Poetry from Maja Milojkovic

Younger middle aged white woman with long blonde hair, glasses, and a green top and floral scarf and necklace.
Maja Milojkovic

OLD AGE

Fatigue binds my eyelids and tightens my eyes, 

so they do not see your dear face. 

Hands have weakened from tireless work, 

so clumsiness has taken over in them. 

Unable to serve with honor and to earn their peace. 

From the long path of life, 

legs have begun to give out 

and to create problems for the body, 

and to inflict pain in the soul of my being. 

My dear old age, you come to me from behind, 

go, I beg you, away. 

I know that you come for what is yours 

and I know that this body is yours. 

Do not torment my soul, 

which does not belong to you, 

let it go, to let the light pass its rays 

and to allow the heart a rest. 

Oh, my dear old age, 

must you come to me right now. 

Know that it drives a knife into my heart. 

Oh, old age, my dear old age.

Maja Milojković was born in Zaječar, Serbia. She is the deputy editor at “Sfairos” publishing house in Belgrade, Serbia.  She is the vice-president of the association “Rtanj and Mesečev poetski krug”.  She is the author of 2 books: “The Circle of the Moon” and “Trees of Desire” She is the editor of the International Anthology “Rtanjski stihopevi” One of the founders of the poetry club “Area Felix” from Zaječar, Serbia and the editor of an international e-magazine for creative literature and culture “Area Felix”.

Essay from Urokova Nargiza daughter of Sherali

NEW TYPES OF VIRUSES. THEIR DANGERS AND PREVENTION

Urokova Nargiza daughter of Sherali

1st year student of the Faculty of Medicine, Tashkent State Medical University

 ABSTRACT

The article analyzes the causes of the emergence of these new types of viruses and the problems associated with human factors. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid mutation of viruses and the emergence of new strains is a global problem. The article covers the ways of transmission of viruses, their effects on the body and the severity of the disease. , the importance of vaccination and preventive treatment, obtaining immunity – the importance of observing personal hygiene rules. In this, researchers serve to update the monitoring and management of a healthy lifestyle among the population.

      Keywords: virus, immunity, problem, hygiene, complication, vaccination, construction, research.

      Introduction

      In recent virology and epidemiology, the evolution of strains and the emergence of new strains are a serious problem for the global health system. The high level of mutational activity of viruses changes pathogenicity, the process of spread and epidemiological support, adapting to new infectious conditions. This was especially evident after the COVID-19 pandemic, which confirmed the ability of viruses to adapt to new variants in a short time and spread around the world. In modern conditions, in-depth study of the mechanisms of origin of viruses, biological problems and their subsequent pathophysiological effects on the human body has a great scientific and practical impact. At the same time, the development of measures for the prevention of diseases, early and effective treatment of viruses remains one of the stable directions of science.

             MAIN PART

      Understanding viruses:

     Viruses are non-cellular, very small infectious agents that reproduce only inside the cells of a living organism. They are obligate intracellular parasites, that is, they cannot independently carry out their vital activity. Viruses structurally consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) and a protein shell – capsid – surrounding it. Some viruses also have an additional lipid shell. Viruses have unique biological properties; when they enter a cell, they control its genetic apparatus and force it to synthesize new virus particles. As a result of this process, the cell’s activity is disrupted or completely destroyed. Viruses are causative agents of various diseases. For example, diseases such as influenza, measles and hepatitis B are caused by viruses. They can be transmitted to the human body through airborne droplets, blood, food or direct contact. One of the unique properties of viruses is their rapid changeability, that is, their tendency to mutation. This leads to the emergence of new virus strains and the further complication of existing diseases. Therefore, the study of viruses, the analysis of their structure and life cycle is one of the important directions of modern medicine.

      Bird flu (type A influenza, H5N1)

     Type A influenza viruses are found in both humans and many animals and mutate very quickly. In 2009, it was this type of virus, H1N1, that caused a global pandemic and killed more than 280,000 people worldwide in its first year. This virus is known as “swine flu” and was first identified in pigs in Mexico.

     The experience with swine flu today is increasing concerns about bird flu. Because type A influenza viruses have the ability to jump from animals to humans, mix with each other, and form new and more dangerous forms. Therefore, in recent years, experts have been paying special attention to the H5N1 bird flu virus. The virus was first reported in humans in southern China in 1997. It spread to several countries through wild birds. In 2024, it was first detected in dairy cattle in the United States, spreading to several states.

The virus’s jump from birds to mammals, such as cattle, is a major concern for experts. It could be a repeat of the 2009 swine flu outbreak. Studies have also shown that it has been transmitted from cows to humans.

      Infectious disease doctor Patrick Jackson said that in 2026, scientists will closely monitor whether the H5N1 virus has reached the stage of human-to-human transmission. If the virus reaches this stage, it could cause a new global pandemic, like swine flu. Currently, existing flu vaccines do not fully protect against H5N1, and experts are working on new vaccines against this virus.

         Mpox

     Previously known as “monkey pox”, the mpox virus was first identified in the 1950s. It mainly spreads among rodents and occasionally infects humans. Mpox is similar to smallpox and causes a fever and a painful rash that lasts for several weeks. There are two main types of the virus: clade I, which is more severe, and clade II, which is milder. There is a vaccine for mpox, but there is no effective treatment.

      In 2022, clade II mpox spread globally, reaching more than 100 countries where the virus had not previously been reported. Spread occurred through close physical contact, including sexual contact. Since 2024, there has been an increase in clade I mpox cases in Central Africa. As of August 2025, four cases of clade I mpox have been identified in the United States, including in people who had not traveled to Africa. It is not yet clear how mpox will develop in 2026.

        Oropouche

       This virus is transmitted by insects. It was first identified in the 1950s on the island of Trinidad. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and very small biting flies, which are invisible to the naked eye. The disease is accompanied by fever, headache and muscle aches, and in some cases, weakness can last for several weeks. Sometimes the disease recurs after recovery. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus. Previously, the spread of the infection was limited to the Amazon region. However, since the 2000s, cases have also been detected in South America, Central America and the Caribbean. In the United States, it is more common in tourists returning from abroad. In 2026, the Oropouche virus could pose a risk to travelers to the United States. The insects that carry the virus are also found in North and South America, including the southeastern United States.

       Other viral threats

      There are many viruses that could pose a threat to human health in 2026. One of them is the chikungunya virus. This virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and has been spreading rapidly in various regions in recent years. It is considered especially dangerous for those traveling to tropical and subtropical regions. Vaccination against this virus is recommended in some countries.

      In addition, against the background of declining vaccination rates, measles cases are increasing in the United States and other regions of the world. Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications in unvaccinated children and adults. Another worrying situation is the possibility of a resurgence of HIV infection. Experts attribute this to the interruption of international financial and medical assistance programs in some regions. If treatment and prevention programs are disrupted, the risk of a large-scale spread of the virus increases.

       Viruses often jump from animals to humans or appear in new areas due to climate and environmental changes. Experts say that in order to prevent such risks, it is necessary to strengthen constant epidemiological surveillance, develop new vaccines and effective treatment methods.

       The effect of viruses on the human body:

      Viruses are obligate (obligatory, necessary, able to live only in such conditions) intracellular parasites, which are able to multiply only inside living cells. After entering the human body, viruses bind to special receptors on the cell membrane and enter the cell, introducing their genetic material (DNA or RNA).

As a result, the normal metabolic processes of the cell are disrupted, and the synthesis of virus components begins. This leads to structural and functional damage to the cell, and in some cases, its death.

       The effect of viruses on the body depends on their biological properties, virulence and the state of the body’s immune system. Some viruses damage the respiratory system, while others affect the nervous system, liver or blood cells. For example, the influenza virus mainly affects the respiratory system and causes inflammation, while the hepatitis B virus damages liver cells. In response to a viral infection, the body develops immune responses. During this process, lymphocytes become activated, produce antibodies, and try to destroy the virus. However, in some cases, excessive activation of the immune system can lead to additional tissue damage

        Clinically, viral infections are manifested by various symptoms: fever, general weakness, muscle pain, the development of inflammatory signs and functional disorders. Some viruses cause acute diseases, while others can be chronic and cause the development of long-term complications. Therefore, a thorough study of the pathogenesis of viruses is important for improving diagnostic, treatment and preventive measures.

       Prevention of viral infections:

      Prevention of viral infections is one of the important areas of modern medicine, which includes a set of preventive measures. First of all, compliance with personal hygiene rules is a key factor in reducing the spread of viruses. Regular hand washing with soap, the use of antiseptic agents and avoiding direct contact with dirty surfaces significantly reduce the risk of infection.

     Also, to prevent airborne transmission of viruses, it is recommended to wear masks in public places, ventilate rooms frequently and avoid crowded places as much as possible. Reducing contact with the source of infection is an important component of epidemiological control.

     One of the effective methods of prevention is vaccination. Vaccines create artificial immunity in the body, forming protective mechanisms against viruses. At the same time, leading a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, physical activity and sufficient rest increase the body’s resistance to viruses by strengthening the immune system.

      In addition, compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements, ensuring food safety and regular medical examinations are important in the early detection and prevention of viral diseases. Therefore, the comprehensive implementation of preventive measures is effective in reducing the spread of viral infections.

LIST OF REFERENCES:

1. Jawetz Ernest, Melnick Joseph, Adelberg Edward Medical Microbiology. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2019. – In English.

2. Murray Patrick, Rosenthal Ken, Pfaller Michael Medical Microbiology. – Philadelphia: Elsevier, 2020. – In English.

3. Ryan Kenneth, Ray George 1. Jawetz Ernest, Melnick Joseph, Adelberg Edward Medical Microbiology. – Sherris Medical Microbiology. – New York: McGraw-Hill, 2018. – In English.

4. Madigan Michael, Bender Kelly Brock Biology of Microorganisms. – USA: Pearson, 2021. – In English.

5. World Health Organization Virus infections and prevention guidelines. – 2023. – In English.

6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Principles of Epidemiology and Viral Diseases. – 2022. – In English.

7. Abdurakhmonov A., Khudoyberdiyev T. Microbiology, virology and immunology. – Tashkent: Uzbekistan, 2021. – In Uzbek.

8. Karimov Sh., Rasulov I. Fundamentals of medical microbiology. – Tashkent, 2020. – In Uzbek

O‘roqova Nargiza was born on March 26, 2001, in the Ishtikhon district of Samarkand region. She is currently a first-year grant-based student at Tashkent State Medical University.

Her professional career includes working as a biology teacher at School No. 33 in the Ishtikhon district of Samarkand region during the 2024–2025 academic year. She graduated from the Faculty of Biology at Jizzakh State Pedagogical University in the 2020–2024 academic years.

She is proficient in English, Russian, Arabic, and Turkish languages. She has published an anthology book on Lulu.com. She is the author of more than 10 articles and the holder of nearly 30 certificates, and she is recognized as a young researcher.

Poetry from Elaine Murray

The Wind Song 

Wind sings a song to me.

Sweet music to my soul.

Take me to the spirit world of Mother Earth.

To lie down on the sandy beach .

With waves flowing over my body and face.

I want to stay  under the water.

Touch the rhythms of the starfish and dolphins .

The essence of another world.

I cry out to the water world.

Take me, sing to me.

Hold me close and dance with me.

The music of the land sings loud .

I’m being split apart .

A force grows into me like a Titan .

Crashes take place within me,

At last I’m back lying on the sand.

The sweet music grows within me.

A divine calm takes hold .

Yellow Flowing Fields 

I miss the yellow fields flowing with the wind. 

My beautiful wild flowers are swaying in the wind.

Dancing for me.

I look up at the sky.

With white clouds flowing so peacefully .

  Just me nature and the blowing of the wind.

Heaven Rainbow

Heaven open your colors to me.

With blue sky painted with touches of yellow, red, gold and black of night.

Gold is for Kings and Queens of noble birth.

Red is for the torch that brightens the sky.

Black is for the mystery of another world hidden in the stars that guides ships

of long ago.

See for yourself how the blue sky sends flying wings to the kingdom in the sky.

I wish I could see the shooting star that burst into flames that color the sky.

Elaine Murray

2002

Essay from Toshmamatov Javohir 

”  The Algorithm of Will  “

As twilight fell over the busy streets of Tashkent, Zohid sat under the flickering lights of a student dormitory in Chilonzor, tiredly tapping away at his laptop keys. While his roommates had already finished dinner and dived into computer games or endless social media videos, Zohid was battling complex red error messages on his screen. For this young man from the province, life felt like a bridge between two worlds: on one side were the high hopes of his parents back in the village, and on the other, the ruthless demands of the modern IT world.

One day, an uncle who worked in an influential organization called him with an unexpected offer. He promised a significant share of money and a comfortable life until graduation in exchange for simply “closing” a government project. Although Zohid had only 20,000 soums left in his wallet and was wondering what to eat for lunch, and this offer seemed like a “lifesaving ship,” he remembered the lessons he had studied during long nights and why he entered this field. “I’m sorry, uncle, I didn’t come here to close someone else’s ready-made project; I came to build a system from scratch,” he replied firmly. Thus, Zohid’s true test began.

He started freelancing on international platforms, relying on coffee during daytime classes and writing code for foreign clients at night. One night, when the power went out, he took his laptop to a corner of a 24/7 cafe and spent the dawn with a single cup of tea—days like these further sharpened his will. Six months later, at a major startup competition at the university, he presented his agricultural digitalization algorithm, the product of those sleepless nights. His uncle, sitting among the jury, looked away as he realized that Zohid was not a “template-user” but a true “creator.”

Zohid won not only the grand prize but also a job offer from a prestigious American company. Riding the bus home that day, he felt with his entire being that true capital is knowledge; while money and connections are fleeting, a foundation built through hard work serves for a lifetime. He was no longer just a student; he had become a steadfast architect of his own future, staying true to his principles.

Uzbekistan

Toshmamatov Javohir     

Poetry from Ms. Kim Sun Young

The Vegetative Nature of Longing

Even when erased,

Even when erased again,

It reappears like a crescent moon,

Grows beyond a half-moon,

Becomes a full moon.

Like a face

Drifting as a full moon,

People hang

The space of longing

In their hearts.

Love,

Even when one tries to forget,

Has a terrifying vegetative nature—

It reveals itself, it grows.

That is why tonight is a full moon.

그리움의 식물성

지워도

지워도

생기는 초승달같이

반달에서 더 자란

만월같이

만월로 둥실

걸린

얼굴같이

사람들은 그리움 공간을

가슴에 걸어 두지요

사랑은 

잊으려 하여도

드러나고 자라나는 무서운 

식물성이 있어요

그래서 오늘밤 만월이에요

Poet Kim Sun-Young was born on May 17, 1938, in Kaesong, Gyeonggi Province. She graduated from Sudo Women’s Teachers College and later served as a teacher at Sudo Girls’ Middle School and as a professor at Sejong University. In 1962, she made her literary debut in Hyundae Munhak(Modern Literature) after her poems Bluebird, Echo, and Graffiti of the Seasons were recommended for publication. She was also an active member of the literary coterie Cheongmi (靑眉). Since the publication of her first poetry collection, Saga (思歌), in 1969, she has published 15 poetry collections, including The Shoe Store of Emptiness (1972), Wildflower Ritual (1976), Atmosphere of Fantasy (1976), Words Written at Night (1982), God Who Lives in the Lilac Tree (1983), Song of Longing (1987), and To Shatter (2008). She has received numerous literary awards, including the Contemporary Poetry Award and the Korean Literature Award. She has also served as an advisory board member of the Korean Poets Association and the Korean Women Writers’ Association, as well as a member of the International PEN Korea Center.

Poetry from Graciela Noemi Villaverde

That Letter I Don’t Write 

A bridge of words that never crosses the river, 

White sheets stored in drawers of silence, 

Ink frozen in the heart of the pen, 

A message that sails between 

what is said and what is felt. 

Memories folded like old paper, 

Voices that whisper in each empty line, 

Distance, an ocean without ships, 

Hands that imagine what the envelope will look like. 

Phrases that are born and die in the throat, 

Time that is written on invisible margins, 

Feelings, stones that sink into the soul, 

A letter, a tree that grows where there is no soil. 

Eyes that weep letters that never form, 

An embrace that travels in each written sigh, 

Truth that waits on the threshold of the page, 

Words that sleep in the pocket of memory. 

GRACIELA NOEMI VILLAVERDE is a writer and poet from Concepción del Uruguay (Entre Rios) Argentina, based in Buenos Aires She graduated in letters and is the author of seven books of poetry, awarded several times worldwide. She works as the World Manager of Educational and Social Projects of the Hispanic World Union of Writers and is the UHE World Honorary President of the same institution’s Activa de la Sade, Argentine Society of Writers. She is the Commissioner of Honor in the executive cabinet in the Educational and Social Relations Division of the UNACCC South America – Argentina Chapter.

Essay from Choriyeva Oynur

Choriyeva Oynur

Uzbek State World Language University, Faculty of English Philology, 2nd-year student

The Impact of Music on Study Efficiency

Choriyeva Oynur

Uzbek State World Language University

English Philology Faculty, 2nd-year student

Annotation.

This article explores how music influences students’ study efficiency. It discusses the positive effects of listening to music—such as improved concentration, reduced stress, and enhanced mood—and examines how different types of music affect learning outcomes. The article also highlights potential disadvantages, including distraction and decreased focus when listening to high-tempo or lyrical music. The aim is to identify how students can use music as a supportive tool to improve academic performance.

Key words: music, concentration, study efficiency, cognitive skills, learning, memory, productivity, supportive tool,academic performance.

Introduction.

Music plays a deeply influential role in the everyday lives of young people, particularly students who rely on it not only for entertainment, but also as a powerful tool for relaxation, motivation, and emotional balance. In academic settings, many students turn to music to create a comfortable study environment, improve their mood, or reduce stress during demanding learning tasks.

Scientific research supports these observations, showing that music can activate several key regions of the brain involved in attention, memory formation, and emotional regulation. For example, certain types of music stimulate neural pathways that enhance concentration and support cognitive processing, allowing learners to engage more effectively with their academic work.

Main Body.

Music is a universal language that connects people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Beyond serving as a source of entertainment, it also functions as an effective therapeutic tool, influencing human emotions and cognitive processes. Researchers note that music activates the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for generating attachment-related emotions, which allows music to support social bonding and emotional connection (Koelsch, 2014). Additionally, music encompasses a wide range of genres, each with its own structure, rhythm, and characteristics. Because every genre appeals to different preferences, the influence of music varies from one individual to another.

The impact of music on students’ concentration and attention span has long been debated. Although many students believe that listening to music makes studying more enjoyable, psychological research suggests that music may sometimes be more distracting than beneficial (Mercer, 2021). However, due to the widespread use of music among high school and university students, understanding its role in learning has become increasingly important.

This research emphasizes the relationship between music and concentration, exploring how musical preferences, cultural background, and genre differences shape students’ study habits. The findings highlight that the effects of music are not universal—what helps one student focus may distract another. Therefore, evaluating the potential benefits and drawbacks of listening to music during study sessions is essential for improving concentration and academic performance. Since current evidence across studies remains inconclusive, further research is needed to draw clearer conclusions about how music influences learning efficiency.

1. Positive Effects of Music

Many students say that music helps them during their study sessions. One of the main reasons is that it can improve concentration. Soft and slow music in the background reduces outside noise and helps students stay focused on their tasks for a longer time.

Music can also lower stress and anxiety, which is very common among students, especially during exams or when deadlines are close. Calming music makes the study environment more comfortable and helps students feel more relaxed.

Another important benefit is that music can boost mood and motivation. When students listen to songs they enjoy, they often feel more energetic and willing to continue studying. A good mood usually leads to better productivity.

Some studies also suggest that certain types of music can support memory and learning. For example, instrumental tracks can help students stay calm, which may make it easier to remember information.

2. Negative Effects of Music

However, music does not always help. In some cases, it can even make studying more difficult. The biggest problem is that songs with lyrics can be distracting. When a student is reading or writing, the words in the music compete with the text, and this reduces comprehension.

Another issue is loud or fast music, which can interrupt concentration. High-energy music makes it harder to focus on tasks that require deep thinking or careful analysis.

Finally, some students become too dependent on music while studying. This can cause problems later in situations where they are required to work in complete silence, such as during exams or in quiet classrooms.

3. Best Types of Music for Studying

Researchers generally recommend types of music that are calm and do not include lyrics. These include:

Classical music, especially gentle piano pieces

Lo-fi beats, which have a steady rhythm and are not distracting

Instrumental piano music

Nature sounds, such as rain or ocean wave

Ambient or meditation music, which helps create a peaceful atmosphere

These styles help students stay focused while avoiding unnecessary distractions.

Conclusion.

When used wisely, music can significantly boost study efficiency. Soft, instrumental tracks help students stay focused, improve attention, and feel calmer during study sessions. They can also reduce stress and create a more comfortable learning environment. On the other hand, loud or lyric-heavy music may distract students and make it harder to concentrate on tasks that require deep thinking. By selecting the right type of music for their needs, learners can enhance productivity, retain information more effectively, and achieve better academic results.

References:

1. Hallam, S. (2010). The Power of Music.

2. Jäncke, L. (2008). Music, Memory, and Emotion.

3. University of Maryland Medical Center – Stress Reduction Research.

4. Stanford University School of Medicine – Music and Brain Studies.