Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences

In the development of innovations over the past decades, data-driven methods have become commonplace. Alongside advantages in effectiveness and efficiency comes the danger of relying on data describing past rather than future developments which can result in a loss of imagination and creativity. In parallel, a growing awareness of the interface between innovation and science fiction can be observed in academia and among practitioners. This awareness is most often based on the hypothesis that taking inspiration from science fiction can create value in the development of innovations. Despite numerous case studies in the literature describing this interface, a major part of methods applied seem to have been chosen in an unstructured, almost random way. This study investigates the literature in search of science fiction-related methods able to support the development of innovations. With around 60.000 publications considered based on a high-level search, a refined search combined with a manual search led to 17 science fiction-related methods to support the development of innovations. Using a six-phase generic innovation process, the methods identified were mapped into the process based on semantic similarities between the objectives of each method and the objectives of innovation process phases. This mapping is understood as an overview and conceptualization offering a baseline for future academic research and guidance for practitioners on choosing the most appropriate science fiction-related methods for developing innovations. • Science fiction related methods for innovation mapped to a six-phase innovation process • Systematic literature review (PRISMA-inspired) across academia and grey literature • Practical selection guide for choosing science-fiction related methods by goal-to-phase fit • Tools for foresight and ideation: scenarios, wild cards, future personas, prototyping • Strong impact in the fuzzy front end: broadens ideas and reduces bias

Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) bezeichnet die Abscheidung von CO2 aus industriellen Prozessen sowie dessen stoffliche oder chemische Weiterverwertung. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht CCU-Technologien mit besonderem Fokus auf den Bereich Utilization und analysiert deren Potenziale für mittelständische Unternehmen, insbesondere in der chemischen Industrie. Im Zentrum stehen CCU-Lösungen, die modular, dezentral einsetzbar und regional integrierbar sind und ohne spezialisierte Infrastrukturen wie eine Wasserstoffversorgung auskommen. Die Studie zeigt insgesamt, dass CCU für den Mittelstand ein strategisch relevantes Zukunftsfeld darstellt, das gezielt zur Erschließung neuer Märkte und Geschäftsfelder in innovativen und nachhaltigen Bereichen als sogenannte "First-Mover" genutzt werden kann.

Short-loop recycling of NdFeB trades a reduced ecological burden for a higher sensitivity towards contamination, as the powder is usually further processed as-is. In this investigation, the known effects of common contaminants (O, C, Ni, Cu, and Zn) introduced due to product design choices, namely from coating material and adhesive residue or a lack of corrosion protection, are reviewed. This study focuses on the impact of such contaminants on the magnetic properties and microstructure of recycled magnets via HPMS and re-sintering. Because of the lack of information regarding the practical effects of metallic coating residues, the impact of Ni contamination on the properties of re-sintered NdFeB magnets is assessed. HPMS processed scrap powder is blended with Ni powder and recycled by sintering. It is found that Ni partially substitutes Fe in the φ-phase, as expected from the literature review, leading to detrimental effects on the coercivity and remanence. The formation of an α-(Fe, Ni) phase is observed. The acceptable limit of Ni contamination without detrimental effects is found to be around 0.25 wt.%; however, due to the substitution in the φ-phase, the contamination is irreversible via short-loop recycling and would accumulate over multiple lifecycles.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful non-targeted analytical tool for compositional profiling of complex mixtures, such as cell culture media, offering high-throughput capabilities that support rapid assessment across large sample cohorts. Its sensitivity to proton-containing metabolites enables the detection of both expected and unforeseen components. However, its application can evoke a ‘Pandora’s box’ effect, revealing unanticipated complexities that challenge conventional interpretative frameworks. Here, NMR analysis identified unexpected media ‘ingredients’ such as substantial ethanol concentrations (up to >10 mM) across all samples, likely resulting from rigorous efforts to avoid bacterial contamination. This highlights the critical vulnerability of small-volume systems, such as multi-well plates, to ethanol contamination by routine disinfection that can disproportionately affect medium composition, potentially compromising cellular viability. Furthermore, NMR spectra revealed time-dependent degradation of L-glutamine into pyroglutamic acid, providing a tool to assess media freshness and experimental reproducibility. Surprisingly, significant lactate levels were already detected in unspent media, ultimately traced to foetal bovine serum, a commonly used but ethically debated supplement. Alongside these unexpected outcomes, NMR was successfully utilised to analyse pyruvate and citric acid to understand culture metabolic state and to validate core metabolic assumptions. Our findings also underscore the necessity of critically evaluating multivariate data through direct spectral inspection; overlapping or shifting peaks may otherwise be misinterpreted. In conclusion, even though NMR spectroscopy is an intrinsically insensitive method and signal overlap of similar molecules in mixtures can hamper unambiguous assignment, it still remains one of the most powerful tools in mixture analysis – even if it may unveil complicating variables constantly raising new questions. Its comprehensive, quantitative nature far outweighs its challenges, offering invaluable insights into media integrity and cellular environments.

Abstract The German school system is characterised by early tracking and a high level of differentiation and stratification, leading to diverse educational pathways associated with differing qualifications and career opportunities. In this context, knowledge of the education system should be crucial for strategically navigating the educational process. This study examined how knowledge gaps among social groups contribute to social and migration-related inequalities during the transition from primary to secondary school. Additionally, it explored whether the impact of knowledge depends on the degree to which families’ educational decisions are constrained, specifically by binding teacher recommendations. Data from Starting Cohort 2 of the National Educational Panel Study (N students = 4,177) were used, taking into account parental education as well as the origin group (Former Soviet Union, Turkey, other) and generation status (first and second, 2.5th, and third generations). Controlling for key background characteristics such as grades, it was found that parental knowledge was positively associated with grammar school attendance in three out of five indicators. Overall, however, parental knowledge had only a small impact on group differences, with different patterns emerging: Controlling for knowledge slightly reduced social inequalities, while migration-related inequalities slightly increased. No evidence was found that the effect of knowledge varied by social origin or immigrant background, nor that it depended on the binding nature of teacher recommendations. The results suggested that although parental knowledge was associated with school choice, it did not substantially reduce existing inequalities. We discuss broader implications regarding the potential role of knowledge in shaping educational pathways.