Bioethanol is considered as one of the best alternatives to fossil fuels as unwanted biomass is converted into fuel ethanol. As there is increasing demand for fuel ethanol, researchers have started looking for some better ways to produce ethanol. In light of the present scenario, we have attempted to develop a global patent landscape view of xylose utilization in ethanol production. Our countryspecifi c patent analysis has revealed that most of the research on xylose-utilizing ethanol production is carried out in the USA followed by China and Sweden. Moreover, it has been found that more patent applications/grants have been claimed for processes, followed by recombinant strains. Patent publication trends for genes and enzymes have shown that most of the research is focused on the xylA gene and xylulokinase. Assignee patenting trends suggest that Du Pont is the major player in xylose-utilizing ethanol production research. Additionally, analysis based on micro-organisms used in xylose-utilizing ethanol production revealed that most of the research has been performed using Saccharomyces cerevisiae to enhance the ethanol yields.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (IPSCs) are a kind of adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to become different cell types. Differentiated cells can be reprogrammed to an embryonic-like state by transfer of nuclear contents into oocytes or by fusion with embryonic stem cells. IPSCs technology was pioneered by Shinya Yamanaka from Kyoto University. This breakthrough has inspired researchers to start working around IPSC technology. James Thomson from University of California has developed IPS cell lines derived from Human Somatic Cells. Subsequently, he also established a large scale human IPSC manufacturing company named Cellular Dynamics International. Thus, increasing interest in the commercial exploitation of IPSCs patents has lead us to look into the patent portfolios of top three patent assignees in IPSC technology. In this study, we have discussed technological patent trends and multiple factors which reflect the competitive scenario between the top assignees of IPSC technology. Our conclusions suggest that Kyoto University led by inventor Shinya Yamanaka is the leader of IPSC technology. However, patent-product linkage analysis suggests that Cellular Dynamics International led by inventor James Thomson may surpass Kyoto University in near future.
The advent of cloud computing has nurtured an unprecedented growth of datacentres. With its growth, the main concern for service providers and data centre owners is toefficiently manage the energy of the data centres without compromising their computingcapabilities. This concern is genuine as data centres utilise 10-30 times more energy thanoffice spaces and also generate immense heat. As cooling accounts for half of the total powerconsumption in data centres, efficient cooling systems have become a vital need for datacentres. This has resulted in increased research and innovation in the field of efficient coolingof data centres, which in turn has led to growth in filing of patents in this domain. Patents aretechno-legal documents that contain different kinds of information that is accessible to all. Inthe present study, patents are used as source of information for competitive/businessintelligence to highlight the technological trends in the field of energy efficient cooling of datacentres. The study reveals that IBM, HP, Schneider and Hon Hai Industries are the majorplayers working in this technological area. Contrary to the notion that air conditioning wouldbe the most researched area for cooling data centres, the study reveals that there is alsointerest in the hardware of the servers and racks to produce less heat or to have built-incooling mechanisms. The main technologies for which patents are being filed includeventilation using gaseous coolant, technologies related to rack design as well as liquid cooling.Original equipment manufacturers and other vendors have increased filings, along with cloudservice providers. Most of these technologies originate from Asia-Pacific and this region is astrong market, following the USA.
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