Genotype × environment (GE) interactions in general, and GE interactions of crossover type in particular, have a negative impact on the progress of breeding programmes, particularly when breeders try to avoid them by searching for widely adapted cultivars. However, breeders may exploit GE interactions by selecting for specific adaptation. This is particularly relevant when breeding for adaptation to unfavourable environments and subsistence agriculture. Throughout this chapter, unfavourable environments are defined as those where crop yields are commonly low due to the concomitant effects of several abiotic and biotic stresses. Because of the high probability of low yields and crop failures in unfavourable environments, the use of inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides and weed control is seen by farmers as risky. Therefore, the adoption of improved agronomic practices has been limited, and the only economic solution to increase crop yields in unfavourable environments is through breeding. However, empirical plant breeding for these environments has been historically much less successful than it has for more favourable or for high potential environments. This chapter describes a strategy to exploit GE interactions in national and international breeding programmes for such areas. Issues such as the choice of the selection environment, specific versus wide adaptation, and genetic uniformity versus genetic diversity are discussed, and some implications for the genetic base are noted.
Agriculture and industrial wastes (AIWs) have attracted much attention because of their huge environmental, economic, and social impacts. AIWs have been considered a crucial link of a closed-loop for the fabrication of nanomaterials and composites wherein they replace traditional resources with sustainable waste in waste management. In this context, the proper disposal of AIWs is required. This review aims to investigate the technical feasibility of using innovative AIW resources and various strategies for the fabrication of nanomaterials for improving energy applications. First, the utilization of AIWs is classified comprehensively. Second, key technologies to produce nanomaterials are summarized. In addition, this review discusses the potential applications of the fabricated nanomaterials in energy storage and energy conversion.
accurate and realistic in sim ulating kilovoltage x-ray system s by E lsayed S. M . A li A thesis subm itted to th e Faculty of G raduate Studies and Research in p artial fulfillment of the requirem ents for the degree of M aster o f Science D epartm ent of Physics C arleton University O ttaw a-C arleton In stitu te of Physics O ttaw a, C anada Septem
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.