MATURE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS’ SATISFACTION WITH ONLINE TEACHING DURING THE COVID-19

The online teaching accelerated at an unprecedented pace in the wake of the physical closure of educational institutions in the United Kingdom on 23 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis. This study is based on a survey of mature undergraduate students in private higher education institutes in the South of England and their experience with online teaching during the COVID-19. The questionnaire was sent out to mature undergraduate students studying in three private higher education institutes, and we received 225 responses. A quantitative approach was used to analyse the results. Majority of students 95% were using online teaching for the first time, and they were novice with the online teaching software (Zoom and Microsoft Teams, etc.). They were provided with training for online teaching, especially how to use the software, and they were satisfied with the training. The study also identified challenges students faced during the online teaching such as weak Internet connection, old devices (computer and laptop etc.) low level of digital competency especially among older students, lack of technical support from the institute and stressful transition period. The final findings from the study indicated that the quick decision of switching to online teaching was right, and the majority of students found online teaching excited. Consequently, the majority of students wanted to continue online teaching after the COVID-19 because it provides ease and convenience, no travelling time & cost, freedom and autonomy. The online teaching training for students could be made more effective, and private higher education institutions could also address challenges such as weak Internet connection and old devices (computer, laptop, etc.). Article visualizations

Changes of Testicular Histogenesis during Prenatal and Early Postnatal Life in Bisphenol A Exposed Rats by Ascorbic Acid

Objectives: In this study we aimed to investigate the conservation of testicular histogenesis in bisphenol A exposed rats by ascorbic acid during prenatal and early postnatal life. Material and Methods: Eight weeks old 15 pregnant rats were divided into 3 groups, each containing 5 rats. Pups were delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery. Group A had 15 male rat pups, from 5 pregnant female rats, which were fed on standard diet during pregnancy and lactation till day 21. Group B had 15 male rat pups from 5 pregnant female rats which were given 250μg/kg/day Bisphenol A subcutaneously during pregnancy and lactation till day 21. Group C had 15 male rat pups from 5 pregnant female rats which were given 250μg/kg/day Bisphenol A subcutaneously and 150mg/kg/day ascorbic acid orally during pregnancy and lactation till day 21. Results: There was significant deterioration of seminiferous tubule and basement membrane regularity with BPA along with detachment of germinal epithelium and cell debris in group B. These parameters were conserved significantly with ascorbic acid in group C. Conclusion: Biphenol A adversely affects histogenesis of testes by causing oxidative stress when given during pregnancy and lactation and ascorbic acid conserves BPA exposed developing testes and may preserve spermatogenesis and male fertility. Key words: Bisphenol A, ascorbic acid, histogenesis, rat, developing testes, prenatal, early postnatal

Changes of Testicular Histogenesis during Prenatal and Early Postnatal Life in Bisphenol A Exposed Rats by Ascorbic Acid

Objectives: In this study we aimed to investigate the conservation of testicular histogenesis in bisphenol A exposed rats by ascorbic acid during prenatal and early postnatal life. Material and Methods: Eight weeks old 15 pregnant rats were divided into 3 groups, each containing 5 rats. Pups were delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery. Group A had 15 male rat pups, from 5 pregnant female rats, which were fed on standard diet during pregnancy and lactation till day 21. Group B had 15 male rat pups from 5 pregnant female rats which were given 250μg/kg/day Bisphenol A subcutaneously during pregnancy and lactation till day 21. Group C had 15 male rat pups from 5 pregnant female rats which were given 250μg/kg/day Bisphenol A subcutaneously and 150mg/kg/day ascorbic acid orally during pregnancy and lactation till day 21. Results: There was significant deterioration of seminiferous tubule and basement membrane regularity with BPA along with detachment of germinal epithelium and cell debris in group B. These parameters were conserved significantly with ascorbic acid in group C. Conclusion: Biphenol A adversely affects histogenesis of testes by causing oxidative stress when given during pregnancy and lactation and ascorbic acid conserves BPA exposed developing testes and may preserve spermatogenesis and male fertility. Key words: Bisphenol A, ascorbic acid, histogenesis, rat, developing testes, prenatal, early postnatal

The Glutamine Transporter Slc38a1 Regulates GABAergic Neurotransmission and Synaptic Plasticity

GABA signaling sustains fundamental brain functions, from nervous system development to the synchronization of population activity and synaptic plasticity. Despite these pivotal features, molecular determinants underscoring the rapid and cell-autonomous replenishment of the vesicular neurotransmitter GABA and its impact on synaptic plasticity remain elusive. Here, we show that genetic disruption of the glutamine transporter Slc38a1 in mice hampers GABA synthesis, modifies synaptic vesicle morphology in GABAergic presynapses and impairs critical period plasticity. We demonstrate that Slc38a1-mediated glutamine transport regulates vesicular GABA content, induces high-frequency membrane oscillations and shapes cortical processing and plasticity. Taken together, this work shows that Slc38a1 is not merely a transporter accumulating glutamine for metabolic purposes, but a key component regulating several neuronal functions

Semiconductor quantum dots in photoelectrochemical sensors from fabrication to biosensing applications

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are a promising class of nanomaterials for developing new photoelectrodes and photoelectrochemistry systems for energy storage, transfer, and biosensing applications. These materials have unique electronic and photophysical properties and can be used as optical nanoprobes in displays, biosensors, imaging, optoelectronics, energy storage and energy harvesting. Researchers have recently been exploring the use of QDs in photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors, which involve exciting a QD-interfaced photoactive material with a flashlight source and generating a photoelectrical current as an output signal. The simple surface properties of QDs also make them suitable for addressing issues related to sensitivity, miniaturization, and cost-effectiveness. This technology has the potential to replace current laboratory practices and equipment, such as spectrophotometers, used for testing sample absorption and emission. Semiconductor QD-based PEC sensors offer simple, fast, and easily miniaturized sensors for analyzing a variety of analytes. This review summarizes the various strategies for interfacing QD nanoarchitectures for PEC sensing, as well as their signal amplification. PEC sensing devices, particularly those used for the detection of disease biomarkers, biomolecules (glucose, dopamine), drugs, and various pathogens, have the potential to revolutionize the biomedical field. This review discusses the advantages of semiconductor QD-based PEC biosensors and their fabrication methods, with a focus on disease diagnostics and the detection of various biomolecules. Finally, the review provides prospects and considerations for QD-based photoelectrochemical sensor systems in terms of their sensitivity, speed, and portability for biomedical applications

Design of Mega LEO Constellations for Continuous Coverage over Pakistan: Satellite Communication

Satellite communication was effectively done in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) in the past years. Recently the trend has shifted from GEO to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The objective of our study is to propose a satellite constellation for Pakistan in LEO that will provide continuous coverage over Pakistan. As LEO is much closer to the earth as compared to other orbits such as GEO and High Earth Orbit (HEO) etc. one can achieve benefits like low latency rate, less fuel consumption, and signal transmission loss. In ongoing research, an attempt has been made to design the satellite constellation in LEO using the software, System Tool Kit (STK) which has 2D and 3D environment modeling. In the designed constellation, the satellites pass over Pakistan and access the target area. To get uninterrupted continuous coverage, the number of satellites per plane and the number of orbits is increased. The orbital inclinations were also adjusted to achieve the objective. One of the important tasks for continuous coverage is the concept of satellite handshaking which means that soon a satellite gets away from the line of sight of the ground station antenna; another satellite comes within the line of sight of that antenna. LEO satellites are more favorable for communication purposes as they provide reliable communication as well as higher bandwidth

Design of Mega LEO Constellations for Continuous Coverage over Pakistan: Satellite Communication

Satellite communication was effectively done in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) in the past years. Recently the trend has shifted from GEO to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The objective of our study is to propose a satellite constellation for Pakistan in LEO that will provide continuous coverage over Pakistan. As LEO is much closer to the earth as compared to other orbits such as GEO and High Earth Orbit (HEO) etc. one can achieve benefits like low latency rate, less fuel consumption, and signal transmission loss. In ongoing research, an attempt has been made to design the satellite constellation in LEO using the software, System Tool Kit (STK) which has 2D and 3D environment modeling. In the designed constellation, the satellites pass over Pakistan and access the target area. To get uninterrupted continuous coverage, the number of satellites per plane and the number of orbits is increased. The orbital inclinations were also adjusted to achieve the objective. One of the important tasks for continuous coverage is the concept of satellite handshaking which means that soon a satellite gets away from the line of sight of the ground station antenna; another satellite comes within the line of sight of that antenna. LEO satellites are more favorable for communication purposes as they provide reliable communication as well as higher bandwidth

The impact of emotions on consumer behaviour: Exploring gender differences

Recent research has suggested that emotions play an important role in consumer behaviour. The main aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between emotions and consumer tendencies and gender differences within these relationships. Literature is abundant on gender differences and consumer behaviour. However, in the context of gender differences and the impact of emotions on consumer behaviour,  the literature is still nascent. As a result, this study will significantly contribute to developing literature on the topic.The sample included 439 participants from the general population (47% female, 53% male), aged between 19 to 65 (M = 39.00, SD = 10.14). Data were collected by using several self-report questionnaires. Results showed that both positive and negative feelings significantly influenced consumer behaviour. These relationships were particularly pronounced in the exploratory acquisition of products. The results highlighted the importance of emotions in explaining consumer behaviour and showed that gender moderates the influences of positive feelings on the exploratory acquisition of products as well as the impacts of positive feelings on exploratory information seeking. Keywords: Positive and negative feelings, Consumer behaviour, Gender differences DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/88-05 Publication date: February 28th 202

Slc38a1 Conveys Astroglia-Derived Glutamine into GABAergic Interneurons for Neurotransmitter GABA Synthesis

GABA signaling is involved in a wide range of neuronal functions, such as synchronization of action potential firing, synaptic plasticity and neuronal development. Sustained GABA signaling requires efficient mechanisms for the replenishment of the neurotransmitter pool of GABA. The prevailing theory is that exocytotically released GABA may be transported into perisynaptic astroglia and converted to glutamine, which is then shuttled back to the neurons for resynthesis of GABA—i.e., the glutamate/GABA-glutamine (GGG) cycle. However, an unequivocal demonstration of astroglia-to-nerve terminal transport of glutamine and the contribution of astroglia-derived glutamine to neurotransmitter GABA synthesis is lacking. By genetic inactivation of the amino acid transporter Solute carrier 38 member a1 (Slc38a1)—which is enriched on parvalbumin+ GABAergic neurons—and by intraperitoneal injection of radiolabeled acetate (which is metabolized to glutamine in astroglial cells), we show that Slc38a1 mediates import of astroglia-derived glutamine into GABAergic neurons for synthesis of GABA. In brain slices, we demonstrate the role of Slc38a1 for the uptake of glutamine specifically into GABAergic nerve terminals for the synthesis of GABA depending on demand and glutamine supply. Thus, while leaving room for other pathways, our study demonstrates a key role of Slc38a1 for newly formed GABA, in harmony with the existence of a GGG cycle