Treatment of paint wastewater by coagulation process

International audienc

Investigating the Architecture and Characteristics of Asian Hornet Nests: A Biomimetics Examination of Structure and Materials

This study investigates the internal architecture of Asian hornet nests (AHNs) using advanced imaging techniques, such as CT scanning and X-ray radiography, to understand their construction and function. The primary objective and significance of this study centre on drawing inspiration from the creative way Asian hornets construct their nests, with a particular focus on the architecture, design, functionality, and building materials of these nests. The architectural principles governing the construction of these nests, such as the arrangement of hexagonal cells, pedicels for load bearing, and adhesive materials, serve as a source of inspiration for innovative and sustainable design practices. The pedicels in Asian hornet nests play a crucial role in transferring load and ensuring stability. Additionally, AHNs’ adhesion to tree branches is essential for preventing collapse, and the pedicels provide necessary structural support. The knowledge gained from studying AHNs’ internal architecture could be applied directly to the architecture and civil engineering fields to improve structure stability and durability. The microstructure analysis of the paper-like material that hornets produce to build their nests indicates a complex and heterogeneous structure, composed of various plant fragments and fibres. This unique composition creates intricate grooves and pores, which are essential for regulating temperature and humidity levels within the outer envelope of the nest. The study of Asian hornet nests’ internal structure demonstrated that nature’s engineering principles inspire the design of durable and resilient structures in the construction industry. Civil engineers can incorporate similar principles into their designs to enhance the structural integrity and performance of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cisatracurium dose–response relationship in patients with chronic liver disease

Objective: Cisatracurium is approximately 3 times more potent than atracurium, devoid of histamine release and cardiovascular side effects and mainly eliminated by Hofmann degradation. Patients with liver disease exhibit abnormal response to most of muscle relaxants. This study was designed to evaluate the dose–response of cisatracurium in patients with mild–moderate liver impairment in comparison with healthy subjects. Methods: Eighty ASA physical status I–II patients of both sexes, scheduled for elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia, were divided according to their preoperative hepatic status and laboratory investigations into two groups; Group I (control group with normal liver functions, n = 40) and Group II (Liver dysfunction group, Child-Pugh Score A or B, n = 40). The dose–response curve was constructed, ED50 and ED95 were estimated. Results: The preoperative laboratory parameters showed statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding serum albumin, total bilirubin, ALT, AST, PT, PC and INR. The operative data showed statistically insignificant difference between the two groups regarding the 1st dose response (p = 0.152), the estimated ED80 (p = 0.886) and the calculated 2nd dose (p = 0.886) and statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding the 2nd dose response (p = 0.006), the measured ED50 (p = 0.010) and the measured ED95 (p = 0.001). In conclusion, the measured ED50 and ED95 through two-dose dose–response curve technique were clinically insignificant from using the single-dose technique. The dose–response curve of cisatracurium in patients with chronic liver disease was clinically insignificant in comparison with healthy subjects