Category Archives: Research Examples

Technological Prospection on Nanotechnologies Applied to the Petroleum Industry

Patents, Research Examples, Research profiling, Research Type

This paper presents a technological prospection on nanotechnologies applied to the petroleum industry through the creation of a worldwide overview regarding scientific paper publications and patents concerning that business, with the purpose of identifying the main trends on research and development (R&D), the annual evolution, as well as the key agents and countries involved. In this research, it was possible to verify the presence of services oil companies, like Baker, Schlumberger and Halliburton. In scientific paper publications, it was possible to observe university departments, related to petroleum studies, from different countries, as Thailand, China, USA, Iran.

Author(s): M.A. Parreiras, Viviane; M. de S. Antunes, Adelaide
Source: Recent Patents on Nanotechnology http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/nanotec/2015/00000009/00000002/art00006
Year: 2015

Scientometric cognitive and evaluation on smart city related construction and building journals data

Citation analysis, Research evaluation, Research Examples, Research Type

In this paper, scientometrics cognitive and knowledge visualization technology were used to evaluate global scientific production and development trends in construction and building technology research of smart cities. All the data was collected from the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCIE) database and Journal Citation Reports (JCR). The published papers from the subject of construction and building technology and their journals, authors, countries and keywords spanning over several aspects of research topics, proved that architecture/building research grew rapidly over the past 30 years, and the trend still continues in recent smart cities era. The purposed of this study were to identify the journals in the field of construction and building technology in smart city, make a comparative report on related researches, as well as propose a quality evaluation of those journals. Based on JCR and SCI paper data, the journals related to construction and building technology in smart city were assessed using ten metrics: languages, active degree, references, citation trends, main countries, leading institutes, cooperation trends, productive authors, author keywords and keywords plus. The results indicate that all the factors have great significance and are related to the impact of a journal. It also provides guidance to both evaluators and the study groups which assess journals during the process of judging or selecting research outlets, and future perspective on how to improve the impact of a paper or a journal.

Author(s): Liang-xing Su, Peng-hui Lyu , Zheng Yang, Shuai Ding, Kai-le Zhou
Organization(s): Wuhan University; Hefei University of Technology
Source: Scientometrics http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11192-015-1697-0
Year: 2015

Meta Data: Big Data Research Evolving across Disciplines, Players, and Topics

Research profiling, Research Type

We present a meta-analysis of BigData research activity since 2009. Our purpose here is to present “tech mining” (bibliometric and text analyses of research publication abstract record sets) to provide a research landscape of who is doing what, where, and when. Our larger purpose is to help Forecast Innovation Pathways for big data & analytics over the coming decade. We download 7006 research publication abstracts from Web of Science resulting from a search algorithm devised to recall a high percentage of core BigData research and a moderate percentage of peripherally related research (fair recall). We find interesting engagement of different disciplines in Big Data over time. On a national level, the USA and China dominate these fundamental research publications to a striking degree. Mapping topics presents interesting evidence on what topics are emerging in this dynamic field.

Author(s): Porter, A.L. ; Ying Huang ; Schuehle, J. ; Youtie, J.
Organization(s): Georgia Institute of Technology
Source: 4th IEEE International Congress on Big Data (BigData Congress)
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/280529689_MetaData_BigData_Research_Evolving_Across_Disciplines_Players_and_Topics
Year: 2015

Nanotechnology Research in Post-Soviet Russia: Science System Path-Dependencies and their Influences

Research Examples, Research profiling, Research Type,

This paper contributes to the analysis of Russian research dynamics and output in nanotechnology. The paper presents an analysis of Russian nanotechnology research outputs during the period of 1990-2012. By examining general outputs, publication paths and collaboration patterns, the paper identifies a series of quantified factors that help to explain Russia’s limited success in leveraging its ambitious national nanotechnology initiative. Attention is given to path-dependent institutionalised practices, such as established publication pathways that are dominated by the Academy of Sciences, the high centralisation of the entire research system, and issues of internal collaborations of actors within the domestic research system.

Author(s): Maria Karaulova, Oliver Shackleton, Abdullah Gök, and Philip Shapira
Organization(s): Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, University of Manchester
Source: Proceeding of 15th International Conference on Scientometrics and Infometrics
http://www.issi2015.org/files/downloads/all-papers/0755.pdf
Year: 2015

Graphene Research and Enterprise: Mapping Innovation and Business Growth in a Strategic Emerging Technology

CTI, novel source, Research Examples, Research Type, Science mapping, ST&I indicators

This paper presents the results of research to develop new data sources and methods that can be combined with existing information for real-time intelligence to understand and map enterprise development and commercialisation in a rapidly emerging and growing new technology. As a demonstration case, the study examines enterprise development and commercialisation strategies in graphene, focusing on a set of 65 graphenebased small and medium-sized enterprises located in 16 different countries. We draw on available secondary sources and bibliometric methods to profile developments in graphene. We then use computerised data mining methods and analytical techniques, including cluster and regression modelling, to identify patterns from publicly available online information on enterprise web sites. We identify groups of graphene small and medium-sized enterprises differentiated by how they became involved with graphene, the materials they target, whether they make equipment, and their orientation towards science and intellectual property. In general, access to finance and the firms’ location are significant factors that are associated with graphene product introductions. We also find that patents and scientific publications are not statistically significant predictors of product development in our sample of graphene SMEs. We show that the UK has a cohort of graphene-oriented SMEs that is signalling plans to develop intermediate graphene products that should have higher value in the marketplace. Our findings suggest that UK policy needs to ensure attention to the introduction and scale-up of downstream intermediate and final graphene products and associated financial, intermediary, and market identification support.

Author(s): Philip Shapira, Abdullah Gök, and Fatemeh Salehi Yazdi
Organization(s): Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, University of Manchester
Source: Nesta Working Paper Series
http://www.nesta.org.uk/publications/graphene-research-and-enterprise-mapping-innovation-and-business-growth-strategic-emerging-technology
Year: 2015

A Technology Foresight Model: Used for Foreseeing Impelling Technology in Life Science

Future-oriented technology analysis, Research Examples, Research Type

This paper constructs an Impelling Technology Foresight Model (ITFM) for foreseeing impelling technology in the field of life science, which is a comprehensive model consisting of four class indicators: international scientific environment, evolving of papers and patents, collaboration features of patent assignees’ collaboration networks, and impacts. A case study was carried out in the field of life science. Recombinant DNA (RbDNA) and Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) were selected as impelling technologies to carry out the case study. ELISA Diagnosis (ELISA) and Fermentation Technology (FT) were defined as non-impelling technologies to be control group. Results revealed that impelling technologies have higher evolving rates from the stage of growth to maturity. Significant policies or programs usually boost the rapid progress of impelling technologies. Impelling
technologies have much higher impact than non-impelling ones. Collaboration behaviour is much more broad and general for impelling technologies. To our knowledge, this is the first study carried out to date to foreseeing impelling technologies at this way.

Author(s): Yunwei Chen, Yong Deng, Fang Chen, Chenjun Ding, Ying Zheng and Shu Fang
Organization: Chengdu Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Source: Proceeding of 15th International Conference on Scientometrics and Infometrics
http://www.issi2015.org/files/downloads/all-papers/0920.pdf
Year: 2015

Do Nobel Laureates Create Prize-Winning Networks? An Analysis of Collaborative Research in Physiology or Medicine

Network analysis, Research Examples, S&T lit

Nobel Laureates in Physiology or Medicine who received the Prize between 1969 and 2011 are compared to a matched group of scientists to examine productivity, impact, coauthorship and international collaboration patterns embedded within research networks. After matching for research domain, h-index, and year of first of publication, we compare bibliometric statistics and network measures. We find that the Laureates produce fewer papers but with higher average citations. The Laureates also produce more sole-authored papers both before and after winning the Prize. The Laureates have a lower number of coauthors across their entire careers than the matched group, but are equally collaborative on average. Further, we find no differences in international collaboration patterns. The Laureates coauthor network reveals significant differences from the non-Laureate network. Laureates are more likely to build bridges across a network when measuring by average degree, density, modularity, and communities. Both the Laureate and non-Laureate networks have “small world” properties, but the Laureates appear to exploit “structural holes” by reaching across the network in a brokerage style that may add social capital to the network. The dynamic may be making the network itself highly attractive and selective. These findings suggest new insights into the role “star scientists” in social networks and the production of scientific discoveries.

Author(s): Caroline S. Wagner , Edwin Horlings, Travis A. Whetsell, Pauline Mattsson, and Katarina Nordqvist
Organization(s): Battelle Center for Science and Technology Policy, Ohio State University; Rathenau Institute
Source: PLoS One http://www.plosone.org/article/Authors/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0134164
Year: 2015

Biomedical properties and potentiality of Lippia microphylla Cham. and its essential oils

Research Examples, Research profiling, Research Type, Strategic planning, Tech mining

Lippia microphylla Cham. (Verbanaceae) is an endemic underexploited Brazilian vegetal. This work reviewed the biological potentialities of Lippia microphylla, emphasizing the properties of essential oils (EOs) and analyzed scientific indicators about genus Lippia and L. microphylla. Databases from 1948 to the present were searched and a software (Vantage Point 7.1) associated with Derwent Innovation Index was used to identify the indicators of the genus Lippia, and biological activities and compounds in the L. macrophylla species. Ethnopharmacological records report use of L. microphylla leaves to treat gastrointestinal disorders, influenza, bronchitis, cough, nasal congestion and sinusitis during vaporization, whose aromatic volatile oils are rich in monoterpenes, especially cineole, terpineol and thymol. Other EOs have larvicidal activity on Aedes aegypti larvae, and antifungal, antibacterial and cytotoxic and antitumor action on human and murine cancer cells. Brazil is the country with more articles about Lippia species, but it deposited only 9 patents since 1993. Most of the publications about L. microphylla are concentrated in food and chemical sciences. This bioprospection helps to choice areas of interest for capital investment and to give support for Brazilian Institutions to establish cooperation and improve technological impact at the point of view of creation and innovation.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4579491/

Author(s): Evelyne Rolim Braun Simões, Evelyne Alves Santos, Maria Carolina de Abreu, Jurandy do Nascimento Silva, Nárcia Mariana Fonseca Nunes, Marcília Pinheiro da Costa, Otília Deusdênia Loiola Pessoa, Cláudia Pessoa, Paulo Michel Pinheiro Ferreira
Organization(s):Universidade Federal do Ceará, Universidade Federal do Piauí
Source: Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology
Year: 2015

A systematic method to create search strategies for emerging technologies based on the Web of Science: illustrated for ‘Big Data’

Citation analysis, Research Examples, Tech mining, , ,

Bibliometric and “tech mining” studies depend on a crucial foundation—the search strategy used to retrieve relevant research publication records. Database searches for emerging technologies can be problematic in many respects, for example the rapid evolution of terminology, the use of common phraseology, or the extent of “legacy technology” terminology. Searching on such legacy terms may or may not pick up R&D pertaining to the emerging technology of interest. A challenge is to assess the relevance of legacy terminology in building an effective search model. Common-usage phraseology additionally confounds certain domains in which broader managerial, public interest, or other considerations are prominent. In contrast, searching for highly technical topics is relatively straightforward. In setting forth to analyze “Big Data,” we confront all three challenges—emerging terminology, common usage phrasing, and intersecting legacy technologies. In response, we have devised a systematic methodology to help identify research relating to Big Data. This methodology uses complementary search approaches, starting with a Boolean search model and subsequently employs contingency term sets to further refine the selection. The four search approaches considered are: (1) core lexical query, (2) expanded lexical query, (3) specialized journal search, and (4) cited reference analysis. Of special note here is the use of a “Hit-Ratio” that helps distinguish Big Data elements from less relevant legacy technology terms. We believe that such a systematic search development positions us to do meaningful analyses of Big Data research patterns, connections, and trajectories. Moreover, we suggest that such a systematic search approach can help formulate more replaceable searches with high recall and satisfactory precision for other emerging technology studies.

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11192-015-1638-y

Author(s): Ying Huang, Jannik Schuehle, Alan L. Porter, and Jan Youtie
Organization(s): Beijing Institute of Technology and Georgia Institute of Technology
Source: Scientometrics
Year: 2015

LESSONS LEARNED ABOUT TECHNOLOGY MONITORING IN THE SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY SEGMENT

Patents, Research profiling, Research Type, S&T lit, Strategic planning, , , ,

The practice of using technology monitoring to keep track of technological advances is increasingly valued, and its systematic use is understood as essential to business in the new knowledge economy. The structuring of the technological monitoring process has become a growing need for organizations to keep up with the significant and rapid changes of technology in their core business and to better understand its business impact in order to support the decision‐making process of companies. An effective technology monitoring process should be based on a company’s business needs and on the information required for the fitting to strategic guidelines. This encompasses the right selection of databases, the establishment of the search strategy and keywords to be applied, the screening of the retrieved information, the analysis and consolidation of this information, and the right format and display of the relevant data and future trends to help the management decision. Photovoltaic solar energy reached the capacity of 139 GW in 2013, being an expanding market with a high number of government funding projects in the United States and in the European Union. Therefore, a survey was carried out about the new technologies and related business scenarios for this kind of power generation, using technology monitoring tools. Energy generation via photovoltaic cells has been known for a long time, since the Becquerel studies in the XIX century. Solar photovoltaic energy enables the generation of distributed electric energy, preventing long transmission and distribution lines, besides being a silent energy source that can be easily integrated into buildings without the need of additional installation areas; for these reasons, its application is being fostered by government programs.   The main step of the technology monitoring methodology is discussed, and the peculiarities and difficulties encountered in the process are pointed out. A survey of the scientific and technological developments in this area of knowledge was carried out, using patents and scientific papers with the time frame from the beginning of 2008 to the end of 2013. The lessons learned in this process and the major facilitating factors and difficulties for the retrieval, screening and analysis of the information collected are reported.

Author(s): Luiz Fernando Leite , Flavia Maria Lins Mendes, and Suzanne De Oliveira Rodrigues Schumacher
Organization: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Source: IAMOT 2015 Conference Proceedings http://iamot2015.com/2015proceedings/documents/P310.pdf
Year: 2015