bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The albumin to globulin ratio is associated with mucosal healing in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yagi Sen , Furukawa Shinya , Shiraishi Kana , Hanayama Masakazu , Tange Kazuhiro , Hashimoto Yu , Kitahata Shogo , Mori Kenichirou , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Suzuki Seiyuu , Shibata Naozumi , Murakami Hidehiro , Ohashi Katsuhisa , Yano Makoto , Hasebe Aki , Tomida Hideomi , Yamamoto Yasunori , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshio , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: January 2021

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Mucosal healing (MH) is inversely associated with clinical outcome. The albumin to globulin ratio (AGR) is known as chronic inflammation marker. While some evidence regarding an association between AGR and some chronic diseases has been reported, no evidence regarding association between AGR and UC exists. The aim of this study to evaluated the association between AGR and MH among Japanese patients with UC.
Methods

The study subjects consisted of 273 Japanese patients with UC. AGR was divided into quartiles on the basis of the distribution of all study subjects. One endoscopic specialist was responsible for evaluating MH, which was defined as a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0 or 0–1. Age, sex, steroid use, body mass index, age at onset of UC, and anti-TNFα preparation were selected a priori as potential confounding factors.
Results

The mean age was 51.2 years, and the percentage of male patients was 59.0%. The percentage of MH was 26.4%. High AGR (1.483 < AGR ≤ 1.643) and very high AGR (> 1.643) was significantly positively associated with MH (OR 2.21 [95% CI: 1.12–4.47], p for trend = 0.001) after adjustment for confounding factors. No association between AGR and partial MH was found. The independent positive association between AGR and MH was found in only low C-reactive protein group.
Conclusion

Among Japanese patients with UC, AGR was significantly positively associated with MH, was significantly positively associated with MH especially in the low C-reactive protein group.
Association Between Interleukin-12 and Sarcopenia
Authors: Chen Yuan-Yuei , Kao Tung-Wei , Chiu Yi-Lin , Peng Tao-Chun , Yang Hui-Fang , Chen Wei-Liang
Published: January 2021

Background: Emerging studies have proposed that cytokines secreted following macrophage polarization may contribute to skeletal muscle aging. The current study primarily aimed to determine whether these cytokines have impact on the progression of sarcopenia in an elderly population.Methods: Overall, 120 elderly adults aged 65 years and older who underwent health examinations from 2015 to 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Sarcopenia was based on the criteria proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People in 2019. Macrophages and cytokines datasets were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Comprehensive assessments were performed for muscle strength, muscle mass, gait speed, tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β), and interleukin-12 (IL-12). Thereafter, the association between sarcopenia and cytokines were analyzed using regression models.Results: Low muscle strength and low speed gait were negatively associated with IL-12 [β: -8.96 (95%CI: -14.12, -3.79) and -7.16 (95%CI: -12.54, -1.78), respectively]. Participants with more sarcopenia components and more severe sarcopenia had lower IL-12 (P for trend < 0.001). Conversely, more sarcopenia components were associated with increased TGF-β (P for trend < 0.05). A definite diagnosis of sarcopenia was associated with decreased IL-12 and increased TGF-β with β of -8.96 (95%CI: -14.12, -3.79) and 147.75 (95%CI: 36.27, 259.23). Furthermore, increased IL-12 levels were significantly associated with reduced occurrence of sarcopenia with and odd ratio (OR) of 0.36 (95%CI: 0.15-0.834).Conclusion: Our findings on the relationship between cytokines and age-related muscle loss showed that IL-12 may be an early diagnosis indicator for sarcopenia in the elderly population.
Return to Work in the Gastric Cancer Survivors
Authors: Chen Yuan-Yuei , Chen Wei-Liang , Wu Wei-Te , Ho Ching-Liang , Wang Chung-Ching
Published: January 2021

Returning to work (RTW) is an often used outcome in work research to describe employee fully recovering from disease. Several factors are suggested as barriers for workers returning to work. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of RTW in workers with gastric cancer and identify its impact on their survival outcomes during 11 years of follow-up. A total of 4467 workers who with newly diagnosis of gastric cancer were included in this retrospective cohort study with a follow-up period ranging from 2004 to 2015. Relationships between work, treatment, and disease-related variables and RTW were analyzed by Cox regression. The impact of RTW on survival outcomes was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Old age, males, comorbidities, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and manual jobs were inversely associated with RTW. Operation and early stage of gastric cancer were associated with increased likelihood of RTW. After adjusting for variables, workers with stage 1 gastric cancer were more likely return to work than other stages with HR of 4.67 (95%CI: 2.99~7.31) and 7.44 (95%CI: 4.12~13.43) in the 2nd and 5th year. In terms of effect of RTW on survival rate, reemployed workers had better survival than those without employment in all gastric cancer survivors. Furthermore, RTW had significant association with reduced risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.49, 95%CI: 0.38~0.65). Improving these identified barriers and strengthening facilitators of RTW can provide employers and government to conduct comprehensive employment plans for increasing the percentage of RTW in the gastric cancer survivors.
Gene Mutation Characteristics and Cluster Analysis of Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Urumqi
Authors: Yang Jiandong , Yadikaer Rayibai , Chen Yanggui , Ma Li , Lu Yaoqin , Xue Na , Rui Baolin
Published: January 2021

Objective To understand the molecular biological characteristics of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Urumqi by the analysis of gene mutation and clustering of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Urumqi, to provid theoretical basis for the prevention and control of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the future. Methods The tuberculosis patients who were diagnosed, registered, cultured positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis and over 16 years old in Urumqi were studied. Geno Type MTBDR plus Assay and MIRU-VNTR were used to analysis the gene mutation and clustering of multidrug-resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis in Urumqi. Result Mutation gene included Isoniazid resistance gene katG 315; Rifampicin resistance gene rpoB 526, 531; Ethambutol resistance gene embB 206; Streptomycin resistance gene rpsL 43 and RRs 1401; Ofloxacin resistance gene gyrA 74, 90, 91 and 94. It was shown that the Beijing genotype was predominant (49.530%) among these319strains. There were 14 strains multi-drug resistant strains, it was predominant (73.684%) of multi-drug resistant strains. Multi-drug resistant prevalence of Beijing strains was 8.861%. The clustering rate of MDR-TB was 5.263% in Urumqi. Conclusion Molecular biological characteristics of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis have some particularities in Urumqi. Therefore, modern molecular epidemiological techniques such as molecular biology and DNA fingerprinting can be used to improve the speed of diagnosis and to carry out case tracking and source investigation.
Smooth Transportation of Liquid Metal Droplets in a Microchannel as Detected by a Serially Arranged Capacitive Device
Authors: Konishi Satoshi , Kakehi Yuugo , Mori Fuminari , Bono Shinji
Published: January 2021

Gallium alloy liquid metals (Ga-LMs) possessing fluidity, electric conductivity, and low toxicity are attractive for use in flexible devices and microfluidic devices. However, the oxide skin of Ga-LMs in the atmosphere adheres to the microchannel surface, preventing the transportation of Ga-LMs in the channel. We introduced liquid with Ga-LMs into a channel with a radius of 500 µm to prevent the oxide skin of the Ga-LM from adhering to the channel. Then, we found that the cylindrical shape of the channel enabled smooth transportation of Ga-LMs independently of both the liquid and the channel material. The liquid introduced with Ga-LMs not only prevents adhesion but also improves the spatial controllability of Ga-LMs in the channel. We can control the position of Ga-LMs with 100 µ m resolution using highly viscous (> 10 cSt) liquid. In addition, we combined the microchannel with patterned electrodes, fabricating a serially arranged capacitive device. The local capacitance detected by the patterned electrodes changed by more than 6 % via the smooth transportation of Ga-LMs. The analysis results based on an equivalent circuit quantitatively agree with our experimental results. We can modulate the serially arranged capacitors using the smooth transportation of Ga-LMs in the channel.
Chromosome 10 Abnormality Predicts Prognosis of Neuroblastoma Patients With Bone Marrow Metastasischromosome 10 Abnormality Predicts Prognosis of Neuroblastoma Patients With Bone Marrow Metastasis
Authors: Jiang Chiyi , Xu Xiao , Jian Binglin , Zhang Xue , Yue Zhixia , Guo Wei , Ma Xiaoli
Published: January 2021

Background Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children with high heterogeneity and concealed onset. The mechanism for its occurrence and development has not been revealed. The purpose of this study was to summarize the clinical characteristics of children with NB and abnormal chromosome 10. To investigate the relationship between the number and structure of chromosome 10 abnormality and NB prognosis.MethodsWe used chromosome G-banding in the first diagnosis to evaluate the genetics of chromosomes in patients with NB, and follow up their clinical characteristics and prognosis. All participants were diagnosed with NB in Hematology Oncology Center, Beijing Children’s Hospital from May 2015 to December 2018, and were followed up for at least one year. ResultsOf all 150 patients with bone marrow metastases, 42 were clearly diagnosed with chromosomal abnormalities. There were 13 patients with chromosome 10 abnormalities definitely, and the loss of chromosome 10 was the most common decrease in the number of chromosomes. These 13 patient had higher LDH, lower OS and EFS than that of children in abnormal group without chromosome 10 abnormality. Eight patients both had MYCN amplification and 1p36 deletion. Two of them had optic nerve damage and no vision, and 1 had left supraorbital metastases five months after treatment. Among the 16 children with suspected chromosome 10 abnormalities, 3 also had orbital metastases. ConclusionsThe above results showed that chromosome 10 might be a new prognostic marker. MYCN amplification and 1p36 deletion may be related with chromosome 10 abnormalities in NB. And NB patients with abnormal chromosome 10 were prone to have orbital metastases.
Research on Application of Bakri Balloon Tamponade in Treatment of 169 Cases of Postpartum Hemorrhage
Authors: Yang Hui , Cao Mei Dong , zhao yun , Sun Qiang Guo , Cheng Yao
Published: January 2021

Background: To acquire a better understanding of application effect, advantages and disadvantages of Bakri balloon tamponade in treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, and explore the appropriate pathological occasion and optimal timing for placing Bakri balloon.Methods: A retrospective study which used Bakri balloon for postpartum hemorrhage was conducted from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019 in our hospital .Results: There were 169 patients who treated with Bakri balloon tamponade, no detachment occurred after Bakri balloon cervical forceps clipped with toothless oval forceps. There were 148 cases of successful balloon tamponade hemostasis, accounting for 87.6%，and 21 failure cases, accounting for 12.4%. The failure rate of balloon tamponade hemostasis significantly increased in the case of over 1500ml bleeding. In the failure group, placental adhesion and accreta accounted for 57.1% (12/21), and placental implantation was found an important factor causing balloon tamponade hemostasis failure.Conclusion: Cervical forceps clipped with toothless oval forceps can effectively prevent the failure of hemostasis due to balloon prolapse. When postpartum hemorrhage reaches 1500ml and/or placenta accreta is carried out, failure rate of balloon tamponade hemostasis will increase significantly. Nevertheless, it could be used as a temporary measure for less hemorrhage volume and more time toward further treatment.
An Explorative Study of Virtues in Ethical Consumption from a Confucian Perspective in an Urban-Rural-Fringe in China
Authors: Huo Yan , Kristjánsson Kristján
Published: January 2021

The concept of ethical consumption has garnered considerable attention in recent years. Yet, it remains somewhat ‘mystical’ in the existing Western literature. The present unique cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary study offers clarification on the conception of ethical consumption from three aspects: First, this paper reflects on the nature of the concept of ethical consumption and identifies its relatively large common core as an open-textured, ‘naturalistic’ concept; conceptualizing the ideal of ethical consumption in virtue ethical language. Second, this paper secures a firmer grounding for the concept of ‘ethical consumption’ within virtue ethics by linking it theoretically to a Confucian form of virtue ethics. We support this interpretation with empirical evidence, gleaned through focus-group discussions and individual interviews with consumers, undergoing fast-changing dynamics, from an urban-rural fringe from China: a culture already immersed in lay virtue ethical thinking, inspired by Confucius. Third, the paper brings the data back to theory by eliciting from the data a structural framework of the foci of the underlying virtues making up the virtue of ethical consumption, on our respondents’ understanding, and reflecting upon how this new theoretical understanding may advance the academic discourse on ethical consumption and expand the understandings of ethical consumption from a cross-cultural perspective. We explore notions such as virtue patriotism and filial piety that contribute to the diversity of the conception of ethical consumption. We explain how those virtues play a role in Chinese understandings of ethical consumption, contributing to the global diversity of the concept. This study does not claim to represent the complete truth about Chinese consumers’ views on ethical consumption, considering the geographic constraints and the small number of participants. However, it does offer some salient insights into Chinese consumers’ understanding of ethical consumption, which is grounded in their daily practices and reflects their consumer motivations; hence, enriching the global business ethics discourse on ethical consumption. Keywords: Virtues, The Concept of Ethical Consumption, Ethical Theories and Philosophies, Chinese Consumers, Confucian Virtue Ethics.
Old and New in Business Ethics Theory
Authors: Stavrova Elena
Published: January 2021

This paper aims to show the need to study both classical and modern theories in business ethics. It is necessary because social relations in production change, as do production conditions, the relationship between owners and workers, employees. The aim of the article is also to demonstrate the possible deviations from the natural, basic principles of ethical behavior in business and to look for opportunities to regulate them and limit the opportunities for their manifestation. This study has an epistemological character, dedicated to studying the evolution of fundamental ethical theories explaining the interaction between subjects in the ethical ecosystem. In developing the article, descriptive analysis was used to identify, analyze, and summarize the main features of poodle theories in business ethics. This paper has its theoretical basis of a rich category of tools and classical theories in aesthetics; new business ethics theories are being developed as an inalienable part of the ethical ecosystem. The evolution of the productive forces has had its irreversible impact on the ethical relations in the social system and on each business unit as a whole. The interrelations between the main religions professed by mankind − Christianity, Judaism and Islamic religion with the main category assessing the return on investment, namely the interest rate, are analyzed. The conclusions have been drawn about this type of income in the older religions and newer religions. Basic new business ethics theories are analyzed, such as the Theory of moral hazard, Agency Theory, Diamond’s Theory of delegated monitoring, Rent-Seeking. Research on the evolution of basic business economics theories is usually done based on theoretical analysis and much less based on specific business cases. Here is presented the manifestation of modern theories in business ethics, particular cases of changes in the state of business ecosystems and possibility that basis can also serve as a legal and regulatory initiative to precisely regulate these deviations and their sanction. The chosen form of research is sharing the opinions of the author of the study. In this article, the author seeks the connection, the integration of ethics in the functioning of the business system due to the severance of the direct relationship between owners and employees and the emergence of intermediaries as agents to whom decision-making rights are delegated. The severance of this relationship is at the heart of the evolutionary development of the ethical business side in the context of existing constraints. Keywords: Business Ethics, Moral Hazard, Rent-Seeking, Diamond Theory, Agency Theory.
Collective Action on Public Goods for Sustainable Development: Ethics in Action
Authors: iu Lichia Y , Saner Raymond , Bardy Roland
Published: January 2021

Maintaining and expanding public goods is synonymous with promoting sustainable development but discussions are needed to clarify how policies need to be coordinated to enable collective action on public goods. Collective action for Public Goods will only be successful if all who partake in such actions can gain complimentary benefits that would be either more costly or impossible to achieve without the collective effort. Such complementary benefits are possible provided all stakeholders contributing to the public good of social peace and social cohesion cooperate with each other and preserve this and other public goods be they citizens, civil society organizations, all public authorities and all business firms. This concerted effort for a good cause can certainly be coined “ethics in action” – a notion which exhibits the moral foundation of the private and public choices inherent in sustainable development implementation of which interactions amongst stakeholders are no longer transactional, but rather aspiring toward greater good. Civil society organizations are key stakeholders producing, maintaining, and benefitting from Public Goods. They should strive for full inclusion, as there are many people who are either excluded or under-provided with respect to public goods. Public authorities, another key stakeholder group, need to cooperate with other stakeholders through collaborative frameworks and mechanisms for collective action that bind states and international organizations at a global scale. Another important stakeholder group, private and public enterprises need to operate within a level playing field globally, conduct business based on Responsible Business criteria and be welcomed to contribute to Public Goods creation in a sustainable and proactive manner without causing negative impacts due to their business activities. This paper presents and discusses how collective action can be achieved through concerted efforts by all members of society aiming to produce and maintain public goods essential for the sustained and equitable functioning of society. The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development serves as a shared roadmap in achieving a shared future. Keywords: Collective Action, Public Goods, Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, UN Agenda 2030.
Dark Triad, Counterproductive Work Behaviors, Workplace Incivility, and the Role of Islamic Work Values: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Chughtai Muhammad Salman , Khan Dr. Hira Salah Ud Din , Shah Syed Zulfiqar Ali , Yusrini Lenny
Published: January 2021

The organization’s ethical climate increases productivity at the individual the organizational level; further, it reduces the harmful characteristics and negative intensity of individuals’ inflated self-esteem. Integration of the theory of threatened egotism and ethical climate theory, this study’s objective was to examine the mediating mechanism of workplace incivility between dark triad (Narcissism, Psychopathy and Machiavellianism) and counterproductive work behaviors with the sample from public sector (judiciary) institution. Additionally, in the present study, we also test the moderating effect of Islamic work values between the mediating relationship of workplace incivility and counterproductive work behaviors. Close-ended questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample size of 268 participants (permanent employees of the judiciary) of a public sector organization who voluntarily participate in the process of data collection for this study. To test the study’s proposed hypothesis, different statistical techniques, i.e., correlation, regression were applied to test the direct effects, and Hayes PROCESS-macro method was applied to test indirect effects (mediation), moderation, and moderated mediation. Findings of the study indicate that workplace incivility mediates the association of dark triad and counterproductive work behaviors. Furthermore, findings reveal that Islamic work values moderate the mediated relationship between workplace incivility and counterproductive work behaviors. We also tested the moderated mediation model, and findings indicate that Islamic work values weaken the positive intensity of dark triad and counterproductive work behaviors in the presence of workplace incivility. This study’s findings further declare that a higher level of Islamic work values weaken the intensity of negative personality on counterproductive work behaviors and decrease the uncivil behaviors of individuals at the workplace. Policymakers and higher management of public sector institutions especially focus on the psychological health and organizational climate to reduce the workplace’s harmful behaviors. Finally, this study theoretically enhances knowledge of personality psychology literature by explaining the negative consequences of negative personalities at the workplace. Overall, this study contributed to the theory of threatened egotism and ethical climate theory by integrating dark triad, workplace incivility, counterproductive work behaviors, and Islamic work values collaborations with exciting outcomes, specifically with the background of public sector institution of Asian developing country.

Keywords: Dark Triad; Workplace Incivility; Islamic Work Values; Counterproductive Work Behaviors; Theory of Threatened Egotism; Ethical Climate Theory.
Information and Communication Technology in Organizational Operations. Ethical and Operational Implications
Authors: Karaoulanis Andreas , Karaoulanis Alexandros–Christos
Published: January 2021

Authors:
Andreas Karaoulanis,
PhD, MBA, MScENG, MSc, BEng, Business consultant, Thessaloniki, Greece; Honorary Professor of Business Management for PhD candidates at IMSR center, India
Alexandros–Christos Karaoulanis,
High School student, Thessaloniki, Greece

Pages: 6-13

Language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21272/bel.4(4).6-13.2020

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Abstract

In this paper, we discuss Information and Communication technology in terms of knowledge dissemination, not only inside the organization but also how it interacts with the surroundings via such systems. The open systems theory and the stakeholder theory as integral parts of the organization’s operations are briefly examined as their importance is a factor that needs to be taken under consideration in terms of applying Information and Communication Technology. Leadership and how it is exercised throughout the implementation and operation of such systems is another paragon that is discussed, while ethical considerations might arise from the misuse of them. Finally, another significant paragon for the organizational sustainability, the value creation for both the customers and the organization is discussed under the prism of the Information and Communication Systems used in the company in question. The implications of this paper are important as it can be seen as the springboard towards bigger research on the topic of Information and Communication Systems and their societal and organizational implication. Another part that needs to be examined is the leadership approach of the whole process as there are ethical considerations that increase day by day, especially in large corporations. These considerations need to be addressed clearly and in-depth and need to abide by the stakeholder theory to create better societies in the future.

Keywords: ICT, Leadership, Knowledge, Operations, Open Systems Theory, Stakeholder Theory, Ethics, Society.
Transparency of Responsible Investment Environment
Authors: Yelnikova Julia , Barhaq Abdul Rahman
Published: January 2021

The study deals with measuring the investment environment transparency for responsible investment, assessing it in Ukraine, and improving it through the rating means in sustainable development. There are ratings, rankings, indices, benchmarks and sustainable development standards as unique markers in responsible investment markets, considering the ESG − criteria for screening companies. The authors prove that ratings are tools for minimizing information asymmetry at the micro and macro levels, which is quite significant, especially in the responsible investment field. Rating is a leading factor in creating a transparent environment for investment decisions and ensuring a favorable investment climate in the world (considering the sustainable development ratings and progress towards sustainable development) and the investment attractiveness of companies (considering ESG − reporting criteria on sustainable development of companies). The authors pay much attention to the world’s sustainable development ratings, which incorporate the transparency component of the investment environment. The authors analyze Ukraine’s position in these rankings and conclude that its status and investment attractiveness are deteriorating in the international arena, particularly due to insufficient transparency of the investment environment, perception of corporate social responsibility and weak progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Structural and dynamic analysis of the signatories and participants of the UN Global Compact network in Ukraine confirm this thesis. Despite the positive dynamics of network members, especially in recent years, their number and composition are unrepresentative towards companies, financial sector institutions, NGOs and government organizations as leaders in the values of sustainable development and social responsibility in Ukraine. Consideration of the European countries’ experience embodied in the new EU investment plan, comprising three areas and ten measures aimed at mobilizing 650 billion euros of investment in sustainable development and the investigations made by a supranational organizations network (OECD, UN Development Program, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board). The Global Reporting Initiative, the International Finance Corporation, the Global Impact Investing Network, and other stakeholders are essential steps in increasing Ukraine’s investment environment transparency. Ensuring environment transparency of the responsible investment by introducing methods of ranking companies and countries considering their social responsibility and achievements in the sustainable development field and its goals, standardization of products, techniques and strategies of responsible investment are key priorities of Ukrainian state investment policy.

Keywords: Transparency, Investment Environment, Information Asymmetry, Ranking, Sustainable Development, Responsible Investing.
Personal Corruption & Corrupting Laws: Montesquieu’s Twofold Theory of Corruption
Authors: Juarez-Garcia Mario I.
Published: January 2021

Traditional views tend to identify the problem of corruption in the dishonesty of public officials. The main purpose of the research is to recover Montesquieu’s view of corruption and show that there are at least two different causes of corrupt behaviors. In The Spirit of Laws, Montesquieu distinguishes “two kinds of corruption: one, when the people do not observe the laws, the other when they are corrupted by the laws; the latter is an incurable ill because it lies in the remedy itself.” Recent studies about Montesquieu’s account of corruption do not pay much attention to this distinction. This paper unpacks the two kinds of corruption. The first kind tracks a problem of individuals who use their public office for private gain. The second track is the deficiency of the laws that contradict social behaviors and, therefore, are obeyed exclusively out of fear and violated whenever possible. The distinction is relevant to the anti-corruption literature because it implies two different ways to eradicate corruption. Corruption as a problem of individuals can be solved with better enforcement of the law: improving monitoring systems, better rewards for honesty, or higher punishments. Personal corruption can be dealt with what Celine Spector calls “a legislative arsenal.” However, improving enforcement mechanisms is unlikely to solve the problem in corrupting laws, given that people violate the law due to the high standards that it imposes on them. The solution for the second kind of corruption is to remove or modify the corrupting law. Montesquieu promoted the separation of powers and the spirit of moderation in the legislators to avoid corrupting laws. The result of this investigation is the importance of distinguishing between the situations in which more coercion can eradicate corruption and those in which more force against corruption leads to despotism.

Keywords: Corruption, Legislation, Moderation, Montesquieu, Separation of Powers, Spirit of the Laws.
Combating Unemployment through Social Entrepreneurship in the European Context
Authors: Zainea Loredana Nicoleta , Toma Sorin-George , Marinescu Paul , Chițimiea Andrea
Published: January 2021

Сonsideration of the dynamic changes from the socio-economic environment, social entrepreneurship plays an essential role in the labour market as it creates new jobs, contributes to the improvement of the economic and social position of vulnerable groups in society, and stimulates economic development. The financial crisis from 2008 and the current health crisis, which generated a significant economic crisis and the specific social context existing in each member state, constitute the leading causes that led to a slow convergence rhythm of the labour market at the European Union level. Unemployment and non-employment have a significant impact on the people affected by poverty and the disadvantaged people. A coherent, systematic and sustainable approach to social entrepreneurship is required to generate significant change at the European level. Innovative solutions to current economic, social and environmental challenges are needed since the private or/and public sectors do not fully meet the communities’ existing needs. The aim of the paper is to analyze how social entrepreneurship contributes to the reduction of the unemployment rate, by meeting the objectives set out in the Europe 2020 Strategy, to create a sustainable and inclusive social market economy, and to improve social cohesion. The quantitative method, based on the data found in various international journals, statistical reports and electronic databases, was used by the authors to accomplish the objective of the paper. The paper illustrates that social entrepreneurship is a complex process in which resources are used in an efficiently and effectively way, new skills, competences, and knowledge are accumulated, which turn into social and economic innovation, having a positive impact on productivity and the creation of highly skilled jobs, as well as maximizing the opportunities which lead to social change. Keywords: Social Entrepreneurship, Unemployment, European Union, Education.
Gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with acute myocardial infarction: literature review
Authors: Otdelnov Leonid A. , Mukhin Aleksey S. , Mastyukova Anastasya M. , Tsyganova Yuliya E.
Published: January 2021

Currently, diseases of the circulatory system are the leading cause of death. A particular problem of a modern multidisciplinary hospital is the combination of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), since it is characterized by a syndrome of mutual burdening and mutually exclusive approaches to treatment. The development of GIB in patients with ACS increases the mortality rate of patients to 50-80%. Despite the practical importance of this problem, today there are no clear recommendations and uniform principles for managing patients with such a unique scenario. The review describes in detail the reasons for the development of GIB in patients with ACS, discusses the mechanisms of action of drugs used in ACS and their importance in the development of GIB. It was found that the incidence of GIB in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions reaches 4%, and the risk of re-bleeding doubles. The options for the treatment of GIB are considered: the role of endoscopic and drug hemostasis, as well as X-ray endovascular embolization of the gastric arteries, is shown as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical intervention. Indications for discotinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy based on an objective assessment of the severity of bleeding have been formulated. Much attention is paid to the issue of prevention of GIB in patients with ACS. Risk factors for hemorrhagic complications were considered, and the risk assessment of possible GIB using the BARC scale was shown.
Prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Meshcherina Natalia S. , Ponkratov Viacheslav I.
Published: January 2021

Objective. To study the parameters of the morpho-functional state of the vascular wall in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with different levels of total cardiovascular risk (CVR). Materials and methods. 181 patients with active RA (mean age 40.4 [31.8; 49.6] years) were examined, and 2 groups were formed: 1) patients with the seronegative subtype (n=87); 2) those with the seropositive subtype (n=94). CVR was determined using the modified Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) scale; the intima-media complex thickness (IMCT) and the stiffness index (SI) of common carotid arteries (CCA) were assessed with specific methods. Results. Low CVR was determined in 86 (48%), moderate risk - in 47%, and high risk - in 5% patients with RA. 176 (97%) patients with RA had signs of subclinical atherosclerosis, with simultaneous IMCT increase above the 75th percentile and SI increase over 10 m/s in 21% patients. Mean IMCT values and SI in the 2nd group were higher than in the 1st group (р=0.018 and р=0.048, respectively). The lower risk was more commonly accompanied by the IMCT increase; as the CVR increased, the proportion of RA patients with SI over 10 m/s increased (р<0.01). A correlation was detected between the age and SI (r=0.58, p=0.035), IMCT parameters (r=0.64, p=0.002). SI correlated with the body mass index (BMI) (r=0.64, p=0.04), and IMTC correlated with the С-reactive protein level (r=0.61, p<0.01). Direct correlation was detected between SI, IMTC, and the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) (r=0.51, p=0.02; r=0.45, p=0.008), RA duration (r=0.42, p=0.04; r=0.58, p=0.04), rheumatoid factor (RF) (r=0.68, p=0.04; r=0.49, р=0.04) and anti-citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) levels (r=0.62, p=0.018; r=0.45, р=0.003), respectively. Conclusion. It is feasible to perform an advanced examination for the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis along with the routine evaluation of total CVR using the SCORE scale in patients with active RA.
Age-related features of the ethmoid bone in children and their clinical value
Authors: Gaivoronsky Ivan V. , Markeeva Marina V. , Aleshkina Olga Yu. , Tarasova Natalia V. , Gaivoronsky Alexey I. , Berlinskaya Tatyana G.
Published: January 2021

Objective. To determine the variability of morphometric parameters of ethmoid bone structures in childhood and to identify the most significant of them to optimize surgical interventions. Materials and methods. Craniometry of 87 native samples of children's skulls aged 1-21 years without gender identity, and 85 computer tomograms (CT) scans of children of the same age were carried out. Measurements on skulls were made with caliper gage, metal ruler. The CT scan was performed on «Toshiba» 4-slice computer scanner «Asteion-S4» with a 0.5-1.0 mm increment. To assess the validity of the differences between the rows, the t-criterion was used for independent samples. Results. The ethmoidal labyrinth at the age of 1-1.5 and 2-3 years has the smallest size: length - 26.9-28.7 mm, width - 7.1-7.7 mm, height - 14.1-15.9 mm. However, the cribriform plate reaches in infancy almost the same size as an adult (length 21.7 mm, width 10.4 mm at the front and 11.2 mm at the back) and is rectangular or oval in shape. By adolescence, its shape changes to trapezoidal or triangular. Frequency of pneumatization of crista galli (8.3-82.4%) increases in children's age groups similar to that of sinuses. Trans-ethmoid access to the base of the skull during endonasal operations is significantly difficult in children under 4 years old. Transcribriform access to the anterior cranial fossa and crista galli can be used from infancy. Conclusion. The ethmoid bone is mostly formed by the time of birth. The increase is observed by the age of 2 years, and then in 13-16 years, in 17-21 years the growth of the ethmoid bone stabilizes.
Possibilities of cognitive-affective disorders correction in patients with atopic dermatitis using selanc regulatory peptide
Authors: Kruglova Larisa S. , Novikova Lyubov' A. , Dontsova Elena V. , Borzunova Larisa N. , Voron'kova Nataliya A.
Published: January 2021

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the selank regulatory peptide against cognitive-affective disorders in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Material and methods. The analysis of cognitive-affective disorders of 65 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), randomized into 2 statistically comparable groups, was carried out. Patients of the first group received basic drug therapy (BT) for AD, the second group - a combination of selank and BT (S + BT) intranasally, 2 drops in each nasal passage, 3 times a day, for 14 days. The control group consisted of 30 healthy individuals. The levels of personal (LT) and reactive (RT) anxiety, alexithymia, the level of β-endorphin in the blood, and the quality of life (QOL) before treatment and after 30 days from its start were assessed. Results. In patients with AD, the level of RT was 4.2 times higher than in the control group, RT - 3.2 times, alexithymia - 18 times. In the BT group, 30 days after the start of treatment, RT decreased 1.4 times and RT - 1.3 times. In the C+BT group, the decrease in LT and RT was equally significant - by 2.4 times. The levels of alexithymia and blood β-endorphin in the BT group did not change significantly. In the S+BT group, alexithymicity of patients decreased by 1.2 times, and the level of β-endorphin in the blood increased by 1.9 times. The quality of life index in the BT group decreased 1.2 times after 30 days from the start of therapy, and 1.7 times in the S + BT group. Conclusion. Patients with AD are characterized by the increased levels of personal and reactive anxiety and alexithymia, which reduce their quality of life. The use of the selank regulatory peptide in the complex treatment of patients with AD has a corrective effect on affective-cognitive impairment, contributing to a decrease in the levels of personal and reactive anxiety, alexithymia, increases the level of β-endorphin in the blood and improves the quality of life of patients.
The Flora Motif as Design Identity in Local Traditional Block Batik
Authors: Kari Rabiatuadawiyah , Samin Mohd Azhar , Legino Rafeah
Published: January 2021

This study discusses that floral motifs as the dominant traditional motifs in Malaysian block batik. In the 20th century, the block makers created any motif with purpose—the traditional block batik motifs not revealed due to lack of secure identity upon the development of high-tech modernisation.  Based on the sequence of this issue, this study aims to classify the various types of local block motifs and designs. The classification base on their features using a suitable procedure. The crucial outcomes where the motifs of block batik still show the elements and innovation of the local motif identity.
Keywords: Block Batik; Design; Motif; Identity
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bsby e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI3.2542
Students’ Perspectives of Postgraduate Supervision: Desirable and undesirable practices
Authors: Sidhu Gurnam Kaur , Lim Peck Choo , Teoh Sian Hoon , Muthukrishnan Priyadarshini
Published: January 2021

The current global completion rate for postgraduates stands at 60 per cent, and one of the main problems cited is poor supervisory practices among postgraduate supervisors. Therefore, this qualitative study presents the views of nine PhD scholars on postgraduate supervisory practices from four universities in Malaysia. The thematic qualitative analysis categorized the supervisory practices into three main aspects, namely desirable, undesirable, and appalling practices. The findings of this study though not conclusive do shed some light on current supervisory practices. The findings imply that training and perhaps the call for accreditation of postgraduate supervisors is in order. 
Keywords: postgraduate study; supervisory practices; feedback; learning community; Supervisor-student interaction.
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI3.2555
Comparison of Accommodation Microfluctuations before and after 5 Minutes Near Digital Reading in the dark with Night Shift Mode
Authors: Najmee Aresya , Chen Ai-Hong , Rosli Saiful Azlan , Azni Nursyuhadah
Published: January 2021

This study aims to compare the accommodation microfluctuation before and after 5 mins of digital reading in the dark with night shift mode. Nineteen subjects were recruited using convenient sampling and a crossover design was used to compare the accommodation microfluctuations two viewing conditions. There was no significant difference in accommodation microfluctuations before and after 5-minute reading with night shift mode and without night shift mode. The insignificant findings in the accommodation microfluctuation comparison seemed to suggest that Night Shift Mode did not display as an advantage in controlling accommodation.
Keywords: Digital eye strain, accommodation microfluctuations, digital reading, night shift mode.
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bsby e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI3.2568
Using Machine Learning to Collect and Facilitate Remote Access to Biomedical Databases: Development of the Biomedical Database Inventory
Authors: Rosado Eduardo , Garcia-Remesal Miguel , Paraiso-Medina Sergio , Pazos Alejandro , Maojo Victor
Published: January 2021

Background

Currently, existing biomedical literature repositories do not commonly provide users with specific means to locate and remotely access biomedical databases.

Objective

To address this issue, we developed the Biomedical Database Inventory (BiDI), a repository linking to biomedical databases automatically extracted from the scientific literature. BiDI provides an index of data resources and a path to access them seamlessly.

Methods

We designed an ensemble of deep learning methods to extract database mentions. To train the system, we annotated a set of 1242 articles that included mentions of database publications. Such a data set was used along with transfer learning techniques to train an ensemble of deep learning natural language processing models targeted at database publication detection.

Results

The system obtained an F1 score of 0.929 on database detection, showing high precision and recall values. When applying this model to the PubMed and PubMed Central databases, we identified over 10,000 unique databases. The ensemble model also extracted the weblinks to the reported databases and discarded irrelevant links. For the extraction of weblinks, the model achieved a cross-validated F1 score of 0.908. We show two use cases: one related to “omics” and the other related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

BiDI enables access to biomedical resources over the internet and facilitates data-driven research and other scientific initiatives. The repository is openly available online and will be regularly updated with an automatic text processing pipeline. The approach can be reused to create repositories of different types (ie, biomedical and others).