QCD and strongly coupled gauge theories : challenges and perspectives

We highlight the progress, current status, and open challenges of QCD-driven physics, in theory and in experiment. We discuss how the strong interaction is intimately connected to a broad sweep of physical problems, in settings ranging from astrophysics and cosmology to strongly coupled, complex systems in particle and condensed-matter physics, as well as to searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. We also discuss how success in describing the strong interaction impacts other fields, and, in turn, how such subjects can impact studies of the strong interaction. In the course of the work we offer a perspective on the many research streams which flow into and out of QCD, as well as a vision for future developments.Peer reviewe

Economic assessment of no-till farming systems

This chapter considers the nature of the economic benefits of no-till (NT) based farming systems. The focus is on capturing the full costs of resource inputs asso-ciated with NT in achieving desired changes in productivity and resource use effi-ciency. We attempt to place available evidence within a broader framework of economic assessment. We draw on experience in advanced agricultural econo-mies and present insights from India and Sub Saharan Africa, and highlight the nature of externalities that may contribute to the deviation of likely private and social benefits in the technology change associated with NT adoption. Implica-tions for policy and planning for guiding the process of NT adoption and en-hancement are mooted.Thilak Mallawaarachchi, Yohannis Mulu Tessema, Adam Loch, and John Asafu-Adjay