Science Park Research Articles

Technological sovereignty as a factor of competitiveness of oil and gas companies of the Russian Federation

Aim. To investigate the importance of technological sovereignty for strengthening the competitive positions of Russian oil and gas companies.Objectives. To identify the key factors that determine the level of technological independence of oil and gas companies; to assess how these factors affect their ability to compete successfully at the national and international levels.Methodology. The research uses general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis using a systematic approach.Results. The essence of technological independence as a factor in the development of competitiveness of companies in the oil and gas sector was analyzed. The assumption is formulated that the achievement of technological sovereignty allows companies to mitigate risks arising from external factors, including international sanctions and restrictions on access to advanced foreign technologies. Several strategic initiatives have been proposed to strengthen the technological sovereignty of the domestic oil and gas industry: training of highly qualified personnel, introduction of tax incentives and subsidies from the state for companies, creation of special economic zones or technology parks, protection of intellectual property and support for patent activity.Conclusions. Technological independence is the most effective method in the context of the struggle of Russian industrial companies against external challenges: sanctions and changes in global energy markets. The development of national technologies in the oil and gas sector due to the synergetic effect has a positive impact on strengthening the competitive advantages of Russian national companies in both domestic and international markets. In order to ensure technological sovereignty, special attention should be paid to the development of strategic risk management mechanisms, as well as effective communication models between the state, industry, and science.

The impact of combined application of biochar and fertilizer on the biochemical properties of soil in soybean fields.

Heilongjiang Province is a major soybean production area in China. To improve soil structure and increase soybean yield, this study examined the effects of combined biochar and chemical fertilizer application on the biochemical properties of soil in a maize-soybean rotation system. The research were conducted from 2021 to 2022 at Heshan Farm Science Park in Heilongjiang Province, this field plot experiment utilized two soybean varieties, Heihe 43 (a high-protein variety) and Keshan 1 (a high-oil variety). In 2021, two plots with similar fertility levels were selected for planting soybeans and maize. In 2022, a maize-soybean rotation was implemented with five treatments: conventional fertilization (CK), increased biochar+reduced fertilizer 1 (F1+B), reduced fertilizer 1 (F1), increased biochar+reduced fertilizer 2 (F2+B), and reduced fertilizer 2 (F2). The study systematically analyzed the effects of combined biochar and chemical fertilizer application on soil chemical properties and microbial characteristics. Over 2 years, results showed that combined application effectively improved soil chemical traits. Compared to conventional fertilization (CK) and reduced fertilization (F1, F2), t he combined application of biochar and chemical fertilizer (F1+B, F2+B) increased soil pH, EC and the absolute value of zeta potential of soil surface, the CEC of soil significantly increased by 15.6-44.3%, the soil surface charge density and the soil surface charge quantity significantly increased by 16.4-73.5%. The combined application of biochar and chemical fertilizer also effectively enhanced the abundance and diversity of soil microbes. Dominant bacterial groups in soybean field soils under different treatments included Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Proteobacteria; while dominant fungal groups were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota. Alpha and Beta diversity analyses revealed that the F1+B treatment significantly enhanced the species richness and diversity of bacteria and fungi in the soil, increasing the proportion and evenness of dominant and beneficial genera.

Entrepreneurs’ decision-making in sustainable open innovation practices

Entrepreneurs’ decision-making in sustainable open innovation practices holds significant relevance in fostering environmentally conscious and socially responsible business strategies. Sustainable decision-making not only aligns with ethical principles but also addresses pressing global challenges such as climate change and resource depletion. This study aims to characterize the decision-making role played by entrepreneurs in the context of the open innovation paradigm and to understand the factors that influence entrepreneurial performance. A quantitative methodology supported by Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was adopted, considering a sample of 407 startups incubated in science and technology parks. After that, a mixed-methods approach was employed to explore the differences between sectors of activity, in which 4 ventures were involved. The results confirm that of the 9 hypotheses formulated in the relationship between the constructs, only innovation novelty is not significant for sustainable open innovation management processes, unlike innovation openness. This study offers theoretical and practical implications for startups that intend to use open innovation networks to integrate environmental and social considerations into the core of business strategies.

Evaluation of the Effect of Commercialization of Technology in Creating Sustainable Competitive Advantage of Knowledge-based Companies Emphasizing the Moderating Role of Environmental Factors

The present study aimed at designing a structural equation model of the effect of technology commercialization performance on creating sustainable competitive advantage of knowledgeable companies with an emphasis on the moderating environmental factors.Research population includes 133 managers of knowledge based companies at the center for the growth and development of science and technology Park of East Azerbaijan University and based on the Cochran formula, the sample size was measured to be 99, and selection by stratified random sampling method, and the standard questionnaire is distributed among them. The research is applied in nature and the method is descriptive and survey. Then, the data were analyzed using smart pls software for partial least squares (PLS) path modeling. The results show that the technology commercialization performance has a positive effect on the competitive sustainable advantage of knowledge-based companies, as well as the role of variable moderating environmental factors (market turbulence, competitive intensity and technological turbulence) in the path between the technology commercialization performance and the sustainable competitive advantage of knowledge-based companies.

Create and strengthening innovation ecosystem: roles of policy-affiliated transition intermediaries in latecomers

Purpose This study aims to explore the functions of policy-affiliated intermediaries and their roles in driving innovation in latecomers. Design/methodology/approach Latecomers have recently recognized the significance of an innovation ecosystem in transitioning to an innovation-driven economy. However, these countries encounter various market and system failures, making policy-affiliated transition intermediaries crucial in orchestrating innovation ecosystems. To achieve this, this study used a case study of a policy-affiliated intermediary and conducted interviews with 19 managers. The results from the content analysis revealed that innovation intermediaries in latecomers perform more comprehensive duties than those mentioned in the literature in the transition to innovation-based development. Findings Results show that the most important of policy-affiliated innovation intermediaries’ roles is orientation to the government and private sector market, attracting the participation of the private sector through the implementation of tax credits and the development of the corporate innovation ecosystem, developing science and technology parks, developing laboratory research infrastructure, supporting prominent and capable professors to create innovation networks, developing innovation zones around research institutions and leading universities and developing international scientific cooperation. These are new and important functions that innovation intermediaries should play in the transition process. Originality/value The research found that the innovation intermediary acts as a change agent in the mental model of other executive and decision-making bodies. Also result shows that this intermediaries can play more roles than what is mentioned in the literature for the development of innovation.

Cancer Care in Post-Roe America: How Do We Move Forward?

In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. This ruling ended all federal protections for abortion, consequently reshaping the American healthcare landscape. Two years later, the impacts of this ruling on cancer care remain largely undiscussed. This reflection summarizes a literature review exploring the effects of the Dobbs decision on cancer treatment access in America. Articles were identified using databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, Westlaw Campus Research, Nexis Uni, Google Scholar, and JSTOR. Search terms included cancer, drugs, Methotrexate, access, treatment delays, Roe v. Wade, Dobbs, post-Roe, abortion, abortion-inducing, maternal health, reproductive rights, and limitations. Thirty eligible articles, published in English from 2001 to 2024, were reviewed in full text. The findings of this reflectionarticle highlight the urgent need for the oncology community to understand the potentialimpact of these changes and work collectively to ensure the equal access to women's cancer care.

Enhancing green innovation: the role of science and technology parks

ABSTRACT Green innovation is crucial for creating value for firms and society alike. Firms are key actors in green innovation, benefiting from competitive advantages while positively impacting society. Successful green innovation relies on collaboration and access to knowledge, which clusters can effectively provide. Despite their importance in fostering innovation, the role of science and technology parks (STPs) in green innovation is underexplored. This study empirically examines their impact on firm green innovation, analysing both average effects and variations based on STP age. The findings support the positive but heterogeneous influence of STPs in enhancing green innovation and should stimulate research on the contribution of STPs to green innovation.

Kajian Strategi Promosi Digital Area Peternakan Kawasan Glugur Rimbun Kecamatan Kutalimbaru

The purpose of this study was to determine the public's interest in visiting the Livestock Area of the Glugur Rimbun Area, Sampe Cita Village, Kutalimbaru District, Deli Serdang Regency, through the independent variables of promotion and attractiveness. This Animal Husbandry Area is one of several areas in the Al Amin Science and Industrial Park (Living Lab) Glugur Rimbun Area with a special land area for the Animal Husbandry Area of about two ha from the total area of about 24 (twenty four) ha. The research approach uses quantitative methods involving 100 respondents and data collection using questionnaires. The data obtained was analyzed using multiple regression analysis using SPSS. The results showed that the independent variable promotion showed a t-count value of -0.945 < t-table 1.984 with a significant value of 0.000 < 0.05, which means that digital-based promotion has a positive and significant effect partially on visiting interest. The test results for the attraction variable show a tcount value of 12.315> t-table 1.984 with a significant value of 0.000 <0.05, which means that attraction has a positive and significant effect partially on visiting interest. The F-count value of 75.864> F-table of 3.09 and a significant 0.000 <0.05, then digital-based promotion and attractiveness have a positive and significant effect simultaneously on tourist interest in visiting.

Analysis of the effect of fermentation duration on the organoleptic properties of dried cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.) at Nglanggeran Agricultural Technology Park

The post-harvest process of cocoa fruits includes fruit harvesting, cracking, wet bean sorting, fermentation, drying, dry bean sorting, and packaging. One of the post-harvest processes that significantly affects the quality of cocoa beans is fermentation. The fermentation process, facilitated by acetic acid and lactic acid bacteria, aims to reduce moisture content, enhance aroma and flavor, and improve the quality of cocoa beans. Acetic acid bacteria, such as Acetobacter and Gluconobacter, contribute to acetic acid production, giving cocoa beans their characteristic flavor. These bacteria convert alcohol into acetic acid, a process crucial for developing the beans' flavor. On the other hand, lactic acid bacteria, like Lactobacillus and Pediococcus, play a role in the breakdown of complex compounds, enhancing the aroma. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which contributes to the beans' aroma. One factor that influences the success of cocoa fruit fermentation is the duration of fermentation. The optimal fermentation time for cocoa fruits is 5 – 6 days. If it is less or exceeds the optimal time, the fermentation of cocoa fruits will not be perfect. The duration of cocoa fruit fermentation has been proven to affect the aroma, taste, texture, and color of dried cocoa beans. Keywords: Cocoa, Fermentation, Post-harvest process of cocoa, Organoleptic

Heterogeneous profiles and trajectories of science and technology parks: evidence from Brazil

Heterogeneous profiles and trajectories of science and technology parks: evidence from Brazil

Assessing the conditions to implement innovative activity of technoparks in the field of high technologies

During the restructuring of national technological system, the development of innovations is of particular importance. In this regard, it is important to analyze how economic entities and innovative infrastructure cope with changing internal and external conditions, such as the need for import substitution of high-tech products and replenishment of specialists’ outflow from the information technology sector. The key element of the innovation infrastructure is scientific and industrial technology parks. The article examines the features of the Russian model of technoparks, as well as the factors of their success and lag. The purpose of the study is to identify the factors contributing to and hindering the innovation activity of technopark residents. Using statistical data analysis and spatial network analysis, the paper studies the structure and features of the activities of 12 participants in the state program «Creation of high-tech technoparks in the Russian Federation». The study examines such aspects of technoparks’ activity as the specifics of management companies functioning, ownership structure and geographical localization of resident enterprises, the level of integration of scientific and educational organizations. It determines the results of technoparks activity in the context of long-term effects for the innovation development at regional level. The findings indicate insufficient elaboration of approaches to support collaborative activities between residents, which is an important condition for effective innovation exchange. The results of the study can be used in the development and adjustment of government programs to support the innovation sector.

The Viability of Establishing a Knowledge, Innovation, Science, and Technology (KIST) Park in Isabela State University Echague Campus Philippines

The spread out of the Special Economic Zone among universities will help elevate the level of knowledge among the students and imbibe employment opportunities. The top KIST component will be Entrepreneurial business with a 21.67% turnout, followed by the Information technology and BPO building which gathered 13.33% in consonance with the ISU Echague planning department to build Medical Hub as a part of its major component with telehealth online medical care. Hence, 11.67 % of business management concluded top 3 on its priority and lastly on agriculture from which the ISU Echague is known for its specialty and it shows the viability and acceptability of the respondents to cater to Agriculture and education with 10% of respondents agreeing. All of these major components are established with proper infrastructure to cater to both national and global economies integrated with sustainable development. It is recommended that all development shall not exceed its carrying capacity.

Environmental innovation subjects: current legal challenges

Problem setting. Environmental innovation is a key element of a sustainable development strategy aimed at reducing the negative impact of human activity on the environment. They consist in the implementation of new technologies, processes, products or services that have a lower negative impact on nature compared to traditional solutions. A central aspect of environmental innovations is the participation of entities that contribute to their development and implementation. In all industrialized countries, innovation is one of the priority directions in government policy, because it is the basis of national independence and economic development. The state creates favorable conditions for innovative activity, forming uniform civilized rules and mechanisms that determine the development of all subjects of the innovation sphere. Analysis of recent researches and publications. In particular, in this area there were publications of legal scholars: G.V. Anisimova, V.L. Bredikhina, M.V. Krasnova, Yu. Yu. Bakai, D.V. Zadikhailo and others. Purpose of research consists in determining and making proposals to the current legislation in a certain topic. Article’s main body. The subjects of the modern market of ecological innovations are the state, enterprises, organizations, institutions, universities, foundations, natural persons (scientists and specialists), who ensure the processes of generation and distribution of ecological innovations Organizational and legal forms of innovative activity in the environmental sphere are technoparks, technopolises, business incubators, innovation centers, venture firms, consulting and analytical firms. Conclusions and prospects for development. Technoparks, in today’s world, the latter play a significant role in promoting the direct development of environmental innovations. Their existence is based on the creation of a favorable environment for interaction between scientific institutions, business and authorities with the aim of joint creation and implementation of new technologies of environmental direction. Science parks should contribute to the support of startups, the direction of which is primarily the development and implementation of environmental technologies, including the development of efficient renewable energy sources, waste-free / low-waste materials and other products aimed at reducing the negative impact on the environment. Clusters, in turn, facilitate the concentration of enterprises operating in similar or complementary segments of the economy, thereby allowing them to jointly develop and implement environmental innovations through the exchange of knowledge and resources. Innovative business incubators have the opportunity to provide startups with financial support. It is about receiving grants, investments, etc. Such financial support will allow startups to work on their ideas, develop products and introduce them to the market. Second, business incubators can provide expert support. For example, business consulting, technical advice, marketing or product development support. Experts at the incubator guide startups through the various stages of development, from ideation to commercialization, helping them avoid common mistakes and use best practices.Industrial parks act also as one of the subjects of ecological innovation relations due to their ability to unite production enterprises in order to jointly implement ecological technologies and practices. They can be involved in the implementation of energyefficient technologies, renewable energy, the development and implementation of efficient use of water resources, as well as waste management. Industrial parks can create favorable conditions for cooperation between enterprises in the field of environmental research and development, as well as promote the exchange of knowledge and experience in this area. Thus, the main goal common to all these subjects is to promote the development and implementation of environmentally friendly technologies with the aim of preserving the environment, as well as ensuring sustainable development.

An Urban Renewal Design Method Based on Carbon Emissions and Carbon Sink Calculations: A Case Study on an Environmental Improvement Project in the Suzhou Industrial Investment Science and Technology Park

In the process of urban renewal, the high carbon emissions caused by pollution from construction waste and the consumption of materials and energy via “demolition and construction” present significant problems. Calculating carbon emissions and sinks is a prerequisite to carving out a low-carbon path via urban renewal. In this paper, we take an environmental improvement project in the Suzhou Industrial Investment Science and Technology Park as an example. Under the framework of the entire life cycle, we define the “renewal phase”, which includes “demolition” and “construction”, as the calculation boundary, and use the emission coefficient method as the primary calculation approach to assess carbon emissions and sinks. We construct a design-oriented carbon revenue and expenditure estimation system based on the BIM model. After its application in empirical cases, the results show the following: ① The building carbon emissions of Scheme A are 342 t higher than those of Scheme B, due to the fact that the “demolition and construction” works in the former increased by 6000 m2 compared to the latter. ② The landscape carbon emissions of Scheme B are 269 t higher than those of Scheme A, due to the addition of a 2500 m2 reinforced concrete overhead walking platform. ③ The annual carbon sink of Scheme A is six times higher than that of Scheme B, due to the fact that the number of trees and shrubs in the former is five-to-six times greater than in the latter. The number of trees planted plays a decisive role in enhancing the carbon sink benefit. ④ In the year during which the renewal project was implemented, the difference in carbon emissions between Scheme A and Scheme B was 72.9 t. By the 16th year, the difference in carbon emissions between the two schemes approached zero, and the carbon reduction advantages of Scheme A became more pronounced over the entire life cycle thereafter. Finally, this article summarizes four low-carbon design strategies for industrial park renewal projects: rational construction and demolition, three-dimensional parking, low-carbon materials, and plant carbon sequestration. In the context of inventory renewal, this article makes a significant contribution in terms of carbon footprint control and the “dual-carbon” goal.

Combining Precision Boosting with LP Iterative Refinement for Exact Linear Optimization

This article studies a combination of the two state-of-the-art algorithms for the exact solution of linear programs (LPs) over the rational numbers in practice, that is, without any roundoff errors or numerical tolerances. By integrating the method of precision boosting inside an LP iterative refinement loop, the combined algorithm is able to leverage the strengths of both methods: the speed of LP iterative refinement, in particular, in the majority of cases when a double-precision floating-point solver is able to compute approximate solutions with small errors, and the robustness of precision boosting whenever extended levels of precision become necessary. We compare the practical performance of the resulting algorithm with both pure methods on a large set of LPs and mixed-integer programs (MIPs). The results show that the combined algorithm solves more instances than a pure LP iterative refinement approach while being faster than pure precision boosting. When embedded in an exact branch-and-cut framework for MIPs, the combined algorithm is able to reduce the number of failed calls to the exact LP solver to zero while maintaining the speed of the pure LP iterative refinement approach. History: Accepted by Antonio Frangioni, Area Editor for Design and Analysis of Algorithms: Continuous. Funding: The work for this article has been conducted within the Research Campus Modal funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) [Grants 05M14ZAM and 05M20ZBM].

Reviewing the development of science parks and their impact on the economy in the context of globalisation

Reviewing the development of science parks and their impact on the economy in the context of globalisation

THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES IN ENSURING TECHNOLOGICAL INDEPENDENCE IN INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT

The presented scientific article analyzes the role of universities in ensuring technological independence in the context of innovative development. The current trends and key mechanisms by which universities influence the achievement of technological independence of the state are considered, as well as the prospects for the development of this area are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the importance of cooperation between universities and the business community, including active partnerships with industrial enterprises and innovative start-ups. The study also examines educational programs and technological transfers, which are valuable tools for the formation of innovations that contribute to improving the competitiveness of the national economy. The analysis reflects the active role of universities in developing innovative solutions, converting knowledge into successful commercial products and encouraging technological development of the country. Also, within the framework of this study, the importance of developing innovation clusters and technology parks is considered, which contribute to the convergence of science, business and production, and the creation of a favorable ecosystem for innovation. The role of state support for innovative projects and scientific research carried out by universities, financing mechanisms for innovative research and development are considered. The research is an analysis of the current state and prospects for the development of interaction between the academic sphere, business and the state in order to increase technological independence, strengthen innovation and stimulate sustainable economic growth. The results of this study provide material for the development of possible partnership strategies between universities, the business community and the state aimed at ensuring technological independence and sustainable development of the national innovation system, including in order to ensure technological independence and sustainable development of the national innovation system.

The relationships between the campus built environment and walking activity

Despite the gradual development of students’ sedentary habits and associated health problems, only a few studies have extensively and systematically measured campus built environments (CBE) and their impact on street walking activity. This study explores the association between CBEs and pedestrian volume (PV). Comprehensive questionnaires, field audits, and GIS were used to measure the CBE variables and PV of 892 street segments on eight Chinese campuses in Tianjin. We used negative binomial regression models without spatial autocorrelations to investigate the relationship between the CBEs and PV. The findings indicated that campus Walk Score, facility and residential land ratio, campus design qualities, sidewalk conditions, street amenities, and other streetscape features were positively associated with PV. This study presents implications for campus research and planning practices in designing a pedestrian-friendly, sustainable, and healthy campus.

Risk Assessment of Obesity among Occupational Groups in Hsinchu Science Park: A Pooled Cross-Sectional Study

<p>目的：肥胖是許多慢性疾病的重要危險因子，其盛行率與職業模式有關。新竹科學園區（以下簡稱竹科）的勞動人口主要從事高科技產業。本研究探討竹科工作人口的肥胖率，以及職業等因素與肥胖之間的相關性，希望能為臺灣不斷增長的高科技產業員工提供健康的建議。</p> <p>方法：此混合橫斷研究的資料，取自於2017至2020年期間國立臺灣大學醫學院附設醫院新竹臺大分院新竹醫院健康管理中心的健康檢查資料庫，分析對象是竹科的工作者。肥胖率以身體質量指數(body mass index, BMI)和腰圍為測量標準。評估也納入了體脂率。我們的主要研究指標為肥胖盛行率，將其與國民營養健康調查2017至2020年的數據進行比較。我們亦探討不同性別、年齡或職業等因素對竹科肥胖率的影響。</p> <p>結果：本研究共有3,202名竹科工作者納入分析。以BMI評估，過重（27＞BMI ≧24）和肥胖（BMI ≧27）的盛行率分別為25.9%和17.2%。根據腰圍評估，肥胖率（男性 ≧90公分，女性 ≧80公分）為29.3%。與國民營養健康調查相應年齡之一般臺灣人口相比，竹科工作者在19-44歲人口中的肥胖率較低，在45-64歲人口中男性腰圍肥胖率較低。對於肥胖的相關因素，職業別為技術人員（BMI odds ratio (OR)=2.24 (1.27-3.93)；腰圍OR=1.73 (1.05-2.86)）和年齡增加（BMI OR=1.03 (1.01-1.04)；腰圍 OR=1.04 (1.03-1.05)）對肥胖的風險較高。</p> <p>結論：竹科工作者的肥胖率低於臺灣一般人口。健康工作者效應、社經地位與健康識能等的影響不能被排除。鑒於技術人員與較高年齡者在肥胖方面的風險較高，家庭醫師面對科學園區工作者時，針對健康促進計畫應給予個人化之健康指導。</p> <p> </p><p>Aims: Obesity is a significant risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, and its prevalence is related to occupational patterns. The working population in the Hsinchu Science Park (HSP) is mainly engaged in high-tech industries. This study explores the prevalence of the obesity in the HSP working population and the correlation between obesity and its contributing factors such as occupation, aiming to provide the increasing number of employees in Taiwan’s high-tech industries with key health recommendations. </p> <p> Methods: Data of the pooled cross-sectional study was acquired from the 2017-2020 Health Management Center database at National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, and the participants examined were HSP workers. The prevalence of obesity was measured by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with body fat percentage also incorporated into the assessment. The main outcome of interest was the prevalence of obesity. We compared the population with the data from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) during 2017-2020. We also analyzed the association of obesity with the different factors including sex, age, occupation, etc. </p> <p> Results: There were 3,202 HSP workers included. As measured by BMI, the prevalence of overweight 27＞BMI≧24 and obesity (BMI≧27) read respectively 25.9% and 17.2%. When measured by WC, the prevalence of obesity (WC≧90 cm for males, ≧80 cm for females) was 29.3%. Compared to their counterparts in NAHSIT, HSP workers aged 19-44 years reported a lower prevalence of obesity. For male HSP workers aged 45-64 years, the prevalence of obesity was also lower. Occupation as technicians (BMI OR=2.24 (1.27-3.93); WC OR=1.73 (1.05-2.86)) and older age (BMI OR=1.03 (1.01-1.04); WC OR=1.04 (1.03-1.05)) were identified as factors associated with a higher risk for obesity. </p> <p> Conclusion: Obesity is less prevalent in HSP workers than in the general population of Taiwan. The healthy worker effect and the influence of socioeconomic status cannot be excluded. In light of their higher risk for obesity, technicians and older workers deserve additional health management measures.</p> <p> </p>

A deep learning model for personalized intra-arterial therapy planning in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter retrospective study

Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (uHCC) poses a substantial global health challenge, demanding innovative prognostic and therapeutic planning tools for improved patient management. The predominant treatment strategies include Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC). Between January 2014 and November 2021, a total of 1725 uHCC patients [mean age, 52.8±11.5 years; 1529 males] received preoperative CECT scans and were eligible for TACE or HAIC. Patients were assigned to one of the four cohorts according to their treatment, four transformer models (SELECTION) were trained and validated on each cohort; AUC was used to determine the prognostic performance of the trained models. Patients were stratified into high and low-risk groups based on the survival scores computed by SELECTION. The proposed AI-based treatment decision model (ATOM) utilizes survival scores to further inform final therapeutic recommendation. In this study, the training and validation sets included 1448 patients, with an additional 277 patients allocated to the external validation sets. The SELECTION model outperformed both clinical models and the ResNet approach in terms of AUC. Specifically, SELECTION-TACE and SELECTION-HAIC achieved AUCs of 0.761 (95% CI, 0.693-0.820) and 0.805 (95% CI, 0.707-0.881) respectively, in predicting ORR in their external validation cohorts. In predicting OS, SELECTION-TC and SELECTION-HC demonstrated AUCs of 0.736 (95% CI, 0.608-0.841) and 0.748 (95% CI, 0.599-0.865) respectively, in their external validation sets. SELECTION-derived survival scores effectively stratified patients into high and low-risk groups, showing significant differences in survival probabilities (P<0.05 across all four cohorts). Additionally, the concordance between ATOM and clinician recommendations was associated with significantly higher response/survival rates in cases of agreement, particularly within the TACE, HAIC, and TC cohorts in the external validation sets (P<0.05). ATOM was proposed based on SELECTION-derived survival scores, emerges as a promising tool to inform the selection among different intra-arterial interventional therapy techniques. This study received funding from the Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation, China (Z190024); the Key Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, China (81930119); The Science and Technology Planning Program of Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission and Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park, China (Z231100004823012); Tsinghua University Initiative Scientific Research Program of Precision Medicine, China (10001020108); and Institute for Intelligent Healthcare, Tsinghua University, China (041531001).