bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Explaining and Tackling Under-Declared Employment in FYR Macedonia: The Employers Perspective
Authors: Williams Colin C. , Bezeredi Slavko 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to evaluate how employers who illegally under-report their employees’ salaries to evade paying the full tax and social contributions owed can be explained and tackled. These employers have been conventionally explained as rational economic actors doing so when the benefits outweigh the costs, and thus the solution is to increase the sanctions and/or probability of detection. An alternative social actor approach, however, explains employers as under-reporting salaries because of their lack of both vertical trust (i.e., their beliefs are not in symmetry with the laws and regulations) and horizontal trust (i.e., they believe many others are non-compliant). Reporting a 2015 survey of 450 employers in FYR Macedonia, the finding is that there is no strong association between employers under-reporting salaries and their perceived level of penalties and risks of detection, but a strong significant association with both their level of vertical and horizontal trust. The theoretical and policy implications are then discussed.
Beta Convergence among Former Socialist Countries
Authors: Siljak Dzenita 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to analyze the convergence process among former Socialist countries, the Central and Eastern European (CEE), Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership countries. The relationships between the selected macroeconomic variables and per capita GDP growth rate are econometrically tested to support this research. The analyzed period is 2004-2016, with two sub-periods; 2004-2008 and 2009-2013. The subdivision is made to test if the recent financial crisis affected the absolute and conditional convergence process. The empirical findings support the economic convergence hypothesis. The results show that the recent financial crisis negatively affected only the absolute convergence process. The negative effects of the crisis on conditional convergence are not identified. The poorer countries in the analyzed group should do more to attract investment, as gross fixed capital formation has a clear positive impact on per capita growth in the examined sample of countries.
Cross-Cultural Variations in Consumer Behavior: A Literature Review of International Studies
Authors: Galina Timokhina , Urkmez Taylan , Ralf Wagner 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
This study presents a review of 85 peer-reviewed publications of cross-cultural variations in consumer behavior. The objectives of this study are to systemize conceptual and methodological approaches to research of cross-cultural variations in consumer behavior; to present an extended understanding of consumer behavior in related industries; to identify conceptual and methodological gaps and empirical issues in these studies; and by fulfilling the objective of this paper to develop an agenda guiding further research in a systematic manner. This literature review reveals the lack of a unified conceptual approach to defining cross-cultural variations and the absence of a unified terminology related to cross-cultural research. It also highlights methodological areas susceptible to common method bias, which hinders the establishment of equivalence in studies of cross-cultural variations in consumer behavior. This review accentuates the “cross-cultural variations” concept in consumer behavior research, covering both the differences and similarities that are the subject of cross-cultural studies. Furthermore, the current study outlines relevant contributions for theoretical and potentially managerial implications based on the study’s insights.
Informal Economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina – An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Pasovic Edin , Efendic Adnan S. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
This paper explores the size of the informal economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) over the period 1998- 2016, based on an indirect method of measurement known as the MIMIC approach (Multiple Input Multiple Causes). As the underlying determinants of the informal economy in BiH we include tax burden, the level of unemployment, the size of the agricultural sector and the level of government subsidies. We estimate that the average size of the informal economy for the observed period was 34% of GDP, with the largest percentage in 1998 (43%) and the smallest in 2009 and 2016 (30%). There is a modest decreasing trend in the size of the informal economy over time. Our model identifies two structural brakes over the observed period. The first is positive and is linked to the introduction of the value added tax in 2006 (a decrease in 2007-2009 follows). The second captures a short-run negative effect of the latest global economic crisis in 2009 (an increase between 2010-2011). To further asses these results and check their consistency with available primary data, we investigate the size of the undeclared work, assess tax morality and the additional income of families coming from informal sector. These indicators provide consistent results with those of the MIMIC approach.
Alcohol as a Unifying Force in the Shamanic Community: Nanai Case Study
Authors: Bulgakova Tatiana 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The issue raised in the present article is shamanists’ ideas about why there should be unity in drinking in the shamanic community. In the framework of the shamanic worldview, each act of drinking, not only ritual acts but also everyday acts, can comprise the features of worshipping the spirits and making an offering to them. Hence there is the need to make an offering during any domestic drinking, and an obligation to share the drink with everyone present. From the shamanic perspective, by rejecting alcohol a person demonstrates a refusal to subordinate him or herself to the spirits, which can cause problems.
A Man of Words and Silence: A Siberian Intelectual’s Mixed Patterns of Communication
Authors: Toulouze Eva 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Yuri Vella (1948-2013) was a well-known personality in Western Siberia’s indigenous world. Unlike most Western Siberia indigenous inhabitants, Yuri Vella was exceptionally skilled with words. He used words in everyday life in order to achieve his goals, among which the main one was to protect his kin and neighbours in the forest from the destructions induced by the oil industry. He was able to hold his own in discussion with the oil industry representatives and to have the last word with them. But how did Yuri Vella use words in private life? That is what months of fieldwork sharing the hut he lived in with his wife allowed me to ascertain. I shall concentrate on patterns of speaking - how? with whom? - and silence in everyday life, outside the attention of an audience. Or was my presence in the hut enough of an audience to change his patterns? These reflections are what this article is about.
The Impact of Destination Image on Tourists’ Satisfaction and Loyalty in the Context of Domestic Tourism
Authors: Herle Flavia - Andreea 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Tourism is an extremely complex field and in order to understand its complexity, none of its components should be left aside. That's why, as many other researchers have done before, the present paper aims to analyze the central element of the entire tourist activity: the tourist. Based on the impressions, opinions and thoughts of Romanian tourists, we tried to determine to what extent the image of the destination they have recently visited has an impact on the satisfaction and loyalty they have towards that destination. Therefore, this paper represents a market research aimed at assessing the image of the Romanian tourist destinations as perceived by the Romanian tourists who visited them and to what extent their satisfaction and intentions to revisit/recommend can be influenced by it. The sample consisted of 200 Romanian tourists, contacted both directly and through social networks, who have visited a tourist destination in Romania with at least one night of accommodation in the last 5 years. Following the statistical analysis of the answers provided, it was found out that there are a number of elements of major importance for the Romanian tourists, while other aspects have a slightly influence on their satisfaction and loyalty. The conclusions of this research should be taken into account by all the stakeholders involved in the development and promotion of tourist destinations in Romania, as the contribution of tourism to the economic and cultural development of a country is an important one, according to some official reports.
Opportunities, Challenges and Ethical Considerations as Insider-Researcher for a Community-Based Research in Redressing Livelihood Sustainability Issues
Authors: Jackson Emerson Abraham 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The thought about taking an ethical view-point to this research has emanated from the researcher's journey in preparing for a baseline survey of residents in Goderich using the Community-Based Research Participation (CBRP) approach to investigating concerns pertaining to sustainable livelihood needs. In as much as the overarching focus of the research is aimed at meaningful contribution to the body of knowledge, it was worth the effort in journeying through this phronetic / ethical exploration, which is not so common in research engagements carried out in developing countries like Sierra Leone. The role of the researcher as an insider was thoroughly explored, with the view of openness raised as the preferred option as a way of eliciting unbiased outcomes from participants and also, removing power domination, most often witnessed in researcher-participants relation with most research undertakings.
Characterization and assessment of biosurfactant producing indigenous hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria: potential application in bioremediation
Authors: Bharali Pranjal , Singh Salam Pradeep , Bashir Yasir , Dutta Nipu , Konwar Bolin Kumar , Singh Chingakham Brajakishor 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPetroleum and hydrocarbons contamination can be remediated by physical, chemical or biological methods. Among these, in situ bioremediation is considered to be environmentally friendly because it restores the soil structure, requires less energy input and involves the notable removal after degradation of biosurfactant. The present study involves the characterization and assessment of biosurfactant producing indigenous hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria and their potential application in bioremediation processes. Three bacterial strains were isolated from various crude oil contaminated environments and characterized using standard identification techniques. The results clearly demonstrate the capability of utilizing hydrocarbon and biosurfactant produced by the bacterial strains. 16S rDNA sequencing followed by BLAST analysis revealed their similarity to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The physico-chemical characterization of the biosurfactants revealed significant surface properties with stability at extreme temperature conditions (up to 121˚C), pH (5 - 8) and salinity (up to 4 %). Further, the mass spectrometry confirmed predominance of di-rhamnolipids in biosurfactant mixtures. The biosurfactants were found to be efficient in the removal of crude oil from the contaminated sand suggesting its applicability in bioremediation technology. Further, improved discharge of crude oil at elevated temperatures also confirms their thermo-stability which, could be exploited in microbial enhanced oil recovery processes. Thus, the applications of biosurfactants produced by the indigenous hydrocarbonoclastic strains appeared to be advantageous for bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated environments.
Synthesis of ternary bioactive glass derived aerogel and xerogel: study of their structure and bioactivity
Authors: Ksouri Dalila , Khireddine Hafit , Aksas Ali , Valente Tiago , Bir Fatima , Slimani Nadir , Cabal Belén , Torrecillas Ramón , Santos José Domingos 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
In this work ternary bioactive glasses with the molar composition 63 % SiO2, 28 % CaO, and 9 % P2O5 have been prepared via sol-gel processing route leading to xerogel or aerogel glasses, depending on the drying conditions. Two types of drying methods were used: atmospheric pressure drying (evaporative), to produce xerogels, and supercritical fluids drying, to obtain aerogels. Both dried gels were subjected to heat-treatment at three different temperatures: 400, 600 and 800 ºC in order to the removal of synthesis byproducts and structural modifications. The resulting materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA), and by in vitro bioactivity tests in simulated body fluid. The influence of the drying and the sintering temperature of their structure, morphology, and bioactivity of the final products were evaluated. The results show a good bioactivity of xerogel and aerogel bioactive glass powders with the formation of an apatite layer after one day of immersion in SBF solution for aerogel bioactive glass powders and a particle size less than 10 nm. An apatite layer formed after 3 days in the case of xerogel bioactive glass powders and a particle size around 100 nm.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Control for Ship Autopilot with Speed Keeping
Authors: Liu Zhiquan 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The paper addresses an important issue in surface vessel motion control practice that the ship dynamics and sailing performance can be affected by speed loss. The vessel speed is significantly decreased by the added resistance generated by waves. An adaptive sliding mode course keeping control design is proposed which takes into account uncertain ship dynamics caused by forward speed variations, while avoiding performance compromises under changing operating and environmental conditions. The sliding mode control provides robust performance for time-varying wave disturbances and time-varying changes in ship parameters and actuator dynamics. After combining the unknown but bounded system uncertainties, the design of the adaptation law is obtained which is based on the Lyapunov’s direct method. Simulations on a ship with two rudders illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution.
Optimization Methods in Maritime Transport and Logistics
Authors: Lisowski Józef 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The purpose of the article is to present the goal of optimization of transport and logistics processes, followed by literature review in the field of optimization methods. The optimization methods were categorized and the most commonly used methods were listed. The tasks of static and dynamic optimization were formulated. An example of the single-criterion static and dynamic optimization and multi-criteria game optimization are given.
Mems Technology Quality Requirements as Applied to Multibeam Echosounder
Authors: Bikonis Krzysztof , Demkowicz Jerzy 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Small, lightweight, power-efficient and low-cost microelectromechanical system (MEMS) inertial sensors and microcontrollers available in the market today help reduce the instability of Multibeam Sonars. Current MEMS inertial measurement units (IMUs) come in many shapes, sizes, and costs - depending on the application and performance required. Although MEMS inertial sensors offer affordable and appropriately scaled units, they are not currently capable of meeting all requirements for accurate and precise attitudes, due to their inherent measurement noise. The article presents the comparison of different MEMS technologies and their parameters regarding to the main application, namely Multibeam Echo Sounders (MBES). The quality of MEMS parameters is crucial for further MBES record-processing. The article presents the results of undertaken researches in that area, and these results are relatively positive for low-cost MEMS. The paper undertakes some vital aspect of using MEMS in the attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) context. The article presents a few aspects of MEMS gyro errors and their estimation process in the context of INS processing flow, as well as points out the main difficulties behind the INS when using a few top MEMS technologies.
Estimation of Hydrodynamic Coefficients from Results of Real Ship Sea Trials
Authors: Kim Daewon 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
This paper suggests an estimation method for ship’s hydrodynamic coefficients, which is based on the system identification method that calculates an optimum value in a mathematical way. For the purpose of modelling existing ships, this study collects real ship sea trial data as benchmarks. Prior to the optimization, a sensitivity analysis is carried out for easy and effective optimization. The simulation results using optimized coefficients agree well with corresponding benchmarks. Following this, with various trim and draught conditions, this study suggests new estimation formulas that concern all trim and draught conditions. Simulation results applying the estimation formulas are satisfactory in regard to a corresponding benchmark, compared to a result obtained by using an existing regression formula.
Elastic-Plastic Analysis for Circumferential through Crack at Boundary of Semi’S Brace under Beam Wave
Authors: Wang Fei , Deng Xiong , Li Yuqiong 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
In order to ensure the safety and reliability of the horizontal brace of semi-submersible platform (SEMI) which functions as the supporting structure in SEMI, this article presents an elastic-plastic method to analyze the variations of the crack tip opening displacement, elastic zone and plastic zone of the cracked section of the horizontal brace under beam wave. The brace of the SEMI was assumed to be located a circumferential through crack at its boundary in this article. In addition, the cracked section of the brace has been divided into crack zone, tensile plastic zone, elastic zone and compressive plastic zone in the presented theoretical model. Moreover, the closed form of the solution has been found in this article which is especially suitable solving complicated problems in practical engineering application. Also, a typical new-generation SEMI that is in practical use was selected to analyze the variation tendency of the cracked brace’s parameters using the proposed model which could give good suggestion to semi-submersible platform designers and managers.
Synergistic Network Connectivity among Urban Areas Based on Non-Linear Model of Housing Prices Dynamics
Authors: Bełej Mirosław 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The assumption of a strong positive relationship between the specificity of an urban area and the operation of the housing market, which responds to megatrends in the market environment, has been the foundation of the research concept adopted for this study. The study treats the housing markets as complex, adaptive dynamic systems which develop through synergistic network responses. This paper employs a nonlinear critically-damped harmonic oscillator model and phase diagrams to describe the dynamics of housing prices (in the years 2006-2016) in order to demonstrate the synergistic network connections in selected Polish cities. In another important part of the study, the authors propose to employ non-classical dynamic measures, i.e. the absolute time of delay, relaxation time and a long-term level of equilibrium. The study has shown that network connections are strongly synchronized during periods of housing market instability (2006-2007), whereas the process of unsynchronization is observed during a period of stability (2008-2016). Moreover, phase diagrams have been used to demonstrate the similarity of trends in housing prices as well as the shapes of individual trajectories and the existence of multiple points of quasi-equilibrium.
A Market Analysis in Development Activity. The Problem of the Availability of Statistical Data in European Countries
Authors: Antczak-Stępniak Agata 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Development activity is primarily characterized by high capital intensity. Developers implementing a venture in the residential market make use of not only their own funds but also capital from potential buyers. Therefore, developers should carefully analyze the markets in which they intend to conduct their business activity. This particularly applies to developers operating on an international scale. Local developers often understand the market situation in a given area enough to be able to successfully assess whether their products will find buyers. Foreign developers, however, deciding in which country and subsequently, in which region, to start their business activity, should base their analysis on reliable statistical data concerning demand, supply, prices, and the absorption rate. The aim of the article is therefore to assess the availability of statistical data necessary for conducting a market analysis for the needs of development activity in individual countries of the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Information and Communication Systems Used for Keeping the Register of Real Estate Prices and Values (Rrepv) in Poland
Authors: Halik Łukasz 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The Register of Real Estate Prices and Values (RREPV) is among the sources of information used in the process of real estate value estimation. Pursuant to § 74 of the Regulation on the Land and Property Register, the register is kept by the head of the county. Currently there are 380 counties in Poland, including 66 city counties. Such a big number of administrative units within the country, combined with different information and communication system providers, results in a great diversity of software used for keeping RREPV nationwide. The purpose of the article is to present the spatial distribution of information and communication systems in which RREPV is kept. The article describes parameters that characterize the market share of specific programs existing on the market with regard to the number of implementations, estimated number of transactions entered in the system, the coverage area of the specific system and the population handled by the specific system.
A Non-Classical Model of Mass Valuation of Agricultural Property
Authors: Foryś Iwona , Putek-Szeląg Ewa 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Mass valuation of real estate requires meeting a combination of several demands, such as estimating a large number of real estate properties in a short time, and above all carrying out calculations using the same tools. Econometric models ensuring that the above requirements are met are widely used throughout the world. Their application is subject to the fulfillment of assumptions, which, in practice, turns out to be difficult, especially in a market with low information efficiency, which the real estate market is an example of. Hence, apart from classical models, including multiple regression, there are proposals of non-classical models. Additionally, researchers usually analyze the market of apartments or land in urbanized areas, whereas the research area in the article is non-urbanized areas. The nonclassical model of mass valuation of agricultural property tested in the Szczecin center for ad valorem property tax purposes can be treated as an alternative to classical models. The article discusses the methodology of mass valuation of undeveloped agricultural properties in non-urbanized areas, with a proposal of features significantly affecting the value of these properties. A comparative analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of classic and non-classical models used in the mass valuation of real estate was also carried out. The issues addressed are important given the different concepts of introducing cadastral value in Poland, but also the concepts of mass valuation in developing countries where there is not enough developed methodology of real estate estimation by authorized entities.