Edith Cowan University

About: Edith Cowan University is a education organization based out in Perth, Western Australia, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Tourism. The organization has 4040 authors who have published 13529 publications receiving 339582 citations. The organization is also known as: Edith Cowan & ECU.

Optimal loading for the development of peak power output in professional rugby players.

Abstract: The ability to develop high levels of muscular power is considered an essential component of success in many sporting activities; however, the optimal load for the development of peak power during training remains controversial. Our aim in the present study was to determine the optimal load required to observe peak power output during the ballistic bench throw (BBT) and squat jump (SJ) in professional rugby players. Forty-seven, professional, male, rugby players of (mean +/- SD) mass 101.3 +/- 12.8 kg and height 1.82 +/- 0.08 m volunteered and gave informed consent for this study, which was approved by a university ethics committee. Players performed BBT at loads of 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60% of their predetermined 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and SJ at loads of 0, (body mass only), 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60% of their predetermined 1RM in a randomized and balanced order. Power output (PO) was determined by measurement of barbell displacement with subsequent calculation of velocity, force, and power. Relative load had a significant effect on PO for both the BBT (effect size eta(2): 0.297, p < 0.001) and SJ (Effect Size eta(2): 0.709, p < 0.001). Peak power output was produced when the athletes worked against an external load equal to 30% 1RM for the upper body and 0% 1RM for the lower body.

Changes in plasma amyloid beta in a longitudinal study of aging and Alzheimer's disease

Abstract: Background A practical biomarker is required to facilitate the preclinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods Plasma amyloid beta (Aβ) 1–40 , Aβ 1–42 , Aβ n–40 , and Aβ n–42 peptides were measured at baseline and after 18 months in 771 participants from the Australian Imaging Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study of aging. Aβ peptide levels were compared with clinical pathology, neuroimaging and neuropsychological measurements. Results Although inflammatory and renal function covariates influenced plasma Aβ levels significantly, a decrease in Aβ 1–42 /Aβ 1–40 was observed in patients with AD, and was also inversely correlated with neocortical amyloid burden. During the 18 months, plasma Aβ 1–42 decreased in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and in those transitioning from healthy to MCI. Conclusion Our findings are consistent with a number of published plasma Aβ studies and, although the prognostic value of individual measures in any given subject is limited, the diagnostic contribution of plasma Aβ may demonstrate utility when combined with a panel of peripheral biomarkers.

Corporate Governance Meets Corporate Social Responsibility: Mapping the Interface:

Abstract: Despite ample research on corporate governance (CG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR), there is a lack of consensus on the nature of the relationship between these two concepts and on how t...

Quantitative and qualitative decision‐making methods in simulation modelling

Abstract: Discrete event simulation (DES) is widely known to be a quantitative research tool. A simulation modelling process is mainly based on feeding quantitative data into a model to produce quantitative results in a structured sequential process. Qualitative approaches to research take a less structured approach with more of an inclination towards judgmental and expert knowledge rather than hard data. In this paper the authors suggest that DES can be employed as both a qualitative and quantitative research tool. The paper demonstrates how simulation may represent both stances either separately or combined. This is based on the fact that the basic objectives of simulation are either for understanding – which needs a qualitative perspective – or performance measurement – which a needs quantitative perspective. Traditional quantitative and qualitative methods are discussed showing how DES might cope with the weaknesses of both stances. A structure for using DES as a combined research methodology is proposed.