Curtin University

About: Curtin University is a education organization based out in Perth, Western Australia, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Zircon. The organization has 14257 authors who have published 48997 publications receiving 1336531 citations. The organization is also known as: WAIT & Western Australian Institute of Technology.

ERS technical standard on bronchial challenge testing: General considerations and performance of methacholine challenge tests

Abstract: This international task force report updates general considerations for bronchial challenge testing and the performance of the methacholine challenge test. There are notable changes from prior recommendations in order to accommodate newer delivery devices. Rather than basing the test result upon a methacholine concentration (provocative concentration (PC20) causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)), the new recommendations base the result upon the delivered dose of methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (provocative dose (PD20)). This end-point allows comparable results from different devices or protocols, thus any suitable nebuliser or dosimeter may be used, so long as the delivery characteristics are known. Inhalation may be by tidal breathing using a breath-actuated or continuous nebuliser for 1 min (or more), or by a dosimeter with a suitable breath count. Tests requiring maximal inhalations to total lung capacity are not recommended because the bronchoprotective effect of a deep breath reduces the sensitivity of the test.

Face Recognition Using Kernel Ridge Regression

Abstract: In this paper, we present novel ridge regression (RR) and kernel ridge regression (KRR) techniques for multivariate labels and apply the methods to the problem efface recognition. Motivated by the fact that the regular simplex vertices are separate points with highest degree of symmetry, we choose such vertices as the targets for the distinct individuals in recognition and apply RR or KRR to map the training face images into a face subspace where the training images from each individual will locate near their individual targets. We identify the new face image by mapping it into this face subspace and comparing its distance to all individual targets. An efficient cross-validation algorithm is also provided for selecting the regularization and kernel parameters. Experiments were conducted on two face databases and the results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm significantly outperforms the three popular linear face recognition techniques (Eigenfaces, Fisher faces and Laplacian faces) and also performs comparably with the recently developed Orthogonal Laplacian faces with the advantage of computational speed. Experimental results also demonstrate that KRR outperforms RR as expected since KRR can utilize the nonlinear structure of the face images. Although we concentrate on face recognition in this paper, the proposed method is general and may be applied for general multi-category classification problems.

Supporting lay carers in end of life care: Current gaps and future priorities

Abstract: Informal carers are central to the achievement of end of life care and death at home and to policy aims of enabling patient choice towards end of life. They provide a substantial, yet hidden contribution to our economy. This entails considerable personal cost to carers, and it is recognised that their needs should be assessed and addressed. However, we lack good research evidence on how best to do this. The present position paper gives an overview of the current state of carer research, its gaps and weaknesses, and outlines future priorities. It draws on a comprehensive review of the carer literature and a consensus meeting by experts in the field. Carers’ needs and adverse effects of caregiving have been extensively researched. In contrast, we lack both empirical longitudinal research and conceptual models to establish how adverse effects may be prevented through appropriate support. A reactive, "repair" approach predominates. Evaluations of existing interventions provide limited information, due to limited rigour in design and the wide variety in types of intervention evaluated. Further research is required into the particular challenges that the dual role of carers as both clients and providers pose for intervention design, suggesting a need for future emphasis on positive aspects of caregiving and empowerment. We require more longitudinal research and user involvement to aid development of interventions and more experimental and quasi-experimental research to evaluate them, with better utilisation of the natural experiments afforded by intra- and international differences in service provision.

Magnetic ZnFe2O4–C3N4 Hybrid for Photocatalytic Degradation of Aqueous Organic Pollutants by Visible Light

Abstract: Magnetic ZnFe2O4–C3N4 hybrids were successfully synthesized through a simple reflux treatment of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) (ca. 19.1 nm) with graphitic C3N4 sheets in methanol at 90 °C, and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Also, the catalytic activities of heterogeneous ZnFe2O4–C3N4 catalysts were evaluated in photo-Fenton discoloration toward Orange II using H2O2 as an oxidant under visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation. The reaction kinetics, degradation mechanism, and catalyst stability, as well as the roles of ZnFe2O4 and C3N4 in photoreaction, were comprehensively studied. It was found that the ZnFe2O4–C3N4 photocatalysts presented remarkable catalytic ability at neutral conditions, which is a great advantage over the traditional Fenton system (Fe2+/H2O2). The ZnFe2O4–C3N4 hy...