Histological characterization of venom secretory cells in the stinger of 3 stingrays (Dasyatidae) species: Dasyatis bennetti, Himantura walga, Himantura gerrardi, in northern water of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea

Rays are common elasmobranches in the northern waters of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea that may have one or more mineralized serrated stingers on the whip-like tail. The stingers are covered by epidermal cells among which some can produce venom. When these animals are dorsally touched, the stinger may be introduced into the aggressor by a whip reflex mechanism, causing severe mechanical injuries and inoculating the venom. A comparative morphological characterization of the stinger epidermal tissue of different ray species in the northern part of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea was carried out in this study. EDTA was used for decalcification of stings and conventional histological processes were subsequently employed. The results indicated that structure of dermis and epidermis layers of stings in all species are similar to those of corresponding layers in other parts of fish’s body. The results of the present study have also shown that all three examined species, had venom secretory cells. Distribution of venom secretory cells varies in each species; in Dasyatis bennetti and Himantura walga species, these cells presented in all covered epithelium of stings and in Himantura gerrardi, were in the ventral, ventro-lateral and dorso-lateral of the spine. These differences among the stingers of various species may explain the envenomation severity in these species

Outlining a new collaborative business model as a result of the green Building Information Modelling impact in the AEC supply chain

BIM (Building Information Modelling) technological push has enabled to integrate the design/construction outcomes of 3D-CAD along the product/service AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) SC (supply chain) through an intelligent DMS (Data Management System) based on standard and interoperable data formats. The proposed end-to-end approach overcomes a typical AEC gap, enables the operationalisation of the sustainable/green building LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and puts together new collaborative relationships with the owner, among SC stakeholders and with new forms of BIM procurement. The outlined collaborative business model is based on the Quality Control and Assurance framework and provides conceptual consistency to the reintroduction of the owner concerns/satisfaction in the SC, as well as enables consistent and accountable relationships between (smart)materials procurement and building specification. An expert’s focus group carried out a preliminary check of the model’s interest/applicability, resulting in recommendations for its further detailing and for propositions development into a systematic enquiring process.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio