Kashmir Research Articles

On the impact of cancer in the Kashmir valley: analyzing incidence patterns and burden

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, second only to cardiovascular diseases. In India, it ranks fifth in terms of mortality rate. The incidence of cancer varies across different regions of India. This study focuses on the Kashmir region which is a valley located in the northern part of India. The aim is to analyze the dynamics of cancer incidence in this region using various models and statistical techniques. Data of 23646 patients registered for treatment of various cancers over the last five years at Regional Cancer Center (RCC) was analyzed using statistical techniques and models. Our study shows that the most prevalent types of cancer in the Kashmir region are Esophageal cancer, followed by Breast, Lung, Liver, Colorectal, Brain and Dermal cancer. The study also examines the association of various factors such as Gender, Smoking habit, Residence (Rural/Urban), and Occupation (Agricultural/Non-Agricultural) with different types of cancers in the region. The results suggest that these factors, as well as their interrelationships, are strongly linked to the development of cancer among Kashmiri population. While dermal and brain cancers were found to be associated with occupation and residence, esophageal lung liver cancers were strongly linked to smoking habit and gender. Overall, this study provides important insights into the incidence and factors associated with cancer in the Kashmir region of India.

Cluster analysis by using D2 statistics among the various bitter gourd(Momordica charantia L.) genotypes under Northern hilly regions of Kashmir

Cluster analysis by using D2 statistics among the various bitter gourd(Momordica charantia L.) genotypes under Northern hilly regions of Kashmir

Local inventories for effective management of alien species: insights from the alien flora of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, India.

The broad-scale inventories of alien species reveal macroecological patterns, but these often fall short in guiding local-level management strategies. Local authorities, tasked with on-the-ground management, require precise knowledge of the occurrence of invasive species tailored to their jurisdictional boundaries. What proves critical at the local scale may not hold the same significance at national or regional levels. In this context, we present a comprehensive inventory of alien vascular plant species across the ecologically diverse Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh (JKL) regions of India. Our study identifies 312 alien plant species belonging to 210 genera and 61 families. These alien plant species are predominantly herbaceous dicots. Of these, ca. 62% are naturalized, and 28% exhibit invasive behavior in the region. Introductions have been primarily unintentional, with a notable fraction (26%) introduced for ornamental purposes. The families with the highest number of alien plant species are Asteraceae (46 species), Fabaceae (28 species), and Amaranthaceae (23 species). The genera with the most species are Amaranthus (10 species), Solanum (8 species), Iris (7 species), and Oenothera (5 species). The Jammu region has the highest number of alien plant species, with 221 documented species, including 99 unique to this region. This is followed by the Kashmir Himalaya, with 212 alien species, 70 of which are exclusive to the area. In Ladakh, 76 alien species are recorded, with only one exclusive to the region. Fifty-five alien species are common across all three regions. In each region, more than 50% of species are naturalized, while invasive species constitute about 30% of the total. Therophytes are the dominant life-form category across all regions. Only 18% of species are shared across the three regions. Our findings emphasize the imperative of integrating local-scale knowledge into invasion management frameworks, ensuring targeted and effective strategies aligned with local administrative capacities. By bridging the gap between broad ecological patterns and localized management needs, our study advocates for a nuanced approach to invasive species management that accounts for regional and local specificity.

Performance and Economic Impact of Dairy Cooperatives in Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir (UT), India

Background: Due to the presence of vast green pastures and moderate climate in J and K (UT), livestock sector has assumed a lot of significance in its Agrarian economy. In this context, the study has explored production and marketing of milk in Pulwama district of J and K. Pulwama district was chosen purposely as it is famously called as ‘Anand of Kashmir’ and contributes around 24% milk in Kashmir region of J and K. Methods: Milk production and its disposal pattern by the milk producers in Kashmir was categorized into formal and informal milk marketing channels. Formal channel consisted of production, processing and retailing of milk by small producers through organized channels such as Jammu and Kashmir Milk Producers’ Cooperative Limited (JKMPCL). The informal channel comprised of milk processing through traditional vendors and other local intermediaries and or direct retailing of milk to consumers by small milk producers. A comparative analysis of 25 milk producers each in formal and informal milk marketing channels was made to understand demographic profile, costs and returns, major problems and benefits under both the channels. Result: The findings of the study have revealed that JKMPCL dairy cooperative has created a well-organized formal channel of milk procurement, processing and retailing. Young and educated milk producers’ participation was found to be more in formal channel as compared to informal channels. Milk producers in formal channel had more land and larger ownership of dairy animals. Formal channel producers received larger returns due to higher milk yield and prices than the informal channel producers though the cost of milk production was found to be higher in formal channel. The study suggested that enhancing milk procurement and processing through formal channels such as cooperatives and extending advance credit and training facilities and veterinary services through cooperatives can a play a vital role in improving farmers’ welfare in Kashmir region of India.

Indus Waters Treaty Negotiations: Geopolitics, Disputes and Cooperation

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 has been seen as an example of a successful transboundary water-sharing treaty between two hostile countries. The IWT withstood many tests, including wars (1965, 1971 and 1999), military tensions and regular verbal spats between India and Pakistan, whose leaders faced tough questions on engaging in the IWT negotiations and signing the treaty. However, recent changes in bilateral relations and especially the accelerating impact of climate change have meant that the IWT is feeling further heat. The article re-examines details of the political history of the water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan to show how and why, after drawn-out negotiations, India and Pakistan finally agreed to sign the World Bank-mediated IWT in 1960. The article then discusses specifically that because a major share of the common waters passes through the conflict-sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir, this has continued to contribute to fresh manifestations of water-related disputes and cooperation between India and Pakistan.

Steering New Normal: School Administrators’ Lived Experiences of Educational Innovations Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Sustainable innovation necessitates thriving in the digital age’s competitive market and ensure an institution’s continued existence. This study aimed to explore educational innovative approaches adopted during COVID-19 in understanding how the future of education aiming for sustainable administration and educational practices. Using phenomenological design and Technological Acceptance Model, we conducted semi-structured interviews with nine participants recruited through criterion sampling. Five interconnected themes emerged after data analysis (1) leadership during challenges, (2) reaching out to students, (3) remote task management, (4) virtual monitoring and (5) digital divide and access to education. The major findings revealed that the Kashmir region encountered a distinct and challenging virtual space, marked by limited access to digital resources, a lack of preparedness and a stressful atmosphere due to the prolonged closure of schools. The results however, revealed that educational innovations catalyzed and mitigated the distinct challenges of educational institutions. The findings of the study can help policymakers design frameworks prioritizing digital equity, professional development for school leaders, and flexible virtual learning spaces in future crises.

Characterization and analysis of municipal solid waste generated in the semi-urban region of Thanamandi, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India: a basis for developing a suitable waste management approach.

Population growth, urbanization, lifestyle changes, and consumption patterns increase waste management problems in Thanamandi town. The waste generation rate in Thanamandi town is expanding, and there is a need for adequate waste segregation, recycling programs, and sorting facilities. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the municipal solid waste (MSW) generation rate in Thanamandi town, including an analysis of its composition. Additionally, statistical methods are used to assess the potential MSW management approaches. A comprehensive methodology has been adopted, including house-to-house waste collection from 25 pre-selected locations, to ensure representation across different income groups. The collected waste was segregated into food, plastic, paper, and textile waste categories, and the moisture content was analyzed using the oven-drying method. Further, it has been observed from the obtained result that 0.44kg per/capita/day of MSW has been generated from the study area. The result shows that vegetable waste contributes the most followed by food waste and plastic. Additionally, the moisture content of the waste ranged between 12% and 76.25%, with high moisture content primarily found in organic wastes. Moreover, interpolation maps created using QGIS highlighted the spatial distribution of waste generation across the town. They showed a strong correlation between vegetable and food waste and paper and plastic waste. Thus, to manage MSW in the study area, a holistic approach to MSW management is necessary to deal with a mixture of Vegetable and Food waste, i.e., organic matter.

Agro-extractivism and shifting smallholder dynamics: evidence from Kashmir, India

ABSTRACT Research on agrarian extractivism has rapidly expanded, encompassing diverse empirical investigations and conceptual frameworks. This paper centers its examination on agrarian commercialization in the Himalayan region of Kashmir, analyzing the intricacies of this theoretical framework. We explore agrarian extractivism through an empirical lens, investigating its relation to smallholder farming development and the role of the state within Kashmir's unique conflict setting, which influences both agricultural practices and the livelihoods of farmers. We argue that the rise of agricultural commercialization, driven by export-oriented apple monoculture and resource-intensive practices, presents a set of multifaceted challenges. Our empirical model uses a regression with an endogenous treatment effect to evaluate the impact of state-promoted extension services on smallholder farm incomes. Our findings reveal that while agro-extractivism increases land use and value extraction, it does not lead to substantial income growth for smallholders. Instead, it contributes to their marginalization and displacement in the region. Furthermore, we argue that the state strategically promotes agrarian extractivism to consolidate power and sovereignty while seeking to maintain legitimacy. Thus, creating an effective agrarian transition necessitates addressing the participation and rights of smallholder farmers rather than merely facilitating the extractivist tendencies of the dominant neoliberal agricultural development models.

Machine learning (ML) algorithms for seismic vulnerability assessment of school buildings in high-intensity seismic zones

Ensuring seismic resilience of school buildings is crucial for safeguarding their occupants during earthquakes. This paper focuses on assessing the seismic vulnerability of school buildings constructed in the Kashmir region of Pakistan after the 2005 earthquake, which claimed the lives of 19,000 school-going children. It explores the feasibility of utilizing machine learning (ML) algorithms for enhanced rapid screening of schools to establish fragility information. The study is based on data collected in the Kashmir region and focuses on assessing representative reinforced concrete (RC) and unreinforced masonry (URM) school buildings. To determine structural fragility curves, Incremental Dynamic Analyses (IDA) are performed, simulating fifteen historical earthquakes. Four different ML models are investigated to predict fragility curves, including Random Forest (RF), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Extremely Randomized Tree Regressor (ERTR). The performance of the algorithms is compared using performance metrics such as precision, accuracy, and f1 score. The study identified XGBoost and RF as the highest performing algorithms, achieving highly satisfactory accuracy with the correlation coefficients of 0.91 and 0.81 for RC schools, and 0.88 and 0.83 for URM schools during testing phases. Alternatively, ERTR’s performance could not justify its use for structural seismic vulnerability assessments. This highlights the significant potential of using ML algorithms for automated seismic vulnerability evaluation of buildings, greatly reducing the overall computational burden while maintaining high accuracy and reliability.

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Space Heating: Integrating Solar Air Heaters and Low-Cost Retrofitting Windows for Hilly Region of Kashmir

The Kashmir valley experiences a moderate climate, characterized by cool springs and autumns, mild summers, and cold winters, necessitating heating for approximately 5-6 months annually. Due to unreliable power supply, traditional heating methods such as gas heaters, wood fires, or Kangri's are often relied upon, despite their adverse health and environmental impacts due to emissions of toxic gases. Therefore, there is a need of transition towards non-conventional energy sources. Solar air heaters emerge as a viable option, converting solar radiation into thermal heat which is then delivered to living or working spaces. In addition to minimizing energy requirements for space heating, strategies to reduce heat loss can further enhance energy efficiency. Developing low-cost retrofit window solutions to improve the thermal efficiency of existing windows proves instrumental in this regard. Retrofit windows, designed to fit into existing frames, improve insulation and reduce energy loss without requiring costly renovations. The primary aim of these retrofit windows is to optimize energy efficiency affordably, minimizing heat transfer and preventing air leaks, thereby reducing energy consumption and utility bills while enhancing indoor comfort by maintaining stable temperatures. The several tests were conducted on a thermally insulated test room of size 12*8*10 cubic feet room for solar air heaters under various atmospheric conditions gives a temperature increases of up to 10°C within one hour under different parameters. Furthermore, retrofitting demonstrated a 45.69% reduction in energy requirements at a very affordable cost.

Water falls and Their Tourism Potential in Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir Region

Water falls and Their Tourism Potential in Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir Region

Agro-morphological Characterization of Maize (Zea mays L.) Landraces from Tribal Regions of Kashmir

Agro-morphological Characterization of Maize (Zea mays L.) Landraces from Tribal Regions of Kashmir

Concomitant telomere attrition is associated with spinal muscular atrophy in highly inbred region of North India: unraveling the thread in Kashmir region

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disorder that unequivocally results in the degeneration of motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. This condition is caused by a mutation in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, which inevitably results in a deficiency of the SMN protein. In present study, we investigated the potential role of telomere attrition in SMA patients. Relative telomere length in peripheral blood lymphocytes was measured by Monochrome Multiplex Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (MMQPCR) in 98 subjects and we conclusively found that SMA cases exhibit telomere attrition compared to healthy controls (P = 4 × 10− 2). Moreover, significant attrition was also observed in severe form of SMA, i.e. SMA type 0 (P = 0.04) as well.Although, the exact mechanism through which telomere shortening contributes to the pathogenesis of SMA is not fully understood and is yet to be delineated. However, one possibility is that telomere shortening leads to genomic instability and DNA damage, which can contribute to motor neuron degeneration. Another possibility is that telomere shortening leads to cellular senescence, which can impair the ability of motor neurons to regenerate and repair themselves. Recent studies have suggested that telomere shortening may be a potential therapeutic target in SMA. Thus, understanding the role of SMN1 gene in disease pathogenesis & its effect on telomere length will aid in estimating the risk & prognosis of SMA in genetically less explored & highly inbred region of Kashmir, Northern India.

Geospatial Analysis of LULC in the Srinagar Region of Jammu and Kashmir using Sentinel-2 Data

Geospatial analysis based LULC mapping finds great utility in Himalyan region in order to carry proper assessment, evaluation and sustainable management of the existing resources. With the aid of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS), the current study on LULC mapping was conducted in district Srinagar of Jammu and Kashmir for the year 2022. European Space Agency (ESA) based Sentinel-2 satellite was used as a data source. By using the technique of visual image interpretation, the study area was demarcated into 11 LULC classes viz, agriculture, forest, forest scrub, built-up, TOF, grassland, wasteland, waterbody, wetland, snow and horticulture. The findings of the study revealed that from the delineated LULC classes highest percentage (19.61%) of area was covered by forest and least (2.17%) was covered by wetland. Moreover, the values obtained for overall classification accuracy and kappa statistics were 89.09% and 0.88 respectively. Due to increasing population and urbanisation some of the important LULC classes like wetland, agriculture etc have been encroached thereby disturbing the overall ecological balance. Therefore, findings of the current study might be useful in planning and demarcating the area where we can develop green infrastructure which might be fruitful in achieving the sustainable management goals.

Nucleic Acid-based Identification of Major Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) Viruses in the Jammu Region of India

The present investigation was conducted from 2019 to 2020 to study the incidence pattern and molecular diagnosis of major honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) viral diseases in different areas of Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir (UT). Using the RT-PCR technology, research was done to confirm that A. mellifera is infected by the Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), the Thai sacbrood virus (TSBV), the Kashmir bee virus (KBV), and sacbrood virus (SBV). Particular primers for distinct viruses verified the existence of the virus in chosen samples from various areas, including Jammu, Samba, Ramban, and Udhampur. The samples taken from all four districts were found to contain illness. Clear and distinct bands with molecular sizes of roughly 110, 122, and 119 bp for IAPV, KBV, and SBV were formed by primer pairs of various viruses. The four districts’ samples contained no evidence of the Thai sacbrood virus. The incidence range of Israeli acute paralysis disease was 8.33 to 21.42 %. The incidence range for Kashmir bee disease was 5.71 to 28.33 %. The incidence range for sacbrood disease was 8.0–18.55%. In the apiary at SKUAST-J, Chatha, the incidence ranges for IAPV, KBV, and SBV diseases were 0 to 6.25, 0 to 4.16, and 0 to 9.43 %, respectively.

Reviewing the Impact of Engineering Measures on Soil Erosion in Jammu and Kashmir Anantnag Watershed

Planners now find that stopping soil loss in India's watersheds must be their top priority. Currently, a wide range of mathematical models are used worldwide to predict soil erosion. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), which is frequently used to predict average soil loss, is one such model. Recently, there has been an increased emphasis on applying USLE/RUSLE in conjunction with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, enabling grid-based analysis for predicting soil erosion and aiding management methods. This study assesses the efficacy of flood control and erosion management programs launched in 1914. Four different maps representing the possible erosion threats were created for four different time periods, and a comparison study was carried out to assess the changes that occurred. The implementation of various strategies such as terracing, afforestation, and rehabilitation in the watershed led to a noteworthy prediction of decreased soil loss in the watershed. In the temperate region of Jammu and Kashmir and sparsely vegetated areas, the rate of anticipated soil loss decreased from 632 to 378 metric tons per hectare per year between 1990 and 2020, indicating the efficacy of soil conservation measures in mitigating potential soil loss.

Perception of Students Towards Tech-enabled Startups: A Case of J&K UT

The research study on Perception of students towards tech-enabled startups in Jammu and Kashmir” has been conducted in Kashmir region of Jammu and Kashmir. The study is based on primary as well as secondary data collection and used descriptive and exploratory research models for conducting the survey among the respondents. This study delves into the nuanced perceptions of students in Jammu and Kashmir regarding tech-enabled startups, shedding light on the factors influencing their perception towards entrepreneurship. The study garnered responses encompassing a diverse age range. Notably, 56.7% of respondents were male, and 43.3% were female. The respondents hailed from various academic institutions, with SK University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, University of Kashmir, and Central University of Kashmir being the prominent contributors. Educational backgrounds varied, with predominantly 74.6% in undergraduate, the research unveils a tech-aware demographic. Awareness levels regarding government initiatives and incubation centres varied, indicating a need for improved information dissemination. The results indicated and depicted a moderate awareness of tech-enabled startups (55.2%), with varied exposure levels. Challenges in accessing information on government initiatives and incubation centres were evident, emphasizing the need for improved information dissemination. The study also revealed that students expressed diverse views on the impact of startups on the local economy and job market. University support for entrepreneurship garnered mixed responses, and 53.7% affirmed the importance of the inclusion of entrepreneurship subject in curriculum. Family and peer influence on entrepreneurial perceptions reflected varied attitudes. While 35.8% believed their parents were positively inclined, 52.2% were uncertain about their friends' views on entrepreneurship as a logical choice. While 46.3% engaged with tech-enabled startups, a majority remained unconnected to incubation centres (83.6%). This concise study offered crucial insights, suggesting areas for targeted support in fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Medicinal plants of the Himalayan Tral region of Kashmir, India: an ethnobotanical study of their diversity, use patterns, and health implications

Medicinal plants of the Himalayan Tral region of Kashmir, India: an ethnobotanical study of their diversity, use patterns, and health implications

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of ovine herpesvirus-2 in subclinical infections of cattle and sheep.

Ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) is the causative agent of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), a serious and often fatal disease that affects cattle and other ruminants. This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of OvHV-2 strains circulating in sheep and cattle populations in the Jammu and Kashmir region of India. Screening of 150 sheep and 57 cattle blood samples revealed the presence of the OvHV-2 polymerase (pol) gene in 8.6% of sheep, 10% of apparently healthy cattle, and 29.7% of cattle exhibiting MCF-like symptoms. The full-length glycoprotein B (gB) gene (2800bp) and an 875bp internal fragment were successfully amplified, cloned, and sequenced from pol-positive samples. Comparative sequence analysis of the deduced gB amino acid sequences identified seven substitutions at positions 278, 341, 390, 440, 468, 539, and 566 compared to reference strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on the gB nucleotide sequences clustered the OvHV-2 strains from this study within the Indian clade, distinct from strains reported in the UK and US. These findings provide insights into the genetic diversity of OvHV-2 strains circulating in Jammu and Kashmir, with the identified mutations potentially influencing virus-host interactions. Further investigations into the functional implications of these mutations are warranted to understand their role in viral pathogenesis and tropism.

Review Based Study of Prevalence and Association of Social Determinants with Tuberculosis in Doda Region of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to rank among the world’s most serious health problems caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There are several factors which are responsible for the exposure of tuberculosis among the communities. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the major factors for the exposure of tuberculosis disease among the persons. Worldwide, TB is one of the leading causes of death among people living with HIV. Tuberculosis is a serious health threat, especially for the people living with HIV. The socio-economic determinants such as unemployment, malnutrition and crowding play a significant role in increasing the rate of infection. In this article, we will discuss the socio-economic determinants of tuberculosis infection and disease. The rapidly growing consensus indicates that in the low and middle income country, the tuberculosis control programs are required with the investment in tuberculosis diagnostics and treatment in addition to action on the social determinants of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is most common among the disadvantaged group which includes the poor, ethnic minorities as well as hungry.