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An Early Investigation into the Utility of Multimodal Large Language Models in Medical Imaging
No full textRecent developments in multimodal large language models (MLLMs) have spurred significant interest in their potential applications across various medical imaging domains. On the one hand, there is a temptation to use these generative models to synthesize realistic-looking medical image data, while on the other hand, the ability to identify synthetic image data in a pool of data is also significantly important. In this study, we explore the potential of the Gemini (gemini-1.0-pro-visionlatest) and GPT-4V (gpt-4-vision-preview) models for medical image analysis using two modalities of medical image data. Utilizing synthetic and real imaging data, both Gemini AI and GPT-4V are first used to classify real versus synthetic images, followed by an interpretation and analysis of the input images. Experimental results demonstrate that both Gemini and GPT4 could perform some interpretation of the input images. In this specific experiment, Gemini was able to perform slightly better than the GPT-4V on the classification task. In contrast, responses associated with GPT-4V were mostly generic in nature. Our early investigation presented in this work provides insights into the potential of MLLMs to assist with the classification and interpretation of retinal fundoscopy and lung X-ray images. We also identify key limitations associated with the early investigation study on MLLMs for specialized tasks in medical image analysis
Taming the terminological tempest in invasion science
Get PDFStandardised terminology in science is important for clarity of interpretation and communication. In invasion science – a dynamic and rapidly evolving discipline – the proliferation of technical terminology has lacked a standardised framework for its development. The result is a convoluted and inconsistent usage of terminology, with various discrepancies in descriptions of damage and interventions. A standardised framework is therefore needed for a clear, universally applicable, and consistent terminology to promote more effective communication across researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers. Inconsistencies in terminology stem from the exponential increase in scientific publications on the patterns and processes of biological invasions authored by experts from various disciplines and countries since the 1990s, as well as publications by legislators and policymakers focusing on practical applications, regulations, and management of resources. Aligning and standardising terminology across stakeholders remains a challenge in invasion science. Here, we review and evaluate the multiple terms used in invasion science (e.g. ‘non-native’, ‘alien’, ‘invasive’ or ‘invader’, ‘exotic’, ‘non-indigenous’, ‘naturalised’, ‘pest’) to propose a more simplified and standardised terminology. The streamlined framework we propose and translate into 28 other languages is based on the terms (i) ‘non-native’, denoting species transported beyond their natural biogeographic range, (ii) ‘established non-native’, i.e. those non-native species that have established self-sustaining populations in their new location(s) in the wild, and (iii) ‘invasive non-native’ – populations of established non-native species that have recently spread or are spreading rapidly in their invaded range actively or passively with or without human mediation. We also highlight the importance of conceptualising ‘spread’ for classifying invasiveness and ‘impact’ for management. Finally, we propose a protocol for classifying populations based on (i) dispersal mechanism, (ii) species origin, (iii) population status, and (iv) impact. Collectively and without introducing new terminology, the framework that we present aims to facilitate effective communication and collaboration in invasion science and management of non-native species.Additional authors: Miloš Buřič, Morelia Camacho-Cervantes, Carlos Cano-Barbacil, Denis Copilaș-Ciocianu, Neil E. Coughlan, Pierre Courtois, Zoltán Csabai, Tatenda Dalu, Vanessa De Santis, James W. E. Dickey, Romina D. Dimarco, Jannike Falk-Andersson, Romina D. Fernandez, Margarita Florencio, Ana Clara S. Franco, Emili García-Berthou, Daniela Giannetto, Milka M. Glavendekic, Michał Grabowski, Gustavo Heringer, Ileana Herrera, Wei Huang, Katie L. Kamelamela, Natalia I. Kirichenko, Antonín Kouba, Melina Kourantidou, Irmak Kurtul, Gabriel Laufer, Boris Lipták, Chunlong Liu, Eugenia López-López, Vanessa Lozano, Stefano Mammola, Agnese Marchini, Valentyna Meshkova, Marco Milardi, Dmitrii L. Musolin, Martin A. Nuñez, Francisco J. Oficialdegui, Jiří Patoka, Zarah Pattison, Daniel Pincheira-Donoso, Marina Piria, Anna F. Probert, Jes Jessen Rasmussen, David Renault, Filipe Ribeiro, Gil Rilov, Tamara B. Robinson, Axel E. Sanchez, Evangelina Schwindt, Josie South, Peter Stoett, Hugo Verreycken, Lorenzo Vilizzi, Yong-Jian Wang, Yuya Watari, Priscilla M. Wehi, András Weiperth, Peter Wiberg-Larsen, Sercan Yapıcı, Baran Yoğurtçuoğlu, Rafael D. Zenni, Bella S. Galil, Jaimie T. A. Dick, James C. Russell, Anthony Ricciardi, Daniel Simberloff, Corey J. A. Bradshaw, Phillip J. Haubroc
Toxigenic Vibrio cholerae can cycle between environmental plastic waste and floodwater: Implications for environmental management of cholera
Get PDFGlobally, there has been a significant rise in cholera cases and deaths, with an increase in the number of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) reporting outbreaks. In parallel, plastic pollution in LMICs is increasing, and has become a major constituent of urban dump sites. The surfaces of environmental plastic pollution can provide a habitat for complex microbial biofilm communities; this so-called 'plastisphere' can also include human pathogens. Under conditions simulating a peri-urban environmental waste pile, we determine whether toxigenic Vibrio cholerae (O1 classical; O1 El Tor; O139) can colonise and persist on plastic following a simulated flooding event. Toxigenic V. cholerae colonized and persisted on plastic and organic waste for at least 14 days before subsequent transfer to either fresh or brackish floodwater, where they can further persist at concentrations sufficient to cause human infection. Taken together, this study suggests that plastics in the environment can act as significant reservoirs for V. cholerae, whilst subsequent transfer to floodwaters demonstrates the potential for the wider dissemination of cholera. Further understanding of how diseases interact with plastic waste will be central for combating infection, educating communities, and diminishing the public health risk of plastics in the environment
Nostalgia and negotiation: The electronic word-of-mouth and social well-being of older consumers
Get PDFAs older people turn to the internet for consumption and social connection, it is imperative to understand how online consumption behaviors, such as generating and absorbing electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), influence feelings of belonging. This study therefore explores how organic conversations around brands, products, and services influence older consumers' social well-being. A 6-month netnography was conducted in a social media platform geared toward older consumers where eWOM activity was created relating to books, household items, technology, furniture, financial services, clothing, and leisure activities. The findings reveal four types of eWOM-nostalgic, seeking reassurance/advice, providing reassurance/advice, and negotiation, which create experiences of social well-being. This research contributes to the marketing literature by (1) exploring the implications of eWOM on consumer well-being (2) investigating how the social value of eWOM interacts with social well-being, and (3) developing pioneering knowledge of older consumers generating and absorbing eWOM
Multiscale matrix pencils for separable reconstruction problems
Get PDFThe nonlinear inverse problem of exponential data fitting is separable since the fitting function is a linear combination of parameterized exponential functions, thus allowing to solve for the linear coefficients separately from the nonlinear parameters. The matrix pencil method, which reformulates the problem statement into a generalized eigenvalue problem for the nonlinear parameters and a structured linear system for the linear parameters, is generally considered as the more stable method to solve the problem computationally. In Section 2 the matrix pencil associated with the classical complex exponential fitting or sparse interpolation problem is summarized and the concepts of dilation and translation are introduced to obtain matrix pencils at different scales. Exponential analysis was earlier generalized to the use of several polynomial basis functions and some operator eigenfunctions. However, in most generalizations a computational scheme in terms of an eigenvalue problem is lacking. In the subsequent Sections 3–6 the matrix pencil formulation, including the dilation and translation paradigm, is generalized to more functions. Each of these periodic, polynomial or special function classes needs a tailored approach, where optimal use is made of the properties of the parameterized elementary or special function used in the sparse interpolation problem under consideration. With each generalization a structured linear matrix pencil is associated, immediately leading to a computational scheme for the nonlinear and linear parameters, respectively from a generalized eigenvalue problem and one or more structured linear systems. Finally, in Section 7 we illustrate the new methods
"It’s about putting the learning into context": A multimethod, multiple perspective exploration of the process of learning in introductory coach education.
Get PDFCoach education continues to be an integral part of coaches’ learning journeys however, their usefulness has also been questioned. Given the disparity in research findings, the purpose of this study was to further our understanding of the role of the coach developer in the learning process within introductory level coach education courses. Drawing on Moon’s1 stages of learning and using multiple methods (observation, interviews, focus groups), we explored multiple perspectives (coaches, coach developers, and researcher observer) of the activities and learning situations within introductory courses (judo, basketball, paddlesports). In total, three courses were observed, each lasting two days (48 hours of observation), six coach developers participated in an interview (45-60 minutes each) and 18 coaches participated in one of five focus groups (20-30 minutes each). Through our thematic analysis we developed three themes: structure supports the learning process; NGB resources are just a starting point for learning; a deep approach to learning can be facilitated. Our findings suggest that despite criticisms of large-scale approaches to coach education, they were useful to coaches and coach developers were able to facilitate some deep learning. Furthermore, the quality of coach education programmes was largely dependent on the expertise of coach developers in their roles. Questions are raised about the conceptualisation of learner-centred approaches to coach education delivery
Malleability and fluidity of time perception
Get PDFTime perception is inherently subjective and malleable. We experience a wide range of time scales, from less than a second to decades. In addition, our perception of time can be affected by our attentional and emotional states. Previous psychological and neuroimaging studies have used several paradigms and methods to probe factors that influence time perception. Considering these factors facilitates approaches to improve time management and to enhance sensory experiences. This Collection of time perception studies includes reports that focus on stimulus property, physiological state, cross-modal interaction, attention, learning, age, and environment. These findings help to illuminate the complex mechanisms of time perception
Bdelloid rotifers deploy horizontally acquired biosynthetic genes against a fungal pathogen
Get PDFCoevolutionary antagonism generates relentless selection that can favour genetic exchange, including transfer of antibiotic synthesis and resistance genes among bacteria, and sexual recombination of disease resistance alleles in eukaryotes. We report an unusual link between biological conflict and DNA transfer in bdelloid rotifers, microscopic animals whose genomes show elevated levels of horizontal gene transfer from non-metazoan taxa. When rotifers were challenged with a fungal pathogen, horizontally acquired genes were over twice as likely to be upregulated as other genes — a stronger enrichment than observed for abiotic stressors. Among hundreds of upregulated genes, the most markedly overrepresented were clusters resembling bacterial polyketide and nonribosomal peptide synthetases that produce antibiotics. Upregulation of these clusters in a pathogen-resistant rotifer species was nearly ten times stronger than in a susceptible species. By acquiring, domesticating, and expressing non-metazoan biosynthetic pathways, bdelloids may have evolved to resist natural enemies using antimicrobial mechanisms absent from other animals
Physical Activity and Healthy Ageing: The Psychosocial Impact of Digital Music and Movement for Care Home Residents, and the Role of Care Home Staff Wellbeing
Get PDFPromoting healthy ageing has become a priority in the health sector considering the decline in health and wellbeing associated with ageing, particularly among residents in care homes who are at higher risk of poor psychosocial wellbeing. In improving older adults’ wellbeing, physical activity (PA) has been proven to have a positive multidimensional impact, thus, the primary focus of this thesis was to explore the effectiveness of digital music and movement intervention on the psychosocial wellbeing of older adults/residents and evaluate the feasibility of the intervention in care homes. Also, this thesis assessed the wellbeing of care home staff and how it relates to digital music and movement intervention implementation capacity in care homes.
Firstly, a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight randomised controlled trials and five non-randomised controlled trials were carried out to investigate the benefits of PA and the role of its dimensions on anxiety in older adults (65+ years). Results from the systematic review showed significant effects of PA (SMD = -0.41; 95% CI = -0.58, -0.24; p <.00001) on anxiety symptoms. Further analysis revealed significant effects for all PA dimensions but with differences in magnitude of effects.
Secondly, a realist evaluation was used to explore the feasibility of implementing digital music and movement intervention across ten care homes. Out of the 49 older adults recruited, 18 residents completed the baseline and post-intervention surveys on psychosocial wellbeing and a 12-week music and movement intervention of four prescribed sessions. Post-intervention interviews with a sub-sample of residents and focus groups with activity coordinators (ACs) were carried out. Digital music and movement intervention in care homes was found to be feasible but with 60% adherence rate and delivery challenges. Significant changes were reported for anxiety, depression and loneliness but not in fear of falling or quality of life. Qualitative findings emphasised improved mood, physical health and social support for residents and job satisfaction for ACs.
To further evaluate the effectiveness of digital music and movement interventions on the psychosocial wellbeing of residents, a pilot mixed methods study with 34 older adults across four care homes were recruited into intervention and waitlist control groups. The intervention lasted for 12 weeks with three sessions prescribed weekly, but the waitlist control condition was not adhered to during the study. Surveys on multidimensional health markers were conducted at baseline and post-intervention with process evaluation and monitoring throughout the study. A sub-sample of residents and ACs were interviewed after the intervention. Results showed significant improvements in anxiety, fear of falling and loneliness. Qualitative findings highlighted the benefits and challenges of the intervention and supported findings from the process evaluation monitoring.
Finally, a secondary data analysis of care home staff wellbeing survey that recruited 198 staff was conducted. Staff were grouped according to roles and questioned on psychosocial and physical wellbeing aspects as these were deemed to be linked to digital music and movement intervention implementation capacity in care homes. Results showed staff that provide direct care to residents have poorer wellbeing when compared to staff that do not provide direct care to residents. Poorer wellbeing may be attributed to working conditions and aspects of the role which previous studies indicate can impact delivery of digital muic and movement interventions. Qualitative findings from the survey revealed themes such as work-life balance, job satisfaction and impact of work and made recommendations for improving wellbeing.
Collectively, this thesis supports the importance of music and movement on the psychosocial wellbeing of older adults especially among residents in care homes. Optimising the effects of music and movement on psychosocial wellbeing of residents is dependent on the dose of the intervention, the successful facilitation and implementation of digital music and movement in care homes, and the improvement of care home conditions for staff
End User Interpretation of the Avalanche Danger Scale: A Scottish Study
Get PDFIn this study, we investigate Scottish end users' understanding and interpretation of the five point European Avalanche Danger Scale. Our main findings are, first, that many end users report to draw on detailed avalanche information including the avalanche problem information in their planning. Second, only seven in ten end users are aware that there are five danger levels. Third, end users' risk perception of the danger scale, which we elicited using numerical probability judgements about each danger level, increases mostly linearly-results that cohere well with recent findings by Morgan et al. (2023) who used a different response format and a North American user group. Lastly, we report the results of an exploratory analysis whether individual characteristics of end users (such as their outdoor sport experience, age, gender, avalanche education), predict the individuals' interpretation of the danger level. We find these characteristics have little explanatory power, which suggests that avalanche education needs to take a broad and inclusive approach to improve the intended understanding of the avalanche danger scale. We finish our discussion by contextualising the main findings
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