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The Third Artsakh war has dramatically transformed the security environment in the South Caucasus. Being a result and indicator of changing world order, it unleashed the parameters of the newly-developing formats of conflicts, confrontations, and wars, called hybrid warfare. From this perspective the paper studies the parameters of hybrid warfare against Artsakh launched by Azerbaijan. Application of hybrid warfare against Artsakh is not a new phenomenon and has being practiced by Azerbaijan at least during the last 10-15 years. However, the results of the 44-day war have provided new framework, opportunities, and instruments to intensify hybrid operations, striving to maximize the results. Hence, the paper discusses the Azerbaijani strategy of hybrid war against Artsakh by analyzing the main strategies, tactics, instruments and tools used by Azerbaijan against Artsakh, specifically, after 44-day war. The paper argues that after the Third Artsakh war of 2020 Azerbaijan has launched a full scale hybrid operation to provide ethnic cleansing of Artsakh and receive ‘Nagorno-Karabakh without Armenians’. The operation was based on the following components: information-psychological campaign/influence operations (against Armenians in Artsakh), economic and energy aspects, ecological issues, blockade, international campaigns, support to split Armenian power (in Armenia and Armenian Diaspora), sabotage against critical infrastructure and population, and so on. Concluding the paper launches, a discussion about Azerbaijani engagement with Armenia after the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh of Autumn of 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the article. The breakdown of the so-called Eastern Bloc, the disintegration of the Soviet Union, and the demise of communism fueled transition processes in Central and Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and Central Asia. The great majority of transformation difficulties across different areas demonstrate that when pursuing the process of a structural change, it is important to take into account diverse sets of formal and informal institutions preserved in each country. Each country has a unique set of formal and informal institutions. These differences are easily observed between Poland and Azerbaijan. The aim of this paper is to compare and contrast the outcomes of Poland and Azerbaijan's transitions from communism to capitalism and to identify the primary factors driving these two different transformations. Methodology. The paper presents two complementary methods to compare the transitions from communism to capitalism in Poland and Azerbaijan. The first method involves secondary analysis, where existing data from reputable sources such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) database, the Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI), and country reports are compiled to provide insights into economic, political, and social indicators. Additionally, a comparative case study approach is employed, using Geert Hofstede's six cultural dimensions framework to explore the cultural influences on transition outcomes. By integrating these methods, the study aims to offer a comprehensive analysis of the transformation processes in Poland and Azerbaijan. Results of the research. The results of the analysis presented in the paper support the hypothesis that the historically-shaped differences in mental models and strong ties to international protectors determined the paths of transformations in Poland and Azerbaijan. The primary similarities and contrasts in the mindset are justified by the colonial or imperial history of the nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the second Karabakh War in 2020, Azerbaijan liberated its territories from 30 years of long-brewing Armenian occupation, which today are considered the potential economic and geopolitical landscapes for not only the socio- economic development of the country but to involve foreign investments and projects to these recovered areas. The Karabakh War of 2020 caused a change in the balance of power and status quo in the South Caucasus region as Azerbaijan in recent times started the rehabilitation and reconstruction processes, the placement of IDPs, involvement of investments, launch of tender projects, etc. to provide the socio-economic development of Karabakh region as a future E-Karabakh. The core objective of the paper is to ensure scientific insights and recommendations for the transition of the conventional Karabakh region to the digitalized so-called E-Karabakh region to enhance the economic development of the region. The authors' focus primarily delves into aspects including the advancement of a green economy and green growth policy, agriculture, and fostering a clean ecological environment in Karabakh. The article also analyzes the enhancement of ICT-based infrastructure, the integration of high digital technologies, and the potential emergence of Karabakh as a prominent hub for technology and innovation in the South Caucasus region. The paper aims to fill a gap in the existing literature by presenting valuable insights for government officials, decision-makers, and experts in this field, seeking to be a substantial scientific paper, offering policy-based information to aid in making informed and rational decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of the paper is to highlight the development of informationpsychological warfare, its history, concepts, technologies and methods, which are one of the most important areas of work in the field of international relations. The concept of 'information warfare' has concentrated a number of phenomena from the sphere of mass communications and during the 20th century was called various terms, such as 'disinformation', 'propaganda', 'psychological warfare', 'psychological operations'. Within the scope of the study, the importance of psychological warfare in today's context has been examined using the example of Azerbaijan and Armenia. It has been emphasized how Armenia effectively employed psychological warfare tactics and propaganda to gain an advantageous position in the late 20th century. In the early 21st century, the significance of Azerbaijan gaining a superior position in psychological warfare and using propaganda effectively has been discussed. Additionally, the article delves into the importance of using white propaganda during psychological warfare and the drawbacks of black propaganda within the context of the psychological warfare between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The novelty of the paper lies in a comprehensive analysis of information and psychological warfare and operations in the context of the Azerbaijan-Armenian conflict. Conclusions. In the 20th century information and psychological warfare and operations became part of the military policy of states. Now, due to the current situation on the world stage, the methods and means of conducting information warfare are changing and every year they are reaching a higher level. It can also be stated that in the 21st century, information wars have become more widespread. In summary, the historical context and evolution of information warfare demonstrate its enduring significance as a tool for states to achieve their strategic and political goals. As technology and global politics continue to evolve, information warfare is likely to remain a key component of statecraft and international relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to assess the relationship between Azerbaijani and Kazakhstani exchange rates and crude oil prices volatility. The study applies the structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model. The paper concentrates on Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, the post-Soviet countries considered as some of the most oil-dependent countries in the Caspian Sea region. The impulse response functions suggest that the rise of crude oil prices is associated with the exchange rates decrease and thus with an Azerbaijani manat and Kazakhstani tenge appreciation against the U.S. dollar. Moreover, the results suggest that an oil price increase leads to the rise of Azerbaijani international reserves. However, the results are insignificant for the Kazakhstani foreign exchange reserves. Additionally, the study reveals a negative and significant relationship between crude oil prices and USD/KZT in both pre-crisis and the COVID-19 crisis periods. We reveal that the correlation has been stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the relationship is not significant in the case of the Azerbaijani manat. The USD/AZN exchange rate has been stable since 2017, and the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic has not caused a change in the exchange rate and a weakening of the Azerbaijani currency, despite significant drops in crude oil prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of globalization on transportation corridors in Azerbaijan, which are strategically located to serve as hubs for crossroads between north-south and east-west trade. The main hypothesis is that globalization has had a significant impact on transportation corridors in Azerbaijan, resulting in greater connectivity and trade flows within the region. The recent triumph over Armenia has resulted in significant changes in the region, enhancing Azerbaijan's reputation. Alongside the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions on Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan has emerged as a secure passage between these influential powers. Furthermore, the rising demands for major international trade routes have created a pressing need for Azerbaijan to enhance its capabilities to effectively meet these growing requirements. According to the World Systems Theory, semi-periphery countries play the role of bridges between core and periphery states. Globalization has led to Azerbaijan's integration into the global economic system as a semi-peripheral country. This has resulted in increased trade and investment, which in turn has led to the development of transportation infrastructure and the expansion of transportation networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable development of the agricultural sector is determined by three closely interrelated components: economic, social and environmental. In the paper, we have tried to identify environmental problems in the sustainable development of the agricultural sector, focusing on the environmental component of sustainable development. At the same time, the system of factors determining the sustainable development of agricultural production was substantiated during the study. The purpose of the study to systematize and justify the environmental factors that contributes to the sustainable development of agricultural production. Relevance of the study ensuring food security in the context of Azerbaijan's integration into the world market urgently requires sustainable development of the agricultural sector. The high level of environmental tensions in the development of agriculture requires a radical renewal of the strategy and tactics of agricultural development, strengthening the role of the agricultural sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital age has fundamentally transformed the nature of diplomacy. As countries embrace the opportunities of the digital realm to foster global relationships and promote their interests, they simultaneously confront an array of cyber threats and challenges. The inherent dynamism of this digital transformation challenges the age-old tenets of diplomacy, prompting a re-evaluation of traditional methodologies and strategies. Countries today are presented with a dual-edged sword. On one hand, digital tools serve as potent enablers, facilitating the forging of global relationships, enhancing soft power projection, and promoting nuanced national interests with unparalleled efficiency. Yet, the same arena also poses substantial challenges: cyber threats, misinformation campaigns, and intricate webs of state-backed digital espionage represent just the tip of a vast iceberg of challenges in the cyber domain. This research paper seeks to elucidate the evolving landscape of digital diplomacy, assessing its implications for traditional statecraft and international relations. By examining the dual nature of digitalisation -- it's potential for both collaboration and conflict -- we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and tactics employed by state actors. This exploration offers insights into the future of diplomacy, advocating for adaptive, resilient, and innovative approaches to navigate the challenges and harness the opportunities of the cyber era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union (EU) and Azerbaijan high-level transport dialogue is the continuation of the long period of cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan in the area of transport since the early 1990s. The geopolitical and geo-economic maps of Eurasia, the South Caucasus, and the regions around have significantly changed since then thanks to rise of China, India, and other regional actors. These actors in their turn began to initiate competitive logistical and transportation projects to define terms and conditions of the making of Eurasian transport and trade routes. The ultimate goal is to have a share in controlling global flows passing through the strategic spots of Eurasian landmass. The EU's recent transport dialogue with Azerbaijan reflects and is reaction to those changes that happened in the wider Europe, in Eurasia, and in the globe. This paper tries to place the EU and Azerbaijan transport dialogue to a broader picture to find out what changes conditioned and necessitated the upgraded dialogue between the EU and Azerbaijan. To do so, it traces the EU and Azerbaijan's transport policies and cooperation since the early 1990s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain products are in the main place in ensuring food safety. The paper focuses on trends in the development of grain production in Azerbaijan. The analysis of food security, which is included in the list of global problems, taking into account the difficulties caused by the economic crisis, internal and external factors in the modern period, is quite relevant at the national level. The assessment of the availability of grain and grain products, which form the basis of food security, is the main resource of our research. An assessment of the availability of grain shows that the volume of its production is not enough to meet our domestic needs. Comparative analysis of new data on grain production, use and quality in Azerbaijan and determination of the most pressing tasks for solving the grain problem in accordance with world experience is very important. To this end, the article comprehensively analyzed the current state of grain production by analyzing the theoretical and methodological foundations of the development of grain production, identified and characterized the factors affecting grain production. In terms of ensuring food safety, the level of self-sufficiency with grain products was assessed. As a result, we tried to determine the perspective directions of the development of grain production in order to obtain a general result and ensure food security by examining the main reasons that slow down the development of grain production. Research method. During the research-observation, comparison, statistical analysis, grouping, constructive calculation methods were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition to alternative energy sources is increasingly recognized as a vital component of global efforts to mitigate climate change and foster sustainable development. This study examines the impact of alternative energy investments on employment, focusing on the renewable energy sector's role in generating job opportunities. Paper explores the mechanisms through which investments in alternative energy projects, such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and biomass, influence employment outcomes. Key factors influencing employment generation, including technological innovation, infrastructure development, policy frameworks, and market dynamics, are analyzed to understand the complex interplay between alternative energy investments and labor markets. The study highlights the potential for alternative energy investments to create diverse employment opportunities across various sectors. Furthermore, it examines the socio-economic benefits of renewable energy projects in terms of job creation, skills development and income generation. By elucidating the relationship between alternative energy investments and employment, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of renewable energy transition in devising strategies to maximize the socio-economic benefits of sustainable energy development. Findings show upward trend in average monthly nominal wages and salaries within the sector reflects positive growth in labor compensation, potentially influenced by factors such as rising demand for skilled labor and productivity improvements. Additionally government agencies and international organizations are main drivers of green investments and sustainable development in Azerbaijan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the dramatic reduction of forested areas in Azerbaijan, exceeding 50% over the past two centuries, largely due to increased wood production. Focusing on the period between 1880 and 1990, it analyzed the impact of timber harvesting on the composition of dominant tree species, with a special focus on beech trees, in the Galakand forestry area. Utilizing GIS databases and remote sensing techniques, the research assessed the changes in forest cover and species distribution, highlighting the critical transition from lush beech and oak forests to areas dominated by hornbeam, east hornbeam, oak-hornbeam, and juniperus-bush light forests. The study demonstrated the negative consequences of historical overexploitation, advocating for forest farming practices that promote the recovery and preservation of native forest ecosystems. Key findings revealed a marked decline in valuable wood species due to intensive logging activities, particularly between 1880 and 1914, and the detrimental effects of forest renewal cabins established from 1930 to 1970. The outlined measures in the study highlighted that the forest primarily comprises wooded areas (reserves with a completeness of 0.1-0.2, clearings, and clearings), non-forest lands repurposed as pastures and forested pastures with a density ranging from 0.3 to 0.4. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of sustainable forest management practices to reverse the adverse effects of historical overexploitation and preserve the biodiversity of Azerbaijan's ecosystems. The paper emphasized the necessity of sustainable forest management to reverse the damage and protect Azerbaijan's biodiversity to enhance measures for sustainable forestry, along with the critical role of advanced GIS and remote sensing in monitoring and conserving forest resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The renewable energy transition of oil- and gas-producing countries has specific peculiarities due to the ambivalent position of these countries in the global energy market, both as producers and consumers of energy resources. This task becomes even more challenging when the share of oil and gas in the country's GDP is very high. These circumstances pose serious challenges for long-term energy policy development and require compromising decisions to better align the existing and newly created energy policies of the country. The scale, scope, and pace of changes in the transition process must be well balanced, considering the increasing pressure of economic and environmental factors. The objective of this paper is to develop models that allow the selection of the most appropriate scenario for renewable energy transition in an oil- and gas-producing country. The distinguishing feature of the proposed model is that alternatives in the decision matrix are presented as scenarios, composed of a set of energy resources and the level of their use. Linguistic descriptions of the alternative scenarios are formalized in the form of fuzzy statements. For the problem solution, four different Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods were used: the fuzzy simple additive weighting (F-SAW) method, the distance-based fuzzy TOPSIS method (Technique of Order Preference Similarity to the Ideal Solution), the ratio-analysis-based fuzzy MOORA method (Multi-Objective Optimization Model Based on the Ratio Analysis), and the fuzzy multi-criteria optimization and compromise solution method VIKOR (Serbian: VIekriterijumsko Kompromisno Rangiranje). This approach is illustrated using the example of the energy sector of Azerbaijan. The recommended solution for the country involves increasing natural gas (NG) moderately, maintaining hydro, and increasing solar notably and wind moderately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our goal was to analyze the effects of implementing problem-based learning (PBL) at the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction. Method: We compared students that attended lectures and tutorials using PBL and students that attended lectures and tutorials using traditional teaching methods. In total, 737 students (intervention group) participated in PBL and 2201 in non-PBL (Control group A and Control group B) at the university. Descriptive statistics and a statistical Kruskal–Wallis test were used to analyze the data and determine whether groups could be compared. We used propensity score matching to make groups comparable and analyzed the differences between groups. Results: The results of the statistical analysis and descriptive statistical characteristics for the unmatched samples are presented in this paper. We also present the differences between the PBL group and two non-PBL groups based on the unmatched samples. All calculations were performed on one outcome measure: the final scores of students. The results show that even within a short period of time (one semester or academic year), applying PBL can have promising effects, although these effects are generally not statistically significant. However, after matching, the differences between the PBL and non-PBL groups were significant. Discussion and conclusions: Even a preliminary and limited introduction of PBL appears to have promising impacts on learning outcomes, as demonstrated by students' final scores on subjects that were taught using the PBL approach. The results suggest that post-Soviet countries with education traditions that differ from Western ones can benefit from PBL. It is advised to prolong the implementation of PBL and advocate for wider dissemination of this method in Azerbaijan and elsewhere in post-Soviet countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the World Bank review, National Oil Companies (NOCs) control approximately 90% of the world's oil reserves and 75% of production (similar numbers apply to gas) and many major oil and gas infrastructure systems. However, NOCs fall behind many smaller companies in terms of innovation. The reason is the closed nature of their business, which constrains innovations. It has been suggested that this problem can be solved by the application of an "Open Innovation" paradigm. The concepts of Open Innovation suggest firms who would like to be more innovative to use internal as well as external sources for their idea generation. (Ibrahimov in Open innovation and application to petroleum industry. IFAC Papersonline, 2018). However, this is not easy to deploy due to these organizations' traditions, values, and institutional culture, which act as innovation obstacles in those companies. Innovations should be "Open" to find better solutions but should be "Closed" to fit with the cultural requirements of NOCs. This contradiction needs to be solved quickly for the sake of innovation, which is the key to ensure environmental and societal benefits and to prevent further harm. This article stresses the importance of Open Innovation in the petrochemical industry and discusses the difficulties for the industry to embrace it, especially in light of the advances in intelligent robotic systems applications in the sector. The questions are: How should large NOCs adopt innovations and become more open to innovation so that the best intelligent automatic solutions are adopted in such contexts? Is there a theory of knowledge and innovation that can solve the contradictions between Closed versus Open Innovation? This paper posits that a solution to the contradictions surrounding innovations in NOCs could be found in Teorija rezheniya izobretatelskih zadach (TRIZ) (Theory of inventive problem solving), which has been used for decades to overcome contradictions and to develop inventive solutions, in a variety of similar sectors. In this paper, TRIZ theory has been suggested as a tool to deploy the "Open Innovation" paradigm to solve the above-mentioned contradictions, i.e., how to make things "Open" while keeping them "Closed" where necessary (or even required by regulations). Real-life examples from the oil industry, and recent applications from Azerbaijan specifically, are analyzed and interviews with the industry players used to test TRIZ theory as a tool for the Open Innovation paradigm in the oil sector. The paper sets out innovative solutions in intelligent robotic pipeline inspection systems, which operate in hazardous conditions unsuitable for humans, and which, for example, ensure that pipelines do not degrade to the extent, where they create environmental and societal damage. The problems, paradigms, and TRIZ praxis as applied in the oil sector examples given here offer important lessons for the global oil industry and other high hazard sectors globally; however, examples in the paper chosen from Azerbaijan and Caspian Region which is also the hometown of TRIZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nagorno-Karabagh is a long-drawn-out conflict crafted around two competing positions identified as self-determination and state sovereignty. The political tactics of Stalin based on divide and rule and pan-Turkism in 1870 coupled with the Armenian genocide in 1914 fuelled the deep hatred and antagonism crammed between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the mountainous terrain of Nagorno-Karabagh. This paper attempts to comprehend the dynamic nature of this protracted conflict (in 2020) with the perspective of newly emerging regional alliances in the south Caucuses. It recognizes the convoluted regional interests that shaped a recipe of convergence between Azerbaijan, Russia, and Turkey that led to controlled chaos and one-sided settlement in Nagorno-Karabagh at the dispense of Karabagh Armenians. It addresses how this decisive war between Azerbaijan and Armenia transformed the landscape of future warfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper employs machine learning algorithms to detect tax evasion and analyzes tax data. With the development of commercial businesses, traditional algorithms are not appropriate for solving the tax evasion detection problem. Hence, other algorithms with acceptable speed, precision, analysis, and data decisions must be used. In the case of assets and tax assessment, the integration of machine learning models with meta-heuristic algorithms increases accuracy due to optimal parameters. In this paper, intelligent machine learning algorithms are used to solve tax evasion detection. This research uses an improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm to improve the multilayer perceptron neural network by finding the optimal weight and improving support vector machine (SVM) classifiers with optimal parameters. The IPSO-MLP and IPSO-SVM models using the IPSO algorithm are used as new models for tax evasion detection. Our proposed system applies the dataset collected from the general administration of tax affairs of West Azerbaijan province of Iran with 1500 samples for the tax evasion detection problem. The evaluations show that the IPSO-MLP model has a higher accuracy rate than the IPSO-SVM model and logistic regression. Moreover, the IPSO-MLP model has higher accuracy than SVM, Naive Bayes, k-nearest neighbor, C5.0 decision tree, and AdaBoost. The accuracy of IPSO-MLP and IPSO-SVM models is 93.68% and 92.24%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The territory of Baku is surrounded by a lake-marsh system. The development of numerous lakes in the Absheron is due to a complex of climatic and geological-lithological factors. One of the largest lakes is Binagadi Lake, with a total area of 0.015 km² . In order to determine the current ecological state of the dynamics of ecological groups of birds, as well as the vegetation and soil cover of Binagadi Lake, we conducted field studies in the autumn-winter period of 2021-2022. Based on the results of the authors' own research and literature data, the paper provides data on 37 bird species belonging to 11 orders, both migrants and sedentary, and also discusses fossil burials of the Pleistocene period in the Binagadi lake. The taxonomy, abundance and residence status of these species have been determined, some of which are included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan: Aguilla nipalensis: LC: IV.1; Buteo rufinus: LC; IV.1; Falco naumanni: LC; III; Porphyrio porphyrio: LC; II.5; Ardea purpurea: LC; II.5. When studying the vegetation cover of the lke and adjacent areas, 27 species of vascular plants were found belonging to 10 families and 22 genera, of which 22 species are annuals, and 5 species are perennials. When carrying out soil-field studies, it was established that gray-brown saline-solonetzic soils are widespread in this territory and gray-brown primitive soils are locally found. These soils are low fertile (humus - 0.82-1.11%), highly carbonate (33%), clay and heavy clay (53-70%) and deeply saline (3.7%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the recent year (2020-2021), it has been decided to register the current Hor Square's status as a national monument, since it has been presented in Tehran urban space for many years. The status is one of the urban sculptures that has been interpreted in different ways due to the indirect reference of the status to a specific subject. These diverse and in somehow related interpretations, which have caused the statues to be survived until now, in spite of the political and governmental changes- as a component for removing the statues- seem to record some statements and perceptions, relatively far from the original reality; There are some relevant declarations such as the relation between the construction of the statue and the liberation of Azerbaijan from the Soviet occupation in 1945, which have been proposed by the authorities and researchers in various media, publications, interviews and news reports, without paying enough attention to the original date of the installation. Under these presumptions, this short paper intends to provide the reliable documents about the original date of the status' installation, which have either not been proposed yet or have been rarely observed by now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary delves into the evolution of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), highlighting its transformation from a consultative mechanism to a robust international entity with geostrategic significance. The paper examines key developments such as the Shusha Declaration, the impact of the Second Karabakh War, and the strategic partnership among Turkic states in the context of global geopolitical dynamics. The paper focuses on Azerbaijan's vision of the development of the Turkic unity, some historical aspects, which preceded the idea of the Turkic unity, and contemporary trends in the regional and global politics, which gave impetus to the enhancement of the OTS. The conclusion highlights the importance of Turkic unity as it stands out more prominently in the complex geopolitical environment and posits that trends make it necessary to strengthen and develop cooperation among the Turkic states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a comprehensive study of the Azerbaijani ruling elites. This study aims to describe the post-Soviet Azerbaijani elites, their interaction, and their influence to elaborate a basis for studying the impact on the government and the economy. The study focuses on the definition and origin of the Azerbaijani elites after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the analysis of their interactions, and the definition of behavior and hierarchy. The study relies on Higley and Burton's (2006) elite configurations framework and Wedel's (2003) concept of clans. It draws on qualitative analysis and applies analytical autoethnographic approaches to analyze and interpret the information received. The study used data from 113 informal dialogue interviews with those who worked closely with the elite and the elite representatives. These data provided detailed descriptions of their life and behavior in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The total number of respondents was 1,817 people. Not all elites have equal access to power. Some, called "hyperagents," control most decisions. Others, whom the author defines as "devoid elites", have very little or no real power, although they have some privileges that the elites are endowed with in society. The researcher proposes a new elite configuration entitled "imposed unity elites", which better describes the majority of Azerbaijani elites. This elite configuration implies the existence and behavior of devoid elites. It also describes elites that seem to be united in public but lacks any basic ideology or common goals. The research contributes to the further development of Higley and Burton's (2006) framework of elite configurations and the theory of the influence of elites. The possible application of the obtained research results will allow scientists to better understand the development characteristics of the elite configuration in the post-Soviet space and their impact on the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research problem of this paper concerns energy security in the regional and global dimensions in the context of Azerbaijan's role in its construction, the aim being to verify whether Azerbaijan is one of the key elements in building energy security, especially in the South Caucasus, but also in relation to the European Union and even in a global sense. The factorial and comparative methods were mainly used to examine the indicated subject matter. This article shows that both natural conditions and the appropriate actions of the Azerbaijani authorities have been strengthening the country's role for several decades not only as the main element of the energy security of the South Caucasus, but also as one of the key factors in building the energy security of the European Union and is shaping itself as a significant co-creator of global security in this sphere. Azerbaijan's achievements to date in the sphere of energy security and forecasts for the future allow one to conclude that the state will have an increasingly stronger position as a guarantor of security in the discussed sphere in the South Caucasus, and its role as a co-builder of the Union's energy security will take on new, unprecedented shapes. Also, in the global dimension, the role of Azerbaijan will increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Genetika (0534-0012) is the property of Serbian Genetics Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper concerns one of the first displays of ethnic violence in the recent history of the USSR that took place in the city of Sumgait in the Azerbaijan SSR in February 1988 and was the start of violence of an anti-Armenian nature. It is a study of contemporary perceptions, definitions and terminology. Arising from this object, this paper examines the following questions: • What were Armenian perceptions and characteristics of the Sumgait massacres and the factors that governed their conditions • What definitions and perceptions were merited as a result of the Sumgait massacres by the Azerbaijan side • How were the Sumgait massacres evaluated by the international public and the USSR leadership • What were the definitions of the terms given to the Sumgait massacres and their characteristics. Research has been carried out on the basis of specialist literature, archival materials, witness statements, contemporary periodical press etc. Descriptions, analyses, narrative analyses and comparative methods were also utilized in this study. As a result of the research carried out, the conclusion was reached that the February 1988 massacres of the Armenian population of the Azerbaijani city of Sumgait by the participants, various political circles and structures, conditioned by several factors, merited different appraisals. On the Armenian side, they were immediately linked, in the collective Armenian consciousness, to the Armenian Genocide realized in the 20th century within the Ottoman Empire. The central authorities, arising out of Soviet national policy principles, interpreted the event as “mass unrest”. In its euphemistic definitions, the Azerbaijani side attempted to “neutralize” the ethnically based violence used against a part of the population. The “Armenian intrigue and treachery” theory, as a “legal” explanation of the violence, aims to justify the crimes committed and evade any responsibility for them. The international public saw the Sumgait massacres in an ethnic context, stressing the laudable, necessary measures taken by the central authorities to prevent and stop them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research is to keep the price formation process of socially important food products under control and facilitate timely disclosure of tendencies that are contrary to market relations. In this paper, some 19 socially important food products have been selected and tried to identify the share/ contribution of the factors affecting their price changes in the example of Azerbaijan economy. Econometric estimation methods are used in the paper. Database of the analysis is based on the official figures of the State Statistical Committee (SSC) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, covering the period from January 2016 to December 2017. As a result, the methods for determining the contribution of factors in price fluctuations of socially important food products are presented, and the empirical results are interpreted as an example of the Azerbaijani economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the prioritization and weighting of different methods of using renewable energy, as well as the feasibility of using renewable energy in the management of sports venues in the water and electricity industry of east Azerbaijan province, have been discussed. The D-number theory method has been used to prioritize different renewable energy methods. The information gathered from experts in this field shows that solar energy weighing 0.5345 is the best method for producing electrical energy in sports and welfare venues. Wind energy, with a weight of 0.5183, and water energy, with a weight of 0.5126, are in the next ranks. The indicators used in ranking factors include total costs, energy efficiency, and compatibility with environmental conditions. Based on the results of the feasibility study and the available findings, it can be seen that the total cost of using renewable energy in the sports and welfare venues of East Azerbaijan province is equal to 10093.4 million Rials. Also, the interest return rate of the investment is equal to 19.43%. Therefore, using solar energy as a source of electricity production has technical and economic justification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns the academic vocabulary needs of undergraduate English majors in a tertiary context in Azerbaijan. Based on the results of the previous studies, it is suggested that developing an appropriate course material to meet the specific learning needs of these students will be beneficial for them. Thus, this study aims to identify the percentage of the running words and highfrequency word families beyond the 2,000 most-frequent words in the university textbook corpus to help the students to attain 98% lexical coverage. To address English majors' scant academic vocabulary knowledge, a University Vocabulary List has been created. First, a university textbook corpus comprising the words used in 11 subject-specific course textbooks across subject areas taught at Azerbaijan University of Languages was compiled. Next, the range and frequency distribution of the words beyond the British National Corpus scale 2,000-word families was examined. Finally, the 396 most frequently occurring word families in the corpus were chosen; these formed the proposed University Vocabulary List for English majors, accounting for a 6.96% lexical coverage. The University Vocabulary List for English majors and the British National Corpus 2,000 high-frequency word families, including proper nouns, provide a text coverage of 97.28%, which is only marginally lower than the suggested lexical threshold of 98% suggested by Laufer and Ravenhorst-Kalovski (2010) and Nation (2006). It is, therefore, argued that the University Vocabulary List represents a sufficiently frequent and relevant vocabulary load for English majors whose secondary educational background and first-year general English textbooks have not equipped them for the linguistic challenges they face at the initial stages of their tertiary education. The article concludes by stating the pedagogical implications for developing these learners' knowledge and use of the most frequent word families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Aras and other rivers running across the Moghan region played an important role in the formation of prehistoric sites. The Moghan plain has not so far received the scholarly attention it deserves. While extensive scientific activities have covered the Lake Urmia Basin, this plain has for the most part remained neglected. Yatag Tepesi, a prehistoric site in Germi, Moghan, was subjected to a systematic investigation. The main objective of this paper is to introduce the pottery traditions and to determine the chronological sequence of the site. To gain a more detailed understanding of cultural interactions with other regions and to ascertain the chronological sequence of the site in the Chalcolithic period, the following questions were raised: To which cultural period(s) does Yatag Tepesi date based on the recovered cultural evidence, including the pottery? The main hypothesis is that the site relates to the Middle Chalcolithic (LC1) and Late Chalcolithic (LC2‒3). Judging from the available evidence, to which regions does the site exhibit the closet links? Our analyses indicate contacts and affinities with other parts of northwest Iran, most notably the Qaradagh region and the Lake Urmia Basin, and South Caucasia. The paper adopts a descriptive-analytical approach. The results of the study suggest that in light of the pottery and other lines of evidence, Yatag Tepesi maintained interactions with other centers of northwest Iran, and flourished between 3700/3600‒4500 BCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the macrophytic algae in Astara region of Azerbaijan. Samples were collected in 2021 from the Caspian coast of Astara region. As a result of the study, 9 species (Cladophora vagabunda, Cladophora prolifera, Cladophora laetevirens, Cladophora globulina, Cladophora sericea, Ulva clathrata, Erythrorichia bertholdii, Ceramium elegans, Kylinia virgatula) of 5 genera were identified. These species are new for this region. GPS coordinates (38°27'10.05"K; 48°52'50.23"D) and ecological groups of algae have been determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper the results of the comprehensive study are given for the agrobiological characteristics of productive and high-quality quince varieties, economically more efficient and adaptive to the soil and climate conditions of the region. The need for obtaining a quality product from a field unit can be met if the planting scheme of the researched varieties and forms is followed correctly. Preservation, increase, and distribution of the gene fund, and use in breeding work of the researched quince varieties create the basis for increasing quince production in horticultural farms and meeting the population's demand for those products throughout the winter. The level of profitability of quince varieties is determined and the following indicators are achieved: the most profitable variety is Shekeri heyva (161.80%), and the least profitable variety is Jardam (122.23%). In other varieties, this indicator is 129.25-150.76% and show an intermediate position. All the quince varieties we discovered are economically profitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the information obtained from the biogeographical analyzes conducted in the specially protected Ilisu State Nature Reserve in the northwestern region of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Based on the biogeographic composition of the research area, the bioecological characteristics of certain species of flora, fauna, and fungi are studied as an example. The problem the continuous study the biodiversity of these specially protected areas. It is important to collect scientific information related to this topical issue and publish it in the form of articles in both local and international journals. We studied some of the fauna, flora, and fungi that spread in this area, and bioecologically analyzed some of their representatives (Dendrocopos major, Coccinella septempunctata L., Chelidonium majus L., Rosa arvensis Huds, Polyphylla fullo, Mantis religiosa, lecanora garovaglioi, Xanthoria parietina, Phyllactinia guttata wallr.). All systematic, phytogeographical, zoogeographical analyzes are given in thepaper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the degree of digitalization of Academic Writing and Information Literacy (hereafter AW & IL) course in the countries of the post-Soviet era. Numerous research demonstrated that digital transformation has taken place toward the teaching of AW & IL in most of the developed countries and beyond, yet little is studied about the digitalization in countries of the former Soviet Union that have passed a long way to align their education with the globe. Keeping up with the four main categories of digitalization, the paper will look at its application as a part of curriculum development, assessment, students' competency, and university maintenance. The paper employs a phenomenological approach confirmed through the qualitative analysis of 18 in-depth interviews conducted with AW & IL instructors from nine countries. The study revealed that recently AW & IL course has moved through partial digitalization, providing that the university stakeholders do not exert any necessary support.

Following Stilo's (2018) study of small-inventory classifier systems in a number of Indo-European, Turkic, Kartvelian and Semitic languages of the Araxes-Iran Linguistic Area, the paper presents an account of numeral classifiers in Udi, a Nakh-Daghestanian (Lezgic) language spoken in northern Azerbaijan. Being a peripheral member of the linguistic area in question, Udi possesses an even more reduced version of a small-classifier system, comprising one optional classifier dänä (Iranian borrowing, most likely via Azerbaijani) used with both human and inanimate nouns. A dedicated classifier for humans is lacking, although there is a word tan (also of Iranian origin) only used after numerals or quantifiers, but predominantly as a noun phrase head. The behaviour of dänä and tan is scrutinized, according to a set of parameters, in both spoken and written textual corpora of the Nizh dialect of Udi. Drawing in the data from the related Nakh-Daghestanian languages, the paper shows that among the languages of the family Udi may be unique in possessing classifiers (albeit as a result of contact), Khinalug possibly being the only other exception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to the studying the effect of soil cultivation and mineral fertilizers on the technological indicators of cotton fiber. As a result of the conducted research, it was determined that soil cultivation and mineral fertilizer norms had a significant impact on the technological indicators of cotton fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reviews the development and use of RABISTAV PB-97 vaccine, highlights wildlife rabies control programs using the vaccine in Azerbaijan. For the first time in Azerbaijan, vaccination measures are conducted with the RABISTAV vaccine using helicopters and experts from relevant institutions by scattering decoy bait in 48 rural and forested areas in Shamakhi, Agsu, Ismayilli, Gabala and Oguz regions of Azerbaijan, where carnivorous wild animals reside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Tighva Monastery was founded by Queen Consort Tamar, the daughter of David the Builder, a famous Georgian king who succeeded in uniting the country and making it a dominant regional power. According to the written sources, Tamar was married to Shah Manuchehr III, the Muslim ruler of Shirvan (modern Azerbaijan) around 1111, in order to "rule over Shirvan". Tamar lived and reigned in the Muslim court for more than twenty years. Resulting from a need to secure a retirement home and final resting place, she initiated the construction of Tighva Monastery soon after her return to Georgia in the 1140s. As her husband Manuchehr died in 1160, it seems that Tamar left Shirvan still a married woman, for unknown reasons. Tamar cut ties with her family and spent the remainder of her life as a nun in Tighva. The Church of the Crucifixion in Tighva Monastery, which represents the main focus of this paper, gives a good example of how the place occupied by women during the Divine Liturgy not only indicated their social status, but also determined their visibility, demonstrating how architecture could be used to establish the limits of physical appearance of royal women in the twelfth century Georgian monastic space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The restoration of historical transport routes and the creation of new ones is a strategic objective of most states in modern times. Located at the intersection of the North-South and East-West transport routes, Azerbaijan is currently recognised as an important transport and logistics hub. Successful cooperation with European Union countries in this field is taking place. The East-West and North-South international transport routes passing through the territory of Azerbaijan are very convenient for cargo transportation in terms of distance and duration. This paper discusses the plausibility of the Zangezur corridor being used (which is mentioned in the tripartite agreement that dates back to 10 November 2020) and highlights its importance as an integral element of the global transit route. A comparative analysis of different transit routes was carried out, and the advantages of opening this corridor for all stakeholders was justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates the process of providing automotive technical support for the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan by using synergeticbifurcation theory of system development. Based on expert evaluations and statistical data of the auto-technical support of the Armed Forces during 1991-2019, recorded progress trends of the compound's elements of auto-technical support are recorded. The paper focuses on studying the conceptual model of improvement of the autotechnical support system. The opportunities of development of the auto-technical support of the Armed Forces is investigated based on the phases-time characteristics of system's elements in bifurcation space. In this respect, the bifurcation model of the auto-technical support system is constructed and the functional dependence between elements of functioning system factors are defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the recent years, the interest in the concept of corporate environmental responsibility has been increased in Azerbaijan, like in many other countries in the world. A lot of companies in the country are directly or indirectly involved in one or more environmental responsibility activities. This paper intends to examine the leading Azerbaijani energy company, SOCAR's (The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic) CSR practices focusing on the environmental dimension to determine to what extent it is fulfilling its reponsibility toward the environment. To do the research, a qualitative method was also used, specifically document analysis method. The secondary data on environmental activities and initiatives are culled out from the annual sustainability reports of the company. Moreover, the available literature on corporate environmental responsibility is undertaken for the theoretical underpinnings on the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the stages of agricultural development strategies of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Taking into account that, our country is among the developing countries, agriculture is one of the leading sectors in the country after the oil industry. Agriculture plays an important role in the food security of the country and the socio-economic development of the regions. From this point of view, the state has always focused on the development of agriculture. Considering all the things mentioned above, the article has attempted to show the dynamics of development of agriculture in the economy of the country. Also, the article assessed the current state of agriculture in accordance with agrarian reforms carried out in the post-Soviet period and after the independence of the state. In the development of a competitive environment, the owner entities play large role. In the article found a place, development of enterprises in agriculture and their regulation by the state in accordance with the requirements of a market economy. Also, the dynamics of production, productivity and self-sufficiency of the main types of crop and livestock products were analyzed and evaluated on the basis of statistical data of the Azerbaijan Republic. It should be noted, the assessment also examined the impact of agrarian reforms on agricultural development after state independence. During the observation were used, methods of logical history, analysis-synthesis, induction deduction. Finally, the conclusions and recommendations are based on the provisions obtained from the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, the results of the complex cuttings were presented in the secondary hornbeam stands with the aim of regenerating the natural beech stands in the northern regions of Azerbaijan. For this purpose, three complex cutting procedures were carried out with a recurrence at 5 and 10 years in four sites of the secondary hornbeam stands in the northern regions. The experimental plots were characterised with: a stand density of 0.5-0.7, the age of the forest stands of 60-130 years, undergrowth of 12-25 years, a stand volume of 130-200 m3·ha-1, the beech percentage in the composition of stands of 17-28%, hornbeam 62-79% spread over the southern and northern slopes of the mountains. As a result of the complex cuttings, the share of beech trees in the composition of the parent stands increased 2.2-3.0 times. During cutting, the share of beech trees, as a part of undergrowth, increased 3.8-4.3 times. Based on the data, mathematical models were established reflecting the dynamics of the numbers of the undergrowth and the total stand volume of the forest stands depending on the participation percentage of beech trees in the parent stand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of trust, privacy, service quality and customer satisfaction on the success of electronic customer relationship management (E-CRM) systems. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper, a new model for determining the critical factors in the success of E-CRM systems is presented. The suggested model is verified using partial least squares with structural equation modeling. A questionnaire is designed and collected from 378 taxpayers in East Azerbaijan province of Iran. Findings: The outcomes reveal that customer satisfaction is significantly influenced by the perceived quality of service. Customer satisfaction, in turn, is significantly impacted by the trust. Therefore, the quality of service, trust and privacy, through customer satisfaction, significantly affects the success of E-CRM systems. Research limitations/implications: The main limitation can be referred to the clients that would not cooperate well as they were avoiding to give much information about the financial issue. Also, the study was conducted only in the context of Iran and a limit sample was utilized. Practical implications: The research results help service providers improve E-CRM. Originality/value: This study sheds light on identifying the antecedents of trust, privacy and quality of service that affect customer satisfaction; it may contribute to the theoretical framework for customer satisfaction in the context of the E-CRM. The results of the research offer practical implications for marketing managers and practitioners who prepare strategic plans and implement tools to improve the productivity or performance of the E-CRM systems. Moreover, customer satisfaction is related to the success of E-CRM systems as a result of trust, privacy and service quality. This research offers new insights into E-CRM intentions from a taxpayer in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research is a continuous process which is not limited only with collecting information and portraying it. On the contrary, behind the concept of research lies creation of novel knowledge, which is a result of finding answers to the questions that were neglected before. Since a good research is defined with its clear objectives and validity of findings, it is crucial to consider factors, such as opting an appropriate research methodology and approaches, design and methods for data collection and analysis, ethical issues and obstacles, that can affect the quality of research. Reflecting a continuum of ongoing research process in evaluating performance of SME’s in Azerbaijan, this paper will cover issues which were encountered during the process and scientific approaches to find answers for the questions of the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizations are facing crucial modifications as global market and conditions change day after day. To keep up with fast changing realities, it's important to apply innovation decisions to the current stage of organizations. Lean management consolidates tools and techniques to revert from traditional way of operating to the new human oriented one. In the carried-out research its outlined, human resources management plays a big role in spreading and supporting lean initiatives. It was suggested that, Lean and Human resources management are compatible and should work together to obtain sustainable success by implementation of an innovation approach such as Lean. Both lean management and human resource management focus on the same goals with different methods in terms of control of businesses. All positivist approaches and practices are included in these approaches and practices, which are developed with a focus on the interests of the community, in order for the process to be concluded positively. The employee-centred management approach of human resources management is crucial to lead and maintain good environment in the teams. For this reason, in the lean management philosophy, it is aware that the corporate structure has responsibilities in terms of training the employees, eliminating their problems and supporting them in struggling with the responsibilities they undertake. This paper is quantitative, online survey has been conducted with employees of a private company in Azerbaijan and results were analysed in statistical analysis software SPSS and relevant suggestions and recommendation were given for reorganization to enable lean friendly environment on a sample of the given company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]