bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeted gene deletion withSpCas9 and multiple guide RNAs inArabidopsis thaliana: four are better than two
Authors: Ordon Jana , Kiel Niklas , Becker Dieter , Kretschmer Carola , Schulze-Lefert Paul , Stuttmann Johannes 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn plant genome editing, RNA-guided nucleases such as Cas9 fromStreptococcus pyogenes(SpCas9) predominantly induce small insertions or deletions at target sites. This can be used for inactivation of protein-coding genes by frame shift mutations. However, in some cases, it may be advantageous to delete larger chromosomal segments. This is achieved by simultaneously inducing double strand breaks upstream and downstream of the fragment to be deleted. Experimental approaches for deletion induction have not been systematically evaluated.ResultsWe designed three pairs of guide RNAs for deletion of the ArabidopsisWRKY30locus (~2.2 kb). We tested how the combination of guide RNA pairs and co-expression of the exonuclease TREX2 affect the frequency ofwrky30deletions in editing experiments. Our data demonstrate that compared to one pair of guide RNAs, two pairs increase the frequency of chromosomal deletions. The exonuclease TREX2 enhanced mutation frequency at individual target sites and shifted the mutation profile towards larger deletions. However, TREX2 did not elevate the frequency of chromosomal deletions.ConclusionsMultiplex editing with at least two pairs of guide RNAs (four guide RNAs in total) elevates the frequency of chromosomal deletions, and thus simplifies the selection of corresponding mutants. Co-expression of the TREX2 exonuclease can be used as a general strategy to increase editing efficiency in Arabidopsis without obvious negative effects.
Application of the analytical hierarchy process for planning the rehabilitation of water distribution networks
Authors: Hassoun Nedjar Nizar , Djebbar Yassine , Djemili Lakhdar 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThis study aims to develop a decision support tool to improve planning for the rehabilitation of water distribution networks (WDN) using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method and the urgency level score.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper the AHP method was used to outclass the indicators having a strong influence on the deterioration of the pipes and the score of the level of urgency is calculated to establish the rehabilitation program (short, medium and long term). The proposed model was tested for the case of the city of Souk-Ahras in Algeria.FindingsBased on the judgments of twenty-four experts, the relative weights of the three physical, operational and environmental criteria of the pipeline were calculated and found to be equal to 35.40%, 55.60% and 9.00%, respectively. The two indicators, number of failures and pressure, were found to have the highest overall weights. The results of this article can be used to improve decision-making in WDN rehabilitation planning in Algeria.Research limitations/implicationsThe main objective of water companies is to provide citizens with good quality drinking water in sufficient quantity. However, over time, WDN age, degrade and deteriorate. This degradation leads to a drop in the performance through the degradation of water quality and an increase in loss rates. WDN rehabilitation is one of the most widely adopted solutions to address these drawbacks.Originality/valueApplication of a hybrid method (AHP- Level of Emergency) for the planning of the rehabilitation of WDN in Algeria.
Individual change agents for corporate sustainability transformation: a systematic literature review
Authors: Buhr Maike , Harms Dorli , Schaltegger Stefan 
Published: January 2023

PurposeIndividual change agents for corporate sustainability can drive the transformation of organizations and foster sustainable development. Current research literature is growing and is published in a wide variety of journals. This systematic literature review provides an overview and synthesis of different understandings of individual change agents for corporate sustainability transformation. It identifies gaps and puts forward propositions to contribute to theoretical development in the field.Design/methodology/approachThis paper conducts a systematic literature review and thematic content analysis of individual agency in light of corporate sustainability transformation.FindingsThe analysis identifies five research streams, three key dimensions of individual change agency for sustainability (beliefs, actions and competencies) and presents levels of individual agency for transformation. An integrated definition of change agents for sustainability is proposed.Research limitations/implicationsThe review concludes with implications to support individuals in fostering sustainability transformations of organizations, markets and societies. The synthesis and propositions help in identifying which dimensions are already and could in future be addressed by individual change agents. While acknowledging the usual limitations of literature reviews, this paper can inspire future empirical research on the effectiveness of individual change agents for sustainability.Originality/valueBy synthesizing different understandings in the literature of individual change agents for sustainability, this article contributes to the theoretical development of individual agency in the areas of understandings, research streams, dimensions and perspectives. It also develops propositions on how individual change agency can effectively contribute to sustainability transformations at individual, organizational and systems levels.
An augmented multiphase rail launcher with a modular design: theoretical considerations and development
Authors: Zellmer Florian , Löffler Markus , Schneider Markus , Kreischer Christian 
Published: January 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate a novel approach toward electromagnetic launch.

Design/methodology/approach
The field of linear electromagnetic acceleration aims at accelerating macroscopic masses (up to several kg) to speeds in excess of 2 km/s. This can be achieved using accelerators of the railgun type. The innovation of this work lies in the use of multiphase current instead of the classically used quasi-direct current (DC). The approach taken is to work out in a first step the potential performance of such a configuration, for example, by showing that a constant propulsive force can be realized. Next, the necessary changes for the system setup were carefully analyzed. Both the accelerator and the power supply have to be considerably modified with regard to the classical approach.

Findings
Thorough analysis of the electromagnetic behavior of the launcher including nonlinear effects lead to an innovative system design which is considered to be the main finding of the work presented here. Moreover, a prototype was build. The preliminary experimental results obtained are in very good agreement with corresponding simulations validating the underlying modeling approach.

Research limitations/implications
For the purpose of this paper, power levels of only 450 kVA are considered. However, this research can be used to design more powerful devices in the future.

Originality/value
While DC powered railguns are modeled very well in a variety of papers, the use of multiphase alternating current is not very well discussed yet. It could be of value for launch scenarios, for which very high speeds are required such as the launch of micro satellites to space.
Compassion in the international business studies – prospects for future research
Authors: Jakobsen Michael , Worm Verner , Horak Sven 
Published: January 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to introduce the concept of compassion to the field of international business studies. As international business activities continuously intensify and hence generate a work environment characterized by cultural heterogeneity and pluralism, the notion of compassion in a cross-cultural context can be regarded a key skill for employees in internationally operating firms to enable coping with potential cross-cultural conflicts.

Design/methodology/approach
In this narrative-oriented type of review, the authors discuss compassion in a cross-cultural context by drawing on the literature in the management and international business studies. By connecting prior research on compassion with the typical research interests in the IB domain, the authors identify and define potential future research foci for a research agenda centering on the role that cross-cultural compassion plays.

Findings
The authors argue that the conventional approach to learning about other national cultures, their value and norm systems, needs to be complemented by the acquisition of compassion skills. In todays culturally diverse business environment where employees increasingly work in virtual teams, cultural complexity is hardly manageable alone by developing expert knowledge about respective cultural contexts to prevent cross-cultural conflicts.

Originality/value
By drawing on extant research on compassion conducted in neighboring disciplines of the social sciences, the authors conceptualize compassion in the context of international business research. Because compassion in a cross-cultural context is new to international business research, this study suggests directions for future research consisting of four research streams to guide future research on compassion in a cross-cultural context in international business studies.
Managing the traceability system for food supply chain performance
Authors: Kafetzopoulos Dimitrios , Margariti Spiridoula , Stylios Chrysostomos , Arvaniti Eleni , Kafetzopoulos Panagiotis 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThe objective of this study is to improve the food supply chain performance taking into consideration the fundamental concepts of traceability by combining the current frameworks, its principles, its implications and the emerging technologies.Design/methodology/approachA narrative literature review of already existing empirical research on traceability systems was conducted resulting in 862 relevant papers. Following a step-by-step sampling process, the authors ended up with 46 final samples for the literature review.FindingsThe main findings of this study include the various descriptions of the architecture of traceability systems, the different sources enabling this practice, the common desirable attributes, and the enabling technologies for the deployment and implementation of traceability systems. Moreover, several technological solutions are presented, which are currently available for traceability systems, and finally, opportunities for future research are provided.Practical implicationsIt provides an insight, which could affect the implementation process of traceability in the food supply chain and consequently the effective management of a food traceability system (FTS). Managers will be able to create a traceability system, which meets users' requirements, thus enhancing the value of products and food companies.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the food supply chain and the traceability systems literature by creating a holistic picture of where something has been and where it should go. It is a starting point for each food company to design and manage its traceability system more effectively.
A systematic strategy of pallet identification and picking based on deep learning techniques
Authors: Li Yongyao , Ding Guanyu , Li Chao , Wang Sen , Zhao Qinglei , Song Qi 
Published: January 2023

Purpose
This paper presents a comprehensive pallet-picking approach for forklift robots, comprising a pallet identification and localization algorithm (PILA) to detect and locate the pallet and a vehicle alignment algorithm (VAA) to align the vehicle fork arms with the targeted pallet.

Design/methodology/approach
Opposing vision-based methods or point cloud data strategies, we utilize a low-cost RGB-D camera, and thus PILA exploits both RGB and depth data to quickly and precisely recognize and localize the pallet. The developed method guarantees a high identification rate from RGB images and more precise 3D localization information than a depth camera. Additionally, a deep neural network (DNN) method is applied to detect and locate the pallet in the RGB images. Specifically, the point cloud data is correlated with the labeled region of interest (RoI) in the RGB images, and the pallet's front-face plane is extracted from the point cloud. Furthermore, PILA introduces a universal geometrical rule to identify the pallet's center as a “T-shape” without depending on specific pallet types. Finally, VAA is proposed to implement the vehicle approaching and pallet picking operations as a “proof-of-concept” to test PILA’s performance.

Findings
Experimentally, the orientation angle and centric location of the two kinds of pallets are investigated without any artificial marking. The results show that the pallet could be located with a three-dimensional localization accuracy of 1 cm and an angle resolution of 0.4 degrees at a distance of 3 m with the vehicle control algorithm.

Research limitations/implications
PILA’s performance is limited by the current depth camera’s range (< = 3 m), and this is expected to be improved by using a better depth measurement device in the future.

Originality/value
The results demonstrate that the pallets can be located with an accuracy of 1cm along the x, y, and z directions and affording an angular resolution of 0.4 degrees at a distance of 3m in 700ms.
Factors impeding the implementation of buildability assessment in building construction industry
Authors: Osuizugbo Innocent Chigozie 
Published: January 2023

Purpose
Buildability assessment is an important tool used in improving buildability of building designs. Its practice has positive impact on construction project such as cost-saving, material waste reduction, labour-saving technologies, increase in efficiency, saving wasteful efforts and quality improvement as well as cost-effective methods of site construction and future maintenance. However, there are several factors hindering building construction industry to implement buildability assessment. In addition, there are few studies that described the factors impeding the implementation of buildability assessment in construction industry. This study aims to determine the factors impeding buildability assessment implementation in the Nigerian building construction industry

Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative research method was adopted for the study. Questionnaires were administered to purposively selected group of architects, engineers, builders and quantity surveyors. A total of 368 questionnaires were distributed among the sampled participants, out of which a total of 219 representing 60% were sufficiently filled and returned. Data elicited were analysed using inferential and descriptive statistics.

Findings
The results revealed that “poor co-ordination amongst different design disciplines”, “lack of buildability assessment awareness”, “design review pattern where construction personnel (builders) are invited to assess the building production information”, “unwillingness to invest extra money and effort during the early stage of project” and “designers value aesthetics and functionalities more than buildability in their designs” are the topmost five factors impeding buildability assessment implementation in the Nigerian construction industry.

Originality/value
This study highlights factors impeding the implementation of buildability assessment in construction industry. An understanding of these factors can help stakeholders in the construction industry facilitate the development of strategies required to mitigate the factors impeding buildability assessment implementation in the sector.
Revisiting the question of liquidity: are sukuk less liquid than conventional bonds?
Authors: Almaskati Nawaf 
Published: January 2023

Purpose
This study aims to provide one of the first empirical examinations of the liquidity conditions in the international sukuk market. It also provides evidence on how those differences have changed over time.

Design/methodology/approach
The study uses propensity score matching in combination with two price-based liquidity measures, bid-ask and high-low spreads, to compare the liquidity conditions of international sukuk issuances with similar international conventional bonds.

Findings
The results confirm that sukuk issuances are significantly less liquid than their conventional equivalents. The results also show that this difference in liquidity is more prominent in the case of corporate issuances. Finally, the analysis shows a general decline in these liquidity differences over time as the sukuk market matures and as more investors and issuers enter the market.

Originality/value
The study addresses the gap in the literature regarding the absence of an empirical examination of the liquidity conditions in the international sukuk market. The findings of this study also suggest that prior empirical findings regarding the diversification benefits offered by sukuk are likely to be driven by the lack of liquidity in the sukuk market rather than underlying economic factors.
The impact of mergers and acquisitions on shareholders' value: an empirical study of pharmaceutical companies
Authors: Gigante Gimede , Cerri Andrea , Leone Giuseppe 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThis research investigates the effect of mergers and acquisition (M&A) transactions in the pharmaceutical sector. The study assesses the short-term value creation or destruction for shareholders of pharmaceutical companies involved in M&A activities on the acquiring side.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical analysis is carried out by applying the event study methodology in order to define the cumulative abnormal return for each transaction observed. Then, the correlations between abnormal returns and economic metrics are determined building a multiple regression model. These metrics refers to the acquirer, target or to the deal itself.FindingsEvidence show a short-term value creation for shareholders of pharmaceutical companies involved in M&A transactions on the acquiring side. On the one hand, the analysis suggests a negative correlation between the value creation and the acquiring firm's level of indebtedness. On the other hand, the value creation is positively correlated with target's metrics such as Return on Equity (ROE), Return on Assets (ROA) and Research and Development (R&D) intensity. Value creation is also tied to deal-specific characteristics regarding the cash used in the transaction and the comparative extent of the deal.Practical implicationsThis analysis allows to predict returns around an announcement day considering the described indicators of value creation or destruction. M&As play a key role in the strategy implementation as reaction to exogenous shocks and endogenous needs.Originality/valueThis study enriches the literature of corporate finance applied to the pharmaceutical sector. Indeed, this industry is gaining increasing relevance in the M&A panorama. Thus, the related dynamics need to be assessed considering the uniqueness of the pharmaceutical sector in terms of regulation, stakeholders and social impact.
Exploring the development of Islamic fintech ecosystem in Indonesia: a text analytics
Authors: Hudaefi Fahmi Ali , Hassan M. Kabir , Abduh Muhamad 
Published: January 2023

Purpose
This study aims at two objectives, i.e. first, to identify the core elements of the Islamic fintech ecosystem, and second, to use the identified core elements to analyse the development of such an ecosystem in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach
This work combines data analytics of text mining with qualitative analysis of human intelligence in two steps. First, knowledge discovery of the Islamic fintech ecosystem’s core elements using a sample of eight academic articles totalling 102 pages and 75,082 words. Second, using the identified core elements from step one to explore such ecosystem development in Indonesia. This stage employs a sample of 11 documents totalling 371 pages and 143,032 words from cyberspace.

Findings
The core elements of the Islamic fintech ecosystem identified are financial customers, fintech startups, government, technology developers, traditional financial institutions and fatwa (Islamic legal opinion). Furthermore, the development of the Islamic fintech ecosystem in Indonesia is examined under these identified core elements, providing critical insights into the Islamic fintech ecosystem currently established in the country's industry.

Research limitations/implications
This study primarily used semi-structured data from cyberspace. Traditional approaches to qualitative data collection, e.g. focused group discussions and interviews, may be beneficial for future studies in addressing the Islamic fintech ecosystem issues.

Practical implications
Academia worldwide may benefit from this work in incorporating knowledge of Islamic fintech ecosystem’s core elements into Islamic finance literature. Specifically, fintech stakeholders in Indonesia may be advantaged to understand how far the Islamic fintech ecosystem has grown in the country.

Social implications
The rise of unethical fintech peer-to-peer lending shows social problems in Indonesia’s fintech industry. The finding derives social implications that elucidate the current state of the country’s Islamic fintech ecosystem.

Originality/value
Using a kind of big data (i.e. semi-structured text data) from cyberspace and applying steps of text mining combined with qualitative analysis, may contribute to the creation of novelties for qualitative research on financial issues.
Intergenerational live‐in student programmes for meaningful engagement: Creating cohesive and supportive collectives in aged‐care facilities
Authors: Lai Tsz Wang Rohan , Raubenheimer Jacques , du Toit Sanetta Henrietta Johanna 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackground and objectivesOlder adults in residential aged‐care facilities (RACFs) experience segregation from society and face limited opportunities to meaningfully engage on a social and/or occupational level due to various structural and systemic challenges. An occupational therapy‐coordinated intergenerational live‐in student programme (ILiSP) with allied health students was successfully pioneered across Sydney (Australia) to facilitate ongoing intergenerational contact. We explored how ongoing intergenerational contact influenced meaningful engagement of older adults in RACFs by investigating routinely collected clinical data and exploring stakeholders' perspectives.Research design and methodsWe employed a concurrent nested mixed‐methods design. Residents' attendance in weekly organisational activities and students' monthly volunteer hour reports were analysed to produce statistics for demonstrating the changes in residents' activity attendance alongside ongoing intergenerational contact. Qualitative data from discussions directed by the nominal group technique (NGT) with staff, management and students, individual interviews with relatives and residents, and narrative clinical documentation were thematically analysed.ResultsThe Wilcoxon signed‐rank test indicated that residents' activity attendance increased during intergenerational contact. Qualitative data yielded three main themes—interdependence, meaningful engagement, and kinship—all associated with intergenerational contact as part of established ongoing relationships. The NGT highlighted consensus on on‐site living for maintaining a cohesive and supportive collective.ConclusionDespite structural and systemic challenges within RACFs that dissuade community integration, ILiSP created opportunities for students to connect/reconnect residents to new/established networks and to support residents to maintain or re‐engage with previous lifestyle preferences. Therefore, ongoing intergenerational contact fostered a cohesive collective in support of the social and occupational needs of residents, which should be capitalised on by policymakers (e.g., the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program) and interested organisations.