Mardan District Research Articles

Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Academic Achievement at Secondary Level in District Mardan

The main purpose of this study was to discover and find the relationship between the student’s intellect and their educational attainment at Mardan District Secondary School. The nature of the study was descriptive. The study population was made up of all male students from secondary schools located in the district of Mardan. For the sampling purpose, four government high schools were conveniently selected. In the next stage of sampling, forty learners were selected accidentally for the data collection from each school as a sample; therefore the study had 160 samples. Standard deviation and correlation tests were applied. It was found that the majority of the students have a strong emotional intelligence whereas their SSC score has no bearing on their intelligence. Moreover, the results revealed no association between academic success and IQ. It was recommended that the results of this study be further explored in various settings and with a larger group of students.

Micro Credentialing and Digital Badges for Teachers: Professional Skills Development of Secondary School Teachers

This study examined the influence of micro-credentials and digital badges on teachers’ professional skills development at the secondary school level in the Mardan district. Teachers are change agents in shaping student's cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains, and hence, this research aims to enhance teacher professionalism. The objective of the study was to revolutionize teacher perceptions related to Micro-credentials and Digital Badges and their influence on teachers’ professional skills. The finding of the study provides critical insights into micro-credentials and digital badges, intending to elevate secondary school teachers' proficiency in the teaching-learning process. This study recommends focusing on collaborative learning, digital transformation in the teaching-learning process, sustained professional development, and empowering teachers with advanced teaching practices.

Granite Exposure Mapping Through Sentinel‐2 Visible and Short Wave Infrared Bands

AbstractNonmetallic minerals like granite and limestone have calcite and biotitic ingredients as their major part which exhibit wonderful absorption features in the visible and short wave range of the electromagnetic spectrum. This research puts emphasis on delineating granite and limestone deposits of the Mardan district through the latest multispectral Landsat‐9 and Sentinel‐2 sensors of which the latter provided 94% mapping accuracy in delineating granites (biotitic bearing minerals) and limestone (calcite‐bearing minerals). The Image processing techniques of minimum noise fraction, which is double cascaded principal components analysis and pixel purity index algorithms proved helpful to bring significant improvements in classification results and in the reduction of noise and data size. The outcomes of the research study show that supervised machine learning algorithms are impactful to map such minerals provided that the data must be well organized and limited in size. The results achieved were verified through validation steps like, (a) Independent reference data of high‐resolution Google Earth maps and (b) Ground survey reports. Arc GIS 10.2 and Envi 5.3 software suite were used to create (a) ground truth points at random for accuracy assessment (b) portraying study area maps (c) Image Processing and Preprocessing tools and (d) implementation of machine learning algorithms. Access to the data and software suite is being provided for open research work.

Drinking water quality of various sources in Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan.

The present study involves the chemical and bacteriological analysis of water from different sources i.e., bore, wells, bottle, and tap, from Peshawar, Mardan, Swat and Kohat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, Pakistan. From each district, 50 water samples (10 samples from each source), regardless of urban and rural status, were collected from these sources and analysed for sulphates, nitrates, nitrites, chlorides, total soluble solids and coliforms (E. coli). Results indicated that majority of the water sources had unacceptable E. coli count i.e.> 34 CFU/100mL. E. coli positive samples were high in Mardan District, followed by Kohat, Swat and Peshawar district. Besides this, the some water sources were also chemically contaminated by different inorganic fertilizers (nitrates/nitrites of sodium, potassium) but under safe levels whereas agricultural and industrial wastes (chloride and sulphate compounds) were in unsafe range. Among all districts, the water quality was found comparatively more deteriorated in Kohat and Mardan districts than Peshawar and Swat districts. Such chemically and bacteriologically unfit water sources for drinking and can cause human health problems.

Insights Into L1 and L2 Vocabulary Size Association: A Perspective From Elementary Pashto-English Sequential Bilinguals

Vocabulary is a crucial predictive factor in the linguistic advancement of children whether monolingual or bilingual. The increasing number of bilingual individuals underscores the significance of accurately assessing vocabulary development among bilinguals at school. However, assessing the vocabulary of bilingual children is intricate due to their acquisition of words across two languages. Determining the most suitable metric for comprehensively measuring their vocabulary, especially in comparison to monolingual counterparts, remains an ongoing endeavor. This correlational descriptive study aims to examine the vocabulary knowledge of sequential bilingual children and evaluate the effectiveness of a conceptual scoring approach that incorporates the terms known in both their first and second languages. The sample consisted of bilingual(n=200) and monolingual (n=95) elementary school learners from Mardan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, recruited through purposive and random sampling to ensure a balanced and unbiased outcome. The assessment procedure involved gauging each participant's passive and active vocabulary in English and Pashto, achieved through the utilization of tools such as X-Lex and the Category Generation Task. Data analysis carried out using SPSS version 25, revealed a substantial correlation between the vocabulary sizes of bilingual individuals across both their primary (L1) and secondary (L2) languages. The findings of the study may have far-reaching effects, providing significant novel perspectives on instructional practices and stimulating further investigation.

Diversity, prevalence and risk factors associated to gastrointestinal tract parasites in wild and domestic animals from Pakistan.

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of animals contains various helminth parasites, responsible for subclinical and clinical parasitism. The health situation of animals is seriously affected by these parasites and leads massive financial losses for the livestock trade. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of GIT parasites in small and large ruminants of Mardan district and zoo animals of Golden Life Safari Park Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A total of 419 fecal samples were collected including 117 from goats, 110 from cattle, 80 from sheep, 66 from buffaloes, 40 from birds, four from deer, and two from leopards. The fecal samples were subjected to sedimentation and floatation to identify parasite eggs. Of a total of 419 fecal samples, 215 (51.31%) were found positive for GIT parasites eggs. The prevalence of GIT parasites was high in sheep (65%), followed by goats (62.39%), cattle (42.70%), and buffaloes (37.87%). In birds, GIT parasite eggs were identified in 11 (45.83%) and 7 (43.75%) fecal samples of Pheasant and Peacock, respectively. However, an absence of infection was noted in fecal samples from deer and leopards. Eggs of GIT Parasites belonging to one superfamily and four different genera were recognized in fecal samples of domestic animals and buffaloes, which were Trichostrongyloidea (19.81%), Strongyloides (9.31%), Trichuris (7.77%), Monezia (6.44%), and Fasciola (4.53%). For bird, the coccidia group comprises the highest representation of parasites (2.63%), followed by the Trichuris genus (1.67%). Settlement, management system, anthelminthic medications and body condition score were significantly associated with the occurrence of GIT parasites in feces (P < 0.05). Animals from rural settlements, rearing under poor management systems, with thin (poor) body condition and under warmed were more affected by GIT parasites. The diversity and the high prevalence of GIT parasites reported in this study highlights the urgent need for intervention through treatment and modification of management practices in the investigated areas of Pakistan.

Epidemiological analysis of Paramphistomum species in Ruminants in selected Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan

This epidemiological study was conducted to compare the climatic conditions of four different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, in terms of the prevalence of parasitic infection Paramphistomum in cows and buffaloes. A total of 2400/cows and buffaloes (200/per month and 50/per district) fecal samples were collected. The samples were examined for Paramphistomum egg contamination by direct microscopic examination and sedimentation methods. The infectivity ratio was 17.5% in cows and 17% in buffaloes; the higher rate of infection was recorded in autumn with 41% in cows and 36% in buffaloes. Whereas the lowest ratio was 6.5% in cows and 7% in buffaloes recorded during spring. It was also noted that a high rate of prevalence was recorded in older animals (higher than 2 years of age) than younger (less than 2 years of age), while gender-wise, it was observed that male animals were more affected than females. Prevalence was higher in cows in Mardan district (19.30%) followed by Nowshera (19.10%) and Swabi (17.80%) districts while lowest in Charsadda district (13.80%) where in buffaloes the higher prevalence was recorded in Swabi (18.80%) followed by Mardan (18.60%) then Charsadda (16.80%) while lowest in Nowshera (13.80%).

Impact of Malocclusion on children studying in Government High Schools in Mardan

The facial looks have an impact on self-esteem and emotional well-being, playing an important role in social interactions. Changing in these functions will therefore affect the standard of living of children. Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of malocclusion on psychological well-being on school going children using the OASIS aged between 13-17 years attending government high schools in Mardan District. Methods: This was a Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey conducted at the government schools of Mardan. It was carried out within a period of six month from December, 2021 till May 2022 after consent from Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan vide No. 39/2021/ERB. The sample was chosen using a random cluster sampling technique with probability related to size. The design effect was taken into account as the cluster sampling approach was applied, and a sample size of 850 was achieved. (600 boys and 250 girl participants were involved respectively from government high schools). Results: A total of 850 subjects were included in the study of which there were 600 (70%) males and 250 (30%) were females. The age range was 13-17 years with a mean age 15 years +1.37 (S.D) years. Conclusions: Angle’s malocclusion was established in 73.1% of the subjects. The least affected psychologically was normal occlusion with (100%) good psychological well-being followed by Angle’s class I malocclusion having good psychological well-being (76.8%).

The Impact of Formal Agricultural Credit on Farm Productivity and Its Utilization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Agricultural mechanization and the use of mixed inputs ensure higher productivity. In this regard, the Government of Pakistan has executed an approach for the provision of agricultural credit to smallholders for improving agricultural production. However, many issues are involved in the extent, utilization and impacts of credit. This study aims to explore the impact of credit, its utilization, misuse and factors determining the extent of agricultural credit in Pakistan. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed to collect data from 316 farmers in Mardan District. The study was analyzed through statistical tools such as a paired t-test, ANOVA and multiple regressions. Results showed that agricultural credit enhanced crops’ production. However, according to percentage use, misuse of the credit was more common than its proper utilization. Farmers utilized credit for land preparation, fertilizers, seeds, pesticides and daily labor. They misused agricultural credit for healthcare, education of children, domestic needs and business. Results of the regression model showed that farmers’ age, experience, farm size, farm income, farm labor and land ownership were determinants of the extent of agricultural credit. Policy measures should be taken to stop the misuse of agricultural credit to achieve the target set for agricultural productivity.

Adapting to Change: The Evolutionary Path of Identity-Based Political Activists in Rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Pakistan

This research presents a thematic analysis of the evolving trajectories of change, dissent, transformation, and reflexivity of Islamic activists in the rural areas of Mardan district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. In a reflective manner, the activists shared their experiences spanning a period of thirty-five years. Drawing on interview data, ethnographic notes and extended interaction with these activists, the study finds the complex interplay of activists’ ideology, local culture, national and global politics, and the competing religious interpretations. The study identifies four stages in their journey: breakdown of primordial ties, blind following, dissent and transformation, and critical engagement. The breakdown of primordial ties was triggered by the introduction of Islamist ideology, which challenged tribal and primordial affiliations and set conditions for blind following of political Islam as an ideology of life. However, skepticism later emerged, leading to dissent and transformation. This phase of transformation was marked by reflexivity and a critical reevaluation of their past actions and beliefs, and a growing disenchantment with rigid interpretations, conservative discourses, and political use of religion. The final stage of critical engagement is characterized by a proactive approach towards larger social and religious reforms. These stages are interconnected and nonlinear and reflect the activists’ evolving engagement with their own past and their changing social and political contexts. The study provides insight into the multifarious and meaningful ways in which religious and social contestations shape individual and collective trajectories of change and transformation in northwest Pakistan. Keywords: Political Islam, Ethnography, Post-Islamism, Deradicalization, Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Prevalence of active HCV infection and genotypic distribution among the general population of district Mardan, Pakistan.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the serious global public health burden of liver disease. Approximately 170 million people in the world are infected with (HCV). In Pakistan, where the disease has high occurrence rate. The present study envisages an up-to-date prevalence of HCV and genotypic distribution in the general population of Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The blood samples from 6,538 individuals including 3,263 males and 3,275 females were analyzed for hepatitis C surface antigen by Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that 396 (12.13%) out of 3263 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HCV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HCV antibodies were found in the 31-40 age group (11.01%). The ICT positive samples were further screened by nested PCR to determine the existence of active HCV-RNA. It was identified that 7.11% (3263) of the total population (6538) tested was positive, among which the 461 (14.07%) females possessed antibodies in their blood against HCV. Our data showed total HCV infection in the investigated population was 5.78%. Higher percentage of HCV prevalence was detected in males than females in the age group 31-40 and 41-50. To compare the prevalence of HCV genotypes age-wise in male and female genotype 3a was found most prevalent genotype followed by 1a, 2a and 3b, respectively.

Impact of Prosocial Behavior and Teacher’s Self-efficacy on School Adjustment of Physically Handicapped Students

The present study was designed to investigate the impact of prosocial behavior and the moderating role of teachers’ self-efficacy on school adjustment of physically handicapped students. To assess the impact of prosocial behavior the sample of physically handicapped students (154 male students and 146 female students) ages ranged 11 to 17 (M = 15. 38, SD = 1.78) was taken from different special education centres in Islamabad and Mardan district of KP. The data were analyzed in SPSS version-26. Findings show that there exists a significant positive relationship between prosocial behavior and school adjustment of physically handicapped students. Furthermore, the results show that if the teacher has high self-efficacy the number of school adjustments will be enhanced. The study has several implications in the special education sector and the daily life of physically handicapped students.

Impact of Prosocial Behavior and Teacher’s Self-efficacy on School Adjustment of Physically Handicapped Students

The present study was designed to investigate the impact of prosocial behavior and the moderating role of teachers’ self-efficacy on school adjustment of physically handicapped students. To assess the impact of prosocial behavior the sample of physically handicapped students (154 male students and 146 female students) ages ranged 11 to 17 (M = 15. 38, SD = 1.78) was taken from different special education centres in Islamabad and Mardan district of KP. The data were analyzed in SPSS version-26. Findings show that there exists a significant positive relationship between prosocial behavior and school adjustment of physically handicapped students. Furthermore, the results show that if the teacher has high self-efficacy the number of school adjustments will be enhanced. The study has several implications in the special education sector and the daily life of physically handicapped students.

IMPACT OF PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR AND TEACHER’S SELFEFFICACY ON SCHOOL ADJUSTMENT OF PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED STUDENTS

The present study was designed to investigate the impact of prosocial behavior and the moderating role of teachers’ self-efficacy on school adjustment of physically handicapped students. To assess the impact of prosocial behavior the sample of physically handicapped students (154 male students and 146 female students) ages ranged 11 to 17 (M = 15. 38, SD = 1.78) was taken from different special education centres in Islamabad and Mardan district of KP. The data were analyzed in SPSS version-26. Findings show that there exists a significant positive relationship between prosocial behavior and school adjustment of physically handicapped students. Furthermore, the results show that if the teacher has high self-efficacy the number of school adjustments will be enhanced. The study has several implications in the special education sector and the daily life of physically handicapped students.

IMPACT OF PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR AND TEACHER’S SELFEFFICACY ON SCHOOL ADJUSTMENT OF PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED STUDENTS

The present study was designed to investigate the impact of prosocial behavior and the moderating role of teachers’ self-efficacy on school adjustment of physically handicapped students. To assess the impact of prosocial behavior the sample of physically handicapped students (154 male students and 146 female students) ages ranged 11 to 17 (M = 15. 38, SD = 1.78) was taken from different special education centres in Islamabad and Mardan district of KP. The data were analyzed in SPSS version-26. Findings show that there exists a significant positive relationship between prosocial behavior and school adjustment of physically handicapped students. Furthermore, the results show that if the teacher has high self-efficacy the number of school adjustments will be enhanced. The study has several implications in the special education sector and the daily life of physically handicapped students.

Quantifying households' vulnerability, regional environmental indicators, and climate change mitigation by using a combination of vulnerability frameworks

AbstractMany susceptible regions face significant climatic threats. This study proposes an extended framework by linking the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Vulnerability Framework and Sustainable Livelihood Framework to assess the impacts of ecological indicators, household vulnerability, and climate change mitigation. A major ecological region of northwestern Pakistan with diverse geographical and climatic conditions was selected. In total, 24 adjacent rural communes were randomly selected, and 300 farm households were face‐to‐face interviewed based on a pretested questionnaire. The study findings reveal that the Charsadda District is more vulnerable to climate change, having the highest exposure level compared to the Mardan District and the district of Nowshera. Our findings also show that there are small differences in adaptive capacity, sensitivity, and adaptation measures, and sensitivity sources are relatively distinctive among these three districts, which directly and indirectly influence the perception of farmers. Based on the sensitivity analysis, the sensitivity of the Mardan District is the highest in terms of crop and livestock diseases, while the highest sensitivity in terms of water is assumed in the Charsadda District. In terms of adaptive capacity, the advantages and disadvantages varied greatly between the three targeted study districts; specifically, Nowshera had equitable adaptive capacity, Mardan leaned entirely on capital sources, and Charsadda depended solely on advantages in education level. Diverse efforts to address the risks of climate change should be proposed aptly by considering the climatic, socioeconomic, and geographical characteristics of each district.

Spatial Distribution, Seasonal Abundance and Physio-Chemical Assessment of Mosquito Larval Breeding Sites in Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are haemotophagus insects and are vectors of many arthropod-borne diseases. Present study aimed to explore species composition, seasonal abundance, spatial distribution and physio-chemical properties of larval breeding sites of mosquitoes in District Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Both adults and larvae of mosquitoes were collected through light traps, insecticide spray, mouth aspirator and larval standard dipping method in District Mardan from May to November 2017. Water samples from larval sites were physio-chemically analysed. 5078 (3704 adults and 1374 larvae) mosquito specimens were collected in Mardan, Katlang and Takhtbhai tehsils. Six species in four genera were reported. Culex pipiens (89.80%) and Armigeres subalbatus (9.20%) were the most abundant species. Diversity was high in Takhtbhai (0.29) followed by Katlang (0.28) and Mardan (0.25). Greater number of specimens were recorded in peridomestic sites (93.97%) as compared to domestic habitats (6.03%). Culex pipiens larval abundance had negative correlation with pH whereas it correlated positively with electric conductivity, salinity, and TDS (total dissolved sulphur). Mosquito abundance peaked in August and July while the lowest was in May. Their monthly abundance had positive correlation with rainfall (r= 0.5069), relative humidity (r= 0.4439) and mean minimum temperature (r= 0.2866). Number of mosquitoes was highest at low elevation < 347m asl (above sea level) in agriculture land and near to water bodies (streams). Culex pipiens being the most abundant species, was susceptible to high pH. Mosquitoes preferred habitats were at low elevation in agriculture land.

Physicochemical and adulteration study of fresh milk collected from different locations in Pakistan

The present research was carried out to assess raw milk's quality as collected from the commercial markets of the Mardan district (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). The locality from which milk samples were collected included; Bijligar (BG), Manga (M), Chamthara (CM), Main Bazar Mardan (MB), Mahidherai (MD), and Sharif Abad (SB), located in district Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). A total of 36 milk samples were collected at the rate of 6 samples per location. The outcome of the data exhibited that the percentage of protein content was highest (3.34%) in MB and SA (3.30%), while lower percentages were recorded in sample M (3.03%) and CM 93.06%). Maximum pH were shown in M and BG to be 7.55 and 7.33, respectively. For fats content, the highest percentage of fats was witnessed in MB as 4.04%, and minimum fats content was noted in Sample M as 3.57%. Water content was highest in Sample SA and BG at 15.85% and 15.64%, respectively. Qualitative analysis of adulterants like detergents, Formalin, starch, and Hydrogen peroxide was also carried out for all the collected samples. Adulteration results were positive for all the milk samples, with the highest being in samples MB (30%), while all the remaining samples had adulteration at 20% each. Both MB and CM samples were adulterated with urea, while the remaining 4 were adulterated with neutralizers. Thus, it may be summarized from the whole analysis that the milk available in commercial markets of district Mardan was adulterated with different adulterants and is not recommended for consumption.

Empirical Analysis of Obstructions to Women's Electoral Representation in Mardan District (Pakistan): A Case Study of the 2018 General Elections

Empirical Analysis of Obstructions to Women's Electoral Representation in Mardan District (Pakistan): A Case Study of the 2018 General Elections

Evaluation of Hepatitis C Virus and Hepatitis B Virus infection in Drug Abusers

Background: Pakistan is one of the world’s uppermost burdens of hepatitis C and B. Our research will assist to enhance and update preventative and treatment methods across the country. Methods: We screened 408 drug abusers for HBV and HCV in the medical and public health literature from study 1 June 2021 to 31 December 2021 on oral and injection drug users from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mardan District, Pakistan to evaluate the frequency of hepatitis B and C. Results: Out of 408 half of the individuals were screened for HCV-specific antibodies 204 and 204 for HBV surface antigen by a one-step rapid immune-chromatographic test. For all those who were screened for HCV antibodies, 171 individuals were negative and 30 individuals were positive and 14 % prevalence was observed in drug-addicted individuals. All those were screened for HBV surface antigen 161 individuals were negative and 43 % individuals were positive and 21 % prevalence was observed in drug addicted individuals. According to Age –wise distribution the high prevalence was found between 17-30 years Age 57 % and then followed by the 31-45 years age group having 28 % and the lowest HBV infection was observed in above 45 years Age group was only 15 %. Among HBV 43 positive individuals 70 % were drug abusers while the rest 30 % were oral drug users. In HCV 30 positive individuals 76 % were drug abusers while the rest 23 % were oral drug users. Among drug abusers, an injection drug user infectivity rate of 72 % was high as compared to oral drug abusers' 28 %. Conclusions: Our findings show that the prevalence of HCV and HBV is much higher among IDUs than in the overall population of Pakistan. Injecting drug users are at high risk of HBV and HCV infection transmission, and they can transfer diseases to the community through risky behavior such as syringe exchange and unsafe sex. As a result, various levels of prophylaxis are necessary for these fatal illnesses. Keywords: Drug abuser, Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus, Pakistan.