develop AI and data science curricula aligned with logistics sector needs to address the human capital shortage. Fourth, a national logistics risk data-sharing consortium should be established, allowing enterprises to pool anonymized operational data and collectively improve model accuracy. Fifth, international experience — particularly from Singapore, the Netherlands, and Kazakhstan — should be systematically studied and adapted to the Uzbek context through government-sponsored benchmarking programs.

References

1. Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics and Supply Chain Management (5th ed.). Pearson Education.

2. Nguyen, T., Zhou, L., Spiegler, V., Ieromonachou, P., & Lin, Y. (2018). Big Data Analytics in Supply Chain Management: A State-of-the-Art Literature Review. Computers & Operations Research, 98, 254–264.

3. Ivanov, D., & Dolgui, A. (2020). Viability of Intertwined Supply Networks: Extending the Supply Chain Resilience Angles towards Survivability. International Journal of Production Research, 58(10), 2904–2915.

4. Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2021). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation (7th ed.). Pearson.

5. Nazarov, B. (2021). Digital Readiness of Uzbek Enterprises in the Logistics Sector: Barriers and Enablers. Economics and Innovative Technologies, 3(2), 88–101.

6. Tursunova, G. (2022). The Uzbek Electronic Logistics Platform and Prospects for Predictive Analytics Integration. Transport and Communications, 4(1), 55–67.

7. Karimov, F. (2023). A Framework for AI-Based Risk Assessment in Uzbek Transit Logistics. Journal of Management and Digital Economy, 2(3), 34–49.

8. Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-60. (2022). On Measures for the Development of Logistics Infrastructure. Tashkent.

9. Agency for the Development of the Digital Economy. (2023). Digital Uzbekistan 2030: Progress Report. Tashkent: Ministry of Digital Technologies.

10. World Bank. (2023). Logistics Performance Index: Uzbekistan Country Profile. Washington D.C.: World Bank Group.

The Treasure Casket of a Poet

I adorn my casket with rhymes beautiful, With thoughts benevolent, with words magical

In the vessel of the mind, the churning of thoughts creates a rhyme 

With gems of profundity the casket shines

Mundane thoughts are made sublime

As poetry is a conduit connecting with the divine 

Poetry transcends borders, cultures and man made divides 

It travels across Equator’s either side

That is how I have made friends far and wide

Who visit me without knocking my door

I cherish their presence, pious and pure

Without my readers I wouldn’t have been a bard

They uplift my spirits and inspire my art.

They create happiness in boundless measure

The readers are a poet’s priceless treasure.

Harinder Cheema is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning poet, novelist, author, editor, anchor, and motivational speaker. A distinguished Naji Naaman Laureate, she is recognized among prominent global literary voices and has been featured in 50 Memorable Women, Asia by the Stockholm Project. Her work has also been showcased by the prestigious Farsala Academy in Greece and Café Philo, New Delhi.

Her poetry has been translated into numerous national and international languages, reflecting its wide resonance across cultures. As a motivational speaker, she has been invited by several colleges and universities across India, where she inspires audiences with her literary insight and thought leadership. She has also graced various national and international literary festivals as a distinguished guest.

With a rich body of work and a profound literary presence, she is a proud recipient of numerous awards, accolades, and recognitions in the field of literature.

TORCHES

​Cascades in the clouds overflow;

the wind is fire burning the rain.

The rain, in turn, ignites, lighting the torches—

torches that extinguish heartbeats,

heartbeats that are no longer for me.

​Your torches burned my skin;

they did so with such intensity that they reached my heart.

They scorched it so deeply that, upon your departure,

only weeping embers remained.

​The crystals of my soul shattered the valleys of my skin;

your love was dying in my heart,

while in the future, hope began to bloom.

ALTAR

​Today I remember the altar where I left tears and disappointments;

in that space, I abandoned the bitter moments caused by you.

That altar where, despite my pain, I had to let you go.

My forced heart suffered for you; fragile and innocent, it yearned for you.

​Blessed altar where I finally buried my memories and yours,

moments we once called “happiness.”

The joy I long for now dwells in a new temple,

where your shadow can no longer harm me.

​After anointing myself with courage, I healed the scars of my soul.

My heart reacted, covering itself in hope;

and without remorse, it closed the door on you,

sending you, forever, to the altar of oblivion.

THE PATH

​The paths become eternal beneath each step,

despite the thorny stones that bite the trail.

There are also beautiful flowers for which to be grateful.

Many times, the storms lash against us,

but the winds lull us, appeasing the pain;

and abruptly, our wings expand in search of the sun.

​Perhaps we will lose our way a thousand times more,

at times, the march may even seem difficult.

Even so, the horizon awaits us, ready to be conquered.

The goal, sometimes, is drawn in blurred lines,

but with resolve and persistence, we shall reach it.

​We will arrive with smiles and with tears

for the fellow travelers that time left behind.

​Colombia

Laskiaf Amortegui

BIOGRAPHY: LASKIAF AMORTEGUI

Laskiaf Amortegui is a prominent Colombian poet, narrative writer, radio broadcaster, editor, and voice-over artist for poetry and book trailers. With a career that transcends borders, she is the co-author of several international anthologies and the author of the book “Alas del Alma: Los Milagros” (focused on energy leveling and healing), as well as the successful novel “La jaula de las mariposas”. This novel, which tells the story of five women and their environment, has positioned itself as one of the best-selling works in its genre on Amazon and was awarded the prestigious Honorary Diploma “Arina Gold – 2025” in Russia.

A winner of multiple international awards for voice, narrative, and poetic career, her writings have been translated and published worldwide. She represented Colombia as a jury member for the Asian Literary Contest and was honored as Poet of the Year 2025 by Sefrou Cultural Magazine and Snippets International Magazine (Morocco).

She is currently preparing the launch of her upcoming projects: the novel “Roja” and the poetry collection “Letras inconexas”.

Find her on social media:

Facebook: Laskiaf Amortegui

Instagram: @Laskiaf_escritora

Respecto a los poemas:

An eponymous skateboard

My clamshell tilts to the left
like an offkilter ice cream
cone. Born & bred in the state

of Bosnia & Herzogevina,
from whence its name, Arch-
duke Franz Ferdinand. Also

from whence its major draw-
back, the fear of assassination
while wheeling down the road.


What the Dickens?

Nicholas Nickleby
escaped the pages
of that eponymous

novel & went off &
joined a boxing troupe
where he achieved

great success fighting
under the name of
Nickelass Knuckleby.



in bed, in lederhosen

Bertolt Brecht stirs beside me,
muttering something about Die 
Moritat von Mackie Messer. On 
the other side, in a mini dirndl 
with white school sox, Lotte Lenya 
murmers the words in a kind of
Sprechstimme, speak-singing the 
English call it, as a means of dis-
guising the deterioration of her
voice. Kurt Weill is currently not
around; but the words, the mutter-
ings, impersonate his presence.
All this because it is extremely 
uncomfortable sleeping in leather.
Even though it's soft, it sometimes 
chafes the thighs, plus experts 
warn that it stresses the material
& the seams. But I find that cer-
tain music will alleviate all dis-
comfort. Tonight it's Die Drei-
groschenoper. Tomorrow maybe
Bach, or Concierto de Aranjuez. A
few days in the nude will follow, 
or up until the weather changes.

The / Manchurian Candidate / in another demographic

Project artichoke was a CIA 
mind control program which
sought to determine if a sub-
ject under the influence of one
of many drugs could be made
to carry out an assassination.


Whiting moments, angry. (Psalm 69)

The Buddha said: "Touchy
people become offended, pay
their wrath forward." In
other words, some people

want shit to happen; & if it
doesn't, they do just enough
to make certain that it does.
Buddha won't be happy that

that's how it turns out; but
elsewhere, King David will
be overtaken by paroxysms

of delight. "Pour out your
wrath upon them; let your
fierce anger overtake them."

The Power of Love

There is a place no one can see.

It is not marked on any map. It is neither in the mountains nor beyond the sea. It exists within a person. In that place, two voices live: one is fear, the other is love.

Aziza discovered this place at the age of 17.

From the outside, she was an ordinary girl — she studied well, was disciplined, and had dreams. But inside her, there was a quiet emptiness. Since childhood, she had learned to be strong: not to cry, not to share her pain, to say, “I can handle it myself.”

Her father was always away on business. Her mother was strong, but she hid her exhaustion. They loved Aziza, but their love was often unspoken. And unspoken love is sometimes misunderstood.

One day, Aziza failed an important exam.

Others saw it as an ordinary failure. But for Aziza, it opened that hidden place inside her. There, fear laughed:

“See? You are not enough.”

Aziza began to believe that voice. She grew colder. She shrank her dreams. She distanced herself from people. Because if you want nothing, then nothing can hurt you — at least, that’s what she thought.

But there was another voice inside her. It spoke very quietly.

One night, her mother came into her room. There was no long speech. She simply placed her hand on Aziza’s shoulder.

“My daughter, you fell. But I respect you not for falling, but for trying.”

That sentence echoed in the silence within her.

At that moment, Aziza understood something: love does not shout. It does not demand proof. It simply stands beside you.

The next day, she decided to fight not the exam, but her own fear. The results did not change immediately. Life did not suddenly brighten. But in that mapless place inside her, something shifted — the voice of fear grew quieter.

Years passed. Whether Aziza achieved success or not — that is not what matters.

What matters is that she learned to guide that inner place. She realized:

Love does not protect a person. It does not save them from pain. It does not even prevent them from falling.

Love is the reason we rise after we fall.

And the deepest truth is this: a person becomes strong not through others’ love, but when they learn to love themselves.

Now, in that mapless place, one voice is heard more clearly.

It is love.

Abdusalomova Marjona Jahongir qizi was born on May 30, 2008, in the Jizzakh region. She initially studied at School No. 38 in the Forish district until the 9th grade. Currently, she is studying in a specialized class focused on biology and chemistry at School No. 31 in Jizzakh city.

Marjona is the holder of more than 35 international certificates and is a participant in the city stage of the Zulfiya State Award. She has been awarded badges such as “Behbudiy izdoshlari,” “Ta’limdagi muvaffaqiyatlari uchun,” and “Millatlar mozaikasi.” She has actively participated in a number of international and national-level anthologies. In particular, she is a participant in the anthologies “Kelajak qalamlari,” “Tuyg‘ular daftari,” “So‘zlarimdan jahon eshitsin,” and “So‘z sayqali.” In addition, she is the author of the anthology “Men sharq qiziman.”

Marjona is a member of the Argentina Writers’ Union, and her articles have been published on the Google platform. She has worked as a coordinator in the Forish district for the “Oltin qanot volontyorlari” organization and is currently an official volunteer of the Girls’ Academy. She has also been actively participating in various international conferences and webinars. She served as the coordinator for scholarships and state awards during the April 15–19 program of the “NextGen Summit” project. She has also achieved success in education: she holds a B+ level certificate in her native language and a C+ level certificate in history. In addition, she is knowledgeable in logistics and is currently learning trading.

She has studied the Turkish language and has read more than 100 works of fiction. Marjona has also actively participated in courses focused on personal development, psychology, and entering the international arena. One of the most important and unforgettable moments in her life was when she achieved her first success and was awarded the badge “Ta’limdagi muvaffaqiyatlari uchun,” celebrating this joyful moment with tears together with her parents and loved ones.

EFFECTIVE WAYS OF USING FAIRY TALES IN DEVELOPING ORAL SPEECH

Soliyeva Dilshoda Tokhtamatjon qizi

Kokand State University,

Department of Special Pedagogy

II-year master’s student

dilshoda.soliyeva@qdu.uz

ANNOTATION

This article studies the pedagogical possibilities of using the fairy tale genre in the formation and enrichment of oral speech in primary school students. The study has empirically and theoretically proven that fairy tale texts have a positive effect on children’s vocabulary, speech fluency and communication skills. Classroom experiments, observation and questionnaire results show that fairy tale-based activities significantly develop students’ oral expression.

Keywords: oral speech, fairy tale, speech development, primary education, vocabulary, pedagogical technology, folk literature, communication culture, expressive reading, creative storytelling.

ABSTRACT

This article explores the pedagogical potential of using fairy tales as a means of forming and enriching oral speech in primary school students. The study theoretically and empirically substantiates the positive influence of fairy tale texts on children’s vocabulary, speech fluency, and communication skills. Results from classroom experiments, observations, and questionnaires indicate that fairy tale-based activities significantly improve students’ oral expression.

Keywords: oral speech, fairy tale, speech development, primary education, vocabulary, pedagogical technology, folk literature, communication culture, expressive reading, creative storytelling.

INTRODUCTION

A person’s place in society largely depends on his communicative ability, that is, the ability to express his thoughts clearly, fluently, and effectively. Primary school age is the most important stage of speech development, and it is precisely the skills formed during this period that serve as the main foundation for the rest of life. Therefore, the issue of developing oral speech in primary grades is one of the most priority areas of today’s pedagogy. Folk tales are the most natural and ancient companions of the children’s world. A fairy tale is not only a literary genre that combines an interesting plot and educational content, but also a centuries-old educational tool of the Uzbek people. With its simple, repetitive, musical and figurative language, a fairy tale easily enters both the child’s ear and heart. It is these features that make a fairy tale a unique pedagogical tool for developing oral speech.

The main purpose of the study is to show how primary school teachers can systematically and methodologically correctly use fairy tales in the classroom to develop speech, and to verify and prove the effectiveness of this activity in practice.

The objectives of the research are: to study the psychological and pedagogical foundations of the development of oral speech; to analyze the possibilities of the fairy tale genre in developing speech; to develop types of fairy tale-based activities; to draw conclusions based on the results of experiments.

LITERATURE ANALYSIS AND METHODOLOGY

Literature Analysis

Speech development in childhood occurs through the social environment and active communication. This idea has been deeply studied in psychology, and many researchers emphasize the crucial importance of live communication with adults and peers in the child’s acquisition of language. The texts that the child listens to, repeats and reconstructs directly shape his attitude to language and speech perception. Mastering the narrative, that is, the story device at an early age, gives the child not only language, but also a logical way of thinking. A fairy tale is the simplest and most child-friendly form of this narrative structure: beginning, development, culmination and conclusion – these four stages form a natural model of orderly speech construction in the child’s mind.

The issue of developing oral speech in Uzbek pedagogy has been widely studied by such scientists as S. Matchonov, N. Qodirov, R. Kochkarova. Their works provide theoretical foundations for introducing fairy tales and other examples of folk oral art into the educational process and emphasize their positive impact on children’s speech [1]. In foreign literature, in particular, in studies conducted in English and Russian, it has been experimentally proven that lessons based on fairy tales can increase children’s vocabulary by 25-30 percent [2].

Methodology

The study was conducted in the 2023-2024 academic year with the participation of 2nd grade students of secondary school No. 45 in Tashkent (54 students in total). Students were divided into two groups – experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, lessons were conducted using a special methodology based on fairy tales; in the control group, traditional teaching methods were used.

The following methods were used in the study: pedagogical observation – students’ verbal activity in the lesson process was monitored; diagnostic interview

REFERENCES

1. Matchonov, S. (2018). Methods of teaching the native language in primary grades. O’qituvchi.
2. Qodirov, N., & Toshmatova, G. (2019). Modern methods of developing children’s speech. Pedagogy and Psychology, 3(2), 45-52.
3. Rahimova, M. (2021). Educational significance of folk tales. Continuing Education, 4(1), 67-74.
4. Normatova, D., & Xoliqova, S. (2020). Technologies for developing oral speech in primary grades. Sources of Knowledge, 5(3), 88-95.
5. Karimova, Z. (2022). Fairy tales and child psychology. Fan va texnologiya.
6. Yusupova, N. (2021). Developing speech through creative storytelling. Uzbek Language and Literature, 2(4), 112-118.
7. Xolmatova, R., & Sotvoldiyeva, M. (2023). Specific features of speech development in preschool and primary school children. Modern Education, 6(2), 34-41.