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IAEA study finds benefits of AI-based contouring for cancer patients

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

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IAEA study finds benefits of AI-based contouring for cancer patients

An IAEA coordinated research project has demonstrated how AI can expand access to radiotherapy worldwide.

December 19, 2025

Peter Lee, IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications

Lisbeth Cordero Mendes, IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications

A radiation oncologist contours a patient's head and neck tumors. Photo: G. Ferraris

A 23-country study demonstrates the safety and benefits of using artificial intelligence in a key and often most labor-intensive step of the cancer treatment process: mapping organs at risk. By adding unique data from low- and middle-income countries to the growing body of scientific evidence, the IAEA Coordinated Research Project (ELAISA study) shows how this technology can expand access to radiotherapy worldwide.

Contouring tumors and surrounding healthy tissue (organs at risk) is essential for the optimal, safe, and effective use of radiation therapy for cancer treatment. However, differences in how different specialists perform contouring (i.e., interobserver variability) can impact both the accuracy and consistency of radiation therapy planning. Previous studies have suggested that instructor-led training workshops can reduce interobserver variability.

Nearly half of cancer patients require radiation therapy at some point, yet access to this type of treatment is underutilized worldwide, in part due to a shortage of clinically trained specialists. According to Lancet Oncology Commission on Radiation Therapy and Theranostics, led by the IAEA, more than 84,000 radiation oncologists will be needed to meet the global demand for cancer treatment, which will be 35.2 million new cases by 2050. “This figure includes an increase of more than 60% in the number of radiation oncologists in 2022,” says the director of IAEA Division of Human Health and commission co-chair May Abdel-Wahab. "As cancer incidence and treatment complexity increase, radiation oncologists will have to dedicate even more time to delineating cancerous tissue and surrounding healthy tissue in settings where their capabilities are already limited."

AI is being considered as an adjunct in the treatment of head and neck cancer

To address these challenges in radiation oncology, the IAEA has explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can assist in head and neck cancer delineation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

AI-based algorithms have shown promising results in automatic structure delineation (autosegmentation), but this has primarily been observed in retrospective studies. Until recently, the actual clinical benefit in the context of LMICs and in terms of interobserver variability remained largely unexplored.

"Using AI to assist with contouring could be an important tool to improve the efficiency of radiation oncologists," Abdel-Wahab notes.

With the participation of radiation oncologists from 22 countries

The IAEA study involved approximately 100 radiation oncologists from 22 different radiotherapy centres in Azerbaijan, Albania, Argentina, Bangladesh, Belarus, Costa Rica, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, North Macedonia, Sudan, Tunisia and Uganda, while Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark provided data on 16 head and neck cancer cases.

During the study, radiation oncologists were randomly divided into two groups: one group used AI to delineate organs at risk, while the other used manual methods. Following an IAEA online workshop on AI-assisted delineation, both groups continued tumor delineation, first using their original approach and then using AI. Six months later, the final phase of the study, using AI, took place.

Improving the quality of contouring using AI

Results from the IAEA Coordinated Research Project demonstrated that AI can not only improve the quality of contouring by significantly reducing interobserver variability, but also reduce the time it takes to complete the contouring process, even without prior instruction. Instruction only improved the quality of contouring for two at-risk organs, but it significantly enhanced the time savings associated with AI-based contouring. This effect was also observed over time during short- and long-term studies of the instructor-led workshop.

“ELAISA study "This study shows that training combined with AI-assisted contouring was the most effective strategy for reducing the time it takes to contour," explains Jesper Grau Eriksen, Professor of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University and one of the lead researchers on the project. "When used appropriately, the safe implementation of AI-based contouring tools could save resources and enable more radiation oncologists, particularly those in LMIC settings, to care for even more patients."

The results of the study were published in the journal "Global Oncology" and presented at annual meetings European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology.

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Russia is ready to immediately cease hostilities if security conditions are met, says Vladimir Putin.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, December 19 (Xinhua) – Russia is ready to immediately cease hostilities if Moscow's conditions for security guarantees are met. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated this on Friday during a direct line-up and press conference.

"We are ready to cease these military actions immediately, while ensuring Russia's security in the medium and long term," Vladimir Putin emphasized.

The Russian President stated that Western politicians continue to escalate tensions by talking about preparing for war with Russia. "Western politicians created the current situation with their own hands and continue to escalate tensions, constantly talking about preparing for war with Russia," he said.

The Russian leader noted that there would be no new special military operations if the West respected Russia. "You said there would be new special military operations? There won't be any operations if you respect us. You'll respect our interests just as we've always tried to respect yours," Putin added.

According to him, Russia was promised that NATO would not expand eastward, but Russia's security interests were ignored. "They said NATO would not move eastward even one inch—that's a direct quote. So what? As they say, they screwed us over, they disregarded our security interests," Putin said.

At the same time, the president indicated that Russia is ready to work with Great Britain, Europe, and the United States, but on an equal footing, with respect for each other. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The launch of the fourth season of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science's "Russian Civil Service Intern" project has been announced.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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Russian citizens aged 18 to 35 are invited to participate in the Russian Ministry of Education and Science's "Russian Civil Service Intern" project. "Russian Civil Service Intern" aims to expand the horizons of professional mobility and enhance the role of internships as a tool for early entry of young professionals into the public administration system.

The project's main goal is to provide young professionals with the opportunity to complete a paid internship at a federal agency and receive a job offer.

All project winners will complete the "Public and Municipal Administration in Science and Higher Education" program. As part of their training, interns will prepare and present a study on improving the work of a department within the ministry. This study will be included in the intern's portfolio and will be considered by the Ministry's department.

Given that a significant portion of government tasks are implemented at the intersection of science, higher education, human resources policy, and social agendas, this season will see the formation of interdisciplinary teams of interns. This format will allow interns to comprehensively develop project solutions that span the competencies of several agencies and enhance the practical value of their proposals for the public administration system.

Before being accepted for the internship, candidates must complete several online selection stages and participate in a team business game. Based on the results of all competitive processes and the participant's overall rating score, the organizers will select 30 project winners. They will complete an internship in one of 22 departments of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, and some of the winners will be assigned to a specialized track—another innovation the organizers will announce this year. Additionally, the winners will receive a stipend of 30,000 rubles per month and accommodation for the duration of their internship. The work schedule is structured so that interns work at the Ministry from Monday to Thursday, and on Fridays they participate in external acceleration, cultural, and patriotic events.

You can submit an application for participation until January 31, 2026 inclusive.official portal of the project.

The results of the program will be summarized and the list of winners will be compiled at the end of March 2026.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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China has issued a stern warning to the United States regarding its arms sales plan to Taiwan.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) — China has made stern representations to the United States over its large-scale arms sales plan to the Chinese region of Taiwan, Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said Friday.

Journalists asked him to comment on the US military's announced plan to sell weapons to Taiwan worth more than $11.1 billion.

This move by the American side seriously violates the one-China principle and the three joint Sino-American communiqués, and undermines China's sovereignty and security interests, Jiang Bin emphasized.

The decision also seriously undermines strategic mutual trust between the two countries and sends a very wrong signal to separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence," the official said, adding that the Chinese side is deeply outraged by the arms sale plan and firmly opposes it.

The forces seeking "Taiwan independence" have squandered the hard-earned money of ordinary Taiwanese residents to fatten American arms dealers. However, their attempts to achieve "Taiwan independence" by force will lead to nothing but their own destruction, Jiang Bin noted.

Jiang Bin also warned the American side that condoning and supporting Taiwanese separatists would only invite disaster. He also called on the US to duly fulfill its promise not to support "Taiwan independence" and to immediately cease arms sales to the island.

The PLA will continue to strengthen its military training and combat readiness, and take decisive measures to protect the country's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Jiang Bin emphasized. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Senior Chinese officials swore allegiance to the Constitution of the People's Republic of China.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) — Forty-seven senior officials from 35 departments and institutions under the State Council of China took an oath of allegiance to the Constitution in a ceremony on Friday.

These officials were recently appointed to their current positions.

The ceremony was presided over by Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, who called on officials to maintain a high degree of unity with the CPC Central Committee in thinking, political stance and actions, and to practically implement the plans and orders issued by the CPC Central Committee, adhering to higher standards.

The head of the Chinese government also called on them to firmly establish and put into practice the correct approach to evaluating achievements, focus on high-quality development, enhance the ability to cope with changes and overcome difficulties, and strengthen the innovative consciousness.

It is necessary to maintain an incorruptible political image, uphold the authority of the Constitution, and adhere to governance in accordance with the law, Li Qiang added. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Russia does not consider itself responsible for the deaths in the Ukrainian conflict, since Moscow did not start this war – Vladimir Putin

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, December 19 (Xinhua) — Russia does not consider itself responsible for the deaths during the special military operation, as it did not start the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated this on the program "Itogi Goda" (Year Results), answering a question from an NBC journalist about whether Moscow would consider itself responsible for the deaths of Ukrainians and Russians during the conflict in 2026 if it rejects US President Donald Trump's peace plan.

“We do not consider ourselves responsible for the deaths of people, because we did not start this war,” said Vladimir Putin.

The Russian President recalled that this “war was launched after the coup d’état in Ukraine, the unconstitutional armed coup in 2014, and then the start of military action by the leaders of the Kyiv regime against their own citizens in southeastern Ukraine.”

According to Vladimir Putin, Russia practically agreed with US President Donald Trump's proposals at the meeting in Alaska, so it cannot be said that Moscow is rejecting anything.

"At preliminary meetings in Moscow, we were presented with proposals, and we were asked to make certain compromises. When I arrived in Anchorage, I said that these would not be easy decisions for us, but we agreed to the compromises being proposed," the Russian leader emphasized.

"Furthermore, at our meeting with President Trump in Anchorage, we agreed and practically agreed with President Trump's proposals. Therefore, to say that we reject anything is absolutely incorrect and has no basis," Putin emphasized.

"The ball is entirely in the court of our Western opponents, so to speak, primarily the leaders of the Kyiv regime and their, in this case, primarily European sponsors. We are ready for both negotiations and for ending the conflict peacefully," the Russian president concluded.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Russian-Chinese relations are a significant factor in global stability, says Vladimir Putin.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, December 19 (Xinhua) — Russian-Chinese relations are a significant factor in global stability and international stability. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated this Friday during the "Year in Review" conference, answering questions from a Xinhua correspondent.

As Vladimir Putin noted, relations between Russia and China are developing consistently in a wide range of areas, with trade turnover between the two countries reaching approximately 250 billion US dollars.

It is important that relations between the two countries are actively developing and moving into the high-tech sphere, believes Vladimir Putin.

"What particularly pleases me is the development of high-tech manufacturing, science, education, humanitarian ties, and space exploration. We are cooperating, and this is an indicator of the trust between our countries and the level of that trust," the Russian leader stated.

The Russian President noted the fact that Russia and China regularly interact in the military sphere.

"We regularly interact in the military sphere, conducting joint exercises, strategic aviation patrols, at sea, and with the participation of ground forces," the Russian leader said.

“All of this suggests that our relations, as I have said many times and want to emphasize again, Russian-Chinese relations are a significant factor in stability in the world and on the international stage,” said Vladimir Putin.

"Our foreign ministries are in constant contact and coordinate our agendas. I hope that in this spirit, we will develop relations with our Chinese friends in the near and distant future," he added.

Vladimir Putin stated that he regards Chinese President Xi Jinping as a reliable friend and stable partner of the Russian Federation, emphasizing that “this is the most important foundation for the development of our Russian-Chinese relations.” –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Russia opposes the deployment of weapons in space – Vladimir Putin

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, December 19 (Xinhua) – Russia opposes the deployment of weapons in outer space. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated this while answering a journalist's question about the space body, which has been under discussion in recent days.

"This is our secret weapon; we will use it only in the most extreme cases. But seriously, we are against placing weapons in space at all. And there is no threat in this case," Vladimir Putin said during a live Q&A session combined with a press conference.

The Russian President explained that the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS under discussion is not an artificial object and does not pose a danger to the planet.

According to him, scientists are monitoring the comet and understand the nature of the processes taking place, so there is no cause for alarm.

The program "Year in Review with Vladimir Putin," which combines the head of state's major press conference and a live Q&A session, began airing live on Friday.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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China's Ministry of Commerce: China will review anti-dumping measures against EPDM imports from the US, Kazakhstan, and the EU.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) — China's Ministry of Commerce on Friday formally notified its decision to launch a review procedure from Dec. 20 on the anti-dumping measures imposed on imports of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) from the United States, the Republic of Korea and the European Union due to their expiration.

The decision followed a petition filed in October by two Chinese companies on behalf of the domestic industry, according to a statement from the department.

The complainants expressed concerns that the lifting of anti-dumping measures could lead to the continuation or resumption of dumping to the detriment of the Chinese industry.

The anti-dumping review process is scheduled to be completed by December 20, 2026. During this time, anti-dumping duties on EPDM imports from the United States, Kazakhstan, and the EU will remain in effect at the levels established by the Ministry of Commerce's 2020 notification.

At the same time, the ministry announced that anti-dumping measures against EPDM imports from the UK would cease to apply on December 20, 2025. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Nine people were injured in the attack in Taipei, four of whom are in critical condition, according to local media.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Xinhua | December 19, 2025

Keywords: China

Source: Xinhua

Nine people were injured in an attack in Taipei, four of whom are in critical condition, local media reported.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.