bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial and Banking Regulation and Supervision within the EU
Authors: Lehleiter Constanze 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The European Union (EU) has faced not only the international financial crisis, but also the European banking and the sovereign debt crisis. A lack of efficient regulations and supervision were a serious cause of recent developments. As a reaction, the EU finally implemented a framework covering both micro- and macro-prudential policies. Measures such as the new capital requirements, the deposit guarantee schemes, the green paper on shadow banking and, most importantly, the new approach for a macro-prudential supervision are headed towards crisis prevention. However, the challenge is to define regulations enhancing financial stability, which, at the same time, do not prevent institutions from generating reasonable financial risks and do not reduce growth. In that regard, the presented measures still have deficits which have to be faced. Furthermore, coordination between various authorities and the European Commission remains another challenge.
The Committee of the Regions: A Springboard for the Citizens
Authors: Jiménez Javier Mendoza 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This study focuses on the relation between the Committee of the Regions (CoR), an advisory institution of the European Union defined as the political assembly of holders of a regional or local electoral mandate serving the cause of European integration, and the democratic deficit, understood as the effective ways of citizens’ participation in the institutional decision making. The work hypothesis is that the CoR, in spite of being mostly unknown to citizens, could be an effective tool for tackling the democratic deficit. Through qualitative interviews and surveys at different levels, the article analyzes the current situation and the potential opportunities of the CoR in its relation with citizens.
The EU in the Eyes of Ukrainian General Public: Potential for EU Public Diplomacy?
Authors: Chaban Natalia , Vernygora Vlad 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This paper focuses on the public diplomacy (PD) practices of the EU-a supranational regional organisation confronted with two distinct challenges. First, the EU aims to reform its external action in order to become a global power and leader in the changing multipolar world. Second, it purports to fight the ongoing economic crisis that not only weakens the actual global capabilities of the EU, but damages its international image and reputation as a power and a leader. The paper assumes the potential of EU PD tools in meeting these challenges and tests this assumption in one case study of international public opinion on the EU in its immediate neighbourhood (Ukraine). Importantly, the study confronts an additional challenge: EU PD is described in the relevant literature to be a disjointed, under-resourced and overlooked policy area.
On Some Strategies for Computer Simulation of Thewave Propagation Using Finite Differences II. Multi–Dimensional FDTD Method
Authors: Šumichrast Ľubomír 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Some strategies used in the computer simulation of wave phenomena by means of finite differences in time-domain (FDTD) method are reviewed and discussed here. It is shown that the wave equation in its discretised form possesses different properties in comparison with the true differential formulation. In this part the issues of stability and numerical dispersion for two- and three-dimensional case of wave propagation in homogeneous space are thoroughly investigated.
The Evaluation of the Practical Adhesion Strength of Biocompatible Thin Films by Fuzzy Logic Expert System and International Standards
Authors: Socha Vladimír , Kutílek Patrik , Vitečková Slávka 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This work focuses on describing an evaluation method used in nano- and micro-thin films based on fuzzy logic expert systems. The aim is the elimination of comparison complications with mechanical properties of tin films, practical adhesion being one of the most important characteristic of tin films. The basic method for evaluating the practical adhesion strength is scratch test method, while the issue is that research teams use measurement methods based on the non-uniform measurement conditions of adhesion of biocompatible thin films. The authors tested new evaluation method and procedure based on international standards and fuzzy rule based expert system in order to eliminate the problem of comparison of practical adhesion of the films. The article concentrates on testing and using the fuzzy logic expert system designed based on international standards for evaluating adhesion of thin films in nano and micro dimensions. The materials used for tests of the fuzzy expert system were DLC biocompatible layers and substrate a titanium alloy Ti6Al4V.
Mechanical Behavior and Thermal Stability of EVA Encapsulant Material Used in Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Polanský Radek , Pinkerová Martina , Bartůňková Monika , Prosr Pavel 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The mechanical behavior and the thermal stability of an encapsulant based on ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) were studied. The EVA properties were verified at temperatures ranging from −70 °C to 500 °C. Thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis were used in this study. It has been shown that the encapsulant has a good weight stability; however, the encapsulant passes through both a glass transition and a melting phase in the range of operating temperatures. The kinetic parameters of crosslinking were also analyzed. It is possible to achieve 65% crosslinking at a temperature of 150 °C and a time of 5 minutes. The activation energy of crosslinking is 95.6 kJ/mol.
Seasonality Of The Basic Physical And Chemical Characteristics Of Water Flowing Through The Cascades Of Small Reservoirs In Urban And Suburban Areas
Authors: Bartnik Adam , Moniewski Piotr , Tomalski Przemysław 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The paper showed the changes of characteristics of river water flowing through the cascades of reservoirs. One of the cascades is located in a highly urbanized area of Lodz. The second is in a suburban area on the northern outskirts of Lodz agglomeration. However, it still remains under the influence of storm water discharged from the highway. Every 2 weeks, in 4 monitoring points (on the input and on the output of each cascade), the measurements of basic physical and chemical water parameters were made (using data registered in cross-sections obtained between 2006 and 2012). The analysed characteristics can be divided into three groups: 1. No changes in the seasonal fluctuations of analysed characteristics before and after the cascade of reservoirs and no differences between urban and suburban areas in the influence of the cascades on river water; 2. Significant changes in the seasonal fluctuations of analysed characteristics before and after the cascade of reservoirs and no differences between urban and suburban areas in the influence of the cascades on river water; 3. Significant changes in the seasonal fluctuations of analysed characteristics before and after the cascade of reservoirs and also significant differences between urban and suburban areas in the influence of the cascades on river water. The first group includes the temperature and pH of the water, the second group water conductivity and the third group water turbidity and dissolved oxygen in water.
Japanese Fashion Designers
Authors: English Bonnie 
Published: November 2013

Over the past 40 years, Japanese designers have led the way in aligning fashion with art and ideology, as well as addressing identity and social politics through dress. They have demonstrated that both creative and commercial enterprise is possible in today's international fashion industry, and have refused to compromise their ideals, remaining autonomous and independent in their design, business affairs and distribution methods. The inspirational Miyake, Yamamoto and Kawakubo have gained worldwide respect and admiration and have influenced a generation of designers and artists alike.
Based on twelve years of research, this book provides a richly detailed and uniquely comprehensive view of the work of these three key designers. It outlines their major contributions and the subsequent impact that their work has had upon the next generation of fashion and textile designers around the world.
Designers discussed include: Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Rei Kawakubo, Naoki Takizawa, Dai Fujiwara, Junya Watanabe, Tao Kurihara, Jun Takahashi, Yoshiki Hishinuma, Junichi Arai, Reiko Sudo & the Nuno Corporation, Makiko Minagawa, Hiroshi Matsushita, Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Walter Beirendonck, Dirk Bikkembergs, Alexander McQueen, Hussein Chalayan and Helmut Lang.
Fashion and Celebrity Culture
Authors: Gibson Pamela Church 
Published: November 2013

The interrelationship between fashion and celebrity is now a salient and pervasive feature of the media world. This accessible text presents the first in-depth study of the phenomenon, assessing the degree to which celebrity culture has reshaped the fashion system.
Fashion and Celebrity Culture critically examines the history of this relationship from its growth in the nineteenth century to its mutation during the twentieth century to the dramatic changes that have befallen it in the last two decades. It addresses the fashion-celebrity nexus as it plays itself out across mainstream cinema, television and music and in the celebrity status of a range of designers, models and artists. It explores the strategies that have enabled visual culture to recast itself in the new climate of celebrity obsession, popular culture and the art world to respond adaptively to its insistent pressures.
With its engaging analysis and case studies from Lillian Gish to Louis Vuitton to Lady Gaga, Fashion and Celebrity Culture is of major interest to students of fashion, media studies, film, television studies and popular culture, and anyone with an interest in this global phenomenon.
Lifestyle and normal hearing function in Italy and Central Asia
Authors: Vuckovic Dragana , Biino Ginevra , Panu Francesco , Pirastu Mario , Gasparini Paolo , Girotto Giorgia 
Published: November 2013

Background:
Sound perception has a fundamental role of the auditory system and its absence causes hearing loss. It is well known that normal hearing function as well as the non-Mendelian forms of hearing impairment (i.e. age-related and noise-induced hearing loss) are considered to be due to both genetic and lifestyle/environmental factors. To date, few factors have been hypothesized as being related to normal hearing function and to age-related and noise-induced hearing loss.

Method:
We describe a broad study carried out on 4401 subjects from isolated populations (located from Italy to Central Asia) aimed at the identification of lifestyle/environmental factors (focused mainly on diet) that are potentially associated with normal hearing function (i.e. quantitative trait).

Results:
Our results show, for the first time, that among eight analysed variables (smoking, chocolate, coffee, tea, wine, beer, dairy products, spirits), only coffee consumption and coffee intake showed a significant association with better hearing function in four out of the 11 countries investigated. In particular, coffee consumption was associated over an audiometric profile from low (250, 500, 1000 Hz) to high (4000, 8000 Hz) frequencies: p-value = 0.006 in southern Italy, p-value = 0.017 in Azerbaijan, p-value = 0.016 in Tajikistan at low frequencies and p-value = 0.038 in Sardinia at high frequencies. With regard to intake, we detected an association only at high frequencies (2 cups/day, p-value = 0.01; 3 cups/day, p-value = 0.003).

Conclusion:
A possible explanation might be the antioxidant content of coffee, the concentration of which is higher than red wine or herbal teas. A possible additional reason could be a specific protective effect of active coffee compounds such as trigonelline. The findings provide a better knowledge of environment/lifestyle factors related to the hearing system and might help in defining new preventive strategies for hearing loss.
Auditory cortical processing in noise in younger and older adults
Authors: McCullagh Jennifer , Shinn Jennifer B. 
Published: November 2013

Objective:
A common clinical complaint among older adults is difficulty hearing in noise, even in those with normal or near-normal peripheral hearing sensitivity. Researchers have demonstrated behavioral hearing in noise deficits in older adults, but to date limited evidence, particularly objective, exists elucidating the effects of age on auditory cortical processing in noise. The purpose of this investigation was to explore age related differences in auditory cortical processing at multiple signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs).

Study design:
Twenty normal-hearing young adults and 15 normal-hearing older adults participated in the study. Late auditory evoked potential (N1 and P2) latencies and amplitudes were measured in quiet and at three signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) (+ 20, + 10, and 0 SNR). Repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVA) were utilized to determine if statistically significant differences existed.

Results:
Significant group by listening condition interactions existed for N1 and P2 amplitudes. P2 latencies were significantly longer for the older adult group compared to the younger adult group. In addition, N1 and P2 amplitudes were significantly smaller for the younger adult group compared to the older adult group.

Conclusion:
Results suggest a possibly greater reduction in the synchronous neuronal response from quiet to noisy conditions in older adults than in younger adults.
Melatonin in children undergoing auditory brainstem response and auditory steady state response tests
Authors: Busk Linnebjerg Linda , Wetke Randi 
Published: November 2013

Objective:
Testing children with ABR/ASSR demands that the child is asleep to obtain valid results. This is a difficult task, and in some cases the uncooperative child is tested under general anaesthesia. By giving a low dose of melatonin – an endogenous hormone that induces natural sleep – the success rate of ABR/ASSR could be evaluated and compared with the results from a control group.

Method:
One hundred and twenty-seven children with a mean age of 2.3 years suspected of hearing loss and undergoing ABR/ASSR were included in the study. Ninety-nine children assessed by the parents as having difficulties in obtaining spontaneous sleep were given melatonin 3–6 mg depending on weight. A group of 80 children undergoing ABR/ASSR the previous year was used as a control group.

Results:
The test group had an overall success rate of 71.7% (n = 96) and the control group had a success rate of 51.3% (n = 41). When looking at the test group according to age, the success rate was significantly higher than the control group in all age groups and highest in children above four years of age. The low dosage of melatonin seemed sufficient to test the patients.
Slow Response to Entecavir Treatment in Treatment-Naive HBV Patients is Conditioned by Immune Response Rather than by the Presence or Selection of Refractory Variants
Authors: Solmone Mariacarmela , Giombini Emanuela , Vincenti Donatella , Rozera Gabriella , Testa Angela , Moscetti Alessandra , Catalano Manuela , Abbate Isabella , Capobianchi Maria R , Menzo Stefano 
Published: November 2013

Background Entecavir is the drug of choice as first-line treatment for treatment-naive HBV patients. As a result of the high genetic barrier to resistance, treatment failure remains rare, but occurs within 3 years of initiation, suggesting that viral genetic characteristics may provide a fast lane to resistance. One of the main concerns is the long time to viral suppression observed in some (even treatment-naive) patients. The reasons for this phenomenon were investigated in a group of chronic hepatitis B treatment-naive patients. Methods Out of 23 treatment-naive patients starting entecavir, the 5 with the best and those with the worst viral load decay curves were selected for the study. Quasispecies analysis was performed for the reverse transcriptase/hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) open reading frame (ORF) by ultra-deep pyrosequencing. For each patient, the analysis was performed at baseline (T0) and when viraemia reached between 15,000 and 200 IU/ml (T1). Results The few resistance mutations present at T0 were not selected by treatment; no other resistance mutations or suggestive mutational patterns were selected at T1. Selective pressure analysis indicated that both at T0 and T1 the HBsAg ORF was subjected to a significantly higher pressure in rapid responders, especially in a region rich in cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes. Conclusions The results did not provide evidence that a slower response to entecavir is due to the emergence of less sensitive variants. Rather, the lower selective pressure and variability in humoral and CTL epitopes in slow responders suggests that their immune response might be at odds in rapidly clearing infected cells from the liver.
Les prisonniers de guerre allemands en Irlande pendant la Première Guerre mondiale
Authors: Baillet Manon 
Published: November 2013

La question des prisonniers de guerre allemands internés en Irlande pendant la Première Guerre mondiale n’a pas encore été pleinement étudiée par l’historiographie. Elle révèle pourtant un aspect important des relations anglo-irlandaises du début du XXe siècle. Cet article propose de montrer la menace que constituent les prisonniers de guerre à un moment décisif de ces relations, marquées par de vives tensions entre l’Irlande nationaliste et le gouvernement britannique intransigeant.
Des vingt-et-un de Saint-Rémy-la-Calonne (Meuse) aux vingt-et-un de Carspach (Haut-Rhin) : 1991-2011
Authors: Landolt Michaël 
Published: November 2013

En Alsace, les archéologues sont souvent confrontés aux vestiges des conflits franco-allemands contemporains lors des diagnostics et fouilles archéologique préventives. Ces derniers, longtemps considérés comme des éléments perturbateurs ou une source de danger, ont désormais intégré le champ de l’archéologie. L’étude des vestiges de cette époque connaît un important développement depuis une dizaine d’années notamment à travers les fouilles de Geispolsheim dans le Bas-Rhin et de Carspach dans le Haut-Rhin. Après avoir été étudiés à l’occasion de fouilles centrées sur d’autres périodes chronologiques, certains sites font désormais l’objet de sondages ou de fouilles sur des problématiques spécifiques à cette période (Ligne à Grande Vitesse Rhin-Rhône dans le Haut-Rhin). La synthèse des principales découvertes régionales récentes permet de démontrer l’intérêt de mener des études pluridisciplinaires sur des problématiques originales. Les enjeux sont également patrimoniaux. En effet, la dégradation naturelle, l’aménagement du territoire, les malheureuses « bonnes intentions » de mise en valeur et l’intensification du pillage constituent d’importantes menaces.
Les sources de la Première Guerre mondiale conservées aux Archives départementales du Bas-Rhin
Authors: Verdier Pascale , Zeyer Adélaïde , Collin Marie , Fellinger Anne 
Published: November 2013

À moins d’un an des commémorations du centenaire du déclenchement de la Première Guerre mondiale, les recherches relatives au conflit et à son règlement connaissent un renouveau significatif. Nombreux sont les fonds d’origine publique ou privée conservés aux Archives départementales du Bas-Rhin qui documentent l’histoire de la Première Guerre mondiale. Tous ne permettent pas, toutefois, loin s’en faut, de répondre à des questions précises, et il sera souvent nécessaire de dépouiller de nombreux cartons avant de trouver l’information souhaitée, faute d’inventaires détaillés. Le présent état des sources ne vise pas l’exhaustivité ; il prétend plutôt dresser un panorama général des documents conservés et mettre l’accent sur quelques fonds particulièrement intéressants, ou très peu étudiés, sinon inédits, qui permettront peut-être d’explorer de nouvelles pistes de recherche.
Le De plurimis claris selectisque mulieribus de Jacopo Filippo Foresti : un maillon méconnu de la réception du De mulieribus claris de Boccace et du genre des vies de femmes célèbres
Authors: Amiot Justine 
Published: November 2013

À la Renaissance, les galeries de femmes célèbres se constituent en véritable genre littéraire. De nombreux écrivains, à la suite du De claris mulieribus de Boccace (1313-1375), ont décidé de célébrer les exploits et les vertus de ces femmes en élevant une sorte de monument littéraire en leur honneur ; l’Italien Jacopo Filippo Foresti (1434-1520), ermite de saint Augustin, est l’un d’entre eux : il est l’auteur du De plurimis claris selectisque mulieribus. Les spécialistes de Boccace ont souvent considéré l’ouvrage comme un plagiat, ce qui en a limité l’étude. Or, l’œuvre de Foresti, par rapport à d’autres ouvrages du même genre, connaît une diffusion importante et son impact, déjà signalé par la critique en ce qui concerne la littérature française de la Renaissance, mérite qu’on la redécouvre. Certes, cet ouvrage reprend les traits distinctifs du genre initié par le célèbre écrivain florentin ; cependant cette reprise s’accompagne de changements notables comme l’ajout de sources, l’élargissement du cadre thématique – introduction de saintes dans le catalogue – et le développement des vies de femmes modernes. Si le recueil de Foresti s’inscrit dans la longue liste des continuateurs et imitateurs du De mulieribus claris de Boccace, il devient à son tour un modèle, inavoué, pour les auteurs de « galeries » féminines et constitue donc un moment important de l’histoire du genre.
A “confucian” Epaminondas in Meiji Japan
Authors: Ghidini Chiara 
Published: November 2013

Cette étude est construite autour du roman politique Sebe meishi. Keikoku bidan (Young Politicians of Thebes: Inspiring Instances of Good Statesmanship, 1883-84. [ Jeunes hommes politiques de Thèbes: une belle histoire de gouvernement], écrit par Yano Ryūkei dans les premières années de l’ère japonaise de Meiji. C’est à ce moment, en effet, que plusieurs intellectuels se sont tournés vers les idées et les institutions occidentales pour y puiser des modèles culturels et politiques, en vue d’une modernisation du Japon. Dans le roman politique de Yano, les actions accomplies dans la cité de Thèbes par Pélopidas et Épaminondas servent de miroir aux actions des réformistes japonais qui aspiraient à la mise en place d’un gouvernement constitutionnel dans leur propre pays. En dressant les portraits de Pélopidas et d’Épaminondas, Yano emprunte aux historiens anglais, en particulier à George Grote, mais il transforme en même temps les deux personnages grecs, afin de les rendre plus familiers aux lecteurs japonais.
Le Jules César de Henry de Montherlant : dialogue avec une ombre
Authors: Duroisin Pierre 
Published: November 2013

Au printemps 1921, tandis qu’il rédigeait Le Songe et méditait pour la Revue hebdomadaire un copieux article en faveur de l’Œuvre de l’Ossuaire de Douaumont, Henry de Montherlant composa un dialogue à la Montesquieu où il opposait à l’ombre de César un jeune homme dont les traits et les aspirations rappellent ceux du héros du Songe, sinon de l’auteur lui-même. Ce dialogue, qu’on a exhumé du dossier naf 28165 de la BnF, est resté à l’état de manuscrit, l’écrivain ayant sans doute estimé qu’il faisait double emploi avec l’une ou l’autre page de son roman ou de son article pour la revue. Mais enfin l’œuvre ne manque pas d’intérêt, qu’on la tienne pour un jalon sur la route conduisant au Chant funèbre pour les morts de Verdun de 1924 ou qu’on y reconnaisse l’autoportrait d’un homme moins à l’aise dans la paix que dans la guerre.