Molecular characterization of cDNA encoding resistance gene-like sequences in Buchloe dactyloides

Current knowledge of resistance (R) genes and their use for genetic improvement in buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides [Nutt.] Engelm.) lag behind most crop plants. This study was conducted to clone and characterize cDNA encoding R gene-like (RGL) sequences in buffalograss. This report is the first to clone and-characterize of buffalograss RGLs. Degenerate primers designed from the conserved motifs of known R genes were used to amplify RGLs and fragments of expected size were isolated and cloned. Sequence analysis of cDNA clones and analysis of putative translation products revealed that most encoded amino acid sequences shared the similar conserved motifs found in the cloned plant disease resistance genes RPS2, MLA6, L6, RPM1, and Xa1. These results indicated diversity of the R gene candidate sequences in buffalograss. Analysis of 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), applied to investigate upstream of RGLs, indicated that regulatory sequences such as TATA box were conserved among the RGLs identified. The cloned RGL in this study will further enhance our knowledge on organization, function, and evolution of R gene family in buffalograss. With the sequences of the primers and sizes of the markers provided, these RGL markers are readily available for use in a genomics-assisted selection in buffalograss

Registration of NPM-4, a Dwarf White Grain Pearl Millet Germplasm

Dwarf grain pearl millet [Pennisetum glucum (L.) R. Br.] germplasm NPM-4 (Reg. no. GP-37, PI 634545) was released in September 2003 by the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE. NPM-4 was derived from open-pollinated outcrosses of white grain inbred line 57028R1w grown in a 1998 Puerto Vallarta winter nursery. The source of the outcross pollen was from primarily genetically diverse, dwarf, early maturing, gray seeded lines being developed as parents for grain yield. Line 57028R1w was derived from 89C57028R1/3*90PV0121. Line 89C57028R1 is gray-seeded, and line 90PV0121 has white seed. Line 90PV0121, an F5 was derived from the cross 85C53005/ZW10. Line 89C57028R1was an A1 (Burton, 1958) cytoplasmic nuclear male-sterility (cms) restorer S5 selection out of row 84M:17101-1 of segregating germplasm obtained in the late 1970s from Dr. A.J. Casady, Kansas State University, that had undergone random mating and selection for at least 3 cycles before 1984. Line 85C53005 was an A1 maintainer S2 selection (84H:14014) also from the segregating Casady germplasm. The line ZW10 was a white seeded introduction from Zambia obtained in 1988. The 1998 winter nursery outcrosses of 57028R1w were grown in isolation at the Department of Agronomy Farm at the University of Nebraska’s Agricultural Research and Development Center (ARDC), Mead, NE, in 1998 and productive dwarf white seeded plants were selected for harvest and bulked together. The harvested bulk was grown in 1999 at Mead and plants were selfed and selected for all white seed on panicles. The white seeded selfs were grown in isolation in 2000. Nineteen open-pollinated white grain selections were made and random mated in isolation in 2001. Open pollinated seed of the best six white grain families was combined to form the bulk for seed release. Final selection was for panicle size, kernel size, and lodging resistance. Top-crosses of NPM-4 with cms lines NE68A1, NE59043A1, and KS1163A1 (a CMS A1–line from W.D. Stegmeier, Kansas State University-Hays) in 2002 indicated that NPM-4 was a good restorer of A1 cms with good combining ability for grain yield

Cloud Applications in Language Teaching

This study examined pre-service teachers\u27 expertise, perceptions and integration of cloud applications in teaching of Arabic and English. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used as data collection methods. The findings of the study specified that pre-service teachers did not own sufficient expertise for effective integration of cloud applications. The findings also revealed that participants perceived cloud applications as a valuable tool to improve many aspects of language education. Nonetheless, participants concentrated on integrating limited features of cloud applications. While the study revealed that there was no significant difference in participants\u27 expertise in integrating cloud applications based on the language they teach, it found that pre-service English teachers had significantly higher levels of positive perceptions and integration of cloud applications than pre-service Arabic teachers. Finally, a positive significant correlation was found between expertise, perceptions, and integration of cloud applications

The use of Google apps to support teaching and learning: A UAE case study

Copyright © 2016, IGI Global. This study was designed to examine pre-service teachers\u27 proficiency, use, and their perceptions of the benefits and barriers to the use of Google Apps to support their teaching and learning practices. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The findings showed that almost two-thirds (63%) of participants were advanced or expert users of Google Apps whereas almost one-fourth (24%) reported that they had intermediate experience and 13% reported possessing poor experience. It was found also that participants used Google Apps the most for communication purposes, backing up and sharing data, and accessing teaching materials. The findings also revealed that participants perceived Google Apps as a valuable tool to improve teaching and learning. However, their use of Google Apps was hindered by several barriers, such as deficiency of access to reliable technology, increasing workload, lack of collaboration skills, cheating and plagiarism, and lack of integration skills

Cloud applications in language teaching: Examining pre-service teachers\u27 expertise, perceptions and integration

© 2017, IGI Global. This study examined pre-service teachers\u27 expertise, perceptions and integration of cloud applications in teaching of Arabic and English. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used as data collection methods. The findings of the study specified that pre-service teachers did not own sufficient expertise for effective integration of cloud applications. The findings also revealed that participants perceived cloud applications as a valuable tool to improve many aspects of language education. Nonetheless, participants concentrated on integrating limited features of cloud applications. While the study revealed that there was no significant difference in participants\u27 expertise in integrating cloud applications based on the language they teach, it found that pre-service English teachers had significantly higher levels of positive perceptions and integration of cloud applications than pre-service Arabic teachers. Finally, a positive significant correlation was found between expertise, perceptions, and integration of cloud applications

Sweet Sorghum as an Ethanol Feedstock in Western Nebraska – Could It Happen?

It has been proposed that non-irrigated sweet sorghum might be grown in western Nebraska as a seasonal substitute for corn grain in corn ethanol plants. In the research summarized here, we examine the economic feasibility of this possibility, based on the technical data that are currently available about sweet sorghum production

Understanding of The Customers’ Perception on Islamic Banking and Financial Services in Malaysia

The main objectives: The main objectives of this study are to delve customers’ knowledge and perception of Islamic banking financial products and services. Background Problem: The background problem is lack of awareness and understanding of the Islamic finance industry is a major challenge for clients, investors, and other stakeholders. Islamic Banking and Finance (IBF) is a booming sector in the financial industry. However, it is still at a developing stage in the economy. Clients awareness is a crucial step to attain its business and social-welfare objectives by abiding by Islamic commercial law. Research Methodology: The research methodology implemented was empirical/inductive. A survey via questionnaire was conducted on 135 banking clients via questionnaires; a comparison between Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB) and non-BIMB clients was exemplified using mean and T-test statistics, on their level of knowledge and understanding of the different principles, products, and services of IBF. Results and Findings: Results and findings have inferred that there is not much significant difference in their level of knowledge and understanding. Then it was examined whether there was a significant relationship between the knowledge of the clients and their preference for IBF services. Research Contribution: The contribution of this study can help the Islamic banking industry gain insight into the current level of understanding of IBF products and services among the clients. Conclusion: The conclusion of the study indicates that there must be more attempts to educate clients and other stakeholders of the Islamic banking industry.  Finally, it was also concluded that the clients have a better perception of the prospect of the IBF industry in Malaysia, despite it being at a developing stage

Behavioral intention to use mobile technology in language teaching: A qualitative analysis of a UAE case study

Copyright © 2020, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. This study aimed to qualitatively investigate the factors that influence teachers\u27 behavioral intention to use mobile technology (BIU) for language teaching employing the original technology acceptance model (TAM) as a framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 Arabic and English teachers. The study results revealed that there were several external variables influencing teachers\u27 behavioral intention to use mobile technology. It was also found that participants had mixed levels of perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU), and attitude toward use (ATU). Moreover, it was concluded that ATU had a direct impact on BIU and PU was the responsible factor for participants who had a mixed ATU

Sweet Sorghum as Feedstock in Great Plains Corn Ethanol Plants: The Role of Biofuel Policy

This research examines whether sweet sorghum, a crop considered more drought-tolerant and suitable for semi-arid areas than corn, could result in an economically viable sweet sorghum ethanol pathway in the Great Plains. We find that that if the D5–D6 RIN price spread exceeds the $0.35/gal recently experienced, the benefits of the pathway would be equivalent to about$90/acre of sweet sorghum, or $0.38/gal of ethanol. Because of sparse cultivation potential, only four the six existing plants in the Nebraska–Colorado High Plains area might expect transportation costs to be low enough for economic feasibility