Neither entrepreneurship nor intrapreneurship : a review of how to become an innovative split-off start-up

Splitting off departments from corporations in order to establish corporate start-ups has become of strategic importance for the performance and innovation of corporations. While the settlement process is widely practiced, there is a lack of knowledge of how entrepreneurship may exist in such split-offs. The main aim of this study was to explore how entrepreneurship in corporate start-ups can exist in order to contribute to corporate performance. Based on a systematic literature review from 2021 to 2023, which resulted in a total of 1,516 scientific, English-language articles in economic journals, a total of 150 articles were analyzed in-depth. Our research shows that it is of crucial importance that corporations position leaders with an appropriate mindset and behavior at all levels as early as starting the split-off process, which is, however, neither entrepreneurship nor intrapreneurship. The niche corporative start-up area shows that entrepreneurship is a continuum and requires a new definition of corporate start-up entrepreneurship (CSE). For corporate start-ups to be successful, we revealed that there needs to be (1) the appropriate legal form, which ensures ownership but also the risk of the leaders, (2) an explorative business rather than exploitation, (3) variable compensation rather than fixed and (4) corporate entrepreneurs rather than employees and managers. Implications of the findings for entrepreneurial leadership theory development and future research are discussed

Instabilities in fixed bed reactors with downwards directed flow for the oligomerization of 1-butene

In this work instabilities in fixed bed reactors with downwards directed flows for the oligomerization of 1-butene were investigated. For very long residence times or very low velocities in combination with strong exothermic reactions, the buoyancy force can exceed the inertia force and the downwards directed liquid flow in the fixed bed becomes instable. These flow conditions might result in hotspots, the shift of the conversion towards unwanted by-products or even in a runaway of the reactor. Therefore, the detailed understanding of the transition between stable and instable flow conditions in fixed bed reactors is essential for a safe and reliable operation of the reactor. Various simulation methods and correlations were applied to predict instable conditions that were observed in an experimental setup. 3D CFD simulations could be used to predict instable flow conditions in fixed bed reactors

Neither entrepreneurship nor intrapreneurship: a review of how to become an innovative split-off start-up

Splitting off departments from corporations in order to establish corporate start-ups has become of strategic importance for the performance and innovation of corporations. While the settlement process is widely practiced, there is a lack of knowledge of how entrepreneurship may exist in such split-offs. The main aim of this study was to explore how entrepreneurship in corporate start-ups can exist in order to contribute to corporate performance. Based on a systematic literature review from 2021 to 2023, which resulted in a total of 1,516 scientific, English-language articles in economic journals, a total of 150 articles were analyzed in-depth. Our research shows that it is of crucial importance that corporations position leaders with an appropriate mindset and behavior at all levels as early as starting the split-off process, which is, however, neither entrepreneurship nor intrapreneurship. The niche corporative start-up area shows that entrepreneurship is a continuum and requires a new definition of corporate start-up entrepreneurship (CSE). For corporate start-ups to be successful, we revealed that there needs to be (1) the appropriate legal form, which ensures ownership but also the risk of the leaders, (2) an explorative business rather than exploitation, (3) variable compensation rather than fixed and (4) corporate entrepreneurs rather than employees and managers. Implications of the findings for entrepreneurial leadership theory development and future research are discussed

Chemical Vapor Deposition of Hollow Graphitic Spheres for Improved Electrochemical Durability

The wet-chemical synthesis of hollow graphitic spheres, a highly defined model catalyst support for electrocatalytic processes, is laborious and not scalable, which hampers potential applications. Here, we present insights into the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of ferrocene as a simple, scalable method to synthesize hollow graphitic spheres (HGScvd). During the CVD process, iron and carbon are embedded in the pores of a mesoporous silica template. In a subsequent annealing step, iron facilitates the synthesis of highly ordered graphite structures. We found that the applied temperature treatment allows for controlling of the degree of graphitization and the textural properties of HGScvd. Further, we demonstrate that platinum loaded on HGScvd is significantly more stable during electrochemical degradation protocols than catalysts based on commercial high surface area carbons. The established CVD process allows the scalable synthesis of highly defined HGS and therefore removes one obstacle for a broader application

What is the hemodynamic effect of the Woven EndoBridge? An in vivo quantification using time-density curve analysis

Abstract Purpose Using the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) for aneurysm treatment has emerged as endovascular approach aiming for flow disruption in aneurysm sac. Since quantifiable data confirming the hemodynamic effect are lacking, we investigated in vivo aneurysmal flow alterations using time-density curve (TDC) analysis. Additionally, we evaluated whether flow parameters could be identified as independent factor to predict aneurysm occlusion. Methods Forty cerebral aneurysm patients treated with WEB were enrolled. Pre- and postinterventional digital subtraction angiography series were postprocessed and TDCs generated. TDCs were quantified calculating the parameters aneurysmal inflow velocity, outflow velocity, mean flow velocity, and relative time-to-peak (rTTP) of aneurysm filling. Pre- and postinterventional values were compared and related to occlusion rate. Results WEB implanting induced highly significant rTTP prolongation by 52% (p = 0.001) and highly significant decrease of aneurysmal inflow, outflow, and mean flow velocity (p < 0.001). While outflow velocity was reduced by 49%, inflow velocity was reduced by 33% only. No statistically significant difference between the occluded and the non-occluded group was observed. No flow parameter reached significance level concerning predicting aneurysm occlusion. Conclusion Flow quantification confirms a significant flow-disrupting effect of WEB reducing more the outflow than the inflow velocity. In our small cohort, no flow parameter reached statistical significance to show predictive value regarding complete aneurysm occlusion. The hemodynamic effect of WEB is on comparable level to flow-diverting stents meaning that aneurysm closure can be delayed. In case of only slight inflow changes and high aneurysmal hemodynamic stress, some aneurysms might not be adequately protected in the short term

Optimized Flat-Detector CT in Stroke Imaging: Ready for First-Line Use?

Background: Using flat-detector CT (FD-CT) for stroke imaging has the advantage that both diagnostic imaging and endovascular therapy can be performed directly within the Angio Suite without any patient transfer and time delay. Thus, stroke management could be speeded up significantly, and patient outcome might be improved. But as precondition for using FD-CT as primary imaging modality, a reliable exclusion of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) has to be possible. This study aimed to investigate whether optimized native FD-CT, using a newly implemented reconstruction algorithm, may reliably detect ICH in stroke patients. Additionally, the potential to identify ischemic changes was evaluated. Methods: Cranial FD-CT scans were obtained in 102 patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke (n = 32), ICH (n = 45) or transient ischemic attack (n = 25). All scans were reconstructed with a newly implemented half-scan cone-beam algorithm. Two experienced neuroradiologists, unaware of clinical findings, evaluated independently the FD-CTs screening for hemorrhage or ischemic signs. The findings were correlated to CT, and rater and inter-rater agreement was assessed. Results: FD-CT demonstrated high sensitivity (95-100%) and specificity (100%) in detecting intracerebral and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Overall, interobserver agreement (κ = 0.92) was almost perfect and rater agreement to CT highly significant (r = 0.81). One infratentorial ICH and 10 or 11 of 22 subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs) were missed of whom 7 were perimesencephalic. The sensitivity for detecting acute ischemic signs was poor in blinded readings (0 or 25%, respectively). Conclusions: Optimized FD-CT, using a newly implemented reconstruction algorithm, turned out as a reliable tool for detecting supratentorial ICH and IVH. However, detection of infratentorial ICH and perimesencephalic SAH is limited. The potential of FD-CT in detecting ischemic changes is poor in blinded readings. Thus, plain FD-CT seems insufficient as a standalone modality in acute stroke, but within a multimodal imaging approach primarily using the FD technology, native FD-CT seems capable to exclude reliably supratentorial hemorrhage. Currently, FD-CT imaging seems not yet ready for wide adoption, replacing regular CT, and should be reserved for selected patients. Furthermore, prospective evaluations are necessary to validate this approach in the clinical setting

The Impact of Antimony on the Performance of Antimony Doped Tin Oxide Supported Platinum for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) supported platinum nanoparticles are considered a more stable replacement for conventional carbon supported platinum materials for the oxygen reduction reaction. However, the interplay of antimony, tin and platinum and its impact on the catalytic activity and durability has only received minor attention. This is partly due to difficulties in the preparation of morphology- and surface-area-controlled antimony-doped tin oxide materials. The presented study sheds light onto catalyst–support interaction on a fundamental level, specifically between platinum as a catalyst and ATO as a support material. By using a previously described hard-templating method, a series of morphology controlled ATO support materials for platinum nanoparticles with different antimony doping concentrations were prepared. Compositional and morphological changes before and during accelerated stress tests are monitored, and underlying principles of deactivation, dissolution and catalytic performance are elaborated. We demonstrate that mobilized antimony species and strong metal support interactions lead to Pt/Sb alloy formation as well as partially blocking of active sites. This has adverse consequences on the accessible platinum surface area, and affects negatively the catalytic performance of platinum. Operando time-resolved dissolution experiments uncover the potential boundary conditions at which antimony dissolution can be effectively suppressed and how platinum influences the dissolution behavior of the support

Der Zusammenhang von Körpergröße mit Entzündungen und Parodontitis in der "Study of Health in Pomerania" (SHIP)

Die Körpergröße kann als ein Marker der Entwicklungsgeschichte von Individuen angesehen werden und ist damit auch durch eine besondere Krankheitsempfindlichkeit beeinflusst. Wenn schon im frühen Lebensalter eine Disposition zu entzündlichen Erkrankungen vorliegt, kann diese eine lebenslange inflammatorische Belastung mit sich bringen und zu einem verzögerten Längenwachstum führen. Auswirkungen der frühen Entwicklung können durch die Körpergröße auch im späteren Leben noch zu einem gewissen Maße nachvollzogen werden. Die Basisstudie SHIP-0 (Study of Health in Pomerania) zeigte einen Zusammenhang zwischen der Körpergröße und Entzündungen des Parodonts. Die 5-Jahres-Folgestudie (SHIP-1) sollte diesen Zusammenhang bestätigen. Folgende Ergebnisse wurden erzielt: 1. Die Körpergröße hatte nur einen geringen Einfluss auf die Veränderung der parodontalen Situation in den fünf Folgejahren. 2. Es zeigte sich eine Tendenz des Zusammenhangs des Attachmentverlustes mit der Körpergröße. 3. Es gab Hinweise darauf, dass größere Probanden in Zusammenhang mit den Risikofaktoren einen geringeren Attachmentverlust aufwiesen als die Kleineren. 4. Die Risikofaktoren (Rauchverhalten, Bildungsniveau, Diabetes mellitus, Alter und Geschlecht) zeigten einen größeren Einfluss auf die Schwere und das Ausmaß der Parodontitis. 5. Der Zusammenhang der Körpergröße mit der parodontalen Erkrankung im Zusammenwirken mit den Risikofaktoren konnte nicht vollständig bestätigt werden. 6. Die Entzündungsparameter WBC und CRP wiesen bei den größten Probanden die geringsten Werte auf im Vergleich zu den kleinsten Probanden. 7. Von den 4290 Probanden der SHIP-0-Studie nahmen nur noch 3300 Probanden an der SHIP-1-Studie teil. Dadurch hat sich die Verteilung der Risikofaktoren verändert. Daher ergibt die Folgestudie nicht mehr bevölkerungs-repräsentative Aussagen, weil besonders die risikobelasteten Patienten dem follow-up ferngeblieben sind. Mit dieser Studie konnte der Zusammenhang der Körpergröße und Entzündungen mit der Parodontitis nicht vollständig bestätigt werden. Der Zeitraum von fünf Jahren ist möglicherweise nicht ausreichend, so dass die 10-Jahres-follow-up-Studie eine Klärung bringen sollte.The body height can be looked as a marker of the history of the development by individuals and is influenced with it also by a special illness delicacy. If already in the early age an arrangement is given to inflammatory illnesses, this one lifelong inflammatory load with itself can bring and lead to a delayed length growth. Effects of the early development can be understood by the body height also in the later life still to some degree. The base study SHIP-0 (Study of Health in Pomerania) showed a connection between the body height and inflammations of the periodont. The 5 year follow up study (SHIP-1) should confirm this connection. The following results were achieved: 1. The body height had only one low influence on the change of the periodontic situation during five subsequent years. 2. It showed to itself a trend of the connection of the attachment loss with the body height. 3. There were tips to the fact that taller test persons showed a lower attachment loss than the shorter in connection with the risk factors. 4. The risk factors (smoke behaviour, educational standard, diabetes mellitus, age and gender) showed a bigger influence on the gravity and the magnitude of the periodontitis. 5. The connection of the body height with the periodontic illness in the cooperation with the risk factors could not be confirmed completely. 6. The inflammation parametres WBC and CRP showed the slightest values in comparison to the shortest test persons with the tallest test persons. 7. From 4290 test persons of the SHIP-0 study only 3300 test persons took part in the SHIP-1 study. The distribution of the risk factors has thereby changed. Hence, the subsequent study does not prove any more population-representative statements because particularly the risk-loaded patients follow-up have stayed away. With this study the connection of the body height and inflammations with the periodontitis could not be confirmed completely. The period of five years is possibly not enough, so that the 10 years follow up study should bring a purification

Utilizing Confined Space to Attain High Performance Catalysts and Support Materials

Increasing energy demand and depletion of fossil resources urge the search for alternative and sustainable energy systems. One promising alternative technology for mobile applications is the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). A major restriction in successful commercialization and implementation of the technology is the availability and high over potential of commonly employed platinum catalysts as well as their lack in long-term stability. In particular, latter is the result of an interplay between different degradation mechanisms. The essential high stability, demanded for real applications, requires the synthesis of advanced electrocatalysts that withstand the harsh operation conditions. In the first part of this work, the synthesis of oxygen reduction electrocatalysts consisting of Pt-Co (i.e. Pt5Co, Pt3Co, and, PtCo) alloyed nanoparticles encapsulated in the mesoporous shell of hollow graphitic spheres (HGS) is reported. The mass activities of the activated catalysts depend on the initial alloy composition and an activity increase on the order of 2 to 3 fold, compared to pure Pt@HGS, was achieved. The key point of the investigation is the degradation of PtCo@HGS (showing the highest activity). The impact of dissolution/dealloying and carbon corrosion can be studied without the interplay of other degradation mechanisms that would induce a substantial change in the particle size distribution. Therefore, impact of the upper potential limit (UPL) and the scan rates on the dealloying and ECSA evolution are examined in detail. Besides the incorporation of Pt-Co catalysts, also shape-controlled Pt-Ni catalysts were finely dispersed within the mesoporous shell of the HGS. Pre-impregnated Pt seeds, acting as anchor points for the shell growth, are demonstrated to be a prerequisite for the successful precious metal catalyst dispersion, as omitting the Pt seeds led to severe agglomeration and inhomogeneous particle distribution. A strong increase in specific activity could be obtained, whereas stability enhancement, originated from the encapsulation, was superimposed by agglomerated particles on the graphitic domains of the HGS. Alternative synthesis strategies are reported, enabling large scale synthesis of hollow mesoporous carbon structures. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of ferrocene is employed for the synthesis of hollow graphitic spheres (HGScvd). Thanks to the precursor, iron particles are embedded into the mesoporous template during the CVD, facilitating the synthesis of highly ordered graphite structures. The effect of the subsequent annealing temperatures on the graphitization degree and on textural properties are highlighted. Ultimately, the HGScvd is employed as a support material, significantly improving the stability of finely dispersed nanoparticles in comparison to commercial high surface area carbon materials. Alternatively, the synthesis of hollow mesoporous carbon, following a soft templating method, is reported in a single step. The textural properties can be fine-tuned by subsequent hydrothermal treatments, allowing the control over particle porosity in the range of 3–12nm