Ranjan K. Singh

Bio: Ranjan K. Singh is an academic researcher from Banaras Hindu University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Raman spectroscopy & Liquid crystal. The author has an hindex of 20, co-authored 134 publications receiving 1465 citations. Previous affiliations of Ranjan K. Singh include Schiller International University & University of Würzburg.

Adapting to Social–Ecological Risks to the Conservation of a Muskmelon Landrace in India

Abstract: Crop landraces are vanishing alarmingly worldwide, posing serious risks to the livelihoods of the resource-poor farmers; this study, conducted using ‘vulnerability’ and ‘resilience theory’ frameworks, sought to delineate social–ecological, climatic and policy hindrances to the conservation of a muskmelon landrace ‘Jaunpuri Netted’ traditionally grown in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. Our results showed that the blue bull menace, market constraints and erratic rainfall have gradually emerged as severe stresses to the conservation of this muskmelon landrace. Yet, a set of enablers including relative ease in crop management, pleasant fruit taste, perceived livelihood opportunities and the cultural legacy seem to offset these stresses, at least partly, keeping the farmers engaged in muskmelon cultivation. The Tobid regression analysis revealed that educated farmers with large landholdings were likely to grow muskmelon on relatively small acreages, and that market constraints, blue bull menace and erratic rainfall are the major future risks to the muskmelon-based livelihoods. A growing obsession with higher fruit yields has led to the virtual eclipse of traditional crop management practices, further enhancing the vulnerability of muskmelon growers. Addressing these challenges requires some major changes to the ways in which the muskmelon crop is managed and traded. While muskmelon growers need to revisit the present chemical-intensive practices, adequate research and policy support remain requisite to unveiling the unique nutraceutical properties of this muskmelon landrace, promoting organic farming, reviving seed-based business opportunities, and creating strong market linkages to enhance the livelihood resilience of the muskmelon growers.

Changing Consumption Patterns of Bamboo shoots: A Case Study of Traditional Food-Related Knowledge Systems

Abstract: Bamboo shoots form an integral part of the local diet of the Northeastern states of India. Fermented shoots have been consumed by tribal communities since ancient times. However, with increasing globalization and fast-food consumption, the traditional knowledge and skills of processing bamboo shoots seem to be changing. This paper highlights the changes in processing ways over the years in the younger generation. Data were collected using an unstructured interview schedule and observation through home visits from Adi women of four villages namely Balek, Sibut, Runne, and Mirbuk in Pasighat Block of Arunachal Pradesh. It was observed that some newer practices of processing bamboo shoots had been adopted while ignoring the traditional practices which emphasized eliminating toxicity in bamboo shoots.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS): progress and trends

Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) combines molecular fingerprint specificity with potential single-molecule sensitivity. Therefore, the SERS technique is an attractive tool for sensing molecules in trace amounts within the field of chemical and biochemical analytics. Since SERS is an ongoing topic, which can be illustrated by the increased annual number of publications within the last few years, this review reflects the progress and trends in SERS research in approximately the last three years. The main reason why the SERS technique has not been established as a routine analytic technique, despite its high specificity and sensitivity, is due to the low reproducibility of the SERS signal. Thus, this review is dominated by the discussion of the various concepts for generating powerful, reproducible, SERS-active surfaces. Furthermore, the limit of sensitivity in SERS is introduced in the context of single-molecule spectroscopy and the calculation of the 'real' enhancement factor. In order to shed more light onto the underlying molecular processes of SERS, the theoretical description of SERS spectra is also a growing research field and will be summarized here. In addition, the recording of SERS spectra is affected by a number of parameters, such as laser power, integration time, and analyte concentration. To benefit from synergies, SERS is combined with other methods, such as scanning probe microscopy and microfluidics, which illustrates the broad applications of this powerful technique.

Solar-driven reforming of lignocellulose to H 2 with a CdS/CdO x photocatalyst

Abstract: This work was supported by the Christian Doppler Research Association (Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy and the National Foundation for Research, Technology and Development), the OMV Group (to E.R.), the EPSRC (DTA studentships for D.W.W. and T.E.R), the Isaac Newton Trust, the German Research Foundation (to M.F.K.), the World Premier Institute Research Center Initiative (WPI), MEXT, Japan (to K.L.O.) and a Marie Curie Research fellowship (to K.H.L., GAN 701192 - VSHER).

Organic Photoreceptors for Imaging Systems

Abstract: Xerographic photoreceptors charge acceptance and dark discharge photoinduced discharge photogeneration theories photogeneration in organic solids charge transport theories charge transport in polymers and related materials experimental techniques photoreceptor preparation photoreceptors fatigue summary and future requirements.

Assessing Genetic Risks: Implications for Health and Social Policy

Abstract: Ed Lori B Andrews, Jane E Fullarton, Neil A Holtzman, Arno G Motulsky National Academy Press, £28.95, pp 338 ISBN 0-309-04798-6 Genetic screening tends to serve as a flypaper on which our hovering fears of a Brave New World alight and stick. In the future of all-conquering genetic technology, who should be screened for what and by whom? Here is a dense report, compiled by a committee of the great and the good, with hundreds of recommendations for action and inaction. How much …