Techno-economic assessment of photovoltaic (PV) and building integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) system retrofits in the Canadian housing stock

Techno-economic impact of retrofitting houses in the Canadian housing stock with PV and BIPV/T systems is evaluated using the Canadian Hybrid End-use Energy and Emission Model. Houses with south, south-east and south-west facing roofs are considered eligible for the retrofit since solar irradiation is maximum on south facing surfaces in the northern hemisphere. The PV system is used to produce electricity and supply the electrical demand of the house, with the excess electricity sold to the grid in a net-metering arrangement. The BIPV/T system produces electricity as well as thermal energy to supply the electrical as well as the thermal demands for space and domestic hot water heating. The PV system consists of PV panels installed on the available roof surface while the BIPV/T system adds a heat pump, thermal storage tank, auxiliary heater, domestic hot water heating equipment and hydronic heat delivery system, and replaces the existing heating system in eligible houses. The study predicts the energy savings, GHG emission reductions and tolerable capital costs for regions across Canada. Results indicate that the PV system retrofit yields 3% energy savings and 5% GHG emission reduction, while the BIPV/T system yields 18% energy savings and 17% GHG emission reduction in the Canadian housing stock. While the annual electricity use slightly increases, the fossil fuel use of the eligible houses substan

CRACM/Orai ion channel expression and function in human lung mast cells

BackgroundInflux of extracellular Ca2+ into human lung mast cells (HLMCs) is essential for the FcεRI-dependent release of preformed granule-derived mediators and newly synthesized autacoids and cytokines. However, the identity of the ion channels underlying this Ca2+ influx is unknown. The recently discovered members of the CRACM/Orai ion channel family that carries the Ca2+ release–activated Ca2+ current are candidates.ObjectivesTo investigate the expression and function of CRACM channels in HLMCs.MethodsCRACM mRNA, protein, and functional expression were examined in purified HLMCs and isolated human bronchus.ResultsCRACM1, -2, and -3 mRNA transcripts and CRACM1 and -2 proteins were detectable in HLMCs. A CRACM-like current was detected following FcεRI-dependent HLMC activation and also in HLMCs dialyzed with 30 μM inositol triphosphate. The Ca2+-selective current obtained under both conditions was blocked by 10 μM La3+ and Gd3+, known blockers of CRACM channels, and 2 distinct and specific CRACM-channel blockers—GSK-7975A and Synta-66. Both blockers reduced FcεRI-dependent Ca2+ influx, and 3 μM GSK-7975A and Synta-66 reduced the release of histamine, leukotriene C4, and cytokines (IL-5/-8/-13 and TNFα) by up to 50%. Synta-66 also inhibited allergen-dependent bronchial smooth muscle contraction in ex vivo tissue.ConclusionsThe presence of CRACM channels, a CRACM-like current, and functional inhibition of HLMC Ca2+ influx, mediator release, and allergen-induced bronchial smooth muscle contraction by CRACM-channel blockers supports a role for CRACM channels in FcεRI-dependent HLMC secretion. CRACM channels are therefore a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of asthma and related allergic diseases

Using participatory design to develop (public) health decision support systems through GIS

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Organizations that collect substantial data for decision-making purposes are often characterized as being 'data rich' but 'information poor'. Maps and mapping tools can be very useful for research transfer in converting locally collected data into information. Challenges involved in incorporating GIS applications into the decision-making process within the non-profit (public) health sector include a lack of financial resources for software acquisition and training for non-specialists to use such tools. This on-going project has two primary phases. This paper critically reflects on Phase 1: the participatory design (PD) process of developing a collaborative web-based GIS tool.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A case study design is being used whereby the case is defined as the data analyst and manager dyad (a two person team) in selected Ontario Early Year Centres (OEYCs). Multiple cases are used to support the reliability of findings. With nine producer/user pair participants, the goal in Phase 1 was to identify barriers to map production, and through the participatory design process, develop a web-based GIS tool suited for data analysts and their managers. This study has been guided by the Ottawa Model of Research Use (OMRU) conceptual framework.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Due to wide variations in OEYC structures, only some data analysts used mapping software and there was no consistency or standardization in the software being used. Consequently, very little sharing of maps and data occurred among data analysts. Using PD, this project developed a web-based mapping tool (EYEMAP) that was easy to use, protected proprietary data, and permit limited and controlled sharing between participants. By providing data analysts with training on its use, the project also ensured that data analysts would not break cartographic conventions (e.g. using a chloropleth map for count data). Interoperability was built into the web-based solution; that is, EYEMAP can read many different standard mapping file formats (e.g. ESRI, MapInfo, CSV).</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Based on the evaluation of Phase 1, the PD process has served both as a facilitator and a barrier. In terms of successes, the PD process identified two key components that are important to users: increased data/map sharing functionality and interoperability. Some of the challenges affected developers and users; both individually and as a collective. From a development perspective, this project experienced difficulties in obtaining personnel skilled in web application development and GIS. For users, some data sharing barriers are beyond what a technological tool can address (e.g. third party data). Lastly, the PD process occurs in real time; both a strength and a limitation. Programmatic changes at the provincial level and staff turnover at the organizational level made it difficult to maintain buy-in as participants changed over time. The impacts of these successes and challenges will be evaluated more concretely at the end of Phase 2.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>PD approaches, by their very nature, encourage buy-in to the development process, better addresses user-needs, and creates a sense of user-investment and ownership.</p

Expanding Paramedicine in the Community (EPIC): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundThe incidence of chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM), heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is on the rise. The existing health care system must evolve to meet the growing needs of patients with these chronic diseases and reduce the strain on both acute care and hospital-based health care resources. Paramedics are an allied health care resource consisting of highly-trained practitioners who are comfortable working independently and in collaboration with other resources in the out-of-hospital setting. Expanding the paramedic's scope of practice to include community-based care may decrease the utilization of acute care and hospital-based health care resources by patients with chronic disease.Methods/designThis will be a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial comparing a community paramedic intervention to standard of care for patients with one of three chronic diseases. The objective of the trial is to determine whether community paramedics conducting regular home visits, including health assessments and evidence-based treatments, in partnership with primary care physicians and other community based resources, will decrease the rate of hospitalization and emergency department use for patients with DM, HF and COPD. The primary outcome measure will be the rate of hospitalization at one year. Secondary outcomes will include measures of health system utilization, overall health status, and cost-effectiveness of the intervention over the same time period. Outcome measures will be assessed using both Poisson regression and negative binomial regression analyses to assess the primary outcome.DiscussionThe results of this study will be used to inform decisions around the implementation of community paramedic programs. If successful in preventing hospitalizations, it has the ability to be scaled up to other regions, both nationally and internationally. The methods described in this paper will serve as a basis for future work related to this study.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02034045. Date: 9 January 2014

Techno-economic assessment of solar assisted heat pump system retrofit in the Canadian housing stock

The techno-economic feasibility of retrofitting existing Canadian houses with solar assisted heat pump (SAHP) is investigated. The SAHP architecture is adopted from previous studies conducted for the Canadian climate. The system utilizes two thermal storage tanks to store excess solar energy for use later in the day. The control strategy is defined in order to prioritise the use of solar energy for space and domestic hot water heating purposes. Due to economic and technical constraints a series of eligibility criteria are introduced for a house to qualify for the retrofit. A model was built in ESP-r and the retrofit was introduced into all eligible houses in the Canadian Hybrid Residential End-Use Energy and GHG Emissions model. Simulations were conducted for an entire year to estimate the annual energy savings, and GHG emission reductions. Results show that the SAHP system performance is strongly affected by climatic conditions, auxiliary energy sources and fuel mixture for electricity generation. Energy consumption and GHG emission of the Canadian housing stock can be reduced by about 20% if all eligible houses receive the SAHP system retrofit. Economic analysis indicates that the incentive measures will likely be necessary to promote the SAHP system in the Canadian residential market

Techno-economic feasibility evaluation of air to water heat pump retrofit in the Canadian housing stock

This study was conducted to assess the techno-economic feasibility of converting the Canadian housing stock (CHS) into net/near zero energy buildings by introducing and integrating high efficient and renewable/alternative energy technologies in new construction and existing houses. Performance assessment of energy retrofit and renewable/alternative energy technologies in existing houses in regional and national scale is necessary to devise feasible strategies and incentive measures. The Canadian Hybrid Residential End-Use Energy and GHG Emissions model (CHREM) that utilizes a bottom-up modeling approach is used to investigate the techno-economic feasibility of air to water heat pump retrofit in the Canadian housing stock. The proposed energy retrofit includes an air to water heat pump, auxiliary boiler, thermal storage tank, hydronic heat delivery and domestic hot water (DHW) heating. Energy savings, GHG emission changes and economic feasibility of the air source heat pump retrofit are considered in this study. Results show that there is a potential to reduce 36% of energy consumption and 23% of GHG emissions of the CHS if all eligible houses undertake the retrofit. Economic analysis indicates that the feasibility of air to water heat pump systems is strongly affected by the current status of primary energy use for electricity generation and space and DHW heating as well as energy prices and economic conditions. Legislation, economic incentives and education for homeowners are necessary to enhance the penetration level of air to water heat pump retrofits in the CHS

Misdiagnosis of narcolepsy

BACKGROUND: Narcolepsy is a chronic primary sleep disorder, characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep dysfunction with or without cataplexy. Narcolepsy is uncommon, with a low prevalence rate which makes it difficult to diagnose definitively without a complex series of tests and a detailed history. The aim of this study was to review patients referred to a tertiary sleep centre who had been labelled with a diagnosis of narcolepsy prior to referral in order to assess if the diagnosis was accurate, and if not, to determine the cause of diagnostic misattribution. METHODS: All patients seen at a sleep centre from 2007–2013 (n = 551) who underwent detailed objective testing including an MSLT PSG, as well as wearing an actigraphy watch and completing a sleep diary for 2 weeks, were assessed for a pre-referral and final diagnosis of narcolepsy. RESULTS: Of the 41 directly referred patients with a diagnostic label of narcolepsy, 19 (46 %) were subsequently confirmed to have narcolepsy on objective testing and assessment by a sleep physician using ICSD-2 criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of narcolepsy was incorrectly attributed to almost 50 % of patients labelled with a diagnosis of narcolepsy who were referred for further opinion by a variety of specialists and generalists. Accurate diagnosis of narcolepsy is critical for many reasons, such as the impact it has on quality of life, driving, employment, insurance and pregnancy in women as well as medication management