CPT and lepton number violation in neutrino sector: Modified mass matrix and oscillation due to gravity

We study the consequences of CPT and lepton number violation in neutrino sector. For CPT violation we take gravity with which neutrino and antineutrino couple differently. Gravity mixes neutrino and antineutrino in an unequal ratio to give two mass eigenstates. Lepton number violation interaction together with CPT violation gives rise to neutrino-antineutrino oscillation. Subsequently, we study the neutrino flavor mixing and oscillation under the influence of gravity. It is found that gravity changes flavor oscillation significantly which influences the relative abundance of different flavors in present universe. We show that the neutrinoless double beta decay rate is modified due to presence of gravity- the origin of CPT violation, as the mass of the flavor state is modified.Comment: 16 pages, no figure. A new section included describing effect of gravity on flavor oscillation; title, abstract, discussion section modified. Final version to appear in Physical Review

Transition from radiatively inefficient to cooling dominated phase in two temperature accretion discs around black holes

We investigate the transition of a radiatively inefficient phase of a viscous two temperature accreting flow to a cooling dominated phase and vice versa around black holes. Based on a global sub-Keplerian accretion disc model in steady state, including explicit cooling processes self-consistently, we show that general advective accretion flow passes through various phases during its infall towards a black hole. Bremsstrahlung, synchrotron and inverse Comptonization of soft photons are considered as possible cooling mechanisms. Hence the flow governs a much lower electron temperature ~10^8 - 10^{9.5}K compared to the hot protons of temperature ~10^{10.2} - 10^{11.8}K in the range of the accretion rate in Eddington units 0.01 - 100. Therefore, the solutions may potentially explain the hard X-rays and the gamma-rays emitted from AGNs and X-ray binaries. We finally compare the solutions for two different regimes of viscosity and conclude that a weakly viscous flow is expected to be cooling dominated compared to its highly viscous counterpart which is radiatively inefficient. The flow is successfully able to reproduce the observed luminosities of the under-fed AGNs and quasars (e.g. Sgr A*), ultra-luminous X-ray sources (e.g. SS433), as well as the highly luminous AGNs and ultra-luminous quasars (e.g. PKS 0743-67) at different combinations of the mass accretion rate and ratio of specific heats.Comment: 13 pages including 8 figures; couple of typos corrected; to appear in Research in Astronomy and Astrophysic

Virtual Education Implementation for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread school closures in the Washington DC metropolitan region, necessitating a shift from traditional in-person education to virtual platforms. The context was significantly influenced by the evolving pandemic and its impact on the region\u27s COVID-19 positive rates, with the Washington DC region facing some of the highest positive rates in 2020. These escalating positive rates posed substantial challenges to planning and implementing in-person learning, primarily driven by concerns for public health and safety. The region\u27s persistently low percentages of in-person learning made it one of the worst in the country regarding the provision of in-person instruction (Burbio, 2023). The challenges and uncertainties related to school closures, phased reopening, and hybrid learning formats significantly impacted children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), who rely on specialized educational interventions outlined in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Caregivers and education providers had to adapt their strategies for implementing educational interventions using technology, yet evidence-informed guidance in implementation practices in virtual education for children with ASD is lacking. Objective: This study aims to describe contextual complexities surrounding the experiences of caregivers and education providers implementing virtual education for children with ASD in the Washington DC metropolitan region during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores factors influencing implementation experiences related to the development and implementation of educational interventions, collaboration among IEP team members, impact of educational interventions on IEP goal achievement, and changes in roles and resources during the pandemic. Methods: A multi-case study design was conducted using qualitative methods. A purposive selection process identified twenty-five participants, comprised of sixteen caregivers and nine education providers. Each participant engaged in an one-hour virtual interview guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) featuring open-ended questions. Memos captured significant participant comments, and interviews were transcribed, reviewed for accuracy, and analyzed thematically using NVivo. Results: Thematic data analysis identified thirty-four initial codes grouped into eight subthemes, revealing three overarching themes. Participants encountered significant challenges in transitioning to virtual education, fostering team collaboration, and implementing virtual education effectively. Study findings highlight the critical need for development of: needs assessments, guidelines, and training. This research culminated in the creation of the Model of Translation and Implementation of Virtual Education for children with ASD (MOTIVE-ASD), standing as a robust call to action and a guide for the development of Standards for Virtual Implementation tailored specifically for virtual education programs. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the development and implementation of virtual education, team collaboration dynamics, IEP goal achievement, and changes in roles and resources during the pandemic. The findings are instrumental for guiding the development of tailored virtual education programs for enhancing the virtual education experience. As virtual education continues to evolve, interested-parties will be equipped with knowledge and resources to navigate educational implementation remotely for children with ASD, in the face of future natural or public health disasters

Pelvic abscess in a sexually inactive teenage girl: a case report and review of literature

Pelvic abscess, a potentially life-threatening collection of infected exudate in pelvic organs, commonly occurrs in sexually active women having pelvic inflammatory disease due to sexually transmitted infections. It is rare to find it in a girl never engaged in sexual activity. The index case was a of pelvic abscess in a 15year virgin girl. She presented with fever abdominal pain and lump. Ultrasonography suggested a complex pelvic mass but on CT imaging pelvic abscess was confirmed. She underwent surgical intervention after failed medical treatment to drain the collection and preservation of internal genital organs. Pelvic abscesses demand prompt diagnosis and management to prevent further complications and long-term poor fertility outcomes specially at young age and should be a differential diagnosis in girls with pain abdomen and fever