Kashmir Pakistan Research Articles

Resident’s Perception towards Green Spaces Urban Areas of Mirpur AJK Pakistan, A Cross-Sectional Study

Urbanization with increasing proportion of the population living in cities limits access to nature and increases exposure to environmental hazards, such as air and noise pollution. Green spaces offer solutions by increasing the quality of urban settings, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and improving both the health and the well-being of urban residents. Aim of the study was to assess perceived advantages and disadvantages of urban green spaces (UGS). A cross sectional study, was conducted on the 200 residents of Mirpur district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan. There were 54.5% of males and 44.5% of females in the study sample and 79% (n=79) of them were of age between 31-40 years. 164 (82%) individuals in the collected sample fall into high educational level. For positive attributes of urban green spaces most visitors reported strongly agree response. The highest strongly agree response (62%) is for importance of parks. Promotion of elders’ and physical health also showed strongly agreed responses of 60% and 58% respectively. The agreed response was the highest for ‘neighbors’ meetup’ (43.5%) and for the rest it was mental health (40%), people likeness (37%) and property value (38.5%). Commercial encroachment was the highest strongly agreed response (30.5%) and time wastage was the highest strongly disagreed response (21.5%). Visitors reported strongly agree response to scenic beauty (67.5%), air quality (49%) and reduce heat wave (40.5%). Agreed responses were topped by environmental conditions (37%) followed by almost equal responses for rainfall source (25.5%), biodiversity and noise pollution (23%). Fast and unplanned urbanization is threatening UGS. Our study highlighted visitors’ perception about UGS which would help in their development and improved quality.

Susceptibility pattern of pediatric uropathogens: Insights from Mirpur Azad Jammu Kashmir Pakistan

Susceptibility pattern of pediatric uropathogens: Insights from Mirpur Azad Jammu Kashmir Pakistan

Evaluating the conservation value and medicinal potential of wild herbaceous flora in the Sanghar Mountains of District Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan

Evaluating the conservation value and medicinal potential of wild herbaceous flora in the Sanghar Mountains of District Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan

Retraction: Inventorization of traditional ethnobotanical uses of wild plants of Dawarian and Ratti Gali areas of District Neelum, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan.

Retraction: Inventorization of traditional ethnobotanical uses of wild plants of Dawarian and Ratti Gali areas of District Neelum, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan.

An Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used for Primary Health Care from Patan Sher Khan and Surrounding Areas of District Sudhnoti, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Life on mountains is difficult and people depend on medicinal plants for primary health care. Many of mountain areas of Azad Kashmir are unexplored from taxonomic and ethnobotanical point of view. This study was conducted to document the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants of village Patan Sher Khan and allied areas of District Sudhnuti Azad Kashmir Pakistan. Field surveys were conducted during March 2020 to March 2021 for collection of medicinal plants knowledge following standard ethnobotanical methods. A total of 120 key informants were interviewed by using semi-structured questioners. The data were analyzed through ethnobotanical indices i.e., Relative frequency of citation (RFC), Use value (UV), Informant consensus factor (ICF) and Fidelity level (FL). A total of 37 medicinal plant species belonging to 32 genera and 25 families were recorded during the study. Dominant ethnomedicinal families were Fabaceae with 4 species followed by Moraceae and Rosaceae with 3 species each. Leaves were the most frequently used parts (36 %) and decoction was preferred medicinal preparation (19 use reports). Highest relative frequency of citation was recorded for Ficus palmata (0.15) followed by Melia azedarchta (0.14) and highest use value was found for Dodonaea viscosa (0.58). The most valuable plant species of the study area are Ficus carica with 8 use reports and 48 use citations, Bauhinia variegata with 7 use reports and 45 use citations. The maximum value of FL was recorded for Berberis lyceum (100 %) and Plantago lanceolate, (100%). Based on documented data the reported ailments were grouped into 9 categories, The ICF values ranges between 0. 33 (sexual) to 0.90 (teeth and urinary). Medicinal plant knowledge is still alive and large papulation of area still depend on medicinal plants for primary healthcare. But medicinal plant knowledge is declining especially among younger people. Hence, there is an urgent need to document such precious knowledge by continuous ethnobotanical studies.

Bombus haemorrhoidalis Abundance in Comparison with other Insect Pollinators from Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan

Bumblebees are important pollinators in both wild and managed cropping system and from the last few decades these bees are using as commercial pollinators to enhance the yield in greenhouse and glasshouse crops like tomato, cucumber and bell pepper. Indigenous bumblebee Bombus haemorrhoidalis, is an important pollinator of Northern Pakistan and plays key role in wild pollination. Present study was conducted to explore the relative abundance of B. haemorrhoidalis in comparison with other common insect pollinators. Monthly surveys were conducted from March, 2017 to February, 2018 to record the abundance of different pollinators. Hymenopteran pollinators were found as most abundant insect order with six species following by Lepidopteran pollinators with five species. B. haemorrhoidalis recorded with maximum abundance and Syrphus spp were recorded with second highest abundance. Maximum diversity of pollinators was observed at Banjosa and Paniola areas. Such ecological information about pollinators is important for possible conservation program in this region and it is also will be helpful in conservation program of Bumblebees in future

Opportunities and Barriers affecting Women Entrepreneurship of Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir Pakistan

The study presents a comprehensive snapshot of current situation of the economic empowerment of the women of Rawalakot AJK. In this paper the significance of women entrepreneurship their limitations and barriers for women empowerment in Rawalakot, AJK Pakistan is addressed. The study focuses on the barriers that women business owners face, analyze their operational environment, and primarily discusses family support, the dominating gender inequities. The 40 women who were chosen for the study came from varied family and economic backgrounds. In light of the economic downturn in Rawalakot, it is urgent to economically empower women, as well as to provide job possibilities and income-generating ventures, so they may live healthy lives and support their families. Women entrepreneurs need their families' supportive behaviors, the public's objectivity, training in strategic company growth, access to credit funding, and aid with marketing expertise, product design, and development if they are to realize their full potential as business owners. Family support is the biggest obstacle for women, thus if families are sympathetic and supporting, women may compete in all areas of life. According to our findings large number of women face problems when steps out for the work. The major problems that came in the way of Women Entrepreneurs are Non supportive family.

Assessment of Patient-Centered Care with Reference to Minimum Service Delivery Standards in District Headquarter Hospitals of Azad Jammu Kashmir

Objective: To assess the existing healthcare and delivery services and to evaluate the factors that affect the effectiveness of the care of patients.
 Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Seven Districts Headquarter Hospitals of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan from Dec 2020 to May 2021.
 Methodology: The data were collected using a questionnaire based on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) set standards by Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) for monitoring and evaluating the services delivery at the hospitals. Data were collected by observing every department of the hospital, interviewing the concerned person of every department, and checking the medical record of the hospital.
 Results: All the seven DHQ hospitals including DHQ Neelum, DHQ Hattian Bala, DHQ Pallandari, DHQ Bagh, DHQ Kotli, DHQ Bhimber, and DHQ Mirpur were working throughout the week and service delivery was ensured for 24 hours in all health facilities. It was observed in this study that the management of medication was the area with the highest degree of compliance (76.2%). On the other hand, the area involving patient rights and education showed the lowest level of compliance with an average score of 6 and a percentage compliance of 25%.
 Conclusion: The compliance of health delivery services with respect to MSDS was very low in district headquarter hospitals of AJK. Targeted strategies are needed to improve the overall quality of the service delivery.

Patient Satisfaction with Clinical Laboratory Services in Public Health Sector Hospitals of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Objectives: To determine patient satisfaction and factors affecting patient satisfaction with laboratory services in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK).
 Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Seven District Headquarter Hospitals, DHQ Neelum, DHQ Hattian Bala, DHQ Pallandari, DHQ Bagh, DHQ Kotli, DHQ Bhimber and DHQ Mirpur, Kashmir Pakistan from Dec 2019 to Feb 2020.
 Methodology: The patients who were referred from the Outdoor Patient Department of the hospital for undergoing investigative tests were included, and patients of age less than 18 and critically ill patients were excluded.
 Results: The total number of respondents included in the study was 400, with the median score of patient satisfaction with laboratory services being 59 (19), ranging from 32 to 100. Statistically significant disparities in client satisfaction were observed in different DHQ hospitals (p-value=0.01) with Mirpur (63) and Pallandri (40) showing the extreme variation. Residential area, age, and education level were also identified as statistically significant determinants of patient satisfaction (p-value <0.05).
 Conclusion: patient satisfaction with laboratory services in public hospitals of AJK was very low, and targeted strategies are needed to improve the overall quality of these services.

Awareness of Nephrolithiasis in Educated Community of Azad Kashmir Pakistan

Background: Renal stone is an important health problem in the world and is the most common disease in the urinary tract system. It is particularly a common problem in many countries Knowledge and lifestyle attitude of individuals toward renal stone plays a role in delivering optimum management. Primary Study Objective: To determine the public awareness of renal stones causes, symptoms, and management among the population of AJK Pakistan Setting: General population of all the ages was under consideration and data were taken from the general population Participants: This study was conducted on 100 patients from different areas  Methods: The data of this quantitative cross-sectional study was collected from participants of AJK. Participants were given a self-administered questionnaire written in English. August 2020 to September 2020. individuals of all ages are included in this study. Results: Out of hundred participants we determine the awareness among the educational community of AJK. All category of individuals is involved in our research married and unmarried people and students with arts and science subjects. About 13% of males and 87% of females are involved in our research with different ages. Conclusion: This data indicates that the participants are to some degree aware of some aspects of renal stone prevention, symptoms, and modes of diagnosis and treatment. Individuals who experienced renal stones were more knowledgeable in some respects. Further emphasis on public awareness of renal stones is recommended.

Genetic diversity of Brassica rapa germplasm of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan revealed by molecular markers

Brassica species commonly known as rapeseed are the second largest oil yielding crop of Pakistan and belongs to the family Brassicaceae. This scientific investigation was carried out to explore the genetic diversity of Brassica rapa from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Pakistan. Seeds of Brassica rapa L. genotypes of Azad Jammu and Kashmir were collected from Plant Genetic Research Institute (PGRI), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad Pakistan. CTAB method was used for the extraction of DNA from leaf samples. SSR and ISSR markers were used to explore the genetic diversity and cluster analysis was used for data analysis. Out of 6 SSR markers, Ra2E11 and Na10-E02 showed maximum genetic diversity while Ra2-E07, Ra2-D04, and Na10-D03 showed moderate diversity while Ra2-E01 showed minimum genetic diversity. Among the elected genotypes 026503 (Bhimber), 026514 (Kotli), 026510 (Kotli) and 026539 (Bagh) showed maximum diversity with 6 SSR markers. From 10 ISSR markers ISSR 888 and ISSR 5 showed highest number of bands (7). ISSR 3, ISSR 5, ISSR 888 showed maximum genetic diversity among mustard genotypes, while ISSR 887 and ISSR 840 showed no results and ISSR 2, ISSR 4, ISSR 80, ISSR 811, ISSR 889 showed moderate diversity. Among the selected genotypes 026557 showed maximum diversity with ISSR markers. Based upon the present studies the genotypes 026503, 026514, 026510, 026539 and 026557 had been recognised as probable most significant genotypes which could be used in future plant breeding program.

Deviated nasal septum and nasal polyps in COVID-19 patients: A case control study in DHQ Teaching Hospital, Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan.

Objective: To correlate the prevalence of COVID-19 and the rhinopathological conditions simultaneously in the population visiting the hospital of Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Study Design: Case-control study. Setting: District Head Quarter (DHQ) Teaching Hospital Located in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Period: September 2020 to February 2021. Material & Methods: Patients visiting the DHQ teaching hospital, Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir for their COVID-19 related symptoms were included in the study. Demographic data was obtained. Prevalence of DNS and nasal polyps was recorded for further statistical analysis of the symptoms in the population. The obtained patient data was evaluated for the rhinopathological conditions that exists with the prevailing COVID-19 or may even aggravate the situation. Although nasal polyps and DNS are not among the typical symptoms of the COVID-19 but they may add to the results of PCR testing following swab testing. Conclusion: Despite being a significant relationship, there lies a chance of misleading results of swab testing as these rhinopathies obstruct the airway hindering the path. Therefore, while carrying out a confirmation test for the infection it is important to consider the chances of rhinopathies in patients beforehand.

First report of successful Naegleria detection from environmental resources of some selected areas of Rawlakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Naegleria belongs to the free-living amoeba family and is well-known as a human pathogen. It is recognized as etiological agent of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis involving central nervous system which always leads to death. To date, there is not a single report demonstrating Naegleria isolation and identification from environmental sources of Rawlakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan, and thus the aim of this study. Naegleria was isolated on non-nutrient agar plates seeded with heat killed E. coli and confirmed by morphological properties of the both stages of cyst or trophozoites. Furthermore, PCR was conducted along with direct sequencing of the PCR product for molecular identification. PCR and sequencing data verified the amplification of Naegleria sp. (07) and Vahlkampfia sp. (01) from both water and soil samples. Interestingly two species were successfully isolated and cultured on both 30 and 45°C. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report demonstrating the Naegleria isolation and molecular characterization from environmental sources of Rawlakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The author is anxious for further evaluation of the pathogenic potential of the identified species and explores drinking water across Pakistan to investigate its quality and frequency of FLA, which might be a possible human hazard in future.

Study of impacts of brickkiln emanations on soil quality of agriculture lands in selected areas of District Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.

The pollution is hot issue of current era in world and the current study was carried to explore impacts of brickkilns’ emanations on physiochemical properties of agricultural lands from District Bhimber of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Pakistan. In this research, various edaphic characteristics: pH, soil organic matter, organic carbon, water holding capacity, cation exchange capacity and heavy metal contamination in soils nearby of brickkilns were determined. The pH of soil ranged from 5.55 to 7.50, soil organic matter was 0.35–0.90% and organic carbon content was 0.65–1.40%. The water holding capacity ranged from 2.10 to 3.20 mgL-1 and carbon exchange capacity was 1250 to 4202 meq/100g. The contamination profile of heavy metal depicted that Pb showed highest conc. 0.065 mg/g followed by Co (0.053 mg/g) and Ni with 0.52 mg/g in the soil. Pb and Cr had high conc. in soil samples around brickkilns due to burning of coal and rubber tyres as fuel. The conc. of sulphate and nitrate ranged from 0.90±0.50 mol L-1 to 4.25±0.65 mol L-1 and 2.30±0.50 mol L-1 to 6.55±0.25 mol L-1, respectively. The fertility of agriculture lands was depicted that edaphic properties were directly related while nutritive features were inversely commensurate to distance from brickkilns. The research proved that emanations of brickkilns causes severe impact on quality of agriculture land, plant growth and its yield. Hence, reclamation measures should be taken to mitigate and/or eradicate nuisance of brickkilns emanations by using environmental friendly strategies.

Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Earthworm Species Collected from Different Soil Habitats of Poonch Division Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan.

This study aims to analyze molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of earthworm species collected from different soil habitats of Poonch division Azad Kashmir Pakistan by using CO1 gene partial sequencing methodology. Samples gathered randomly from 18 study sites (127 localities) by digging and hand sorting methods were preserved in pure ethanol at -20°C. The modified CTAB (Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide) method extracted high quality DNA from region of representative earthworm's caudal region. This extracted DNA was used to amplify the 700 bp partial region of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene with LCO1490 and HCO2198 universal primers. All of the obtained amplified gene sequences were aligned, edited and analyzed using MEGA X software to characterize different species of earthworms. Thirty-eight (38) Barcoding sequences belonging to 11 different strains of earthworms were successfully generated. Their phylogenetic analysis revealed that 7 Barcoding sequences gave maximum similarity with the available online database, while the rest of the 4 sequences gave lower similarity than the maximum threshold level. The collected DNA barcode sequences were also clustered together by the maximum likelihood method and the resultant phylogenetic tree revealed they belong to different family lineages. Moreover the identified earthworm species have a close evolutionary link with the earthworm fauna of south and central Asia instead of Europe, which might be due to similar climate of both regions.

"The Implementation of Disaster Management Life Cycle During the Earthquake 2005 in Kashmir Pakistan and the Disaster Response of EMS Services"

"The Implementation of Disaster Management Life Cycle During the Earthquake 2005 in Kashmir Pakistan and the Disaster Response of EMS Services"

A mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) approach to measure women’s empowerment in agriculture: evidence from Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan

ABSTRACT There exists comprehensive literature on women’s empowerment; however, studies on the measurement of empowerment in the agricultural context are scarce, particularly in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Pakistan. In this paper, we used the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI), which includes five domains, i.e. resources, production, income, leadership, and time, to measure women’s empowerment in the agriculture sector. A survey of 600 rural women and 18 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted by using multi-stage sampling. The results show that about 72% of the women are disempowered, and attribute to low socio-economic conditions, i.e. they have limited access to resources and little leadership skills as rural women in AJK are not free to speak in public. The results further reveal that women are also disempowered in some other indicators, such as autonomy in production, income, and leisure time. So, based on the current findings, it is proposed that government should strengthen these areas through effective policies to improve the status of women.

Comparative study of biological activities of different extracts of root and whole plant materials of Ajuga bracteosa from Bhimber Azad Kashmir Pakistan

Comparative study of biological activities of different extracts of root and whole plant materials of Ajuga bracteosa from Bhimber Azad Kashmir Pakistan

Comparative study of biological activities of different extracts of root and whole plant materials of Ajuga bracteosa from Bhimber Azad Kashmir Pakistan

Ajuga bracteosa is native to Himalayan region, Afghanistan, China and Malaysia. People of northern areas of Pakistan call it ‘korri booti’ as it has bitter taste. Ajuga bracteosa is ethnically used against malarial fever, diabetes, cancer, and sore throat. The theme of present work was to appraise the biological significance of Ajuga bracteosa through in vitro studies. n-Hexane, chloroform, and methanol extracts of root and whole plant materials were obtained via maceration. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytochemical constituents was done. The antioxidant potency was judged by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) free radical scavenging assays. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed by agar disc diffusion method. Phytochemical review confirmed the existence of flavonoids, saponins, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, xanthoproteins, carbohydrates, and glycosides. Total flavonoid and total phenolic contents were shown as rutin and gallic acid equivalents respectively. Root extracts gave more significant results of DPPH and ABTS potential (100 % and 92 % respectively) as compared to whole plant extracts (90 % and 75 % respectively). A. bracteosa is a plentiful source of polyphenolic compounds. Polyphenolic compounds are thought as natural antioxidants because of their ability of hydrogen atom donation and presence as stable radical intermediates preventing further creation of free radicals in the body. Root extracts showed greater resistance against pathogens as compared to extracts of whole plant material. Keywords: Antimicrobial activity; Antioxidant activity; Medicinal plants; Phytochemical screening http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2021.100135

Multilingualism in Migrant Contexts in Pakistan and the UK: Transcending Physical, Social and Symbolic Borders in Transnational Social Spaces

This paper is based on a four-year ethnographic study of multilingualism in transnational Mirpuri families in Azad Kashmir (Pakistan) and Lancashire (United Kingdom). Data were collected in a range of physical settings in Pakistan and the UK as well as social spaces online. Migrants’ literacy practices are often related to the standard language variety of the country to which the migrant is moving. However, this paper suggests that migration requires different kinds of literacies, not all of which relate to standard writing system use. The study sought to understand how these literacies are shaped in Pakistan before they are taken up in the UK, by seeing them as part of migrants’ everyday translanguaging. This perspective involves exploring how different language varieties (such as Punjabi, Urdu and English) and different linguistic resources (such as scripts, styles and registers) are appropriated by migrants at different stages of their migration trajectories alongside migrants’ own perspectives on these practices. The findings demonstrate how migrant families counter discrimination in their everyday multilingualism as part of the translingual practices which transcend physical, social and symbolic borders.