Areas Of Punjab Research Articles

Climate change effects on riverbank erosion Bait community flood-prone area of Punjab, Pakistan: an application of livelihood vulnerability index

Climate change effects on riverbank erosion Bait community flood-prone area of Punjab, Pakistan: an application of livelihood vulnerability index

CHRONOLOGICAL LEVELS FOR SELECTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF DISEASE RESISTANT, CLIMATE-RESILIENT AND HIGH YIELDING LENTIL CULTIVAR FOR FOOD SECURITY

Lentil used all over the world due to its rich source of dietary proteins. The aim of study was to identify and develop disease resistance, high yielding lentil cultivar with high protein contents. The hybridization of (NARC-02-2 X 01505) followed by pedigree method of selection. The newly developed line 10502 tested in a series of trials on multi locations for disease tolerance and yield comparison. The maximum yield potential of 2529 kg/ha was achieved out yielded check variety Pb.M-2009 and testified as moderately resistant to Lentil Rust and Botrytis Grey Mold disease. In addition to this, found suitable for both irrigated and arid region. The characterization studies revealed that genotype had improved traits with 3seeds/pod and 4- 5pods/node. The quality analysis indicated high protein contents (29.2 %) and cooking quality test on base of physio-chemical traits indicated low cooking time and high values of swelling capacity. The line 10502 approved as new cultivar Punjab Masoor-2019 suitable for all areas of Punjab.

Socio-Economic Conditions of Rural Labour and Marginal Farmer Households in Border Area of Punjab: A Case Study of Gurdaspur District

Socio-Economic Conditions of Rural Labour and Marginal Farmer Households in Border Area of Punjab: A Case Study of Gurdaspur District

AGRONOMIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH STEM ROT OF BERSEEM (Trifolium alexanderinum L.) IN SARGODHA, PAKISTAN

Stem rot of berseem (SRB) caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (SS) is the most devastating and cosmopolitan plant disease, and infecting more than 400 species of plants worldwide. The disease is reported to cause more than $200 million losses. In Pakistan, the disease is infecting all cultivars of Berseem and causing heavy losses. The Sargodha district is the main Berseem cultivation area of Punjab, Pakistan. Agronomic practices are playing key role in its spread and dissemination to new fields. The hypothesis of current study was that this disease may be curtailed by altering agronomic practices. Hence, the following study was planned on the objective to evaluate the effect of agronomic practices of district Sargodha farmers on the disease incidence (DI) of SRB. To accomplish this objective, a detailed survey was arranged in seven tehsils of Sargodha during Berseem season in 2020-2021. The surveys were repeated every fifteen days throughout the cropping season. The villages and fields were selected randomly during the surveys. Every field was divided into five sections to note down the DI of SS. Agronomic practices surveys showed significant effect on SRB incidence in different tehsils. However, the effect of agronomic practices was different in different tehsils of Sargodha. In tehsil Kotmomin and Sargodha, canal irrigations, four number of irrigations, citrus inter-cropping, October and September-October cropping seasons, respectively, significantly (P < 0.05) decreased DI of SRB. In tehsil Sargodha, canal irrigations, four number of irrigations, citrus inter-cropping, and October cropping season significantly (P < 0.05) decreased DI of SRB. In tehsil Shahpur, canal irrigations, six number of irrigations, September cropping season and citrus intercropping significantly (P < 0.05) decreased DI of SRB. In tehsil Sahiwal and Sillanwali, tube-well+ canal irrigations, four number of irrigations, mustard and citrus inter-cropping, respectively, and October cropping season significantly (P < 0.05) decreased DI. It was concluded that change in agronomic practices could help lessen the SRB incidence in district Sargodha. The current study sets the foundation of future study to further investigate the role of different agronomic factors to eco-friendly manage SRB.

Factors Affecting Social Adjustment of The Persons with Disabilities in Rural Punjab

Persons with disabilities are the marginalized persons in the community and facing different community related issues in Punjab province of Pakistan. In Pakistan, living standard of rural community is meager and there is strong association between disability and poverty. A quantitative study was conducted on disabled persons living in rural areas of Punjab. A proportionate sample of 400 respondents was collected from three main districts of Punjab i.e., Faisalabad, Multan and Rawalpindi from November 2016 to June 2017. Level of social adjustment was measured by using a compound variable consisting of statements related to daily activities of these persons. Univariate and bivariate testing were used for data analysis. In this study, majority of the respondents thought that emotional support by non-disabled persons, family support for daily activities, community support for social wellbeing and health structure support to be a productive part of society were important factors of social adjustment for disabled persons living in rural community. Regarding socio-economic background as a whole, it was observed that majorities of the respondents were male by gender from lower class with secondary and higher secondary school education but dependent on others to fulfil their financial requirements. Regarding overall social adjustment, majority of disabled persons stated to have low level of social adjustment even with provision of both more and less health structure support, greater community support, more and less family support and greater emotional support. On the contrary, few respondents were enjoying high level of social adjustment. To provide education and increased level of awareness regarding needs of disabled persons is recommended for the non-disabled persons of the community. Disabled persons should be provided with trainings and some professional skills to live an independent life in the community. Government should implement international anti-discriminatory law to protect the rights of disabled persons.

Physical Assaults assessment concerning their pattern, severity & bone of contention, in rural areas of Punjab

Background: The rural areas of Punjab have a very high prevalence of physical assault due to illiteracy, pride of cast system, related to agricultural land disputes, illegal breaches in violating the watering system of their crops, political motives of landlords in their area, and social issues related to marriages, love affairs, and illegal interference into the privacy of others. Aim: To analyze different forms of physical assaults related to their pattern, severity, and reasons behind these physical assaults keeping in view their medico-legal aspects. Methods: The data of physical assaults in medico-legal cases were collected from the peripheral rural areas of Faisalabad, Sargodha and Mianwali on specifically designed Performa. The cases were selected from these districts reported in Causality & Accident departments of the district and tertiary care Hospitals during one year June 2020 to May 2021. The inclusion criteria were based on non-probability with random sampling in this retrospective study. In total 200 cases were selected for this study. Association with demographic parameters like age, sex, type of weapon used, the pattern of injury. Results: Physical Assaults had a direct association with male predominance; the age of 20 to 30 years of age, blunt weapons especially fists, kicks, and daggers, wooden sticks were used for offense as determined by the findings in this study. Various social reasons related to cast & clan system, disputes of agricultural land, family issues related to inheritance, illiteracy, pride of cast system, domestic violence, illegal breaches in violating the watering system of their crops, political motives of landlords in their area and social issues related to marriages, love affairs and illegal interference into the privacy of others, were the main bone of contentions. Conclusions: Different variety of weapons used in the rural setting. Males as predominant participants of assault suggest a socially active status of men in the rural setup of Punjab where male dominance is evident. The feudal system of landlords main responsible for social injustice and exploitation of the low class, is determined in this study. There need reforms through social literacy, justice provision for all, reforms in medico legal reporting and social awareness of human rights. Keywords: Physical assaults (PA), blunt trauma, domestic violence, rural areas, and bone of contention

Integrated geophysical technique for groundwater salinity delineation, an approach to agriculture sustainability for Nankana Sahib Area, Pakistan

Owing to the climatic dryness and shortage of surface water, Pakistani farmers have been forced to rely on groundwater resources to meet the irrigation demand for crops. Pumping an excessive amount of water from the aquifers is turning it brackish. Our study aims to select a suitable depth of freshwater for installing tube wells in a study area, Tehsil Nankana Sahib. Sixteen vertical electrical soundings (VES) were arrayed in this study area, and water samples were also collected to record their electrical conductivity. The interpolation maps for different parameters were generated by using the inverse distance weighted interpolation method. The obtained results depict that the central and southeastern region has good groundwater at depths from 60 to 90 m, the northeastern region has marginally fit water, while the northwestern region is marked as having an unfit groundwater zone. This research article is not only a case study but also can be used for other areas of Punjab, Pakistan, facing similar groundwater problems. However, the comparison of VES results with borehole data is critical to achieve better accuracy. An extensive exploratory borehole study of the area is recommended to further characterize the subsurface lithology.

COVID-19 Emergency and Changes in the Usage Intention of Mobile Banking Services in Pakistani Peri-Urban Areas

This study demonstrates the usage intention of mobile banking services by Pakistanis living in peri-urban areas of Punjab in the time of COVID-19 emergency by adapting the technology acceptance model (TAM) and technology model of readiness (TR). Understanding the relationships between the determinants of usage intention helps the management of Pakistani banks to run the gamut in its mobile banking services in Pakistani outskirts even when the COVID-19 pandemic is over. To test this relationship, data was collected (n=392) from the four largest cities of Punjab by using convenience sampling techniques. The data was analyzed by hierarchical regression using SPSS 19. The results indicate that the proposed model verified the effect of Positive TR (Optimism, Innovation) and hostile TR (Insecurity, Discomfort), perceived usefulness and behavioral intention towards the use of mobile banking, especially in the period of COVID-19 pandemic. It appears that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the psychological processes of people living in peri-urban (Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan) and outskirts to use mobile banking services continuingly. This research examined the perception of people living in the peri-urban areas of Punjab, Pakistan, to use mobile banking services for initially applying the Technology Readiness acceptance model (TRAM) with distinct roles of Technology readiness. Furthermore, mediating effects of perceived usefulness are determined between TR and Behavioral intention regarding the use of mobile banking.

Arsenic concentrations in soil, water, and rice grains of rice-growing areas of Punjab, Pakistan: multivariate statistical analysis.

Arsenic (As), a class-A human carcinogen, is ubiquitously present in the earth's crust and soil and may enter the air, water, and surface environments through different natural and anthropogenic sources. In this experiment, soil, irrigation water, and rice grains were sampled from conventional rice-growing areas of Punjab, Pakistan. Soil samples were collected from 0 to 15 cm surface soil of rice growing fields, and rice grains were collected from the same field at crop maturity. Irrigation water samples were collected from the source used to irrigate the respective rice fields. Coordinates of sampling locations were noted using a global positioning system, and a locations map was made using ArcGIS. Soil samples were digested in a microwave digester using aqua regia, and plant samples were block digested using nitric acid. Arsenic concentration was determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer coupled with an auto-sampler and integrated samples introduction system. The mean concentration of As in rice grains, soil, and water samples was found within the safe limit set by WHO except for a sample from Narowal (148.54 µg l-1) that exceeded the irrigation water standard limit, i.e., 100 µg l-1 for irrigation water. Principal component analysis was performed to reduce the multidimensional space of variables and samples. Through the calculations of estimated daily intake, it has been revealed that the As levels measured in this study would only contribute a small amount (less than 5%) of the total recommended daily intake allowance.

CD4 count and Gender based hematological profile of HIV patients, in Punjab Pakistan

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) belong to family of human retroviruses of lentivirus subfamily. This virus hits the patient’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight against disease and infection. Different parameters like Total Leucocytes count TLC, Hb level, platelets count and among male and female were observed.Study of different parameters in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) patientsfrom different areas of Punjab, Pakistan. Complete blood count (CBC), Hb Level, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), Platelets count, Total Leucocytes count TLC was done using kits and screening methods.RNA extraction and PCR was done for future analysis.HIV positive males develop anemia and about 9.3% (11) patients are suffering from leukocytosis. 12% of HIV positive males develop thrombocytopenia while 8% have thrombocytosis.

Frequency and Nature of Near Miss Obstetric Complications in tertiary care Hospital South Punjab

Objective: To analyze the nature of near miss obstetrical events in a tertiary care hospital of South Punjab. Study design: A Case Series. Settings: This study was carried out in labour room and intensive care unit (ICU) at Nishtar Hospital Multan. Material & Methods: Study consists of near miss cases between January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021. Near miss cases definition was based on validated disease specific criteria, including five diagnostic categories: hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, dystocia, sepsis and anemia. SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. Test of significance were applied and p value ≤0.05 was considered as significant. Results: A total of 166 patients were included in this case series. The most common surgical procedure performed was emergency hysterectomy, n=64 (60.3%). While the most common complications included sepsis and anemia, n=34 (32.1%) and n=31 (29.2%), respectively. The mean hospital stay of the patients was 5.51±2.11 days. Majority of the patients stayed for 3-5 days in hospital. Conclusions: Majority of near miss cases reported from rural areas of Punjab where socioeconomic status and literacy rate are also contributors. Anemia and sepsis were leading complications of near miss events and maternal deaths. Underlying disease process of our observation is almost same as in previous Pakistani reports. Keywords: Near miss, Obstetrical events, Anemia, Sepsis, Hemorrhage

Evaluating the impact of the environment on depleting groundwater resources: a case study from a semi-arid and arid climatic region

ABSTRACT This study, for the first time, assesses the impact of critical environmental factors on groundwater using Bayesian network (BN) integrated with analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and develops a groundwater vulnerability map. The considered environmental factors are divided into the following categories: physical (rainfall, temperature (Tmax/Tmin), relative humidity (RHmax/RHmin)), water use and demand (surface water availability (SW) and number of tubewells (NTW)), agriculture and land use (total irrigated area (TIA), total cropped area (TCA), and total area sown (TAS)), and population. Results show a negative relationship of rainfall, RHmax/RHmin, and SW and a positive relationship of the remaining variables with groundwater. Elasticities demonstrate that a 1% change in SW (rainfall), major contributors, results in a decrease by 0.64% (0.55%) in groundwater in Bahawalpur (Multan). A 1% change in population (NTW), major consumers, results in an increase by 0.74% (0.70%) in depth to water table (DWT) across Jhang (Khanewal). The vulnerability map shows that high and very high vulnerability classes account for more than 50% of the total area of Punjab.

Flood risk public perception in flash flood-prone areas of Punjab, Pakistan.

Floods due to higher severity of destruction are considered the most destructive natural hazards in the world. Initiating the appropriate strategies of disaster risk reduction is necessary to understand risk perception. This study attempted to examine the flood risk public perception in flash flood-prone areas of Punjab, Pakistan. A simple random sampling technique was used for collecting the data of 560 household respondents, and a logistic regression model was employed to make out the factors of flood risk perception. In classification of low and high perceived risk of relevant indicators, flood risk perception index was constructed. Risk perception is significantly influenced by socioeconomic factors which have a direct impact on disaster preparedness and potential adaptive capacities. After that, potential correlation of risk perception with the demographic status of respondents was investigated in this study. Empirical estimates indicated as respondents' schooling, ownership of house, size of household, employment status and past flood experience significantly influence flood risk perception. Risk perception determinants also diverse among both communities portray spatial differences. Inadequate protection measures from public authorities and institutions, limited preparedness regarding actions of private mitigation, reduced intensity of reliance in institutions and authorities are major reasons for high risk and lower mitigation in these flash flood-prone areas. The outcomes of this research can facilitate to understand flood risk perception and its factors for conniving appropriate management plan of flood risk and communication strategies. Furthermore, this research can help consider multidimensional flood risks and its spatial vibrancy from the perspective of social science.

Constraint Analysis in Adopting Mastitis Preventing Technologies in Rural Areas of Punjab, India

Constraint Analysis in Adopting Mastitis Preventing Technologies in Rural Areas of Punjab, India

Stray Dogs and Public Health: Population Estimation in Punjab, India.

The overpopulation of stray dogs is a serious public health and animal welfare concern in India. Neglected zoonotic diseases such as rabies and echinococcosis are transmitted at the stray–dog human interface, particularly in low to middle-income countries. The current study was designed to estimate the stray dog populations in Punjab to enhance the implementation of animal birth and disease (for example, rabies vaccination) control programs. This is the first systematic estimation of the stray dog population using a recommended method (mark–re-sight) in Punjab, India. The study was conducted from August 2016 to November 2017 in selected villages or wards in Punjab. For the rural areas, 22 sub-districts in each district were randomly selected, then one village from each of the 22 selected sub-districts was selected (by convenience sampling). For urban areas, 3 towns (less than 100,000 human population) and 2 large cities (more than or equal to 100,000 human population) were randomly selected, followed by convenience selection of two wards from each of the 5 selected towns/cities. To estimate the dog population size, we used a modified mark–re-sight procedure and analysed counts using two methods; the Lincoln–Petersen formula with Chapman’s correction, and an application of Good–Turing theory (SuperDuplicates method; estimated per km2 and per 1000 adult humans and were compared between localities (villages vs. towns), dog sex (male vs. female) and age group (young vs. adult) using linear mixed models with district as a random effect. The predicted mean (95% CI) count of the dogs per village or ward were extrapolated to estimate the number of stray dogs in Punjab based on (a) the number of villages and wards in the state; (b) the adult human population of the state and (c) the built-up area of the state. Median stray dog populations per village and per ward using the Lincoln–Petersen formula with Chapman’s correction were estimated to be 33 and 65 dogs, respectively. Higher estimates of 61 per village and 112 per ward are reported using the SuperDuplicates method. The number of males was significantly higher than the number of females and the number of adult dogs was about three times the number of young dogs. Based on different methods, estimates of the mean stray dog population in the state of Punjab ranged from 519,000 to 1,569,000. The current study revealed that there are a substantial number of stray dogs and a high number reside in rural (versus urban) areas in Punjab. The estimated stray dog numbers pose a potential public health hazard in Punjab. This impact requires assessment. The estimated stray dog numbers will help develop a dog population and rabies control program in which information about the logistics required as well as costs of implementing such programmes in Punjab can be incorporated.

Epidemiological Determinants for Mortality from Neonatal Tetanus in Punjab Province, Pakistan (2020)

Background Neonatal tetanus (NNT) is a vaccine-preventable disease that occurs at higher incidence in resource-poor countries, presumably because of low maternal immunization rates and unhygienic cord care practices. NNT remains an important cause of infant mortality in rural areas of Punjab Province. Objective This study aims to evaluate and determine the risk factors for mortality in NNT cases and to make recommendations for future strategies. Methods A descriptive study was conducted from July 6 to 14, 2021, at Directorate General Health Office Lahore. The surveillance data set for the year 2020 and clinical notes were reviewed and analyzed. Demographic information, clinical presentation progression, and outcomes were evaluated for all investigated cases, and a comparison analysis was performed between those who survived and those who died. Results Of a total of 176 reported cases, 145 (82.3%) were notified from rural areas of Punjab. The mean age was 9 days, 65 (37%) infants were females, and 111 (63%) were males. The overall mortality was 77 (43.6%), while 31 (17.6%) maternal deliveries were conducted by untrained birth attendants. In addition, 119 (67.6%) women received zero tetanus toxoid (TT) shots in their life. Clinical notes revealed that the group that survived had a significantly greater mean body weight on admission, had later onset of disease, was hospitalized early, and received tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG). The children who could not survive had significantly common clinical features, such as generalized rigidity, fever, and respiratory arrest. Conclusions The increased mortality in rural and tribal areas is suggestive of poor TT immunization coverage. Low literacy, poor socioeconomic status of families, lack of awareness regarding antenatal care, and poor hygienic deliveries conducted by untrained persons remain the main risk factors. Improvement in TT coverage, deployment of trained community midwives, and awareness sessions regarding TT vaccination in hard-to-reach areas are recommended.

Geostatistical investigation of groundwater quality zones for its applications in irrigated agriculture areas of Punjab (Pakistan)

Geostatistical investigation of groundwater quality zones for its applications in irrigated agriculture areas of Punjab (Pakistan)

Anatomical modifications in some Bambusa Schreb. species to combat ecological constraints

Five selected species of genus Bambusa considered for comparative anatomical characterization, were collected from the different areas of Punjab, Pakistan. The magnitude of variation was immensely high in Bambusa spp. relating to their root, culm, and leaf anatomical characters. These species were specific as well as representative of specific environmental adaptations. In different environmental stresses, Bambusa vulgaris found to be the most tolerant. Distinctive anatomical adaptations in this species were dense sclerification in root and stem (on inner side of epidermis and in vascular region), stem and adaxial leaf surface with thick epidermis, dense hairy stem and abaxial leaf surface, and bulliform cells with a peculiar arrangement in adaxial leaf surface. Overall, a strong relation of understudy features with plant anatomy was recorded, and therefore, these traits can be employed as a tool for studying the taxonomy of genus Bambusa. Moreover, by using these structural modifications their tolerance level to environmental stresses can be easily assessed.

Societal Awareness towards Activities related to Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan: A Cross Sectional Study

Sanitation and cleanliness are the two major extremities that supports Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) is a ruthless project and has been successful in bringing a difference at the facility and infrastructure level, and the objectives of this programme can be achieved if people are aware of this mission and basic sanitation, cleanliness and waste management practices and how these put impact on health. This cross-sectional study evaluated the awareness of selected society toward SBA and its association with the socio-demographic variables through closed-ended questionnaires. The study was conducted across 251 individuals with an age of above 18 years from different areas of Punjab and its villages. The major respondents of the study are taken persons living BPL, marginalised people and untouched segment of the society as Sewer Man, Rag Picker, Rehri Wala, Labourer, Guards, House Maids, Sweepers, Gardener etc. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using the frequencies distribution, mean score with rank correlation and chi-square test with the SPSS 21.0 software. It can be concluded that participants are generally aware about SBA and they are also found aware about the different activities that are done under SBA. When the association was studied of SBA awareness and demographic variables of the respondents, it was found that there is no significant association sustain between SBA awareness and demographic variables like age, gender, educational qualification and residential status.

Lepiota brunneogranulosa (Agaricaceae): a new species from Punjab, Pakistan, based on integrated taxonomy

During our surveys of mushrooms in 2019 and 2020, an interesting species of the genus Lepiota was collected from three different areas of Punjab (Bahawalnagar, Sheikhupura, and Muzaffarghar), Pakistan. These areas vary in their altitude and somewhat climatic conditions, nevertheless, morpho-anatomical comparisons and molecular analyses proved that these collections represented the same taxon, described here as Lepiota brunneogranulosa. This new species is characterized by a pileus with a yellowish-brown central disc, with brown colored granules on a very pale brown background, dextrinoid, ellipsoid basidiospores, frequently bi-sporic basidia, and narrowly clavate cheilocystidia. Because of the hymeniform pileus covering, and the placement in the phylogeny, based on Internal Transcribed Spacer (nrITS) and Larger Subunit (LSU), it belongs to the Lepiota sect. Lilaceae.