Multimodal Deep Learning for Scientific Imaging Interpretation

In the domain of scientific imaging, interpreting visual data often demands an intricate combination of human expertise and deep comprehension of the subject materials. This study presents a novel methodology to linguistically emulate and subsequently evaluate human-like interactions with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images, specifically of glass materials. Leveraging a multimodal deep learning framework, our approach distills insights from both textual and visual data harvested from peer-reviewed articles, further augmented by the capabilities of GPT-4 for refined data synthesis and evaluation. Despite inherent challenges--such as nuanced interpretations and the limited availability of specialized datasets--our model (GlassLLaVA) excels in crafting accurate interpretations, identifying key features, and detecting defects in previously unseen SEM images. Moreover, we introduce versatile evaluation metrics, suitable for an array of scientific imaging applications, which allows for benchmarking against research-grounded answers. Benefiting from the robustness of contemporary Large Language Models, our model adeptly aligns with insights from research papers. This advancement not only underscores considerable progress in bridging the gap between human and machine interpretation in scientific imaging, but also hints at expansive avenues for future research and broader application

A population-based study of 15,000 people on Knowledge and awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors in Saudi Arabia

Background: Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases. Method: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer. Results: Majority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor’s degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms

A population-based study of 15,000 people on Knowledge and awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors in Saudi Arabia

Background: Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases. Method: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer. Results: Majority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor’s degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms

Comparative Kinetic Analysis and Process Optimization for the Production of Dimethyl Ether via Methanol Dehydration over a γ-Alumina Catalyst

Various kinetic models of methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether over a commercial γ-alumina catalyst were compared with a view to selecting the most appropriate model as a basis for process optimization. To achieve significant improvements in the conventional design, the Berčič-and-Levec kinetic model was employed and process intensification was applied to develop a more energy-efficient process, by enhancing the adiabatic reactor performance and maximizing the heat recovery from the highly exothermic reactor. The single-pass conversion of methanol was increased to 83 %, with an inlet temperature of 217 °C to the adiabatic reactor. Application of process intensification resulted in an improved flowsheet, which reduced the total energy requirements by 59.3 % and cut the CO2 emissions by 60.8 %

An Intensified Green Process for the Coproduction of DMC and DMO by the Oxidative Carbonylation of Methanol

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is an eco-friendly and sustainable compound with widespread industrial applications. Various extensive routes have been exploited in the chemical industry to produce DMC. However, these routes have several environmental and energy drawbacks. In this study, a promising novel industrial scheme for the synthesis of DMC via the oxidative carbonylation of vaporized methanol with dimethyl oxalate (DMO) as a byproduct is investigated. A methanol conversion of 81.86% and a DMC selectivity of 83.47% were achieved using an isothermal fixed-bed reactor at 130 °C. The DMC is withdrawn at a purity of >99 mol% via pressure-swing azeotropic distillations. Heat integration was performed to optimize energy consumption, reducing the energy requirements by 28%. An economic evaluation was performed for estimating the profitability via cash-flow diagrams, predicting a payback period of 3.7 years. The proposed green process exhibits several benefits, including high profitability and being environmentally friendly. It also eliminates the use or production of hazardous materials, and it enhances safety characteristics

Prevalence of Nomophobia and Its Association with Academic Performance Among Physiotherapy Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross- Sectional Survey

BACKGROUND: Nomophobia is common among students in many healthcare disciplines, and its association with academic performance has been explore before. However, there is no available data on its prevalence and association with academic performance among undergraduate physiotherapy (PT) students in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Between 22 December 2022 and 30 January 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted by dissemination using an online platform (Survey Monkey). RESULTS: In total, 806 PT students, with males accounting for 494 (61%), responded to the survey. The prevalence of nomophobia among PT students was 98.4% (793). The mean (±SD) of the total NMP-Q items scores was 49 (± 17), indicating a mild level of nomophobia. Female PT students had significantly higher nomophobia scores than the males (47 (39– 65); 44 (38– 52); (p < 0.001)). Non-smokers had significant higher nomophobia scores than smokers (46 (38– 61); 44 (38– 49); (p = 0.004)). Regarding grade point averages (GPA), the students with a GPA of less than 3.49 had the highest nomophobia score (51 (43– 74); p < 0.001)). Concerning the stage of their studies, bridging students had the highest nomophobia score (51 (34– 76); p = 0.023)). Regarding academic warnings, those who reported no academic warnings had the highest nomophobia score (46 (42– 50); p = 0.023)). Finally, regarding study hours, the students who spent ≥ five hours studying per week had the highest nomophobia score (54 (42– 68); p < 0.001)). CONCLUSION: Nomophobia is common among PT students, with the majority experiencing a mild level. Being female, non-smoker, and having a higher academic performance were risk factors associated with higher nomophobia levels

Future Acceptability of Respiratory Virus Infection Control Interventions in General Population to Prevent Respiratory Infections

Background and Objectives: In both pandemic and non-pandemic situations, nonpharmaceutical public health measures may offer easy, low-cost, and effective means of reducing the spread and impact of acute respiratory infections. It is unknown whether such measures would be acceptable to the Saudi community beyond the current pandemic. Materials and Methods: A validated survey was used to test community acceptance of the measures. Respondents were asked which infection control practices they planned to maintain and which they believed should be policies for the community as a whole after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. Results: The survey was completed by 2057 people (95% completion rate), 1486 (72%) of whom were female, 259 (12.5%) of whom were current smokers, and 72 (3.5%) of whom had chronic lung disease. The most prevalent age groups were 18&ndash;30 years (933; 45.4%) and 31&ndash;40 years (483; 23.5%), with 641 individuals over 40 years old. Of the responses, 93% indicated that they would continue washing their hands more often; 92% wanted both clinicians and patients to wear masks in hospitals; 86% would continue avoiding smoking in indoor and outdoor areas; 73% would continue wearing a face covering on public transportation; 70% indicated that they would continue wearing a face covering in indoor public places. Regarding the respiratory virus infection control measures, 85% (11/13) received significant support (&ge;70% acceptability level) for continuation as policies in the future. Wearing face coverings outdoors and social distancing outdoors received little support (45% and 66%, respectively). Of the respiratory virus infection control measures, 54% received less support from current smokers than non-smokers (acceptability level &lt; 70%). People with chronic respiratory disease supported 77% of the measures being regarded as policies in the future. Conclusion: The Saudi community supports nonpharmacological respiratory infection control measures that reduce the likelihood of infection. Public health campaigns should target smokers to increase awareness of the importance of these measures in lowering infections. Based on the findings of this study, nonpharmacological treatments should be presented and included in future recommendations for both the public and patients diagnosed with chronic respiratory diseases