Superconducting properties and Fermi-surface topology of the quasi-two-dimensional organic superconductor λ\lambda-(BETS)2_{2}GaCl4_{4}

The Fermi surface topology of the organic superconductor \lbets has been determined using the Shubnikov-de Haas and magnetic breakdown effects and angle-dependent magnetoresistance oscillations. The former experiments were carried out in pulsed fields of up to 60 T, whereas the latter employed quasistatic fields of up to 30 T. All of these data show that the Fermi-surface topology of \lbets is very similar to that of the most heavily-studied organic superconductor, \cuscn, except in one important respect; the interplane transfer integral in \lbets is a factor $\sim 10$ larger than that in \cuscn . The increased three-dimensionality of \lbets is manifested in radiofrequency penetration-depth measurements, which show a clear dimensional crossover in the behaviour of $H_{c2}(T)$. The radiofrequency measurements have also been used to extract the Labusch parameter determining the fluxoid interactions as a function of temperature, and to map the flux-lattice melting curve.Comment: 24 pages 10 figure

Formulations of Plant Growth-Promoting Microbes for Field Applications

Development of a plant growth-promoting (PGP) microbe needs several steps starting with isolation of a pure culture, screening of its PGP or antagonistic traits by means of different efficacy bioassays performed in vitro, in vivo or in trials under greenhouse and/or field conditions. In order to maximize the potential of an efficient PGP microbe, it is essential to optimize mass multiplication protocols that promote product quality and quantity and a product formulation that enhances bioactivity, preserves shelf life and aids product delivery. Selection of formulation is very crucial as it can determine the success or failure of a PGP microbe. A good carrier material should be able to deliver the right number of viable cells in good physiological conditions, easy to use and economically affordable by the farmers. Several carrier materials have been used in formulation that include peat, talc, charcoal, cellulose powder, farm yard manure, vermicompost and compost, lignite, bagasse and press mud. Each formulation has its advantages and disadvantages but the peat based carrier material is widely used in different part of the world. This chapter gives a comprehensive analysis of different formulations and the quality of inoculants available in the market, with a case study conducted in five-states of India

Can fungal biopesticides control malaria?

Recent research has raised the prospect of using insect fungal pathogens for the control of vector-borne diseases such as malaria. In the past, microbial control of insect pests in both medical and agricultural sectors has generally had limited success. We propose that it may now be possible to produce a cheap, safe and green tool for the control of malaria which, in contrast to most chemical insecticides, will not eventually be rendered useless by resistance evolution. Realising this potential will require lateral thinking by biologists, technologists and development agencie

A “China in the World” Paradigm for Scholarship

Abstract In this introduction to the special issue, we use the expression “China in the world” paradigm to define scholarship that purposefully migrates across the traditional borders of comparative politics and international relations in the study of China. We argue that such a paradigm represents a view that many issues of Chinese domestic politics are now issues of international politics; as a result, domestic politics in a globalized contemporary China often cannot be sufficiently understood without considering international consequences. More than this, the paradigm is about scholarly attentiveness to the fact that the politics in China that we study also shapes how the rest of the world views China. We describe the paradigm and its antecedents in the scholarly literature. We then illustrate, with reference to three momentous events that captured public attention around the world in 2020, the paradigm’s usefulness as a perspective to scholars reaching out to engage intellectually on contemporary affairs in an environment in which global responses to China require nuanced knowledge as all parties seek to avoid dangerous pitfalls. We conclude by summarizing the five articles included in the special issue and the broader implications of the “China in the world” paradigm