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 & Context (language use). The organization has 4040 authors who have published 13529 publications receiving 339582 citations. The organization is also known as: Edith Cowan & ECU.

Ferric carbide nanocrystals encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes as an outstanding environmental catalyst

Abstract: Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes encapsulating iron carbide (Fe3C) nanocrystals (Fe3C@NCNT) were fabricated by a simple and direct pyrolysis method using melamine and ferric chloride as the C, N and Fe precursors. The surface morphology, structure and composition of the Fe3C@NCNT materials were thoroughly investigated. The nanomaterials were employed as novel catalysts for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation; outstanding efficiency, high stability and excellent reusability were observed in the catalytic oxidation of organics. The encapsulated Fe3C nanoparticles played a key role in the emerging synergetic effects of the carbide and the protective graphitic layers. In addition, the quaternary N and trace amounts of iron on the CNT surface acted as the active sites. Various quenching experiments were carried out to elucidate the catalytic mechanism of Fe3C@NCNT. It was found that singlet oxygen, superoxide, sulfate and hydroxyl radicals worked together to degrade phenol solutions. Due to their simple synthesis method, low-cost precursors, unique structure and excellent catalytic activity and stability, these novel iron-carbide-based composites have great potential as new strategic materials for environmental catalysis.

Mechanical Determinants of Faster Change of Direction and Agility Performance in Female Basketball Athletes

Abstract: Change of direction (COD) and agility require the integration of multiple components to produce a faster performance. However, the mechanisms contributing to a faster performance without the confounding factor of athlete expertise or gender is currently unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess body composition, strength, and kinetic profile required for a faster COD and agility performance across multiple directional changes. Six faster and 6 slower (n 12) elite female basketball athletes completed a maximal dynamic back squat; eccentric and concentric only back squat; isometric midthigh pull; whole-body scan to determine lean, fat, and total mass; 505 COD test; T-test; and a multidirectional agility test over in-ground force plates to obtain relevant kinetic measures. Group (faster and slower) by test (2 × 3) multivariate analyses of variance with follow-up analyses of variance were conducted to examine differences between faster and slower groups and each COD and agility test (p ≤ 0.05). Faster athletes during the 505 COD test produced significantly greater vertical force (p 0.002) and eccentric and isometric strength capacity (p 0.001). Faster agility and T-test athletes demonstrated significantly shorter contact times (p 0.001), greater propulsive impulse (p 0.02), isometric strength, and relative lean mass compared with slower athletes. Differences between faster athletes across each test seem to be attributed to the mechanical demands of the directional change, increasing force and impulse application as the degree of directional change increased. These findings indicate that different mechanical properties are required to produce a faster COD and agility performances, and the importance of a greater strength capacity to enable greater mechanical adjustment through force production and body control, during different directional changes.

The effects of misleading media reports about COVID-19 on Chinese tourists’ mental health: a perspective article

Abstract: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared apublic health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. This pandemic has since saturated the headlines of major inter...

Thermographic imaging of the subcutaneous vascular network of the back of the hand for biometric identification

Abstract: Access control systems require positive identification of authorised persons for entry to restricted facilities. Possession of a card by an authorised person has been the traditional approach to high security access control. These cards range from simple magnetic swipe cards through to proximity smart cards for identification. More recently, serious attempts have been made to identify appropriate biometric characteristics of individuals to provide positive identification. The more popular biometric access control techniques have included facial images, hand geometry, fingerprints and retina patterns. Also, the dynamics of keyboard input, handwritten signature and voice patterns have been reasonably successful in identifying authorised persons. This paper describes research that has been undertaken by the authors to use the subcutaneous vascular network (vein pattern) of the back of the hand as a unique personal biometric for identification. An outline will be given of a prototype low cost automatic thermographic imaging system which has been developed by the authors to obtain vein patterns for positive identification. The paper includes consideration of the image acquisition, image processing and vein pattern matching strategies. A summary of experimental results concerning the acceptance and rejection rates for the system is also provided.