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.

Changes in fluctuation of isometric force following eccentric and concentric exercise of the elbow flexors.

Abstract: This study tested the hypothesis that eccentric exercise (ECC) would increase force fluctuation for several days following exercise; however, concentric exercise (CON) would not produce such an effect. Twelve men performed six sets of five reps of dumbbell exercise of the elbow flexors eccentrically with one arm and concentrically with the other, separated by 4–6 weeks, using a dumbbell set at 50% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) measured at 90° of elbow flexion. MVC, range of motion (ROM), upper arm circumference, plasma creatine kinase activity (CK), myoglobin concentration (Mb) and muscle soreness were assessed before, immediately after, 1 h and 1–5 days following both exercise bouts. Force fluctuations during 30, 50 and 80% MVC were quantified by coefficient of variation (CV) of the force data (sampling frequency: 100 Hz) for 4 s. Significantly (P<0.01) larger changes in MVC, ROM, and upper arm circumference were evident following ECC compared to CON, and only ECC resulted in significant (P<0.01) increases in CK and Mb, and development of muscle soreness. Significant (P<0.01) differences existed between ECC and CON for changes in force fluctuations. CV increased significantly (P<0.01) immediately and 1 h after ECC from baseline for 30, 50, and 80% MVC without a significant difference among the intensities, and no significant changes in CV were evident following CON. It was concluded that increases in force fluctuation were peculiar to ECC, but did not necessarily reflect muscle damage.

Employees, teamwork and social interdependence – a formula for successful business?

Abstract: Business expects far more from employees than technical and generic skills. There is a growing emphasis on employees to not just do their job but to contribute to business success. As the emphasis is placed on individuals contributing to the effective, positive perpetuation of the business through the development of professional and work related skills; the team culture of business today places additional emphasis on the ability to work effectively within a team environment. Specifically, this paper will discuss the importance of social interdependence and teamwork and the implications for business success and team success

Interface formation and bonding control in high-volume-fraction (TiC+TiB2)/Al composites and their roles in enhancing properties

Abstract: As interfaces play a more important role in high-volume-fraction ceramic/metal composites because of containing more hetero-phase interfaces, it is a great challenge to control the interfaces in such composites to balance their strength and plasticity and to obtain high performances. In this work, 50–60 vol% (TiC + TiB2)/Al composites were fabricated in Al–Ti–B4C system via a one-step method of reaction and densification, and their interface bonding and mechanical properties were compared with those of in-situ TiC/Al composites. Apparently, the defects, such as interfacial discontinuity, macro-pores, coarsening and agglomeration of particles, caused by increased ceramic content in the TiC/Al composites, are eliminated in the (TiC + TiB2)/Al composites using Al–Ti–B4C system. The 60 vol% (TiC + TiB2)/Al composite exhibits significantly enhanced mechanical properties, i.e. 70.5%, 60.7% and 69.8% respectively higher yield strength, ultimate compressive strength and plastic strain than 60 vol% TiC/Al composite. Such enhanced mechanical properties are attributed to the improvement in interface bonding strength and therefore the increase in the energy dissipation of crack propagation. The formation of enhanced interface in the (TiC + TiB2)/Al composites results from the reduction in the reaction heat in the Al–Ti–B4C system, improved crystallographic match and improved adhesion work between ceramic particles and matrix. This work may provide a new idea for the design and control of interfaces in high-volume-fraction ceramic-metal composites.

Comparison between voluntary and stimulated contractions of the quadriceps femoris for growth hormone response and muscle damage

Abstract: This study aimed to compare voluntary and stimulated exercise for changes in muscle strength, growth hormone (GH), blood lactate, and markers of muscle damage. Nine healthy men had two leg press ex...