District Mansehra Research Articles

Developing Social Self-Efficacy and Self-Esteem Through Cooperative Learning in Social Studies Classrooms

The present study aimed to examine the effect of cooperative learning (CL) on students' social self-efficacy and self-esteem in social studies classrooms. A pretest-posttest equivalent group design was deployed involving a sample of 100 students (N=50 control and N=50 experimental) in 7th grade from a public secondary school in District Mansehra, Pakistan. Student Team Achievement Division (STAD) based treatment was provided to the experimental group for eight weeks using 15 lessons from a Social Studies textbook. The control group was taught the same material through the traditional teaching method for the same duration. Social self-efficacy and self-esteem scales were administered before and after the treatment. Effect size and percentile points gain were used as statistical tools to compare the effect of CL. The analyzed data revealed that students of the experimental group (high-achievers, average-achievers, and low-achievers) exhibited higher social self-efficacy and self-esteem levels than those of the control group. Furthermore, the percentile gain for average and low achievers was no more or less than that of high achievers. The study results indicate that CL is an effective intervention for maximizing students' social self-efficacy and self-esteem across diverse achievement levels, emphasizing the need for its widespread implementation to promote inclusive and supportive educational environments.

Altitudinal distribution and seasonal migration of asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in kaghan and Siran Valleys, Pakistan

The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) is considered one of the largest carnivores inhabiting different territories including coniferous and broad-leaved forests, extending from sea level to the elevation of 4300 m. The Kaghan and Siran Valleys in Pakistan's District Mansehra were the location of the current study. To evaluate the altitudinal distribution and seasonal movement of Asiatic black bears in the region, we used three approaches (sign distribution survey, questionnaire-based survey, and scat collecting). A total of 1858 bear signs were observed during the field survey, the highest number of signs was dig marks (1213) followed by plant uprooting. Dig marks (MER: 7.574) were observed repeatedly in each potential site of both valleys followed by plant uprooting (MER: 1.594). Similarly, the altitudinal distribution of black bears was determined through the frequency of signs concerning elevation (m). Elevation of the study area ranged from 1300 to 3500 m and the most abundant population was recorded at the elevation of 2501–3000 m followed by 2001–2500 m. About 52% of local communities encountered black bears during the summer season in the field followed by Spring (23%.8) and winter (15.3%). Manshi Reserver forest (24.5%) from Kaghan and Panjul Reserve forest (31.6) from Siran Valley are the potential summer migratory spots. Eleven scat samples were collected with a 0.103 encounter rate (ER). Most of the scats (about 70%) were observed within the maize crop field in the summer season at low elevation, while just 30% of the scat was observed in the winter season in the forest.

Impact of Social Factors and Peer Tutoring on Writing Proficiency of EFL Learners in Pakistan at Secondary School Level

This study investigated the impact of social factors and peer tutoring on EFL students’ academic performance. In this research work, peer tutoring strategy was used to examine its effectiveness. Three dimensions of peer tutoring ‘reciprocal peer tutoring, class-wide peer tutoring and cross-age peer tutoring’ were used. The objectives of the study were to find the effectiveness of social factors and peer tutoring on writing fluency and accuracy of EFL learners and to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of peer tutoring in EFL writing skills. The population of the study consisted of the students of 9th and 10th grade from a private school in District Mansehra. A sample of 90 students was taken randomly and these students were divided into control group and experimental group. Quasi experimental design, “Pretest-Posttest Nonequivalent Groups Design” was used to collect data. Among 60 students in experimental group, students who achieved above average marks, were selected as peers. Then posttest was conducted to find the effectiveness of peer tutoring. The data was analyzed through computer software SPSS version 21. The results showed a significant difference in students’ achievement in writing skills in experimental group. It was recommended to practice this technique in classroom to achieve academic skills.

Phenotypic Analysis and Growth Performance of Rhode Island Red, Barred Plymouth Rock and their Hybrid at Jaba Mansehra, Pakistan

Poultry farming is a big business in Pakistan. Poultry farming is a substantial supply of eggs and meat in rural areas, as well as a reliable source of income. Therefore the goal of this study is to compare the Rhode Island red, barred plymouth rock, and their hybrids’ phenotypic traits and egg-laying capacities. The 100-day-old Rhode Island Red, Barred Plymouth Rock, and cross chicks were used in the study at Jaba District Mansehra, KP, Pakistan. The whole flock was sheltered, fed, ventilated, and immunized. Breed 3 (Jabba 21) was reported to have the longest shanks (3.78 inches SL), followed by breed 1 (Rhode Island Red) and breed 2 (Barred Plymouth Rock) (3.47 inches SL). Breed 2 is the broadest shank at 0.47 SW, followed by Breed 1 at 0.43 SW and Breed 3 at 0.30 SW (0.43 Inches SW). The breadth of the shinbone did not change substantially from week 8 to week 13 (p=0.05), although body weight changed from week 1 to week 18. Breed 1 consumed the most feed (2,112 g), followed by Breed 3 (1,452 g) and Breed 2. (990 g). Breed 2 acquired the greatest amount of weight (1,638.57 g), followed by Breed 1 (1,557.07 g) and Breed 3. (1530.3 g). From the first to the eighteenth week of observations, there was a significant (p0.05) difference between the three chicken breeds in weekly body weight gain. Breeds 1, 2, and 3 saw growth rates of 1st 63.59, 2nd 64.02 and 3rd 64.03 percent. This research gave us a fresh perspective on several products that might come to market and contend with one another. This study provides insight into what will work best for Pakistan’s poultry sector going forward in the future.

Encounter of Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) from the Low Elevated Area of District Battagram, Pakistan

Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) is widely distributed in various countries of Asia including different areas of Pakistan such as District Mansehra, Swat, Kohistan, Battagram, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The present research was conducted in District Battagram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan where new and abundant evidence of the Asiatic Black bear was reported. Data were collected during field reports, questionnaire-based surveys and oral interviews, and discussions with the local community from March 2022 to December 2022. The black bear was encountered by local peoples at a low elevated area (1259 m) of Jesol village (N 34o 41' 53" E 73o 03' 05") and was killed collectively (May 12, 2022). During such an encounter, a young man was also injured in conflict. Within one day, local people carried every part of the bear’s body and left the remaining skeleton. The wildlife department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took immediate action against the involved people. Similarly, the second black bear was also observed in the same village after one week but this time local people did not take any action against the black bear due to strict enforcement of wildlife law implemented by the wildlife department. On the other hand, questionnaire-based surveys and oral interviews were conducted in different areas of Battagram such as Baliga, Chail, and Shumlai about the black bear population. According to the perception of the local community, a quite good population of bears n=14 (6 males, 4 females, and 4 cubs) are present in the entire district. During the field survey, bear signs were also observed in Balija Mountain such as pug marks, track routing in snow, scat samples, and setting place. Bone samples collected from a killed black bear will be genetically identified for further genotypic study. The black bear population could be conserved by the strict implementation of rules and regulations by the government and conservation agencies. Awareness among the local community also plays an important in black bear conservation.

Comparison of Garden Soil with Nitrogen and Potassium for Growing Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in Glass House.

The experiment was conducted during the year 2019-20 by Vegetable Section, Agriculture Research Station (ARS) Baffa Mansehra to compare garden soil with nitrogen (Urea) and potassium (Murate of Potash) for lettuce production in glass house. Lettuce is an important summer off-season and high valued crop cultivated at District Mansehra in the months of July-August. The produce is transported to other metropolises with handsome earning, but excessive use of minerals and synthetic fertilizers may render the produce less profitable in one or another way. Hence this experiment was designed to compare garden soil with nitrogen and potassium doses. It is evident from the statistical analysis that garden soil has a significant effect on number of leaves, leaf area, seed per plant, yield per plant and yield per acre. Seed production is noticeable for garden soil when the prevailing temperature during seed formation was 25 0 C. In terms of leaf area maximum leaf area 576.10 cm 2 was recorded for garden soil while minimum leaf area 303.43 cm 2 was recorded with nitrogen applied @ 200 kg ha -1 and potassium applied @ 100 kg ha -1 respectively. Maximum number of leaves 28.03 was recorded for garden soil while the minimum number 21.96 was recorded for nitrogen applied @ 200 kg ha -1 and potassium applied @ 100 kg ha -1 . Seed formation was successful with mean temperature 25 0 C in glass house for 30 days, here again garden soil surpassed nitrogen and potassium with 4.03gm plant -1 . Yield per plot 3.69 kg was recorded for garden soil and the minimum value 1.1843 kg was recorded for nitrogen and potassium applied @ 200 kg ha -1 nitrogen while potassium applied @ 100 kg ha -1 . Garden soil gives maximum yield of 13600 kg acre -1 compared with the lowest production 6070.5 kg acre -1 of nitrogen and potassium applied @ 200 kg ha -1 nitrogen while potassium applied @ 150 kg ha - 1 . Keywords:, Lettuce, garden soil, leaf area, seed production, glass house DOI: 10.7176/CEIS/14-2-06 Publication date: May 31 st 2023

Habitat selection by Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Siran and Kaghan Valleys, Pakistan.

Asiatic black bear is present in variety of habitats like broad-leaves and coniferous forests, extending form sea level to 4300m elevation and change their habitat for food purpose seasonally. The present study was conducted at Kaghan and Siran Valleys, District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan to assess habitat of black bear. Line transect method was used for observation of bear signs. Twelve meter circular radius plots were selected for the concern vegetation's i.e. (trees, shrubs and herbs) and three to six plots were placed in each transect. At the result of sign survey, thirteen different categories of bear signs were recorded and encounter rate was calculated for each sign. A total of 1858 signs were observed during field surveys. Total (81%) coniferous species were recoded among trees, with the highest appearance of Pinus wallichiana (34.22%) and Spruce spp (27.76%), similarly broad leaves trees (18.56%) were also recoded from habitat plots. Most of the signs were encountered in bushy areas, whereas high number of Viburnum Spp (60.29%) was present. It is indicated that black bear prefers blend of Coniferous Trees, Viburnum and Ferns Species; probably because these plants provide enough food, protection, and meticulous shelter because more than 80% of habitat composed of these three species. Currently habitat destruction and increase in human population are the up-growing issues for wild animals (especially Asiatic black bear), which is highly sensitive to such problems. High levels of conservation efforts are recommended for the protection of black bear habitat and to avoid human interference in their territory.

Human-Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) Conflict and its Mitigation Strategies at Siran and Kaghan Valleys of District Mansehra Pakistan

Human-Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) Conflict and its Mitigation Strategies at Siran and Kaghan Valleys of District Mansehra Pakistan

Tomato Yield Losses Due to Attack of Insects/Pests in Pakkhal Valley of District Mansehra Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Tomato Yield Losses Due to Attack of Insects/Pests in Pakkhal Valley of District Mansehra Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Effects of climate change on wool production and crop yield by the Livestock Experiment Station (LES) in Jaba district Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Effects of climate change on wool production and crop yield by the Livestock Experiment Station (LES) in Jaba district Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Laboratory and In Situ Stabilization of Compacted Clay through Granite Waste Powder

The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of granite waste powder on the behavior of compacted clay soil in both field and laboratory environments. Samples were collected from clay soil exposed at Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The sampled soils contain kaolinite, illite, and montmorillonites. The samples were mixed with various quantities, i.e., 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by weight of granite waste powder collected from various stone industries in district Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. They were then subjected to a variety of geotechnical testing in both the laboratory and the field, following the standard ASTM procedures. The results show that mixing with granite-cutting waste enhances the quality of the soil in both the field and laboratory settings by increasing its bearing capacity (BC), dry density (DD), California-bearing ratio (CBR), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), penetration resistance, and angle of internal friction and by reducing the optimum moisture content, cohesion, porosity, void ratio, and saturation potential. The resulting improvement is mainly due to the stronger, denser, and less hydrophilic character of the constituents of the added rock powders than the raw soil. It is observed that adding 40% granite waste powder produces the best outcome. However, there is a significant difference in the magnitude of the impact on soil quality between the laboratory and field testing. Owing to differences in the testing environment, soil volume, and compaction effort and energy, the amount of improvement is higher in laboratory testing than in field testing.

An Analysis of Intonation Patterns of English Interrogative Sentences Produced by Undergraduate Students in District Mansehra

This research intends to discover the tonal configurations of English Interrogative sentences used by undergraduate students of English in District Mansehra. The intonation patterns of English interrogative sentences used by undergraduate students were compared with those of native speakers of English. An experimental design was used to collect data from a sample of eighteen students (nine female and nine male) in the form of recordings and was run on PRAAT software to identify the intonation configuration of the recorded utterances. The analysis showed that non-native speakers used a variety of intonation patterns in the utterances of English language. In the comparison with the results of utterances by native speakers, it was observed that in yes/no questions, there was a slight difference between the percentages. Contrastively, in wh-questions, a significant difference was observed, as native speakers used a High-Low pattern whereas non-native speakers used the opposite one.

Identification and Management of Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Mulberry in Mansehra, KP, Pakistan

Parasitic nematodes are destructive parasites of crop plants and cause enormous damage to them. The earliest signs of nematodes attack are the inactiveness of growth as infestation of nematodes is a slow process. The survey was held to evaluate the percentage of the plant-parasitic nematodes that related to mulberry in various localities in the District Mansehra. For this purpose Mansehra, Balakot and Oghi were selected. From these different areas soil samples were collected and processed by using Baermann funnel technique to examine and calculate the percentage of saprophytic and parasitic nematode populations. From the results it had shown that samples from Mansehra and Balakot had more parasitic nematodes than saprophytic while samples from Oghi were found saprophytic. Tehsil Mansehra showed 65% whereas tehsil Balakot showed 35% population of parasitic nematodes. From Mansehra and Balakot, Helicotylenchus dihystera was found in profusion. For the management of parasitic nematodes inorganic amendment (Carbofuran) and organic amendments (Poultry manure) were used in 250 gram/tree and 8kg/ tree respectively. Samples and subsamples from both treated and untreated trees showed that Carbofuran exterminated the nematode population entirely whereas the population of parasitic nematodes decreased by the implementation of Poultry manure to a notable point. Histograms analysis and ANOVA was done. ANOVA showed that p value for both Carbofuran and Poultry manure impact in Mansehra and Balakot was 0.0001 and therefore was found significant. Thus both were found effective however Poultry manure is more eco-friendly in nature.

Potential of Religious Tourism in District Mansehra with Special Reference to the Buddhist Heritage

District Mansehra of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province is located in a very important strategic position. The district has been at crossroads since ancient times, thus welcoming and accommodating several dynasties with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. The archaeological remains belonging to different religions recently reported from Mansehra have immense potential to attract religious pilgrims. Of these, the Buddhist heritage occupies the most important position. The Buddhist Heritage sites include stupas, monasteries, wells, water tanks, inscriptions, and paintings. With immense religious and architectural significance, these sacred sites have the potential to attract the Buddhist community from across the world. Promotion of these sites will enable the pilgrims to perform their religious rituals on the one hand and will uplift the living standard of local community on the other hand. The present research is an attempt to highlight the significance of the Buddhist sites reported during the archaeological survey in 2008. The research is based on the data collected by the senior author for his MPhil research.

Fertility status of agriculture, forest and pasture lands of district Mansehra

Fertility status of agriculture, forest and pasture lands of district Mansehra

CULTURAL TOURISM IN KAGHAN VALLEY: POTENTIAL AND PROBLEMS

Cultural tourism is one of the earliest and significant motivation of the tourists. Every year thousands of tourists visit places of cultural attractions across the globe to satisfy their varying needs. Fortunately, Pakistan is among the countries blessed with rich and diverse cultures (both tangible and intangible) with a great potential to attract tourists from all over the world. Apart from the cultural resources, the country also has abundant natural destinations including lush green valleys with natural lakes and rivers, surrounded by mountains presenting panoramic views, desert, beaches and natural landscapes with unique species of birds, animals and plants. Kaghan valley, located in district Mansehra of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is one of the valleys with abundant cultural and natural resources. The valley, due to its pleasant weather attracts thousands of tourists from different parts of Pakistan and around the world during the summer (i.e. June-September). But, the potential of cultural tourism in the valley has not yet been identified and promoted to keep the flow of the tourists during the rest of the seasons. If proper measures be taken, the valley may attract a large number of cultural tourists and contribute to empower the community as well as to strengthen the GDP of the country. The current study aims to highlight the potential of cultural tourism; identify major problems and to suggest measures for the promotion of sustainable cultural tourism in the valley. Keywords: Cultural Tourism, Kaghan Valley, Mansehra, Folklores, Legends

Seasonal abundance and distribution of dragonflies in upper Siran valley of District Mansehra Pakistan.

Present study was conducted to study seasonal abundance and distribution of dragonflies in upper Siran valley district Mansehra Pakistan. To collect data, eleven localities were visited for three consecutive years (2016-2018). Results come up with a sum of 300 specimens identified under three families, eight genera and twenty species. Highest seasonal abundance recorded during summer and spring were 80.67% and 13.33% respectively while minimum 6.00% was recorded during early autumn. Dominant species observed were, Orthetrum chrysis (14.00%), followed by O. gluacum (12.00%), Palpoleura sexmaculata sexmaculata (11.33%) and O. cancellatum cancellatum (8.00%). However the highest population of dragonflies was found in Munda Gucha with a percentage of 11.33 followed by Jabbar (11.00%) and Sachan (9.67%). The lowest populations were recorded in Suham (6.00%), Dadar (7.67%) and Jabori (7.67%). The surveyed valley showed diverse Anisopterous fauna and thus further extensive surveys are recommended that can come up with more important species from the area.

Damages to Himalayan White Pine (Pinus wallichiana) by Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Kaghan Valley, Pakistan

Tree damage is one of the destructive behaviors of the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus G. (Baron) Cuvier, 1823), and this type of damage causes great economic loss to the forest. A survey about Himalayan white pine (Pinus wallichiana (A. B) Jacks, 1836) damages was conducted at Kaghan Valley, District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Field surveys were carried out within five major sites of Kaghan Valley, including Manshi reserve forest, Kamal Bann reserve forest, Malkandi reserve forest, Noori Bichla reserve forest, and some Guzara forests. Line transects and diameter at breast height (DBH) methods were selected for data collection. Eighteen transects were placed in different sites of the valley. A total of (n = 201) affected trees were observed from eighteen transects, along with a total population of 1081 trees with the encounter rate (ER: 0.657) and the mean DBH is x¯ = 71.97 cm. Among total damages, the most severe (n = 39: 19.4%) were fully damaged with a greater encounter rate. Bark stripping was made during the late winter season and used as foodstuff when natural food is limited in the area. In severe cases, the bear-stripped bark encircles from the entire tree trunk, which results in the drying of trees and, finally, falls. Among all five sites, Manshi reserve forest was greatly affected, where the highest number (n = 76) of tree damage, and (n = 21) the entire diameter of trunks were damaged. People of the study area claimed that the black bear causes great forest damage, as well as crop destruction that leads to high economic loss.

EFFECTS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING ON YIELD OF WHEAT AND MAIZE CROPS IN PAKISTAN

This paper attempts to identify the effect of rainwater harvesting (RWH) and rainfed irrigation on yield of wheat and maize crops in Pakistan. The study was carried out in two villages, namely, Reerh and Ghoutar of district Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 200 farming households were randomly selected from both villages. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect primary data. The descriptive analysis shows that farmers in the research area had adopted small-scale, indigenous RWH schemes such as channels, bunds, tanks, and rooftop collection. A paired-samples t-test was used to compare the yield of wheat and maize crops between irrigated and rainfed farming systems. The results of the paired t-test confirmed a difference in yield of wheat and maize in irrigated and rainfed conditions. The study concludes that the large portion of uncultivated land could be cultivated if water shortage problem is resolved through the promotion of community-led RWH schemes in the area. This will help in sustainable agricultural development in the area. 

The Impact of Digital Storytelling on Speaking Skill of Intermediate Level EFL Students in District Mansehra

The Impact of Digital Storytelling on Speaking Skill of Intermediate Level EFL Students in District Mansehra