bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Market development of Islamic banking in Pakistan and its economic impact
Authors: Shaikh Salman Ahmed 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
This study aims to examine the dynamics of the market development of Islamic banking in Pakistan. This study investigates how shocks to the economy in the form of changes in benchmark rate and exchange rate and internal factors such as efficiency, profitability and asset quality affect the development of Islamic banking. The study also evaluates the impact of Islamic banking on the real economy in the macro perspective and society at large in terms of inclusiveness, competitiveness and fairness.

Design/methodology/approach
Autoregressive distributed lagged model method is used for analysing the short-run and long-run determinants of market development of Islamic banking and the economic impact of Islamic banking on the real economy.

Findings
Profitability and exchange rate have a positive effect on market development of Islamic banking while higher inefficiency and interbank rate have a negative effect. On the other hand, financing intensity and profitability in Islamic banking positively affect the large-scale manufacturing sector.

Practical implications
Stable profits, high asset quality, efficiency and rising import demand with low policy rate environment complement Islamic banking growth. Moreover, the economic assessment shows that Islamic banks have been able to achieve the financial inclusion of those who want to avoid Riba, but they need concerted efforts to improve competitiveness and distinction with regard to distributional impact.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in Pakistan to evaluate determinants of market development of Islamic banking taking 16-year quarterly data and assessing the economic effects of Islamic banking on inclusiveness, competitiveness and fairness.
How to program autonomous vehicle (AV) crash algorithms: an Islamic ethical perspective
Authors: Elmahjub Ezieddin , Qadir Junaid 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Fully autonomous self-driving cars not only hold the potential for significant economic and environmental advantages but also introduce complex ethical dilemmas. One of the highly debated issues, known as the “trolley problems,” revolves around determining the appropriate actions for a self-driving car when faced with an unavoidable crash. Currently, the discourse on autonomous vehicle (AV) crash algorithms is primarily shaped by Western ethical traditions, resulting in a Eurocentric bias due to the dominant economic and political influence of the West. However, considering that AV technology will be deployed across diverse cultural and religious contexts, this paper aims to contribute to the discourse by providing an Islamic perspective on programming the response of AVs in the event of an imminent crash.

Design/methodology/approach
This study proposes a novel methodology based on the Islamic concept of maṣlaḥa for the normative assessment of ethical decisions related to AV programming.

Findings
Drawing upon the works of classic Islamic jurists, this study highlights two distinct normative visions within Islamic traditions (akin to deontology and consequentialism) concerning the preservation of human lives in the context of AVs. This study explores the shared and divergent elements between Islamic and Western ethical approaches proposed for AVs.

Originality/value
This pioneering work examines AV crash algorithms from an Islamic perspective, filling a void in the global ethical discourse. This work will also serve an important role to bridge the gap between the theoretical Islamic ethical principles and their practical application in the realm of AVs.
Factors influencing initial public acceptance of integrating the ChatGPT-type model with government services
Authors: Yang Liu , Wang Jian 
Published: August 2023

PurposeIntegrating the Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer-type (ChatGPT-type) model with government services has great development prospects. Applying this model improves service efficiency but has certain risks, thus having a dual impact on the public. For a responsible and democratic government, it is necessary to fully understand the factors influencing public acceptance and their causal relationships to truly encourage the public to accept and use government ChatGPT-type services.Design/methodology/approachThis study used the Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model to analyze comment texts and summarize 15 factors that affect public acceptance. Multiple-related matrices were established using the grey decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (grey-DEMATEL) method to reveal causal relationships among factors. From the two opposite extraction rules of result priority and cause priority, the authors obtained an antagonistic topological model with comprehensive influence values using the total adversarial interpretive structure model (TAISM).FindingsFifteen factors were categorized in terms of cause and effect, and the antagonistic topological model with comprehensive influence values was also analyzed. The analysis showed that perceived risk, trust and meeting demand were the three most critical factors of public acceptance. Meanwhile, perceived risk and trust directly affected public acceptance and were affected by other factors. Supervision and accountability had the highest driving power and acted as the causal factor to influence other factors.Originality/valueThis study identified the factors affecting public acceptance of integrating the ChatGPT-type model with government services. It analyzed the relationship between the factors to provide a reference for decision-makers. This study introduced TAISM to form the LDA-grey-DEMATEL-TAISM method to provide an analytical paradigm for studying similar influencing factors.
Critical Junctures: Independence Movements and Democracy in Africa
Authors: García‐Ponce Omar , Wantchekon Leonard 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe show that current levels of democracy in Africa are linked to the nature of its independence movements. Using different measures of political regimes and historical data on anticolonial movements, we find that countries that experienced rural insurgencies tend to have autocratic regimes, while those that faced urban protests tend to have more democratic institutions. The association between the type of independence movement and democracy is statistically significant for the post‐Cold War period and robust to a number of potential confounding factors and sensitivity checks. We provide evidence for causality in this relationship by using an instrumental variables approach and a difference‐in‐differences design with fixed effects. Furthermore, we adjudicate between two potential mechanisms and find support for a behavioral path dependence hypothesis. Urban protests enabled participants to develop norms of peaceful political behavior, which provided cultural bases for liberal democracy. In contrast, armed rebellions generated behavioral patterns that perpetuated political exclusion and the use of violence as a form of political dissent.
Topical corticosteroids inhibit allergic skin inflammation but are ineffective in impeding the formation and expansion of resident memory T cells
Authors: Ono Emi , Lenief Vanina , Lefevre Marine‐Alexia , Cuzin Roxane , Guironnet‐Paquet Aurélie , Mosnier Amandine , Nosbaum Audrey , Nicolas Jean‐Francois , Vocanson Marc 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundTissue‐resident memory T (TRM) cells are detrimental in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), in which they contribute to the chronicity and severity of the disease.MethodsWe assessed the impact of a standard topical corticosteroid (TCS) treatment, triamcinolone acetonide (TA), on the formation, maintenance and reactivation of epidermal TRM cells in a preclinical model of ACD to 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene. TA 0.01% was applied at different time points of ACD response and we monitored skin inflammation and tracked CD8+ CD69+ CD103+ TRM by flow cytometry and RNA sequencing.ResultsThe impact of TA on TRM formation depended on treatment regimen: (i) in a preventive mode, that is, in sensitized mice before challenge, TA transiently inhibited the infiltration of effector T cells and the accumulation of TRM upon hapten challenge. In contrast, (ii) in a curative mode, that is, at the peak of the ACD response, TA blocked skin inflammation but failed to prevent the formation of TRM. Finally, (iii) in a proactive mode, that is, on previous eczema lesions, TA had no effect on the survival of skin TRM, but transiently inhibited their reactivation program upon allergen reexposure. Indeed, specific TRM progressively regained proliferative functions upon TA discontinuation and expanded in the tissue, leading to exaggerated iterative responses. Interestingly, TRM re‐expansion correlated with the decreased clearance of hapten moieties from the skin induced by repeated TA applications.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that TCS successfully treat ACD inflammation, but are mostly ineffective in impeding the formation and expansion of allergen‐specific TRM, which certainly restricts the induction of lasting tolerance in patients with chronic dermatitis.
Do you ‘like’ problems? The linkage between college students' interactions with alcohol‐related content on social media and their alcohol‐related problems
Authors: Steers Mai‐Ly N. , Strowger Megan , Tanygin Angela B. , Ward Rose Marie 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionAlcohol‐related content (ARC) on social media and drinking motives impact college students' drinking. Most studies have examined peer‐generated ARC on drinking outcomes but have yet to extend this relationship to other sources of influence. The current study explores the link between drinking motives, alcohol company ARC, celebrity ARC, and alcohol‐related problems among college students.MethodsStudents (N = 454) from two US universities completed a cross‐sectional online survey assessing demographics; drinking motives (Drinking Motives Questionnaire‐Revised; Cooper, Psychol Assess. 1994;6:117–28); following/awareness of alcohol company ARC; engagement with celebrity ARC; peak drinks (most drinks consumed on one occasion); and alcohol‐related problems (e.g., passed out).ResultsGreater celebrity ARC was linked to coping, enhancement, and conformity motives, and peak drinks. Frequent engagement with celebrity ARC was associated with higher problems. Positive indirect effects were observed from celebrity ARC to problems through coping and conformity motives, and peak drinks. After having adjusted for the influence of celebrity ARC, no significant pathways were found between alcohol company ARC and any of the drinking motives, peak drinks or problems, nor were there any indirect effects between alcohol company ARC and problems.Discussion and ConclusionsResults revealed that a possible explanation for why students who engaged with celebrity ARC experience problems was due to coping and conformity motives as well as peak drinks. Interventions targeting alcohol cognitions might assess engagement with and exposure to different sources of ARC given their potential to influence problems.
Causal associations between prodromal infection and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhou Lei , ZhangBao Jingzi , Huang Wenjuan , Tan Hongmei , Fan Yuxin , Lu Chuanzhen , Yu Jian , Wang Min , Lu Jiahong , Zhao Chongbo , Zhang Tiansong , Quan Chao 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeProdromal infections are associated with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), but it remains unclear which type of infection has a causal association with NMOSD. We aimed to explore the causal associations between four herpesvirus infections (chickenpox, cold sores, mononucleosis and shingles) and NMOSD, as well as between other types of infections and NMOSD.MethodsFor data on infections, we used the genome‐wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from the 23andMe cohort. For outcomes, we used the GWAS data of participants of European ancestry, including 215 NMOSD patients (132 anti‐aquaporin‐4 antibody [AQP4‐ab]‐positive patients and 83 AQP4‐ab‐negative patients) and 1244 normal controls. Single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identification and two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were then performed.ResultsIn the 23andMe cohort, we identified one SNP for chickenpox (rs9266089 in HLA‐B gene), one SNP for cold scores (rs885950 in the POU5F1 gene), one SNP for mononucleosis (rs2596465 in the HCP5 gene), and three SNPs for shingles (rs2523591 in the HLA‐B gene; rs7047299 in the IFNA21 gene; rs9260809 in the MICD gene). The association between cold sores and AQP4‐ab‐positive NMOSD reached statistical significance (odds ratio [OR] 745.318; 95% confidence interval [CI] 22.176, 25,049.53 [p < 0.001, Q < 0.001]). The association between shingles and AQP4‐ab‐positive NMOSD was also statistically significant (OR 21.073; 95% CI 4.271, 103.974 [p < 0.001, Q < 0.001]). No significant association was observed between other infections and AQP4‐ab‐positive or AQP4‐ab‐negative NMOSD.ConclusionThese findings suggest there are positive associations between cold sores and shingles and AQP4‐ab‐positive NMOSD, indicating there may be causal links between herpes simplex virus and varicella‐zoster virus infection and AQP4‐ab‐positive NMOSD.
The ant Lasius niger shows no relationship between task efficiency and body size variation among workers
Authors: Okrutniak Mateusz , Grześ Irena M. , Kucharska Anna K. , Turza Filip , Zimocha Małgorzata , Kerdiane Sabrina , Jabłoński Patryk 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn ants, workers of different sizes may perform various tasks, even in so‐called monomorphic species with relatively low body size variation. However, it is unclear if the body size diversity of monomorphic workers correlates with task efficiency, especially in stressful contingencies. Here we tested if the body size variation of workers corresponds with its efficiency in transferring pupae. Transferring brood is a pre‐set behavioral response to stress, e.g. suboptimal temperature. Here we applied a laboratory experiment simulating nest damage. The study was performed on the common garden ant (Lasius niger (Linnaeus, 1758)) – a species with no distinct worker subcastes. The efficiency of workers was measured as the latency of transferring pupae from a lit part of the experimental colony to a darkened part, while the body size diversity was expressed as the within‐colony coefficient of variation in head width. We did not find any significant correlation between efficiency and body size variation. Summarizing the existing studies and the present results, we propose the hypothesis that the body size diversity of L. niger may have implications for workers’ division of labor but not for their task efficiency in a stressful contingency.
The Dublin Regulation, mutual trust and fundamental rights: No exceptionality for children?
Authors: Smyth Ciara 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMutual trust in the Dublin III Regulation is justified by the assumption that all Member States respect the fundamental rights of asylum seekers and that it is therefore immaterial which Member State processes any given claim. This justification has been questioned in light of the treatment of asylum seekers in some Member States. Nonetheless, in order to circumvent a Dublin transfer on fundamental rights grounds, the Court of Justice of the EU has held that the risked violation must meet the threshold for inhuman or degrading treatment in Article 4 of the Charter. Recently, the Court rejected the proposition that another Charter right—the principle of the best interests of the child—could block Dublin transfers of families with children. Through a child‐rights analysis of the jurisprudence, this article explores the idea of exceptionality for children, concluding that there is potential for the best interests principle to trump mutual trust.
The silent world of assisted reproduction: A qualitative account of communication between doctors and patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation in Australia
Authors: Taffs Louis , Kerridge Ian , Lipworth Wendy 
Published: August 2023

AbstractContextIn vitro fertilisation (IVF) is now a common assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure globally, with 8 million children alive today having been conceived utilising IVF. For many patients, IVF is a difficult experience with many discontinuing treatment because of emotional, relationship and financial stress, or intolerable physical side effects of hormone treatments.Design and ParticipantsA qualitative study, in which 31 professionals and 25 patients from the ART sector in Australia were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using codebook thematic analysis.ResultsOur data indicates there are ‘silences’ within the therapeutic relationship of IVF, which may limit the capacity for patients to prepare emotionally, financially, or medically for the procedure, and may contribute to psychological distress and dissatisfaction with care. These ‘silences’ include what the patient ‘is not told’ by their clinician or ‘does not hear’ and what the patient feels they ‘cannot say’.DiscussionDrawing upon the work of Jay Katz, Charis Thompson, and Miles Little on ‘silences’ and performance in clinical practice, we argue that although IVF is a complex and multifaceted procedure that is often conducted in a commercial setting, the clinical and therapeutic relationship between doctor and patient remains pivotal to the experiences of patients. The ‘silences’ within this relationship may impact negatively on decision‐making, and on the delivery and experience of care.ConclusionsCareful attention to the realities of IVF treatment in the clinic room (and awareness of the performances that hide them) should allow for more present and compassionate care. Such care may leave patients more satisfied with their experience and their choices, regardless of treatment outcomes.Patient or Public ContributionThis article draws on interviews with patients who had undergone or were currently undergoing IVF, as well as a range of representatives from the ART community (including reproductive medicine specialists, general practitioners, fertility nurses, counsellors, administrators in ART businesses and embryologists).
Uncoupling of Natural Killer cell functional maturation and cytolytic function in NOD mice
Authors: Bourel Capucine , Mullins‐Dansereau Victor , Al Khaldi Maher , Chabot‐Roy Geneviève , Lombard‐Vadnais Félix , Lesage Sylvie 
Published: August 2023

AbstractNK cells are innate immune cells that target infected and tumor cells. Mature NK (mNK) cells undergo functional maturation characterized by four distinct stages, during which they acquire their cytotoxic properties. mNK cells from non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice exhibit a defect in functional maturation and have impaired cytotoxic functions. Hence, we tested whether the impaired cytotoxic function observed in mNK cells from NOD mice can be explained by their defect in functional maturation. By comparing the function of mNK cells from B6, B6g7 and NOD mice, we show that the expression of granzyme B is severely impaired in mNK cells from NOD mice, agreeing with their inability to control tumor growth in vivo. The low level of granzyme B expression in mNK cells from NOD mice is found at all stages of functional maturation and is therefore independent of their functional maturation defect. Consequently, this study demonstrates that phenotypic functional maturation of mNK cells can be uncoupled from the acquisition of cytotoxic functions.
A meta‐analysis of effects of self‐directed learning in online learning environments
Authors: Doo Min Young , Zhu Meina 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundOnline learning has become more prevalent over the past three decades, especially during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Educators and scholars have increasingly emphasized the significance of self‐directed learning (SDL) on successful learning outcomes in online learning environments.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to synthesize the research on the effects of SDL on learning achievement in online learning environments.MethodsThis study synthesized the research findings on the effects of SDL on learning achievement in online learning environments using a meta‐analysis method. We analysed 152 samples from 43 studies that have reported the effects of SDL on learning achievement or correlations in online learning.Results and ConclusionsThe overall effect size of SDL on learning achievement in online learning showed a medium effect size (g = 0.508). The dimensions of SDL moderated the effects of SDL on learning achievement, and the effects of self‐management were statistically smaller than motivation and self‐monitoring. The types of learning achievement, learning domains, and participant levels did not moderate the effects of SDL on learning achievement. However, the effects of SDL on learning achievement in the cognitive domain were significantly smaller than the effects of SDL in the affective domain.What Are the 1 or 2 Major Takeaways from the Study?This study confirmed the importance of SDL in online learning environments. SDL can be effective for any learner group, not just for adult learners, in online learning environments. Online instructors should facilitate students' self‐management to obtain successful learning achievement.
SPI1 involvement in malignant melanoma pathogenesis by regulation of HK2 through the AKT1/mTOR pathway
Authors: Liu Chunlei , Qiu Xiujuan , Gao Jun , Gong Zhifan , Zhou Xiaogang , Luo Haichao , Geng Xuerui 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSpi‐1 proto‐oncogene (SPI1) plays a vital role in carcinogenesis. Our work aimed to investigate the potential regulatory mechanism of SPI1 in melanoma. The mRNA and protein levels were measured via qRT–PCR and Western blotting. Cell viability was assessed by CCK‐8 assay. The target relationship between SPI1 and hexokinase 2 (HK2) was determined using dual‐luciferase reporter detection. ChIP was conducted to confirm the targeted relationship between SPI1 and the HK2 promoter. Immunohistochemistry analysis was conducted to measure the positive cell number of SPI1 and HK2 in melanoma tissues. The cell migration abilities were determined using a wound healing assay. Glucose consumption, pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, lactate production and ATP levels were measured to assess glycolysis. SPI1 transcription in melanoma cells and tissues was dramatically higher than that in adjacent normal tissues and epidermal melanocyte HEMa‐LP, respectively. Knockdown of SPI1 restrained cell viability, metastasis and glycolysis in melanoma cells. SPI1 directly targeted HK2, and knockdown of SPI1 repressed HK2 expression. Overexpression of HK2 weakened the inhibitory effects of SPI1 knockdown on the viability, metastasis and glycolysis of melanoma cells. The serine–threonine kinase 1 (AKT1)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) axis is involved in melanoma progression. SPI1 knockdown restrained melanoma cell proliferation, metastasis and glycolysis by regulating the AKT1/mTOR pathway.