Abstract: A method of preparing a fiber or an article suitable for use in defending against a biological or a chemical contaminant, and the fiber or article resulting from the method thereof, is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a fiber such as a capillary-channeled fiber with a surface having grooves or channels thereon and modifying the surface of the fiber with an active agent so as to provide the fiber with the ability to defend against a biological or a chemical contaminant.

Abstract: Inflatable members for incorporation into a fascine are linked together at their ends by chains or other such flexible tension members, the tension in which is such as to cause at least local compression and flattening of the inflatable members where they are in contact with adjacent members. The forces so generated between adjacent members can prevent their tendency to rotate under the action of traffic crossing the fascine.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter cell and a filter cartridge in which the filter cell includes an inner separator disc having a central aperture about which is located a plurality of upstanding pins or teeth, the pins or teeth being formed integrally with said separator disc. The filter cell includes layer(s) of filtration medium. The filter cartridge includes a plurality of filter cells arranged in contiguous and stacked relationship, adjacent filter cells being spaced from one another by spacer rings or gaskets, means being provided to hold the filter cells and spacer rings or gaskets in position to form said cartridge, the cartridge having an elongate central aperture into which filtered fluid may flow.