Economic and Social Impact Assessment of Chronic Diseases Among the Low-Income Population in Southern Punjab,Pakistan

Introduction:Chronic diseases are becoming more prevalent worldwide.The effects of chronic illnesses are disastrous not only for the diagnosed person but also for their entire family.This study explores chronic diseases’social and economic impact on low-income families.The study aims to determine the economic and social implications of various chronic diseases and the loss of income due to these conditions among low-income individuals in Southern Punjab,Pakistan.Methodology:A sample of 424 patients was selected from different areas of Southern Punjab.Data were collected using a questionnaire that included questions about economic status,self-reported health status,social status,management strategies,and health insurance,among other factors.Results:The mean monthly income of the respondents was found to be 57,097.6 Pakistani rupee(PKR),and the mean monthly expenses for treatment were 8,256.1 PKR.The loss of income was calculated at 15%.Additionally,62%of patients spent more than 10%of their monthly income on managing their disease.Approximately 85%of the respondents reported that chronic diseases affected their social life.Furthermore,80%of patients lacked health insurance.Conclusion:Chronic diseases impose significant economic and social burdens on patients and their families in Southern Punjab.To reduce the burden of chronic diseases,the government should enhance healthcare services in this region and provide health insurance to low-income families.

Optimizing the transplanting window for higher productivity of short and medium duration rice cultivars in Punjab,India using CERES-Rice model

The CERES-Rice(V4.7.5)model was used to identify the optimum transplanting window for higher productivity of rice in Indian Punjab.The model was first sensitized for 11 genetic coefficients and then these values were used for calibrating and validating the model for rice cultivars.The Normalized Root Mean Square Error was in excellent range(<10%)for all the parameters—the coefficient of determination(R2)for CVS.PR126 and PR127 for days taken to anthesis and maturity were 0.94 and 0.89−0.96,respectively while grain yield and LAI(leaf area index)were 0.89−0.98 and 0.87−0.89,respectively.The optimum transplanting window of 24−30 June for PR126 and 20−26 June for PR127 simulated the grain yield/LAI ranging from 8,425−8,473 kg·ha^(−1)/4.23−4.24 for PR126 and 8,298−8,356 kg·ha^(−1)/4.20−4.21 for PR127.The early transplantation of rice cultivars on 7th June resulted in the lowest yield/LAI of 6,702 kg·ha^(−1)/3.8 for PR126 and 6,865 kg·ha^(−1)/3.9 for PR127.The deviation for the grain yield and HI(harvest index)of PR126 was between−14.2%to+8.2%and−15.1%to+10.5%,respectively,and of PR127 varied between−11.2%to+8.1%and−14.2%to+10.6%,respectively.The decline in the yield/HI from the average was observed during early transplantation in 2^(nd)week of June(before the 15^(th)of June for PR126 and the 13^(th)of June for PR127)as well as late transplantation in the 1st week of July(after 11^(th)July for PR126 and 6^(th)July for PR127)for rice cultivars.The negative effect on yield and HI of both varieties during early and late transplantation could be due to unfavorable climatic conditions.

Geology and Mineral Deposits of Saraikistan (South Punjab, Koh Sulaiman Range) of Pakistan: A Tabular Review of Recently Discovered Biotas from Pakistan and Paleobiogeographic Link: Phylogeny and Hypodigm of Poripuchian Titanosaurs from Indo-Pakistan

Saraikistan (South Punjab and surrounding) area of Pakistan is located in the central Pakistan. This area represents Triassic-Jurassic to Recent sedimentary marine and terrestrial strata. Most of the Mesozoic and Early Cenozoic are represented by marine strata with rare terrestrial deposits, while the Late Cenozoic is represented by continental fluvial deposits. This area hosts significant mineral deposits and their development can play a significant role in the development of Saraikistan region and ultimately for Pakistan. The data of recently discovered biotas from Cambrian to Miocene age are tabulated for quick view. Mesozoic biotas show a prominent paleobiogeographic link with Gondwana and Cenozoic show Eurasian. Phylogeny and hypodigm of Poripuchian titanosaurs from India and Pakistan are hinted at here.

Factors influencing hybrid maize farmers' risk attitudes and their perceptions in Punjab Province,Pakistan

Hybrid maize farmers have to face diverse kinds of climate, biological, price and financial risks. Farmers＇ risk perceptions and risk attitudes are essential elements influencing farm operations and management decisions. However, this important issue has been overlooked in the contemporary studies and therefore there is a dearth of literature on this important issue. The present research is therefore, an attempt to fill this gap. This study aims to quantify hybrid maize farmers＇ perceptions of disastrous risks, their attitudes towards risk and to explore the impacts of various farm and farm household factors on farmers＇ risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The present study is conducted in four hybrid maize growing districts of Punjab Province, Pakistan, using cross-sectional data of 400 hybrid maize farmers. Risk matrix and equally likely certainty equivalent （ELCE） method are used to rank farmers＇ perceptions of four catastrophic risk sources including climate, biological, price and financial risks and to investigate farmers＇ risk aversion attitudes, respectively. Furthermore, probit regression is used to analyze the determinants affecting farmers＇ risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The results of the study showed that majority of farmers are risk averse in nature and perceive price, biological and climate to be potential sources of risks to their farm enterprise. In addition, analysis divulges that distance from farm to main market, off-farm income, location dummies for Sahiwal and Okara, age, maize farming experience, access to extension agent, significantly （either negatively or positively） influence farmers＇ risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The study delivers valuable insights for farmers, agricultural insurance sector, extension services researchers and agricultural policy makers about the local understanding of risks to hybrid maize crop in developing countries, like Pakistan, and have implications for research on farmers＇ adaptation to exposed risks.

Agricultural Production Structure Adjustment Scheme Evaluation and Selection Based on DEA Model for Punjab(Pakistan)

DEA is a nonparametric method used in operation researches and economics fields for the evaluation of the production frontier. It has distinct intrinsic which is worth coping with assessment problems with multiple inputs in particular with multiple outputs. This paper used D~ C2 R model of DEA to assess the comparative efficiency of the multiple schemes of agricultural industrial structure, at the end we chose the most favorable also known as ＂OPTIMAL＂ scheme. In addition to this, using some functional insights from DEA model non optimal schemes or less optimal schemes had also been improved to some extent. Assessment and selection of optimal schemes of agricultural industrial structure using DEA model gave a greater and better insight of agricultural industrial structure and was the first of such researches in Pakistan.

Optimal Scheme Selection of Agricultural Production Structure Adjustment——Based on DEA Model; Punjab(Pakistan)

This paper used the modern evaluation method of DEA （Data Envelopment Analysis） to assess the comparative efficiency and then on the basis of this among multiple schemes chose the optimal scheme of agricultural production structure adjustment. Based on the results of DEA model, we dissected scale advantages of each discretionary scheme or plan. We examined scale advantages of each discretionary scheme, tested profoundly a definitive purpose behind not-DEA efficient, which elucidated the system and methodology to enhance these discretionary plans. At the end, another method had been proposed to rank and select the optimal scheme. The research was important to guide the practice if the modification of agricultural production industrial structure was carded on.

Lithostratigraphy, Structure, Geological History, Economic Geology and Paleontology of Mari Bugti Hills and Surrounding Areas of Balochistan, South Punjab and North Sindh (Pakistan)

Mari Bugti hills and surroundings belong to Sulaiman basin (fragment of Gondwana) lies under the territory of Balochistan, South Punjab and North Sindh (Pakistan) but luckily have diverse marine and terrestrial sediments varying in age from Triassic to Recent, petroleum and a large number of mineral resources especially huge gypsum and cement resources, numerous suitable anticlinal structures and world-famous paleontology. The large-sized poripuchian titanosaurs, theropods, mesoeucrocodiles, pterosaur, bird and snake were reported from the latest Cretaceous Vitakri Formation, and largest terrestrial mammals and eucrocodiles were reported from the Oligocene Chitarwata Formation and other mammals were also reported from Late Paleogene and Neogene terrestrial deposits. Previously part of this area was not mapped due to remoteness and security problems but recently the mapping of these areas was started. Further, the structural and geological maps of previously omitted parts are added here. After performing the multidisciplinary field investigations by senior author, the corresponding results were obtained. The main objective of this work is to focus on the lithostratigraphic deposits, structure, geological history, economic geology and paleontology of the Mari Bugti Hills and surrounding areas.

Epidemiology of ixodid ticks in cattle population of various agroclimatic zones of Punjab,India

Objective:To determine the epidemiology of ixodid ticks in bovines of different agroclimatic zones of Punjab state,India.Methods:A total of 4 459 cattle of all age groups and sex were examined from eighteen districts of five major agro-climatic zones of Punjab state,India.Results:The overall prevalence of ixodid ticks,Rhipicephalus microplus(R.microplus),Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum(H.a.anatolicum)and mixed infestation were 58.06%,50.16%,11.34%and 3.45%,respectively.Among the various agro-climatic zones highest prevalence rate of R.microplus and H.a.anatolicum were recorded in submountain undulating region(79.36%)and western region(20.40%),respectively indicating that R.microplus prefers a hot and humid environment whereas,arid and semi arid conditions suit better for H.a.anatolicum.The overall prevalence of ixodid ticks was highest in monsoon season(83.74%),followed by summer(69.01%)and least in winters(31.64%)and a significant variation(P<0.01)was also observed;whereas,maximum prevalence of R.microplus and H.a.anatolicum were recorded in monsoon(72.42%)and summers(18.06%),respectively,Among the various age groups maximum tick infestation was recorded in calves<6 months of age(72.59%),followed by 6 months-1 year age group(61.74%)and least in>1 year age group(55.02%)and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01),Also a significantly higher(P<0.01)infestation rates of ixodid ticks was observed in males.Conclusions:The findings of the current study would provide a basis for evolving effective control strategy for the management of ticks in bovines of the region.

Compliance of Milk Quality and Safety Measures Among Milk Producers and Milk Collection Centers in South Region of Punjab Province,Pakistan

The present study was conducted in four districts of Punjab Province to examine the attitude of milk producers and milk collection agents toward compliance of milk quality and safety parameters. In current scenario, the attitude of consumers for safe food in accordance to quality standards is ever increasing. The dairy industry in Pakistan is confronting many challenges to adapt these food safety and quality measures. This study was purposely conducted in the south region of Punjab Province, as this region has rich population of livestock and milk production. To collect essential data, field study was carded out in selected four districts of Punjab Province. Field survey for dairy farmers and milk collection centers was performed in two phases. The analysis of primary data was carried out by calculating the Likert scale mean value, analysis of variance （one-way） and other descriptive statistics tools. The results showed that 76.4% milk producers had no awareness about Punjab food quality laws; as Likert-scale mean value was 1.93. The compliance level for the management practices such as Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Point （HCCAP）, Good Animal Practices （GAP） and Good Veterinary Practices （GVP） etc. was also very poor. Approximately, 32.57% milk collectors （very frequently） applied milk quality testing parameters whereas 50.72% milk collectors merely used sensory quality inspection methods at the time of milk purchase from dairy farmers. For a sustainable supply of good quality raw milk to the dairy industry in Pakistan, it was recommended that the departments for hygiene and food inspection should be vigilant. The prescribed food safety laws relating to milk production and marketing activities should be enforced properly to improve the situation.

New Discovery of Hipparion theobaldi Skull from the Late Miocene of Padhri,District Jhelum,Punjab,Pakistan and Associated Mammalian Fossil Assemblage

A fossil-bearing locality near Padhri village,Dhok Pathan,55 km away from the tehsil Dina,Jhelum District,in the Potwar Plateau,Middle Siwaliks,Punjab,northern Pakistan,is significantly rich in mammalian fossils.This site has provided an abundant mammalian fossil fauna of Late Miocene age from the Dhok Pathan Formation(Fm.).The recovered material belongs to four families:Equidae(horses),Rhinocerotidae(rhinos),Bovidae(cows),and Suidae(pigs).We discovered a new skull of hipparionine Hipparion theobaldi from this locality along with 22 specimens from the associated assemblage of fossil mammals.The recovered material includes seven other species:the aceratheriine Chilotherium intermedium,boselaphines Tragoportax punjabicus,Selenoportax vexillarius,Pachyportax latidens,the antelope Gazella lydekkeri and suinine Propotamochoerus hysudricus.The specimens are isolated teeth,fragments of maxilla,mandibles and horn cores.The Dhok Pathan Fm.is generally composed of claystone,siltstone and sandstone beds and,based on the mammalian fauna,the Padhri fossil locality is dated as Late Miocene.Thi99 s formation was deposited in a subtropical paleoenvironment and the predominance of fossil bovids indicates extremely moist conditions with small but frequent standing water bodies.

Ougenioxylon chinjiensis sp. nov., a New Fossil Species of the Family Leguminosae from Chinji Formation Salt Range, Punjab Pakistan

This work is comprised of anatomical study of fossil wood collected from Chnji formation (72°22'E, 32°41'N) of Miocene age exposed at Chinji National Reservoir. The material consists of a single piece of petrified wood dark brown in colour. The three dimensional sections were prepared by ground thin section technique. Microscopic examination of the characters was compared with modern and fossil wood and found comparable with the family Leguminosae. The closest resemblance of our fossil wood is with the wood of Ougenia. This fossil wood shows close resemblance in respect of vessels, fibers, parenchyma and xylem rays character. Therefore it is considered as new species and it is named Ougenioxylon chienjiensis sp. nov. The specific epithet refers to Chinji formation to which fossil wood belongs.

Familial aggregation and heritability for cardiovascular risk factors: a family based study in Punjab, India

Background: It is well established that the people with elevated SBP, DBP, BMI and WHR are more prone to cardiovascular disease. However, very few studies have focused on the amount of familial aggregation and heritability of these cardiovascular risk factors in Indian population. Therefore, purpose of this study was to investigate the familial aggregation of blood pressures with respect to certain anthropometric traits and to determine the relative roles of heredity in the etiology of SBP and DBP in a sample of families with three generations. Methods: The study has been conducted through house to house family study among three generations such as offspring, parent and grandparent in a scheduled caste community (Ramdasia) in Punjab. A total of 1400 individuals, constituting 380 families were surveyed for blood pressure, pulse rate, pulse pressure and anthropometric measurements to study familial aggregation and heritability for cardiovascular risk factors. The analysis represents a multivariate model which includes the each individual family data for estimation of familial correlation and heritability. Results: All risk factors showed positive familial correlation but magnitudes are different in va rious pairs of combination. Correlations generally are higher among genetically close relatives such as brothersisters or parentoffspring and are lower among spouses. The estimated heri tabilities were 22% for systolic and 27% for diastolic blood pressure, 19% for BMI and 17% for WHR. Conclusions: These results indicate a strong familial aggregation of cardiovascular risk factors such as SBP and DBP in this population and also showed that this familial influence can be detected from anthropometric mea surements and genetic closeness. Almost all anthropometric variables were found to be significant with blood pressures among three ge nerations.

Analysis of Aquifer Characteristics and Groundwater Quality in Southwest Punjab, India

A study was conducted in eight districts, viz., Faridkot, Moga, Ferozepur, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa, Barnala and Sangrur in south-western part of the Punjab, India to characterize aquifer strata by preparing a fence diagram depicting sub-surface strata and distribution of groundwater quality. The sub-surface lithology drilled upto a depth of 60 m reveal the presence of top most layer of impervious strata comprising of clay upto the depth of 2 m to 5 m which impedes the percolation of surface runoff into the soil leading to surface flooding and water logging even in areas having saturated zone beyond the depth of 5 m. Thick pervious strata of 45 m to 50 m thickness is encountered in central and south-sentral part of the study area comprising of Bathinda, Muktsar and Mansa districts which at certain places are separated by one or two thin layers of impervious or semi-pervious strata comprising of clay and sand occasionally associated with ＂kankar＂ of thickness ranging between 2 m to 5 m. The northern, western and eastern parts, however, exhibit three to four layered pervious zones ranging in thickness from 5 m to 25 m separated by thin layers of impervious and semi pervious strata. The groundwater quality in about 6% of the study area in eight districts is fit, 18% is marginal and 76% is unfit for irrigation purpose.

Comparative Water Efficiency Analysis of Sole and Multiple Cropping Systems under Tunnel Farming in Punjab-Pakistan

Water scarcity is the growing concern of present times, requiring its efficient utilization deemed as necessity. Rapidly growing population has significantly exerted pressure on its demand, in Pakistan. In order to fulfill it, all factors of production are required to be used in the possibly most efficient way. Good quality and quantity of water are the growing concerns of producers in Pakistan and around the globe. The efficient water utilization is crucial to optimize the farm returns under the selected sole and multiple cropping systems. This study considered the water efficiency analysis of multiple and sole cropping systems, with the aim of finding out cropping patterns more efficient in terms of water utilization in Pakistan. In order to estimate the water efficiency analysis, the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is run to find out the water efficient cropping systems among sole and multiple cropping systems. The Tobit analysis is also used to find out the factors affecting the water efficiency of selected farms in the study area. The results of the study report an inefficient water usage in terms of irrigation, the inefficient use of water instigates the wastage of one of the most important as well as scarce farm inputs especially water, in case of multiple cropping system. Around 51% and 13% of water inefficiency are present under multiple and sole cropping systems, respectively. Basin irrigation is the method for irrigation, used by the farmers of the study area approximating to be 95% - 97%. It is one of the most conventional and least efficient methods of irrigation. Only 2.67 and 4.67 percent of farms were using the Furrow irrigation method, which is way more efficient and steady as compared to Basin irrigation method, respectively. It appears as a requirement that the most efficient methods regarding water application in Pakistan should be recognized. Lack of management in water application on both selected cropping systems resulted in over utilization of water and depletion of one of the fundamental natural resource. In order to overcome the inefficiency in water management, farmers’ farming knowledge, adoption of new irrigation techniques, efficient application of inputs is needed.

Assessing the potential of underground storage of flood water:A case study from Southern Punjab Region in Pakistan

An intensively irrigated area in southern part of Punjab Province,Pakistan,has been selected by the Punjab Irrigation Department(PID)to implement a Managed Aquifer Recharge(MAR)project.This project involves diverting floodwater from the Islam Headwork on Sutlej River into the abandoned Mailsi Canal.Utilizing various structures such as depressions,abandoned canals,flood channels,open fields,and deserts for MAR can reduce the flood intensity while recharging aquifer and wetlands.The study area,known for its fertile lands and serving as a food basket for the Punjab Province,is experiencing groundwa-ter depletion at the rate of 0.30 m to 0.70 m per year,significantly increasing pumping costs.This study aims to evaluate the suitability of the sites for the MAR project and assess the storage capacity of the aquifer for floodwater retention.Historical groundwater level data from 25 observation wells across an area of 1,522 km^(2)were analysed,with the study area divided in to 25 polygons using ArcMap10.6 software.Specific yield method was employed to assess the available storage capacity of the aquifer.Results indicate that the site is suitable for MAR and has the potential to store approximately 1.88 km3 of floodwater as of 2020,thereby reducing flood intensity and enhancing eco-hydrogeological conditions.MAR is identified as a Nature-Based Solution(NBS)for both flood mitigation and groundwater sustainability.

Status and Social Capital:A Cross-Sectional Quantitative Investigation of Flood Survivors in South Punjab,Pakistan

A growing body of evidence underscores that social capital mitigates the impact of natural hazards such as floods.But we know less about the distribution of social ties in developing countries regularly hit by shocks.Our study examined the differences between demographic groups in South Punjab,Pakistan affected by the 2010 floods,comparing respondents'levels of social capital measured through proxies such as received social support,perceived community cohesion,accessibility to leadership,and general level of trust.We carried out univariate and multivariate analyses of factors including gender,education,occupation,landholding,family size,annual income,number of livestock,and home stability.Using data collected in face-to-face interviews with 450 flood survivors,our analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the flood victims'scores on all four scales based on gender and family size.However,education,occupation,landholding,annual income,and home stability statistically correlated with levels of social capital.Respondents with high levels of education,high levels of land,higher home stability,and a government job typically had higher scores in all four measurements of social ties.Our results show strong inequality in the distribution of social capital,with better connections and assistance coming to those who already have better socioeconomic positions in society.

“一带一路”倡议背景下巴基斯坦植物园发展定位——以旁遮普大学植物园为例

区域植物的收集和保护,是高质量共建“一带一路”的重要绿色内涵,巴基斯坦作为丝绸之路的枢纽之一,两国植物园的物种交换和信息交流可以丰富彼此植物迁地保育的资源库。尽管巴基斯坦植物园在植物多样性保护研究方面取得了重要进展,然而其研究能力、科普水平和基础设施等与国际先进水平仍有巨大差距。通过文献综述、案例研究、实地调研等方法,回顾巴基斯坦植物园的历史与发展,并以巴基斯坦旁遮普大学植物园为例,分析该植物园功能分区、植物资源及园林特点,以期为中国同行了解巴基斯坦植物园的发展现状,助力中巴绿色桥梁的可持续发展。

巴基斯坦旁遮普省农村地区学校管理委员会的现状、问题与启示

巴基斯坦旁遮普省是发展中国家里文盲率最高的地区,教育的严重滞后已经影响到了这一地区经济的发展和人民生活水平的提高。从1994年开始,巴基斯坦政府在全国范围内推广学校管理委员会,以期解决农村基础教育问题。这项制度在旁遮普省的实施过程中,取得了一些成果,但仍存在很多的问题,这些对我国少数民族农村地区的教育有一定的启示。

旁遮普天津技术大学机械工程专业应用型人才培养体系研究

针对巴基斯坦教育现状,结合本地经济与人才需求的相互关系,介绍了旁遮普天津技术大学的培养理念与目标,并以机械工程专业为例,从课程体系制定、教学组织实施、评价反馈机制等环节入手,阐述在OBE教育理念的指导下,如何有效构建完整的应用型人才培养体系,旨在为国内外同类院校和专业的建立提供参考。

英印殖民时期旁遮普灌渠殖民地建设探析

吞并旁遮普后,鉴于旁遮普自然社会状况,为维护殖民统治利益,英印当局决定大规模开发西旁遮普荒地。从19世纪后半期到1947年印巴分治前,英印当局在西旁遮普兴修起庞大的现代灌溉系统,并在新开发的大面积灌溉耕地上建立起9个灌渠殖民地。灌渠殖民地的建设给英国殖民统治带来丰厚的利益,也使旁遮普社会经济面貌发生巨大的改变。