aliakbar asadi

This research was conducted in order to evaluate the reaction of different barley genotypes and to understand better the genotype × environment interaction effect in different areas of the country's cold climate, and to select stable genotypes.

Four barley genotypes, including Jalgah, Mehtab, Bahman, CB-96-10, along with four imported genotypes in five stations of Karaj, Zanjan, Jalgarokh, Ardabil, and Miandoab in the form of complete randomized block design with three replications in two consecutive years of evaluation became.

In Eberhart and Russell method, G1, G4, and G6 genotypes; in parametric methods G1, G4, G6, and to some extent G7 genotypes and; in nonparametric methods G1, G4, and G6 genotypes were identified as stable genotypes. According to the comparison of average performance, sustainability criteria and agricultural characteristics and general compatibility using AMMI analysis, G6, G1, and G7 genotypes were recognized as the most suitable and most compatible genotypes, respectively and can be considered as climate compatible cultivars in all cold regions of the country. Genotypes G2, and G3 are also considered varieties with private compatibility.

According to the results, G6, and G1 genotypes can be considered as the most compatible genotypes in all cold regions of the country, and G2, and G3 genotypes can also be considered as genotypes with high private compatibility in high potential regions.

The evaluation of the genotype × environment interaction effect provides valuable information regarding the yield of plant cultivars in different environments and plays an important role in evaluating the stability of the yield of breeding cultivars. Genotype × environment interaction effect, especially in stressful environments, are important limiting factors in the introduction of new cultivars; therefore, it is very important to know the type and nature of the interaction effect and reach the verities that have the least role in creating interaction effects. Various methods have been introduced to evaluate the interaction effect, each of which examines the nature of the interaction effect from a specific point of view. The results of different methods may not be the same, but the best result is obtained when a genotype with different evaluation methods shows similar results in terms of stability. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the genotype × environment interaction effect in experiments conducted in different environments, to determine the relationships between genotypes and environments and to introduce the most stable red bean genotypes.

In this research, 14 red bean lines along with Yakut, Ofog and Dadfar control cultivars were cultivated in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications in Khomein, Borujerd, Shahrekord and Zanjan research stations for 2 crop years under the same conditions. After combined variance analysis, according to the significance of genotype × environment interaction, AMMI and GGE-Biplot analysis methods were used to determine the compatibility and stability of genotypes. After AMMI Analysis, the stability parameters of AMMI were calculated. In addition to the AMMI stability parameters, the simultaneous selection index was also calculated for each of the indices, which was the sum of the rank of the genotypes based on each of the AMMI stability indices and the average seed yield rank of the genotypes in all environments.

The significance of the double and triple interaction effects of genotype with year and place (environment) in this study showed that genotypes showed different responses in different environments, and in other words, the difference between genotypes is not the same from one environment to another, and in these conditions, the stability of grain yield can be evaluated. The contribution of about 2.5 times the interaction effect of genotype × environment from the total sum of squares, compared to the effect of genotype, indicated the possibility of the existence of mega-environmental groups in which some genotypes show their maximum performance potential in those environmental groups. Genotypes G12, G5 and G17 had the highest seed yield among the genotypes with yields of 3288, 3136 and 3111 kg per hectare, respectively. AMMI analysis showed that the first to seventh main components were significant at the 1% probability level, and despite the significance of all model components, the first and second main components had the largest contribution to the expression of genotype × environment interaction (66.5%). Based on AMMI1 biplot Genotypes G4, G5, G16, G17 and G12 had the highest values (positive and negative) of IPCA1. In contrast, genotypes G8, G3, G2, G7 and G11 had IPCA1 values close to zero. However, only the genotype G11 showed a performance higher than the average total yield and therefore it can be introduced as a stable genotype with high general compatibility. Based on AMMI2 biplot, genotypes G2, G7, G3 and to some extent G8 and G13 were introduced as stable genotypes, but only G13 genotype had a higher yield in all environments, so this genotype can be introduced as a stable genotype with good yield.; also, every two years, the same place under investigation had a high correlation with each other, so that Bro1 and Bro2 environments on the one hand and Kho1 and Kho2 environments and finally Zan1 and Zan2 showed a high positive correlation (the same effect) to create a mutual effect. In total of the simultaneous selection indices calculated based on AMMI analysis, genotypes G11, G17, G7, G13 and G12 were introduced as stable genotypes with high yield. GGE-Biplot analysis based on average yield and stability showed that genotypes G1, G2, G3, G8 and G7 had the highest general stability compared to other genotypes despite having the lowest yield. On the other hand, G12, G5 and G17 genotypes had the highest yield with less stability. No ideal environment was observed. But Kho1, Kho2 and Sha1 environments are closer to the ideal environment than other environments and they can be used to distinguish the studied genotypes to some extent. On the other hand, G12 genotype can be considered as a desirable genotype that has high average yield and high yield stability. In the same way, G17, G5 and G11 genotypes were in the next stage compared to the ideal genotype and to some extent they can also be considered as desirable genotypes.

According to all the results, G12 genotype can be considered as a desirable genotype that has a high average yield and also has yield stability, and G17, G5 and G11 genotypes were in the next stage.

 Yield under stress conditions has never been an accurate criterion for selecting drought-tolerant genotypes, and the goal of preparing drought-tolerant cultivars has always been to create cultivars that relatively tolerate stress better compared to other genotypes and in the same agricultural conditions, they show less yield loss. In most studies, only the seed yield is considered for the field selection of crops, while some researchers believe that in order to be more efficient in breeding compatible and superior cultivars in arid and semi-arid regions, the indicators that are effective in identifying the stability of cultivars under drought stress conditions should be identified and used them as selection index in addition to seed yield, therefore, the relative uield status of genotypes in drought stress conditions and water conditions is a starting point for identifying and selecting genotypes for improvement in dry environments. In semi-arid regions where the distribution of rainfall is not proportional, the yield potential in stress conditions is not considered the best criterion for drought tolerance, but in addition to yield stability, the comparison of yield in stress and optimal conditions is a more suitable criterion for the reaction of genotypes to moisture stress. Due to the fact that most of the studies related to indicators in crop species and especially wheat are done only in one place and one year and finally in a specific environment and the results are generalized to all environments and the variable effects of year and place are not taken into account in the calculation of indicators. In this regard, this research was carried out to evaluate the genotypes of autumn wheat in terms of drought tolerance, to select the best drought tolerance indices and to identify drought stress tolerant cultivars in different regions of the country's cold climate.

In this research project, 20 genotypes under normal irrigation and water deficit conditions in the form of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the research stations of Karaj, Mashhad, Miandoab and Arak, in the crop years of 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 were investigated. In order to investigate the drought tolerance of the genotypes, different tolerance and stress sensitivity indices were determined for the genotypes under investigation and the genotypes were grouped based on the sensitivity and tolerance to drought by each of these indices. Principal component analyzing was also used in order to summarize the data and draw a diagram based on the first two components and identify the desired indicators. Finally, biplot analysis was used to group genotypes and indices based on drought tolerance criteria.

Stress decreased the Yield of genotypes, but the amount of reduction was different in different genotypes. The average grain yield for all genotypes under normal irrigation conditions and drought stress at the end of the season was 7.002 and 5.215 tons per hectare, respectively, which showed that the stress conditions caused a decrease of about 25% in grain yield compared to normal irrigation conditions. The environmental and agricultural conditions of different regions and the studied years caused differences in the estimated indices so that the ranking of genotypes changed based on different indices in different years and regions therefore, it is better to carry out studies on stress tolerance indices in several places and several years so that the process of functional changes of different cultivars and genotypes is correctly determined and as a result, there is more confidence in the calculated tolerance and sensitivity indices. Genotypes G4, G2, G16 and G5 showed higher yield in both conditions. STI, MP, GMP, MSTI1, MSTI2, YI, HM, and RR had a positive and significant correlation with grain yield under normal and stress conditions, and therefore, they can be used for more favorable selection of drought tolerant genotypes.  Principal component analysis showed that indicators can be grouped using the first two components. The first principal component explained 53.16% of the changes in the total data and had a positive and significant correlation with yield in normal and stress conditions as well as MP, STI, GMP, YI, MSTI1, MSTI2, HM and RDY indicators. Due to the high correlation of this component with yield under normal and stress conditions, this component was named as the yield potential component under normal and stress conditions. The second estimated component justified 42.33% of the total data changes and showed a positive and significant correlation with yield in normal conditions and SSI, TOL, ATI, SSPI and RR indices. It seems that this component is able to identify genotypes that have high yield under stress conditions. Biplot analysis showed that HM, MP, STI, MSTI1, MSTI2, GMP, RDY, YI, and SNPI indices had a positive and high correlation with performance under stress and normal conditions. So that the sharp angles between these indices showed their positive and very high correlation with each other. RDI and YSI indices had a negative correlation with performance in normal conditions and RR, SSI, TOL and SSPI indices had a negative correlation with performance in stressful conditions.

 In order to achieve varieties resistant to drought stress by using indices, in order to prevent the mutual effects of the environment in the genotype, the experiments should be carried out in many years and places so that the effects of the environment in the calculated indices can be reduced and more reasonable results can be obtained. Finally, G4, G2, G16, G5 and G17 genotypes can be selected as genotypes with high performance under normal and stress conditions.

Physiological traits of tomato including its resistance to stresses are a main breeding goal in producing new cultivars. This study reports on a combining ability analysis investigating the variance of general and specified combing abilities for some important physiological characteristics as a whole as well as their effects for individual parents and hybrids of 19 tomato genotypes of tomato under drought stress. Three commercial innate lines and four analyzers were used in a line-to-tester crossing plan at Ilam University, Iran. There was a significant difference between genotypes (parents and crosses) in all characteristics at three levels of stress. Evaluating the impacts of common combining capacity analyzers and lines showed that neither a single line nor an analyzer was a commendable common combiner for all of the characteristics examined at all three push levels. Estimation of the effects of specific combining ability indicated that for each specific physiological trait, a specific hybrid showed the highest effect at all three stress levels. In all of the traits under study, specific combining ability variance had a higher estimation than general combining ability variance, and the genetic variance ratio of additive variance to non-additive variance was smaller than one, indicating that non-additive gene action predominated in the inheritance of all of the characteristics in the three levels of stress. The degree of dominance under three levels of stress was higher than one for all attributes except total soluble solids, and it seems that dominance in the genetic locations controlling these traits is superseded.

In recent years, there has been a notable trend in Iran's environment, characterized by China's increasing presence and influence in the Middle East, as well as its endeavors to strengthen relations with the Persian Gulf countries. Given America's longstanding presence in the Persian Gulf and its strategic partnerships with Arab countries, China's involvement has significantly contributed to the complexity of regional issues. For instance, Saudi Arabia, the largest Arab country in the Persian Gulf, has expanded its interactions with China focusing on energy, and in practice, China has become Riyadh's first commercial and economic partner.The main aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the essential factors and significant changes that have shaped Saudi Arabia's foreign policy towards China during the reign of King Salman. It addresses the following questions: what are the determining elements of Saudi Arabia's foreign policy regarding China in the years after 2015, and how have these factors led to the prioritization of extensive cooperation and a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries?

Methods and Conceptual Framework: 

To identify and explain the underlying factors behind Saudi Arabia's shift in foreign policy toward China, this study adopts the conceptual framework of Neoclassical Realism and uses an explanatory methodology. Structural realists emphasize the importance of changes in the international system and the balance of global power in shaping countries' foreign policies. However, neoclassical realists emphasize the significance of internal factors in understanding a government's foreign policy. Therefore, a substantial part of this research focuses on investigating the impact of domestic variables on the strategic choices made by the Saudi government towards China.

The findings of this research indicate that the rise of China and its consequences at international and regional levels are the main and independent variables shaping Saudi Arabia's new foreign policy towards China. However, while international factors have a substantial impact, there are also specific domestic factors that serve as intermediate variables in Saudi Arabia's strategies toward China. At this level, several crucial factors contributed to the development of Saudi cooperation with China during King Salman's era. These factors included the capacities of national power, the rise of authoritarianism, unity and consensus among Saudi elites, the emergence of new Saudi nationalism, the centralization of authoritarian development, and evolving perceptions of Saudi leaders regarding recent international and regional transformations.Saudi Arabia and China's relations have shown a positive and steadily growing trend over the past three decades. However, it is during the reign of King Salman that these relations have entered a new stage, known as a comprehensive strategic partnership. This partnership is characterized by increased cooperation in the commercial, economic, and political spheres. The emergence of a new generation of Saudi leaders, led by Muhammad bin Salman, has significantly influenced the transformation of Saudi policies. These leaders possess a deep and comprehensive understanding of international trends and conditions, which has played a pivotal role in reshaping Saudi Arabia's approach. Particularly noteworthy is their realistic understanding of the shift of power from West to East, their pragmatic approach in relations with regional and global actors, and the new definition of national interests.

In the new circumstances, despite the persistence of some uncertainties regarding the overall direction of Saudi Arabia's foreign policy, the continuation of the country's military-security cooperation with the United States remains evident. However, the prioritization of authoritarian development by Saudi leaders is a significant driver that will lead to the continuation and development of Saudi Arabia-China relations in the coming years.

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates stand as pioneers in the cultivation of soft power and national branding within the Persian Gulf region. Their leadership recognizes the pivotal role of branding in safeguarding and advancing national interests and security and continues to invest significant efforts in this domain. Recently, Saudi Arabia has also turned its attention towards this sphere, emerging as a unique and somewhat complex case study in terms of branding capacities and policies. Especially since the coming to power of the current king of Saudi Arabia in 2015 and the subsequent power consolidation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Riyadh has embarked on a new trajectory of domestic and foreign policies. Changing Saudi Arabia’s image and its national branding is one of those. For this purpose, this paper aims to explore the fundamental question: “What role does national branding play in Saudi Arabia’s overarching policies, and how has this evolved during Salman’s reign?”

This research is theoretically and conceptually grounded in Simon Anholt’s six-dimensional conceptual framework for national branding, which encompasses Exports; Governance; Culture; People; Tourism; and Immigration and Investment. Methodologically, the study adopts a descriptive-explanatory approach. Utilizing a qualitative method, data has been collected through library research and online resources.

Over the past decades, Saudi Arabia has carved out a distinctive international reputation, effectively establishing its national brand on the global and regional stages. This image is primarily shaped by three key facets. Firstly, the nation’s substantial capacities and capabilities in oil production and export, with Saudi Aramco leading as the world’s largest exporter of this commodity. Secondly, Saudi Arabia’s significant religious standing within the Islamic world, which extends its influence globally. Thirdly, its financial and economic aid to various countries, particularly within the Islamic world. This assistance is often manifested in the form of humanitarian or developmental aid. Thus, the triad of traditional elements shaping Saudi Arabia’s reputation and national brand, thereby crafting a unique anddistinctimage of the country on the international stage, encompasses its oil industry, religious influence, and humanitarian and developmental contributions.Under the reign of King Salman, Saudi leaders have initiated a mission to reshape the past image, striving to project a new and positive depiction of the nation. While some previous policies have been maintained, significant changes have ushered in a new era for national branding. Central to this is the Vision 2030 document, which serves as the primary framework guiding efforts to effect a fundamental shift in Saudi Arabia’s position and global image. The document, aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia’s oil-dependent economy, represents a strategic endeavor to shift the traditional perception of Saudi Arabia as merely an oil-rich country. Its three core tenets - fostering a vibrant society, building a thriving economy, and cultivating an ambitious nation - encapsulate the renewed image that Saudi leaders aspire to project, underscoring their commitment to transformative change.The Saudis have gradually come to the conclusion that the traditional religious-conservative image and the presentation of Saudi Arabia as an oil country cannot contribute much to the soft power and the country's capacities. For this, the introduction of a new image as a country with a diverse economy, an open and moderate society, and efficient and modern governance, is considered an important part of the efforts of Saudi statesmen. In this context, a variety of strategies have been implemented with the goal of advancing to a new level of national branding. The most significant of these include economic branding, along with the promotion of Saudi Arabia as a nation with a diversified economy; cultural branding and social reforms, aimed at presenting Saudi Arabia as a moderate and non-extremist society; The development of tourism and branding that leverages cultural heritage; Enhancing governance to fortify the national brand; Sports branding; and Urban branding and the creation of new cities. These initiatives are crucial in achieving this objective.Saudi leaders recognize the necessity of shifting global public opinion towards their country, including through national branding. They are striving to craft a positive, modern, and distinguished image of Saudi Arabia. These efforts involve acknowledging past weaknesses and negative perceptions, while also considering Riyadh’s regional competition with smaller neighbors such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. In this context, traditional capacities and structural barriers are also deemed significant.  Indeed, the political determination of the Saudis and their efforts to implement new policies and significant innovations are crucial.

Despite some accomplishments and positive outcomes in terms of national branding, there are several challenges that Saudi Arabia faces. These include:The absence of a clear definition of branding as a distinct issue in national strategies;The continued dominance of oil in Saudi Arabia’s economic structure, perpetuating the country’s image as an oil-based economy;The potential escalation of internal conflicts and divisions due to cultural and social reforms, which could lead to new crises; and.The increasing political authoritarianism within the Saudi government and the limited participation of civil society in national branding.

It is necessary to develop new sustainable high-yielding cultivars in drought-prone areas. The yield of cultivars in different environments is different and their yield rating varies from one environment to another. Reduction of interaction effects and production stability in different environments is one of the goals of breeding program and introducing cultivars in different regions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the genotype ×environment interaction effect in different cold climate regions of Iran and to determine the superior genotypes and introduce the most stable wheat genotype in these conditions.

To investigate of the stability of 17 wheat genotypes along with Mihan, Heydari and Zarineh cultivars (check cultivars) under water deficit conditions, these genotypes were tested in a randomized complete block designwith three replications in the research stations of Karaj, Hamedan, Mashhad, Jalgarokh, Miandoab and Ardabil in the two crop years 2018 to 2019. In order to check the stability of genotypes, AMMI and GGE-biplot analysis were used.

AMMI analysis showed that the first ten main components were significant and in total explained nearly 97% of the changes in the genotype × environment interaction and the two main components, the first and the second, contributed 46% to the expression of the genotype × environment interaction. Based on SSiASV and SSiWAAS indices G2, G19 and G4 were identified as the best genotypes, respectively. The G3 was the most stable genotype. GGE-biplot analysis showed that G16, G1, G3 and G7 had the highest general stability compared to other genotypes. G16 can be considered as a desirable genotype that has high average yield and high yield stability. G12 and G9 genotypes were in the next ranks. On the other hand, the ideal environment was not observed, but the environments of Mashhad, Ardabil and Karaj in the first year can be introduced as the closest environments to the ideal environment for the selection of superior wheat genotypes in water deficit condition in the cold climate of the Iran.

G3 was the most stable genotype, and then G16, G1 and G7 had the most general stability compared to other genotypes, so that G16 was identified as the desired genotype with high average yield and high yield stability. The environments of Mashhad, Ardabil and Karaj in the first year can also be used to select superior genotypes.

Studying the nature of the genotype×environment interaction provides the possibility of identifying stable and compatible genotypes for breeders, and it has always been one of the important issues in the production and release of new stable and high-yield cultivars in breeding projects. The current research was conducted with the aim of identifying the response of genotypes in each of the studied areas, based on AMMI and GGE biplot models and better understanding of the genotype×environment interaction and determining the level of public and private stability of cultivars. Twenty facultative and winter wheat genotypes were cultivated and evaluated in nine regions (18 environments) during the two crop years of 2017 to 2019 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. In order to analyze the compatibility and stability of genotypes, AMMI and GGE biplot models were used. The results of AMMI analysis showed that the main effect of genotype, genotype×environment interaction effect and the first six principal components were significant at the 1% probability level. The first and second principal components explained about 51% of the sum of squares of the genotype×environment interaction effect. Based on SSiASV and SSiWAAS simultaneous selection indices, genotypes G13, G1, G3, G2, G6, G16, and G7 were identified as the best genotypes. Biplot analysis showed that the genotypes G1, G3, and G6 with average yield had the highest general stability compared to other genotypes. None of the genotypes can be considered as desirable genotypes that have high average yield and high yield stability, but genotype G16 and in the next stage the genotypes G1 and G13 were close to the ideal genotype. Polygon biplot model divided environments into two environmental groups (macro environment) and genotypes into four groups. The first environmental group included Kar1, Kar2, Qaz1, Qaz2, Ham1, Ham2, Mia2, Egl1, Jol2, Ard2, and Ara1 environments, with G16, G17, and G4 genotypes having the highest yield. The second environmental group included Mas1, Mas2, Mia1, Ard1, Jol1, Ara1, and Egl2 environments, and in this macro environment G2, G11, G7, and G12 genotypes had the highest yield. Finally, the examination of the relationships among the environments showed a very high correlation among the investigated environments, which indicated the similar behavior of the genotypes in the most of the tested environments.

In order to investigate the effect of plant density on yield and physiological traits of two cultivars of lentils Kimia and Bilesvar, a factorial split plot experiment with a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at Khodabandeh Dryland Research Station in Zanjan in two cropping years 2015 to 2017. Three spacing between rows (15, 20 and 25 cm) and six levels of seed density (150, 175, 200, 225, 250 and 275 seeds per m2) were considered. Between the two years of the experiment, a significant difference was observed in terms of total yield at the 1%. In terms of the parameters of leaf temperature, stomatal conductance, substomatal CO2, photosynthesis rate at 5% and total yield at 1%, significant difference was observed between planting intervals. Significant difference was observed between the studied genotypes in terms of leaf temperature and total yield at 1% and water use efficiency at 5%. As the distance between the rows increased, the leaf temperature increased, so that the highest and lowest temperatures were observed at the distance between the rows of 25 and 15 cm, respectively. The highest and lowest stomatal conductance were obtained at the distance between rows of 15 and 25 cm, respectively. Increasing the row spacing from 15 to 25 cm decreased the total yield. At 15 cm row spacing, the lowest leaf temperature and the highest stomatal conductance, substomatal CO2 and photosynthesis rate were observed, and the highest yield was also obtained in this row distance; Therefore, by choosing this row distance, in terms of these physiological traits, the farm will be in more favorable condition and eventually a higher yield will be obtained. The highest and lowest yields were related to seed densities of 225 and 150, respectively. Of course, the density of 225 was not significantly different from the density of 200. Therefore, for the cultivation of dry lentils, the best density was 200 seeds per square meter and the best row spacing for planting was 15 cm.

Various theories have been proposed to analyze behaviors in the international arena. Some theories, such as mainstream theories, are influenced by the linear approach of classical science, considering the international system as mechanical, closed, and far from interaction. Others, such as complex systems theory, considered the concept of nonlinear relationships and interaction used in the analysis of biological systems to explain the behavior of the international system and tried to explain human behavior as a biological system. Interaction is the main concept in explaining the behavior of natural and living systems that causes chaotic behaviors. Because the concept of interaction in human systems, as the highest example of biological systems due to the power of thinking, is a different concept. The purpose of this article is to introduce the interaction in the international system with features; Flow-creation and interpretation of information, purposefulness, sensitivity to the initial condition and impact and effectiveness. Studies show that due to the differences between human interaction and the interaction of other living organisms, Chaotic behaviors in the international system have characteristics; Simplicity in complexity, certainty in uncertainty, and order in disorder.

Existence of genotype × environment interaction for quantitative traits such as grain yield can limit the selection of superior genotypes for the development of improved cultivars. In order to calculate the interaction of genotype × environment, breeders evaluate genotypes in several environments to identify genotypes with high yield and stability. This experiment was performed to investigate the interaction of genotype in the environment on 11 bean genotypes using parametric and nonparametric methods and GGE bioplot model to evaluate genotypes and environments, determine the relationship between genotypes and environments and identify the ideal genotype.   

In this experiment, 9 lines of pinto beans along with Ghaffar cultivars and Cos16 lines (11 lines in total) were performed in a randomized complete block design with three replications in order to achieve high yield and marketable bean cultivars. Parametric and non-parametric methods were used to select stable genotypes with high yield and GGE bioplot analysis was used to select superior genotypes that are compatible with regional environments.

There was a significant interaction between genotype and environment, indicating significant differences in the response of genotypes to different environments of the experiment. In parametric methods G4, G8, G9 and to some extent G2 genotypes and in nonparametric methods G2, G8, G3, G4 and to some extent G9 genotypes were introduced as stable cultivars. Biplot analysis showed that G1 genotype in Zanjan in first and Second years and G2 genotype in Khomein n first and second environments showed the highest yield. G11 and G7 genotypes with the longest distance to the ATC line had low yield and low yield stability. None of the genotypes were found to be desirable genotypes with average yield and high yield stability, but G2 genotype and later, G4 genotype was a short distance from the ideal genotype. None of the studied environments is close to the ideal environment and therefore none of them can be considered as representative of environments for genotype segregation.

Zanjan in first and Second years and G2 genotype in Khomein n first and second environments have the highest yield. No ideal genotypes were observed, but two genotypes, G1 and G4, can be introduced as superior genotypes.

The most important factor limiting plant growth in rainfed conditions is water, and since most of the land in Iran is located in arid and semi-arid regions, determining the relative drought tolerance in crops is of particular importance. By evaluating the genotypes of each plant that are able to provide relatively acceptable yield under low water conditions, they can be grown with more confidence in arid and semi-arid regions.

In order to investigate the effect of drought stress and selection of drought tolerant genotype in barley, 15 different genotypes under two conditions of normal irrigation and rainfed conditions in randomized complete block design with four replications in 2020-2021 in Khairabad and Khodabandeh research stations Of Zanjan province were studied.

The results of combined analysis showed that there was a significant difference between genotypes in terms of grain yield between normal irrigation and rainfed conditions and rainfed conditions reduced grain yield by more than 50% compared to normal irrigation conditions. Under normal irrigation conditions, the highest yields belonged to G3, G10 and G11 genotypes, respectively, and under rainfed conditions, despite the lack of significant differences between genotypes, the highest yields belonged to G3, G6 and G2 genotypes, respectively. There was a significant difference between the studied genotypes in terms of all quantitative indices of drought tolerance (except YI and SNPI) as well as yield under stress. Correlation analysis of indices with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions showed that there was a significant correlation between MP, STI, GMP, MSTI2, HM and RDY indices with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions. Correlation of indices with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions showed that there was a significant correlation between MP, STI, GMP, MSTI2, HM and RDY indices with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions. Principal component analysis based on indices showed that the first component and second components explain 79.95% and 14.049% of the total changes. The bioplate diagram of the components showed that genotypes G1, G2, G3, G9, G10, G11, G12 and G13 were in the positive part of the first component diagram and these genotypes had good adaptation in normal irrigation conditions. Among these genotypes, G2, G3 and G13 genotypes were in the positive part of the second component diagram, so these genotypes can be introduced as high-yield genotypes in both irrigated and rainfed conditions. Cluster analysis showed that G1, G2, G3, G9, G10 and G11 genotypes were in the same group and these genotypes can be considered as drought tolerant genotypes in terms of calculated indices.

There was a significant correlation between MP, STI, GMP, MSTI2, HM and RDY indices calculated with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions. Therefore, these indices can be used to select stress-tolerant genotypes. Grouping of barley genotypes based on calculated quantitative and qualitative indices showed that G2, G3 and G13 genotypes were identified as superior genotypes in full irrigation conditions and the most tolerant barley genotypes to low water stress.

The alpine ultramafic-mafic Sargaz-Abshour complex in the SW of Baft, as a part of the ultramafic-mafic/ophiolitic intrusives of the Hajiabad-Esfandagheh region, comprises of tectonite units (foliated harzburgite and porphyroclastic dunite), layered ultramafic-mafics, large isotropic gabbro bodies and scattered microgabroic-diabase dykes. In this complex, olivines are the main mafic residual phase in porphyroclastic dunites and harzburgites, as well as magmatic cumulate phase in chromitites, ultramafic and layered mafics. In most cases, composition of olivine is chrysolite and in chromitite is forsterite. Their compositions are consistent with mantle peridotites, abyssal peridotites, alpine massives and magmatic cumulative series. Due to the refractory nature in porphyroclastic dunites and primitive crystal phases in chromite and layered cumulative dunites, percentage of forsterite content is high, and will reduced with the progress of differentiation in the mafic layered rocks. These changes may indicate the residual nature of olivine and evolution of Mg-rich mantle-derived magma. Different source and origin of magmas  have been compareable with other ultramafic-mafic complexes of Esfandagheh region and alpine ultramafic-mafic intrusions which distinct from ophiolites.

Improving crop yield under drought stress conditions is one of the most important goals of plant breeding. Drought tolerance is usually evaluated by plant yield under low water stress, but due to the influence of other traits under stress conditions, this trait alone cannot indicate drought tolerance of genotypes. Therefore, it is better in breeding programs to identify drought tolerance traits of genotypes and guide programs based on yield and other important physiological and biochemical traits. Determining the values of genetic variance and the additive part and the dominance of genetic variance in controlling traits under both normal and stress conditions is the basis for deciding how to use germplasms in different conditions, which researchers use based on different methods to estimate them. The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of quantitatively yielding and qualitative traits of sugar beet under drought and normal stress conditions for use in breeding programs.

To determine the genetic parameters of different quantitative and qualitative traits of sugar beet, two series of genotypes full-sib and hybrid (resulting from the meeting of some of full-sibs as paternal lines and two lines SC C2 and SC 261 as maternal lines) were studied under both drought and normal conditions, in Motahari's Research, Karaj in 2017. After testing, different physiological and qualitative traits of genotypes were measured in two environments and finally genetic parameters were calculated.

In full-sib experiment under stress conditions, sodium content, potassium/sodium ratio, nitrogen content, alkalinity coefficient, syrup purity, molasses sugar, leaf area, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, root mass ratio, and root/stem ratio had more genetic variance than environmental variance, so they also had higher broad sense heritability. Therefore, due to high genetic variance, these traits can be used in breeding and selection programs. Under normal conditions, the amount of genetic variance was low in all traits and consequently, the general heritability was low. In hybrid experiment under stress conditions for sugar yield traits, sodium content, sodium/potassium ratio, nitrogen content, and leaf area, and normal conditions for sugar yield and sodium/potassium ratio there was high genetic variance and broad-sense heritability was observed above 0.5. Therefore, these traits can be considered for breeding and selection programs. In drought conditions, the highest heritability was related to potassium content 0.77, molasses sugar 0.65, extractable sugar percentage 0.48, syrup purity 0.44, and sodium content and relative water content with 43, respectively. So, these traits were controlled to varying degrees by additive effects. Under normal conditions, pure sugar with 0.4 and sodium with 0.44 showed the highest heritability.

The results showed that the genetic parameters calculated in the stress environment cannot be generalized to the non-stress environment. As a result, studying the genetic characteristics of lines and hybrids under different environments is inevitable so that the estimation of gene function can be more accurate.  In both environments, the narrow-sense heritability of root yield was low but in sugar yield was moderate. So, in improving root yield, hybrid products can be used, and in sugar yield, selection can be used in long and term generations, as well as hybrid production.

Nowadays, international order has passed serious changes in both world and regional levels. The entrance of international order to the era of post-American transition and environmental dynamisms in regions have made some basic uncertainties inspiring changes in roles of most of actors in regions, particularly in Persian Gulf. United Arab Emirates is one of the most significant examples of the mentioned actors. Using the theory of role, this research seeks to investigate what effects have the changes and dynamisms of orders in world and region had on roles and acts of actors in the region of Persian Gulf. The hypothesis is that: dynamisms of orders in world and regional levels have changed the social structure of order and consequently this issue has provoked some regional actors like UAE to start promoting its role from a moderate and dependent actor in regional upheavals to a security, military, and political actor during the last 10 years. The research is explanatory-analytical and the method of data collection procedure is based on library and online international statistics and documents.      

The research is descriptive-analytic. Using the descriptive-analytic approach, the researcher seeks to answer why and how is established a causal relationship between independent and dependent variables, and it is attempted to describe a process and develop a concept.

Two factors at the systemic and regional levels have changed the role of the UAE. 1) Changing the regional role of the United States of America in the Persian Gulf region; 2) Regional developments such as the Arab Spring and military conflicts in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, Iran's growing influence, and competition and conflict with Qatar. In addition, to consolidate its new role, the UAE has taken actions including: 1) Intervention in the Yemeni civil war; 2) Finding new regional and trans-regional allies such as Russia and Israel.

The findings of this study show that changes in order at the systemic and regional levels change perceptions of the role of regional actors. In this regard, the role and foreign policy of the United Arab Emirates were discussed. In particular, the UAE's foreign policy behavior was largely influenced by the structure of the international system, and they traditionally followed the dominant power; but changes at the systemic level and the dynamics of order at the environmental level led the country to take on a role beyond the subordinate government at the regional level. Hence, the UAE is trying to impose its political and security order through proxy forces, military organizations and the support of affiliated politicians. But the UAE's ambitions and behavior to become an influential country in the Persian Gulf region can have a significant impact on regional order. For example, bringing Israel into the Gulf security environment could provoke a reaction from pro-Palestinian groups and lead to new tensions.

The use of physiological traits is one of the best methods for the rapid production of new varieties, therefore, in order to evaluate photosynthetic factors and their relationship with total yield in red beans, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Khairabad Research Station in Zanjan under normal irrigation conditions during two consecutive crop years (2018-2020). The studied genotypes showed significant differences in all traits (except photosynthetically active radiation). The studied genotypes showed significant differences in all traits (except photosynthetically active radiation). These results indicate that there is a high genetic diversity between genotypes in terms of photosynthesis-related traits and, consequently, yield capacity. Genotypes G1, G2, G4, G9 and G12 showed higher photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency and mesophilic conductivity than other genotypes. G6, G7 and G3 genotypes had less mesophilic conductivity, water use efficiency and photosynthesis than other genotypes. There is a significant negative correlation between photosynthesis and sub stomatal CO2 and a significant positive correlation with the stomatal conductance, mesophilic conductance, water use efficiency and yield; therefore, genotypes with more photosynthesis, in addition to high stomatal conductance, have higher mesophilic conductivity and, in other words, are more efficient in using carbon dioxide entering the stomatal. As a result, the concentration of sub stomatal CO2 is reduced, so there is a close relationship between photosynthesis, water use efficiency and mesophilic conductivity. Regression analysis showed that when total yield is considered as a function variable, the photosynthetic active radiation and photosynthesis justify grain yield. However, when the photosynthesis is a function variable, the traits of photosynthetic active radiation, sub stomatal CO2, leaf temperature, and transpiration rate justify changes in photosynthesis. Due to the diversity of photosynthetic indices in genotypes, this experiment can be performed in different stress conditions such as drought and salinity and the results can be used with normal conditions to select efficient genotypes in stress conditions.

To determine the relationship between some physiological and yield traits under salinity stress conditions and screening quantitative indices of salinity tolerance, 28 sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) genotypes derived from the cross between full-sib 8001 with moltigerm male-sterile single cross C2 and male-sterile monogerm 231×261 with two control varieties were tested in a randomized complete block design with three replications under salinity and normal conditions at Miandoab Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Station. Relationships between traits with root and sugar yield were investigated using correlation, regression and path analysis. Under normal conditions, root yield showed positive correlation with pure sugar yield and negative correlation with sugar content and potassium to sodium ratio. Under salinity stress conditions, positive correlation was observed between root yield and sugar yield, pure sugar yield, potassium to sodium ratio and relative water content of leaves and negative correlation with sodium content and molasses sugar. Changes in environmental conditions caused change in the relationship between root yield and some traits. The results of regression and path analysis showed that under normal conditions if root yield was variable, sugar content and white sugar yield traits justified the changes, thus, in path analysis white sugar yield had the most positive and direct effect and sugar content had the most direct and negative effect on root yield. However, when sugar yield was variable, the traits potassium content, the relative amount of water loss, and nitrogen content justified the changes and among these traits, nitrogen content had the most positive direct effect and the other two traits had the most negative direct effect on sugar yield. On the contrary, under saline condition, if root yield was variable, sugar yield, white sugar yield, syrup purity, and sugar content explained the changes and white sugar yield had the most positive direct effect and sugar yield had the most negative direct effect on root yield. But, when sugar yield is variable, pure sugar yield and syrup purity justify the changes and white sugar yield had the most positive direct effect on sugar yield.

Terminal drought stress is one of the most important environmental stresses affecting plant morphology and physiology and has major effects on agricultural production. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect of water deficit stress on changes in physiological traits of wheat in a randomized complete block design with three replications in two cultivation years of 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 at Karaj Nuclear Research Institute Farm. Seven different generations of wheat, including two parents Gasspard and line DN11 along with generations F1, F2, F3, BC1 and BC2 were cultured and compared separately under normal and terminal drought stress conditions. The last irrigation was done under water deficit conditions after anthesis. The results showed that there was significant increase in performance index and significant decrease in single plant yield under stress conditions. For the chlorophyll index and stomatal conductance coefficient traits, the observed decrease in stress conditions were not significant. On the other hand, no significant increase in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters was observed under stress conditions.On the other hand, there was a significant difference between the generations studied for all measured physiological traits (except photosynthetic efficiency), indicating that there was variation among these generations for these traits. This diversity can be addressed in selection programs.

TThe existence of genotype– environment interaction requires that the performance of genotypes be tested in a wide range of environmental conditions so that the resulting information can increase the efficiency of their selection and introduction. For this purpose, this study using 11 selected lines from uniform national experiments, along with control figures of Saral and Anna and two advanced lines in the form of complete randomized block design with four replications and in four cold regions of the country (Maragheh, Urmia, Kurdistan And Hamedan) was carried out in three years (2016-19). The results of combined analysis showed that the effects of year, location and genotype, as well as the interaction effects on grain yield were statistically significant. The polygonal view of GGE biplot showed that the G6 genotype had the highest yield in Kurdistan location, On the other hand, G13 genotype had the highest yield in Hamedan, Maragheh and Urmia locatins and was in the second place in Kurdistan locatin which shows that this genotype has high yield stability in all stations. The ranking of genotypes based on average grain yield and stability in studied environments showed that G4 and G15 genotypes were less stable than other genotypes. Also, the G4, G10, G12 and G6 genotypes had average and relatively unstable yield. Also, the G15 genotype had low yield and low stability, and the G13 genotype had high yield and stability. In the end, it was found that genotype 13, with higher yield potential and greater stability, performed better than the two cultivars Anna and Saral as a check, and was introduced as a genotype close to ideal, and could be recommended for farming programs and adaptive research experiments.

The quality of sugar beet is a combination of all the physical and chemical states of the sugar beet root that affects the process of production or the product of sugar or other products. On the other hand, dehydration and high temperatures during the growth period increase the impurities of sugar beet root, especially nitrogenous compounds, and ultimately cause a change in the quality of sugar beet. To investigate the changes in the quality characteristics of sugar beet, full-sib families from breeding programs were investigated in two separate dry and normal tests in 2017 on the Motahari research station in Karaj. The results showed that drought stress significantly decreased root yield, sugar yield, pure sugar yield, potassium content, nitrogen content, and molasses sugar content, and increased sodium content and purity of syrup. Full sibs were significantly different for nitrogen traits and alkalinity coefficients. Despite the lack of significant differences between genotypes in terms of root and sugar yield, the highest root yield was related to full sibs 5 and 6, and the lowest yield was related to full-sib 15 and controls 20, 23, 21, and 19. In finally full sibs 5, 1 and 6 had the highest and full sibs 2, 15, 9, 2 and control 23 had the lowest sugar yield.

This paper seeks to study the effects of tradition - modernism cleavage on the political stability in Saudi Arabia. For decades, Wahhabi scholars have promoted Salafi values and beliefs, and as a result have strengthened traditional and conservative tendencies in the Saudi society, despite the decades of efforts made by Saudi leaders to advance the process of modernization in order to consolidate their power and improve governance. However, despite some challenges, the management of the tradition - modernism cleavage by Saudi leaders have sustained political stability in the country. During the Reign of King Salman, a new and rapid process of modernization began under the leadership of MBS. This newly-emerged trend is accompanied by a number of dimensions, such as restriction of Wahhabi scholars, concentration on generational changes and also cultural and social reforms with a focus on women’s situation, raises important questions about Saudi political stability. This article makes two interrelated arguments; first, it contributes that the MBS reformist policies and new developments regarding tradition - modernism cleavage causes some challenges like declining the legitimacy of government and growing tendency of people towards extremist groups. Second, these development will not lead to fundamental changes in the Saudi political system.

The present article seeks to explain the Iraqi Kurdistan independence from the perspective of the interests and strategy of the effective actors, and utilizes the Actor Analysis Approach and MACTOR method. In this regard the main question is: what is the main convergences between interests and strategies of the main actors in Iraqi Kurdistan, and this circumstances how affects Kurdish independence? MACTOR method explicitly analyzes the relationships between actors and evaluates the relationships between actors and strategies. The main actors and strategies - including 11 main actors and 14 key strategies- were identified and then graphs were analyzed. The most important results regarding the Kurdistan independence are: the most influential actors in the subject; the actors competitiveness in the Kurdish independence; the most sensitive strategies; and the degree of convergence and divergence of actors regarding the strategies under consideration. The important result is that the sensitivity of the key actors and their relative consensus to disagree about establishment of Kurdish state and disintegration of Iraq and  also concerns about creation of great Kurdistan state and as a result Increasing instability and Insecurity in the region, means that there are serious obstacles to ahead of Iraqi  Kurds.

Due to decreasing annual rainfall and increasing drought and temperature, creating tolerant and high yield potential cultivars in sugar beet is very important for breeders. For this purpose, to investigate the effect of drought stress on functional and morphological traits of sugar beet and to investigate the relationship between these traits with yield in greenhouse conditions, 140 sugar beet genotypes under greenhouse conditions in Karaj Sugar Beet center in 2015 were evaluated for yield traits. The results showed that the effect of genotype was significant for traits except of leaf area and relative water content, indicating that there was variation among genotypes and selection of superior genotypes. Drought stress decreased all traits but this effect was not significant on root dry weight, shoot dry weight and total dry weight. Also, petiole length had a positive and significant correlation with root and shoot dry weight and root length in drought condition but under normal condition, no significant correlation was observed. And it seems that this trait may be a criterion for selection of resistant genotypes under drought stress.

Regarding the changes in the quantitative and yield characteristics of sugar beet under environmental stress, this research was conducted to investigate the effect of drought stress on the traits of sugar beet breeding lines. For this purpose, full sib families from breeding programs were examined in two separate dry and normal experiments in 2017 crop year. Analysis of variance results showed that the effect of the environment on relative water content, relative loss of leaf water, leaf area, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, and root mass ratio were significant and drought stress caused a significant decrease in these traits. Full sib 11 with the controls 18, 24 and 25 was the highest and the full sibs 5, 1, 13 and control 21 had the lowest relative leaf water content. Also, full sibs 1 and 10 with the controls 18 and 22 were the highest and ful sib 7 with controls 23 and 24 had the lowest leaf area. Full sibs 2, 13 and 12 had the highest and full sib 17, and controls 18, 20 and 21 had the lowest shoot dry weight. Finally, genotype × environment interaction was also significant in terms of shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, root mass ratio and root to stem ratio, indicating that variation of these traits in the genotypes studied is different in the two environments. At the end, full sibs 2, 9, 12, 13 and 19 between the studied genotypes are better in both studied environments and in general traits, can be described as superior genotypes.

Seperated experiments were carried out at Motahari Research Station of Karaj, in order to ranking and grouping the different fullsibs and hybrids obtained from sugar beet breeding programs under drought stress and normal conditions. Accordingly, 17 and 28 different fullsib and hybrids respectively, along with resistant and sensitive cultivars, were examined for different yield, qualitative and physiological traits in separate experiments in dry and normal conditions. The results of the ranking showed that fullsibs 1, 2, 4 and control cultivars 18, 22 and 25 in drought conditions and and fullsib 16 and control cultivars 18 and 22 were superior in normal conditions compared to the rest of the full sibs. Each population of Fullsibs and hybrids was divided into two distinct groups. Fullsibs grouping were very similar in two conditions. But in hybrids, there was no significant association between the grouping of normal and stressed conditions. Based on principal component analysis, under stress conditions, fullsibs 3, 4, 5, 9, and 14, and under normal conditions, fullsibs 10, 18, 16, 1, 2, 6 and 8 were better in terms of yield traits. In hybrids, under stress conditions, hybrids 7, 10, 20, 5 and 11 were somewhat better in terms of root and sugar yield. In contrast, in normal conditions, hybrids 2, 17, 6, 25, 7, 9, 21, 27, 4, 13, 19 and control 30 were somewhat weaker in terms of yield traits, but for leaf area and relative water content traits, were superior.