The electricity generation mix in Scotland : the long and windy road?

This article reports on research funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) at the University of Strathclyde

Energy storage in the UK electrical network : estimation of the scale and review of technology options

This paper aims to clarify the difference between stores of energy in the form of non-rechargeable stores of energy such as fossil-fuels, and the storage of electricity by devices that are rechargeable. The existing scale of these two distinct types of storage is considered in the UK context, followed by a review of rechargeable technology options. The storage is found to be overwhelmingly contained within the fossil-fuel stores of conventional generators, but their scale is thought to be determined by the risks associated with long supply chains and price variability. The paper also aims to add to the debate regarding the need to have more flexible supply and demand available within the UK electrical network in order to balance the expected increase of wind derived generation. We conclude that the decarbonisation challenge facing the UK electricity sector should be seen not only as a supply and demand challenge but also as a storage challenge. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

The impact of Scotland’s economy on the environment : a response

This is a short response to the paper by Moffatt et al (2005) which comments on some of our earlier work. Our work uses a specific Input-Output (IO) based technique, labelled a Neo-Classical Linear Attribution System (NCLAS), to measure the impact of domestic consumption on the domestic environment. We have presented this as an alternative to the currently popular Ecological Footprint approach

An In vivo Comparison of Biomimetic vs. Traditional Skin Moisturization

The aim of this study was to determine whether a biomimetic cream can deliver superior moisturisation to the skin of human volunteers aged over 60, compared to the effects of a conventional moisturiser containing high levels of petrolatum and mineral oil. The study design included a 4-hour skin hydration trial, a mini-regression study and a self-evaluation study. The instrumental methods used were skin hydration measured by corneometer and skin pH evaluation. The results have shown that providing the elderly skin with lipids that make up the natural skin barrier had a significantly higher effect on the skin hydration levels than the treatment with a commercial product containing standard occlusive agents

An ex vivo comparison of the tensile strengthening properties of protein derivatives on damaged hair

Conventional conditioning agents, cationic surfactants and polymers, are often limited in their ability to repair and strengthen the hair fibre, while protein-derived actives have been found to enhance the tensile strength of damaged hair. This study investigates the effects of keratin, wheat and collagen hydrolysates on the tensile strength of three types of damaged hair: bleached, permed and thermally treated

Effects of co-surfactant and conditioning agent on colour

The colour-fading of hair treated with oxidative dyes is attributed to the effects of ultraviolet light and other environmental factors, but mostly it occurs during shampooing. This effect is caused by the diffusion of chromaphores from within the cortex towards the cuticle surface. The colour fading of dyed hair during shampoo washing is determined by a range of factors, most significantly by the chemistry of the chromaphores, the porosity of the hair fibres, and the properties of the used surfactants. Optimising the cleansing efficacy of shampoos in relation to colour protection claims is of interest to formulators. This study investigates the effects of two co-surfactants and a range of conditioning additives, polycationic and silicone-based, on the colour fading of hair tresses treated with red oxidative hair dye and put through repeated wash-and-dry cycles. The results indicate that the choice of co-surfactant alone, and in combination with the conditioning additives, can significantly influence the colour fading of red oxidative dye treated hair during shampooing. The amphoteric co-surfactant offered statistically significant improved colour retention, compared to the nonionic. Furthermore, the silicone based conditioning additive delivered enhanced colour retention in comparison with the selected cationic polymers

An in vivo comparative study on ageing skin: bio-mimetic versus traditional approach to skin moisturisation

Skin dryness is a common condition in elderly individuals. The two main mechanisms to cosmetically alleviate this state rely on the effects of humectants and occlusive substances, mostly in combination. However, products nowadays aim to go beyond the simple humectant and occlusive effects and to deliver ‘moisturising actives’, such as skin-identical lipids, natural moisturising factor (NMF) components, lipid precursors, peptides and amino acids. A relatively recent approach to increasing skin moisturisation is the bio-mimetic mechanism, i.e. using active ingredients with skin-identical lipids and lamellar structure. This study has demonstrated that providing the skin with lipids identical to those that make up the natural skin barrier can improve the skin hydration to a greater extent than a conventional o/w emulsion based on occlusive materials and humectants. In addition, it suggests that using bio-mimetic moisturisers is an effective and long-lasting method to elevate dry skin condition in people over 60

Instrumental and sensory characterisation of oleogels for cosmetic use

Oleogels are semisolid systems consisting of an oleogelator (gelling agent) and a lipophilic liquid phase. Despite having some distinct advantages (e.g. absence of preservatives or surfactants), the use of oleogels in cosmetic products is still sporadic. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different types of oleogelators on instrumental and sensory properties of oleogels made with common emollient types: hydrocarbon, synthetic ester and natural oil