Districts Of Punjab Research Articles

Heritage clay brick characterization and assessment with compatible contemporary bricks for retrofitting of heritage monuments

Various mughal architecture clay brick masonry monuments were built in the Punjab state of northern India from the late 14th to late 19th centuries. Nanakshahi monuments (era of 1st Sikh Guru-Guru Nanak Dev Ji) are gigantic clay brick masonry structures constructed of lime and lime surkhi mortar (a powdered form of red burnt clay brick). Currently, this study is focused on identifying a suitable material for repairing and strengthening heritage clay brick monuments. Using the mineralogical composition of heritage Nanakshahi clay bricks (NSCB), the study compares them with contemporary clay bricks (CCB) from the same region, and then compares them to newly prepared clay bricks (NPCB), which have similar composition and dimensions to NSCB. The X-ray fluorescence confirms that the NSCB samples of southeast Punjab have an elemental composition consisting of filler SiO2 and binding elements like Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, K2O and MgO. The average density of ancient NSCB and CCB has been found to be similar; the ancient NSCB has a lower water absorption rate and porosity in contrast to the present-day clay bricks. The Initial rate of absorption of an ancient NSCB is quite higher. In comparison to the heritage NSCB, the CCB's compressive strength value is lower and uniaxial compression strength of newly prepared clay bricks (NPCB) of similar mineralogical composition and dimensions is comparable to that of the heritage NSCB from Punjab districts. The significance of the study is to suggest a compatible material for strengthening of heritage clay brick monuments of northern India.

Impact of digital modules on math achievement by gender and locality

Digital modules typically refer to self-contained units of online learning materials designed for specific topics or learning objectives. The researcher developed digital modules for three specific math units and conducted a three-week experiment in six schools in three districts of Punjab. The purpose of the study was to find the effectiveness of digital modules. The study revealed a statistically significant difference in gain achievement scores and posttest achievement between the experimental and control groups. The t statistic for gain achievement scores was 2.41, indicating a p-value of 0.016, and 2.70 for posttest achievement. This suggests a significant difference in learning outcomes between the two groups.

Online reviews and Gen Z consumers’ satisfaction in the apparel industry: An expectation disconfirmation theory

This research article aims to analyse how online reviews influence the satisfaction level of Generation Z (Gen Z) consumers within the apparel industry by using the expectation disconfirmation theory as the analytical framework. Five hypotheses have been developed regarding the relationships between online reviews and satisfaction through literature review and were examined using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). In the research article, data were gathered from 350 Gen Z consumers engaged in online shopping across three districts of Punjab. Questionnaires were distributed to the respondents in hard copy and Google Forms. The findings from this research article suggest a positive correlation between online reviews and the satisfaction level of Gen Z consumers in the apparel industry. The analysis reveals that online reviews play a significant role in influencing the online shopping of apparel.

Integrating Life Skills in Secondary Education: Teachers’ Perspectives and Challenges

The current study aims to find out the perspectives of secondary school teachers on the incorporation of life skills into their teaching. Selecting purposively, the present study participants include ten teachers from public secondary schools in a district of Punjab, Pakistan. The study used a phenomenological research design to get teachers’ perceptions and experiences on the integration of life skills. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data was analysed through qualitative content analysis with the help of NVivo 14 software. The results of the study showed that teachers, in general, value life skills in education. From the participants’ perspective, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication were the most focused skills. However, several constraints, including limited time, increased class size, and limited textbook support, limit the efficiency of implementation. Teachers were of the view that students responded positively to life skills-focused teaching and activities but the means of assessing the progress in teaching these skills were lacking. It also revealed insufficient knowledge identification in learning life skills integration and better resources and curricula adaptability requirements. These results suggest prospective future work at curricular, methodological, and teachers’ professional development for better integration of life skills into secondary education. Pakistan’s educational policymakers and curriculum developers will find the study useful in improving the integration of life skills in secondary education.

A Comparative Study of Women Empowerment among Rural and Urban Female Secondary School Teachers in Punjab State

Teacher empowerment means a teacher who has the power of taking decisions, opportunities to get knowledge and professional growth, and also have the recognition and autonomous power. The present research designed to study and compare the women empowerment of female secondary school teachers. The descriptive survey research method was used for the present study. A representative sample of 500 (250 rural and 250 urban) female secondary school teachers selected randomly from twenty (10 rural and 10 urban) randomly selected school from five randomly selected districts of Punjab. A self-constructed tool in the form of scale using Likert method of scale construction for measuring empowerment of female secondary school teacher. Mean, S.D. and t- test were used to draw the conclusions. Finding of the study shows that no significant difference was found between rural and urban female secondary school teachers on women empowerment.

Satellite-based Spectral Indices for Extracting Village Water Bodies in Ludhiana District of Punjab, India

Ensuring water security is the foremost priority of every nation, and water bodies are the most precious life-sustaining resources on the earth. Availability of reliable and updated information of water bodies including knowledge about their locations is necessary for the sustainable planning and management of water resources at a regional scale. Remote sensing technique has revolutionized extraction of village water bodies as it provides fine spatial resolution, gives rapid and precise results and covers large areas, and hence, it has been widely used in the recent studies. In this study, three remote sensing-based spectral indices, i.e., normalized difference water index (NDWI), modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI), and normalized difference pond index (NDPI) were employed to demarcate the area of ponds in each village of Ludhiana district in Punjab. Accuracy of the spectral indices was evaluated by comparing the area of the ponds delineated by the indices with that of digitized manually. The results indicated that NDWI, MNDWI and NDPI could identify 370, 1263 and 1410 number of village ponds, respectively. On the other hand, a total of 1513 village ponds could be demarcated through manual digitization. Thus, the efficiency of NDWI in identification of correct number of village ponds was 24.5%, while the efficiency of MNDWI and NDPI was 83.5% and 93.2%, respectively. Furthermore, NDPI demonstrated an efficiency of 60-65% in demarcating the area of village ponds.

Forecasting wheat productivity in Punjab, India: A weather-based model approach using detrended data and regression analysis

Weather-based models were developed to forecast the wheat productivity of three districts in Punjab (India) could accurately predict wheat yields two and a half months before the crop harvest. The trends in weather parameters were identified using Mann-Kendal, Sen’s Slope and Pettitt’s test.The logistic model was declared best among linear and non-linear models to remove the effect of technological factors over time. The detrended data was used for forecasting wheat productivity based on fourteen weeks of weather data of the vegetative period. The stepwise regression technique for detrended wheat productivity on weather indices revealed model II best for Amritsar, Ludhiana and Patiala districts, explaining 60%, 67% and 52% variation in the detrended wheat productivity and had root mean square percentage error 8.57%, 6.93% and 6.20% respectively. The model concluded that warm maximum and cool night temperatures of the wheat growing season will increase detrended wheat productivity, whereas an increase in rainfall and relative humidity in the morning will decrease detrended wheat productivity and hence the production.

Entrepreneurial Behavior of Vegetable Growers and Determinants: A Study in Ferozepur District of Punjab, India

The present study attempted to analyze the entrepreneurial behavior of vegetable growers and factors influencing entrepreneurial behavior of vegetable growers in Ferozepur district of Punjab during 2024. A multistage simple random sampling technique was used for the selection of the respondents. During the study total 120 vegetable growers were selected for the present study. Mean, frequency, percent, one sample t-test were used for the analysis of the collected data. The results of the study revealed that majority of the farmers (35 per cent) had experience of 5-10 years in vegetables cultivation. Farmers cultivated vegetables to avoid risk (4.26) and adopt recommended package of practices for vegetables cultivation (3.72). Access to reliable market and buyers greatly affect entrepreneurial behavior (4.57) were reported important constraint. Income enhancements through vegetable cultivation are the important motivation factor to the farmers. Favorable supportive policies in this regard may enrich the entrepreneurial ecosystem among the vegetable growers.

Toxoplasma gondii infection affects the complete blood count and disturbs the markers of oxidative stress from the vital organs of wild rodents

Rodents are the synanthropic mammals that are existing in close proximity to humans and their belongings and have the potential to act as the reservoir for a variety of parasites having zoonotic potential. Present study was designed to report the molecular prevalence and phylogenetic evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii in the blood samples of four wild rodent species [Rattus rattus (N = 122), Mus musculus (N = 64), Rattus norvegicus (N = 57) and Dryomys nitedula (N = 1)] that were trapped during May 2022 till July 2023 from three districts in Punjab (Jampur, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan) and three districts (Upper Dir, Mardan and Bunar) in Pakistan. Results revealed that 44/244 (18%) rodents amplified ITS-1 gene of Toxoplasma gondii through PCR. Parasite prevalence varied between the rodent species. Highest rate of infection was found in Rattus norvegicus followed by Rattus rattus and Mus musculus. For both rat species, Toxoplasma gondii infection significantly varies between the sampling districts. DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in rodent blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Pakistani isolates were genetically diverse and clustered with the isolates that were reported from worldwide countries. Complete blood count analysis revealed that parasite infected rodents had disturbed lymphocyte, mean platelet volume, mean corpuscular volume (and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Markers of oxidative stress analysis revealed that infected rodent had elevated malondialdehyde levels in liver and kidney while disturb catalase concentrations in kidney and heart as compared to uninfected animals. In conclusion, we are reporting a relatively high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Pakistani rodents. Infection leads to disturbed complete blood count and markers of oxidative stress in the vital organs. We recommend large scale studies in various geo-climatic regions of Pakistan to report the incidence and prevalence of this pathogen among the rodents in order to prevent their infections in local people as well as in livestock.

Studies on the insect pests of brinjal in Hoshiarpur District of Punjab, India

Seventeen insect pests belonging to five orders were recorded from selected transects. Hemipterans were found to be very common and most abundant with seven insect pests. Neuroptera the least abundant with one pest was found during the experimental period, with orders like Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, and Coleoptera with three insect pests each. Wind speed and bright sunshine showed a negative correlation (r = -0.126) and (r = - 0 .778) during 2021 and (r = -0.73 and r = -0.41) during 2022 respectively. Rainfall, humidity, and evaporation have a positive correlation (r = 0.368, r = 0.551, and r =0.297) in 2021 and (r = .31, r = 0.89, and r = 0.81) during 2022 respectively. At maximum temperature (38.4°C) during April and May pest population was minimum. Rainfall and relative humidity favored the pest population.

Isotope characterisation of groundwater resources in uranium impacted Fazilka, Punjab

AbstractGroundwater is the most reliable source for freshwater supplies in India and abroad. Population rise has affected the groundwater resources both in terms of quality and quantity. Punjab, being an agrarian state, is highly dependent on groundwater resources for both irrigation and drinking purposes. Recent studies have indicated presence of uranium in groundwater especially in southwestern parts of Punjab. In this research, water samples were collected from Fazilka district of Punjab for evaluating the water quality focussing uranium and identifying source and recharge processes of groundwater. Uranium concentration was found in both shallow and deep groundwater samples. Inter-ionic correlations signify that alkalinity and electrical conductivity of the water samples control the uranium mobilization from the aquifer matrix. Isotopic systematics demonstrate that groundwater recharge is mainly through rainwater infiltration.

Comparative evaluation of statistical and machine learning models for weather-driven wheat yield forecasting across different districts of Punjab

Comparative evaluation of statistical and machine learning models for weather-driven wheat yield forecasting across different districts of Punjab

Impact of childhood adversity and resilience on behavioral outcomes: Well-being and parental support as mediators

This study investigated the relationships between childhood adversity, resilience, and behavioral outcomes in children aged 9–12 years, along with the mediating variables of well-being (an internal factor) and parental support (an environmental factor). We recruited 250 children (125 boys and 125 girls) from schools across districts of Punjab, India. Structural equation modeling results revealed there was a statistically significant relationship between adversity and resilience and that parental support was the primary mediator of this relationship. These findings highlight the significance of environmental factors, such as parents who help their children through hardship, and the relevance of internal factors that play an equal role in influencing behavioral outcomes. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Water accounting of groundwater over exploited districts in Haryana and Punjab states to analyse impacts of water conservation measures on water availability

ABSTRACT Escalating water scarcity threatens to sustainable food production, necessitating enhanced water use efficiency through effective water management practices. The present study aims to conduct water accounting in the groundwater-depleted districts of Haryana and Punjab, India, analysing the potential irrigation water savings achievable through the implementation of efficient management techniques in these selected districts. The study area encompasses Kaithal and Karnal districts in Haryana and Patiala and Sangrur districts in Punjab with water availability assessment for 2015. Results showed that there is a mismatch between the annual groundwater pumped and replenishable groundwater recharge in all selected districts indicating a need for improved water management. Adjusting the timing of rice sowing to align with the onset of the rainy season can significantly save water and reduce groundwater extraction. For instance, delaying rice transplanting from May 21st to June 15th can reduce crop water demand by 10.89%. Similarly, transplanting rice on June 15th can reduce water demand by 9.03%, 6.23%, 4.31%, and 2.46% compared to transplanting on May 26th, May 31st, June 5th, and June 10th, respectively. Shifting of a rice-wheat cropping system to a maize-wheat system can substantially decrease crop water demand. Replacing rice with maize can result in a 54.66% reduction in crop water demand per hectare.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education: English Language Teachers’ Identity Negotiation in Higher Education

The crucial question regarding English language teaching (ELT) and learning is: does overuse of AI or other technology become an attack on the educational process in disguise? This study intends to explain the excessive use of AI in education and its upcoming negative aspects on ELT teachers' identity and students' creativity. The researchers used qualitative phenomenology to investigate how ELT teachers perceived AI's impact on their leadership roles within the educational setting. As part of the research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixteen ELT teachers and students from different districts in Punjab to obtain rich and detailed descriptions of their experiences and points of view using a purposive sampling technique. Under research question no.1 (Why does it seem that AI can be dangerous for ELT teachers' identity in the future?), this study finds that AI can be hazardous for ELT teachers' identity because it has shifted teachers' roles from knowledge providers to facilitators only. In light of the second research question (what is the influence of AI on students' self-motivation for creativity?), the significant finding is that AI negatively impacts students' thinking abilities, and their creative skills diminish gradually. The study suggests that educational institutions must take drastic measures to address teachers' apprehensions, misperceptions, and identity issues and clarify their roles and responsibilities in AI-driven educational scenarios where they may continue promoting creativity in the students under their charge.

Effectiveness of Monitoring and Evaluation System in Improving Educational Facilities at Secondary School Level in Punjab (Pakistan)

The focus of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation system in improving educational facilities at secondary school level in Punjab. The study employed a survey design to assess the effectiveness of the monitoring system in enhancing the missing facilities in secondary schools in Punjab. The population of the study consisted of both male and female principals, headteachers, SSTs, PSTs, MEAs, CEOs, DEOs, and DMOs of public secondary schools in Punjab. The study was limited to the secondary schools of the Punjab government. For sampling, districts of Punjab were chosen from three regions of Punjab: Rahim Yar Khan, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi. The study was descriptive and quantitative, as well as qualitative (QUAN-qual). The researcher randomly selected a sample from urban and rural schools using stratified random sampling, resulting in a four hundred and twenty-nine-sample size. This study investigates the effectiveness of the monitoring and evaluation system in addressing missing facilities in secondary-level institutions. The study found that the government's monitoring system, although continuously updating the condition of basic facilities, does not accurately reflect the actual needs of schools for better infrastructure. The lack of resources affects motivation to perform better, and improvements in the system are needed. Further research is recommended to further improve the system.

Research Insights into Punjab’s Stubble Burning Menace

The current investigation endeavors to evaluate the prevalence of stubble burning in India, with a special focus on the state of Punjab. The study emphasizes the enormity of stubble burning by examining farm fire incidents, pollutant emissions, its detrimental impacts. It supports the effective management of crop residue along with proposing alternatives to stubble burning. The article conveys the message that stubble burning can result in deleterious effects on the environment, human health, crop growth, natural ecosystems, visibility, and physical infrastructure. The key solutions lie in education, functional literacy, a heightened awareness of environmental laws, rights and duties, stringent governance, and socially responsible public, promoting adherence to the National Green Tribunal’s guidelines for managing crop residue and enlightening farmers about the ill effects of stubble burning on animal, soil, human health, crop biodiversity, and climate change. The available data of districts of Punjab indicates the recent waning trend in stubble burning, thus heralding a positive indication of environmental preservation. Decreased stubble burning is the reward of untiring government initiatives, support and subsidies, awareness programs, advanced research and technology, and enforcement of stringent regulations combined with recognition of the deleterious environmental impacts of stubble burning. This research article indicates that there is still a need for efforts to be made to eliminate stubble burning altogether.

Impact of Fiscal Decentralization in Improving Public Services Delivery across Developed and Developing Districts of Punjab, Pakistan

Impact of Fiscal Decentralization in Improving Public Services Delivery across Developed and Developing Districts of Punjab, Pakistan

Assessing Groundwater Use Efficiency and Productivity across Punjab Agriculture: District and Farm Size Perspectives

While previous studies have focused on the technical aspects of groundwater extraction and optimal cropping patterns, there is a notable lack of research on the socio-economic factors affecting groundwater access and agricultural productivity, especially at a micro-level in Punjab, India. This study, therefore, investigates the water use efficiency (WUE) and economic water productivity (EWP) of paddy and wheat crops across diverse farm sizes and districts in Punjab, offering critical insights into agricultural water management. The study is based on primary data from Punjab, India, with Sangrur, Jalandhar, Pathankot, and Bathinda districts selected for groundwater profile analysis via multistage random sampling of 246 farmers. Notably, Punjab exhibits high EWP for wheat, surpassing the national average. However, disparities exist across districts, emphasizing the importance of localized interventions. Larger farms consistently demonstrate higher WUE and EWP, underlining the significance of scale in optimizing water inputs. Factors such as farm size, crop variety, and regional variations significantly influence WUE and EWP. Tailored approaches for marginal farmers and districts with lower efficiency are crucial for promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions to enhance water use efficiency and productivity in Punjab’s agriculture sector.

India Hypertension Control Initiative: decentralization of hypertension care to health wellness centres in Punjab and Maharashtra, India, 2018–2022

IntroductionThe India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) emphasizes decentralized patient-centric care to boost hypertension control in public healthcare facilities. We documented the decentralization process, enrolment pattern by facility type, and treatment outcomes in nine districts of Punjab and Maharashtra states, India, from 2018–2022.MethodsWe detailed the shift in hypertension care from higher facilities to Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) using the World Health Organization (WHO) health system pillar framework. We reviewed hypertension treatment records in 4,045 public facilities from nine districts in the two states, focusing on indicators including registration numbers, the proportion of controlled, uncontrolled blood pressure (BP), and missed visits among those under care.ResultsThe decentralization process involved training, treatment protocol provision, supervision, and monitoring. Among 394,038 individuals registered with hypertension from 2018–2021, 69% were under care in 2022. Nearly half of those under care (129,720/273,355) received treatment from HWCs in 2022. Care of hypertensive individuals from district hospitals (14%), community health centres (20%), and primary health centres (24%) were decentralized to HWCs. Overall BP control rose from 20% (4,004/20,347) in 2019 to 58% (157,595/273,355) in 2022, while missed visits decreased from 61% (12,394/20,347) in 2019 to 26% (70,894/273,355) in 2022. This trend was consistent in both states. HWCs exhibited the highest BP control and the lowest missed visits throughout the study period compared to other facility types.ConclusionWe documented an increase in decentralized access to hypertension treatment and improved treatment outcomes over four years. We recommend operationalizing hypertension care at HWCs to other districts in India to improve BP control.