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Beyond Comparing Machine Learning and Logistic Regression in Clinical Prediction Modelling: Shifting from Model Debate to Data Quality.
No full textThe rapid uptake of supervised machine learning (ML) in clinical prediction modelling, particularly for binary outcomes based on tabular data, has sparked debate about its comparative advantage over traditional statistical logistic regression. Although ML has demonstrated superiority in unstructured data domains, its performance gains in structured, tabular clinical datasets remain inconsistent and context dependent. This viewpoint synthesizes recent comparative studies and simulation findings to argue that there is no universal best modelling approach. Model performance depends heavily on dataset characteristics (eg, linearity, sample size, number of candidate predictors, minority class proportion) and data quality (eg, completeness, accuracy). Consequently, we argue that efforts to improve data quality, not model complexity, are more likely to enhance the reliability and real-world utility of clinical prediction models
Efficient Formal Verification of Quantum Error Correcting Programs
Get PDFQuantum error correction (QEC) is fundamental for suppressing noise in quantum hardware and enabling fault-tolerant quantum computation. In this paper, we propose an efficient verification framework for QEC programs. We define an assertion logic and a program logic specifically crafted for QEC programs and establish a sound proof system. We then develop an efficient method for handling verification conditions (VCs) of QEC programs: for Pauli errors, the VCs are reduced to classical assertions that can be solved by SMT solvers, and for non-Pauli errors, we provide a heuristic algorithm. We formalize the proposed program logic in Coq proof assistant, making it a verified QEC verifier. Additionally, we implement an automated QEC verifier, Veri-QEC, for verifying various fault-tolerant scenarios. We demonstrate the efficiency and broad functionality of the framework by performing different verification tasks across various scenarios. Finally, we present a benchmark of 14 verified stabilizer codes
Preliminary study on water transport in low-carbon cementitious materials
No full textLower-carbon concretes have cement-based binders partially substituted with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), which reduce embodied carbon. However, this substitution also increases susceptibility to carbonation and potentially for carbonation-induced corrosion. The transport properties of the binder play a crucial role in understanding these risks. Understanding these properties is already complex in plain cement systems, and the challenge is further amplified when cement is partially replaced with SCMs. This study uses neutron radiography to investigate water transport properties in low-carbon cementitious materials by capillary action. The technique allows for visualization of the changes in the water content, enabling estimation of the water transport rate through cement paste and SCM-blended binders. The findings show marked differences in water transport rates between pastes and mortars with and without SCMs, as well as between carbonated and non-carbonated samples. Considering that corrosion propagation in carbonated concrete depends on its transport properties, these observations provide insights into the potential durability characteristics
Current Landscape of Novel Therapeutic Agents and Drug Targets in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
No full textIrritable bowel disease or syndrome (IBD/IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal tract problem affecting approximately 4% of the total population of the world. Choosing effective pharmacological treatments for IBS is still challenging due to the existence of a heterogeneous type of patient population, diverse expectations, limited availability of effective drugs, and incompletely understood pathophysiology of the disease. Recent advancements in pharmacological research have increasingly focused on neurotransmitter dysfunctions, particularly targeting serotonin and GABA pathways. Therapeutic approaches include the use of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and 5-HT4 receptor agonists to regulate gastrointestinal motility and sensitivity. Meanwhile, GABA-analogous medications remain underutilized despite their potential to alleviate visceral pain. This study briefly overviews IBS, highlighting its symptoms, potential causes, and chronic nature. Despite its significant societal burden, IBS often lacks attention, necessitating further research to understand its actual costs. The significance of identifying novel therapeutic agents and drug targets in IBS is underscored, offering improved treatment efficacy, reduced side effects, and the potential for personalized medicine. This article aims to explore neuro-immune interactions, evaluate new treatments, and enhance the understanding of IBS to improve treatment outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of identifying innovative therapeutic approaches and drug targets
Beyond the podium: A Delphi approach aimed at empowering coaches with practical strategies to identify and support athlete mental health.
No full textThis study aimed to establish expert consensus on approaches to assist coaches in both identifying mental health symptoms and facilitating appropriate referral of athletes to mental health professionals. A modified Delphi approach was adopted using three rounds of expert consultation through individual and anonymous survey responses, thereby reducing potential influences or biases from group opinions. An interdisciplinary expert panel of coaches (n = 15), athletes (n = 9), psychologists (n = 16), and performance support staff (n = 26) was recruited through Australian sports networks, inclusive of sport science, medicine, and coaching to participate. Iterative surveys involved open-ended and multiple-choice questions (Survey 1), as well as statement agreement ratings (Surveys 2 and 3). The threshold for agreement was set at 80%. Fifty-three items achieved consensus across four main domains, including the coach role and responsibilities, the referral process, athlete mental health plans, and mental health training and upskilling. Consensus outcomes highlighted the nuanced and dynamic approach required to effectively support athlete mental health. The strategies and guiding principles outlined can be used to inform the development of resources that can build the confidence, skills, and knowledge of coaches in identifying, supporting, and referring athletes who require mental health assistance
Data-Driven Power Flow Estimation for MVDC Distribution Systems Based on Physics-Embedded FCN
No full textMaintaining high prediction accuracy with varying grid topologies poses a significant challenge to adopting neural network (NN)-based approaches for power flow (PF) estimation in medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) distribution systems. This paper proposes a physics-embedded fully convolutional network (PEFCN) to improve the accuracy. Physics-embedded techniques are incorporated in the proposed PEFCN through 1) architecture reconstruction, and 2) loss function reformulation. Architecture is reconstructed by input channel conversion calculation in a new physics operation layer. This process offers physical connections among the three input matrix channels (voltage, current, and line conductance). Three new physics loss terms are included in the loss function to restrict the outliers violating the limits of converter power ratings and terminal MVDC voltages. The two operations enable the FCN to achieve improved prediction accuracy and strong generalization capabilities. Five MVDC distribution systems, characterized by different dc voltage levels and topology configurations, serve to validate the superiority of the proposed PEFCN over other NNs in the PF estimation for scenarios involving both fixed and varying system structures. Moreover, a modified IEEE 69-bus distribution system is further used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed PEFCN for larger systems
Energy System Optimisation for a Magnetite Iron Ore Processing Plant in Midwest Australia
No full textThis study investigates the design and optimisation of a hybrid microgrid system to power a 70 MW magnetite iron ore processing plant in Midwest, Western Australia. Integrating solar PV, wind turbines, advanced storage solutions, and diesel generators, the system leverages the region’s abundant renewable resources to achieve economic, environmental, and operational benefits. Using the Hybrid Optimisation of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software, the optimised configuration reduces annual operating costs by 0.345/kWh, compared to $0.409/kWh in the diesel-only base case. These findings demonstrate the potential of hybrid microgrid systems to support sustainable industrial operations while aligning with national decarbonisation goals and advancing environmental stewardship
The role of exercise in the prevention of cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: systematic review.
No full textAIMS: Breast cancer (BC) patients undergoing chemotherapy are at risk of developing cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). Exercise has been proposed to prevent CTRCD; however, its effectiveness remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to establish the effect of exercise on global longitudinal strain (GLS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in BC patients undergoing chemotherapy, to determine if exercise can prevent the development of CTRCD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four databases (Medline, Scopus, eMbase, SPORTDiscus) were searched. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they measured GLS or LVEF prior to and following an exercise intervention of any length in BC patients undergoing chemotherapy and were published in English from 2000 onwards. Risk of bias was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 tool. Of the 398 studies screened, eight were eligible. Changes were similar in exercising (EX) and non-exercising (CON) groups for GLS (EX: pre: -19.6 ± 0.4, post: -20.1 ± 1.0, CON: pre: -20.0 ± 0.4, post: -20.1 ± 1) and LVEF (EX: pre: 58.5 ± 4.1%, post: 58.6 ± 2%, CON: pre: 56.6 ± 4.2%, post: 55.6 ± 4.6%). Exercise maintained or improved peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) during chemotherapy, while declines were observed in non-exercising groups. The included studies were limited by methodological deficiencies. CONCLUSION: The ability of exercise to prevent CTRCD is unclear. However, exercise positively impacts cardiorespiratory fitness in BC patients undergoing chemotherapy. Future research must address the methodological limitations of current research to understand the true effect of exercise in the prevention of CTRCD
Cross-level environmental influences on social connection among older Australians: a social-ecological analysis
Get PDFAbstract Persistent concerns about loneliness and social isolation in later life have prompted increasing attention to the social and environmental factors that enable or constrain connection. Yet, while previous research has identified community and societal determinants of social connection, little is known about how these factors interact dynamically with individual and interpersonal circumstances to shape older adults’ lived connection experiences. This study addresses this knowledge gap by examining how older Australians perceive and experience environmental influences on their social connectedness, and how factors across multiple ecological levels work together to create or hinder opportunities for connection. Four focus groups were conducted with 15 participants, aged 60 years and over, from metropolitan and regional areas in New South Wales, Australia, to explore how participants described the role of different factors in their connection experiences. Participants identified a range of influences across individual, interpersonal, community and societal levels, including meaningful roles, community spaces, local businesses and transport accessibility. Three patterns of cross-level interaction were revealed: the interplay between personality and community infrastructure; the multi-level role of digital technology; and the cascading influence of policy frameworks shaping community participation opportunities. By uncovering how factors interact dynamically across social-ecological levels, this study advances understanding of the contexts that foster or constrain social connection in later life. The findings contribute to ongoing debates in social gerontology by demonstrating that loneliness and social isolation are best addressed through coordinated, multi-level interventions that align individual, community and policy environments to promote healthy ageing in place
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