Poetry from Mahbub Alam

Middle aged South Asian man with reading glasses, short dark hair, and an orange and green and white collared shirt. He's standing in front of a lake with bushes and grass in the background.
Mahbub Alam

A Missile and A Mother’s Lullaby—

A rebellion strikes within me,
Outside, thunder shatters the sky.
Before my eyes, high-rise buildings turn to ash,
Inside, a silent earthquake keeps shaking me.

I stagger, I run in all directions.
Leaves fall, scattering into the sky,
And like cotton clouds of silk-cotton trees,
I drift away into a white, floating realm.

Now I am only a drifting existence.

Yet sometimes I glimpse that familiar path of mine—
A forest wrapped in hills,
Birds flying freely into the open sky.

It is a land of no shortage of vastness,
A field where I can fly as I wish, wander as I wish,
And keep singing songs of love within.

Here, no fire of missiles falls,
No one sets traps of betrayal for another.
Beyond the violence of the earth,
With wings spread like birds,
That floating realm is enough for my two breaths of life.

But in this human world,
Human conflict burns the earth—
Burning buildings, burning soil, destroying lives.

Children startle awake from dreams
At the sound of war stories,
A chill runs through the bones.

In the forest, jackals keep howling softly,
As if even nature is mourning.

Yet a mother was supposed to tell stories—
A lullabying mother,
A soft song for a child’s gentle sleep,
A moonlit face full of peace,
A child like a sky full of stars.

If only I had a life that could dream like that…

Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh

28 March, 2026.

Md. Mahbubul Alam is from Bangladesh. His writer name is Mahbub John in Bangladesh. He is a Senior Teacher (English) of Harimohan Government High School, Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh. Chapainawabganj is a district town of Bangladesh. He is an MA in English Literature from Rajshahi College under National University. He has published three books of poems in Bangla. He writes mainly poems but other branches of literature such as prose, article, essay etc. also have been published in national and local newspapers, magazines, little magazines. He has achieved three times the Best Teacher Certificate and Crest in National Education Week in the District Wise Competition in Chapainawabganj District. He has gained many literary awards from home and abroad. His English writings have been published in Synchronized Chaos for seven years.

Once when he was in grade ten in 1990, his Bangla letter was selected as the best one from Deutsche Welle, Germany Radio that broadcast Bangla news for the Banglalee people. And he was given 50 Dutch Mark as his award. They would ask letters from the listeners to the news in Bangla and select one letter for the best one in every month.     

From 17 to 30 September, in 2018 he received a higher training in teaching English language in Kasetsart University of Thailand for secondary level students through a government order from education ministry. 

On 06 November 2015 he achieved Amjad Ali Mondal Medal for his contribution in education field by a development organization in the conference and felicitation function for the honorable personalities at Rajshahi College Auditorium. 

On 30 December 2017 from West Bengal in India he was declared a ‘Literary Charioteer’ in Bangobandhu Literary and World Bango Conference and they awarded him with a Gold Medal in their International Literary Conference and Prize Giving Ceremony.

In 2018, he achieved Prodipto Lirerary Award in Prodipto Literary Conference at Kesorhat, Rajshahi for poems in Bangla literature. He received honorary crest from the administration of Chapainawabganj District Literary Conference and Cultural Function in 2021 and 2022 consecutively. 

His poems have been published in many international online magazines such as Juntos Por las L Raven Cage Zine, and Area Felix.  His poems have been translated and published in Argentine and Serbian, and he participated in many international online cultural meetings. 

Essay from Jahongir Murodov

What Have I Done for My Mother?

The heart that beats within my chest,

Needs no one but my mother best.

O my God, for her I prayed,

For a longer life to be displayed.

Yet I still ask, deep inside—

What have I done for my mother’s pride?

When I’m tired, she holds me near,

When I grieve, she shares my tear.

She works so hard, yet never complains,

Through all the effort, she remains.

Still I wonder, with a sigh—

What have I done for her, and why?

Deep in her heart, she carries me,

My radiant home, my sanctuary.

If her love spreads across the earth,

The world would bloom in endless worth.

Yet again I question, passing by—

What have I done for her, and why?

Sometimes silent, lost in thought,

When I ask, her answer is short.

Her face shines bright, her eyes so pure,

A gentle soul, so calm, so sure.

And still my heart begins to cry—

What have I done for her, and why?

I kiss your feet—my heaven, my light,

May you live long, in health and bright.

May you reach a hundred years and more,

With happiness forever at your door.

Yet I ask myself, I cannot deny—

What have I done for her, and why?

I offer her the light of the skies,

Even heaven’s flowers seem too small a prize.

With hands raised high, she prays for me,

A mother’s love, so pure and free. 

And still I wonder, with a sigh—

What have I done for her, and why?

No words can truly praise her grace,

My tongue falls short, I can’t embrace.

Her selfless love knows no end,

Her care, her strength, will never bend.

Sleepless nights she gave for me—

What have I done to repay her, truly?

Poetry from Duane Vorhees

MISSINGS

I miss your wet clay pot.

Do you miss my water?

IN PARALLEL

flowers (lovers) in fields

(with zeal) shed blooms’

blood (shuck loomed goods)

without blame (with no shame)

as winter comes (and future

Comes)

REALTOR

“I gave Milton Paradise

and gave Whitman Manhattan.

I gave Coleridge Xanadu

and gave Plato Atlantis. 

I gifted Adam Eden

and I gave Dante Hell.”

Then, please, Muse, grant me Heaven.

Poetry from Nazokat Jumaniyozova

My grandfather

I looked out the window and remembered you,

Venus is staring at the star.

I’m crying because I miss you.

Daddy, I miss you.

The distance between us is long,

I want to hear your voice.

Call me if I keep doing it.

Daddy, I miss you.

Patting my head, saying, “My daughter.”

My mountain of trust, my support

May your health be blessed by Allah.

Daddy, I miss you.

Here are the tears in my eyes again.

I’m enduring it in the distance.

Even though my eyes are smiling

Daddy, I miss you.

One day such days will come,

You are proud to call me your daughter.

Everyone still envies you.

Daddy, I miss you.

Essay from Jumayev Akmal G’ulom o’g’li

THE SYSTEM OF LEGAL INCENTIVES FOR EMPLOYING YOUNG SPECIALISTS: A FACTOR IN ENSURING LABOR MARKET STABILITY
Jumayev Akmal G‘ulom o‘g‘li
Student of the Public Security University of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The legal foundation of youth policy in Uzbekistan and the analysis of constitutional reforms demonstrate significant progress in strengthening the protection of youth rights. The new edition of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, adopted by referendum on April 30, 2023, has elevated the system of youth rights protection to a qualitatively new level. Unlike the previous version, the new Constitution explicitly enshrines youth rights in a separate article.

Analysis of Article 79 of the Constitution — the “Charter of Youth Rights”:
This article imposes an obligation on the state to ensure the protection of the personal, political, economic, and social rights of young people, as well as to create conditions for their active participation in the life of society and the state. From a legal perspective, Article 79 elevates the issue of youth employment from a mere social measure to the level of a constitutional obligation of the state.

Labor guarantees:
Article 42 of the Constitution guarantees every individual the right to work, to freely choose a profession, and to work under fair labor conditions. For young specialists, the realization of this right is ensured through a “system of legal incentives” facilitating their transition from education to the labor market. Constitutional reforms legally confirm the transformation of the state’s role from a “passive observer” to an “active facilitator” in youth-related issues. This serves as a higher legal basis for establishing quotas and tax preferences for youth in subordinate legislation.

Socio-legal necessity of ensuring youth employment under demographic growth:
Uzbekistan is currently considered one of the youngest countries in the world, with nearly 60% of its population consisting of young people. This demographic situation implies that more than 600,000 new entrants join the labor market annually.

The “first job” problem:
Although graduates of higher and secondary specialized education institutions possess theoretical knowledge, they often lack practical experience, making them less competitive in the labor market. Legal mechanisms (such as preferential probation conditions) are essential to bridge this gap and protect young people from discrimination.

Labor market stability:
Youth unemployment is not only an economic loss but also a social risk (including increased migration and crime). Therefore, a system of incentives for employing young specialists serves as a key tool for maintaining the balance between supply and demand in the labor market.

Elimination of legal conflicts:
In practice, contradictions arise between employers’ demand for experienced workers and legal obligations to hire graduates. Before analyzing the system of incentives, it is necessary to clarify the legal meaning of the term “young specialist.”

Legal status of “young specialist” and “graduate” in national legislation:
The term “young specialist” has a specific legal status closely related to, but distinct from, the concept of a “graduate.”

  • “Graduate” refers to an individual who has completed higher, secondary specialized, or vocational education programs. According to the Law “On State Youth Policy,” youth are defined as individuals aged 14 to 30. 
  • “Young specialist” is a narrower legal concept, typically referring to a person who, within three years after graduation, enters employment for the first time. In some cases, this period may vary depending on the sector or program. 

Connection with incentives:
The status of a “young specialist” provides certain legal benefits, such as employment without a probation period and assistance in job placement. While “graduate” indicates completion of education, “young specialist” reflects entry into professional activity and eligibility for legal protection.

Distinguishing between these two concepts is important for both employers and young individuals. Employers must comply with legally established benefits when hiring young specialists, ensuring fairness and transparency in the employment process.

International Labour Organization (ILO) standards and their transformation into national law:
As a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Uzbekistan has ratified several conventions and recommendations aimed at promoting youth employment. These standards serve as an important legal guideline for improving national legislation.

In ILO documents, “youth employment” implies not only job creation but also ensuring decent work conditions, protection of rights, and opportunities for professional growth. The ILO generally defines youth as individuals aged 15 to 24, although this range may extend to 30 in national contexts.

Key aspects include:

  1. Conventions and Recommendations: Ratified ILO conventions (e.g., on employment promotion) form an integral part of national legislation and may have direct applicability. 
  2. Best practices: International experiences, such as Germany’s dual education system and Japan’s lifetime employment principles, serve as models for shaping Uzbekistan’s youth employment policy. 

ILO standards ensure protection against forced labor, prohibition of discrimination, and the right to fair wages, reinforcing the concept of “young specialist” within both national and international legal frameworks.

Thus, the legal determination of the term “young specialist” is based on both national and international legal norms. It refers not merely to age but to a qualified individual entering the labor market who requires special legal protection. This concept forms the basis for applying all benefits and guarantees aimed at youth employment.

Incentives for employers:
Ensuring youth employment requires not only providing benefits to young people but also incentivizing employers. This helps maintain labor market balance and facilitates youth employment.

Tax incentives are among the most effective tools. Legal frameworks should allow reductions in social tax rates for enterprises hiring young employees. Relevant provisions of the Tax Code of Uzbekistan (such as those related to personal income tax and social tax) may include mechanisms for granting such benefits.

Currently, these incentives may take the following forms:

  • Social tax benefits: Partial reimbursement or reduced rates of social tax for companies employing young specialists under certain conditions. 
  • Income tax benefits: In some cases, enterprises implementing youth employment projects may receive tax preferences. 

These measures compensate employers’ additional costs and make hiring young specialists economically beneficial, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.

Conclusion:
Youth employment today is not merely an economic issue but a crucial legal element of Uzbekistan’s national security and constitutional stability. Therefore, studying the system of legal incentives for young specialists is of great theoretical and practical importance. Economic-legal mechanisms such as tax incentives, subsidies, and mentorship systems accelerate the integration of young specialists into the labor market. This system serves as an essential legal instrument for implementing state youth policy and encourages employers to invest in young human capital.

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.