Innovation Center Research Articles

Orchestrating Resources in Green Startups: Learning from Case Studies

This study examines the characteristics of green startups and the progression of their resource utilization patterns during the pandemic emergency, focusing on case studies from the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) of the Kanpur Indian Institute of Technology (IITK). This study explores how these startups overcame lockdown challenges and identified the resources they utilized throughout various development stages. The findings reveal that the green startups in the sample share characteristics of visionary and inventive startups, often lacking formal business education but possessing strong technical skills and social engagement. They rely heavily on human and social resources in the early stages, leveraging their networks and stakeholder support to define and develop their green innovations. The research also highlights the importance of open innovation strategies, particularly in the product development stage, where startups leverage research labs and expertise within the IITK ecosystem. This study increases the literature on green startups and offers practical recommendations for young green entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of operating in familiar industries, building stakeholder networks, and utilizing open innovation strategies for successful green innovation development.

STI or DUI modes of innovation: Evidence from comprehensive evaluation of four cities in China

The Science and Technology Innovation Center holds a pivotal position in the national science and technology innovation system, and a scientific evaluation of the “Sci-tech Innovation Center” will guide its construction direction. This study found the advantages and disadvantages of the four cities through comparison; Hence improvement suggestions were proposed for the weaknesses of the four cities. There are two main paths for the government to drive technology innovation: STI (Science and Technology Innovation) mode and DUI (Doing, Using, Interacting) mode. With the aid of the evaluation index system of the Sci-tech Innovation Center, this article uses fuzzy sets, rough sets and fuzzy dynamic clustering methods to comprehensively evaluate the effects of driving technology innovation in the four cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. The results found that Shenzhen has a significant effect in DUI, and Beijing has a significant effect in STI. The choice of path is related to the abundance of innovation resources.

Comparative Analysis of Inorganic and Organic Sources on Economic Viability Productivity of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa L.)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) (Family: Zingiberaceae), Known as "Indian Saffron," a long-used and revered spice, is a significant commercial spice crop farmed in India. Known by many as the "Golden Spice of life," it is one of the most vital spices and a staple in cuisine all over the world. A tropical perennial plant native to Indonesia and India, turmeric is grown all over the world's tropics. India grows this significant commercial spice. It is ingrained in Indian tradition. The world's best turmeric is thought to come from India. In many Asian nations, Indian colloquial names are known as pasupu, haldi, manjal, and kunyit. Just 6% of India's land is used for growing spices and condiments, despite the country being the world's top producer, exporter, and supplier of 78% of the world's supply of turmeric. Furthermore, among Indian spices, turmeric is the second-biggest earner of foreign cash. India being one of the major producers of turmeric, contributes 80% to global production. In the year 2018-19, turmeric production was 389 thousand tonnes, with area and productivity 246 thousand hectares and 5646.34 kg per hectare respectively. The growth pattern of the area, production, and productivity of turmeric over the period of time indicate the growing contribution of production over the area expansion to the increased yield. India uses almost 80% of the world's turmeric. It makes up 80% of global production. With the largest proportion of 38% of all India's turmeric area, Andhra Pradesh is referred to as the "Turmeric Bowl of India," with Orissa coming in second. Another important policy strep i.e. “One District One Product” under Centrally Sponsored Scheme PMFME (PM Formalization of Micro food processing Enterprises Scheme), Turmeric is listed in the selected product in all states, this is an additional scope under which states can be encouraged to adopt cluster approach and group approaches such as FPOs, SHGs (Self Help Groups) and producer cooperatives. This will help to bring the win-win situation to both farmers and the microenterprises. Also, except Assam, the spread of formal/organized food processing units are scanty, the innovation center for developing value-added products from the traditional knowledge can be encouraged so that in the long run the product can be easily scaled up.

Strategies used for knowledge dissemination and outreach in a renewable energy project

This work describes the actions carried out by participants of the Mexican Center for Innovation in Ocean Energy project (CEMIE-Océano) to disseminate their advances and results, to the general public and to the scientific community. The project was set up to assess the energy potential in Mexican coastal areas related to waves, tides and currents, and salinity and thermal gradients, and also to investigate their expected environmental and social impacts. The main actions by the CEMIE-Océano dissemination, outreach and press area, 2017 - 2023, were the design, construction and administration of the project website, the regular publication of activities and major achievements on social media via Facebook and Twitter, and the editing of 28 scientific books and nine editions of a biannual newsletter. Eight work meetings, three conferences and a range of science dissemination seminars were also organized. With the strategies presented in this work, for a value close to 3% of the total project budget, the participation of all the collaborators was achieved. In addition, the CEMIE-Océano project is widely recognised within the community of scientists from Mexico and Latin America, and others interested in renewable energies and energy transition issues. Keywords: CEMIE-Oceano project, ocean energy, dissemination, outreach.

Intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy and infant growth: a mediation analysis of a randomised trial

Intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) can improve birth outcomes, but whether it confers benefits to postnatal growth is unclear. We investigated the effect of IPTp on infant growth in Uganda and its pathways of effects using causal mediation analyses. We analysed data from 633 infants born to mothers enrolled in a randomised trial of monthly IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) vs. sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) (NCT02793622). Weight and length were measured from 0 to 12 months of age. Using generalised linear models, we estimated effects of DP vs. SP on gravidity-stratified mean length-for-age (LAZ) and weight-for-length Z-scores (WLZ). We investigated mediation by placental malaria, gestational weight change, maternal anaemia, maternal inflammation-related proteins, preterm birth, birth length, and birth weight. Mediation models adjusted for infant sex, gravidity, gestational age at enrolment, maternal age, maternal parasitaemia at enrolment, education, and wealth. SP increased mean LAZ by 0.18-0.28 Z from birth through age 4 months compared to DP, while DP increased mean WLZ by 0.11-0.28 Z from 2 to 8 months compared to SP among infants of multigravidae; at these ages, confidence intervals for mean differences excluded 0. We did not observe differences among primigravida. Mediators of SP included birth weight, birth length, maternal stem cell factor, and DNER. Mediators of DP included placental malaria and birth length, maternal IL-18, CDCP1, and CD6 at delivery. In high malaria transmission settings, this exploratory study suggests different IPTp regimens may influence infant growth among multigravidae, potentially through distinct pathways, in the exclusive breastfeeding period, when few other interventions are available. Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Covestro invests €100 million in R&D to enhance global innovation centers

Covestro invests €100 million in R&D to enhance global innovation centers

The Analysis of Strategic Development of Tesla in Chinese Electric Vehicles Market

Since 2012, Tesla has established many factories and research and innovation centers in China. This paper examines the strategic development of Tesla in the Chinese electric vehicles (EV) market and reveals several key findings. As one of the world’s leading EV manufacturers, Tesla’s expansion into China has been a significant milestone in its global growth strategy. The analysis focuses on Tesla’s market entry strategy, competitive positioning, localization efforts, and the impact of Chinese policies and market dynamics on its operations. By studying Tesla’s strategic decisions and outcomes in the Chinese EV market, this paper provides insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by multinational companies in the rapidly evolving Chinese EV industry.

Research and Development Alliance for Competitiveness and Product Value Enhancement in the Hand Tools and Aids Industry

Through ongoing research and development (R&D), there has been great progress, including the development and improvement of medicine, health practices and nutrition that can extend lives. With the ageing population, it is important that the elderly require the help and assistance they may need to carry out their daily lives and have the best quality of life possible. Taiwan is an example of a country where the ageing population continues to grow, to the extent that Taiwan is an Aged Society. Distinguished Professor Dengchuan Cai is Director of the R&D Centre of Product Innovation and Assistive Technology, which is based within the Department of Industrial Design at the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology in Taiwan. He is passionate about R&D and its crucial role is pushing forward scientific enquiry. He and his team are working to develop tools and devices that can benefit the lives of the elderly. Cai is harnessing his background in human factors engineering and industrial design to apply knowledge in skills in functionality, useability and appearance to advance his investigations and wider R&D. One of many foci for the Centre is competitiveness and product value enhancement in the hand tools and aids industry, which is particularly beneficial for the elderly. A key invention for the Centre has been pillows with different heights for when a person is lying on their front or lying on their side to help maintain the natural posture of the spine when sleeping and thereby improve sleep quality. Another key technology is a dementia prevention bicycle built on the concept of reverse pedalling.

Semmelweis University’s innovative Center of Preventive Services in support of healthy ageing

Abstract Issue/problem Europe’s aging population presents substantial hurdles for healthcare sustainability. To alleviate the social and economic impacts of age-related diseases, promoting healthy aging is imperative. However, motivating individuals to adopt a healthier lifestyle proves challenging. Description of the problem Semmelweis University, a leading institution in medicine, health sciences, and health care in Hungary and Central Eastern Europe, has addressed this challenge by establishing the Center of Preventive Services (CPS), serving 12,500 Semmelweis University employees. The CPS conducts comprehensive health risk assessments and offers consultations with specialists in preventive medicine, public health, dietetics, physiotherapy, and health psychology. Motivational interviewing is used to enhance patient engagement and commitment to healthy lifestyle changes. Results The CPS has effectively integrated preventive services into the university’s healthcare system, reaching a significant number of employees. Early results show improvements in participants’ lifestyle and health behaviors due to the effective use of motivational interviewing. According to the first preliminary result, a study on step count conducted within the CPS found that those taking part in motivational interviewing session were able to increase their average daily step count by 1074 (95% Confidence Interval: 116-2033) steps more than controls. Lessons The Semmelweis University’s CPS provides valuable lessons for integrating healthy aging-focused preventive care into healthcare systems: 1. Effective preventive care requires targeted interventions based on detailed risk assessment and motivational interviewing; 2. Embedding preventive services within existing health infrastructure improves accessibility and utilization; 3. Collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches are essential to comprehensively address the needs of ageing populations. Key messages • Motivational interviewing boosts the effectiveness and engagement of preventive health services, which is essential to meet the challenges of ageing populations. • The Semmelweis University’s model program shows that embedding preventive services into the infrastructure of existing institutions like universities is scalable for better public health.

The brand behind the curtain: decoupling, recoupling and moral conflict in social media

Purpose Social media platforms have matured into significant arenas for moral conflict and often intense confrontation between brands and their consumers. This research aims to scrutinize the strategic development of a fresh brand entity deliberately detached from its morally compromised corporate parent, intended to reshape public perceptions and elude regulatory scrutiny. Design/methodology/approach Promoted as a center for transformative dialogue and innovation, Mission Winnow by Philip Morris is a novel example of a brand creating an entirely separate brand entity to provide sponsorship, and to associate itself with new brand values. This study employs a multisited netnography through which the posts and conversations on Mission Winnow’s platform and website hub are captured and interpreted, as well as the branded content and the free flows of consumers’ conversations generated around the brand on social media. Findings Findings reveal a broad interchange of moral controversy, acceptance and opposition discourses on social media. When consumers’ acceptance narratives gain traction, consumers extend their support toward the new brand entity, employing strategies that echo moral rationalization and decoupling. When resistance narratives dominate, consumers consciously draw connections between the decoupled brand and the parent brand’s immoral behavior. Originality/value This study expands upon prior research into brand activism and consumers’ moral reasoning toward controversial brands, linking the notion of brand decoupling to brand activism discourse and introducing key underexplored aspects like the power of imagery, linguistic creativity and nostalgia. Moreover, it presents significant implications for a more nuanced understanding of the important interrelationship of brand decoupling and recoupling on social media.

MEDIA FRAMING OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT AND HUMAN RIGHTS TO SAUDI ARABIA'S NEOM PROJECT

This research examines how Asharq al-Awsat and ALQST media framed the NEOM infrastructure project in Saudi Arabia. NEOM is a futuristic city project that is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The project is designed to be the center of technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and economic development in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. It also explores the framing tools used and their impact on public perception and global outlook. This research uses a qualitative approach with Gamson and Modigliani’s framing analysis. The results show that Asharq al-Awsat tends to frames the NEOM project as a form of technological progress and innovation that provides economic benefits. Meanwhile, ALQST highlights the negative impacts such as human rights violations and environmental damage. These framing differences affected public perception and political discourse regarding the project. This research expands the understanding of how the media frames large infrastructure projects in the Middle East region. In addition, it reveals the implications of framing for public perception and international policy regarding infrastructure projects and human rights.

8401 Genetic Characterization of a Case of Primary Aldosteronism in an 11-Year-Old Girl carrying a Germline VUS of CACNA1H and a Somatic Mutation of CTNNB1

Abstract Disclosure: S. Parisien-La Salle: None. G. Van Vliet: None. G. Corbeil: None. M. Labrecque: None. M. Tétreault: None. I. Bourdeau: None. Introduction: Primary aldosteronism is a frequent cause of secondary hypertension in adults but is rare in children. We report the case and genetic studies of an 11 yo girl presenting with primary aldosteronism at puberty. Case presentation: An 11-year-old female patient was referred to the pediatric endocrinology clinic for hypertension (166/118). Her past medical history and family history were unremarkable. She reported polyuria, polydipsia and occasional headaches and abdominal pain. Her Tanner stage indicated that puberty was initiated (P2M2). An abdominal CT revealed a 9x10x11cm right adrenal mass with calcifications and a necrotic zone. On [1]8F-FDG PET/CT, the mass had an uptake of 2.9 SUVmax. Laboratory results revealed hypokalemia (K: 2.6 mmol/L [N: 3.5-4.5]) and elevated aldosterone (1712.8 pmol/L [N: 110-1330]) with suppressed renin (0.2 ng/ml/h [N: <5.3]). Her urinary aldosterone level was elevated (114 nmol/day [N: <67]). The rest of the biochemical adrenal panel was normal. Patient underwent a right adrenalectomy by laparotomy. The pathology report showed an adrenal tumor without capsular or vascular invasion. The only malignancy criterion was an area of necrosis and the ki-67% proliferation index was < 1%. Genetic investigations: After informed consent, the patient underwent germline analysis for the chimeric gene CYP11B2/CYP11B1 (Ruhr University Bochum, Germany) and a multigene panel including KCNJ5, CACNA1D, CACNA1H and CLCN2 genes (Fulgent, CA), which were both negative except for a variant of unknown significance (VUS) that was identified in CACNA1H (c.3868G>A, p.Val1290Ile) with a minor allele frequency of 3.291E-5 (GnomAD). Tumor DNA was extracted after adrenalectomy from fresh frozen tissues. Somatic genetic analysis of GNAS, CTNNB1, KCNJ5, ATP1A1, ATP2B3 and CACNA1D was performed using direct Sanger Sequencing (Genome Quebec Innovation Centre) and revealed a heterozygous missence pathogenic variant in the CTNNB1 gene (c.121 A>G p.Thr41Ala). This mutation was absent in leukocyte DNA of the patient. Immunohistochemistry of the adrenal tumor disclosed strong cytoplasmic β-catenin staining in most tumor cells (monoclonal anti-β-catenin antibody; BD Transduction Laboratories). RNA-sequencing of patient tumor RNA was performed (Research Center CHU Québec) and compared to human adrenal total RNA (Clontech, Mountain View, CA). Pathway enrichment analysis showed activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. No variant was identified in GNAQ or GNA11 genes. However, GNRHR was upregulated compared to the control sample with a log2 fold change of 3.96 (p=0.000074). Conclusion: We present a rare pediatric case of an aldosterone producing adenoma harbouring a somatic β-catenin pathogenic variant with upregulation of GNRHR. The implication of the germline CACNA1H VUS still needs to be clarified. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Unveiling the Subterranean Heritage: A Case Study of the Underground City of Kukës, Albania

Abstract This paper investigates the viability of conserving and repurposing Kukës’ underground city, which was built as a system of civil defence tunnels during the communist era in Albania. Beneath contemporary Kukës, the underground complex, which houses administrative offices and hospitals, is an important but underutilized historical and architectural asset. This study assesses the architectural elements, historical value, and present state of the tunnels using an extensive methodology that includes expert interviews, public consultations, on-site inspections, and archival research. Results highlight the site’s dual significance as a historical landmark and a possible center for innovation and tourism. The research offers strategic proposals for reviving the tunnels to strengthen the local economy, maintain cultural identity, and increase tourist attraction, drawing on foreign case studies. By promoting the inclusion of Kukës’ underground city in larger regional development projects and considering both community goals and pragmatic concerns, the article adds to the current conversations in urban planning and cultural preservation. Sustaining and repurposing Kukës’ underground city has various benefits, including enhanced cultural tourism and economic resurgence that encourage sustainable growth, the paper points out. Still, challenges like deteriorating infrastructure, security concerns, and accessibility issues must be overcome. Urban planners and politicians can apply the research’s practical implications by using it to develop a model for cultural preservation that aligns with modern social and economic goals. A sense of shared identity and legacy among the local community’s members is fostered by the initiative, which has significant social implications as well. The study has some drawbacks, including the need for significant funding and the potential for opposition from groups who do not recognize the advantages of these kinds of initiatives. To summarise, this research highlights the potential of adaptive reuse to bolster the sustainability and resilience of urban ecosystems by offering useful guidance and strategies that may be used to comparable initiatives worldwide.

The impact of oral oncology drugs in the era of value-based care.

15 Background: Oncology drug expenditures are a significant contributor to increasing total cost of care (TCOC). Oral oncolytics (OO), such as small molecule inhibitors (CDK 4/6 inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, etc.), and immunomodulators, have revolutionized the treatment landscape for many cancers. We evaluated the patterns of OO use and spend for Medicare patients over time at a large community oncology practice participating in the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI)’s Value-based care (VBC) Program, the Oncology Care Model (OCM), with a focus on the seven cancers that are part of a successor model, the Enhancing Oncology Model. Methods: Using CMMI claims for attributed 6-month OCM episodes, we evaluated drug use and expenditures by performance period (PP) from July 2016 – June 2022 (11 PPs), with an emphasis on OO drugs. We used Part D expenditures as a proxy for OO. Results: From 2016-22, average TCOC per PP increased by 15.5% in the 7 EOM diagnoses (breast, lung, colon, prostate cancer, myeloma, lymphoma, and chronic leukemia). Average drug expenditures per PP grew 33% percent and represented 71% of total cost by PP11, up from 61% in PP1. Average expenditures per episode increased by 11.7% for Part B and 82.6% for Part D drugs (p<0.01). Increase in Part D drug expenditures was partly due to an increase in the number of unique oral drugs which grew by 32% over the evaluation period. The greatest increases in Part D drug expenditures occurred in breast cancer (87%) and lymphoma (153.7%). Table reports average OO expenditures per PP, percent change from PP1 to PP11, and the change in the % Part D drugs contributed to TCOC. Conclusions: Increases in drug expenditures represent the greatest impact on TCOC for cancer patients. OO medicines have an increasing role in the treatment landscape and represent a growing focus in VBC models. Utilization and cost of OO medication have a significant bearing on VBC performance. Diagnosis Avg. OO Expenditures PP1 Avg. OO Expenditures PP11 Avg. OO Expenditures Change Contribution of OO to TCOC Change from PP1 - 11 Breast $4,208 $7,869 87.0% 9.9% Leukemia $25,334 $41,128 62.3% 19.9% CRC $1,206 $2,158 78.9% 3.1% Lung $3,650 $3,625 -0.7% -2.5% Lymphoma $4,193 $10,637 153.7% 13.0% Myeloma $25,109 $39,298 56.5% 6.7% Prostate $18,815 $20,114 6.9% 3.2% Total $8,291 $15,140 82.6% 10.8%

Navigating financial risk: Unlocking the power of modeling and risk quantification in episode-based payment models.

28 Background: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation’s (CMMI) Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM) is a voluntary value-based care (VBC) model that requires physician group practices (PGPs) to assume financial risk and performance accountability for episodes of care related to seven common cancers. However, PGPs often lack the means to assess the financial impact and risks associated with these alternative payment models. To address this, we employed Monte Carlo Simulations (MCS) to calculate the likelihood of outcomes and associated risks. This information can assist PGPs in making informed decisions about assuming risk and participating in the EOM. Methods: Using historical episode files from 2019 to 2022 for 23 PGPs in The US Oncology Network, along with the EOM Price Prediction Model provided by CMMI, we calculated the predicted baseline price and savings per episode. We then determined the average savings for each PGP per time-period and utilized the MCS technique to simulate savings and risk, under each EOM risk arrangement. We shared the simulation results with the PGPs to support their decision-making process and participation. Results: Despite having enough episodes per time-period (ranging from 105 to 6100) for the 23 PGPs, the limited number of time-based populations (only 6) based on case mix and patient volume made traditional probability assessments inadequate. To overcome this, we utilized MCS with 5000 simulations per PGP, assuming a normal distribution based on population characteristics. By assessing the savings outcomes of each simulation, we developed probability distributions and confidence intervals to determine the likelihood of generating shared savings, recoupment, or landing in the neutral zone within the EOM. Factors such as episode counts, baseline price, and risk arrangement had the greatest impact on the range of outcomes. We shared the MCS results with all 23 PGPs, highlighting the limitations of the original data and facilitating their decision-making process. Ultimately, 12 PGPs chose to assume risk based on the probability of financial outcomes with the model, and to select the appropriate risk arrangement in the EOM. Conclusions: Compared to the status quo measures of central dispersion, MCS yields a wide range of expected financial outcomes per PGP. MCS is a robust technique for quantifying outcome probabilities in VBC models despite low data volumes but relies on the representativeness and quality of the original data. Conducting sensitivity analysis with MCS to assess the impact of individual assumptions or data inputs on outcome probabilities is an area for further exploration.

Hybrid FCMG-OP-FIS model approach to convert regression into classification data for machine learning-based AQI prediction

Air pollution from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and medical facilities poses significant health risks in urban areas, underscoring the necessity for robust air quality index (AQI) monitoring. This paper presents a novel method for AQI prediction by integrating a fuzzy centre merge graph with an optimal value-based fuzzy inference system (FCMG-OP-FIS) and machine learning (ML). Traditional ML techniques encounter difficulties when converting regression datasets into classification formats, particularly when unable to label the dataset using the traditional method. The proposed FCMG-OP-FIS model efficiently converts regression data into a classification framework. Unlike traditional AQI prediction methods that rely solely on pollutant data, this approach incorporates both pollutant and meteorological data to improve prediction accuracy. The innovative fuzzy centre merge graph (FCMG) balances the dataset for optimal solutions and facilitates input grouping for Simulink, simplifying rule management. The FCMG-OP-FIS model generates a regression output for AQI, which is subsequently classified into levels (healthy, moderate, or unhealthy) using IF-THEN rules. To enhance accuracy further, a random forest classifier (RFC) is trained on the FCMG-OP-FIS classified output data. The regression output of the FCMG-OP-FIS model is validated using metrics such as RMSE (0.48), MSE (0.23), MAE (0.23), and MAPE (1.77%). Additionally, the classification output from the RFC model employs advanced validation techniques including stratified shuffle validation, grid search cross-validation, and confusion matrix analysis, achieving an accuracy rate of 99%, with the F1 score, precision, and recall over all at 99%. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model in accurately labelling data for classification and predicting AQI through ML, highlighting its potential for practical application in environmental monitoring and management.

The FDA Sentinel Real World Evidence Data Enterprise (RWE-DE).

The US Food and Drug Administration's Sentinel Innovation Center aimed to establish a query-ready, quality-checked distributed data network containing electronic health records (EHRs) linked with insurance claims data for at least 10 million individuals to expand the utility of real-world data for regulatory decision-making. In this report, we describe the resulting network, the Real-World Evidence Data Enterprise (RWE-DE), including data from two commercial EHR-claims linked assets collectively termed the Commercial Network covering 21 million lives, and four academic partner institutions collectively termed the Development Network covering 4.5 million lives. We discuss provenance and completeness of the data converted in the Sentinel Common Data Model (SCDM), describe patient populations, and report on EHR-claims linkage characterization for all contributing data sources. Further, we introduce a standardized process to store free-text notes in the Development Network for efficient retrieval as needed. Finally, we outline typical use cases for the RWE-DE where it can broaden the reach of the types of questions that can be addressed by the Sentinel system.

THE EXPERIENCE OF AGGLOMERATION DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA AND KAZAKHSTAN

This article examines the experience of agglomeration development in China and Kazakhstan. It reviews the history of formation and approaches to defining the concept of urban agglomeration, including the definition of urban agglomeration by Chinese scholars. Forecasts are presented for metropolitan areas around the world and in China. In the practice of agglomeration development in China today, five urbanization belts and nineteen major urban agglomerations are outlined. The transfer of "non-capital functions" from the Chinese capital to Hebei Province is transforming Xiong'an into a center of innovation. The set of special measures used by the Chinese authorities to stimulate the development of megalopolises and agglomerations is considered. Characteristics of the functioning of China's urban agglomerations are presented, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. The experience of agglomeration development in Kazakhstan at the legislative level is studied, and attention is paid to the introduction of a new model of agglomeration management in the country, which gives regional administrations basic, additional powers and responsibilities for agglomeration development. The imbalances around the major cities and the main factors contributing to these imbalances are considered. The need for the formation and development of agglomerations as points of economic growth of the country and their effective positioning according to the level and specialization of their development is substantiated. Based on the analysis of the development of agglomeration processes in Kazakhstan, the advantages and disadvantages of urban agglomerations are presented. Suggestions are made on the directions of their further development.

80 ЛЕТ НА СЛУЖБЕ ЗДОРОВЬЯ И РАЗВИТИЯ РЕБЁНКА В ОБРАЗОВАНИИ

The article discusses the history and mission of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Institute of Child Development, Health and Adaptation" (Director – E.N. Pristupa, Doctor of Sciences in Pedagogy, Professor), which was founded in November 1944. The article describes the main stages of the Institute's development, its scientific achievements and contributions to the study of child physiology, school hygiene, preschool education, physical education and hospital pedagogy. The main areas of the Institute's research are presented, including studies of children's morphophysiological development, the development of methods and standards for assessing and improving children's physical and mental health, and the methodological support of innovative approaches to health protection and child development in the educational environment. The article presents in chronological order the main scientific and practical achievements of the Institute, including research on functional development of children, cognitive activity, telemetric recording of heart rate and respiratory parameters, physiological bases of pubertal stages of children, and the development of scientific bases of physical education in educational organizations. The article also highlights the modern research of the Institute. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the significance of the Institute of Child Development, Health and Adaptation as a recognized center of innovation that significantly contributes to the development of science and education, and the role of the Institute in the creation of a healthy and successful society.

Does donor country impact the efficacy of health aid?: Evidence from the COVID‐19 pandemic

AbstractDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, many nations relied on unprecedented amounts of health‐sector aid to efficiently vaccinate their populations. These vaccines and supporting materials came from a variety of traditional and nontraditional donors, with the majority donor differing by recipient country. Previous research has examined the political benefits to donor states of providing health aid before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Less is known, however, about how recipients view health aid based on the donor and whether this impacts health aid resource use. This research aims to investigate whether recipient preferences over the source of health assistance affects the efficacy of aid, while using a novel vax‐score method to account for existing trends and predictors of vaccine uptake. Using COVID‐19 vaccine donation and uptake statistics collected by the Duke Global Health Innovation Center, the IMF, and the World Health Organization, we compare vaccine uptake across many vaccine recipient countries to investigate the impact of vaccine origin (Chinese vs. non‐Chinese source). We find that while increased donated vaccines per capita significantly raises the proportion of the population vaccinated at 12 months, the source of the donated vaccines has no impact. Previously reported recipient‐side concerns over vaccine origin have no impact on population‐level uptake at 12 months. Additionally, we observe that a vax‐score metric derived from vaccine uptake of a suite of childhood vaccines predicts COVID‐19 vaccine uptake beyond differences in GDP and GDP per capita. These results have implications for health aid policy and future research into foreign aid efficacy.