1,372 research outputs found

    Patent value models: partial least squares path modelling with mode C and few indicators

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    Two general goals were raised in this thesis: First, to establish a PLS model for patent value and to investigate causality relationships among variables that determine the patent value; second, to investigate the performance of Partial Least Squares (PLS) Path Modelling with Mode C inthe context of patent value models. This thesis is organized in 10 chapters. Chapter 1 presents an introduction to the thesis that includes the objectives, research scope and the document’s structure. Chapter 2 gives an overview of the different approaches for patent value from the perspective of technological change. Definitions related to patent documents and patent indicators are provided. Chaper 3 reports on patent sample descriptions. We present criteria to retrieve data, the procedure for calculating patent indicators, and a statistical data description. Chapter 4 provides an introduction to structural equation models (SEMs) including origins, basic background and recent developments. In addition, it provides guidelines for model specification and modelling process for SEMs. Special emphasis is placed on determining the reflective or formative nature of measurement models. Chapter 5 puts forward the main PLS algorithms: NIPALS, PLS Regression and PLS Path Modelling. We present two path modelling implementations: Lohmöller and Wold’s procedures. Additionally, insights are given on procedure sensitivity to starting weight values and weighting schemes; algorithm properties, such as consistency and consistency at large; and convergence. We briefly review some PLS Path Modelling extensions and relationships with other procedures. The chapter ends by describing validation techniques. Chapter 6 provides evidence about the accuracy and precision of PLS Path Modelling with Mode C to recover true values in SEMs with few indicators per construct. Monte Carlo simulations and computational experiments are carried out to study the performance of the algorithm. Chapter 7 addresses the formulation and estimation of patent value models. This entails the identification and definition of observable and unobservable variables, the determination of blocks of manifest variables and structural relationships, the specification of a first- and a second-order models of patent value, and the models’ estimation by PLS Path Modelling. In Chapter 8, the evolution of patent value over time using longitudinal SEMs is investigated. Two set-ups are explored. The first longitudinal model includes time-dependent manifest variables and the second includes time-dependent unobservable variables. The SEMs are estimated using PLS Path Modelling. In Chapter 9, there is a description of a Two-Step PLS Path Modelling with Mode C (TsPLS) procedure to study nonlinear and interaction effects among formative constructs. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to generate data and to determine the accuracy and precision of this approach to recover true values. This chapter includes an application of the TsPLS algorithm to patent value models. Finally, in Chapter 10, we provide a summary of conclusions and future researchs. The main contribution of this thesis is to set-up a PLS model for patent value, and around this issue, we have also contributed in two main areas: Contributions to the field of Technological Change are comprised of: (1) Evidence on the role of the knowledge stock, technological scope and international scope as determinants of patent value and technological usefulness. A stable pattern of path coefficients was found across samples in different time periods. (2) To conceptualize the patent value as a potential and a recognized value for intangible assets. It was also shown that the potential value of patent is small compared to the value that is given later. (3) Evidence for the importance of considering the longitudinal nature of the indicators in the patent value problem, especially for forward citations, which are the most widely used indicator of patent value. (4) To introduce a multidimensional perspective of the patent valuation problem. This novel approach may offer a robust understanding of the different varia bles that determine patent value. Contributions to the field of PLS Path Modelling are comprised of: (5) Empirical evidence on the performance of PLS Path Modelling with Mode C. If properly implemented, the procedure can adequately capture some of the complex dynamic relationships involved in models. Our research shows that PLS Path Modelling with Mode C performs according to the theoretical framework established for PLS procedures and PLS-models (Wold, 1982; Krämer, 2006; Hanafi, 2007; Dijkstra, 2010). (6) Empirical evidence for the consistency at large of the PLS Path Modelling with Mode A. (7) Empirical evidence for formative outer models with few manifest variables. (8) Empirical evidence on the performance of a Two-Step PLS Path Modelling with Mode C procedure to estimate nonlinear and interaction effects among formative constructs.Dos objetivos general fueron planteados en esta tesis. Primero, establacer un modelo PLS para el valor de las patentes e investigar las relaciones de causalidad entre las variables que determinan el valor de las patentes. Segundo, investigar el desempeño del procedimiento Partial Least Squares (PLS) Path Modelling con Modo C en el contexto de los modelos de valor de las patentes. La tesis es organizada en 10 capítulos. El Capítulo 1 presenta una introducción a la tesis que incluye los objetivos, el alcance de la investigación y la estructura del documento. El Capítulo 2 entrega una presentación general de los diferentes enfoques para valoración de patentes desde una perspectiva del cambio tecnológico. También se entregan las definiciones necesarias relacionadas con los documentos e indicadores de patentes. El Capítulo 3 describe la muestra de patentes usada en esta investigación. Se presentan los criterios utilizados para recuperar los datos, el procedimiento seguido para calcular los indicadores de patentes y la descripción estadística de la muestra. El Capítulo 4 provee una introducción a los modelos de ecuaciones estructurales (SEMs) incluyendo orígenes, antecedentes básicos y desarrollos recientes. Además se entregan los lineamientos para la especificación de los modelos y el proceso de modelamiento para SEMs. Este capítulo discute con especial énfasis la determinación de la naturaleza reflectiva o formativa de los modelos de medida. El Capítulo 5 presenta los principales algoritmos PLS: NIPALS, Regresión PLS y PLS Path Modelling. Se presentan dos implementaciones de PLS Path Modelling: los procedimientos de Lohmöller y Wold. Adicionalmente, se analyzan resultados previos relacionados con: la sensibilidad del procedimiento al valor inicial de los vectores de pesos y el esquema de ponderación, y las propiedades del algoritmo, tales como consistencia, consistencia “at large” y convergencia. También brevemente se revisan algunas extensiones del procedimiento y su relación con otros métodos. El capítulo termina describiendo las técnicas de validación. El Capítulo 6 provee evidencia acerca de la exactitud y precisión con que PLS Path Modelling con Modo C recupera valores verdaderos en SEMs con pocos indicadores por constructo. Simulaciones Monte Carlo y experimentos computacionales son llevados a cabo para estudiar el rendimiento del algoritmo. El Capítulo 7 trata la formulación y estimación de los modelos de valoración de patentes. Esto comprende la identificación y definición de las variables observables y no observables, la determinación de los bloques de variables manifiestas y las relaciones estructurales, la especificación de los modelos de primer y segundo orden del valor de las patentes y la estimación de los mismos con PLS Path Modelling. En el Capítulo 8, la evolución del valor de las patentes a través del tiempo es investigado usando SEMs longitudinales. Dos set-ups son explorados. El primer modelo longitudinal considera variables manifiestas dependientes del tiempo y el segundo incluye variables latentes dependientes del tiempo. Los SEMs son estimados usando PLS Path Modelling. En el Capítulo 9, el procedimiento Two-Step PLS Path Modelling con Modo C (TsPLS) es implementado para estudiar los efectos no lineales y de interacción entre constructos formativos. Simulaciones Monte Carlo son llevadas a cabo para generar datos y determinar la exactitud y precisión con que este enfoque recupera valores verdaderos. Este capítulo incluye una aplicación del procedimiento a los modelos de patentes. Finalmente, el Capítulo 10 provee un resumen de las conclusiones y lineamientos para futuras investigaciones. La principal contribución de esta tesis es proponer modelos PLS para el valor de las patentes, y alrededor de este objetivo, nosotros hemos también contribuido en dos áreas principales: Contribuciones en el área del Cambio Tecnológico comprenden: (1) Evidencia empírica del rol del stock de conocimiento, el alcance tecnológico y el alcance internacional como determinantes del valor de las patentes y la utilidad tecnológica. Un patrón estable de coeficientes de trayectoria fue encontrado al estimar los modelos con muestras en diferentes periodos de tiempo. (2) Conceptualizar el valor de las patentes en un valor potencial y uno reconocido. También proveer evidencia acerca de que el valor potencial es pequeño al compararlo con el valor que las patentes adquieren con posterioridad. (3) Evidencia acerca de la importancia de considerar la naturaleza longitudinal de los indicatores en el problema de valorización de patentes, especialmente de las citas recibidas, el indicador de valor más utilizado. (4) Introducir una perspectiva multidimensional en el problema de valoración de patentes. Este nuevo enfoque puede ofrecer un entendimiento robusto de las diferentes variables que determinar el valor de las patentes. Contribuciones en el área del PLS PLS Path Modelling comprenden: (5) Evidencia empírica acerca del desempeño de PLS Path Modelling con Modo C. Apropiadamente implemetado, el procedimiento puede adecuadamente capturar algunas de las complejas relaciones dinámicas en los modelos. Nuestra investigación muestra que PLS Path Modelling con Modo C se comporta de acuerdo al marco teórico establecido para los procedimientos PLS y los modelos PLS (Wold, 1982; Krämer, 2006; Hanafi, 2007; Dijkstra, 2010). Es decir, (a) las estimaciones PLS estan siempre sesgadas, (b) las relaciones internas son subestimadas, (c) las relaciones externas son sobrestimadas, (d) el Modo A carece de la propiedad de convergencia monótona, (3) el Modo B tiene la propiedad de convergencia monótona. (6) Evidencia empírica acerca de la convergencia “at large” de PLS Path Modelling con Modo A. (7) Evidencia empírica para los modelos formativos con pocos indicadores (8) Evidencia empírica del desempeño del procedimiento Two-Step PLS Path Modelling con Modo C para estimar efectos no lineales y de interacción entre constructos formativos

    ErgoscopeTM – Ergonomic Endoscope

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    Medical endoscopy is a growing industry, with a trend of chronic hand pain for gastroenterologists and flexible endoscope users. In order to address the lack of ergonomics in traditional gastrointestinal (GI) flexible endoscopes, the design team collaborated with a GI professional to design a more ergonomic endoscope interface, focusing on the more problematic controls. Two prototypes, as well as a mock-up were fabricated, which underwent verification and a user evaluation to assess the design’s benefits. As the number of endoscopies each year increase, the Ergoscope, offers an alternative to the traditional angulation controls and muchneeded relief for the issues that plague physicians—especially those with smaller hands—today

    A Review of Methods to Increase the Availability of Wind Turbine Generator Systems

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    Flow and wall shear stress in end-to-side and side-to-side anastomosis of venous coronary artery bypass grafts

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Purpose</p> <p>Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery represents the standard treatment of advanced coronary artery disease. Two major types of anastomosis exist to connect the graft to the coronary artery, i.e., by using an end-to-side or a side-to-side anastomosis. There is still controversy because of the differences in the patency rates of the two types of anastomosis. The purpose of this paper is to non-invasively quantify hemodynamic parameters, such as mass flow and wall shear stress (WSS), in end-to-side and side-to-side anastomoses of patients with CABG using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>One patient with saphenous CABG and end-to-side anastomosis and one patient with saphenous CABG and side-to-side anastomosis underwent 16-detector row computed tomography (CT). Geometric models of coronary arteries and bypasses were reconstructed for CFD analysis. Blood flow was considered pulsatile, laminar, incompressible and Newtonian. Peri-anastomotic mass flow and WSS were quantified and flow patterns visualized.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>CFD analysis based on in-vivo CT coronary angiography data was feasible in both patients. For both types of CABG, flow patterns were characterized by a retrograde flow into the native coronary artery. WSS variations were found in both anastomoses types, with highest WSS values at the heel and lowest WSS values at the floor of the end-to-side anastomosis. In contrast, the highest WSS values of the side-to-side anastomosis configuration were found in stenotic vessel segments and not in the close vicinity of the anastomosis. Flow stagnation zones were found in end-to-side but not in side-to-side anastomosis, the latter also demonstrating a smoother stream division throughout the cardiac cycle.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>CFD analysis of venous CABG based on in-vivo CT datasets in patients was feasible producing qualitative and quantitative information on mass flow and WSS. Differences were found between the two types of anastomosis warranting further systematic application of the presented methodology on multiple patient datasets.</p

    Addressing European ocean energy challenge:The dtoceanplus structured innovation tool for concept creation and selection

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    The whole energy system requires renewables that scale and produce reliable, valuable energy at an acceptable cost. The key to increasing the deployment of ocean energy is bringing down development and operating costs. This paper proposes a structured approach to innovation in ocean energy systems that would spur innovation and expand the market for ocean energy. This approach can be used by a wide range of stakeholders—including technology and project developers and investors—when considering creating or improving designs. The Structured Innovation design tool within the DTOceanPlus suite is one of a kind beyond the current state-of-the-art. It enables the adaptation and integration of systematic problem-solving tools based on quality function deployment (QFD), the theory of inventive thinking (TRIZ), and the failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) methodologies for the ocean energy sector. In obtaining and assessing innovative concepts, the integration of TRIZ into QFD enables the designers to define the innovation problem, identifies trade-offs in the system, and, with TRIZ as a systematic inventive problem-solving methodology, generates potential design concepts for the contradicting requirements. Additionally, the FMEA is used to assess the technical risks associated with the proposed design concepts. The methodology is demonstrated using high-level functional requirements for a small array of ten tidal turbines to improve the devices layout and power cabling architecture. The Structured Innovation design tool output comprises critical functional requirements with the highest overall impact and the least organisational effort to implement, along with appropriate alternative solutions to conflicting requirements

    Natural Language Processing in-and-for Design Research

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    We review the scholarly contributions that utilise Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods to support the design process. Using a heuristic approach, we collected 223 articles published in 32 journals and within the period 1991-present. We present state-of-the-art NLP in-and-for design research by reviewing these articles according to the type of natural language text sources: internal reports, design concepts, discourse transcripts, technical publications, consumer opinions, and others. Upon summarizing and identifying the gaps in these contributions, we utilise an existing design innovation framework to identify the applications that are currently being supported by NLP. We then propose a few methodological and theoretical directions for future NLP in-and-for design research
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