District Karak Research Articles

The Role of Mother Tongue and its Impact on Learning English Grammar at Elementary Level

A mother tongue plays a fundamental role in the use of other languages. The research was carried out to determine the influence of the Pashto language (L1) on the acquisition of English grammar at the elementary level in District Karak. This study employed the detailed procedure of thematic analysis technique and the Pretest-Post-test Equivalent-Groups Design for experimental design. The participants were grouped using convenient and random sampling techniques. It was found that a significant difference was observed between the scores of post-tests of the control group as well as the experimental group when the result of both groups was compared. Learners of the investigational group surpassed the learners of the control group in the domain of this particular component of grammar. It is recommended that the government should induct English teachers of the mother tongue of the learners so that they may utilize the mother tongue of the learners while teaching English grammar to their students.

Evaluating the Impact of Mini Dams on Agricultural Production and Socio-economic Conditions: A Case Study of Latamber’s Dam District Karak (Pakistan)

Water scarcity is an escalating global concern, and Pakistan is no exception, facing increasing water crises and growing demand. Effective water supply is crucial for the development of any area. Mini dams not only provide water for irrigation but also support domestic uses. This study evaluates the impact of mini dams on agricultural productivity in Latamber village, focusing on crop yield, land use and land cover (LULC) changes, and socio-economic conditions. A multifaceted methodology, including field surveys, departmental data collection, questionnaires, and remote sensing, was employed. Data collected through questionnaires and farmer interviews highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of mini dams. Statistical analysis and image processing revealed significant expansions in cultivation areas for crops like maize and rice, alongside increases in wheat yield and the adoption of new vegetable crops during the Rabi season. Additionally, socioeconomic benefits, such as enhanced agricultural incomes and employment opportunities, were observed due to improved water availability and irrigation technologies. The study emphasizes the importance of evaluating the impact of mini dams on agricultural production and socio-economic conditions to inform sustainable water resource management strategies, which are vital for the long-term development of similar regions.

The Role of Mother Tongue and Its Impact on Learning English Grammar at Elementary Level A Case Study of District Karak

The mother tongue plays a vital role in facilitating the understanding of English grammar, making it easier for students to grasp complex concepts. Its use in teaching can bridge linguistic gaps, leading to more effective language acquisition. Therefore, the current study investigates the role of the mother tongue (L1) and its impact on learning English grammar, particularly Tenses, at the elementary level in District Karak. The main objective was to examine how using the native language, Pashto, affects students' understanding of English grammar. The research was experimental, employing a pre-test and post-test equivalent-groups design. Two groups of students were formed: an experimental group, taught using a combination of the target language (English), national language, and mother tongue, and a control group, taught exclusively in English. Students were assigned to these groups based on random sampling, ensuring balanced placement. The findings revealed no significant difference in the pre-test and post-test results of the control group, while the experimental group showed notable improvement in their post-test scores. The study recommends incorporating the mother tongue in English grammar instruction at the elementary level and suggests similar investigations in girls' schools.

Empowering community participation for sustainable rural water supply: Navigating water scarcity in Karak district Pakistan

In the tapestry of life, water is the essential thread weaving through our existence. Imagine this thread not just as a simple element, but as the very pulse that sustains our communities. This study unravels the nuanced interplay between community engagement and sustainable water solutions in District Karak, shining a spotlight on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of rural water programs. Employing the theoretical framework of Social Capital Theory by Robert Putnam and Pierre Bourdieu, our research investigates the interconnected relationship between community participation and the long-term viability of water supply initiatives. Focusing randomly on three selected water supply schemes, we employed a sampling technique and collected data from 330 respondents through interviews. Community members, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and executing agencies were sampled to analyze the extent and impact of engagement across program phases. The findings underscore the pivotal role of participatory approaches facilitated by CBOs and executing agencies, revealing active community engagement as a linchpin for sustained water supply success. Results of the study reveal that the synergy of community satisfaction and engagement paves the way for a resilient water future, offering a blueprint for District Karak and similar regions to pursue a more secure water future and mitigate the adverse effects of water scarcity through the promotion of community participation.

Agaricus karakensis sp. nov. (Agaricaceae, Agaricales), a new species from Pakistan

There are around 500 species of saprobic basidiomycetes in the genus Agaricus, of which 21 are reported from Pakistan. In this study, Agaricus karakensis sp. nov. is described as a new species from the tropical semi-arid District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The taxonomic identification was based on morphological features and ITS-region of rDNA. Both, field data and morpho-anatomical characterizations support that our specimens belong to a new species of Agaricus section Bivelares from family Agaricaceae, order Agaricales. In the phylogenetic tree, A. karakensis fall in section Bivelares forming a sister branch with A. bitorquis. In this paper, the nearest falling species were also compared with our novel finding in morphology.

Ethnobotanical assessment of antidiabetic medicinal plants in District Karak, Pakistan

BackgroundDiabetes is a leading health disorder and is responsible for high mortality rates across the globe. Multiple treatment protocols are being applied to overcome this morbidity and mortality including plant-based traditional medicines. This study was designed to investigate the ethnomedicinal status of plant species used to treat diabetes in District Karak, Pakistan.Materials and methodsA semi-structured survey was created to collect data about traditionally used medicinal plants for diabetes and other ailments. The convenience sampling method was applied for the selection of informants. The collected data was evaluated through quantitative tools like frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), informant consensus factor (FIC), fidelity level (FL), and use value (UV).ResultsA total of 346 local informants were selected for this research. Out of them, 135 participants were men and 211 participants were women. Overall 38 plant species belonging to 29 plant families were used to treat diabetes. The most dominant plant family was Oleaceae having 11 species. Powder form (19%) was the most recommended mode of preparation for plant-based ethnomedicines. Leaves (68%) were the most frequently used parts followed by fruit (47%). The highest RFC was recorded for Apteranthes tuberculata (0.147). The maximum FL was reported for Apteranthes tuberculata (94.4) and Zygophyllum indicum (94.11) for diabetes, skin, and wounds. Similarly, the highest UV of (1) each was found for Brassica rapa, Melia azedarach, and Calotropis procera. Based on documented data, the reported ailments were grouped into 7 categories. The ICF values range between 0.89 (diabetes) to 0.33 (Cardiovascular disorders).ConclusionThe study includes a variety of antidiabetic medicinal plants, which are used by the locals in various herbal preparations. The species Apteranthes tuberculata has been reported to be the most frequently used medicinal plant against diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended that such plants be further investigated in-vitro and in-vivo to determine their anti-diabetic effects.

Perception of Youth about Coverage of Political Problems in Newspapers of District Karak, KP

Perception of Youth about Coverage of Political Problems in Newspapers of District Karak, KP

Impact of Certified Wheat Seeds on Food Security: A Case Study of Karak, KP, Pakistan

Wheat is a major food crop in the study area. However, wheat yields continue to remain very low in this region mainly due to the use of poor-quality seed. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of certified wheat seeds on food security, a case study of district Karak (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Pakistan. The multistage sampling technique was applied to collect data from 100 formers through a face-to-face interview, and a well-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from the respondents. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to determine the factors that influence household food security. The results of our study revealed that certified seed, age, access to credit, irrigation, education, off-frame employment, livestock size, and operated area have a positive and significant impact on household food security, but household size has a negative and significant effect on household food security. The policies should be set to promote the use of the certified seed, enhance the level of education, increase the irrigated area, and foster employment opportunities as they have a significant impact on food security. This study also recommended that government and non-government agencies should intensify efforts on the importance of family planning and advocate small family size in rural areas.

Rainwater harvesting for agriculture development using multi-influence factor and fuzzy overlay techniques

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is an essential technique for enhancing agricultural development, particularly in regions facing water scarcity or unreliable rainfall patterns. Water shortage, however, is one of the key causes of low crop production especially in mountainous regions like the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where most rainwater is lost by runoff. Therefore, rainwater harvesting could be a suitable to make better use of runoff and increase crop production. The study focuses on selecting suitable rainwater harvesting sites in District Karak to enhance agriculture by utilizing multi-influence factor (MIF) and fuzzy overlay techniques. We considered seven factors, i.e., land use land cover (LULC), slope, geology, soil, rainfall, lineament, drainage density, to create a ranking system to understand its application in site selection analysis. The results were combined into one overlay process to produce a rainwater harvesting suitability map. The weighted overlay analysis of the MIF model results reveals that 167.96 km2 area has a very high potential for rainwater harvesting, 874.17 km2 has a high potential, 1182.92 km2 has a moderate and 354.50 km2 has a poor potential for rainwater harvesting. The fuzzy overlay analysis revealed that 257.53 km2 has a very high potential for rainwater harvesting, 896.56 km2 area is classified as high, 1018.30 km2 moderate, and 407.7 km2 has poor potential for rainwater harvesting. The findings of this research work will help the policymakers and decision-makers construct various rainwater harvesting structures in the study area to overcome the water shortage problems.

Molecular insight into CREBBP and TANGO2 variants causing intellectual disability.

Intellectual disability (ID) can be associated with different syndromes such as Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) and can also be related to conditions such as metabolic encephalomyopathic crises, recurrent,with rhabdomyolysis, cardiac arrhythmias and neurodegeneration. Rare congenital RSTS1 (OMIM 180849) is characterized by mental and growth retardation, significant and duplicated distal phalanges of thumbs and halluces, facial dysmorphisms, and an elevated risk of malignancies. Microdeletions and point mutations in the CREB-binding protein (CREBBP) gene, located at 16p13.3, have been reported to cause RSTS. By contrast, TANGO2-related metabolic encephalopathy and arrhythmia (TRMEA) is a rare metabolic condition that causes repeated metabolic crises, hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, arrhythmias and encephalopathy with cognitive decline. Clinicians need more clinical and genetic evidence to detect and comprehend the phenotypic spectrum of this disorder. Exome sequencing was used to identify the disease-causing variants in two affected families A and B from District Kohat and District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Affected individuals from both families presented symptoms of ID, developmental delay and behavioral abnormalities. The validation and co-segregation analysis of the filtered variant was carried out using Sanger sequencing. In the present study, two families (A and B) exhibiting various forms of IDs were enrolled. In Family A, exome sequencing revealed a novel missense variant (NM 004380.3: c.4571A>G; NP_004371.2: p.Lys1524Arg) in the CREBBP gene, whereas, in Family B, a splice site variant (NM 152906.7: c.605 + 1G>A) in the TANGO2 gene was identified. Sanger sequencing of both variants confirmed their segregation with ID in both families. The in silico tools verified the aberrant changes in the CREBBP protein structure. Wild-type and mutant CREBBP protein structures were superimposed and conformational changes were observed likely altering the protein function. RSTS and TRMEA are exceedingly rare disorders for which specific clinical characteristics have been clearly established, but more investigations are underway and required. Multicenter studies are needed to increase our understanding of the clinical phenotypes, mainly showing the genotype-phenotype associations.

Disfluency of English Speaking Skills of Students at College Level in District Karak

The purpose of this study is to examine the speaking problems of the district Karak students at college level. Problem of speaking in target language is one of the basic problems among second language learners. This problem always handicaps the learners during the communication in the target language. Speaking is the active use of language to express meaning. The researcher tries to explore causes that handicaps these learners who cannot speak English fluently. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Result show that most students failed to speak English fluently due to language barriers such as vocabulary, pronunciation and fluency. Psychological factors such as anxiety, fear of making mistakes in front of the people, and lack of practice were also some important factors in this regard. It is suggested that the government must take positive steps and teachers should encourage their students to improve their speaking skills.

Exploring the E-learning experiences of students during Covid-19: a case study of the Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak, Pakistan

In Pakistan, E-Learning was never a part of the regular mode of education delivery in any institution. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all educational institutes, including colleges and universities, now offer online learning programs. E-Learning is internet or web-based learning now widely used in Pakistan due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores the experiences of university students during COVID-19, and the case study is of Khushal Khan Khattak University in district Karak of Pakistan. A descriptive qualitative design was used by using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using semi-structured, face-to-face in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to devise different themes based on the interviews taken. The study results revealed six major themes: Difficult in accessing E-Learning, Reservations about the shift to E-Learning, Learning Issues, Personal views and issues, Completion and comprehension of coursework, and challenges related to E-Learning. The study concluded that the abrupt remote online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted students at all stages of education.

Hymenagaricus pakistanicus (Agaricaceae, Agaricales), a new species from Pakistan based on morphological and molecular evidence

Hymenagaricus pakistanicus, a new taxon of the family Agaricaceae from District Karak, is described based on morphology and molecular phylogeny. It is characterized macroscopically by a broad flat pileus with squamules located in the center along with some minute scattered squamules towards the margin, and microscopically by yellowish brown basidiospores. Additionally, the striate margin and absence of an annulus distinguish H. pakistanicus from other known taxa of Hymenagaricus. The new species forms a separate independent clade within Hymenagaricus in the phylogenetic analysis further supporting its uniqueness. We present the new species with illustrated morphological description and comparison with closely related taxa. Previously, only one species of this genus, H. alphitochrous, had been reported from Pakistan.

Understanding the Societal Impact of Government Programs on Public School Enrollment in District Karak

This study assessed the impact of a Government Initiative on primary school enrollment in District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Stratified-random sampling assessed how the initiative affected public school enrolment for boys and girls. The data for this study came from Students Enrollment Proforma (SEP) and structured interviews with school administrators from a random sample of 12 principals (6 boys and 6 girls, representing the full gender distribution of the schools involved in the study). The findings indicated that providing complimentary textbooks significantly increased attendance for male and female students in the first and fifth grades. School administrators observed a positive effect on students’ enrollment and enhanced engagement in the educational process. The study recommends continuing the provision of complimentary textbooks and expanding the initiative to include free uniforms, notebooks, and stipends for students. Additionally, conducting similar studies at the provincial level is suggested to assess the overall impact of these incentives.

Conocybe karakensis sp. nov. (Bolbitiaceae, Agaricales) from Pakistan

This research presents a new species in the genus Conocybe collected from the tropical semi-arid District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Morphological features, and DNA barcoding marker (ITS-region) were used for the systematic placement of Conocybe karakensis. The present species is characterized by having a medium-sized fruiting body, semi-ovate, orange-colored pileus, free, spaced, and regular lamellae with a central, light brown stipe, thick-walled, oblong basidiospores and clavate shaped, tetra-sterigamtic basidia. Molecularly, initial Blast analysis and the phylogenetic analyses showed that Pakistani collection is closely related to Conocybe velutipes. In the phylogenetic tree, ITS sequences of Pakistani collection clustered in a separate clade sister to Conocybe velutipes. This study provides full description, illustrations, and phylogenetic analyses to distinguish this novel taxon from its closest relatives.

Teaching Activities and Facilities for Pre-School Children in District Karak

Pre-school education is offered in the government primary schools ofKhyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. Very little attention is given to thepre-school aged children in these schools. Therefore, this study wascarried to explore teaching activities and facilities for Pre-school Childrenin district Karak. The objectives of the study were to explore theavailability of teaching facilities and to investigate teachers’ teachingactivities while teaching pre-school children in the government primaryschools. The population of the study were all the 438 head teachers ofgovernment primary schools for boys of district Karak, KP, Pakistan. Total216 head teachers were selected as sample through proportionate clusterrandom sampling technique. The study was descriptive and survey methodwas adopted. Self-developed questionnaire was used for the collection ofdata. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics and the use of ChiSquare (χ2) test. Non availability of Audio-Visual (AV) aids,unavailability of specialized teachers and the absence of separateclassroom for preschool children were major findings of the study.Ensuring of AV aids, construction of additional classroom, recruitment ofspecialized preschool teachers and arrangement of refresher courses forthem are the major recommendations of the study.

Role of Microfinance in poverty alleviation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan (Case Study of District Karak)

This study investigates whether microfinance alleviates poverty in District Karak of KPK. The population of the study is all southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the sample of the study is district Karak of KPK. The study selected 150 respondents from District Karak who had already availed of micro-credit facility and 5 staff members from the microfinance institutions. Both primary and secondary data have been used for this study, primary data was gathered through direct personal interviews and questionnaires while secondary data was collected through newsletters and published magazines. Ms. Excel and SPSS software has been used while analyzing the data. After analysis, it was found that Microfinance plays an important role to alleviate poverty by increasing household expenditure, and the income of the beneficiaries. Despite the significance of Microfinance, people are also facing some challenges like high interest rates and collateral from microfinance Institutions. Similarly, Micro fiancé institutions also face some challenges like loan recovery and most of the clients become the default. This research study concluded that microfinance has great importance to reduce poverty but needs to redesign the financial policies of the institution so that creditors don’t feel fear to pay the huge penalty in case of delay in payment.

Impact of Climate Change on the Confined Aquifers Resources and Factors Responsible for Decline and Vulnerability of Groundwater in District Karak

Impact of Climate Change on the Confined Aquifers Resources and Factors Responsible for Decline and Vulnerability of Groundwater in District Karak

Survival Rate, Regeneration Status and Growth Performance of Plantations Raised Under the Billion Trees Afforestation Project in District Karak

Survival Rate, Regeneration Status and Growth Performance of Plantations Raised Under the Billion Trees Afforestation Project in District Karak

Assessment of Geographical Distribution of Emerging Zoonotic Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Women Patients Using Geographical Information System (GIS) in Various Regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, Pakistan.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by T. gondii, an obligate intracellular apcomplexan zoonotic parasite that is geographically worldwide in distribution. The parasite infects humans and all warm-blooded animals and is highly prevalent in various geographical regions of the world, including Pakistan. The current study addressee prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in women in various geographical regions, mapping of endemic division and t district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province through geographical information system (GIS) in order to locate endemic regions, monitor seasonal and annual increase in prevalence of infection in women patients. Setting: Tertiary hospitals and basic health care centers located in 7 divisions and 24 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan. During the current study, 3586 women patients from 7 divisions and 24 districts were clinically examined and screened for prevalence of T. gondii infection. Participants were screened for Toxoplasma infection using ICT and latex agglutination test (LAT) as initial screening assay, while iELISA (IgM, IgG) was used as confirmatory assay. Mapping of the studied region was developed by using ArcGIS 10.5. Spatial analyst tools were applied by using Kriging/Co-kriging techniques, followed by IDW (Inverse Distance Weight) techniques. Overall prevalence of T. gondii infection was found in 881 (24.56%) patients. A significant (<0.05) variation was found in prevalence of infection in different divisions and districts of the province. Prevalence of infection was significantly (<0.05) high 129 (30.07%) in Kohat Division, followed by 177 (29.06%), 80 (27.87%), 287 (26.72%), 81 (21.21%), 47 (21.07%), and 80 (13.71%) cases in Hazara Division, D.I Khan Division, Malakand Division, Mardan Division, Bannu Division, and Peshawar Division. Among various districts, a significant variation (<0.05) was found in prevalence of infection. Prevalence of infection was significantly (<0.05) high 49 (44.95%) in district Karak, while low (16 (10.81%) in district Nowshera. No significant (>0.05) seasonal and annual variation was found in prevalence of Toxoplasma infection. LAT, ICT and ELISA assays were evaluated for prevalence of infection, which significantly (<0.05) detected T. gondii antibodies. LAT, ICT and ELISA assays significantly (<0.05) detected infection, while no significant (>0.05) difference was found between positivity of LAT and ICT assays. A significant difference (<0.05) was found in positivity of Toxoplasma-specific (IgM), (IgG) and (IgM, IgG) immunoglobulin by ICT and ELISA assay. The current study provides comprehensive information about geographical distribution, seasonal and annual variation of Toxoplasmosis infection in various regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Infection of T. gondii in women shows an alarming situation of disease transmission from infected animals in the studied region, which is not only a serious and potential threat for adverse pregnancy outcomes, but also cause socioeconomic burden and challenges for various public and animal health organizations in Pakistan and across the country.