Search Results (158)

Technology roadmapping is conducted by systematic mapping of technological evolution through patent analytics to inform innovation strategies. This study proposes an integrated framework combining hierarchical Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) modeling with multiphase technology lifecycle theory, analyzing 113,449 Derwent patent abstracts (2008–2022) across three dimensions: technological novelty, functional applications, and competitive advantages. By segmenting innovation stages via logistic growth curve modeling and optimizing topic extraction through perplexity validation, we constructed dynamic technology roadmaps to decode latent evolutionary patterns in AI-powered programmable manipulators (B25J classification) within an innovation trajectory. Key findings revealed: (1) a progressive transition from electromechanical actuation to sensor-integrated architectures, evidenced by 58% compound annual growth in embedded sensing patents; (2) application expansion from industrial automation (72% early stage patents) to precision medical operations, with surgical robotics growing 34% annually since 2018; and (3) continuous advancements in adaptive control algorithms, showing 2.7× growth in reinforcement learning implementations. The methodology integrates quantitative topic modeling (via pyLDAvis visualization and cosine similarity analysis) with qualitative lifecycle theory, addressing the limitations of conventional technology analysis methods by reconciling semantic granularity with temporal dynamics. The results identify core innovation trajectories—precision control, intelligent detection, and medical robotics—while highlighting emerging opportunities in autonomous navigation and human–robot collaboration. This framework provides empirically grounded strategic intelligence for R&D prioritization, cross-industry investment, and policy formulation in Industry 4.0. Full article

This study employs text mining techniques to conduct a systematic quantitative analysis of cybersecurity-related scientific publications and technological research. It aims to break through the limitations of traditional unidirectional evolutionary research, reveal the knowledge evolution rules between scientific theories and technical practices in this field, and provide valuable references and decision-making support for optimizing the collaborative innovation ecosystem. Firstly, we took academic papers and patent research on cybersecurity from 2005 to 2024 as the research objects and divided them into ten stages according to the time series. Subsequently, we identified scientific and technological topics and formed science–technology topics to assess their similarity. Then, we selected 3040 pairs of collaborative topic pairs and categorized them into three distinct groups: weak, moderate, and strong correlation. Finally, we constructed a science–technology topic association evolution atlas and analyzed the types of evolutionary pathways of topic associations and their mechanisms of action accordingly. The results demonstrate five evolutionary patterns in science–technology topic associations: division, merging, inheritance, co-occurrence, and independent development. Additionally, the science–technology topics demonstrate a high degree of collaboration, exhibiting a collaborative effect of “initial accumulation–fluctuating differentiation–deep collaboration”. Meanwhile, the correlation evolution of strongly related science–technology topics presents a symmetrical effect of “technology–science–technology” and “science–technology/technology–science”. Full article

Recent archaeological sites dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries have rarely been studied to date. Among the 500 “glassy” beads excavated from Dohouan (Côte d’Ivoire), elemental analyses reveal that fewer than half contain abnormally high alumina contents, associated with a soda–potash–lime flux (three compositional groups). The remaining beads are typical lead-based glass. The Raman spectra of the alumina-rich beads are quite complex due to their glass–ceramic nature, combining features similar to the vitreous phase of porcelain glaze with the presence of various crystalline phases (quartz, wollastonite, calcium phosphate, calcite). Organic residues are also observed. Colors are primarily produced by transition metal ions, although some specific pigments have also been identified. These characteristics suggest that the alumina-rich beads were manufactured by pressing followed by sintering, as described in patents by Richard Prosser (1840, UK) and Jean Félix Bapterosse (1844, France). A comparison is made with beads from scrap piles at the site of the former Bapterosse factory in Briare, France. This process represents one of the earliest examples of replacing traditional glassmaking with a ceramic process to enhance productivity and reduce costs. Full article

Environmental impacts, such as elevated temperatures due to urban heat islands (UHIs), associated with land cover change due to urbanization, should not be ignored. In contrast to conventional impermeable concrete, permeable pavements have been implemented as green infrastructure strategies for achieving environmental benefits, such as stormwater management. Their impacts and benefits on other environmental aspects should not be ignored, especially for those with limited discussion in the literature. Therefore, this study monitored the surface and air temperatures of three types of pavements: conventional impermeable concrete (IC), pervious concrete (PC), and the patented JW Eco-technology (JW). As UHIs are more intense in the summer, temperature profiles during targeted periods when surface temperatures exceeded 40 °C for consecutive days were examined. In addition, as an available option at the study site, shade was created to evaluate its effect on surface temperatures across the pavement systems. Overall, the annual average surface and air temperatures of the three pavements were similar. However, seasonal and diurnal variations in temperatures were both observed, suggesting summer was the season when the differences in temperatures among pavements were most noticeable. Investigation during the targeted periods revealed that the average surface temperatures of PC were 2.4–2.7 °C and 3.2–3.3 °C higher than those observed on IC and JW, and the average air temperature of PC was 1.8 °C greater than that of IC and JW between 12:00 and 16:00. On the contrary, the average surface temperatures of PC were significantly lower than those on IC (1.3–1.4 °C) and JW (1.5 °C) between 21:00 and 5:00. Results also indicate that shade was an effective way to alleviate the high surface temperatures during the warm hours by lowering surface temperatures 21.0 °C, 15.4 °C, and 15.0 °C, for PC, IC, and JW, respectively. Finally, temperatures associated with the aqueducts of JW Eco-technology and the impacts on overall surface temperatures will be discussed. Full article

Patent licensing is essential for sustainable technological diffusion, fostering innovation and strengthening industrial resilience. However, the determinants influencing patent licensing decisions remain underexplored. This study investigates these factors at both the enterprise and patent levels, emphasizing their role in promoting sustainable industrial innovation and knowledge transfer. Given the low proportion of licensed patents, this research proposes a measurement framework to identify thematically similar but unlicensed patents and applies a conditional logistic regression model to analyze the factors affecting licensing decisions. Using patent abstracts from the intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) sector, topic modeling is conducted to classify technological themes, and Kullback–Leibler divergence is applied to measure differences between licensed and unlicensed patents. The results indicate that technological prestige and depth negatively influence licensing, whereas technological breadth, advancement, and stability have a positive effect. From a sustainability perspective, enterprises should optimize technology management to support responsible knowledge transfer and green innovation. Universities should enhance patent quality and innovation impact to contribute more effectively to sustainable development. Policymakers should refine patent licensing frameworks to foster an efficient, inclusive, and sustainable intellectual property ecosystem, thereby facilitating cross-sectoral technology diffusion, advancing eco-friendly industrial transformation, and promoting sustainable economic growth. Full article

This study proposes an asymmetric pitch control technique for electric oil pumps with symmetric gear-type pumps in order to reduce noise and vibration. For vane pump noise reduction, mechanical asymmetric pitch arrangements of each vane are widely used. However, the mechanical asymmetric pitch arrangement approach is not applicable in gear-type pumps due to structural limitations. The proposed asymmetric pitch control method provides similar effects to the mechanical asymmetric pitch arrangement by employing instantaneous motor torque controls for an electric oil pump with a gear-type pump. The magnitude of motor torque for each pump tooth is determined with an asymmetric pitch formula, which has been widely used for mechanical vane pumps in previous studies and patents. A formula for the shape of instantaneous motor torque is proposed for the analysis of pressure fluctuations of pumps, which is a combination of trigonometric and exponential functions. The calibration factors for the magnitude and shape can be adjusted according to the characteristics of a given pump. The experimental results for a 400 W electric pump show that the proposed method reduced and dispersed the noise peak by approximately 4 dB(A) in comparison with the normal control, and affected hydraulic performance with a less than 1% decrease in flow rate in not only pump-level but also gearbox-level test environments. Full article

The exploration of Streptomyces from extreme environments presents a particularly compelling avenue for novel compound discovery. A Gram-positive, pink-pigmented Streptomyces strain designated HC307^T was isolated from a soil sample collected in Xizang (Tibet), China. The exploration of Streptomyces from extreme environments presents a particularly compelling avenue for novel compound discovery. In this study, the 16S rRNA sequence of strain HC307^T exhibited the highest similarity with Streptomyces prasinosporus NRRL B-12431^T (97.5%) and Streptomyces chromofuscus DSM 40273^T (97.3%), which were below 98.7%. The draft genome of the bacteria was 10.0 Mb, with a G+C content of 70.0 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of strain HC307^T and similar type strains ranged from 78.3% to 87.5% (<95%). The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values ranged from 22.6% to 33.9% (<70%), which was consistent with the results obtained from phylogenetic tree analysis. Phenotypically, this bacterium grew within the temperature range of 25–40 °C, at a pH range of 5 to 9, and in NaCl concentrations from 0% to 6% (w/v). The polar lipid profile of strain HC307^T was diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and unidentified lipids. The analysis of 32 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) indicated the strain’s capacity to synthesize diverse compounds. Phylogenetic and phenotypic analyses demonstrated that strain HC307^T represented a novel species within the genus Streptomyces, and proposed the name Streptomyces flavusporus sp. nov., with strain HC307^T (=DSM 35222^T=CGMCC 32047^T). The strain was deposited in Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen and the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center for patent procedures under the Budapest Treaty. Full article

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) play a crucial role in hepatic homeostasis, clearance, and microcirculatory regulation. Their fenestrations—patent transcellular pores—are essential for proper liver function, yet disappear in pathological conditions such as liver fibrosis and inflammation through a process known as defenestration. Defenestrated sinusoids are often linked to the liver stiffening that occurs through mechanotransduction-regulated processes. We performed a detailed characterization of polyacrylamide (PAA) hydrogels using atomic force microscopy (AFM), rheometry, scanning electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy to assess their potential as biomimetic substrates for LSECs. We additionally implemented AFM; quantitative fluorescence microscopy, including high-resolution structured illumination microscopy (HR-SIM); and an endocytosis assay to characterize the morphology and function of LSECs. Our results revealed significant local variations in hydrogel stiffness and differences in pore sizes. The primary LSECs cultured on these substrates had a range of stiffnesses and were analyzed with regard to their number of fenestrations, cytoskeletal organization, and endocytic function. To explore mechanotransduction in inflammatory liver disease, we investigated LSECs from a genetic model of systemic inflammation triggered by the deletion of Mcpip1 in myeloid leukocytes and examined their ability to restore their fenestrations on soft substrates. Our study demonstrates the beneficial effect of soft hydrogels on LSECs. Control cells exhibited a similar fenestrated morphology and function compared to cells cultured on plastic substrates. However, the pathological LSECs from the genetic model of systemic inflammation regained their fenestrations when cultured on soft hydrogels. This observation supports previous findings on the beneficial effects of soft substrates on LSEC fenestration status. Full article

The transition to electric vehicles is a critical step toward achieving carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability. This shift relies on advancements across multiple technological domains, driving the need for strategic technology intelligence to anticipate emerging technology convergence opportunities. To address this challenge, this study aimed at providing an analytical framework for identifying technology convergence opportunities using node2vec graph embedding. A dual-level prediction framework that combines similarity-based scoring and machine learning-based classification was proposed to systematically identify new potential technology linkages between previously unrelated technology areas. The patent co-classification network was used to generate graph embeddings, which were then processed to calculate edge similarity among unconnected nodes and to train the classifier model. A case study in the EV market demonstrated the framework can reliably predict future patterns across disparate technology domains. Consequently, advancements in battery protection, thermal management, and composite materials emerged as relevant for future technology development. These insights not only deepen our understanding of future innovation trends but also provide actionable guidance for optimizing R&D investments and shaping policy strategies in the evolving electric vehicle market. The findings contribute to a systematic approach to forecasting technology convergence, supporting innovation-driven growth in the evolving EV sector. Full article

Similar patent document retrieval is an essential task that reduces the scope of patent claimants’ searches, and numerous studies have attempted to provide automated patent search services. Recently, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) based on generative language models has emerged as an excellent method for accessing and utilizing patent knowledge environments. RAG-based patent search services offer enhanced retrieval ranking performance as AI search services by providing document knowledge similar to queries. However, achieving optimal similarity-based document ranking in search services remains a challenging task, as search methods based on document similarity do not adequately address the characteristics of patent documents. Unlike general document retrieval, the similarity of patent documents must take into account prior art relationships. To address this issue, we propose PAI-NET, a deep neural network for computing patent document similarities by incorporating expert knowledge of prior art relationships. We demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms current state-of-the-art models in patent document classification tasks through semantic distance evaluation on the USPD and KPRIS datasets. PAI-NET presents similar document candidates, demonstrating a superior patent search performance improvement of 15% over state-of-the-art methods. Full article

Background/Objectives: Premature infants are often referred for the definitive procedural closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with the failure of, or contraindication to, pharmacotherapy and the inability to wean respiratory support. However, once this need is identified, the importance of expedited closure is unclear. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of the timing of definitive closure (i.e., surgical ligation or device occlusion) on early respiratory outcomes in premature infants. Method: We first specify a hypothetical randomized trial (the “target trial”) that would estimate the effect on extubation of early (0–4 days from referral) vs. late (5–14 days from referral) definitive PDA closure. We then emulate this target trial using a single-institution registry of premature infants (born <30 weeks or with a birth weight < 1500 g) who underwent the definitive closure of PDA between January 2014 and October 2023. Results: We identify 131 eligible infants. At the end of the follow-up, 70 and 38 infants were adherent to early and late PDA closure strategies, respectively. The cumulative incidence of extubation in the early group was higher than that in the late group until day 40 (maximum risk difference: 22 percentage points at day 13; 95% CI: −11 to 56). Outcomes were similar at the end of the 45-day follow-up period (risk difference: −1 percentage point; 95% CI: −46 to 42). Conclusions: The need for mechanical ventilation was equivalent between early and late PDA closure strategies at the end of a 45-day follow-up period although infants in the early intervention group were extubated sooner. Full article

Background: Within the solar ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, ultraviolet A rays (UVA, 320–400 nm), although less energetic than ultraviolet B rays (UVB, 280–320 nm), constitute at least 95% of solar UV radiation that penetrates deep into the skin The UV rays are associated with both epidermal and dermal damage resulting from the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Among them, the longest UVA wavelengths (UVA1, 340–400 nm) can represent up to 75% of the total UV energy. Therefore, UVA radiation is linked to various acute and chronic conditions, including increased skin pigmentation and photoaging. Despite many advances in the skin photoprotection category, there is still a growing demand for natural daily photoprotection active ingredients that offer broad protection against skin damage caused by UVA exposure. In our quest to discover new, disruptive, next generation of photoprotective ingredients, we were drawn to pomegranate, based on its diverse polyphenolic profile. We investigated the pericarp of the fruit, so far considered as byproducts of the pomegranate supply chain, to design a novel patented extract “POMAOX” with a desired spectrum of phenolic components comprising of αβ-punicalagins, αβ-punicalins and ellagic acid. Methods: Antioxidant properties of POMAOX were measured using in-tubo standard tests capable of revealing a battery of radical oxygen species (ROS): peroxyl radical (ORAC), singlet oxygen (SOAC), superoxide anion (SORAC), peroxynitrite (NORAC), and hydroxyl radical (HORAC). In vitro, confirmation of antioxidant properties was first performed by evaluating protection against UVA-induced lipid peroxidation in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF), via the release of 8 iso-prostanes. The protection offered by POMAOX was further validated in a 3D in vitro reconstructed T-Skin^TM model, by analyzing tissue viability/morphology and measuring the release of Matrix Metallopeptidase 1 (MMP-1) & pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1α, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, and TNF-α) after UVA1 exposure. Results: POMAOX displayed strong antioxidant activity against peroxynitrite (NORAC) at 1.0–3.0 ppm, comparable to the reference vitaminC, as well as singlet oxygen (SOAC) at 220 ppm, and superoxide radicals with a SORAC value of 500 ppm. Additionally, POMAOX demonstrated strong photoprotection benefit at 0.001% concentration, offering up to 74% protection against UVA-induced lipid peroxidation on HDF, in a similar range as the positive reference, Vitamin E at 0.002% (50 µM), and with higher efficacy than ellagic acid alone at 5 µM. Moreover, our pomegranate-derived extract delivered photoprotection at 0.001%, mitigating dermal damages induced by UVA1, through inhibition of MMP-1 and significant inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators release (including IL-1α, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, and TNFα) on an in vitro reconstructed full-thickness human skin model with a similar level of protection to that of Vitamin C tested at 0.035% (200 µM). Conclusions: Overall, the novel pomegranate-derived extract “POMAOX” significantly reduced the impact of UVA on human skin, due to its broad-spectrum antioxidant profile. These findings suggest that POMAOX could offer enhanced protection against the detrimental effects of UV exposure, addressing the growing consumer demand for strong photoprotection with skincare benefits. Full article

Today, most anti-acne treatments employ topical and systemic antibiotics such as erythromycin and clindamycin, which induce cutaneous dysbiosis with adverse side effects to the skin’s normal microbiota, consequently leading to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. In our quest to discover natural anti-acne bioactives as alternatives, we undertook a research program with the aim to identify a new blend of active ingredients based on the monoterpene phenol moiety. Within this program, we evaluated the in vitro anti-acne efficacy of thymol, Curcuma turmerones and their patented combination “Acnocure” in a cosmetic formulation. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Acnocure against C. acnes (ATCC 6919), S. aureus (ATCC 6538), S. epidermidis (ATCC 12228) and C. freneyi (CIP 52.16) was determined to be 0.32, 0.26, 0.47 and 0.11 mg/mL, respectively. In the time-kill curve study against C. acnes, Acnocure, containing thymol 0.25% and 0.1% Curcuma turmerone as well as thymol 0.1% and 0.1% Curcuma turmerone in a cosmetic simplex formulation, demonstrated rapid bactericidal activity with a 4.7 log reduction at pH 5.5, occurring within just two hours of the study and lasting for over 24 h. The killing efficacy was similar to our cosmetic reference benchmark, Effaclar DUO serum, used in the same study. Additionally, thymol, Curcuma turmerones and Acnocure were evaluated in an anti-inflammatory efficacy assay in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed U937 macrophages model and demonstrated moderate inhibition of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) at 100 µg/mL and significant inhibition of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) at 1 µg/mL, respectively. Further evidence gathered on thymol and Curcuma turmerones in an IL-1α-stimulated dermal fibroblast model showed >90% inhibition of PGE-2 release between 2 µg/mL and 30 µg/mL concentrations. These promising results position Acnocure as a natural alternative for the replacement of synthetic corticosteroids and antibiotics with potent anti-acne skincare properties. Full article

In order to solve the problem of insufficient design applicability in the field of lower limb rehabilitation, such as interaction, experience comfort, and modeling color, a biological excitation function system was used to guide the solution of the functional scheme of lower limb rehabilitation products, and the transformation of lower limb rehabilitation products in functional interaction, experience, and morphological color design driven by biological information-driven cross-domain mapping was improved. We used patent knowledge mining to study the product functional requirements of lower limb rehabilitation products. The results were used to screen the required biological prototypes, and the biological incentives were used to guide the design problems. According to the principle of analogy and similarity calculation, the similarity matrix was obtained, and then the strategy was analyzed. Through the analogy of functional system–product technology engineering systems, the engineering relationship between multi-biological and multi-design elements was determined. We realized the biological replacement and upgrading of product functions under biological stimulation to guide the design of lower limb rehabilitation products. The accurate quantitative biological information of multi-biological analogy fit has the significance of optimizing the training effect, improving the operation efficiency, and improving the morphology and modeling of the lower limb rehabilitation product engineering transformation and design. The acquisition rate of the functional design requirements of lower limb rehabilitation products based on text mining reached 95%, and the accuracy of the biological design prototype obtained through similarity calculation was higher than 79%, which verified the feasibility of the accurate bioinformatics design method and improved the rigor of the bioinformatics biomimetic design method. Full article

Clinical trials consistently demonstrate an inverse correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D; calcifediol] levels and the risk of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 disease, complications, and mortality. This systematic review (SR), guided by Bradford Hill’s causality criteria, analyzed 294 peer-reviewed manuscripts published between December 2019 and November 2024, focusing on plausibility, consistency, and biological gradient. Evidence confirms that cholecalciferol (D₃) and calcifediol significantly reduce symptomatic disease, complications, hospitalizations, and mortality, with optimal effects above 50 ng/mL. While vitamin D requires 3–4 days to act, calcifediol shows effects within 24 h. Among 329 trials, only 11 (3%) showed no benefit due to flawed designs. At USD 2/patient, D₃ supplementation is far cheaper than hospitalization costs and more effective than standard interventions. This SR establishes a strong inverse relationship between 25(OH)D levels and SARS-CoV-2 vulnerability, meeting Hill’s criteria. Vitamin D₃ and calcifediol reduce infections, complications, hospitalizations, and deaths by ~50%, outperforming all patented, FDA-approved COVID-19 therapies. With over 300 trials confirming these findings, waiting for further studies is unnecessary before incorporating them into clinical protocols. Health agencies and scientific societies must recognize the significance of these results and incorporate D₃ and calcifediol for prophylaxis and early treatment protocols of SARS-CoV-2 and similar viral infections. Promoting safe sun exposure and adequate vitamin D₃ supplementation within communities to maintain 25(OH)D levels above 40 ng/mL (therapeutic range: 40–80 ng/mL) strengthens immune systems, reduces hospitalizations and deaths, and significantly lowers healthcare costs. When serum 25(OH)D levels exceed 70 ng/mL, taking vitamin K₂ (100 µg/day or 800 µg/week) alongside vitamin D helps direct any excess calcium to bones. The recommended vitamin D dosage (approximately 70 IU/kg of body weight for a non-obese adult) to maintain 25(OH)D levels between 50–100 ng/mL is safe and cost-effective for disease prevention, ensuring optimal health outcomes. Full article