Pilot Project Research Articles

Accelerating corporate innovation ecosystems: The exprivia business incubator case study

Large enterprises and start-ups collaborate to adopt Open Innovation (OI) strategies and to develop digital technologies. In this setting, Business Incubators (BI), which connect large firms and startups, are now vital to the Corporate Open Innovation Ecosystem (COIE). A single case study method was adopted for the multinational company Exprivia, operating in the ICT sector. The results show how Exprivia created a COIE through an innovative BI pilot project to operationalize OI and promote knowledge collaboration between companies, universities, and start-ups. Strategic implications for large organizations involves defining OI strategies based on Corporate BIs to sustain growth and profitability.

Using authentic student personas to inform academic policy review with the lived experience of students: a case study from Nottingham Trent University

ABSTRACT This case study from Nottingham Trent University describes how an intra-departmental collaborative team used the lived experience of students to inform academic policy review. Drawing on data from Student 2025, a longitudinal study exploring the complexity of student experiences and identities, the team created authentic student personas called Student Voice Profiles and supported colleagues to use them in a pilot workshop to consider academic policy and policy changes. Findings were mixed: the pilot project highlighted areas for further development, including improvements to resources; it also generated considerable interest in the potential application of student personas to a range of teaching and learning enhancements, and demonstrated the value of cross-team collaborative working.

Improving death notification and registration: A pilot project in Lagos state, Nigeria.

Improving death notification and registration: A pilot project in Lagos state, Nigeria.

Identification and Copy Number Variant Analysis of Enhancer Regions of Genes Causing Spinocerebellar Ataxia.

Currently, routine diagnostics for spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) look for polyQ repeat expansions and conventional variations affecting the proteins encoded by known SCA genes. However, ~40% of the patients still remain without a genetic diagnosis after routine tests. Increasing evidence suggests that variations in the enhancer regions of genes involved in neurodegenerative disorders can also cause disease. Since the enhancers of SCA genes are not yet known, it remains to be determined whether variations in these regions are a cause of SCA. In this pilot project, we aimed to identify the enhancers of the SCA genes ATXN1, ATXN3, TBP and ITPR1 in the human cerebellum using 4C-seq, publicly available datasets, reciprocal 4C-seq, and luciferase assays. We then screened these enhancers for copy number variants (CNVs) in a cohort of genetically undiagnosed SCA patients. We identified two active enhancers for each of the four SCA genes. CNV analysis did not reveal any CNVs in the enhancers of the four SCA genes in the genetically undiagnosed SCA patients. However, in one patient, we noted a CNV deletion with an unknown clinical significance near one of the ITPR1 enhancers. These results not only reveal elements involved in SCA gene regulation but can also lead to the discovery of novel SCA-causing genetic variants. As enhancer variations are being increasingly recognized as a cause of brain disorders, screening the enhancers of ATXN1, ATXN3, TBP and ITPR1 for variations other than CNVs and identifying and screening enhancers of other SCA genes might elucidate the genetic cause in undiagnosed patients.

Implementation of a Pedagogical Model of Ocean Citizenship: Students’ Perspective

Abstract This article evaluates the implementation of the pedagogical model by Schio and Reis (2024), aimed at promoting ocean citizenship within basic education. The evaluation is based on a pilot project from the 2021/2022 school year, which involved 543 students, aged 10 to 11, from 10 Blue Schools located along the Portuguese coast. This paper reports on phases 3 and 4 of the Design-Based Research cycle, corresponding to the implementation and evaluation phases of the pedagogical model. Preliminary results allowed us to verify the emergence of new knowledge, skills, values, critical thinking and attitudes, reflecting the development of ocean citizenship competencies among students. These outcomes affirm the model’s applicability and its potential to seamlessly integrate ocean citizenship into the basic education curriculum. However, it was observed that the activism dimension requires additional emphasis. Further testing in diverse educational settings is crucial to refine the model, adjust to local nuances and maximise its impact on nurturing future generations committed to ocean sustainability.

Application of the MENTOR model to advance One Health by promoting bat conservation and reducing zoonotic spillover risk

For few taxonomic groups do conservation efforts have such a disproportionate impact on biodiversity and human well-being as they do with bats. Bats face significant conservation challenges that affect their long-term viability, inhibit their ecosystem functions and services, and increase zoonotic spillover risks. Protecting bat populations and their habitats ultimately reduces these conservation threats, helps prevent pandemics, and supports essential ecosystem services. MENTOR-Bat is a fellowship program focused on strengthening technical research, and leadership capacity in the Global South to promote healthy environments where bats and humans can coexist with reduced risks of pathogen transmission. Co-designed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Bat Conservation International (BCI), MENTOR-Bat mirrors the One Health framework by featuring a transdisciplinary team of three mentors and nine fellows from Cameroon, Colombia, and Indonesia. Fellows and mentors receive academic and field-based training on bat ecology and conservation, One Health, human dimensions of conservation, behavior change, strategic communications, international policy, adaptive management, project planning, conservation leadership, and public health. Fellows will then design and implement team pilot projects to advance One Health and bat conservation in their respective countries. Program evaluation of MENTOR-Bat is based on Kirkpatrick’s Hierarchy and focuses on measuring the development of established One Health core competences. By incorporating One Health and conservation within its activities, MENTOR-Bat can become a valuable programmatic template for transdisciplinary programming advancing evidence-based strategies for improving the well-being of bats, humans, and the environment.

Revolutionizing nurse well-being: Virtual reality as a stress relief intervention.

This article describes an 8-week pilot project implementing virtual reality (VR) technology as a stress relief intervention for nurses at a rural hospital. It highlights how VR allowed nurses to temporarily disconnect from their stressful work environment and experience calming virtual scenarios during break times.

Asynchronous teledentistry program in two long-term care facilities: Iowa's virtual dental home pilot project.

Older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) often have poor oral health and difficulty accessing dental services. The aim was to implement a virtual dental home (VDH) program for residents in two LTCFs utilizing asynchronous teledentistry techniques and mobile dental equipment. This pilot project was a 6-month longitudinal cohort study in two LTCFs. Dental hygienists and dentists from a local community health care center utilized asynchronous teledentistry to provide diagnostic and preventive dental services onsite and to establish a dental home for additional comprehensive care services. Data were collected, including resident's demographics, oral health status, and dental services received. Descriptive data analyses, Wilcoxon signed rank, and McNemar tests were conducted. Thirty-four residents completed in-person baseline oral exams and 16 residents completed the recall exams. Ninety-two percent (n=23) of dentate residents (n=25) had untreated caries and 64% (n=16) of dentate residents had at least one sextant of severe gingival inflammation. The median number of teeth with active untreated caries (p=.01) significantly decreased and arrested caries (p=.02) significantly increased from baseline. Iowa's VDH pilot project was successful in establishing a dental home using asynchronous teledentistry for residents in two LTCFs and providing resident access to preventive and disease control dental services.

Progress in carbon dioxide capture, storage and monitoring in geological landform

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is recognized as a potent strategy for managing the accumulation of human-generated CO2 in the atmosphere, helping to alleviate climate change’s effects. The CO2 gas is captured from the point source through methods such as pre-treating fossil fuels, oxy-fuel combustion, or post-combustion capture; thereafter; it is transported to a storage location and injected into geological formations. This article provides an overview of carbon dioxide capture and sequestration, focusing on its key principles, technologies, associated risks, and challenges. Direct Air Capture (DAC) and Scalable Modelling, Artificial intelligence (Al), Rapid Theoretical calculations SMART technologies are detailed as emerging and promising approaches to CO2 capture. Numerous pilot and commercial projects commissioned to manage carbon dioxide emissions are presented. Additionally, the paper explores approaches combining geological, geophysical, geochemical, and environmental monitoring techniques to ensure the secure and sustainable storage of CO2 underground. These are essential to address uncertainties, minimize risks, and build public confidence in CCS as a viable climate mitigation strategy. The successful deployment of these technologies on a global scale will require continued innovation, particularly in the areas of monitoring, risk management, and public engagement. Emerging technologies such as AI and SMART systems could play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and safety of CCS operations. However, the integration of these advancements with existing infrastructure and regulatory frameworks remains a challenge. Ultimately, a multi-disciplinary approach, combining technological, economic, and regulatory perspectives, will be vital to realizing the full potential of CCS in combating climate change.

Agricultural policy in the field of innovation and digitalization of agricultural exports: legal framework

The article highlights the issues of the state agriculturalpolicyonthedevelopmentofinformation and innovative agricultural relations in the field of digitalization of agricultural exports (hereinafter - agroexport). The peculiarities of the pilot project on verification of agro-industrial complex entities under martial law are clarified. It is emphasized that the verification of agro-exporters is aimed at developing agrarian information and innovation relations, widespread use of digitalization in the agricultural sector, strengthening the rule of law and overcoming bureaucratic obstacles in all areas of agricultural production, and minimizing the corruption element in agricultural export relations. To be included in the list of verified agricultural entities, an entity must have a special legal personality, the elements of which are: the status of an agricultural producer; experience in exporting agricultural products; registration in the State Agrarian Register; financial stability; and systematic economic activity. The author determines that the State Agrarian Register is an intangible asset in the form of a complex digital object which combines a computer program and a non-original database. It is accounted for and administered by the state. Intellectual property rights to this Register belong to the state. The registration of entities in the State Agrarian Register creates a potential opportunity for agribusinesses to timely submit applications for state support, as well as permits, conduct their own verification as an agro-export entity, etc. The digitalization of such data is the basis for the opening of electronic agricultural markets, including digital agricultural exports. Given the potential of digital trade, the author argues that it is expedient to support the further filling and functioning of the State Agrarian Register and verification of agro-exporters as prerequisites for the further development of digital agrarian legal relations. It is emphasized that the digitalization of agricultural production is an additional factor for expanding the markets for national agricultural products. Thus, due to the introduction of digitalization into the production process, a future consumer of agricultural products (regardless of their location in the world) can potentially track the entire process - from the selection of high- quality seeds to finished products.

DETER Monitoring on Non-Forest Vegetation in the Brazilian Amazon

In this study, we present the initial results of the pilot project applying the Near Real-Time Deforestation Detection System (DETER), initially designed for monitoring forest ecosystems (DETER Amazon), recently expanded to surveil an area of approximately 280,000 km² of non-forest natural vegetation (NF) in the Brazilian Amazon. The system issues two types of alerts: 1) NF suppression alerts, categorized into three classes (suppression with exposed soil, suppression with cultivated area, and suppression by mining) and 2) burn scars, based on an adapted methodology from DETER Amazon and images with low spatial resolution (64 m) but high temporal resolution (two or three days to assess the entire biome). The pilot project period was from August 2022 to July 2023, with a total area of suppression alerts covering 575.22 km², predominantly composed of the NF suppression class with exposed soil, and 8,036.99 km² of burn scar areas. The majority of NF suppression alerts occurred in the states of Roraima, Mato Grosso, Rondônia, and Pará. Additionally, Amazonas and Amapá stood out among the states with a higher area of burn scar alerts. Savannas were the most affected non-forest physiognomies, with 5,037 km² (6.5%) of their area impacted by suppression and fire. Comparative analysis with other monitoring systems in the Amazon demonstrated the effectiveness of DETER NF in monitoring non-forest areas in the biome.

Urban environmental acupuncture as a tool to support nature-based solution implementation: does it deliver what it promises?

Urban environmental acupuncture (UEA) is a novel approach designed to engage with a variety of stakeholders to successfully implement nature-based solutions in dense urban areas. The Interreg Central Europe project SALUTE4CE piloted this concept through small-scale, low-budget interventions in four cities: Chorzow (Poland), Erfurt (Germany), Alessandria (Italy), and Liptovski Mikulas (Slovakia). The pilot projects were designed to be quickly implementable, utilizing abandoned or undesirable sites, with the potential to catalyze both physical and social transformation. Interviews with local actors in these cities after project implementation provided valuable feedback, which was used to develop principles of urban environmental acupuncture. While the limited number of interviews means these findings offer only initial insights, they are largely supported by existing research. Nevertheless, this perspective provides important lessons that can inform future transformation projects and help evaluate the success of the UEA approach. The key contributions of this work are the introduction of urban environmental acupuncture concept, deriving principles of UEA based on feedback from local stakeholders and offering insights in future design and evaluation of similar nature-based solution initiatives in dense urban environments. This perspective helps to establish the potential of UEA as a tool for engaging diverse stakeholders and catalyzing sustainable urban transformation (specifically expansion of nature-based solutions) through low-cost interventions.

Certain aspects of the implementation of imputed insurance of environmental risks in the Russian Federation

Purpose: of this article is to justify the implementation of insurance of environmental risks in the Russian Federation in the form of a pilot project based on imputed insurance with the definition of the main conditions of insurance coverage.Methods: the presented work uses statistical and predictive methods and the integrated approach for processing data on natural, climatic and human activity risks. Correlation-regression analysis and actuarial modeling were used to determine the conditions for insuring environmental risks and calculate tariff rates.Results: the paper substantiates the possibility of carrying out insurance of environmental risks in the form of a pilot project using an imputed form of insurance. Approaches to the calculation of the main parameters of business civil liability insurance for causing environmental damage as a result of an accident within the framework of a pilot project are proposed, including the determination of the minimum and maximum non-aggregate insurance limit, the minimum number of insurance companies, and the calculation of tariff rates. Due to the lack of Russian statistics on insurance coverage of environmental risks, statistical data on global insurance catastrophic losses from natural events, climate risks and human actions, as well as judicial statistics on disputes over the application of environmental protection legislation, were used for the calculation. The regions of the Russian Federation were identified for the implementation of a pilot project of environmental risk insurance.Conclusions and Relevance: the implementation of a pilot project of environmental risk insurance in certain regions on the basis of imputed insurance will make it possible to assess the current and forecast level of environmental risks in the Russian Federation, the need for insurance and reinsurance protection, the possibility and necessity of state participation in covering environmental damage. Using insurance statistics, insurers will be able to develop adjustment factors that encourage enterprises to take preventive measures. Reflection in a special reporting section of the results of the participation of insurance companies in the insurance of environmental pollution risks will be considered as the implementation of ESG principles.

How does the financial technology innovation regulatory pilot influence financial regulation?

Integration of technology and finance presents significant challenges for financial regulators, necessitating formulation of policies for mitigating financial security risks and related concerns. This study examines the impact of the Pilot Project of Regulation on Fintech Innovation (PPRFI) on financial regulation in China from 2013 to 2022. Findings demonstrate that PPRFI significantly strengthens financial regulation, with financial technology mediating the relationship between PPRFI and regulatory effectiveness. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the policy's positive effects are more pronounced in provinces with lower levels of human capital and in the western regions of China.

Impact of medical-nursing combined policy pilot on hospitalization frequency of middle-aged and older patients with chronic diseases: a quasi-experimental study based on China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

To address the growing burden of older adult care, the Chinese government has introduced a policy that integrates medical care with elder care, launching two batches of national pilot projects. A majority of the older adult population suffers from one or more chronic diseases, with many experiencing multiple chronic conditions, necessitating support from both elder care and medical services. Using panel data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) spanning 2011 to 2020, this study employs the difference-in-difference (DID) model to analyze the impact of the integrated medical-nursing policy on the physical health of older patients with chronic diseases. The study found that the average annual number of hospitalizations for older individuals with one or more chronic diseases was 0.276. The integrated medical-nursing policy reduced hospitalizations by 0.0405. Additionally, the average annual hospitalization rate for older individuals with two or more chronic diseases was 0.339, higher than the former group. The integrated medical-nursing policy reduced hospitalizations by 0.0738 in this group. The pilot study demonstrates that the implementation of the integrated medical-nursing policy has significantly improved the physical health of older patients with chronic diseases. The government should promote these policies on a larger scale, explore various forms of integrated medical care, and provide more comprehensive medical and elder care services for older patients with chronic diseases.

International Approaches to the Development, Validation, and Change Management of Analytical Procedures (Review)

INTRODUCTION. In 2023, the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) published a new Guideline on Analytical Procedure Development (ICH Q14) and a revised version of the Guideline on Validation of Analytical Procedures (ICH Q2(R2)). Consequently, there is a need for a considerable revision of the approach to the development and validation of analytical procedures that is currently used in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). A revision is also needed for the processes for evaluating and introducing variations to the analytical procedures described in medicinal product registration dossiers.AIM. This review aimed to analyse the significant changes made to international approaches to the development of analytical procedures, as well as to study the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches for pharmaceutical manufacturers and regulatory agencies in the EAEU.DISCUSSION. This review covers the key provisions and practical aspects of the enhanced approaches to the development of analytical procedures introduced by the ICH Q14 guideline. In particular, the review addresses the concepts of the analytical procedure life cycle (APLC) and the modified analytical qualityby-design (AQbD) approach; the development of the analytical target profile (ATP); analytical quality risk management; planning of the design of experiments (DoE) and the analytical procedure control strategy; and the validation, subsequent verification, transfer, and change management of analytical procedures. Additionally, the review describes the ICH Q2(R2) updates that accompany this new regulatory paradigm.CONCLUSIONS. The above guidelines fill the existing gap in recommendations for the development of analytical procedures. The use of the APLC and AQbD concepts provides both pharmaceutical companies and regulatory authorities with flexible approaches that are applicable to analytical procedures both during the development phase and once they have been implemented. Effective implementation of these international approaches in the Russian pharmaceutical industry and regulatory system requires a broad discussion between pharmaceutical industry professionals and regulatory agency experts, possibly, as part of a pilot project. After that, there will be a necessity to provide training for specialists involved in the development of analytical procedures and to amend the EAEU Rules for Marketing Authorisation and Expert Assessment of Medicinal Products for Human Use.

Can combined wind and solar power meet the increased electricity load on heatwave days in China after the carbon emission peak? A case study in southern Hebei

Wind and photovoltaic (PV) power are the fastest-growing renewable energy sources; however, they are vulnerable to weather extremes. In the context of global warming, the frequency of extreme weather events, particularly heatwaves (HW), is anticipated to increase. Compared to normal summer days, HW days not only cause a rise in electricity demand but also exhibit a complementary growth in wind/PV generation. Therefore, determining whether the increase in wind/PV generation on HW days can meet the corresponding surge in electricity load is pivotal for replacing fossil fuel-based electricity. To address this question, this study conducts a case study for southern Hebei Province, which has the highest combined wind/PV installations in China, for the period 2031–2040 under the scenario that China will achieve its carbon peak (2030) and carbon neutrality goals as planned. We use recently developed load and wind power models and calibrate a boosting ensemble learning model to simulate PV generation. The results reveal that the total increase in wind/PV generation on HW days can fully meet the total increase in electricity consumption starting in 2039. However, due to the uneven distribution of wind/PV generation and load changes throughout the HW days, 9 GWh of energy storage capacity is required to ensure electricity supply in the early morning hours. Under China's climate change adaptation strategy, Hebei Province can harness wind/PV energy to address peak load demands during HW conditions and initiate climate-resilient urban development pilot projects.

Working in partnership to reduce re-offending and improve prison leavers’ lives: a process evaluation of a prison leaver pilot project

Prison leavers encounter significant barriers to successfully re-integrating into the community, which can lead to re-offending. Complex interventions which are multi-faceted and involve successful partnerships are needed to meet the distinct health and social needs of this population group. For this study, we conducted a process evaluation of a pilot project, which aimed to offer holistic support to prison leavers through a combination of peer mentoring, sport and physical activity, and signposting, delivered in a community setting. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with individuals (n = 14) involved in the delivery and the management of the project to understand how it had been implemented and what factors had influenced the delivery and partnerships involved. Factors that influenced project delivery included safeguarding and risk assessment concerns, lived experience of peer mentors, accessibility of the intervention, and the role of sport and physical activity as a vehicle for community re-integration. Partnership working was influenced by effective information sharing, organizational commitment, building relationships and professional networks, and regular communication between organizations. An intervention involving peer mentoring, sport and physical activity, and signposting, supported by close partnership working, was viewed as a promising approach to support the community re-integration of prison leavers.

The impact of green low-carbon development on public health: a quasi-natural experimental study of low-carbon pilot cities in China.

In recent years, climate change and environmental pollution have posed significant threats to public health. As environmental policies such as low-carbon city initiatives are progressively implemented, their role in enhancing public health has become a topic of growing interest. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between green low-carbon development and public health and to analyze the underlying mechanisms. We utilized data from 271 prefecture-level cities in China spanning from 2007 to 2020, focusing on green low-carbon development, climate change, environmental pollution, and public health. Employing the quasi-natural experimental framework of China's low-carbon city pilot projects, we constructed a multi-site difference-in-differences (DID) model for empirical analysis. Various robustness checks, including parallel trend tests, placebo tests, sample selection bias checks, and adjustments to the temporal and spatial scope of the samples, were conducted to ensure the reliability of the results. Additionally, we explored the positive effects of green low-carbon development on public health through dual mediation pathways involving climate change mitigation and pollution reduction. Finally, we examined the heterogeneity of the results across different city tiers, economic growth rates, levels of technological investment, and green finance development. The findings indicate that green low-carbon development significantly enhances public health, a conclusion supported by robustness tests. Mechanism analysis reveals that the benefits of green low-carbon development on public health are realized through mitigating climate change and reducing environmental pollution. Further analysis reveals that the positive impact on public health is more pronounced in first-and second-tier cities, as well as in cities with faster economic growth, greater technological investment, and more developed green finance sectors. This study highlights the crucial role of urban green low-carbon development in improving environmental quality and public health. In addition to providing empirical evidence that supports the promotion of green low-carbon development in cities, the results point to policy recommendations for enhancing public health. Moreover, the findings contribute to the development of environmental policies and the implementation of the "Healthy China" strategy.

Role of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Data Security in Germany

Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the role of blockchain technology in enhancing data security. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Blockchain technology is increasingly recognized in Germany for its potential to enhance data security across various sectors. Its decentralized and immutable nature significantly reduces the risks of data tampering and unauthorized access, thereby fostering trust among users. In industries such as finance, healthcare, and supply chain management, blockchain provides transparent and secure methods for recording transactions and managing sensitive information. Additionally, German regulatory frameworks are evolving to accommodate blockchain applications, promoting innovation while ensuring compliance with data protection laws like the GDPR. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Technological acceptance model (TAM), diffusion of innovations (DOI) & resource-based View (RBV) may be used to anchor future studies on the role of blockchain technology in enhancing data security. Organizations should implement pilot projects to assess the effectiveness of blockchain in enhancing data security in their specific contexts. Policymakers should develop clear regulatory frameworks to support the adoption of blockchain technology across sectors.