bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and thermostability of hydrophobic modified nanocrystalline cellulose
Authors: Lu Junliang , Lang Jinyan , Wang Na , Wang Xinhui , Lan Ping , Zhang Heng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we provide a new approach for the anionic modification and functional application of nanocellulose. The nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) is prepared from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and modified by fatty acids (lauric acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid). Ammonium ceric sulfate or hydrogen peroxide/ferrous sulfate being used as an initiator, three kinds of modified nanocrystalline cellulose (MNCC) can be synthesized at low temperature. The terminology for these MNCC is L-MNCC (NCC modified by lauric acid), P-MNCC (NCC modified by palmitic acid) and S-MNCC (NCC modified by stearic acid). Compared with those existing synthesized methods, the reaction condition is mild, and the modified products show strong stability. It can be seen from morphological structure analysis and reaction conditions analysis of MNCC that the original structure of cellulose is changed slightly. And the optimal conditions for preparing MNCC are obtained. The best yields of L-MNCC, P-MNCC and S-MNCC are 54.2 %, 20.9 % and 14.5 %, respectively.
Female and Unfree in America: Captivity and Slave Narratives
Authors: Bercuci Loredana 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This study analyses two seminal American memoirs that depict female captivity: A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson (1682) by Mary Rowlandson and Harriet Jacobs’ Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl (1861). My aim is to discuss, using the tools of Critical Race Theory, the intersections of gender and race, focusing on how the two women’s femininity, as well as their individuality, is linked to Christianity and motherhood.
Exploring the Attitudes of Philology Students Concerning the Use of Digital Resources. A Case Study
Authors: Goşa Codruţa Maria Cornelia , Mureşan Valentina Carina 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The present paper brings into discussion a very topical issue for students and teachers alike nowadays – the development of digital competence for students in the field of humanities. The research focuses on investigating possible changes in the attitudes of philology students towards the use of technology, as they are facing the reality of having to adapt their learning and/or their teaching to the new educational demands. Since the present educational context involved a quick change to online teaching and learning, the research focused on how the group of students in humanities have adapted to this setting, whether operating in this digitalised learning/teaching environment has any implications for their future career and whether the identified changes are connected to any lessons learnt both in their capacity of learners and teachers.
Analyses of selected thermal-technical parameters of an innovative construction board with built-in infrared heating
Authors: Dubecký Dominik , Kozlovská Mária 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The purpose of innovations is to increase the efficiency of work procedures, accommodating sustainability and efficiency trends. One of the preconditions of technological innovations is development of construction products. A prefabricated board with built-in infrared heating is an innovative product which reduces labour intensity at the construction site by featuring a heating system that is built directly into the construction board, which begins to perform its function immediately after it is built in. This article presents certain partial results of the research and development of an innovative board with built-in infrared heating, which is currently protected by a valid utility model. Nine material variants of the innovative board were analysed as part of the experimental research. The research focused on the pattern of changes in surface temperature over time. The results of the experiment, despite deviations from the anticipated behaviour of the individual boards, showed a link between thermal resistance and increase in surface temperature.
Recycled aggregate amount variation of fraction 4/8 mm and 8/16 mm in the concrete mixture
Authors: Junák Jozef , Junáková Natália 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The introductory part of the paper is devoted to the classification of aggregates according to various criteria, one of them is the geographical origin of aggregates. From the point of view of the circular economy, the use of recycled aggregates comes to the fore, mainly from the ecological point of view but also from the economic point of view.
The paper summarizes the results of research focused on the variation of the amount of 2 Recycled concrete aggregate fractions in concrete, followed by an evaluation of the effect of the presence of recycled material in the mixture on the selected property, specifically compressive strength. The highest compressive strength 34.7 MPa after 28 days hardening reached sample containing 100% recycled fraction 4/8 mm, and 60% recycled fraction 8/16 mm. This value is only slightly different from the compressive strength of the reference sample (34.4 MPa).
The impact of interior construction on the indoor environmental quality
Authors: Harčárová Katarína , Vilčeková Silvia 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The presented paper deals with the evaluation of the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in two apartment units in different phases of interior construction. The first apartment is in the initial phase of an unfurnished apartment and the second in the final phase of a fully furnished apartment. The results of IEQ monitoring indicate that in terms of thermal-humidity microclimate, the required legislative limits were met and the differences between the unfurnished and the fully furnished apartment were minimal. Only the operative temperature values were not in the legislative range. The average particulate matter (PM) concentrations of the two representative fractions (PM2.5 and PM10) were 21.10 μg/m3 and 564.72 μg/m3 for the unfurnished apartment and 4.67 μg/m3 and 68.15 μg/m3 for the furnished apartment. The legislative limit of 50 μg/m3 for PM10 was therefore significantly exceeded, especially in the case of an unfurnished apartment in the initial phase. The average TVOC concentration expressed in toluene equivalents was 1955 μg/m3 in a furnished apartment and 910 μg/m3 in an unfurnished apartment. Both of these values exceeded Mølhave’s recommended limit of 200 μg/m3. The presence of xylenes (51.19 μg/m3) and ethylbenzene (17.27 μg/m3) was detected in an unfurnished apartment. In addition to xylenes (171.63 μg/m3) and ethylbenzene (79.25 μg/m3), toluene (78.34 μg/m3) was also present in the furnished apartment. The concentrations of these compounds were below the legislative limits, except for ethylbenzene for which no legislative limits are set. The above results show that further surface treatment and furnishing of the apartment contribute to the increase of the VOC levels in the indoor environment. In the case of unfurnished apartment, workers are exposed not only to elevated concentrations of TVOC but also to elevated concentrations of PM10 and should therefore pay attention to the protection and safety of health during the work.
Experimental diagnostics on potential degradation of a selected building construction
Authors: Eštoková Adriana , Hološová Miriama , Terpáková Eva 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the historical building of the Old Town Hall of Košice city in terms of degradation processes of building materials. Regular maintenance, especially of historic buildings, is essential in terms of preserving the historic architectural heritage. Research was focused on selected parts of the basement of the historical construction with a special regard to the effect of humidity, salinity and carbonation of masonry structures. Samples were collected in the building basement and subsequently analysed in the laboratory. Chemical analysis of materials was performed by X–ray fluorescence analysis and the soluble salts were investigated by colorimetry. In addition, the content of sulphates was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. Humidity of individual samples ranged from very low to very high, the highest values were measured around the perimeter of the room (positioning to the outside terrain). The carbonation ranged from grade III to IV, sulphates were detected in practically all samples. The results of study can help to design corrective measures.
Federated Learning as a Privacy-Providing Machine Learning for Defect Predictions in Smart Manufacturing
Authors: da Silveira Dib Mario Alberto , Ribeiro Bernardete , Prates Pedro 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this work, the federated learning methodology is applied to predict defects in sheet metal forming processes exposed to sources of scatter in the material properties and process parameters. Numerical simulations of the U-channel forming process were performed to analyze springback for three types of sheet steel materials. The datasets of different clients are used to train a single machine learning model. With this approach, multiple parties would simultaneously train a machine learning model on their combined data by training the models locally on the client nodes and progressively improving the learning model through interaction with the central server. This way the industrial peers have no access to the others local data in a centralized server. The predictive performance achieved is similar to a standard centralized learning method, offering competitive results of collaborative machine learning in industrial environment.
Determining Optimal Parameters of Grooves of Partially Regular Microrelief Formed on End Faces of Rotary Bodies
Authors: Dzyura Volodymyr , Maruschak Pavlo , Kozbur Halyna , Kryvyi Petro , Prentkovskis Olegas 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The article considers the schemes of groove arrangement on a partially regular microrelief of type I with coaxial grooves formed on end faces of rotary bodies because of vibration. An analytical dependence was obtained to determine the relative area of a partially regular microrelief depending on the geometrical parameters of the V-shaped grooves. The parameters of the grooves formed at different distances from the center of rotation, with which the relative area of the partially regular microrelief will be the same, are determined. It is found that without adjusting the vibration amplitude of the deforming element, the relative area of the grooves will decrease significantly. The imprint radius of the deforming element and its influence on changes in the relative area of the vibrorolling are also found.
Evidence for Subcortical Plasticity after Paired Stimulation from a Wearable Device
Authors: Germann Maria , Baker Stuart N. 
Published: January 2021

Existing non-invasive stimulation protocols can generate plasticity in the motor cortex and its corticospinal projections; techniques for inducing plasticity in subcortical circuits and alternative descending pathways such as the reticulospinal tract (RST) are less well developed. One possible approach developed by this laboratory pairs electrical muscle stimulation with auditory clicks, using a wearable device to deliver stimuli during normal daily activities. In this study, we applied a variety of electrophysiological assessments to male and female healthy human volunteers during a morning and evening laboratory visit. In the intervening time (∼6 h), subjects wore the stimulation device, receiving three different protocols, in which clicks and stimulation of the biceps muscle were paired at either low or high rate, or delivered at random. Paired stimulation: (1) increased the extent of reaction time shortening by a loud sound (the StartReact effect); (2) decreased the suppression of responses to transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (TMS) following a loud sound; (3) enhanced muscle responses elicited by a TMS coil oriented to induce anterior-posterior (AP) current, but not posterior-anterior (PA) current, in the brain. These measurements have all been suggested to be sensitive to subcortical, possibly reticulospinal, activity. Changes were similar for either of the two paired stimulus rates tested, but absent after unpaired (control) stimulation. Taken together, these results suggest that pairing clicks and muscle stimulation for long periods does indeed induce plasticity in subcortical systems such as the RST.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSubcortical systems such as the reticulospinal tract (RST) are important motor pathways, which can make a significant contribution to functional recovery after cortical damage such as stroke. Here, we measure changes produced after a novel non-invasive stimulation protocol, which uses a wearable device to stimulate for extended periods. We observed changes in electrophysiological measurements consistent with the induction of subcortical plasticity. This protocol may prove an important tool for enhancing motor rehabilitation, in situations where insufficient cortical tissue survives to be a plausible substrate for recovery of function.
State of herpetofauna of the shelterbelts at different distances from the agrocenoses treated by pesticides
Authors: Gasso V. Ya. , Yermolenko S. V. , Huslystyi A. O. , Bobyliov Yu. P. , Hahut A. M. , Petrushevskyi V. B. 
Published: January 2021

Differences in the herpetofauna of the shelterbelts, which are located at different distances from the fields treated with pesticides, have been studied. It was found that the herpetofauna of artificial forest plantations on the right bank of the Samara River consists of five species: Bufotes viridis, Pelobates vespertinus, Natrix natrix, Coronella austriaca and Lacerta agilis. The grass snake was only found in forest plantations that remote at a distance of 5 kilometres from agrocenoses and could not be treated with pesticides. In the studied areas, two species of snakes (C. austriaca and N. natrix) had the lowest numbers. Amphibians and the sand lizard are the most numerous animals in both groups of shelterbelts. The highest indicator of relative dominance in the herpetofauna of forest belts was observed for the sand lizard, which reflects the greater ecological plasticity of this species. The Renkonen index (more than 90%) showed the similarity of herpetofauna groups of shelterbelts both remote and adjacent to agrocenoses treated by pesticides. The herpetofauna groups of forest belts of both groups had similar indices of dominancy (0.35–0.46), alignment (0.78–0.97) and diversity according to the Shannon (1.07–1.22) and Simpson indices (0.29– 0.35). The lowest indicator of species richness (0.48) is determined for the forest belts adjacent to agrocenoses. Thus, artificial forest plantations that are directly affected by agricultural activities (pesticide use, reduction in food, etc.) can also act as refugia to maintain biodiversity. Nevertheless, this will depend on the amount and duration of pesticide use, so further research is needed for definitive conclusions. Forest belts, which have existed for half a century or more, are a kind of separate ecosystems that can help in understanding various issues of Zoology (fauna and species distribution), Ecology (population dynamics, population structure) and microevolution (processes in new relatively isolated systems).
Increased natriuretic peptides not associated with heart failure
Authors: Chaulin A. M. , Duplyakov D. V. 
Published: January 2021

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are key diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for patients with heart failure (HF). The main mechanism for increasing serum NP levels, which is characteristic of heart failure, is secretion in response to myocardial wall distention. At the same time, according to Russian and foreign literature, an increase in NPs is reported in a number of many other conditions that are not associated with HF. The study of these causes and mechanisms is necessary to improve the differential diagnosis of HF.This article discusses the mechanisms of increasing NPs and their diagnostic value in heart failure, as well as a number of other conditions, such as acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, exercise, kidney failure, taking cardiotoxic drugs (chemotherapy) and sacubitril/valsartan. The article also provides data on identifying NPs in non-invasively obtained biological fluids (urine and oral fluid).
Influence of cellulose nanofibrils on the rheology, microstructure and strength of alkali activated ground granulated blast-furnace slag: a comparison with ordinary Portland cement
Authors: Ez-zaki Hassan , Riva Laura , Bellotto Maurizio , Valentini Luca , Garbin Enrico , Punta Carlo , Artioli Gilberto 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper reports on the effect of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) on the fresh-state properties of alkali activated ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS). Surface functionalized (oxidized) CNFs were added to alkali activated GGBS water suspensions (hydraulic pastes). The rheological behaviour of the pastes was compared with OPC and interpreted based on the CNF-mineral surface interaction, and on the CNF-water interaction and swelling. The water dispersion of CNFs with different surface functionalization degrees resulted in gels of different viscosity and yield stress, due to their different hydrophilicity and water adsorption properties. On increasing the CNFs surface oxidation degree, the viscosity of the CNF water dispersion decreases and the CNF water adsorption increases, while the viscosity of fresh pastes increases because of the reduced amount of available mixing water. In the hardened state, the hydraulic pastes show differences in mechanical strength related to the type and the amount of CNF influencing the porosity of the matrix as evidenced by the microstructural investigation performed by X-ray microtomography. The presence of higher amounts of CNFs induces the formation of porous agglomerates that may act as stress concentrators due to the swelling ability of nanofibrils.
The Book of the Courtyer: A Possible Source of Benedick and Beatrice
Authors: Scott Mary Augusta 
Published: January 2021

“The best book that ever was written upon good breeding, Il Cortegiano, by Castiglione, grew up at the little Court of Urbino, and you should read it,” says Dr. Johnson to Boswell, of all places in the world, in the Isle of Skye, “roving among the Hebrides at sixty.” But when, in the Life of Addison, we find the Courtyer classed with Galateo, and compared with the social essays of the Spectator and the Tatler, it becomes clear that the Great Cham was so ignorant of the law he was laying down in this instance, that he took Il Cortegiano for a courtesy-book, a book of etiquette:—To teach the minuter decencies and inferior duties, to regulate the practice of daily conversation, to correct those depravities which are rather ridiculous than criminal, to remove those grievances which, if they produce no lasting calamities, impress hourly vexation, was first attempted by Casa in his book of manners, and Castiglione in the Courtier.” (Works, VII, 428, Addison.
The Relations of Hamlet to Contemporary Revenge Plays
Authors: Thorndike Ashley H. 
Published: January 2021

The revenge tragedy, a distinct species of the tragedy of blood, may be defined as a tragedy whose leading motive is revenge and whose main action deals with the progress of this revenge, leading to the death of the murderers and often the death of the avenger himself.This type, as thus defined, probably first appeared on the Elizabethan stage in the Spanish Tragedy and the original Hamlet.2 Of these two plays the old Hamlet is not extant and can only be reconstructed conjecturally; the Spanish Tragedy represents, therefore, the origin of the type. Just what the ultimate sources of the type may have been, is not a question which enters our discussion. In the Spanish Tragedy the influence of Seneca is marked as in much early English tragedy,1 and there may be some indebtedness to contemporary French and Italian drama of the Senecan sort.2 We are not, however, to examine the Spanish Tragedy in connection with the influence of Seneca but in connection with a long succession of Elizabethan revenge plays; and for such an investigation it serves well enough as a starting point. Thomas Kyd was the author of this play and probably, as Dr. Sarrazin 3 has shown, of the old Hamlet. He may safely be taken as the introducer of the revenge tragedy upon the English stage, and his work may be considered one of the many dramatic innovations of the Elizabethan period.
Observations on the Origin of the Mediæval Passion–Play
Authors: Young Karl 
Published: January 2021

Some fifteen years ago the prevailing theory as to the origin of mediæval plays concerning the Passion was authoritatively expressed in these words:Im früheren Mittelalter gab es keine anderen Dramatisierungen der Leidensgeschichte als die Marienklagen. Erst diese scheinen die Anregung zur Darstellung der Passion gegeben zu haben. Dass dem wirklich so ist, ersehen wir noch aus der Anlage der Passionsspiele. Die Kreuzigungsszene, die den Mittelpunkt bildet, enthält als Hauptteil stets eine Marienklage.
On the Origin of the Grammarians' Rules for the Use of Shall and Will
Authors: Hulbert J. R. 
Published: January 2021

The most important study of the future with shall and will in Modern English is the article by Professor Fries published twenty years ago. In Part One, “The origin and development of the conventional rules,” Professor Fries presents a remarkably concise and thorough survey of the treatment of shall and will by English grammarians from 1530 to the early nineteenth century. In Part Two he summarizes the results of an analysis of the use of shall and will in English plays from 1557 to 1915, compares American with English usage, considers the theory of ‘glimmering through’ of ‘primitive meanings,‘ and states his conclusions. Professor Fries reverts to the subject in his recent book, American English Grammar. Here he says:The conventional rules for shall and will did not arise from any attempt to describe the practice of the language as it actually was either before the eighteenth century or at the time the grammar was written in which these rules first appeared. The authors of these grammars (Lowth and Ward) definitely repudiated usage…. That the general usage of shall and will did not at any time during the history of Modern English agree with the conventional rules is a conclusion that can be reasonably drawn from the facts revealed in the following charts.