Associate Professor Research Articles

A tale of three associate professors: A grassroots approach to supporting women in higher education

In higher education, gender imbalances continue to persist, particularly at senior academic levels and in university leadership. To explore practical ways to address this disparity, a grassroots initiative was established at an Australian University in 2015 and has grown into an ecosystem of mentoring and support for career advancement of academic women. Challenges and successes of the initiative from 8 years of operation are presented through a teaching case accompanied by teaching notes, including different benefits of grassroots initiatives for gender equity to both organisation and individuals. JEL Classification: M14, J16

Determinants of influenza and COVID-19 vaccine intent or uptake in Lebanon: a scoping review of the literature

BackgroundVaccination is essential to protect from influenza and recently from COVID-19, yet uptake in Lebanon is suboptimal. Several factors determine uptake including knowledge, attitude and policies. We conducted a scoping review of the literature to explore the determinants of influenza and COVID-19 vaccine intent or uptake in Lebanon.MethodsFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, thirty one peer reviewed studies indexed in six databases Pub Med, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, Medline, and the Cochrane Library were screened. Two students, a senior Librarian and an Associate Professor in nursing searched for eligible studies. The library search strategy followed a combination of three broad concepts (viral influenzas; vaccines; Lebanon). The search timeframe was up till December 31, 2022. Determinants of influenza and COVID-19 vaccine intent or uptake were categorized following the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior.ResultsNine studies investigated influenza vaccine intent or uptake among the public community, parents and healthcare workers. Twenty one studies investigated COVID-19 vaccine intent or uptake among the public community, older refugees, university students, patients with cancer, dentists, and social media users. One study investigated both types of vaccines. A conceptual model of the determinants of vaccine intent and uptake within the Lebanese context was developed. Various determinants included environmental factors, norms, knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, past experiences, behavioral control and hesitancy.ConclusionsResearch on vaccine intent and uptake in Lebanon is still in its infancy, while that of COVID-19 is on the rise. Multifaceted reasons behind the low vaccination rates were observed yet few attempts were made to target vulnerable groups. Further research studies are needed to target vulnerable groups.

MODERN STATISTICAL TRENDS OF EXPORTS BY SEA TRANSPORT TO THE CIS COUNTRIES

Nino Abesadze 
 Email:nino.abesadze@tsu.ge
 Associate Professor, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisis State University 
 Tbilisi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6564-2771
 
 Otar Abesadze 
 Email:o.abesadze@gmail.com 
 Associate Professor, Georgian National University SEU 
 Tbilisi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1644-4995
 
 Nino Paresashvili 
 Email:nino.paresashvili@tsu.ge 
 Associate Professor, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisis State University 
 Tbilisi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7645-6491
 Abstract. In the modern conditions of globalization, the use of sea transport is becoming more and more popular, the share of which is quite high in export trade relations. 
 The main goal of the paper is to outline the trends in export under the conditions of sea transport and to determine the main parameters. Analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction were used in the research process, as well as specific statistical methods: observation, grouping, and analysis. For the purpose of analysis, data were processed, and indicators were calculated with computer software SPSS.
 Over the years, historically, the CIS has been and still is one of the major trade partners of Georgia. Its share in the total volume of exports is almost 50%, which was characterized by certain fluctuations in 2016-2022. If at the beginning of the period, only 35% of Georgia's total exports went to CIS countries, by 2019 its share increased to 53.8%. 
 Export relations with the CIS are mainly carried out by road (81%), while marine transport has a share of 9.8%. In 2016-2022, the average annual growth rate of exports to the CIS countries amounted to 123.9%, while the increase of exports by sea transport was 19% annually during the same period. In 2022, the share of exports by sea transport decreased, which makes up 4.7% of the total export in the CIS countries, which is 5.9 percentage points lower than the previous year's figure. Despite the fact that before and after the pandemic, Georgia has active trade relations with the countries of the region, bat a large part of re-exports, 94%, goes to the CIS countries, by road and then by sea.
 Georgia's total export to the CIS increased by 33.3% compared to the previous year, while local export decreased by 1%. The increase in exports to the CIS was largely related to the increase in re-exports because in this period re-exports increased by 76%. Despite the growth of domestic exports, re-exports have a significant share in the total exports of Georgia with the CIS, and its change affects the characteristics of foreign trade. Accordingly, the ratio between local export and re-export is variable, which amounted to 0.69 in 2022.

TRENDS IN THE GROWTH OF DEMAND FOR MARINE TOURISM IN GEORGIA

Nino Abesadze 
 Email:nino.abesadze@tsu.ge
 Associate Professor, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University 
 Tbilisi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6564-2771
 Ketevan Chitaladze
 Email:ketevan.chitaladze@tsu.ge
 Assistant Professor, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University 
 Tbilisi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3403-6218
 Natalia Robitashvili
 Email:nato.robitashvili@bsu.edu.ge
 Associate professor, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University 
 Batumi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7645-6491
 
 Abstract. Nowadays, tourism is a principal factor in the successful development of the country's national economy and business.
 Indeed, marine tourism is not yet a priority among the types of tourism, and its percentage share is still low in the structure of tourism, however, its growing demand allows for optimal forecasting. Therefore, identifying opportunities for the development of marine tourism, characterizing the mood of the population, analyzing the factors affecting the development of marine tourism, etc. is relevant, and its research is objectively necessary.
 The main goal of the study was to determine expectations for the development of cruise tourism in Georgia. Statistical observation, grouping and analysis methods were used in the research process. 
 It should be noted that cruise tourism is quite a big business. So big that according to a report by the International Association of Cruise Lines, the fastest growth rates in demand for cruise tours have been recorded since 2010. The secret of the attractiveness of cruise tours is the fact that tourists are satisfied with the structure of the services received during the tours, with a wide opportunity for self-realization for recreation, offering the best and most comprehensive environment for travel lover 
 In the research process, general, as well as specific statistical methods were used.
 It should be noted that before the pandemic, the number of international visitors arriving in Georgia by sea transport was characterized by an increasing trend since 2015; In 2022, a 50% reduction compared to 2015 was recorded; The statistical characteristics of marine tourism were the highest in the year of the beginning of the pandemic, which significantly decreased in 2021-2022. 60% of the 350 respondents participating in the study were in the age group of 25-44 years. 71% of the respondents are employed. 68% of respondents prefer internal closed cabins; For example, the Genoa-Laspezia-Civitavecchia (Rome) - Palma de Mallorca-Barcelona-Cannes-Genoa, cruise proved to be in demand among the residents of Georgia. In the structure of tourist expenses, the expenditure on non-alcoholic drinks prevails. etc.

THE LATEST TRENDS IN GEORGIA’S BUSINESS REGISTER

Lia Dzebisauri i 
 E-mail: lia.dzebisauri@tsu.ge 
 Associate Professor, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University 
 Tbilisi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2604-9323
 
 Marine (Maia) Mindorashvili 
 E-mail: maia.mindorashvili@tsu.ge 
 Associate Professor, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University 
 Tbilisi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7177-9870
 Abstract .In this paper, we examine the Statistical Business Register (SBR) in Georgia, which serves as the foundation for economic statistics. To keep up with the demands of the modern digital economy, the SBR requires ongoing capacity-building efforts. It's a critical component in generating official statistics that inform evidence-based decision-making. In light of the ongoing globalization process, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there's a growing demand for high-quality, comparable SBR and economic statistics at the international level. Geostat's BR is unique in that it allows for determining an entity's activity status. However, the current globalization process presents a challenge to creating a perfect SBR, increasing the need for an internationally comparable SBR in the post-COVID-19 pandemic world. Our paper highlights the significance of the SBR and investigates registered and active business entities in Georgia according to various parameters, such as economic activities, legal status, and territorial distribution by regions, and statistical trends of active companies during pre and pandemic periods. We also identify areas where COVID-19 had the most detrimental effect and where further recovery is necessary for the sustainable development of Georgia's economy. As the backbone for economic statistics, the SBR needs continued capacity-building activities in the modern digital economy. It plays a central role in producing official statistics, both in terms of how the statistics are produced and the quality of the statistics that draw on information from them. Our article, in particular, is devoted to improving the quality and modernizing the indicators of the statistical business register, which further contributes to producing high level business and macroeconomic statistics.

THE FINAL STAGE OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR AND THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN GEORGIA IN 1917

Nugzar Zosidze
 Email:n.zosidze@bsu.edu
 Associate Professor, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University 
 Batumi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2613-3365
 Abstract. 1914-1921 is one of the most difficult periods in the history of Georgia. During this most difficult period, the country endured the stormy days of the Russian February Revolution of 1917 and the October revolutions. But with self-sacrificing battles and courageous actions of national forces, independence was restored. These years were even more painful from the point of view that certain regions of the country experienced the occupation of foreign countries several times.
 The topic of the history of the research period has become especially relevant since the beginning of the 90’s of the twentieth century. However, many details and features of these relationships have not yet been fully investigated, fully studied and scientifically substantiated.
 After the heavy political battles that developed in the Russian Empire in 1917, the social democrats became the vanguard of the national liberation struggle in Georgia, but at first they did not raise the issue of restoring national sovereignty. This could be due to the fact that at that time the political parties operating in Georgia had difficulty making independent decisions. It is true that the revolution forced Russia to give up active foreign policy, but it tried to interfere in the affairs of Transcaucasia.
 This is what led to the fact that social democrats and social federalists did not fight for national independence, but were satisfied only with broad autonomy, the legalization and practical implementation of which should be decided by the constituent assembly of the Russian Provisional Government. We share with the famous researcher of Georgian history historian Z. Avalishvili's opinion that at that stage, "no one thought of severing the state connection with Russia; Just as they didn't think about it in Estonia, Latvia and other parts of Russia. In this regard, it can be said that Georgia was on par with others’’.
 The small group of Georgian intellectuals, which was formed into the National Democratic Party in 1917, represented an important force in the national liberation struggle. They directly continued the program of the previous national liberation movement called „Tergdaleulebi“ and considered the 1783 treaty as the basis of the relationship. (G. Dekanozishvili, T. Sakhokia, P. Surguladze, L. Kereselidze, G. Machabeli and others).
 In connection with the mentioned issue, Professor Sh. Vadachkoria thinks that it is the correct political orientation of the social democrats that led to the restoration of Georgia's state independence. "Georgia's independence, renewal and perfection of its statehood and Georgian social democracy are inseparable from each other". We partially agree with the above-mentioned opinion and consider that it is wrong to ignore the contribution of the Social Democratic Party in this case.
 On October 25, 1917, the Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government in the capital of the empire. On October 26, members of the Provisional Government, including Kerensky, were arrested in the Winter Palace. A Soviet government was established in Russia. After this coup d'état, the Transcaucasian de facto government, "Ozakom", lost its purpose. The missions of the Entente states wanted to create a government independent from Bolshevik Russia in Transcaucasia.
 We think that the creation of the Transcaucasian Commissariat was a politically correct step, since Transcaucasia was officially separated from Soviet Russia by the creation of a new regional body, but only until the restoration of the legal authority of Russia, which was an indication that Transcaucasia would not be declared an independent state. It was not favorable for Transcaucasia to remove the Caucasus Front, because otherwise it might lead to the strengthening of aggression from Turkey, and the forced occupation of Transcaucasia countries.

REGRESSIVE ANALYSIS AND FORECAST OF STATE DEBT

Sophio Beridze 
 E-mail: sopho1982@hotmail.com 
 PhD Student, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University 
 Batumi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7264-2873
 
 Lela Oniani 
 E-mail: lela.oniani@bsu.edu.ge 
 Associate Professor, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University 
 Batumi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5960-4015
 Abstract: Actuality of the topic is caused by the role of the debt as financial instrument, as in the sphere of prosperity of the country, as well in its maintenance. State debt plays an important role in the macro-economic system of any Government. Formation of debt, .service and its covering, have a great influence on financial situation of the state, on the movement of money streams, investing climate, establishing international cooperation and its future development between the states. Actuality of the problem of external state debt was increased due to the fact that it is directly connected to the economic safety of the state.
 The goal of the article -originating/growth of state debt, despite of its burden is inevitable. If the level of income and employment more or less increase proportionally among with state debt, burden can be bearable and will not need concern. Percentage indicator of debt can not determine the burden of debt. Main determiner of the debt burden is: Annual capacity of debt service, reflection of state debt in economy, face of tax system. The aim of the article is to forecast the scales of factors, which influence on external state debt and implementation of main principles for effective management. In order to achieve goals which are set, there is a model to foresee scales of factors,which influence on state external debt.
 Methodology/approach: in order to learn and foresee existing condition of state debt, first of all,there were selected valid factors, which mostly effect on state external debt rather than other factors. Research took place by the building up regressive model, checking its quality and using forecasting models.
 Practical value/Implications: the practical significance of the paper is that its statements and conclusions are oriented on solving problems within the optimization of state external debt dynamic. Learning and researching about the influence of state debt on the stability of the state economy, will help conductors of economic policy to plan the right measures to avoid debt crisis. For this purpose:
 - We revealed valid factors on the stability of debt according to regressive analysis, among which the most important are the quality of debt service, deficiency of budget and level of employment.
 -We have made forecasts about the stability of state external debt and about the factors which influence them till the 2030.

THE IMPACT OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF FOOD MARKETS

Eter Kharaishvili 
 E-mail: eter.kharaishvili@tsu.ge 
 Professor, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University 
 Tbilisi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4013-7354
 
 Badri Gechbaia 
 E-mail: gechbaia.badri@bsu.edu.ge 
 Associate Professor, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University 
 Batumi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2815-2228
 Abstract: This article examines the vital importance of sustainable transport in realizing the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. It analyzes the changes in the functioning and structure of agri-food markets over the last decades, resulting from a combination of global and local factors. The central hypothesis proposes that sustainable transportation plays a critical role in ensuring food security and promoting the efficient functioning of global agri-food markets.
 Sustainable transportation is viewed as an indispensable condition for fostering local production and establishing robust national food markets. On one hand, agro-food production relies on efficient transportation; on the other hand, markets themselves depend on transport to facilitate the exchange of products and services. The identification of factors hindering food transportation and the development of sustainable transportation mechanisms are revealed to have a positive impact on production and food market development. In many countries worldwide, a substantial portion of the population resides in net food importing nations. Particularly in countries like Georgia, where food imports significantly exceed exports, sustainable transportation is considered essential for safeguarding food security and ensuring effective food markets.
 This paper evaluates the advantages of sustainable transportation in ensuring food security and fostering efficient food markets while substantiating its role in promoting inclusive economic growth.Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, the article presents the evolutionary paths of sustainability issues in agri-food markets and food transportation. Based on an assessment of factors influencing agro-food market development and trend analysis, the study identifies the most critical framework conditions for sustainable transportation.
 The article assesses the challenges related to trucking, with a primary focus on the asymmetric transport infrastructure prevalent in developing countries. As a result, the potential impact of sustainable transport on food markets is investigated, including multiplier effects on market efficiency, employment, and the population's well-being. Specific challenges in implementing transport interventions and sustainable transport shipment directions are also discussed. The research process includes bibliographic analysis of scientific works and organizational reports, comparison methods for identifying relevant indicators, and matrix schemes to determine sustainable transportation conditions and mechanisms. Additionally, factor analysis identifies challenges and tools related to the functioning of food markets, while analysis and grouping of materials based on uniformity, among other methods, are employed.
 The paper concludes by providing valuable insights and recommendations regarding the impact of sustainable transportation on the effective functioning of food markets. These recommendations offer actionable directions for addressing challenges and fostering positive outcomes in food security and market efficiency through sustainable transport interventions.

REASONS, CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTING AGILE IN TODAY’S UNPREDICTABLE ENVIRONMENT

Irma Chkhaidze
 E-mail: chkhaidze.irma@bsu.edu.ge 
 Associate Professor, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University 
 Batumi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/000-0003-4430-181X 
 Abstract. This article explores the efficacy of the Agile method in managing business projects, which enables companies to attain a competitive edge and sustain dynamic capabilities amidst rapidly evolving global circumstances.
 The article focuses on the "Agile" transformation, which is identified as a key priority for companies facing unpredictable changes in both the global context and in Georgia. This transformation is being implemented gradually, in line with contemporary challenges, and involves reshaping the hierarchical structure of organizations and redistributing functions based on employees' abilities, with the goal of creating professional teams. Consequently, the study aims to develop a strategy for efficient project management in Georgian companies and explore effective ways to implement it.
 The research findings uncovered the primary obstacles to companies transitioning to the method of rapid management of innovative business projects: challenges pertaining to organizational culture, resistance to change, lack of management support, unmotivated teams, and low skills among team members.
 The challenges associated with implementing the Agile methodology in the project management process were identified as follows: gaining competitiveness in the international and regional market, limited practical experience in IT Agile, and introducing innovations that do not align with user needs when using the waterfall method.
 The positive aspects of the rapid management of innovative business projects were assessed as follows: flexibility, customer collaboration, enhancement of goods and services through the implementation of short cycle processes, and incremental innovations aimed at meeting customer requirements.
 Through research, the alignment of the values of companies utilizing modern project management methods in Georgia with the principles of Agile project management was examined. These principles include teamwork, increased autonomy, high trust, customer feedback, enhanced adaptability to change, improved communication within and between teams, and the implementation of a results-oriented control process.
 The effectiveness of the Agile method was found to be contingent upon the development of a long-term motivational strategy. This strategy is based on two key factors: firstly, the creation and maintenance of a competent team, and secondly, ongoing collaboration with customers.

PARADIGM CHANGE OF "MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS" DUE TO THE REMOTE WORKING CONDITIONS CAUSED BY THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC

Paata Aroshidze 
 E-mail: aroshidze.paata@bsu.edu.ge
 Associate Professor, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University 
 Batumi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5723-8261
 Abstract. The main challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis was the perfection of remote work, which lasted not a few days, but several months and even a year in some organizations. In this research, the main focus is not on legal entities under public law and the impact that remote work has brought, but on private structures as legal entities independently performing management functions.
 During the pandemic, the functioning of organizations underwent significant changes. Some organizations have remained on the market with limited functions, some have changed their profile, and some have completely disappeared from the business arena. Despite the fact that on May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization declared the end of the global health emergency related to the Covid-19 pandemic, obviously, the changes caused by the pandemic in the new understanding of paradigms of "management functions" have not yet been analyzed.
 The paper examines the impact of forced remote work on "management functions". Organizations of various directions, which were forced to switch to remote work during the pandemic, were included in the research.
 The in-depth interview method was adopted as the research methodology. The majority of organizations have more or less preserved their organizational structure and managerial hierarchy, although it was not uncommon to optimize stuff. The goal of structural optimization was mainly to reduce costs, not to improve the communication process and to better perform the duties assigned to a small number of employees. According to Geostat (National Statistical Service of Georgia), the number of employees during the pandemic period (2020-2022) decreased the most in the industry sector (141.3 thousand - 137.2 thousand), in the field of accommodation and food supply (36 thousand - 33.4 thousand), arts, entertainment and recreation field. These are the areas that suffered the most from the so-called "Lockdown" process. The first period of remote work for the Horeca sector turned out to be relatively easy because, due to seasonality, the number of employees was already reduced to a minimum. As a result of analyzing the data, it was determined that in the conditions of remote work, the function of leadership and control decreased the most. Also, the motivation of remotely working employees decreased, which resulted from the reduction of the control function. It turned out to be quite difficult to maintain the leadership function and implement it perfectly. The number of employees involved in the planning and decision-making process has also decreased.
 As can be seen from the table, remote work had less impact on the planning function since most of the research organizations make their planning only involving upper management levels, and lower management levels are less involved in this process. In many cases, employees in non-managerial positions do not know the overall plan of their company and do not understand the mission and vision. Such an approach contributed to the fact that the work performed outside the place of employment has affected lees on the management function of planning.

PROBLEMS OF ENSURING BUDGETARY SECURITY OF THE STATE DURING MARTIAL LAW

Larysa Sidelnykova 
 Email:larisa1907s@gmail.com
 Doctor of Economics, Professor Kherson National Technical University 
 Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine 
 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7182-2923
 Oksana Posadnieva 
 Email:posadnevaoksana@gmail.com
 PhD in Economics, Associate Professor Kherson National Technical University 
 Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine 
 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8721-5124
 
 Abstract. The article examines the assessment of the budgetary security of the state in periods of macroeconomic shocks. The balance of the State Budget of Ukraine over the past 10 years is analyzed. A chronic deficit of the state budget are revealed. The main reasons for the budget deficit are given. It is noted that the chronic budget deficit is the main destructive factor that leads to a decrease in budget security. The place of budgetary security in the general economic security of the state is shown. The main indicators that characterize the level of budgetary security of the state are described. Special attention is paid to indicators that depend on the level of budget balance. The main reasons for the growth of the deficit during the previous destructive events in the Ukrainian economy and the factors that contributed to the growth of the deficit during the Russian-Ukrainian war are indicated. The main indicators of Ukraine's budgetary security over the past 10 years are analyzed. A significant deterioration of budgetary security indicators in 2022 is established. A significant decrease in the level of GDP in 2022 and its decisive impact on indicators of budgetary security are revealed. It is noted that the decrease in the level of budgetary security leads to a decrease in the level of debt security of the state. Forecast figures for certain budgetary security indicators are provided. The main directions for using budget funding for further strengthening of budgetary security are suggested.

SPECIFICS AND PROBLEMS OF LOGISTICS SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT IN MODERN BUSINESS

Davit Katamadze 
 E-mail: qatamadze.davit@bsu.edu.ge 
 Associate Professor Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University 
 Batumi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2992-9326
 
 Guliko Katamadze 
 E-mail: qatamadze.guliko@bsu.edu.ge 
 Associate Professor Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, 
 Batumi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5198-3890
 Abstract: Proper management of logistics systems in the 21st century is one of the most important prerequisites for business development. In the modern post-covid period, against the background of the hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, the sanctions imposed by the West on Russia, the cancellation of the visa regime by the Russian Federation with Georgia and the restoration of air traffic allowed Russian citizens to enter European countries through Georgia, which further increased the transit attractiveness of Georgia. The study of the specifics of logistics systems management, the detection of existing problems in this field was on the agenda.
 The purpose of the research is to study the specifics of the transit-logistics corridor of Georgia, to study the challenges in this field and to search for ways to solve them. In this article, based on the review of various literary sources, the main issues of management of the logistics system of Georgia are analyzed.
 In this article, the methods of analysis, synthesis, collection and grouping of materials were used, on the basis of which the transit potential of Georgia was identified and the ways of its implementation were determined.
 As a result of the research, the factors hindering the sustainable development of the logistics system of Georgia were identified, the elimination of which will help to increase the competitiveness of the logistics system of Georgia and the qualification level of the personnel employed in them. 
 In order to eliminate the challenges in the logistics systems of Georgia, we have developed recommendations, the consideration of which will significantly improve the management mechanism of modern logistics systems.

The Cost of Being a Woman in Academic Cardiothoracic Surgery: Joint Collaboration of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Workforces on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Cardiothoracic Surgery Practice Models

BackgroundGender disparity in the cardiothoracic surgery workforce is challenging to enumerate and quantify. The purpose of our work is to use the most current data to quantify the percentage of women in academic cardiothoracic surgery and salary disparity between women and men. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional analysis of data collected by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Data Resource Book 2021 and Association of American Medical Colleges Faculty Data for U.S. Medical School Faculty 2019, 2020, and 2021. We used descriptive analysis of the number of faculty and mean salaries of academic cardiothoracic surgeons according to academic rank and gender. Salary disparity in cardiothoracic surgery was compared with salary disparities seen among surgical specialties and academic clinicians. ResultsOver the past 3 years, women comprised 11.5% of the cardiothoracic workforce. In 2021, cardiothoracic surgeons who were women earned $0.71 to $0.86 for every $1.00 earned by cardiothoracic surgeons who were men. Ascending academic rank correlated with greater gender salary disparity; women professors earned less than men of equal and lower academic rank. From 2019 to 2021, women of the academic ranks of associate professor, professor, and chief of cardiothoracic surgery experienced a decrease in mean salaries, whereas men of equivalent academic ranks experienced an increase in mean salaries. ConclusionsGender disparity in cardiothoracic surgery persists, with low representation of women and salary disparity at every academic rank.

Making time for leadership development when leaders' time is scarce

Dr Mona Sakr, Associate Professor of Early Childhood at Middlesex University, discusses the importance of making time for leadership development and ways settings can do this when time is scare.

Holly Bolger, DO

Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Ask me anything: Lilly Liu

Lilly Liu is an associate professor at the University of Bristol, UK, where she has built up an experimental research group studying the mechanics of advanced materials, including those used in particle accelerators, nuclear reactors, aerospace engines and other extreme conditions.

Transitions in development - an interview with Emily Wong.

Emily Wong is an Associate Professor at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute in Sydney, Australia, where she combines experimental and data science approaches to investigate the role of the non-coding genome in development, disease and evolution. This year, the Australian Academy of Science awarded her the Fenner Medal in recognition of her work on enhancers. We met with Emily over Zoom, and she explained how an early interest in nature, coupled with a passion for comparative genomics, has influenced her career so far.

Expert Insights: Phase III Clinical Trials in Non-Transfusion-Dependent (ENERGIZE) and Transfusion-Dependent (ENERGIZE-T) α- and β-Thalassaemia

The thalassaemias are a heterogeneous group of inherited chronic blood disorders associated with impaired haemoglobin (Hb) synthesis, resulting in ineffective erythropoiesis, haemolysis, and the development of lifelong anaemia. The pathophysiology of thalassaemia is due, in part, to increased energy demand to clear globin aggregates and reactive O2 species, and maintain overall red blood cell (RBC) health, coupled with insufficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. For this article, interviews were conducted by EMJ in December 2022 with two key opinion leaders. Kevin Kuo is a Clinician-Investigator and Staff Haematologist at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada, and Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada. Maria Cappellini is Professor of Medicine in the Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Italy. Both haematologists have over 50 years of expertise and clinical experience between them in treating patients with thalassaemia. The two experts provided insights into two ongoing Phase III clinical trials for both α- and β-thalassaemia. These trials are investigating the effect of mitapivat, a first-in-class, small molecule pyruvate kinase activator, in patients across the full range of thalassaemia subtypes. The ENERGIZE trial is investigating mitapivat in patients with non–transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (NTDT), and the ENERGIZE-T trial is investigating mitapivat in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (TDT).

Preface

The 2023 2nd International Conference on the Energy Internet and Energy Interactive Technology (EIEIT 2023) took place via virtual form in Nanjing, China from May 26th to 28th, 2023, with the attendance of about 50 people.EIEIT 2023 focused on research areas such as Renewable Energy, Power Quality and Power Experience, Regional Energy Internet, Energy Management Technology, etc. The main goal was to bring together scientists, researchers and developers engaged in fields concerning energy to bridge the gap between research needs and advanced technological solutions.EIEIT 2023 provided an opportunity for researchers and related personnels to present their recent theoretical developments as well as practical applications, discuss unsolved problems and find solutions to them. It fostered research and development in energy internet and energy interactive technology.The program of the Conference was divided into three parts. First day of the Conference was devoted to registration for all the participants. The second day was focused on opening ceremony, keynote speech, oral and poster presentation, as well as discussion on the speeches and the whole meeting. Academic investigation took place during the third day of the Conference.We would like to highlight the main developments presented at the Conference and introduce the prominent speakers. Keynote speaker of the Conference Professor Ismail Musirin (Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia) presented a report on Computational Intelligence Applications in Power System Load Shedding. He mainly dealt with researches on the algorithms and techniques development in solving problems in Power System involving voltage stability, economic power dispatch, renewable energy optimization, and application of artificial intelligence in power system, and he has got 22 years of research experience in the field of Power System Engineering. Associate Professor Norzanah Rosmin (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia) described Hybrid Energy Storage for Virtual Inertial Support in Wind Application System. Associate Professor Nor Asiah Muhamad (Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Brunei) demonstrated her speech on Harmonic Components Analysis of Emitted Ultraviolet Signals of Aged Transmission Line Insulators under Different Surface Discharge Intensities.Finally, we would like to thank the members of the Technical Program Committee and the Local Committee for giving such an opportunity to share scientific ideas and new developments at the Conference and Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia for its friendly support. Last but not the least, our special acknowledgement also goes to the editors and staff of Journal of Physics: Conference Series, for their kindness and assistance in publishing this paper volume.The Committee of EIEIT 2023List of Committee Member is available in this pdf.

Peer Review Declaration

All papers published in this volume have been reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing.1. Type of peer review: Double anonymous2. Conference submission management system: Morressier3. Number of submissions received: 1574. Number of submissions sent for review: 965. Number of submissions accepted: 446. Acceptance Rate (Submissions Accepted / Submissions Received × 100): 28 %7. Average number of reviews per paper: 3.308. Total number of reviewers involved: 889. Contact person for queries:Name: Associate Professor Dr. Syahrul Ashikin AzmiAffiliation: Faculty of Electrical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, MalaysiaEmail: ashikin@unimap.edu.my