District Lower Dir Research Articles

Determinants of Rice Productivity in District Lower Dir, Khyber Pukhthunkhwa, Pakistan

Determinants of Rice Productivity in District Lower Dir, Khyber Pukhthunkhwa, Pakistan

Occurrence of typhoid among the local population of district Dir Lower: A laboratory based study

Introduction: Typhoid fever, a bacterial disease caused by Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) remains a major health problem in the Asian sub-continent due to poor hygienic conditions. Aim: Our aim was to determine the prevalence of Typhoid fever among the general population of district Lower Dir, Pakistan in order to describe the disease occurrence and distribution. Material and methods: This was a descriptive-epidemiological study. 1076 subjects were enrolled; with presentation of common symptoms of typhoid at the Fazal-Rahim Clinical Laboratory as inclusion criteria. Typhidot test was performed for all participants. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. PHStat software was used for statistical analyses. Results and discussion: The study comprised of 414 males and 662 females. 37.26% of total cases were found positive; Females (62.64%) were more affected compared to males (37.4%). Furthermore, the IgM antibodies were detected in 353 (88.02%) patients while IgG antibodies were present in only 48 (19.98%). Age group 20-40 years recorded the highest incidence of cases 242 (60.34%); also the month of March recorded the highest incidence of cases 67 (50.38%). Overall, typhoid is a common disease in the local population of Dir (Lower), it is dominant in females with the highest burden recorded in the economically-productive age group 20-40 years. Conclusions: Further studies are recommended to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern; there is need to launch effective programmes for the eradication of the disease and promote safe drinking water and food through public enlightenment and education.

Ethnomedicinal applications of plant taxa by the local communities of Tehsil Adenzai, District Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Ethnomedicinal applications of plant taxa by the local communities of Tehsil Adenzai, District Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Ethnomedicinal plants uses of tehsil Khall, district Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Ethnomedicinal plants uses of tehsil Khall, district Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Ethomedicinal and traditional knowledge of phanerogames of Tehsil Munda, district Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Ethomedicinal and traditional knowledge of phanerogames of Tehsil Munda, district Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Economic Impacts of Parental Imprisonment on the Left Behind Children: A Quantitative Study of Dir Lower, Pakistan

This study measures the economic impacts and constraints of parental imprisonment over the left-behind children in the District Lower Dir in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The data is collected through the interview schedule prepared in accordance with the Sekaran table (2003) of the standard sample size using the Chi-square test. The findings of the study show a highly significant association between parental imprisonment and their children having difficulty managed their expenses. Similarly, results show a significant association between parental imprisonment and their children’s interest in cellular phones and luxurious equipment and facilities. Additionally, the analysis shows that due to lack of proper supervision, there is a significant association between parental imprisonment and their children’s misuse of the daily expenses of the household. Likewise, the data shows a highly significant association of these children with a lazy attitude toward income generation for the livelihood of their family. Similarly, the assessment shows a significant association of these children having produced economic needs in an illegal method. Furthermore, a highly significant association is found in children of imprisoned parents having a financial background from the middle class thus waste a lot of money in parties and other gatherings with friends.

Ecological Study of Different Communities Site from District Lower Dir Laram Timargara Khyber Pakhtun Khwa Pakistan

In the present research work the ecological community study was carried out of District Lower Dir Laram Timargara Khyber Pakhtun Khwa Pakistan. Salvia-Cynodon-Berberiscommunity (SCB). This community comprises a total of 24 plants species. Among these 16 are herbaceous plants, 8 are shrubby plants, while there is no single tree species found in this community. The community is dominated by Salvia moocruftianaWall, Cynodon dactylonand Berberis lyceum. The Species richness (S.R) is 1.31055873, similarity index (S.I) is 33.33333 and its Maturity index (M.I) is 49.Verbascum-Buddleja-Cotoneastercommunity (VBC).This community comprises a total of 23 plants species. Among these 10 are herbaceous, 8 are shrubby plants, while the remaining 5 plants are tree species. The community is dominated by Verbascum thapsus, Buddleja crispa and Cotoneaster nummularia.Species richness (S.R) of the community is 1.499237, similarity index (S.I) is 30.188679while its Maturity index (M.I) is 46.Cyperus-Calotropis-Ziziphuscommunity (CCZ).This community comprises a total of 32 plants species. Among these 20 are herbaceous, 8 are shrubby plants, while the remaining 5 plants are tree species. The community is dominated by Cypres rotundus, Calotropis procera and Cotoneaster nummularia. The Spcies richness (S.R) of the community is 1.146771, similarity index (SI) is 24.39024 and its Maturity index (M.I) is 58.3783. The aim of the present study to explore the flora of Laram Timargara Mountains.

Cyprinid fauna (Cypriniformes) of River Panjkora, district Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

This study was conducted to assess Ichthyodiversity of family Cyprinidae in River Panjkora from January 2012 to December 2015. A total of 671 specimens representing 7 genera and 10 species were collected. Species collected were Barilius pakistanicus, Barilius vagra, Tor putitora, Crossocheilus diplocheilus, Garra gotyla, Schizothorax labiatus, Schizothorax esocinus, Schizothorax plagiostmus, Carassius auratus and Cyprinus carpio. Schizothorax plagiostmus was found to be the most abundant species with a relative density (RD) of 21.01 and relative frequency (RF) of 13.04. It was the only species qualifying the criterion to be ranked as eury species. Schizothorax esocinus was rare in the study area with a RD 0.45 and RF 2.17. Keywords: Cyprinidae; Schizothorax; River Panjkora; Eury species; Relative density; Relative frequency http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.600146

Traditional medicinal plant knowledge of some spermatophytes of Samar Bagh Valley, Lower Dir District, Pakistan

The study on traditional knowledge of medicinal plants which are used by local people of Samar Bagh valley in district Lower Dir, Pakistan resulted in the report of 41 species of seed plants which belong to 37 genera and 30 families. Amongst them are 55% herbs, 25% shrubs, 17 % trees and 3% rhizome bearing species. The local peoples who use these plants for the treatment of various diseases were farmers, those who are raring of live stock and hakims.

Towards Assessing The Role Of Community Participation In Community Development At Tehsil Lal Qilla, Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

This paper assesses the impact of community participation on community development programs, which is a precondition for successful and sustainable development in any community. However, majority of programs do not yield the desired results due to lack of community participation. This study has been carried out in Tehsil LalQilla, District Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The data was collected from a purposively selected sample of 258 respondents through interview schedule (beneficiaries of different programs). Logistic regression model has been used to get the association between independent variables and dependent variable. On the basis of the statistical findings, the data revealed that peoples' direct participation’ got ‘p’ value (0.01), ‘advancement of self-reliance’ which got ‘p’ value (0.024) and ‘bottom to top approach’ got ‘p’ value (0.001) have strong relation with the dependent variable community development. The Exponent/Beta (Odds Ratio) for the given independent variables showed 3.089, 0.320 and 4.685 respectively; which means, one unit increase in the mentioned variable the corresponding dependent variable would increase by 3.089, 0.320 and 4.685 times, respectively.

Economic Analysis of Broiler Poultry Farms: A Case Study of District Lower Dir

Economic Analysis of Broiler Poultry Farms: A Case Study of District Lower Dir

Poor and Unhygienic Nutrition in Schools of District Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

<p class="jbls"><span lang="EN-GB">Proper qualitative and quantitative nutrition is very crucial for both physical and mental development of children. School going children need special attention with respect to their nutrition need as, poor and unhygienic nutrition not only have serious effects on physical and mental growth, but also compromises cognitive behavior. Some developed countries have formulated special lunch food programs for school children and is under strict control. However, in developing countries there is no such policy. This review article focuses on the food items mostly served and their possible consequences in the schools of Pakistan especially in district Lower Dir.</span></p>

Level of Heavy Metals in Two Highly Consumed Fish Species at District Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

The current study was designed to assess heavy metals' concentration in muscle tissues of two Chinese carps, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), available to consumers in markets at district Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Fish specimens were collected from three main markets in the study area namely; Chakdara, Timergara and Khall. Heavy metals including; manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and cobalt (Co) were investigated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Cobalt was not detected in any of the fish specimens while the rest of the metals were lying within the permissible limits suggested by FAO/WHO and ITS for food/fish consumption. The results showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) difference between both species with respect to the concentration of the accumulated heavy metals. In common carp, the heavy metal accumulation was in order of Fe>Mn>Zn>Pb>Cu>Cd, while in silver carp the order was Fe>Mn>Zn>Pb>Cd>Cu. Higher concentration of Pb, Mn, Zn, Cu and Cd was recorded in muscle of common carp while the concentration of Fe was higher in silver carp, indicating higher potential of accumulation of heavy metals in common carp. Statistically significant (p<0.05) correlation was observed between Pb and Zn in common carp while between Cu and Cd in silver carp. The concentration of heavy metals was in the suggested permissible limits and poses no threat if consumed. In order to maintain the heavy metals level within permissible limits, proper care should be taken along with regular assessment.

Heavy metals in three commercially valuable cyprinids in the river Panjkora, district Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

This study was conducted in river Panjkora (Khall, upstream; Timergara, downstream) and its tributary (Konhaye stream, reference site) at district Lower Dir. The study was aimed to assess heavy metal load in gills, liver, kidneys, and muscles of three fish species, namely Schizothorax esocinus, Racoma labiata, and Crossocheilus diplocheilus. The heavy metals, including nickel, cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, chromium, iron, and manganese were determined using an atomic absorption spect-rophotometer. Nickel and cadmium were not detected in any of the collected specimens at all sampling sites. Concentration of the detected metals varied significantly depending upon fish species and tissue type. Crossocheilus diplocheilus showed higher accumulated concentration of heavy metals while R. labiata contained the least. Schizothorax esocinus and R. labiata displayed significant differences in their concentrations of metals. The order of accumulation of heavy metals in different tissues was liver>kidneys>muscles>gills. Data demonstrated that heavy metal levels in the studied species were within permissible limits and thus, apparently suitable for human consumption. Currently, the river contains a sewage burden, and continued heavy pollution may ultimately lead to serious problems in the future.

Awareness Regarding Autism in Schools' Teachers at District Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The present study was undertaken at District Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan in order to assess the knowledge and perceptions of schools teacher regarding autistics, in public and private schools. This cross sectional study was conducted through purposive sampling among 240 teachers using self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was having questions for investigating teachers' knowledge and perception about autism. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS (Version 20). The results of the present study showed that 47.5% (114) teachers know about autism through media (64.04% (73) through print media and 35.96% (41) through electronic media) while 8.75% (21) teachers know of it through trainings. Of the total 17.50% (21) public and 10.83% (13) private schools' teacher were of the opinion that autism is curable. A major portion, 42.92% (103) of the recruited teachers (46.67% (56) public and 39.17% (47) private schools' teachers) said that there should be separate schools for autistics while 57.08% (137) of the total teachers (60.83% (73) public and 53.33% (64) private schools' teachers) were of the opinion that managing autistics comes with prior training. The current study concluded that there is a lack of awareness regarding autism among teachers from both the sectors, yet public schools' teachers were better aware. School implemented proper training, workshops and seminars are suggested to train teachers for autism diagnosis and teaching autistics accordingly.

Evaluation of Plasmodium Infestation and Malarial Complications among Pre-School Going Children in District Lower Dir, Pakistan

The purpose of this study was to show Plasmodium species burden and symptoms consistent with malaria related complications among pre-school going children in North Western part of Pakistan (Timergara, Munda, Maidan, Samar Bagh and Talash). A total of 1312 blood samples were collected during winter, autumn and summer (2011), from males (808, 61.5%) and females (504, 38.4%). Microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) were used for the detection of plasmodium species. Questionnaires were also designed to collect information about the health conditions of malarial symptomatic children. Overall data revealed that 6.9% samples were infected, with Plasmodium vivax (96.7%), Plasmodium falciparum (2.1%) and mixed species (P. vivax and P. falciparum) (1.0%). Highest infection rate was recorded in autumn (2.87%) followed by summer (2.45%) and winter (1.73%). Among malaria symptomatic children symptoms like severe temperature (9.85%) lower RBS count (3.7%), Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6PD) deficiency (0.65%), respiratory distress (0.65%), neonatal sepsis (0.64%) and low birth weight (0.42%) were observed. Shortly malaria control efforts should be taken with an emphasis on improving species diagnosis and treatment availability in district Dir Lower.

Ichthyofaunal diversity of rhound stream at district Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

ichthyofaunal diversity of rhound stream at district Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Rapid assessment of cataract surgical services in age group 50 years and above in Lower Dir District Malakand, Pakistan.

To assess the rapid assessment of cataract blindness and surgical services in age group 50 years and above. A cross-sectional survey. This survey was conducted in District Lower Dir, Malakand Division, NWFP, Pakistan, from March 9-23, 2003. A community-based survey was carried out with systematic cluster random sampling. The survey was preceded by a pilot study in which the proforma and operational methods were field-tested and refined. One thousand, one hundred and fifty eligible adults of 50 years and older were selected by systematic random sampling from the whole lower Dir district of Malakand, Pakistan. A total of 1076 subjects (93.6%) were examined. The visual acuity of each eye was assessed using tumble Snellen's E Card method at 6 and 3 meters. Any subject having visual acuity <3/60 with or without obvious lens opacity or with aphakia (removal of lens) or pseudophakia (removal of cataract lens and implantation of artificial lens) was examined in detail. The surgical services were assessed by measuring the prevalence of pseudophakia, surgical outcome of visual acuity and also the effect of place of surgery on outcome. Prevalence of total bilateral blindness was 2.6%, and unilateral blindness 2.46%. Total prevalence of aphakia was 2.4%, which was almost equal in both sexes, male 2.3% and female 2.4%. Prevalence of unilateral aphakia was 0.3 % in females being slightly higher than males, 0.16 %. The prevalence of bilateral aphakia was 2.2% and 2% in males and females respectively. Prevalence of total pseudophakic eyes was 2.74%. Surgical outcome showed good, borderline and poor visual acuity of 40.5%, 22% and 14.3% respectively. Surgical outcome was also seemed to be better in private hospitals as compared to field camps. It is concluded that to reduce the prevalence of blindness there was a need to improve the quality of services in mobile camps and fixed facilities. At the same time the visual outcome of surgery could be improved by expanding the number of Intraocular lens procedures and routine monitoring of cataract outcome.