Aalto University

About: Aalto University is a education organization based out in Espoo, Finland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Carbon nanotube. The organization has 9969 authors who have published 32648 publications receiving 829626 citations. The organization is also known as: TKK & Aalto-korkeakoulu.

From Dyadic Change to Changing Business Networks: An Analytical Framework

Abstract: This paper investigates the dynamics of business networks. We distinguish between confined dyadic change and network change and show how change itself may be incremental or radical, using the punctuated equilibrium model of change. The concept of the critical event is introduced to highlight radical change. We propose an analytical framework where the ideas of mechanism, nature and forces of change are integrated. Two circles of network change (incremental and radical) are presented and transfers from one circle to the other are discussed. We believe this conceptual elaboration may have significant implications for future network dynamic research

High-temperature surface superconductivity in topological flat-band systems

Abstract: We show that the topologically protected flat band emerging on a surface of a nodal fermionic system promotes the surface superconductivity due to an infinitely large density of states associated with the flat band. The critical temperature depends linearly on the pairing interaction and can be thus considerably higher than the exponentially small bulk critical temperature. We discuss an example of surface superconductivity in multilayered graphene with rhombohedral stacking.

From point to extended defects in two-dimensional MoS 2 : Evolution of atomic structure under electron irradiation

Abstract: By combining high-resolution transmission electron microscopy experiments and first-principles calculations, we study production, diffusion, and agglomeration of sulfur vacancies in monolayer MoS${}_{2}$ under electron irradiation. Single vacancies are found to be mobile under the electron beam and tend to agglomerate into lines. Different kinds of such extended defects are identified in the experiments, and their atomic structures and electronic properties are determined with the help of calculations. The orientation of line defects is found to be sensitive to mechanical strain. Our calculations also indicate that the electronic properties of the extended defects can be tuned by filling vacancy lines with other atomic species, thereby suggesting a way for strain and electron-beam-assisted engineering of MoS${}_{2}$-based nanostructures.

Biorefining: heterogeneously catalyzed reactions of carbohydrates for the production of furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural.

Abstract: Furfurals are important intermediates in the chemical industry. They are typically produced by homogeneous catalysis in aqueous solutions. However, heterogeneously catalyzed processes would be beneficial in view of the principles of green chemistry: the elimination of homogeneous mineral acids makes the reaction mixtures less corrosive, produces less waste, and facilitates easy separation and recovery of the catalyst. Finding an active and stable water-tolerant solid acid catalyst still poses a challenge for the production of furfural (furan-2-carbaldehyde) and 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furaldehyde (HMF). Furfural is produced in the dehydration of xylose, and HMF is formed from glucose and fructose in the presence of an acidic catalyst. Bases are not active in dehydration reaction but do catalyze the isomerization of monosaccharides, which is favorable when using glucose as a raw material. In addition to the desired dehydration of monosaccharides, many undesired side reactions take place, reducing the selectivity and deactivating the catalyst. In addition, the catalyst properties play an important role in the selectivity. In this Review, catalytic conversion approaches are summarized, focusing on the heterogeneously catalyzed formation of furfural. The attractiveness of catalytic concepts is evaluated, keeping in mind productivity, sustainability, and environmental footprint.

Managerial cognition, action and the business model of the firm

Abstract: – The purpose of the paper was to outline a generic framework for the business model and illuminate its linkages to managerial cognition., – The paper reviewed the focal literature focusing on the actions and evolution of a firm and built a synthesis that describes the different components of a business model., – The main finding was that a business model is essentially both a cognitive phenomenon as well as being built on the material aspects of a firm., – The paper proposes that the business model can be scrutinized in future studies, especially from the viewpoints of cognition, thus creating new avenues for intra‐firm evolutionary studies., – The paper found several implications for practising managers. First, the concept itself creates possibilities for self‐analysis and scenario building. Second, the understanding that a business model is systemic helps managers to evaluate their actions vis‐a‐vis the evolutionary path of the business model. Third, the outlined business model is useful in executive education as it creates a cognitive map of the various aspects of business activities., – The paper offers new insights into the functions and evolution of firms and will be of interest to both researchers and practising managers.