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Adoption-Weighted Technology Function Matrix for Big Data Patent Analytics in Smart Elderly Care
No full textPatent databases represent a large-scale, heterogeneous form of Big Data that captures technological evolution, diffusion, and commercialization potential of technologies. Traditional systematic mapping approaches such as the Technology Function Matrix (TFM) are widely used to correlate technical solutions with functional needs of society. However, the nature of the data that is utilized in the mapping process lacks indicators of market adoption which portrays the ground level potential of technological innovation. Therefore, such mappings do not fairly represent the technologies that have been widely adopted and cloud the judgement of stakeholders. Addressing this, we propose an Adoption-weighted Technology Function Matrix (ATFM), an analytics framework that integrates functional mapping with adoption-oriented indicators such as forward citations, grant rate, family size, and claims. Using a large dataset of 15,807 patents grants (2015–2025), we systematically showcase the procedure to apply ATFM to a case study of China's smart elderly care sector. The framework reveals not only technology-function linkages but also differential adoption patterns across domains. Our results highlight adoption hotspots in IoT-based sensing, low-latency 5G communication, and AI-driven health management, while identifying gaps in privacy protection and predictive diagnostics. Compared to conventional TFM, ATFM provides a more grounded, scalable and data-driven methodology that enriches patent analytics with adoption insights, offering value for both academic research in large scale dataset and practical decision-making in emerging industries and government stakeholders
Good Vibes: A PWM-Enabled Covert Channel for Securing UAVs Operations
No full textThis paper proposes an innovative vibration-based communication system on a wireless medium for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), in which a covert channel is established by relying on the inherent characteristics of vibration signatures generated by the motors and propellers mounted on the UAV. Different vibration patterns, generated by purposely varying the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals driving the UAV motors according to a predefined scheme, can be remotely detected by measurements performed with a radar sensor deployed at, for instance, a Critical Infrastructure (CI) to be safeguarded. The system analyses the vibrational patterns, via frequency and displacement measurements exploiting a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) approach, to decode information symbols on a constellation diagram. As a result, a localised channel is created. The latter is also inherently secure against attacks like jamming and spoofing, typical of traditional Radio Frequency (RF) communications. Experimental results validate the feasibility of the proposal, by identifying four encoded symbols that can be potentially exploited to set up a communication protocol
Comparative analysis between continuous and discontinuous methods for the assessment of a cultural heritage structure
Get PDFIn an era marked by the urgent need to ensure the safety of existing buildings according to current standards, evaluating the stability of masonry structures against hazard events has become a significant challenge. Despite the versatility and durability of masonry, structural assessments are hampered by factors such as limited information on material properties, irregular geometries, and ageing. To address this issue, numerous modelling techniques have been developed, supported by extensive scientific literature. However, significant factors related to the case study replication, such as the geometric complexity, the mechanical behaviour of masonry, the loading applications, contribute to the challenges associated with modelling procedures, including computational time, discretization procedures, and step incrementation. This paper critically discusses the most innovative modelling approaches. Specifically, it aims to compare the efficiency of the Distinct Element (discontinuous) Methods and the Finite Element (continuous) Method, both applied to the numerical simulation of a case study structure severely damaged by the 2016 Central Italy earthquake under lateral loading conditions. The continuous method is analysed using Midas FEA NX©, while the discontinuous methods are studied using 3DEC© and LMGC90© software, each with different contact conditions. Finally, the investigation highlights the main advantages and disadvantages of each method. In particular, the discontinuous method demonstrates reliability in accurately replicating failure patterns, whereas the continuous method allows for a faster model setup, making it suitable for preliminary studies on structural dynamics
AI patenting and employment: evidence from the world’s top R&D investors
Get PDFFor assessing the overall impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is crucial to continuously monitor large corporations. This paper delves into the examination of 42 corporations that rank among the world's largest investors in R&D, accounting for over one-third of AI patents globally. The focus is on their post-patenting performance, specifically in terms of employment changes, and comparing it with the outcomes of 42 similar companies operating in the same sectors. The latter also recorded substantial levels of R&D expenditures but were not significantly involved in AI patenting. The key findings reveal that, in the medium - and high-tech manufacturing sectors, companies with the highest proportions of AI patents incurred in employment reductions. Conversely, IT services companies experienced substantial employment growth. Along with tentative explanations of these findings, advantages, limitations, and possible developments of this type of analysis are illustrated in the concluding section
Gender effects of nanoplastics and emerging contaminants mixtures in Mytilus galloprovincialis
No full textThe reproduction of mussels occurs within the water column, and if gametogenesis is successful, gametes are exposed to the surrounding contaminants. Nanoplastics and other emerging contaminants have been gaining vast attention; however, their effects on the reproductive tissues of mussels with sex differentiation are scarce. Here, the effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (50 nm; 10 μg/L), the cytotoxic drug 5-fluorouracil (10 ng/L), and a mixture of the two were evaluated in the gonads of Mytilus galloprovincialis after a 21-day exposure for a multi-biomarker assessment, and after 28 days for the accumulation of nanoplastics. The effects on the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and lipid peroxidation were evaluated. Moreover, synergistic and antagonistic interactions in the mixture were calculated. A weight of evidence model was also used to elaborate on the hazardous level of biomarker results relative to polystyrene nanoparticles alone and in the mixture. The accumulation of nanoplastics appeared gender and time-specific, with females mostly compromised. According to the data set, a synergistic interaction between the cytotoxic drug and the nanoplastics makes the combination far more dangerous than individual stressors. The Weight Of Evidence model also confirms that females are more compromised at chronic exposure times than males. This study shows that the uptake, fate, and impact of emerging contaminants of concern can be significantly influenced by se
A claudin5-binding peptide enhances the permeability of the blood-brain barrier in vitro
Get PDFThe blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintains brain homeostasis but also prevents most drugs from entering the brain. No paracellular diffusion of solutes is allowed because of tight junctions that are made impermeable by the expression of claudin5 (CLDN5) by brain endothelial cells. The possibility of regulating the BBB permeability in a transient and reversible fashion is in strong demand for the pharmacological treatment of brain diseases. Here, we designed and tested short BBB-active peptides, derived from the CLDN5 extracellular domains and the CLDN5-binding domain of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin, using a robust workflow of structural modeling and in vitro validation techniques. Computational analysis at the atom level based on solubility and affinity to CLDN5 identified a CLDN5-derived peptide not reported previously called f1-C5C2, which was soluble in biological media, displayed efficient binding to CLDN5, and transiently increased BBB permeability. The peptidomimetic strategy described here may have potential applications in the pharmacological treatment of brain diseases
Leveraging Geographical Information to Strengthen People’s Engagement in Local Placemaking Processes
No full textParticipatory mapping approaches are increasingly employed in social and environmental fields of research and practice. This chapter explores how the use of geographical information can enhance people’s engagement in placemaking. Starting from theoretical concepts and experiences, the chapter explores the use of geographical information in three different contexts. The three cases all aimed to use geographical information to engage people in public participation processes, albeit with different tools and approaches and pursuing different objectives. In the province of Brindisi, a combination of a map-based questionnaire and geo-design workshops was used to bring to the fore local heritage perceptions and to involve the local community incultural landscape planning. In the case of Ancona, a web-based public participation geographic information system (PPGIS) related to abandoned buildings and public spaces was developed in a university course together with third-party associations. The objectives were to identify meaningful places and spaces and how they could be reused and regenerated and to envisage an alternative urban development. In urban Morelia, Mexico, the focus was on participatory mapping with children concerning their perceptions of their home neighbourhoods and the journeys between home and school, especially concerning risk places. The tools used were mental maps, Google Earth images and GeoODK for recording routes and places. All the case studies discuss the strengths and limitations of the various methods applied and how geographical information can involve different groups of participants in placemaking processes. Key lessons can be learnt from critically assessing these specific approaches and tools towards enhancing engagement using geographical information. Among these are: how geographical information can strengthen representation of people’s inputs and ideas; how to respond to issues of representativity and inclusion of diverse participants and their trust towards external organisers; and the necessity of clarity and self-awareness in collaboratively determining the purpose of the participatory mapping processes
Creating 2.5D visualizations of 2D artworks using Deep Learning techniques
No full textL'arte ha da sempre connesso le persone attraverso le generazioni, fungendo da mezzo senza tempo per esprimere idee, emozioni e valori culturali. Oggi, le tecnologie avanzate stanno rivoluzionando il modo in cui interagiamo e ci relazioniamo con l'arte, superando i metodi tradizionali e offrendo interazioni dinamiche e immersive che approfondiscono il nostro legame con le opere. Questa tesi mira a migliorare la visualizzazione volumetrica delle opere d'arte bidimensionali per offrire un'esperienza più immersiva, fornendo un nuovo modo di presentare e interagire con il patrimonio culturale.
La novità risiede nello sviluppo di un nuovo framework che combina tecniche di intelligenza artificiale (IA) all'avanguardia, come la stima della profondità monoculare e la segmentazione delle immagini, per creare visualizzazioni volumetriche a partire da dipinti bidimensionali.
Sono stati utilizzati due dataset per i test. Per la valutazione quantitativa è stato impiegato il dataset SculptureDepth, contenente modelli 3D e una mappa di profondità nota. Le metriche RMSE, SSIM e LPIPS hanno dimostrato che il nostro approccio ha superato i metodi di riferimento LeReS e MiDaS con una predizione accurata della profondità e un miglioramento dei contorni degli oggetti.
Per l'analisi qualitativa è stato applicato il dataset RenaissanceDepth, contenente dipinti rinascimentali. Utilizzando metriche di valutazione come CLIP IQA e QALIGN, abbiamo valutato la coerenza visiva e la rilevanza della profondità rispetto alla percezione umana. Il nostro framework ha ottenuto risultati migliori, fornendo una percezione della profondità più accurata e una rappresentazione più chiara dei dettagli in composizioni complesse.
Questo approccio offre nuove opportunità per musei virtuali e applicazioni educative, permettendo di esplorare il patrimonio culturale in modo più profondo e interattivo.Art has long connected people across generations, serving as a timeless medium for expressing ideas, emotions, and cultural values. Today, advanced technologies are revolutionizing how we interact and engage with art and go beyond traditional approaches, offering dynamic, immersive interactions that deepen our interest in artworks.
This thesis aims to improve the volumetric visualization of 2D artworks for a more immersive experience, providing a new way to present and engage with cultural heritage.
The novelty lies in the development of a new framework that combines state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, such as monocular depth estimation and image segmentation, to create volumetric visualizations from 2D paintings.
Two datasets were used for testing. For quantitative evaluation, used SculptureDepth dataset with 3D models and a known depth map. The metrics of RMSE, SSIM, and LPIPS showed that our approach outperformed the baseline methods LeReS and MiDaS with an accurate depth prediction and improved object boundaries.
For qualitative analysis, it was applied RenaissanceDepth dataset containing Renaissance paintings. Using evaluation metrics such as CLIP IQA and QALIGN, we evaluated visual consistency and depth relevance to human perception. Our framework performed better, providing improved depth perception and clearer representation of details in complex compositions.
This approach provides new opportunities for virtual museums and educational applications to explore cultural heritage in a deeper and more interactive way
Advances in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Flares in Crystal-related Arthritis
Get PDFNella parte I di questa tesi, l'attenzione si concentra sui progressi nella diagnosi dei flare in artrite cristallina. Nella parte II, l'attenzione è rivolta ai progressi nella prognosi dei focolai di artrite cristallina.In part I of this thesis, the focus is on the advances in the diagnosis of flares in crystal arthritis. In part II, the focus is on the advances in the prognosis of flares in crystal arthritis
Roofs Passive Cooling Performance Through Air Permeability of Tiles: Development of a Standardized Laboratory Assessment Method
Get PDFVentilated roofs with clay tiles significantly reduce the incoming thermal heat in summer season, based on “above sheathing” and “under-tile” ventilation concepts (“Ventilated and Permeable Roofs”, VPR). The European LIFE HEROTILE project developed an innovative “Herotile”, designed with an improved aerodynamic shape, optimizing its air permeability while maintaining waterproofness. The project demonstrated the effectiveness of the “Herotiles-based roof” (HBR) in reducing cooling energy compared to other roofing solutions. Although this technological advancement and the well-established benefits of roof ventilation, the potential of VPR/HBR solutions is still poorly recognized at regulation levels, thus limiting their replicability and transferability. One of the actions of the new LIFE SUPERHERO project aims to overcome this barrier by developing a standardized test method to assess the air permeability of tiled roofs and then a recognized classification way for covering products, based on their ventilation performance. A round-robin test has been arranged in three independent laboratories. It consists of blowing or aspirating air down a pipe into a plenum chamber covered by an assembly of tiles. The measured air pressure differences and volume airflow rates are used to determine the air permeability of the assembly. In this work, the developed test method is presented, together with the preliminary results obtained on several tiles typologies available on the market (curved, flat or Herotiles). The outcomes confirm the impact of the tiles shape on the air permeability. Future developments entail the proposal to include the standardized test method in a European Assessment Document or in a CEN standard