A techno-economic investigation of conventional and innovative desiccant solutions based on moisture sorption analysis.

Liquid desiccant technology is an energy-efficient substitute for technologies that are conventionally applied for temperature and humidity control; however, innovative desiccant solutions have not been extensively explored in terms of their performance and feasibility. This work aimed to investigate desiccant solutions with moisture sorption analysis technically and economically. Various conditions of temperature and humidity were tested in a climatic chamber and the moisture absorption and desorption capacity, thermo-chemical energy storage capacity, and cost of conventional and innovative desiccant solutions were assessed by experiment.

An overview of solutions for airborne viral transmission reduction related to HVAC systems including liquid desiccant air-scrubbing.

The spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 affects the health of people and the economy worldwide. As air transmits the virus, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings, enclosed spaces and public transport play a significant role in limiting the transmission of airborne pathogens at the expenses of increased energy consumption and possibly reduced thermal comfort. On the other hand, liquid desiccant technology could be adopted as an air scrubber to increase indoor air quality and inactivate pathogens through temperature and humidity control, making them less favourable to the growth, proliferation and infectivity of microorganisms.

Fibrosis progression rate in a systematic review of placebo-treated nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Background & Aims: Liver fibrosis is the critical determinant of liver-related outcomes in persons with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The rate that fibrosis develops determines the time taken to reach cirrhosis and consequent clinical outcomes. Estimates of the fibrosis progression rate (FPR) are uncertain having been defined in small observational series that rely largely on nonstandardised repeat biopsy in selected patients.

High rates of ineligibility for participation in trials of new therapies in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: a systematic review.

Background And Aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is common and there are a number of treatments in development. Patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and significant fibrosis are thought to be the population most in need of treatment. Identification of this group requires liver biopsy.

Realization of a Novel Free-Piston Engine Generator for Hybrid-Electric Vehicle Applications.

Free-piston engine generators (FPEGs) have huge potential to be the principal energy conversion device for generating electricity from fuel as part of a hybrid-electric vehicle (EV) powertrain system. The principal advantages lay in the fact that they are theoretically more efficient, more compact, and more lightweight compared to other competing EV hybrid and range-extender solutions (internal combustion engines, rotary engines, fuel cells, etc.).