bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Representation of Love in Manon Lescaut by Abbé Prévost
Authors: Petre Andreea 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This work analyses the way in which the representation of love in the novel Manon Lescaut by Prévost highlights some important aspects that mark the perception of love in the eighteenth century. Following the literary tradition of Classicism, according to which passionate love is a source of evil and even of the protagonists’ death, in Prévost’s novel, the Chevalier Des Grieux’s passionate love arises from the concern of the Age of Enlightenment to emphasize the importance of individual identity, which implies the freedom and courage to decide on one’s own life, the refusal of one’s positioning in an inherited hierarchy, at the top of which there lies the paternal or divine authority. To illustrate this conviction, Prévost builds a love story in which the male character occupies the privileged place, and femininity does not represent strangeness or otherness but an artificial entity, one created from within the male figure to capture his departure from the original, paradisiacal state of moral perfection. Under these circumstances, the construction of the female character becomes a tribute to the literary tradition of the representation of charm and beauty as sources of the extreme degradation of the male character.
The Use of Formants’ Correlation in Assessing the Sadness State of the Speakers
Authors: Ghelţu Ștefan-Andrei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to further the comparative analysis of the variations in the correlation coefficients of the formants for the Romanian vowels during emotional speech. We created an annotated speech database composed of recordings of speakers pronouncing the following sentences: /vine mama/ (/mother is coming/), /aseară/ (/last night/), /cine a făcut asta/ (/who did this/), first on a neutral tone of voice, and then expressing sadness.
The analysis focuses on the influence that sadness has on the vocal signal. The formants and F0 (pitch) of each vowel were extracted. Statistical analysis techniques were applied in order to verify whether the variation of the correlation coefficients between F0 and F1-F4 presents significant variations or whether it tends to be homogenous under the following conditions: (1) same speaker – same vowel – different sentences; (2) same speaker – same vowel – emotional neutrality vs. sadness; (3) different speakers – same sentence – same vowel.
Weeds as Bioindicators of Ecological Conditions in Organic Carrot and Onion Crop
Authors: Nikolić Ljiljana , Šeremešić Srđan , Džigurski Dejana , Vojnov Bojan , Vasiljević Marjana 
Published: November 2023

Summary
The obtained results indicate the possibility of weed control in organic intercropping production systems of carrots and onions with the application of corn gluten, together with the ecological assessment of habitat based on bioindicator values of weed species. A total of 29 weed taxons are present in the intercoped and pure crops of carrots and onions, grown without (CO) and with the application of corn gluten (CO-G). Although floristically uniformed, 24 taxons (CO) and 23 taxons (CO-G), the total weediness on the CO-G variants was 24% higher. The highest value of fresh weed biomass was recorded on the treatment of pure onion crop with gluten application (2844.85 g/m2), while the lowest value was recorded on the treatment of intercropped carrot and onion (1004.99 g/m2). Ecological assessment of habitat, based on indicator values and abundance of weed species, indicates favorable climatic conditions with favorable temperature (Tx̄ - 4) and light (Lx̄ - 4) regime, which refers to temperate continental climate conditions (Kx̄ - 2,7). Soil indicators indicate slightly drier conditions (Fx̄ – 2,6), slightly acidic to neutral pH (Rx̄ – 3,3), rich in nutrients (Nx̄ – 4), with moderate humus content (Hx̄ – 3), moderate aeration (Dx̄ – 2,8) and locally salted (s) with the participation of salinity indicators in the amount of 54% (CO) and 40% (CO-G). The presence of heavy metals tolerance (m) indicators in the amount of 46% (CO-G) and 41% (CO) should not be neglected, which imposes the need for additional analysis of soil for heavy metal content. Based on the analysis of obtained indicator values, it can be concluded that these ecological conditions correspond to the development of carrots and onions and that the lowest values of fresh weed biomass were recorded on the treatment of intercropping of carrots and onions, without application of corn gluten.
Perceived Effects of Crop Diversification on Food Security of Farmers in Kwara State Nigeria
Authors: Olatinwo Latifat Kehinde , Yusuf Olayinka Jelili , Komolafe Sola Emmanuel , Oganija Mistura Omowumi 
Published: November 2023

Summary
This study was conducted to examine perceived effects of crop diversification on food security status of maize-based farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to obtain data from 183 maize-based farmers using an interview schedule. The data were analyzed using Herfindahl indexing, Food Consumption Score of the World Food Programme for determining household food security and Chi-square test. The results showed that the extent of crop diversification was moderate for slightly above half of the respondents (51.4%). The majority of the respondents (91.3%) had acceptable food consumption (>35), which corresponds to their food security situation. Crop diversification among the farmers indicated positive and significant influence of crop diversification on the food security status of the farmers at 1% level of significance using chi-square. More than half of the respondents perceived that crop diversification had strong effects on increased access to food preferences for an active and healthy life (56.3%), access to utilizable and digestible food (57.4%) and access to sufficient food (53.6%). The study concluded that crop diversification practices contributed to food security by increasing access to preferred sufficient, utilizable and digestible food for active and healthy life of maize-based farmers in Kwara State. Thus, extension agents should increase awareness of the importance of crop diversification for the farmers’ output in the study area.
Physico-Mechanical Properties of Dupska Pramenka Wool as Breed Characterization Descriptors
Authors: Važić Božo , Rogić Biljana , Pihler Ivan , Steiner Zvonimir , Gantner Vesna 
Published: November 2023

Summary
The characterization of animal genetic resources includes morphometric, production and genetic characterization. This paper aims to determine the annual yield, staple length, and physico-mechanical properties of the wool of the Dupska Pramenka sheep. The average annual wool yields of a total of 130 ewes and 14 rams enrolled in the study were 2.120 kg and 3.340 kg, respectively. Wool samples were taken from the left shoulder, posterior rib, and pelvis of a total of 50 sheep (36 ewes and 14 rams). The lengths of wool staples collected from three body sites of the ewes were 20.92 cm, 21.75 cm, and 22.25 cm, respectively. The lengths of wool staples collected from three body sites of rams were 23.50 cm, 22.14 cm, and 23.64 cm, respectively. The height and length of wool fibers of the ewes were 21.97 cm and 22.85 cm on the shoulder, 22.38 cm and 23.10 cm on the posterior rib, and 23.06 cm and 23.77 cm on the pelvis. The height and length of wool fibers of the rams were 22.00 cm and 22.89 cm on the shoulder, 22.54 cm and 23.26 cm on the posterior rib, and 22.61 cm and 23.40 cm on the pelvis. The average fineness of wool fibers of the ewes was 43.08 µ, whereas the fineness of wool fibers of the rams was 45.43 µ. The Dupska Pramenka sheep were found to have mixed fibers: axillary (over 45µ), accounting for51.64% in the ewes and 54.91% in the rams, and transitional (30–45µ), accounting for 28.76% in the ewes and 32.80% in the rams. Fiber fluff (10–30µ) accounted for 19.83% and 12.98% in the fleeces of ewes and rams considered, respectively.
Evaluating the Performance of wav2vec Embedding for Parkinson's Disease Detection
Authors: Klempíř Ondřej , Příhoda David , Krupička Radim 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Speech is one of the most serious manifestations of Parkinson's disease (PD). Sophisticated language/speech models have already demonstrated impressive performance on a variety of tasks, including classification. By analysing large amounts of data from a given setting, these models can identify patterns that would be difficult for clinicians to detect. We focus on evaluating the performance of a large self-supervised speech representation model, wav2vec, for PD classification. Based on the computed wav2vec embedding for each available speech signal, we calculated two sets of 512 derived features, wav2vec-sum and wav2vec-mean. Unlike traditional signal processing methods, this approach can learn a suitable representation of the signal directly from the data without requiring manual or hand-crafted feature extraction. Using an ensemble random forest classifier, we evaluated the embedding-based features on three different healthy vs. PD datasets (participants rhythmically repeat syllables /pa/, Italian dataset and English dataset). The obtained results showed that the wav2vec signal representation was accurate, with a minimum area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.77 for the /pa/ task and the best AUROC of 0.98 for the Italian speech classification. The findings highlight the potential of the generalisability of the wav2vec features and the performance of these features in the cross-database scenarios.
Born Globals and Born Sustainables: Motives of Accumulating Wealth and of Making a Difference in the World
Authors: Širec Karin , Samsami Mahsa , Schøtt Thomas 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background/Purpose
This study investigates the distinct entrepreneurial motivations driving export activities and sustainability pursuits in Slovenian businesses, with a particular focus on differences between newborns and mature enterprises. The study proposes that entrepreneurs who prioritize wealth accumulation are more likely to engage in export activities, particularly those running startups, under the pressures of global trade. Conversely, in light of the shifting cultural values towards sustainability, it is hypothesized that entrepreneurs who are committed to making a difference in the world will be more inclined towards sustainability engagement, a tendency that may be more pronounced in startups.

Methods
To test these hypotheses, linear regression modelling, using data collected from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor survey of businesses in Slovenia was employed.

Results
Newborns, in comparison to mature businesses, are more engaged in both exporting and sustainability pursuits. Interestingly, the motives behind these activities differ significantly. Exporting is primarily driven by the pursuit of wealth accumulation, while sustainability engagement is motivated by the desire to make a positive difference in the world.

Conclusion
These findings provide valuable insights into the unique characteristics of internationalization and sustainability pursuits in startups versus mature businesses. They highlight the role of distinct entrepreneurial motivations in shaping business practices, contributing to the literature on entrepreneurship and business sustainability.
Optical system for precise isocenter measurement
Authors: Kukołowicz Paweł , Szalkowski Dariusz , Jackowska-Zduniak Beata , Tarchalski Mikołaj 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Introduction: The geometrical precision of the machines is essential for effective and safe radiotherapy. Methods currently used for the measurement of the mechanical isocenter have many limitations. In this work, the optical system NaviRation for very precise measurement of mechanical accelerator isocenter is described. The results of the measurement of the isocenter for linear accelerator are also presented.

Materials and methods: An optical system for measuring the accelerator isocenter was designed and built. The optical system consists of two cameras recording the target position made according to a patented Zeiss technology. About 1,200 pairs of images are recorded during the rotation of the gantry, collimator and treatment table. Mathematical analysis of these images makes it possible to determine the location of the target center during rotation. In order to verify the accuracy of the measurements, a device simulating rotational motion was designed. The measurement results were also verified at the Central Office of Measures. The system must be calibrated each time before taking measurements. In this article, we present the results of measurements for the Versa HD accelerator.

Results: The accuracy of determining the current position of the axis of rotation was 0.15 mm. The time of taking measurements of all rotations does not exceed 20 minutes. Measurement results for the Versa HD accelerator showed that this accelerator met the criteria described by TG142 of the AAPM. The diameter of the gantry, collimator and table isocenter spheres were 1.5 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm, respectively.

Conclusions: The system enables precise, fast and simple mechanical isocenter measurement of the gantry, collimator and treatment table. It is also possible to perform all tests related to the measurements of distances, e.g. quality control of distance indicator, and distance of the table movement. The isocenter is measured independently of the accelerator for which measurements are made.
A Sustainability-Based Approach for Geotechnical Infrastructure
Authors: Pettinaroli Andrea , Susani Stefano , Castellanza Riccardo , Collina Elena Maria , Pierani Matteo , Paoli Riccardo , Romagnoli Francesco 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Urban growth needs large cities, and the current emphasis on landscape preservation makes using underground spaces an opportunity and a significant necessity. However, underground construction techniques significantly impact the sustainability of the built environment, including infrastructure systems and their entire supply chains. Nowadays, there is a shortage of quantitative methodologies to assess and measure the sustainability of construction and underground building processes towards the three sustainable pillars, i.e. environmental, social, and economic. Thus, this study aims to cover this gap by explaining how to appropriately incorporate sustainability goals into geotechnical projects to address measure-driven strategies and eco-design-based solutions. This study illustrates a novel methodology based on the Life Cycle Thinking approach, with an emphasis on geotechnical ground improvement techniques. The proposed method incorporates the concept of the EU Taxonomy, following the EU Green Deal, with the Envision framework to guide decision-makers toward a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable infrastructure design. The proposed method will incorporate a cradle-to-site Life Cycle Assessment perspective, improving the quantitative estimation of the environmental performance of construction processes and providing guidelines to systematically assess the sustainability of geotechnical infrastructures.
Analysis of Hydropotential and Prospects for Small Hydropower Development in Ukraine
Authors: Halych Oksana , Bilkova Eva , Nowak Petr , Riabenko Oleksandr 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The share of electricity generation by small hydropower plants is the least among other renewable energy sources in Ukraine, although the SHPPs were widely operated in the past. The aim of the article is to analyse the hydropotential of Ukrainian rivers and review the past and present states of small hydropower engineering in Ukraine. Moreover, the article emphasizes the main directions and gives recommendations for hydropower development in Ukraine considering ecological, economic, energy and legal issues.
Some Observations on Ideal Variations of Bornological Covers
Authors: Das Subhankar 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this article, we use the notion of ideals to study open covers and related selection principles, and thus, we extend some results in (Caserta et al. 2012; Chandra et al. 2020) where open covers and related selection principles have been investigated using the idea of strong uniform convergence (Beer and Levi, 2009) on a bornology. We introduce the notions of ℐ-γ
ℬ
s -cover, ℐ-strong-ℬ-Hurewicz and ℐ-strong-ℬ-groupable cover. Also, in (C(X),τsℬ), some properties like ℐ-strictly Frèchet Urysohn, ℐ-Reznichenko property are investigated.
Multipliers of Variationally Mcshane Integrable Functions in Locally Convex Space
Authors: Bhatnagar Savita 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We study measurable real valued multipliers of variationally McShane (resp. McShane) integrable functions defined on a σ-finite outer regular quasi-Radon measure space and taking values in a complete locally convex topological vector space X. We also show: in case X is representable by semi-norm then essentially bounded real measurable functions are multipliers of functions which are Pettis integrable as well as integrable by semi-norm. The space of real valued measurable and essentially bounded functions turn out to be precisely the multipliers of variationally McShane (resp. McShane) integrable functions in case X is representable by semi-norm.
On Strongly Star g-Compactness of Topological Spaces
Authors: Bal Prasenjit , Sarkar Susmita 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce strongly star g-compactness as a topological covering property and compare its structure to other topological properties that have analogous structures. The characteristics of a strongly star g-compact subset and strongly star g-compact subspace are looked at. Finally, some finite intersection-like characteristics that will result in some situations akin to strongly star g-compactness are presented.
Scripting Scenarios of Pedestrian Behavior in a Computer Simulator of Security Monitoring System: A Practitioner’s Perspective
Authors: Sugier Jarosław 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The subject of this paper is the AvatarTraffic simulator – a computer system capable of modelling in real time environments such as subway stations or airport halls populated with tens or hundreds of moving figures, which, in addition to pedestrian traffic typical for this type of objects, can perform predefined sequences of events and actions formulated as a simulation scenario. Thanks to the integration with a real monitoring system, the simulator, in addition to providing data streams (including video) generated by the virtual scene, is also able to dynamically respond to actions taken by the system’s staff. Using the Unity simulation engine as the implementation platform, a number of practical problems had to be solved during the development, two of which are the subject of this article: a) supervising and correcting the work of AI algorithms used in Unity to simulate the pedestrian movement of avatars, and b) a textual description of the scenario of events taking place on the stage in a way editable for experts planning tests of the monitoring system. Some more challenging cases of people movement are discussed (including creating queues and passing through doors) and the paper presents original algorithms correcting the work of the Unity’s built-in methods in the situations when the coordinated behaviour of people groups is required. Because of the specifics of the simulator environment the scenario needed to be expressed in a JSON text file, and the article presents the implemented mechanisms of its compilation directly to the C# runtime environment and discusses the original command language which was created to model sequences of events and actions making up the scenario.
Phantomatic Road Works in Poland: A View from a Dashboard Cam
Authors: Pashkevich Anton , Burghardt Tomasz E. , Krawiec Antoni , Piegza Adrian , Żakowska Lidia 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCorrect signage belongs to critical factors affecting road traffic safety. During a naturalistic driving study in Poland major mistakes associated with signage were noticed and analysed: road works were announced and speed limits were reduced from 120 km/h to 70−80 km/h, but no road construction could be found. Measurements of drivers’ speed showed their complete disregard of the limitations: average speed of light vehicles remained at 113 km/h and lorries at 88 km/h. Assessment of the encountered 683 road signs revealed 12.5% of them to be inadequate (10.9% falsely informed drivers). Evaluation of contrast ratio of road markings (their replacement was the claimed reason for road work) showed low values both before and after re-placement (Weber contrast 0.6). It is hypothesised that erroneous road signage and its contradiction with the visible road features are contributing to the permanent disobedience of traffic rules in Poland and are decreasing road safety.
Drivers’ Reaction Time and Mental Workload: A Driving Simulation Study
Authors: Pouliou Anna , Kehagia Fotini , Poulios Georgios , Pitsiava-Latinopoulou Magdalini , Bekiaris Evangelos 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Drivers play a significant role in causing serious accidents, which underscores the need for further investigating the human element in order to improve road safety. Given the predominance of the information processing approach in driver’s behavior research field, an important psychological construct, Mental Workload (MWL), has been introduced to study the behavior of drivers. The objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of increased MWL on driver behavior and specifically the changes in driver’s Reaction Time (RT) under increased MWL. The experiment conducted in the driving simulator of the Hellenic Institute of Transport which is part of the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, with the participation of 56 subjects from all age groups. For the simulation of the increased MWL conditions during driving, a secondary task was employed. To this end, the MIT AgeLab Delayed Digit Recall Task in the 1-back version was adapted for the needs of the present research. The driving scenario included 4 unexpected events, which further increase driver’s MWL. Driving performance was observed and relative parameters were measured as RT on the unexpected events, accidents occurred, and maneuvers performed. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed to examine the difference in the drivers’ RT in the unexpected events. Results demonstrated that higher MWL increased drivers’ RT in the majority of the participants. Furthermore, results also indicated a number of participants that probably employed adaptive control behaviors to counterbalance the increased MWL. Overall, variance on MWL proved to play an important role on driver performance, and thus further research on its consequences on driving performance, and the factors that influence its variance during driving, is imperative.
Optimizing Algerian Company’s Delivery Fleet with Agent_Based Model in Anylogic
Authors: Bounadi Nassima , Boussalia Serial Rayene , Bellaouar Ahmed 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The utilization of simulation modelling in supply chain management has proven to be a valuable tool for logistics service providers, enabling them to optimize their operations and meet customer demands efficiently. AnyLogic, with its diverse capabilities in discrete event simulation, system dynamics, and agent-based simulation, stands out as a powerful software solution for tackling complex supply chain challenges. This paper significantly contributes by demonstrating the practical implementation of AnyLogic in the modelling and simulation of agro-food product distribution network, particularly vegetable oils from the Cevital group. Additionally, the study integrates an optimization experiment to ascertain the optimal number of vehicles required to meet a specific customer demand while ensuring a high level of fleet utilization. The obtained results are very encouraging and demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of our approach.