Are solar neutrino oscillations robust?

The robustness of the large mixing angle (LMA) oscillation (OSC) interpretation of the solar neutrino data is considered in a more general framework where non-standard neutrino interactions (NSI) are present. Such interactions may be regarded as a generic feature of models of neutrino mass. The 766.3 ton-yr data sample of the KamLAND collaboration are included in the analysis, paying attention to the background from the reaction ^13C(\alpha,n) ^16O. Similarly, the latest solar neutrino fluxes from the SNO collaboration are included. In addition to the solution which holds in the absence of NSI (LMA-I) there is a 'dark-side' solution (LMA-D) with sin^2 theta_Sol = 0.70, essentially degenerate with the former, and another light-side solution (LMA-0) allowed only at 97% CL. More precise KamLAND reactor measurements will not resolve the ambiguity in the determination of the solar neutrino mixing angle theta_Sol, as they are expected to constrain mainly Delta m^2. We comment on the complementary role of atmospheric, laboratory (e.g. CHARM) and future solar neutrino experiments in lifting the degeneracy between the LMA-I and LMA-D solutions. In particular, we show how the LMA-D solution induced by the simplest NSI between neutrinos and down-type-quarks-only is in conflict with the combination of current atmospheric data and data of the CHARM experiment. We also mention that establishing the issue of robustness of the oscillation picture in the most general case will require further experiments, such as those involving low energy solar neutrinos.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figures; Final version to appear in JHE

Towards Student-Centred Learning: Factors Contributing to the Adoption of E-Learn@USM

In 2009, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) launched E-Learn@USM, an electronic system for delivering and sharing learning materials as well as engaging lecturers and students in online discussions. Rather than replacing the traditional face-to-face classroom method, the role of E-Learn@USM is to foster student-centred learning, which is lauded for its effectiveness in the educational setting. The current study aims to examine factors contributing to the adoption of E-Learn@USM among USM students. The factors are categorised into individual factors (personal innovativeness, self-efficacy and attitude), organisational factors (university, administrator and instructor supports), and technological factors (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability). These factors were selected based on the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and on previous studies on adoption within the innovation-diffusion framework. Using multistage cluster sampling, a survey was conducted on a total of 495 students sampled from a large population of undergraduate students at USM. The results of the hypothesis testing revealed significant relationships between all factors (except for complexity) and the adoption of E-Learn@USM. Five significant predictors – attitude, university support, trialability, relative advantage and self-efficacy – were identified

Confusing the extragalactic neutrino flux limit with a neutrino propagation limit

We study the possible suppression of the extragalactic neutrino flux due to a nonstandard interaction during its propagation. In particular, we study neutrino interaction with an ultra-light scalar field dark matter. It is shown that the extragalactic neutrino flux may be suppressed by such an interaction, leading to a new mechanism to reduce the ultra-high energy neutrino flux. We study both the cases of non-self-conjugate as well as self-conjugate dark matter. In the first case, the suppression is independent of the neutrino and dark matter masses. We conclude that care must be taken when explaining limits on the neutrino flux through source acceleration mechanisms only, since there could be other mechanisms for the reduction of the neutrino flux.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures. Important changes implemented. Abstract modified. Conclusions remain. To be published in JCA

First record of Dahliphora sigmoides Schmitz (Diptera: Phoridae) in Malaysia on animal carcass in concealed environment

Dahliphora sigmoides Schmitz (Diptera: Phoridae) was recorded for the first time in Malaysia, occurring on animal carcass placed in garbage bin at Forensic Science Simulation Site, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi. This finding expands the knowledge of its distribution in this region. Notes on the species description, its locality and collection procedure are presented herein

Using clinical practice guidelines to manage dengue: a qualitative study in a Malaysian hospital.

BACKGROUND: Malaysia has rising dengue incidence. World Health Organization clinical practice guidelines for managing dengue have been adapted by the Ministry of Health in Malaysia, with evidence of good awareness by clinicians. However, dengue mortality has not reduced. This study aimed to explore the challenges of dengue management for Medical Officers, with a particular focus on use of clinical practice guidelines. METHODS: Qualitative study using six focus groups and 14 semi-structured interviews with doctors responsible for dengue management at a large tertiary hospital in Malaysia. RESULTS: Dengue was recognised as difficult to diagnose and manage. Wide awareness and use of both WHO and Ministry of Health guidelines was reported, but several limitations noted in their coverage of particular patient groups. However, the phrase 'guidelines' also referred to local algorithms for fluid management, which were less clinically evidence-based. Where Medical Officers were well trained in the appropriate use of evidence-based guidelines, barriers to use included: the potential for 'following the algorithm' to undermine junior clinicians' claims to clinical expertise; inability to recognise the pattern of clinical progress; and lack of clinical experience. Other reported barriers to improved case management were resource constraints, poor referral practices, and insufficient awareness of the need for timely help seeking. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of clinical practice guidelines is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for optimal dengue management. In high prevalence settings, all clinical staff would benefit from regular dengue management training which should include diagnosis, practice in monitoring disease progression and the use of clinical practice guidelines in a range of clinical contexts

Transforming growth factor beta 3 induced human adipose-derived stem cells for auricular chondrogenesis

The limitation of self-repair and proliferation capacity of chondrocytes in cartilage reconstruction lead to alternative search of cell source that can improve the auricular regeneration. Human adipose-derived stem cells (HADSC) are an alternative cell source that have unique characteristics to self-renew and differentiate into various tissues making it suitable for cell therapy and tissue engineering. This study aimed to examine the chondrogenic differentiation potential of (HADSC) in monolayer culture by the presence of different transforming growth factor beta’s, TFG-β1, -β2 and -β3. HADSC at passage 3 (1.5 × 105 cell/mL) were cultured in chondrogenic medium containing 5 ng/mL of different transforming growth factor beta’s, TFG-β1, -β2 and -β3 for 7, 14 and 21 days. Data analysis was evaluated based on the growth rate of cells, cells morphological changed, production of collagen type II and glycosaminoglycan sulphate (sGAG). The quantitative RT-PCR was carried out to determine the chondrogenic, fibrogenic and hypertrophic gene expression levels. Differentiation of HADSC into chondrocytes using TFG-β indicates the occurrence of the chondrogenesis process. The best chondrogenic differentiation was observed in HADSC induced by TFG-β3 through the chondrocytes-like cells morphology with cells aggregation and high production of proteoglycan matrices compared to other TGF-βs groups. Additionally, the expression of chondrocytes-specific genes such as Type II collagen, Aggrecan core protein, Elastin and Sox 9 was high. In conclusion, this study has showed that TGF-β3 is the potential growth factor in producing chondrogenic cells for auricular cartilage tissue engineering

Development and validation of high resolution melting assays for high-throughput screening of BDNF rs6265 and DAT1 rs40184

Introduction: One of the commonly used techniques for mutation screening is High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis. HRM is a post PCR method that relies on the detection of the fluorescent signals acquired due to the release of DNA intercalated dyes upon the melting of dsDNA to ssDNA. The method is simple, inexpensive and does not require post PCR-handling, making it suitable for high throughput screening. Methods: This study aimed to develop and validate HRM technique for the screening of two disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) namely BDNF rs6265 and DAT1 rs40184 using a total of 30 gDNA samples. The obtained results were confirmed and validated by sequencing. Results: HRM analysis showed that the predicted genotypes of BDNF rs6265 and DAT1 rs40184 among all the gDNA samples were in 100% concordance with the sequencing results, making it an accurate and sensitive method for the detection of SNPs. Conclusions: The application of HRM can accurately determine the genotype of BDNF rs6265 and DAT1 rs40184 SNPs, making it a promising tool for rapid and high-throughput screening of targeted SNPs in a large population study

The contributions of citizen science to SDG monitoring and reporting on marine plastics

The accumulation of plastic litter in marine environments is a major environmental challenge along with the difficulties in their measurement because of the massive size of the oceans and vast circulation of plastic litter, which is being addressed as part of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Citizen science, public participation in scientific research and knowledge production, represents a potential source of data for SDG monitoring and reporting of marine plastic litter, yet there has been no evidence of its use to date. Here, we show how Ghana has become the first country to integrate existing citizen science data on marine plastic litter in their official monitoring and reporting of SDG indicator 14.1.1b for the years 2016–2020, which has also helped to bridge local data collection efforts with global monitoring processes and policy agendas by leveraging the SDG framework. The results have been used in Ghana’s 2022 Voluntary National Review of the SDGs, and reported on the UN SDG Global Database, as well as helping to inform relevant policies in Ghana. In addition, here, we present a pathway that can be adopted by the relevant government authorities in other countries that have an interest in following a similar citizen science data validation and reporting process for this indicator and potentially others

Adverse events following immunization and psychological distress among cancer patients/survivors following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection

PurposeThis study aims to describe the adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in cancer patients/survivors associated with their psychological distress.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to assess AEFIs after the receipt of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in cancer patients/survivors attending a university hospital in Malaysia. Psychological distress was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) before and after the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine.ResultsA total of 217 complete responses were received. Compared with before vaccination, both HADS Anxiety (HADS-A) and HADS Depression (HADS-D) scores were significantly reduced after the first and second dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Most of the participants had mild-or-moderate systemic and local AEFIs, with the most common being pain at the injection site, tiredness, and headache for both the first and second doses of the vaccine. Positive correlations between the total AEFI score and HADS-A (r = 0.309, p < 0.001) and HADS-D (r = 0.214, p = 0.001) scores were observed after the first dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Similarly, positive associations were observed between the total AEFI score and HADS-A (r = 0.305, p < 0.001) and HADS-D (r = 0.235, p < 0.001) scores after the second dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.ConclusionMild-to-moderate AEFIs found in this study help address vaccine hesitancy in cancer patients/survivors. Receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine had a positive effect on decreasing psychological distress in cancer patients/survivors. High severity of an AEFI was associated with higher anxiety and depressive symptoms