A Web 2.0-based collaborative learning to promote the practices of Islam as a way of life

The research aimed to design, develop and evaluate an innovative Web 2.0-based collaborative learning (CL) under the guidelines of design science research methodology (DSRM). The Islamic ethical system based on verses of the Quran and social constructionist theory as knowledge base, supports the design process. This is in response to the lesser amount of focus on the practical research methods in Islamic education. The developed information Technology artifact was used for two courses in IIUM. The findings of research show that the practical methodology of this study could provide opportunities for practical methodology of this study could provide opportunities for practice of Islam as a way of life or " Islamicisation". In addition, this study's ethical CL process in a social constructionist environment could promote critical thinking, use of knowledge and religious awareness of studnets that are the main goals of IIUM with Islamic education

Integration social media technology and ethical collaborative learning

The research aimed to design and evaluate an innovative Web 2.0-based collaborative learning with the Islamic ethical system to support Islamicisation and the practice of Islam as a way of life that is the main goal of Islamic education. This is in response to the lesser amount of focus in Islamic education on the real example of integrating ICT into the collaborative learning process that could support social constructivist learning goals and skills for use of Islamic knowledge in daily life. The most important argument is that the students should be given an appropriate and practical platform where they can practice collaboratively and share their experiences that design science research methodology and Facebook features in this study could support these needs and arguments. Expert review, user testing were conducted and quality, effectiveness and usability of developed Web 2.0-based collaborative learning confirmed

Vitamin D3 mediates spatial memory improvement through nitric oxide mechanism in demyelinated hippocampus of rat

Studies have revealed beneficial role of vitamin D3 in neuro-cognitive function. There is also supporting evidence on the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the neuro-protective action. However, its over production could contribute to brain disorders. In this study, demyelination was induced by ethidium bromide (EB) injection into the right side of the hippocampus area of male rats. Vitamin D3 was administered to rats for 7 and 28 days prior to behavioral experiments using Morris water maze (MWM). Travelled distance, time spent to reach the platform, and time spent in target zone, were considered for learning and spatial memory evaluation. Nitrite oxide (NO2-) concentration was measured as an indicator for nitric oxide production. The time spent to reach the platform and the travelled distance were decreased significantly by 28 days of vitamin D3 administration (compared to 7 days experiment). Time spent in target quadrant was significantly lowered by administered vitamin on day 28. Therefore, considering a number of studies that have shown the effect of vitamin D3 on cognition, these findings could support their potential effect. Besides, nitric oxide concentration significantly differed in 28 days of vitamin D3 treated group compared with the groups treated with EB or 7 days of vitamin D3

NPY Receptors Blockade Prevents Anticonvulsant Action of Ghrelin in the Hippocampus of Rat

Purpose: Ghrelin has been shown to have antiepileptic function. However, the underlying mechanisms by which, ghrelin exerts its antiepileptic effects are still unclear. In the present study, we investigated whether neuropeptide Y (NPY) mediates ghrelin anticonvulsant effect in the brain through its Y1, Y2 or Y5 receptors. Methods: Male Wistar rats were bilaterally microinjected with ghrelin 0.3 nmol/μl/side and NPY antagonists; GR231118 (Y1 receptor antagonist), BIIE0246 (Y2 receptor antagonist), CGP71683 (Y5 receptor antagonist) or solvents (Saline, DMSO) into the dorsal hippocampus 20 minutes before ghrelin administration. Thirty minutes after ghrelin microinjection, a single convulsive dose of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) (50 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally (ip). Afterwards, duration of seizure and total seizure score (TSS) were assessed for 30 minutes in all animals. Results: Intrahippocampal injection of 0.3 nmol/μl/side ghrelin decreased duration of seizure and TSS induced by PTZ. The suppression of both duration (p< 0.001) and TSS (p< 0.001) induced by ghrelin in hippocampus were significantly blocked by GR231118 (10 μg/μl/side), BIIE0246 (400 pmol/μl/side) and CGP 71683A (5 nmol/μl/side). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that NPY Y1, Y2 and Y5 receptors in the hippocampus may somehow mediate the anticonvulsive action of ghrelin. Therefore, it is possible to speculate that ghrelin acts in the hippocampus to modulate seizures via NPY

Vitamin D3 mediates spatial memory improvement through nitric oxide mechanism in demyelinated hippocampus of rat

Abstract Studies have revealed beneficial role of vitamin D3 in neuro-cognitive function. There is also supporting evidence on the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the neuro-protective action. However, its over production could contribute to brain disorders. In this study, demyelination was induced by ethidium bromide (EB) injection into the right side of the hippocampus area of male rats. Vitamin D3 was administered to rats for 7 and 28 days prior to behavioral experiments using Morris water maze (MWM). Travelled distance, time spent to reach the platform, and time spent in target zone, were considered for learning and spatial memory evaluation. Nitrite oxide (NO2-) concentration was measured as an indicator for nitric oxide production. The time spent to reach the platform and the travelled distance were decreased significantly by 28 days of vitamin D3 administration (compared to 7 days experiment). Time spent in target quadrant was significantly lowered by administered vitamin on day 28. Therefore, considering a number of studies that have shown the effect of vitamin D3 on cognition, these findings could support their potential effect. Besides, nitric oxide concentration significantly differed in 28 days of vitamin D3 treated group compared with the groups treated with EB or 7 days of vitamin D3.</div