Optimisation of a solar-photovoltaic-driven, roof slate-based ventilation preheating system

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Polymorphisms in TNF Receptor Superfamily 1B (TNFRSF1B:rs3397) are Linked to Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis Infection and Osteoporosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis

We previously discovered that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PTPN2/22 (T-cell negative-regulators) occur in 78% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), along with Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) infection in 33% of patients. In Crohn’s disease, we reported that SNPs in TNFα and receptors (TNFRSF1A/TNFRSF1B) benefited intracellular MAP-survival, increased infection, and elevated inflammatory response mimicking the poor response to anti-TNFα treatment in some patients. Here, we studied the frequency and effects of SNPs in TNFα/TNFRSF1A/TNFRSF1B in RA including gene expression, MAP infection, and osteoporosis marker levels in blood (54 RA and 48 healthy controls). TNFα:rs1800629 (GA) was detected in 19/48 (40%) RA and 8/54 (15%) controls (p-value CT (0.34 ± 0.14) and CC > TT (0.27 ± 0.12)), compared to wildtype CC (0.51 ± 0.17), p-value < 0.05. MAP DNA was detected significantly in 17/48 (35.4%) RA compared to 11/54 (20.4%) controls (p-value < 0.05, OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.12–5.20). The average osteocalcin level was significantly lower (p-value < 0.05) in RA (2.70 ± 0.87 ng/mL), RA + MAP (0.60 ± 0.31 ng/mL), RA + TNFRSF1B:rs3397 (TT) (0.67 ± 0.35 ng/mL), compared to the healthy control (5.31 ± 1.39 ng/mL), and MAP-free RA (3.85 ± 1.31 ng/mL). Overall, rs3397 appears to downregulate TNFRSF1B, increase MAP infection, worsen inflammation, and cause osteocalcin deficiency and possibly osteoporosis in RA

Comparing Scottish bioenergy supply and demand in the context of Net-Zero targets

This report updates estimates of Scotland’s domestic bioenergy supply, analyses demand for bioenergy in published net zero pathways, and assesses the scale of Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage that could support the pathways

Modelling of flow rate in a photovoltaic-driven roof slate-based solar ventilation air preheating system.

This paper describes the modelling of flow rate in a photovoltaic (PV) driven, roof slate based solar system for preheating ventilation air in cold climates. The system consists of a photovoltaic driven, attic mounted fan, which draws air through the spaces between the warm slates and delivers it through a metallic flexible duct into a house. A model for predicting the flow rate of air as a function of irradiance and ambient temperature is developed based on the measured performance of the different components of the system. Considering all experimental sources of error, the model predicts the flow rate of air with a maximum error of 12%. The model is validated for different combinations of components in a roof section constructed at Napier University in Edinburgh. The predicted flow rates are within 10% of the measured values. The model is extended so that it can be applied for different locations and different roof tilts and orientations. A future paper will make use of the model developed herein for system optimisation based on maximum monthly volume of preheated ventilation air delivered. The model will also be used to investigate the effectiveness of PV driven, roof slate based systems as solar air heaters

Comparing Scottish Bioenergy Supply and Demand in the Context of Net-Zero Targets

This report updates estimates of Scotland’s domestic bioenergy supply, analyses demand for bioenergy in published net zero pathways, and assesses the scale of Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage that could support the pathways

Comparing Scottish bioenergy supply and demand in the context of Net-Zero targets

This report presents an overview of the scholarly literature and case study data regarding the role and design of public sector agencies in accelerating technological innovation

Analytical Method Development for Sodium Valproate through Chemical Derivatization

Background. Sodium valproate has anticonvulsant activity and is structurally different to conventional antiepileptic drugs. The problem with valproic acid is the lack of a chromophore, which means that gas chromatography is the sole assay methodology. The introduction of benzoyl and phenyl groups to the molecule is a useful derivatisation, which enables the creation of detectable chromophores for HPLC analysis for pharmaceutical dosages as well as biological systems. Methodology. Sodium valproate was derivatised by the addition of a chromophore to its structure by introducing a methyl benzoyl or a phenyl group. Trichlorophenol and 2-hydroxyacetophenone were used to introduce phenyl and benzoyl groups to valproic acid, respectively. The reaction used was estrification reaction using coupling agents. An analytical method was then developed and validated using reverse-phase HPLC. The method was validated for parameters like linearity, range, accuracy precision, and robustness. Results. The developed method was easy and feasible and can be applied to both routine analysis and bioanalysis. The method was very sensitive and could quantify valproic acid at a very low concentration of 0.75 × 10−5 mg/ml. The developed method was found to be linear (R2 = 0.997), accurate, precise, and robust. Conclusion. The proposed chemical derivatisation and the developed analytical method are novel. The developed analytical procedure is the first of its kind; it is easy and feasible and can be used to quantify and detect sodium valproate at very low concentrations compared to other available methods in the literature