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This study explores the synthesis and characterization of superabsorbent hydrogels derived from chemically modified gum Arabic, designed for controlled folic acid release. The synthesis involves a two‐step process: carboxymethylation followed by grafting with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate via gamma irradiation. The resulting hydrogels exhibit enhanced mechanical strength and controlled diffusivity, essential for nutrient delivery systems. Key factors such as copolymer composition and irradiation dose are investigated, affecting the synthesis process. Systematic studies of swelling behaviors reveal that the hydrogel achieves a maximum swelling of 888.1% at 40 °C. The hydrogels are loaded with folic acid, and in vitro, sustained release profiles are examined under various pH conditions. The maximum release of 83.3% is observed after 24 h at pH 7.0, following a Korsmeyer–Peppas release mechanism. Different characterization techniques, confirm the successful synthesis and unique properties of the superabsorbent hydrogels. Rheological behavior analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and biocompatibility assessments provide a comprehensive understanding of the hydrogel structures. Gamma irradiation ensures a homogeneous network structure, crucial for optimal swelling behavior and mechanical properties. This research highlights the potential of eco‐friendly biopolymer hydrogels in precise drug delivery applications, leveraging the safety and process control benefits of gamma irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For modern drug delivery, we need not only to develop new hydrogels but also appropriate processing approaches for them. Polysaccharides are potential competitors since they can be chemically modifiable, prepared prior to crosslinking, and yielded into hydrogels with a given form and shape. In this study, we performed chemical modification of gum arabic (GA) by amination reaction followed by conjugation with niacin (vitamin B3). Copolymeric hydrogels were developed by irradiating the mixtures of aqueous solutions of niacin conjugated aminated gum arabic (N–AmGA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) (0/100, 20/80, 30/70, and 40/60 wt%) via gamma irradiation technique at different doses 10, 15, 20 and 25 kGy at a dose rate of 02.681 kGy/h for sustained and prolonged delivery of niacin. Effect of copolymer composition and an irradiation dose on gelation was examined to evaluate the optimum conditions for stable hydrogel fabrication. The copolymeric hydrogels exhibit unique characteristics in terms of mechanical properties, porosity, pH, temperature, responsive behavior, and niacin release. In-vitro release of niacin from the hydrogels at different pH (water of pH 7.0, simulated intestinal fluid of pH 4.5 and simulated gastric fluid of pH 1.5) was also investigated. The water absorption and in vitro niacin release was observed to be higher at higher pH. Different kinetic models were applied to check the best fit for the niacin release mechanism. The results revealed that the kinetics data of the niacin release shows the best fit with the Korsmeyer–Peppas model due to its coefficient of correlation close to unity. Therefore, in this study, a new approach was successfully suggested for the preparation of N–AmGA/HEMA copolymeric hydrogel with controllable and prolonged release of niacin for possible application in vitamin deficiency disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sericulture is an agro cottage industry that plays a significant role for sustainable livelihood in rural and urban economy of Kashmir. It includes backward and forward linkage processes from mulberry plantation, silkworm rearing, reeling, silk textile weaving. The present study was conducted to examine growth in mulberry area, production and productivity of silk cocoons which was collected over the period of 30 years from 1990-2020 in Kashmir valley. To carry out the analysis, secondary data sources have been used by taking into consideration the compound annual growth rate, regression analysis and decomposition model to achieve objectives of the study. The perusal of results indicate that the trend of production and yield of silk cocoons witnessed an increase atthe rate of 1.59 and 2.79 from 1990-91 to 2019-20 and mulberry area shows signs of decreasing trend at the rate of -1.14 during the last three decades (1990-2020). The decomposition model analysis predicted that silk cocoon production is mainly contributed by yield effect (59.27 %) followed by interaction effect (46.10 %) and area effect (-5.37 %). Therefore, the need of sericulture policy interventions and supply chain collaborations by the Government and comprehensive strategic approach is required which is not only important from viewpoint of potential income generating activities but also as the key contribution to the GDP of the Jammu and Kashmir economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current examination has been done as a fundamental advance to contemplate the general groundwater - surface water interaction along River Jhelum in Valley of Kashmir. Generally, water table occurs at relatively deeper levels in plateau lands and at shallower depths in low-lying areas. The precise sampling has been carried out throughout the River Jhelum and its tributaries in the months of January and February in Srinagar and other districts, with a view to understand the source of major ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, HCO3-, Cl, So2-4) in the groundwater of the territory under examination. About nineteen 4 representative wells (bore wells, dug wells, springs) were selected for a baseline study to comprehend the groundwater - surface interaction along River Jhelum and to assess the overall hydro-geochemical characteristics and suitability of groundwater for drinking and agricultural purposes. The predominant chemical character of groundwater and surface water as well as relative abundance of major ions has been evaluated on Piper Tri-linear diagram and three water groups were identified. The concentrations of major ions in the groundwater and surface water of the area under study are well within the maximum permissible limits as per the specifications of the World Health Organization for drinking purposes. The low sodium hazard and slightly high salinity along with safe to moderate category of water in terms of left over sodiumcarbonate (RSC) document the suitability of groundwater for agricultural purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benford's law is an empirical observation, first reported by Simon Newcomb in 1881 and then independently by Frank Benford in 1938: the first significant digits of numbers in large data are often distributed according to a logarithmically decreasing function. Being contrary to intuition, the law was forgotten as a mere curious observation. However, in the last two decades relevant literature has grown exponentially—an evolution typical of “Sleeping Beauties” (SBs) publications that go unnoticed (sleep) for a long time and then suddenly become the center of attention (are awakened). Thus, in the present study, we show that the two papers, Newcomb ( ) and Benford ( ), Newcomb ( , American Journal of Mathematics, 4, 39–40) and Benford (1938, Proc. Am. Phil. Soc., 78, 551–572) papers are clearly SBs. The former was in a deep sleep for 110 years, whereas the latter was in a deep sleep for a comparatively lesser period of 31 years up to 1968, and in a state of less deep sleep for another 27 years, up to 1995. Both SBs were awakened in the year 1995 by Hill ( , Statistical Science, 10, 354–363). In so doing, we show that the waking prince (Hill, ) is more often quoted than the SB whom he kissed—in this Benford's law case, wondering whether this is a general effect—to be usefully studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]