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While many small and medium enterprises (SMEs)recognize the benefits of Big Data Analytics (BDA) for digital transformation, they face challenges in implementing this technology, highlighting the need for more research on its adoption by SMEs. The objective of this study is to amalgamate the Technology Organization Environment (TOE) framework with the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory, aiming to dissect the factors that sway BDA adoption in Jordanian SMEs. Additionally, the study delves into how perceived usefulness impacts this adoption process. Utilizing structural equation modeling, the study examined data from 388 managers in Jordan. The study validates all its hypotheses, revealing that variables like relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, top management support, competitive pressure, and security influence perceived usefulness, which subsequently has a positive impact on BDA adoption. This research presents a range of theoretical and practical insights.

Key Clinical Message This report highlights the risk of latent tuberculosis (TB) reactivation after treatment with Polatuzumab Vedotin (PV), Rituximab, and Bendamustine (PBR protocol) despite appropriate chemoprophylaxis. A 48‐year‐old male with refractory Burkitt's lymphoma (BKL) was treated with PBR protocol. At baseline, the patient had a negative QuantiFERON test result, which turned out to be positive prior to starting PBR. He received chemoprophylaxis for 9 months and was compliant with treatment. One year later, he was admitted with COVID‐19 pneumonia and was treated according to the protocol. His symptoms persisted for 1 month. Investigations yielded disseminated TB‐infiltrated bone marrow and pleura. Downstream B‐cell and T‐cell depletion secondary to CD20 and CD79b antagonism may potentially explain the increased risk of TB reactivation associated with the combination of PV and rituximab. Further research is necessary to monitor the risk of TB reactivation among patients receiving a combination of PV and rituximab, especially in endemic areas with high prevalence and incidence of TB.

Abstract Abiotic stresses are a significant constraint to plant production globally. Identifying stress-related genes can aid in the development of stress-tolerant elite genotypes and facilitate trait and crop manipulation. The primary aim of this study was to conduct whole transcriptome analyses of the salt-tolerant faba bean genotype, Hassawi-2, under different durations of salt stress (6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h) at the early vegetative stage, to better understand the molecular basis of salt tolerance. After de novo assembly, a total of 140,308 unigenes were obtained. The up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were 2380, 2863, 3057, 3484, and 4820 at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of salt stress, respectively. Meanwhile, 1974, 3436, 2371, 3502, and 5958 genes were downregulated at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of salt stress, respectively. These DEGs encoded various regulatory and functional proteins, including kinases, plant hormone proteins, transcriptional factors (TFs) basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), Myeloblastosis (MYB), and (WRKY), heat shock proteins (HSPs), late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, dehydrin, antioxidant enzymes, and aquaporin proteins. This suggests that the faba bean genome possesses an abundance of salinity resistance genes, which trigger different adaptive mechanisms under salt stress. Some selected DEGs validated the RNA sequencing results, thus confirming similar gene expression levels. This study represents the first transcriptome analysis of faba bean leaves subjected to salinity stress offering valuable insights into the mechanisms governing salt tolerance in faba bean during the vegetative stage. This comprehensive investigation enhances our understanding of precise gene regulatory mechanisms and holds promise for the development of novel salt-tolerant faba bean salt-tolerant cultivars.

Tuberculous peritonitis, though rare, is a serious condition and its diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific clinical symptoms and imaging findings. Likewise, tuberculous epididymo-orchitis is a clinical dilemma, as it often mimics testicular tumors. We report a case of a 62-year-old patient diagnosed to have TB peritonitis, following tuberculous epididymo-orchitis with review of the imaging features of both entities. A high index of suspicion and careful clinical assessment will help in early diagnosis and treatment of TB peritonitis, preventing potential complications. Moreover, testicular tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of scrotal mass.

In secondary healthcare, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CREs), such as those observed in Klebsiella pneumoniae, are a global public health priority with significant clinical outcomes. In this study, we described the clinical, phenotypic, and genotypic characteristics of three pan-drug-resistant (PDR) isolates that demonstrated extended resistance to conventional and novel antimicrobials. All patients had risk factors for the acquisition of multidrug-resistant organisms, while microbiological susceptibility testing showed resistance to all conventional antimicrobials. Advanced susceptibility testing demonstrated resistance to broad agents, such as ceftazidime-avibactam, ceftolozane–tazobactam, and meropenem–vaborbactam. Nevertheless, all isolates were susceptible to cefiderocol, suggested as one of the novel antimicrobials that demonstrated potent in vitro activity against resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including CREs, pointing toward its potential therapeutic role for PDR pathogens. Expanded genomic studies revealed multiple antimicrobial-resistant genes (ARGs), including blaNMD-5 and blaOXA derivative types, as well as a mutated outer membrane porin protein (OmpK37).

The study aimed to examine the impact of the marketing mix for digital content on the marketing performance of five-star hotels in Jordan. The dimensions of the marketing mix for digital content were (digital marketing database, social media platforms, digital pricing, and digital advertising), while the dimensions of marketing performance were (customer loyalty, customer satisfaction, and attracting new customers). The study population represented five-star hotel customers in Jordan, where an appropriate sample of (294) customers was used. The data of the study were analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique. The study concluded that all dimensions of the marketing mix for digital content had a positive impact on the marketing performance of five-star hotels in Jordan. Accordingly, the study recommended managers in these hotels pay more attention to promoting through digital means by publishing advertisements that include images and videos related to the quality of services available.

The aim of this study is to validate the effects of three selected major drivers; namely technological, marketing, and behavioral on online food delivery orientation. A conceptual framework is developed based on the three selected major drivers from the previous studies. To achieve the study objective, a quantitative method, a cross-sectional survey of the users of online food delivery applications, was used and one-hundred and fifty four questionnaires were gathered and analyzed via IBM SPSS and AMOS software. The finding revealed that the model was valid and technological, marketing, and behavioral drivers were found to positively predict online food delivery orientation. Based on the study results, several recommendations were suggested in this study to improve the food delivery.

The study aimed at investigating the effect of e-HRM use on employee flexibility based on Davis’ technology acceptance model. Seven hypotheses were proposed. Two external factors (HR department role and organizational readiness) were linked to e-HRM perceived usefulness and e-HRM ease of use. These two factors linked to the behavioral intention to use e-HRM, which in turn connected to employee flexibility. All these propositions were accepted through analyzing data collected via a questionnaire from a sample consisting of managers and employees of human resource departments in Islamic banks in Jordan. The study contributes to the literature through clarifying and extending the technology acceptance model of e-HRM, as identifying two of the external factors that significantly affect e-HRM perceived usefulness and e-HRM ease of use, as well as, and spreading the model to include employee flexibility.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, digital marketing and green marketing are considered as some of the most emerging topics. However, the major problem is associated with the lack of CSR policies, development and adaptation of green marketing in the companies operating in manufacturing companies in the UK. In this manner, this study aimed to determine the role of digital marketing, CSR policies and green marketing in brand development. Concerning this, the case of UK’s manufacturing companies was considered which can help the manufacturing companies operating in the UK to make the development of brand more effective, as the consumers would perceive the brand which complies with the environmental laws. To attain the aim, the researchers utilized a quantitative method of data collection where a close-ended survey questionnaire was utilized. The data was collected from the concerned participants working in the manufacturing sector of the UK and the sample size considered for the analysis was based on 404 participants. The analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) on Smart PLS. The analysis revealed that the overall impact of green marketing, CSR policy and digital marketing was statistically significant on the brand development of UK’s manufacturing companies. Considering this, it has been recommended to the manufacturing companies in the UK to focus on environmental disclosure, green innovation, green alliance and promotional activity for the purpose of ensuring brand development. However, this study is limited to the geographical bounds of the UK; therefore, it has a certain room for future research.

The aim of the study was to examine the impact of digital marketing capabilities on organizational ambidexterity by focusing on the Information Technology Sector in UAE. Data were primarily gathered through self-reported questionnaires created by Google Forms which were distributed to a purposive sample of managers at different levels via email. This study was conducted structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypotheses, which represents a contemporary statistical technique for testing and estimating the relationship between factors and variables. The results showed that the highest impact on organizational ambidexterity was for strategic approach and data content infrastructure, followed by integrating customers with employees, and finally the lowest impact belonged to the process of improving performance. Based on the study findings, the researcher hopes that the decision-makers and managers define all tasks, roles and work procedures in companies through digital marketing systems to improve their organizational ambidexterity and enhance their performance.

This study aimed at examining the impact of E-HRM on organizational health. It focused on telecommunications companies operating in Jordan. Data were primarily gathered through self-reported questionnaires created in Google Forms and distributed to a purposive sample of senior managers via email. AMOSv24 was used to test the study hypotheses. The results of the study show that E-HRM has a positive impact on organizational health. Based on the obtained results, the researchers recommend managers and decision-makers of the telecommunications companies in Jordan to invest in electronic human resources systems, which can help them fully implement human resources practices electronically, to obtain economic savings and to be able to attract talents. The study also highlights the importance of focusing more on the electronic training and development process in order to raise individuals’ practical capabilities, which is reflected in their creativity.

The current study investigates the impact of an educational program based on cognitive neuroscience on developing reading comprehension skills among second-grade students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To achieve this objective, the researchers employed a quasi-experimental design, selecting a sample of 59 students from Princess Nora bint Abdulrahman Al Saud School for Girls and AlMadinah Al-Jamia Educational School for Boys, both under the supervision of the Education Directorate in Najran region. The sample was divided into two groups: 30 students in the experimental group and 29 in the control group. The researchers developed two instruments: a cognitive neuroscience-based educational program and a written test. After ensuring their validity and reliability, these instruments were administered to the study participants. The results revealed statistically significant differences in favor of the experimental group, while no significant differences were found based on gender or the interaction between gender and group. In light of the results, the researchers provided a set of recommendations.

The use of language in digital discourse for marketing has rapidly developed through mass media. This paper elucidates how advertisers employ various pragmatic strategies to persuade the recipient to act (behavior) by purchasing specific products. This study utilized different theoretical and conceptual frameworks (Theory of Reasoned Action and Aristotle's Models of Persuasion) to address the shortcomings of the social cognitive approach in studying persuasion, to investigate how language of advertisements can influence the recipient's thinking of a product from a psychological perspective. Guided by the principles of TRA, the present study argues that persuasion in advertisements is structured by three dimensions: attraction (through language features and appeals), evaluation (through beliefs, attitudes, and intention), and behavior (social acceptance or reluctance). This study revealed eight persuasion techniques employed by advertisers including demonstrating distinction, honoring commitment, expressing authority, hyperbolizing, glorification, providing proofs, expressing solidarity, and proving success. Showing distinction and Honoring commitment were the most frequently used strategies. Additionally, the study found that strategies of persuasion involved ethical, logical, and emotional appeals for their large effect on the recipient as they contribute to the recipient's positive evaluations. Appealing to reasoning (logic) is the most common one in slogans.

Abstract Yellow nail syndrome is a rare lymphatic abnormality without clear pathogenesis. Hereby, we report a 70‐year‐old Sudanese female patient who presented with recurrent cough, recurrent lower limb swelling, and yellowish nail discoloration diagnosed as yellow nail syndrome but unfortunately passed away due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

The core purpose of this study is to determine the impact of electronics marketing (word of mouth), perceived value, and social networking on customer buying behaviour through customer trust in the context of cosmetic industry of Jordan. To accomplish the main research objective, the study has followed SEM technique for analysing collected data. For data collection, the use of survey questionnaire has been made, in which data was collected from total 223 respondents. The results of this study confirm the significant impact of perceived value on customer trust and customer buying behaviour, whereas electronic marketing (word of mouth) was found to have insignificant impact on both customers buying behaviour and customer trust. Findings also revealed the significant impact of social networking networks on customer buying behaviour. However, its impact on customer trust was insignificant. With respect to mediating effect, customer trust significantly mediates the association between perceived value and customer buying behaviour.

Abstract Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global priority with significant clinical and economic consequences. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the major pathogens associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In healthcare settings, the evaluation of prevalence, microbiological characteristics, as well as mechanisms of resistance is of paramount importance to overcome associated challenges. Methods: Consecutive clinical specimens of P. aeruginosa were collected prospectively from 5 acute-care and specialized hospitals between October 2014 and September 2017, including microbiological, clinical characteristics and outcomes. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed using the BD Phoenix identification and susceptibility testing system, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test strips. Overall, 78 selected MDR P. aeruginosa isolates were processed for whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Results: The overall prevalence of MDR P. aeruginosa isolates was 5.9% (525 of 8,892) and showed a decreasing trend; 95% of cases were hospital acquired and 44.8% were from respiratory samples. MDR P. aeruginosa demonstrated >86% resistance to cefepime, ciprofloxacin, meropenem, and piperacillin-tazobactam but 97.5% susceptibility to colistin. WGS revealed 29 different sequence types: 20.5% ST235, 10.3% ST357, 7.7% ST389, and 7.7% ST1284. ST233 was associated with bloodstream infections and increased 30-day mortality. All ST389 isolates were obtained from patients with cystic fibrosis. Encoded exotoxin genes were detected in 96.2% of isolates. Conclusions: MDR P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical specimens from Qatar has significant resistance to most agents, with a decreasing trend that should be explored further. Genomic analysis revealed the dominance of 5 main clonal clusters associated with mortality and bloodstream infections. Microbiological and genomic monitoring of MDR P. aeruginosa has enhanced our understanding of AMR in Qatar.

Background: Drought is the major factor that limits faba bean (Vicia faba L.) production worldwide. To decipher the molecular basis of drought stress response, we carried out transcriptome profiling of the drought-tolerant genotype of faba bean (Vicia faba L.), Hassawi-2, under drought stress conditions using RNA sequencing. Results: De novo assembly of a total of 606.35 M high-quality pair-end clean reads yielded 164,679 unigenes of leaf tissues. A total of 35,143 (12,805 upregulated and 22,338 downregulated unigenes) and 28,892 (16,247 upregulated and 12,645 down-regulated) genes were differentially expressed under drought stress conditions in the vegetative and flowering stages, respectively. According to the GO and KEGG databases, both the vegetative and flowering stages regulated energy metabolism, transmembrane transporter activity, and secondary metabolites. A total of 538 (272 upregulated and 266 downregulated) and 642 (300 upregulated and 342 downregulated) putative transcription factors in the vegetative and flowering stages, respectively, were identified and classified under different transcription factor families. In addition, a substantial proportion of DEGs identified here were novel, as they could not be mapped to any functional database, therefore suggesting a specific response to drought stress in faba bean. The RNA-seq results were also validated by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR analysis. Conclusion: The transcriptome data generated here using RNA sequencing is the first report of faba bean under drought stress indicating the genes involved in drought tolerance. This information can be used to improve drought tolerance in elite faba bean cultivars and to develop tolerant germplasm for other legume crops.How to cite: Khan MA, Alghamdi SS, Ammar MH, et al. Transcriptome profiling of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) drought-tolerant variety hassawi-2 under drought stress using RNA sequencing. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.02.004. Keywords: Annotations, Differentially expressed genes, Drought stress, Faba bean, Flowering stage, RNA Seq, RNA sequencing, Transcriptome profiling, Unigenes, Vegetative stage, Vicia faba L

Considering the importance of salinity stress and genotype screening under stress conditions, the current study evaluated faba bean genotypes in response to saline stress and identified those that were tolerant and determined the influential ratio of each yield component on seed yield under both conditions. As a result, 12 faba bean genotypes were tested under 2 levels of salt stress (100 mM and 200 mM) and a control. The study was analyzed with multivariate (descriptive, ANOVA, PCA, biplot, cluster analysis, and indices) analysis techniques to determine the tolerance level of each genotype. Similarly, the cluster analysis results reported that faba bean genotypes were divided into two groups under the control and 100 mM salinity levels; however, the 200 mM salinity level recorded three groups of faba bean genotypes, showing that salinity stress may limit phenotypic variability among faba bean genotypes. The descriptive analysis results showed a wide range of diversity among the studied characteristics under control and salinity stress conditions. The number of seeds/plants recorded a significant association with plant height (cm) (PH), stomatal conductance (SC), days to flowering (DF), the number of pods, and seed weight (g) (SW); however, an insignificant association was recorded with leaf temperature (LT), fresh weight (g) (FW), Na+, K+, and Na/K ratio. The first three principal components (PCs) represent 81.45% of the variance among the studied traits. The most significant characteristics that contributed the most to the diversity were (PH, leaf area, SPAD reading, stomatal conductance, DF, number of pods/plants, number of seeds/pods, SW, K, and total chlorophyll content); however, the significant genotypes (Hassawi-2, Sakha, ILB-4347, Misr-3, FLIP12501FB) were present in PC1 under both conditions. The results predicted that Hassawi-2, ILB-4347, Sakha, Misr-3, and Flip12501FB were the significant (tolerant) genotypes. However, FLIP12504FB represents a sensitive genotype based on its final grain yield. The results of the indices also recorded significant index correlations with grain yield, demonstrating that these indices are effective tools for screening faba bean-tolerant genotypes under salinity stress conditions.

Due to unfavorable environmental conditions, heat stress is one of the significant production restrictions for the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crop. The tomato crop is considered an important vegetable crop globally and represents a model plant for fruit development research. The heat shock factor (HSF) gene family contains plant-specific transcription factors (TFs) that are highly conserved and play a key role in plant high-temperature stress responses. The current study was designed to determine the relative response of heat stress under three different temperatures in the field condition to determine its relative heat tolerance. Furthermore, the study also characterized heat shock genes in eight tomato genotypes under different temperature regimes. The expressions of each gene were quantified using qPCR. The descriptive statistics results suggested a high range of diversity among the studied variables growing under three different temperatures. The qPCR study revealed that the SlyHSF genes play an important role in plant heat tolerance pathways. The expression patterns of HSF genes in tomatoes have been described in various tissues were determined at high temperature stress. The genes, SlyHSFs-1, SlyHSFs-2, SlyHSFs-8, SlyHSFs-9 recorded upregulation expression relative to SlyHSFs-3, SlyHSFs-5, SlyHSFs-10, and SlyHSFs-11. The genotypes, Strain B, Marmande VF, Pearson’s early, and Al-Qatif-365 recorded the tolerant tomato genotypes under high-temperature stress conditions relative to other genotypes. The heat map analysis also confirmed the upregulation and downregulation of heat shock factor genes among the tomato genotypes. These genotypes will be introduced in the breeding program to improve tomato responses to heat stress.

Introduction: Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA) is an important and growing issue in the care of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Objective: The objective of the study was to describe the frequency of MDR-PA recovered from the lower respiratory samples of pediatric and adult CF patients, and its antibiotic resistance pattern to commonly used antimicrobial agents including β-lactams, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. Materials and Methods: The lower respiratory isolates of P. aeruginosa were obtained from inpatients and outpatients CF clinics from a tertiary care teaching hospital for the period from October 2014 to September 2015. The identification and antimicrobial susceptibility for all the isolates were performed by using the BD Phoenix™ and E-test in compliance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: A total of 61 P. aeruginosa samples were isolated from thirty CF patients from twenty families. Twelve sputum samples were positive for MDR-PA (seven nonmucoid and five mucoid isolates) from five CF patients (five families) with moderate-to-very severe lung disease given MDR-PA frequency of 19.7%. The median age of the study group was 20 (range 10–30) years. Three CF patients were on chronic inhaled tobramycin and two on nebulized colistin. The antimicrobial patterns of isolates MDR-PA showed the highest rate of resistance toward each gentamycin, amikacin, and cefepime (100%), followed by 91.7% to ciprofloxacin, 75% to tobramycin, 58.3% to meropenem, and 50% to piperacillin-tazobactam. None of the isolates were resistant to colistin during the study period. Conclusion: The study results emphasize that the emergence of a significant problem in the clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa in CF patients that dictate appropriate attention to the antibiotic management after proper surveillance.

The study aimed to reveal the effect of the infographic display style (fixed, animated, and interactive) on learning and retaining the vocabulary of the Noble Quran among third grade students. The study sample consisted of 112 male and female third grade students and were distributed into three groups the students' learning test was designed to learn the vocabulary of the Noble Quran according to the approved standards, and a quasi-experimental design was used. The results showed that all infographic patterns (fixed, animated, and interactive) have an impact on learning the vocabulary of the Noble Quran, but this effect is not equal between the patterns, the most influential is the interactive pattern, then the animated pattern, then the fixed pattern, and the results showed that the three patterns (fixed, animated, and interactive) had an impact on retaining learning the vocabulary of the Noble Quran, and that there were no differences between the three patterns in retaining learning the vocabulary of the noble Quran, and the study indicated to a set of recommendations, including encouraging teachers to employ multiple methods in teaching the vocabulary of the Noble Quran.

Digital learning tools have become increasingly popular worldwide as they enhance the teaching and learning process. It has the potential to improve the educational experience and awareness of children both within the host country and internationally. Additionally, it can contribute to personal growth, promote fair competition, increase productivity, and foster a lifelong love of learning. The main aim of this study was to examine how digital education can enhance the learning of young children from both the host country and international backgrounds. The study sample consisted of 53 female childhood education teachers, including 23 national and 30 international teachers from the Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. The participants were selected using the available sampling method. To achieve the study's goal, a carefully crafted, semi-structured interview was created, considering its validity and reliability. The study revealed numerous consequences linked to learning through digital tools, which enhance the quality of education for both local and international children in the host country. The results highlighted the importance of cognitive learning through digital platforms as well as the development of emotional aspects. The results of this study showed that students achieved a wide range of learning outcomes in areas such as language, mathematics, science, and social skills. In addition, the findings provide significant evidence of the impact of digital learning tools on enhancing the motivation of host country nationals and international students to learn and improving their perception of independent reading. Moreover, positive attitudes toward learning environments emerged as a side effect. In conclusion, the study presents a set of relevant recommendations.

Quinoa cultivation has expanded from South America to many countries because of its wide adaptability and nutritional value. We evaluated 32 introduced quinoa genotypes using 17 qualitative and 11 quantitative traits under Saudi Arabia conditions during the 2018–2019 season. The quinoa genotypes showed considerable variation during the vegetative and maturity stages. Plant height values varied between 60 and 18 cm, and maturity ranged from 98 to 177 days. Leaf shapes were rhomboidal or triangular, with dentate or serrate margins. Green was the standard color for leaves and panicles at the flowering stage. The leaf granule colors were white, purple, and white-red. At 150 units of the Euclidean distance, the genotypes aggregated into four major groups based on their morphological traits. Twenty-one sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) primer pair combinations generated 75 amplified fragments (alleles), with a mean of 3.57 alleles per primer pair combination. Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic means (UPGMA) clustering analysis showed that the quinoa genotypes were grouped based on origin or according to genetic background. Genotypes from South America presented higher mean values for the average number of alleles, Shannon index (0.411), gene diversity (0.271), and polymorphic percentage (83.95). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that most of the genetic variation was because of differences within populations (86%). The wide variability of the genotypes studied herein is of great importance for quinoa breeders.

Background: The present study was undertaken towards the development of SSR markers and assessing genetic relationships among 32 date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) representing common cultivars grown in different geographical regions in Saudi Arabia. Results: Ninety-three novel simple sequence repeat markers were developed and screened for their ability to detect polymorphism in date palm. Around 71% of genomic SSRs were dinucleotide, 25% tri, 3% tetra and 1% penta nucleotide motives. Twenty-two primers generated a total of 91 alleles with a mean of 4.14 alleles per locus and 100% polymorphism percentage. A 0.595 average polymorphic information content and 0.662 primer discrimination power values were recorded. The expected and observed heterozygosities were 0.676 and 0.763 respectively. Pair-wise similarity values ranged from 0.06 to 0.89 and the overall cultivars averaged 0.41. The UPGMA cluster analysis recovered by principal coordinate analysis illustrated that cultivars tend to group according to their class of maturity, region of cultivation, and fruit color. Analysis of molecular variations (AMOVA) revealed that genetic variation among and within cultivars were 27% and 73%, respectively according to geographical distribution of cultivars. Conclusions: The developed microsatellite markers are additional values to date palm characterization tools that can be used by researchers in population genetics, cultivar identification as well as genetic resource exploration and management. The tested cultivars exhibited a significant amount of genetic diversity and could be suitable for successful breeding program. Genomic sequences generated from this study are available at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Sequence Read Archive (Accession numbers. LIBGSS_039019).

This study focuses on three essential concepts -- collaboration, action, and research. It was initiated by three former teacher educators (TEs) at Asmara Community College of Education (ACCE), Eritrea (now defunct), and data was drawn from their written accounts and rigorous reflective discussions. It illuminates the lines of development while attempting to improve practices, the tensions this created among individuals, collective agencies, and institutional transformations. It reveals "realities" about the perpetual and unpredictable challenges the TEs encountered and the outcome of the actions they attempted to execute. Along the way, they uncovered evidence on why and how they could enrich their professional values when they come together and collaborate in exploring the essence of their practices. The findings reveal that TEs who systematize their practices through collaborative action research (CAR) can significantly develop their professional effectiveness. They have established that TEs should "collaborate, act, and engage" in research to develop enduring professional identities which can adapt to changing educational situations.