Areas Of Punjab Research Articles

Determinants of Gross Income in Border Area of Punjab: A Case Study

The present survey-based study deals with an estimation of the level of income and identification of major determinants of per capita income of rural labour and marginal farmer households in bordering areas of Pathankot and Tarn Taran districts of Punjab. The study was conducted from September 2020 to August 2021 with a total sample size of 151 respondents. For rural labour households, the average annual gross income was estimated to be merely `92770 and 84438 in Pathankot and Tarn Taran districts, respectively. Meanwhile, for marginal farmer households, such estimates were ` 174670 and 234047 in the two districts, respectively. The study also analysed the reasons for the low income levels of the sampled respondents. Notably, the size of the family had adversely affected the per capita income of both types of respondents. On the other hand, operational land holding of marginal farmer households had significantly pushed up per capita income. Based on the analytical findings, certain recommendations were made for promoting agriculture and allied activities and employment opportunities in the border areas of sampled districts.

Research on Socio-Profile of Farmers of S.A.S. Nagar District, Punjab

The socio-economic traits of farm households in Punjab's rural districts were the focus of the current study. For this objective, information was gathered from 150 farm homes from the villages of S.A.S. Nagar district, Punjab. The findings showed that the Sikh religion and General Castes comprised the majority of farm households. Most people were found to be in the 30 to 70 age range, which is the most economically active. In all farm-size categories, the sex ratio was in favour of the females. The proportion of farm households living in the joint type of family was positively associated with the farm size. Most of the persons of the marginal and small farm-size categories were illiterate and with relatively low level of education as compared to the semi-medium, medium, and large farm-size categories. The proportionate share of earners was the highest for the small farm-size category and the lowest for the semi-medium farm-size category. About 92 percent of sampled farmers owned pucca houses. The proportion of sampled farmers who owned good condition houses, bathrooms and toilets were related to the farm size. About 93% of farmers contact the local input dealers for any information needed for crop cultivation. 90 % of farmers had mobile connection. It was found that most of the farmers had an internet connection (66%) for a majority of sampled farmers in the rural areas of Punjab.

Role of servicescape in patients' clinic care waiting experience: Evidence from developing countries.

The aim of this research is to investigate the role of servicescape on re-patronage and recommended intention through pleasure feeling and satisfaction in healthcare settings that put substantial contribution in the process of healthcare service delivery. Data were collected through cross-sectional convenience sampling via a self-administered survey questionnaire from 431 clinical outpatients who revisit the same hospital of metropolitan areas of Punjab, Pakistan. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was carried out for path analysis through AMOS (24.0 V), while statistical measures were analyzed using SPSS (25.0 V). The present study results revealed that patients' intention optimistically triggered through partial mediation and affirm the direct and indirect association with servicescape. It also revealed that patient-recommended and re-patronage intentions to visit the clinic were statistically substantial and positively influenced by intervening constructs of pleasure feeling and satisfaction. Additionally, it is found that servicescape and pleasure feeling contributed to 30% change in satisfaction. Moreover, pleasure feeling, and satisfaction contributed to 50% change in re-patronage and 31% change in recommendation intention of the patients. The current study findings contribute significantly to servicescape literature from a theatrical perspective and reevaluate the patterns and operations in healthcare. It also helps managers and administrators of private hospitals to make strategies to increase patient satisfaction.

Post-Partum Depression: A Case Study of the Wife of an Expatriate Pakistani

This study aims to explore the experience of post-partum depression in a woman that is the wife of an expatriate Pakistani. It probes into the psycho-social factor that boost the chances of past-partum depression among woman who gone through the c-section while giving birth to her 4th child in her husband’s absence while living in joint family system. This case study reported a woman with postpartum depression; facing psychosocial pressures while living in joint family system in rural area of Punjab. Edinburgh post-natal depression scale used to analyse her post-partum depression and DSM- V as the determinant of diagnostic criteria which revealed that psychosocial pressures, attachment issues and lack of social support made her vulnerable. Postpartum depression has varying symptoms and psycho-social factors irritating its symptoms.

Integration of Immunization and Health Care Services on the Nutritional Status of Children 6-59 Months of Age in Flood-Affected Areas of South Punjab

Child malnutrition remains a serious public health problem in many parts of the developing world, particularly in South and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The situation is exacerbated by natural disasters, particularly floods, which increase the risk of infectious diseases and worsen the nutrition crisis in vulnerable areas. In Pakistan, the 2018 National Nutrition Survey showed high levels of stunting, underweight and wasting among children under the age of five. This study aimed to determine whether integration of immunization and health services can improve the nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months in flood-affected areas of South Punjab, Pakistan. This study used a mixed methods approach, combining a cross-sectional observational study with structured interviews. A sample of 384 children aged 6-59 months was selected through convenience sampling in flood-affected areas. Data were collected through surveys and interviews with families, focusing on maternal feeding practices and factors affecting child nutritional status. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 25, including frequency distributions for categorical variables and Pearson correlations to determine the association between upper arm circumference (MUAC) and nutritional status, weight, and height. Results showed significant correlations between MUAC and child nutritional status (p=0.035), MUAC and child weight (p=<0.001), and MUAC and child height (p=<0.001). Of the total 384 participants, 60.68% had MUAC more than 12.5 cm, while 39.32% had MUAC less than 12.5 cm. This study confirms the importance of integrating health and immunization services in addressing child malnutrition in disaster-prone areas. Findings show that factors such as parents' socioeconomic status, occupation, education and living environment are significantly related to children's nutritional status.

CROSS-CULTURAL DYNAMICS IN INDIA: A STUDY OF PUNJAB AND RAJASTHAN

The cross-cultural distinctions between the two unique areas of Punjab and Rajasthan are examined in this study, with an emphasis on the ways in which these differences affect consumer decision-making processes and more general socioeconomic behaviours. Punjab's rural, community-focused culture stands in stark contrast to Rajasthan's opulent, royal customs. The goal of the study is to pinpoint the cultural cues that influence consumer behaviour. The study looks into how cultural values influence consumer behaviours, purchasing behaviour, and preferences. The comparative research sheds light on the many frameworks for decision-making that are in use in these culturally different areas. With the goal of helping entrepreneurs, marketers, and politicians better interact with regional markets, this study advances our understanding of India's cultural variety. This research reveals the intricacies of cross-cultural relations in Northern India, providing essential perspectives on the evolving interaction between tradition and modernity in consumer behaviour.

Effects of water quality and nitrogen on wheat productivity: Experimental and modelling study using the SALTMED model

AbstractThe effects of different water qualities and nitrogen doses need to be investigated for wheat growth to determine the optimal management strategy for sustaining wheat production potential to ensure human food security. Therefore, a 2‐year study (2020–2021 to 2021–2022) was conducted on wheat irrigated with different water qualities, including canal water (Ca), tubewell water (Tu) and mixed Ca‐Tu water (Mx), each fertilized with two nitrogen doses, that is, N75 = 75 kgN.ha−1 and N100 = 100 kgN.ha−1. Ca⨯N100 performed best, with 5.12 t.ha−1 grain yield, 11.60 t.ha−1 biomass, 102.83 cm plant height and 1.32 kg.m−3 water productivity. The best values of the root mean square error (RMSE), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), coefficient of determination (R2) and coefficient of residual mass (CRM) were 0.11, 0.12, 0.93 and −0.004, respectively, for calibration and 0.13, 0.15, 0.87 and ±0.01, respectively, for validation of the SALTMED model. The scenario simulation was performed for additional levels of water salinity (electrical conductivity [EC] = 8 and 12 dS.m−1) and nitrogen doses (50, 125, 150 and 175 kgN.ha−1). The results revealed improvements in wheat grain yield of 107%, 16% and −6% at EC = 8 dS.m−1 and 125%, 31% and 5% at EC = 12 dS.m−1, while the improvements in biomass were 113%, 22% and −2% at EC = 8 dS.m−1 and 137%, 29% and 8% at EC = 12 dS.m−1 with increasing nitrogen doses from 50–125 kg.ha−1, 125–150 kg.ha−1 and 150–175 kg.ha−1, respectively. It is recommended that high‐quality water with the lowest possible EC and nitrogen applications of up to 150 kgN.ha−1 be adopted for wheat production in semi‐arid areas of Punjab, Pakistan.

A Cross Sectional Study To Assess The Satisfaction Of Women In Regards To Availing Health Services In The Existing Health Care Delivery System Of Rural Areas Of Punjab

A Cross Sectional Study To Assess The Satisfaction Of Women In Regards To Availing Health Services In The Existing Health Care Delivery System Of Rural Areas Of Punjab

Unveiling the relation between household energy conservation and subjective well-being: Insights from structural equation modeling

Electricity is essential to Pakistan's economy and, it helps to improve the living standards of people. However, the state has long suffered from problems like imbalances in the supply of energy, excessive energy use, and frequent power outages. The present study focused on investigating the relationship between energy-saving behavior, consumption, and subjective well-being in households in urban areas of Punjab, Pakistan. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the research analyzed how different features of electricity use and energy-saving practices affect the quality of life for families in the region. According to research findings, a strong intention to save electricity is also linked to enhanced subjective well-being. When families have an intention toward conserving energy, they feel a more positive change in overall households' subjective well-being while electricity consumption which is measured in terms of electricity bills, negatively affects the household well-being. The current research concludes that some families can experience a financial benefit from lower energy bills, and others would need assistance switching to more environment-friendly energy habits. Governments must adopt price-control mechanisms and electricity subsidies for low-income groups to encourage ethical energy usage and well-being, while also undertaking awareness programs aimed at a varied audience.

Genetic diversity and epidemiological insights into cutaneous leishmaniasis in Pakistan: a comprehensive study on clinical manifestations and molecular characterization of Leishmania species.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) stands out as a significant vector-borne endemic in Pakistan. Despite the rising incidence of CL, the genetic diversity of Leishmania species in the country's endemic regions remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to uncover the genetic diversity and molecular characteristics of Leishmania species in CL-endemic areas of Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Punjab in Pakistan. Clinical samples from 300 CL patients were put to microscopic examination, real-time ITS-1 PCR, and sequencing. Predominantly affecting males between 16 to 30years of age, with lesions primarily on hands and faces, the majority presented with nodular and plaque types. Microscopic analysis revealed a positivity rate of 67.8%, while real-time PCR identified 60.98% positive cases, mainly L. tropica, followed by L. infantum and L. major. Leishmania major (p = 0.009) showed substantially greater variation in nucleotide sequences than L. tropica (p = 0.07) and L. infantum (p = 0.03). Nucleotide diversity analysis indicated higher diversity in L. major and L. infantum compared to L. tropica. This study enhances our understanding of CL epidemiology in Pakistan, stressing the crucial role of molecular techniques in accurate species identification. The foundational data provided here emphasizes the necessity for future research to investigate deeper into genetic diversity and its implications for CL control at both individual and community levels.

Enhancing Environmental Education to Promote Pre- Emptive Smog Mitigation Strategies in Urban Areas of South Punjab: An Overview

This review evaluates the causes, effects, and mitigation measures regarding the smog problem in the South Punjab of Pakistan. Air pollution comprises major pollutants, including smog resulting from emissions by industries, automobiles, and crop residue burning, which leads to several public health emergencies, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Though governmental initiatives have been made to reduce smog through policy mechanisms, there has not been much improvement due to weak implementation and several socio-economic factors in the region. According to this paper’s viewpoint, stringent environmental laws and effective implementation measures are critical to combating the increasing pollution challenge. In addition, environmental education in awareness and behavioural change concerning long-term smog control is also discussed. From cross-national cases, including Beijing and northern India, the review also provides details of strategies that may be implemented in South Punjab. Some of the recommendations are to improve policy and compliance, offer farmers subsidies, introduce environmental components into schools and other learning institutions, and increase public awareness campaigns. Therefore, it becomes reasonable to state that only a combined regional and countrywide approach can help improve the air quality in the South Punjab region through a more intensive focus on economic development and environmental measures, for which steps have been identified in the following paragraphs.

Contextual Representation of Mourning Rituals: A Case Study of Rural Punjab (Pakistan)

This study is conducted to explore the mourning rituals performed in the rural area of Punjab Pakistan. Specifically, the research focusses on the dynamics between culture and death rituals signified through different religio-cultural practices. The qualitative methods are used employing ethnographic research design. To analyze the data, the thematic analysis technique is used. The study found that the people in rural areas of Punjab perform different rituals on death to show their emotions and intensity of grief. The results show that people in this area practice rituals following their religious and cultural beliefs to please the soul of the deceased as well as to show their reaction towards grief. The findings of this study reveal that wailing, crying, cutting one's body and burning the stick of sage are a few of the mourning rituals that are commonly prevalent in rural Punjab to express grief. Moreover, different folklores are also sung to dialogue the departed soul with other community members and God, which is a great source of attention seeking for showing massive grief. Nature of death and economic disparity is also played a major role while expressing the grief. Generally, the bereaved families use such rituals to get an escape from the grief. To sum up the study found that the death rituals to express and share individuals’ grief are decline in the culture of rural Punjab.

Evaluating the factors influencing the adoption of digital culture among university students in developing areas of South Punjab

Evaluating the factors influencing the adoption of digital culture among university students in developing areas of South Punjab

Assessing pollution vulnerability in groundwater: A case study of Kala Shah Kaku industrial complex

ABSTRACT Various factors, such as industrialization, population growth, and urbanization, have caused water quality and availability to decline worldwide, resulting in water crises in many regions and millions of annual deaths from water-related diseases. The study aimed to assess the groundwater quality in Kala Shah Kaku, an industrial area in central Punjab, Pakistan. Groundwater samples from six locations were analyzed for physical and chemical parameters and heavy metals. The results revealed that Kala Shah Kaku's groundwater is unsuitable for drinking due to exceeding the physical and chemical parameters range. The study identified industrial effluents from nearby industries as the primary source of pollution in the area's groundwater. These findings emphasize the urgent need for remedial measures to address industrial pollution and protect groundwater resources in Kala Shah Kaku.

Development of bacteria-based bioorganic phosphate fertilizer enriched with rock phosphate for sustainable wheat production.

Phosphorous (P) is a limiting macronutrient for crop growth. Its deficiency prevents plant development leading to an extensive use of phosphatic fertilizers globally. Bio-organic phosphate (BOP) fertilizer provides a sustainable approach to optimize nutrient availability, enhance crop yield, and mitigate the negative impacts of chemical fertilizers on the environment. Therefore, the present study integrates the application of heat-tolerant phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, rock phosphate, and organic materials for the development of BOP. For this purpose, potential heat-tolerant phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) were isolated from major wheat-growing areas of southern Punjab. Five isolates were the efficient phosphate solubilizers based on in vitro phosphate-solubilizing activity (291-454 μg ml-1 and 278-421 μg ml-1) with a concomitant decrease in pH (up to 4.5) at 45°C and 50°C, respectively. These PSB were used for the development of potential consortia that are compatible and showed high P solubilization. In planta evaluation of these PSB consortia in a pot experiment under net house conditions showed that consortium-2 had a favorable impact on growth parameter with enhanced grain yield (9.63 g plant-1) and soil available P (10 μg g-1) as compared with 80% uninoculated control. The microcosm study was conducted to evaluate PSB consortium-2 integrated with carrier material (plant material and filter mud) and rock phosphate as BOP increased total phosphorous (14%) as compared with uninoculated controls. Plant-based BOP showed higher viable count (3.5 × 108°CFU) as compared with filter mud-based BOP. Furthermore, the effect of BOP on wheat growth parameters revealed that BOP showed a promising influence on grain yield (4.5 g plant-1) and soil available P (10.7 μg g-1) as compared with uninoculated 80 and 100% controls. Principle component analysis (PCA) further validates a positive correlation between BOP with grain weight and plant height and soil available P as compared with both 80 and 100% controls. For the first time, this study reports the combined application of bio-organic phosphate fertilizer and heat-tolerant PSB, which offers an eco-friendly option to harvest better wheat yield with low fertilizer input.

Yield gap and impact assessment of frontline demonstrations of pulses in sub-mountainous area of Punjab

Yield gap and impact assessment of frontline demonstrations of pulses in sub-mountainous area of Punjab

LIVESTOCK FARMERS RISK PERCEPTION AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR LIVESTOCK INSURANCE IN FLOOD-PRONE AREAS OF PUNJAB

Pakistan is the world’s most susceptible country to extreme climatic events, such as floods. As such, for many years, the country has faced the risk of losses from natural calamities without crop insurance. However, in recent years, the national government has undertaken crop insurance initiatives in Pakistan. Consequently, there is limited knowledge available on the adoption of crop insurance in Pakistan. To fill this gap, this study aims to examine the factors influencing the willingness to pay for livestock insurance in flood prone areas of Punjab. Primary data were collected from 204 farm households through a structured interview in flood-prone areas of Punjab. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistics models. The explanatory analysis was used to further look at the socio-economic characteristics of livestock farmers through MS Excel and binary logistics models to test the willingness to pay livestock farmers for insurance. The results show a positive relationship between the perceived risk of Farmers and the willingness to pay for insurance programs. The findings of this study show that the probability of farmers' WTP is increased due to a better understanding of financial institutions and having more technical knowledge. The study results show that farmers with adult males are more likely to pay livestock insurance.

Socio-Cultural and Religious Narratives and Practices Regarding Lunar Eclipse in Village Communities: A Study of Central Punjab, Pakistan

In the history of humankind, lunar eclipse has always captured attention and imaginationof human beings. This study is an anthropological attempt to describe prevailing perceptionsand myths about lunar eclipse and resultant religious and cultural practices in some of therural areas of Central Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, qualitative research techniques of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions have been used to understand and untanglethe strings of indigenous perpetuations about a celestial phenomenon. The research findingsshowed multiple sets of socio-cultural and religious beliefs and practices which have beenfollowed through generations that demonstrate the richness of culture and mythological value of local verbal tales. Perceptions include fear of God, remembering the dayof judgment, good or bad luck, and occurrence of disease. Practices include praying, charity, taking certain precautions to avoid the disease, and doing some religious and cultural rituals. Some unique folktales are also narrated by the respondents of the locale which have specificsocio-cultural meanings for them. The paper describes all these perceptions and practices intwo main parts: socio-cultural perceptions and practices and religious perceptions andpractices.

Integrated morphological and molecular approaches unveil a new species and a new record of the genus Entoloma (Entolomataceae) from southern Punjab, Pakistan

In southern Punjab, Pakistan, the genus Entoloma remains poorly explored. Four collections of the genus Entoloma were collected during the mycological surveys from 2020 to 2022, in different areas of southern Punjab, Pakistan. Morpho-anatomical and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on ITS and combined ITS-28S sequences revealed that these four collections belong to the genus Entoloma Rusticoides group including a new species named E. khalidii and a new record for Pakistan, named E. phaeocarpum. The new species is characterized by a hemispherical to convex pileus with dark brown depressed center, slightly smaller isodiametric basidiospores, the presence of clavate to utriform cheilocystidia, and pileipellis hyphae with rounded ends. These findings underscore the importance of morphological, microscopical, and molecular approaches in fungal taxonomy and contribute to unveiling the fungal diversity in underexplored regions. The discovery of these species emphasizes the significance of continued exploration and conservation efforts to preserve myco-diversity in southern Punjab, Pakistan. Colored photographs of fresh basidiomata and habitats, illustrations of key anatomical characters, detailed descriptions, phylogenetic trees, and comparisons with closely related species are also provided.

Dominance of Cotton leaf curl Multan virus-Rajasthan strain associated with third epidemic of cotton leaf curl disease in Pakistan

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is an economically potent crop in many countries including Pakistan, India, and China. For the last three decades, cotton production is under the constant stress of cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) caused by begomoviruses/satellites complex that is transmitted through the insect pest, whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). In 2018, we identified a highly recombinant strain; Cotton leaf curl Multan virus-Rajasthan (CLCuMuV-Raj), associated with the Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite-Vehari (CLCuMuBVeh). This strain is dominant in cotton-growing hub areas of central Punjab, Pakistan, causing the third epidemic of CLCuD. In the present study, we have explored the CLCuD diversity from central to southern districts of Punjab (Faisalabad, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan) and the major cotton-growing region of Sindh (Tandojam), Pakistan for 2 years (2020–2021). Interestingly, we found same virus (CLCuMuV-Raj) and associated betasatellite (CLCuMuBVeh) strain that was previously reported with the third epidemic in the central Punjab region. Furthermore, we found minor mutations in two genes of CLCuMuV-Raj C4 and C1 in 2020 and 2021 respectively as compared to its isolates in 2018, which exhibited virus evolution. Surprisingly, we did not find these mutations in CLCuMuV-Raj isolates identified from Sindh province. The findings of the current study represent the stability of CLCuMuV-Raj and its spread toward the Sindh province where previously Cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus (CLCuKoV) and Cotton leaf curl Shahdadpur virus (CLCuShV) have been reported. The findings of the current study demand future research on CLCuD complex to explore the possible reasons for prevalence in the field and how the virus-host-vector compatible interaction can be broken to develop resistant cultivars.