Combined Standardized Precipitation Index and ANFIS Approach for Predicting Rainfall in the Tropical Savanna Region

Climate change has affected many sectors in the world. Therefore, the Prediction of climatic factors is essential in case to achieve sustainability in human life. Rainfall prediction is also important as the agricultural sector depends on rainfall, and human life depends on agricultural products. This study presents the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) prediction using the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Various models (6 nos.) with different combinations of Rainfall and SPI values are prepared to predict the SPI index. Out of these six models, the M2 model (SPI3 SPI4 R4) performed best in the case of SPI 5. (RMSE value is 0.059, the R2 value is 0.987, and the value of the coefficient of determination is 0.993. In the case of SPI 6, the M1 model (SPI5 SPI4 SPI3 R5) performed best (RMSE value is 0.042, the R2 value is 0.992, and the value of the coefficient of determination is 0.996. The outcome may be helpful to the policymakers, scientists, researchers and government authorities in building a policy for sustainable water resources management in the region

ARE TODAY’S MOTHER AWARE ENOUGH ABOUT BREAST FEEDING?: A KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE STUDY ON URBAN MOTHERS

Background: Breastfeeding is a widespread practice in though out India. However it has been changing over the years, particularly in the past few decades. We need to keep exploring Knowledge and practices of mother regarding breast feeding for timely intervention and maintenance of his valuable age old practice. Objective: This study was aimed to explore mother’s knowledge, attitude and practice regarding breastfeeding. Methods: By using pre tested questioner, 200 mothers delivered in last one year were interviewed to obtain information regarding knowledge, Attitude and practice of breast feeding. The study was conducted in area served by an Urban Health Clinic. Result: Knowledge on proper breast feeding technique was found inadequate in study participants. Only 10% women were aware about intitiation of breast feeding within half hour of delivery. Benefits of colostrums, importance of exclusive breast feeding and benefits of night feeding were known to 25%, 15% and 15% mothers respectively. Less than half (41.4%) mother had started breast feeding within half hour of birth while 15% were practicing exclusive breast feeding. Attachment and positioning techniques of 60% mother were found improper. None of the mother interviewed in the study got counseling on breast feeding during ANC visits. Conclusion: Harmful socio-cultural practices like giving prelacteal feeds, delayed initiation of breastfeeding after birth, late introduction of weaning foods and avoidance of exclusive breastfeeding are still common among the mothers

Whole genome analysis of endophytic strain PM1 reveals promising plant Growth-Promoting mechanisms in pomegranate

The plant ecosystem harbours diverse symbiotic microorganisms with plant growth promoting and biocontrol activities. The gram- negative endophytic bacterium PM1 strain, isolated from the nodal region of pomegranate. The strain PM1 was studied through whole-genome sequencing, functional annotation, and plant growth-promoting trait (PGPT) gene analysis. Phylogenetic tree analysis and 16S rDNA sequencing confirmed its classification within the genus Brucella. The assembled genome size was 5,200,895 bp with a G + C content of 56.4 %. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis revealed a 97.62 % similarity between PM1 and B. anthropi ATCC 49188 T, a type strain derived from human clinical samples, indicating a close relationship with Brucella anthropi. The functional annotation revealed 2,945 PGPT-related genes, including 32 % linked to direct effects (phytohormone signal production, biofertilization, and bioremediation processes) and 67 % to indirect effects (plant colonization, biocontrol, and competitive exclusion). KEGG analysis revealed genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, hormone biosynthesis (gibberellin, cytokinin, and auxin), root colonization, and stress mitigation. Virulence factor database (VFDB) data revealed the absence of complete virulence gene assemblies, indicating limited pathogenic potential. Furthermore, secondary metabolite analysis predicted the potential production of ochrobactin compounds, which are potent siderophores that are important traits associated with PGPTs. The complete genome analysis of Brucella sp. PM1 provides new insights into plant-bacteria interactions, laying a foundation for advanced postgenomic studies and facilitating the development of bioeffective strategies such as biofertilizers or biocontrol agents for sustainable improvement in crop yields