Bridging the gap: a strategic review of natural product databases and the proposal for the libyan natural products database

Natural products are a vital source of therapeutic agents due to their diverse chemical structures and wide range of biological activities. With the advancement of computational technologies, natural product databases have become essential tools in drug discovery, offering organized access to chemical structures, biological properties, and biosynthetic information. These databases support various stages of drug development, from target identification to lead optimization. This review outlines the essential features of Natural Products Databases and introduces the framework for the first Libyan Natural Products Database, a project designed to harness Libya’s unique biodiversity. This foundational work involves a detailed review of existing natural product databases to identify their core components, data architectures, and user interface designs. While acknowledging challenges such as data standardization, limited resources, and long-term sustainability, the creation of the Libyan Natural Products Database is expected to enhance local scientific capacity and contribute meaningfully to the global drug discovery landscape. This positions the Libyan Natural Products Database to play a foundational role in advancing pharmaceutical research and drug discovery.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Surface modification of anhydrous borax with stearic acid by wet coating method

The wet coating of anhydrous borax powders with stearic acid (SA) to reverse their inherent hydrophilic surface properties was investigated. The coating procedure was based on the results from a previous study that revealed that the stearic acid solution (2 wt. % SA) mixed for 60 minute at 750 rpm on the magnetic stirrer was sufficient for the surface modification of anhydrous borax. For the experiments, stearic acid powders were first dissolved in water at 80 °C. The mixture obtained by adding anhydrous borax powders to this solution was vigorously mixed on a magnetic stirrer to initiation and completion the surface modification. Each of these solutions was then filtered using a filter paper to separate the undissolved particles, and the residue on paper was dried at 50 °C for 48 h until constant weighing was obtained. Wettability has been accepted as a key parameter for success in wet coating treatment. This parameter gained via the experimental characterization technique was used for an evaluation of the powder properties. The degree of wettability of anhydrous borax powders was measured and compared both after their surfaces were coated with stearic acid and after they were treated with water for a certain period of time in an aqueous environment. The stearic acid coating made the powder hydrophobic and this property was highly preserved after washing.

Journal of Characterization Journal of characterization

Evaluating the effects of insulin, metformin and glibenclamide on the pups’ prefrontal cortex and oxidative stress markers of streptozotocin-induced diabetic pregnant rats

There is an upsurge in gestational diabetes mellitus with many devastating consequences for the mother and developing fetus. Insulin therapy remains a mainstay. However, insulin is expensive and comes with the pain of multiple injections. Therefore, there is a need to explore commonly administered oral hypoglycemic agents to cater for the increasing gestational diabetes mellitus-associated neurological complications. This study assesses the effects of glibenclamide, metformin and insulin on the pups’ prefrontal cortex in diabetic pregnant rats. 35 sexually matured adult female rats weighing between 120 g and 160 g were used and assigned into five groups (A to E) of seven rats each group. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg and 35 mg/kg; ip). Hyperglycemic rats were treated with insulin (1.0 UI daily), metformin (200 mg/kg/day) and glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg/day). Body weight and blood glucose levels were evaluated. Rats were sacrificed at 18-day gestation, the pups were harvested, and their brains were processed for tissue oxidative stress markers and various histological examinations. Glibenclamide and metformin caused a significant blood glucose reduction at 37.9% and 40.7%, respectively, compared to the insulin group (33.09%). There was no significant difference in the body-organ ratio in rats treated with metformin when compared to rats treated with insulin. Metformin and glibenclamide had a significant increase in tissue glutathione reductase and a decrease in malondialdehyde compared with insulin and diabetic control groups. The pups’ prefrontal cortex showed degenerated neuronal cells in the diabetic control animals. The diabetic rats treated with metformin and glibenclamide showed improved pyramidal neurons compared with diabetic and insulin groups. This study suggests that metformin and glibenclamide glycemic control may prevent and improve antioxidant enzymes and reverse some neurotoxic effects caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Homogenous generation of dopaminergic neurons from multiple hipsc lines by transient expression of transcription factors

A major hallmark of Parkinson's disease is loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). The pathophysiological mechanisms causing this relatively selective neurodegeneration are poorly understood, and thus experimental systems allowing to study dopaminergic neuron dysfunction are needed. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) differentiated toward a dopaminergic neuronal phenotype offer a valuable source to generate human dopaminergic neurons. However, currently available protocols result in a highly variable yield of dopaminergic neurons depending on the source of hiPSCs. We have now developed a protocol based on HBA promoter-driven transient expression of transcription factors by means of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, that allowed to generate very consistent numbers of dopaminergic neurons from four different human iPSC lines. We also demonstrate that AAV vectors expressing reporter genes from a neuron-specific hSyn1 promoter can serve as surrogate markers for maturation of hiPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons. Dopaminergic neurons differentiated by transcription factor expression showed aggravated neurodegeneration through α-synuclein overexpression, but were not sensitive to γ-synuclein overexpression, suggesting that these neurons are well suited to study neurodegeneration in the context of Parkinson’s disease.

Sameehan mahajani

Exploration of drug-drug interaction in prescriptions of libyan practitioners in community pharmacies

The drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are actions or events that occur when two or more drugs administered together, may cause a clinical significance or not. There are certain factors that may affect the severity of DDIs such as age, gender, number of drugs prescribed, and physician specialists. This study aims to answer: Is there DDI in Libyan community pharmacies? In addition, to explore the factors that might be affecting DDI. Drug Interactions Checkers are used. 200 prescriptions were collected randomly from two different areas ( high and low income),100 from each one and were used to investigate the DDIs by using two different sources (Drugs.com and BNF platforms), bearing in mind, age, gender, prescribers’ specialty, and drug number (prescription size). A personal interview questionnaire with pharmacists for investigate a source of DDI knowledge was considered. The correlation test was used to analysis the findings. The randomly selected sample has 316 drug combinations. The study has revealed a minimum of three drugs (46.0%). In general, Drugs.com was the richer source of DDI than BNF (66.5% and 34.5%, respectively). It is found that 66.5% (67.0% of this is moderate DDI) of these combinations have DDI by Drugs.com. A significant correlation between DDI and gender (male > female, p = 0.035) was found. In a state of residential areas, the results are similar in both selected pharmacies. Most moderate DDIs (21.0% and 15.0%) are prescribed by orthopedics and psychiatrists, respectively. The observational interview questionnaire indicated that 100% of the participating pharmacists had no source of knowledge regarding DDI, 100% of 200 prescriptions had no chick it regarding DDI and 100% of found DDI is released to use by community pharmacies to patients. More than half of the prescribed drug combinations have DDIs (classified as moderate DDIs), and all of them are released for use by pharmacists.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Bleomycin pulmonary toxicity in patients with germ cell tumors treated with bleomycin containing regimens: experience with 4 cases

Background: Information on Bleomycin pulmonary toxicity (BPT) in Qatar is scarce. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of BPT and to describe its clinical significance and outcome in germ cell tumor (GCT) patients who received bleomycin-containing regimens.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research. It included all patients diagnosed with GCT and treated with a bleomycin-containing regimen between January 2002 and December 2008 Results: We identified fourteen patients with GCT who received bleomycin containing regimen. Four of them (28.5%) had developed BPT, and they were males with mean age of 39.3±8.3 years (range: 25-46 years). The calculated creatinine clearance before treatment was normal in the 4 cases. Evaluation of the chest computed tomography scan before starting bleomycin containing regimens revealed that none of our patients had pre-existing parenchymal lung disease. The mean cumulative bleomycin dose was 187.5± 153.7 U, while the mean time to onset of BPT was 3.5±2.1 months. Once the diagnosis of BPT was established, bleomycin was discontinued in the four patients and short courses of dexamethasone were administered. Two patients (50%) died, while one patient survived with a fibrosis sequel, and the fourth patient recovered without a fibrosis sequel. Conclusion: BPT is one of the life-threatening side effects of this drug that every doctor should be aware of when treating GCT, therefore, a high index of suspicious is needed for early recognition of BPTs.

Karishma Karishma

Financial accounting - accounting is a fundamental aspect of business operations

Accounting is a fundamental aspect of business operations because it records transactions through which businesses achieve and retain profitability. Recoding transactions is an important aspect of business because the primary goal of businesses is to maximise profitability (Tirole, 2010). Accounting lays the groundwork to manage the income, expenses, assets and cash flow of the firm, all of which are pivotal to the financial health of the business regardless of its size. This report discusses different accounting principles in practice. The first task utilises the double-entry method to record the transactions of the business in ledgers using the double-entry method. This task also includes the formulation of a trial balance using the balance off rule and illustrates to which final account each trial balance entry is attributable. The second task involves the creation of final accounts for different businesses. The legal implications of varying business structures differ, so their financial statements are different. This task also includes a discussion of the properties, purposes, and structures of different financial statements. The third task addresses bank reconciliation. Bank reconciliation resolves any discordance between the records of the business and its bank statement. The gist of the fourth task is the use of control accounts. Control accounts summarise ledger balances to ensure a match between those accounts and the accounts in the ledger of each account.

Zamzam Abdelazim Zamzam abdelazim

Scientific benefits of yoga: a review

In the world of yoga there are ―Eight limbs path‖ which helps in different aspects like coordination of body and mind and helps to create positivity of mind and help the body healthy and fit by which the functioning of the body improves. In today‘s modern life various type of disease and deformity takes place most of the things takes place due to unbalanced food, & other. The mind is always wondering and being rebellious, never focusing on the moment. It is the mind job to think, it is relentlessly interpreting everything. That is seen, perceived and experienced and this pattern of habit goes through change to behavior and attitude. Many people who practice yoga do so to maintain their health and well-being, improve physical fitness, relieve stress, and enhance quality of life. In addition, they may be addressing specific health conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, arthritis, and anxiety. Basically yoga has been more effective than control and waitlist control conditions, although not always more effective than treatment comparison groups such as other forms of exercise. More randomized controlled studies are needed in which yoga is compared to active exercise groups. Having established the physical and mental health benefits of yoga makes it ethically questionable to assign participants to inactive control groups. Shorter sessions should be investigated for cost-effectiveness and for daily practice.

Yatendra Sharma Yatendra sharma

Intersection of caste and gender based subjugation

One of the unique features of Indian society is prevalence of caste system which was originated thousands of years back to demarcate the people engaged in different occupation or jobs. Initially it was not much rigid but gradually people belonging to upper castes for their own selfish means to maintain their monopoly made this arrangement hereditary and started treating people of lower castes disgracefully. For preservation of this system, people started controlling their women to prevent inter-caste marriages and the concept of endogamy came up. This robbed away many types of freedom from women. For women belonging to lower castes, this situation is worse as they are doubly subjugated on the basis on caste as well as gender. Men belonging to their own caste treat them as secondary beings. This paper throws light on this intersection. How intersection of these two kinds of inequalities place them at the lowest position in Indian society. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar rises as their leader who all his life worked for empowerment of downtrodden section of society. He argues that education is the primary tool for evading these differences among people. He further emphasizes to adopt the concept of exogamy to break the backbone of Indian caste system and to immediately leave a religion or culture which legitimizes such system of inequality among people of the same land.

Swati sharma

Novel grading system for horizontal fissure of right lung based on cadaveric study of north indian population

Introduction: The right lung has two fissures, an oblique and a horizontal, dividing it into three lobes namely the upper, middle, and lower. The nature of the fissure is of great importance in planning operative strategy for thoracoscopic pulmonary resection where an the incomplete fissure may contribute to post-operative air leakage Aim: To assess the gross morphological features of the right lung with special emphasis on the completeness of horizontal fissure. Material & Method: Material for the present study comprised of right lungs obtained from 50 well-embalmed adult human cadavers of both the sexes dissected as a part of 1 MBBS curriculum in the Department of Anatomy, Govt. Medical College, Amritsar. Results: Horizontal fissure was found to be complete in only 10% of the lungs while in rest 90% it was either incomplete or absent. Conclusion: Inferable from the huge variation in nonappearance or partial appearance of horizontal fissure in the right lung and to the absence of an acceptable classification of fissures, an endeavor has been made to give one such classification. In like manner, the horizontal fissure is evaluated from Grade zero to IV contingent on its absence and profundity from coastal surface to the hilum. Each evaluation is additionally divided into 3 subgrades relying on the culmination or incompleteness of these fissures with respect to their length.

Dr kulbir kaur

3. a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and effect of jaggery tea to combat the premenstrual symptoms on students of al –ameen medical college, vijayapur.

The prevalence of PMS (prevalence of pre most common disorder among the women’s. It has high impact on women’s health, emotions and behaviours during certain days of menstrual cycle. Aim: To determine the symptoms of PMS. Material and methods: PMS.The sampling frame is comprised individual aged 18 was used. Then respondents were given information regarding benefits of jaggery tea consumption to over PMS. Preparation of jaggery tea: add the one cup of water for boiling, and then add the requirement amount jaggery. Add filter to discard the solids. Study subjects were asked to consume jaggery tea five days prior and after the date of menstrual cycle continuously for 3 months. Study subjects were ask premenstrual syndrome screening toll before and after jaggery tea consumption. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and effect of jaggery tea was evaluated using paired t Result: from PMS, 120(61.5%) of them had mild PMS, 55(28.2%) had moderate PMS and only few 20(10.3%) of then had sever PMS. Conclusion: role in curing PMS

Shwetha hitnal Shwetha hitnal

In vitro microscopic study of mono sodium urate monohydrate crystals growth pattern

The study aims to explore the possible morphological features of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals. The study was carried out on a glass slide under a microscope to observe the growth patterns. As a result, three types of spherical ring-banded, dumbbell, and composite spherulites were observed. This study gives detailed information about the morphology and aggregation patterns of mono sodium urate monohydrate crystals.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Correlation between physical activity and stress levels in allied health science students during examination periods

Background: Allied health science students often experience elevated academic stress due to the demanding nature of their curricula, which blend theoretical instruction with clinical practice. Examination periods, in particular, exacerbate psychological pressure, potentially compromising academic performance and overall well-being. Physical activity (PA) has been widely recognized for its protective role against stress, yet limited research has been conducted specifically among allied health science students. This study examined the correlation between physical activity and perceived stress levels among undergraduate allied health students during examination periods at Desh Bhagat University. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was conducted over eight weeks, from October to November 2024. 250 undergraduate students were proportionately and randomly selected from the Nursing, Physiotherapy, Radiography, and Medical Laboratory Science departments. Data collection instruments included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and one-way ANOVA were performed using SPSS version 25 to analyze the data. Results: Out of 250 questionnaires distributed, 237 were deemed valid for analysis. Among the respondents, 40.9% reported low physical activity, 38.4% moderate, and 20.7% high. In terms of stress levels, 65.4% experienced moderate stress, and 19.4% reported high stress. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between physical activity and perceived stress (r = -0.42, p < 0.001). Furthermore, one-way ANOVA revealed that students with higher physical activity levels had significantly lower stress scores (F = 18.93, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Physical activity is an effective non-pharmacological strategy for mitigating academic stress among allied health science students. The results highlight the importance of promoting regular physical activity, particularly during high-stress academic periods, as a means of enhancing mental well-being and academic success.

Karishma Karishma

Analytical study of foreign direct investment in indian automobile sector

This research paper focused on the role of FDI in Indian automobile sector& dramatic changes in automobile sector after 1991’s open economy policy of Govt. This paper also attempt to splash light on some important aspects such as the journey of Indian Automobile sector from scratch to spectacular progress with combination of foreign technology & Indian talents, growth in direct & indirect employment, economic development of some important aspect in country like GDP as well technology transfer, improvement in R&D through the automobile clusters in country, focusing on potential of Indian automobile sector which is attracting Foreign investment.As well the policy support (Automobile mission plans 2006-16, 2016-2026, NATRiPS, Make in India Mission) by the Central & State Government for establishment of production facilities attracted automakers worldwide. As FDI is key driver not only in terms of inflow of FOREX but changes in the attitude of Government, Customers, &Automakers itself.

ANSHUMAN VIJAY MAGAR Anshuman vijay magar

Project risk and procurement management

It is virtually impossible to mention the phrase ‘project management’ without introducing the concept of risk management. As Hillson (2016, p.11) states, “risks [are] particularly relevant to projects” suggesting that effective management of risk is an integral ingredient for project success. The close link that exists between projects and risks may be deduced by the definition of the word ‘project’. In simple terms, projects refer to unique endeavours undertaken with the aim of achieving desired outcomes. These endeavours typically specific start and completion dates, and involve resource, time and cost constraints. These characteristics imply that projects are intended to deliver identifiable benefits to the organisation; these benefits, however, are not enjoyed immediately even if the project is completed. On the contrary, projects commonly create capabilities that call for operation or utilisation for the actual gains to be generated (Hillson, 2016 p.11). The interpretation of this is that projects have a risk element in that they contain a potential reward and possibility of loss. For this reason, project managers must be well-versed with risk management.

Mohamed Sorogy Mohamed sorogy

Risk factors for measles outbreak in al-dali governorate, yemen

Background: In addition to the recent civil war in Yemen, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a collapse of the health system, a decline in vaccination coverage, and the spread of numerous outbreaks. In 2022, a measles outbreak impacted Al Dali governorate. This study aimed to describe the demographics of measles patients, measles risk factors, and disease outcomes in Al Dali Governorate, Yemen. Methods: All measles-infected children who sought medical attention at Al Tadhamon Hospital in Al Dali, Yemen, between February and December 2022 were included in this prospective and observational study. Results: During the study period, 154 parents gave their consent to enroll their children in this study; 88 (57.1%) were males, and 66 (42.9%) were females. The mean age of the children was 3.56±2.90 (0.3–12 years). More than half of the mothers (n=88, [57.1%]) were illiterate or had a basic educational level, while most of the fathers (n=126, [81.8%]) were well-educated. Nutritional status was normal in most children (n=146, [94.8%]), and all children were unvaccinated. Most children (n=152, [98.7]) came from areas having measles and most of them (n=130, [84.4]) were in contact with measles cases. Health facilities were close (<3 km) to many children (n=151 [98.1]), and house ventilation was good in 66.2% (n=102) of cases while crowdedness was found in 135 (87.7) cases. Family members were 7 or more in 90 (58.4) cases. Two children under the age of 5 years died because of the disease. Conclusion: Our study showed that the main risk factor for the recent measles outbreak in Al Dali governorate was lack of vaccination, as all involved children were unvaccinated. Routine immunization needs to be reinforced through health centers in different districts and community education about the dangers of the disease and the benefits of the vaccines should be enhanced to prevent outbreaks from recurring.

Karishma Karishma

Impact of out of pocket payments on financial risk protection indicators in a setting with no user fees: the case of mauritius

Background Mauritius embraces principles of a welfare state with free health care at point of use in any public facilities. However, the health financing landscape changed in 2007 when Private Health Expenditure (PvtHE) surpassed General Government Health Expenditure. PvtHE is predominately out of pocket (OOP) with only 3.4% related to premiums for private insurance. In 2014, Household OOP Expenditure on health accounted for 52.8% of total health expenditure. OOP is known to be regressive and to impact negatively on households’ living standards. Objectives This paper aims to examine trends in OOP in Mauritius, to assess its impacts through an analysis of key indicators of financial protection, namely catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and impoverishment due to OOP health expenditure. It also aims to predict core determinants of CHEs. Methods Household Budget Surveys (HBS) of 2001/2002, 2006/2007 and 2012 were the primary source data. CHE and impoverishment were used to assess financial hardships resulting from OOP health payments. The incidence of CHE was estimated at three threshold levels (10,25 and 40%), using the budget share and the capacity to pay approaches. Impoverishment due to OOP was measured by changes in the incidence of poverty and intensity of poverty using the US$ 3.1 international poverty line. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify determinants of CHE. Findings Household CHE increased from 5.78% in 2001/02 to 8.85% in 2012 and 0.61% in 2001/02 to 1.25% in 2012, for 10 and 40% thresholds, respectively. The incidence of CHE was significantly higher in urban areas compared to rural areas. The highest levels of CHEs were among households’ heads, who are retired rising from 1.62% in 2001/02 to 3.71% in 2012, followed by households’ head who are widowed from 2.29% in 2001/02 to 2.63% in 2012 and homemakers from 2.12% in 2001/02 to 2.57% in 2012 at the 40% threshold. The share of households pushed below the poverty line due to OOP dropped from 0.4% in 2001/02 to 0.2% in 2006/07 before rising to 0.34% in 2012. In 2012, poverty gap occurred only among households under poorest quintile 1 (0.24%) and quintile 2 (0.03%). Overall poverty gap dropped from 0.08% in 2001/02 to 0.05% in 2012. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio of facing CHE were significant only among households with heads being retired and with a presence of an elderly member in the household. Conclusion Despite the rise in incidence of CHE between 2001 and 2012 the impact of OOP on the level of impoverishment and poverty gap has not been significant.

Ajoy nundoochan

Application of hofstede’s model to study the role of indian culture for sustenance during covid-19”

The COVID-19 crisis has impacted all dimensions of our lives say it as the public health, the labour system, the social interaction, the political debate, the use of public spaces, the economy, the environment, and last but not the least it has proved to be a major contributor to the cultural value system of the individual living in society. This research paper is to analyse and understand the changes enforced by this pandemic on Indian culture and individual of the society. It also analyses the context of COVID-19 scenario with special reference to Indian culture and Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimension. This research paper is an attempt to emphasize the changes in culture and value system during the COVID-19 pandemic faced by India. India is enriched enough in cultural dimensions to combat COVID-19. The Hofstede’s model analysed in depth also leads to this finding that it also fits well in the present context. Thus, it is hereby summed up that as India is enriched in its cultural values it has posed itself as a fighter for this pandemic

mamta gaur Mamta gaur

Immunohistochemical expression of progesterone receptor and b-cell lymphoma-2 antigen in uterine leiomyomas in a southwestern nigerian teaching hospital

Background: Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign smooth muscle tumor of unknown aetiology. Progesterone may contribute to leiomyoma growth through the induction of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) protein in leiomyoma cells. This study aims to determine the patterns of Bcell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in uterine leiomyomas seen at LTH, Ogbomoso, over a five-year period using immunohistochemical techniques.Methods: This was a hospital-based retrospective study of histologically diagnosed leiomyomas in the histopathology department of a teaching hospital between January 2012 and December 2016. A total of 141 cases of uterine leiomyomas were semi-quantitatively analysed immunohistochemically for PR and BCL-2 antigens. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis showed that out of 141 cases studied, 74 (52.5%) and 118 (83.7%) were positive for BCL-2 and PR, respectively. Among the 141 cases, 23 (16.3%) were negative for both PR and BCL-2. There was a moderate positive correlation between the immunohistochemical expression of BCL-2 and PR antigens, with a p-value < 0.001 (Pearson correlation = 0.563). Conclusion: This study showed that the majority of women with leiomyomas expressed both progesterone receptor and B-cell lymphoma-2 antigens. Therefore, selective women with leiomyomas could benefit from progesterone receptor modulators instead of undergoing invasive procedures such as myomectomy or hysterectomy.

Karishma Karishma

Diversity of spiders as influenced by cultivation techniques in rice

Field studies were carried out in wet seasons of 2014 and 2015 in rice fields of College Farm, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to understand the abundance and biodiversity of spiders in varied rice cultivation systems. Design of the experiment was split plot with three main modules, viz., transplanted, broadcasted and drum sown rice and subtreatments under each main module included three plant protection methods viz., organic protection, farmers’ practices and ‘no protection’ practices. Results showed that predator numbers in ‘no protection’ and organic protection plots of all main treatments were more than in farmers’ practices indicating the impact of the chemical pesticides. A total of 22 genera of spiders belonging to 12 families were recorded which comprised of seven guilds based on their hunting strategies and microhabitats. Shannon diversity index ranged between 1.83 and 2.26 and Pielou’s evenness index was 0.59-0.72 in two years of study indicating a stable ecosystem and even species distribution in rice crop at Rajendranagar. Study of the guild assemblage indicated that orb-weavers constituted 28.1% of the population, ground runners 23.51%, space web builders 18.38%, sheet-web builders 13.12%, stalkers 8.04% and ambushers made upto 0.38% of the spider population. Understanding the vertical stratification of various spider genera on the plant gave further insight into the prey preferences of these predators.

Gorthi anitha

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