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.

Critical success factors for international education marketing

Abstract: This paper draws on the findings of a survey of 315 education institutions from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. Respondents were asked to rate their institutions’ overall performance on a series of 17 items that an examination of the literature and previous in‐depth interviews identified as being critical to the success of education institutions seeking to market themselves internationally. A factor analysis of these items identified four underlying dimensions. Promotion and Recruitment, Image and Resources, People and Culture and Coalition and Forward Integration. The relative success of these institutions was then measured using a scale consisting of four indicators relating to: growth in enrolments, demand, short to medium‐term outlook and financial benefits. A logistic regression model was then constructed to identify which of these success factors were possible determinants of institutional success. Two factors, Image and Resources, and Coalition and Forward Integration were found to be significant predictors of market success.

Biomass pyrolysis—A review of modelling, process parameters and catalytic studies

Abstract: Biomass as a form of energy source may be utilized in two different ways: directly by burning the biomass and indirectly by converting it into solid, liquid or gaseous fuels. Pyrolysis is an indirect conversion method, and can be described in simpler terms as a thermal decomposition of biomass under oxygen-depleted conditions to an array of solid, liquid and gaseous products, namely biochar, bio-oil and fuel gas. However, pyrolysis of biomass is a complex chemical process with several operational and environmental challenges. Consequently, this process has been widely investigated in order to understand the mechanisms and kinetics of pyrolysis at different scales, viz. particle level, multi-phase reacting flow, product distribution and reactor performance, process integration and control. However, there are a number of uncertainties in current biomass pyrolysis models, especially in their ability to optimize process conditions to achieve desired product yields and distribution. The present contribution provides a critical review of the current status of mathematical modelling studies of biomass pyrolysis with the aim to identify knowledge gaps for further research and opportunities for integration of biomass pyrolysis models of disparate scales. Models for the hydrodynamic behaviour of particles in pyrolysis, and their interaction with the reactive flow and the effect on the performance of the reactors have also been critically analyzed. From this analysis it becomes apparent that feedstock characteristics, evolving physical and chemical properties of biomass particles and residence times of both solid and gas phases in reactors hold the key to the desired performance of the pyrolysis process. Finally, the importance of catalytic effects in pyrolysis has also been critically analyzed, resulting in recommendations for further research in this area especially on selection of catalysts for optimal product yields under varying operating conditions.

Canopy seed storage in woody plants

Abstract: The retention of seeds in the plant canopy for one to 30 years or more is termed serotiny. It is well represented floristically and physiognomically in fire-prone, nutrient-poor and seasonally-dry sclerophyll vegetation in Australia, and to a lesser extent, South Africa followed by North America. While the seed-storing structures vary greatly, all will release their propagules following exposure to the heat of a fire (pyriscence). This phenomenon can be contrasted with seed release at maturity (non-storage) and soil storage of seeds. Although the evolutionary requirements for serotiny are clear, its adaptive advantages over other seed storage syndromes are largely the subject of conjecture in the absence of comparative experiments. Nine hypotheses were assessed here. Canopy storage maximises the quantity of seeds available for the next post-fire generation (unlike non-storage). Synchronized post-fire release satiates post-dispersal granivores (unlike non-storage and soil storage) and ensures arrival on a seed bed conducive to seedling recruitment (unlike non-storage). Canopy stored seeds are better insulated from the heat of a fire than non-stored, and probably soil-stored, seeds. Fluctuating annual seed crops, the opportunity for post-fire wind-dispersal, the possible advantages of dense stands of adults, short lifespan of the dispersed seeds and their optimal location in the soil for germination have only a limited role in explaining the advantages of serotiny. It is concluded that canopy seed storage is favoured in regions where seed production is restricted and inter-fire establishment and maturation are unlikely. In addition, these regions have a reliable seasonal rainfall and are subjected to intense fires at intervals occurring within the reproductive lifespan of the species.

Manganese oxides at different oxidation states for heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate for phenol degradation in aqueous solutions

Abstract: A series of manganese oxides (MnO, MnO2, Mn2O3 and Mn3O4) were synthesized and tested in heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for phenol degradation in aqueous solutions. Their properties were characterized by several techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. Catalytic activities of Mn oxides were found to be closely related to the chemical states of Mn. Mn2O3 is highly effective in heterogeneous activation of PMS to produce sulfate radicals for phenol degradation compared with other catalysts (MnO, MnO2, and Mn3O4). The activity shows an order of Mn2O3 > MnO > Mn3O4 > MnO2. Mn2O3 could completely remove phenol in 60 min at the conditions of 25 mg/L phenol, 0.4 g/L catalyst, 2 g/L PMS, and 25 °C. After heat regeneration, the activity could be fully recovered. A pseudo first order model would fit to phenol degradation kinetics and activation energy was obtained as 11.4 kJ/mol.