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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Lower Bounds On The Kobayashi Metric Near A Point Of Infinite Type, Tran Vu Khanh Jan 2015

Lower Bounds On The Kobayashi Metric Near A Point Of Infinite Type, Tran Vu Khanh

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

2015 Mathematica Josephina, Inc. Under a potential-theoretical hypothesis named f-property which holds for all pseudoconvex domains of finite type and many examples of infinite type, we give a new method for constructing a family of bumping functions and hence plurisubharmonic peak functions with good estimates. The rate of lower bounds on the Kobayashi metric follows by the estimates of peak functions. The application to the continuous extendibility of proper holomorphic maps is given.


Antibacterial Performance Of Bovine Lactoferrin-Fish Gelatine Electrospun Membranes, J Padrão, Raul Machado, Margarida Casal, Senentxu Lanceros-Méndez, L R. Rodrigues, F Dourado, Vitor Sencadas Jan 2015

Antibacterial Performance Of Bovine Lactoferrin-Fish Gelatine Electrospun Membranes, J Padrão, Raul Machado, Margarida Casal, Senentxu Lanceros-Méndez, L R. Rodrigues, F Dourado, Vitor Sencadas

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

The increase of antibiotic resistant microorganisms urged the development and synthesis of novel antimicrobial biomaterials to be employed in a broad range of applications, ranging from food packaging to medical devices. This work describes the production and characterization of a protein-based electrospun fibrous membranes bearing antimicrobial properties. Its composition is exclusively comprised of proteins, with fish gelatine as structural matrix and bovine lactoferrin (bLF) as the active antimicrobial agent. The bLF bactericidal effect was determined against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus through microdilution assays. Two distinctive methods were used to incorporate bLF into the fish gelatine nanofibres: …


A Vibrotactilve And Plantar Force Measurement Based Biofeedback System: Paving The Way Towards Wearable Devices Improving Balance, Christina Ma, Anson Wan, Duo Wong, Yong-Ping Zheng, Winson Lee Jan 2015

A Vibrotactilve And Plantar Force Measurement Based Biofeedback System: Paving The Way Towards Wearable Devices Improving Balance, Christina Ma, Anson Wan, Duo Wong, Yong-Ping Zheng, Winson Lee

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Although biofeedback systems have been used to improve balance with success, they were confined to hospital training applications. Little attempt has been made to investigate the use of in-shoe plantar force measurement and wireless technology to turn hospital training biofeedback systems into wearable devices. This research developed a wearable biofeedback system which detects body sway by analyzing the plantar force and provides users with the corresponding haptic cues. The effects of this system were evaluated in thirty young and elderly subjects with simulated reduced foot sensation. Subjects performed a Romberg test under three conditions: (1) no socks, system turned-off; (2) …


Oxide Scale Characterization Of Ferritic Stainless Steel And Its Deformation And Friction In Hot Rolling, Xiawei Cheng, Zhengyi Jiang, Dongbin Wei, Liang Hao, Jingwei Zhao, Laizhu Jiang Jan 2015

Oxide Scale Characterization Of Ferritic Stainless Steel And Its Deformation And Friction In Hot Rolling, Xiawei Cheng, Zhengyi Jiang, Dongbin Wei, Liang Hao, Jingwei Zhao, Laizhu Jiang

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

The oxidation kinetics of ferritic stainless steel 430 was studied in dry and humid air at 1090 °C by Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). Different atmospheres and heating times were adopted for reheating to obtain different compositions and thickness of the oxide scale. Hot rolling was performed on a 2-high Hille 100 experimental rolling mill at various reductions. Oxide scale thickness and composition were analysed with optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface profiles were examined by a digital microscope, and the topographic features of the thin oxide scale surface were examined with an atomic …


A Multi-Objective Design Optimization Strategy For Vertical Ground Heat Exchangers, Su Huang, Zhenjun Ma, Fenghao Wang Jan 2015

A Multi-Objective Design Optimization Strategy For Vertical Ground Heat Exchangers, Su Huang, Zhenjun Ma, Fenghao Wang

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

A multi-objective design optimization strategy for vertical U-tube ground heat exchangers (GHEs) is presented to minimize the system upfront cost and entropy generation number simultaneously. Five design variables of vertical U-tube GHEs, including borehole number, borehole depth, borehole radius, U-tube outer radius and fluid mass flow rate, are first selected via a global sensitivity analysis method, and then optimized by a genetic algorithm (GA) optimizer implemented in MATLAB. Based on the Pareto frontier obtained from the GA optimization, a decision-making strategy is then used to determine a final solution. Two case studies are presented to validate the effectiveness of the …


Crystal Plasticity Finite Element Method Modelling Of Indentation Size Effect, Mao Liu, Cheng Lu, A Kiet Tieu Jan 2015

Crystal Plasticity Finite Element Method Modelling Of Indentation Size Effect, Mao Liu, Cheng Lu, A Kiet Tieu

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

A crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM) model has been developed to investigate the indentation size effect (ISE) of aluminium single crystal during nano-indentation. The simulated results have been validated by comparison with experimental observations. The load-hardness curves from simulation are consistent with the experimental results. The mathematic relationship between load and indentation depth has been built to investigate indentation size effect. In addition, the Mises stress, critical resolved shear stress, stress and shear strain rates for a selected element and the lattice curvature have been studied to explain indentation size effect.


Optimisation Of Coal Wash-Slag Blend As A Structural Fill, Gabriele Chiaro, Buddhima Indraratna, S.M.Ali Tasalloti, Cholachat Rujikiatkamjorn Jan 2015

Optimisation Of Coal Wash-Slag Blend As A Structural Fill, Gabriele Chiaro, Buddhima Indraratna, S.M.Ali Tasalloti, Cholachat Rujikiatkamjorn

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Coal wash (CW) and basic oxygen steel slag fines (BOS) are by-products of the coal mining and steel industries, respectively. Their effective reuse and recycling through large-scale geotechnical projects, such as port reclamation, is economically beneficial and environmentally sustainable. In this study, CW and BOS were blended in order to explore the possibility to obtain synthetic fills having geotechnical properties similar or superior to conventional fills, therefore suitable as a structural fill for the Port Kembla Outer Harbour reclamation near Wollongong City, Australia. A framework with four levels of acceptance is proposed in this paper to select granular waste as …


Ambiguous Optimistic Fair Exchange: Definition And Constructions, Qiong Huang, Guomin Yang, Duncan Wong, Willy Susilo Jan 2015

Ambiguous Optimistic Fair Exchange: Definition And Constructions, Qiong Huang, Guomin Yang, Duncan Wong, Willy Susilo

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Optimistic fair exchange (OFE) is a protocol for solving the problem of exchanging items or services in a fair manner between two parties, a signer and a verifier, with the help of an arbitrator which is called in only when a dispute happens between the two parties. In almost all the previous work on OFE, after obtaining a partial signature from the signer, the verifier can present it to others and show that the signer has indeed committed itself to something corresponding to the partial signature evenprior to the completion of the transaction. In some scenarios, this capability given to …


Efficient Algorithms For Secure Outsourcing Of Bilinear Pairings, Xiaofeng Chen, Willy Susilo, Jin Li, Duncan Wong, Jianfeng Ma, Shaohua Tang, Qiang Tang Jan 2015

Efficient Algorithms For Secure Outsourcing Of Bilinear Pairings, Xiaofeng Chen, Willy Susilo, Jin Li, Duncan Wong, Jianfeng Ma, Shaohua Tang, Qiang Tang

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

The computation of bilinear pairings has been considered the most expensive operation in pairing-based cryptographic protocols. In this paper, we first propose an efficient and secure outsourcing algorithm for bilinear pairings in the two untrusted program model. Compared with the state-of-the-art algorithm, a distinguishing property of our proposed algorithm is that the (resource-constrained) outsourcer is not required to perform any expensive operations, such as point multiplications or exponentiations. Furthermore, we utilize this algorithm as a subroutine to achieve outsource-secure identity-based encryptions and signatures.


Enhanced Tensile Properties Of Aluminium Matrix Composites Reinforced With Graphene Encapsulated Sic Nanoparticles, Alireza Fadavi Boostani, S Tahamtan, Zhengyi Jiang, Dongbin Wei, Siamak Yazdani, R Azari Khosroshahi, R Taherzadeh Mousavian, Jianzhong Xu, X M. Zhang, Dianyao Gong Jan 2015

Enhanced Tensile Properties Of Aluminium Matrix Composites Reinforced With Graphene Encapsulated Sic Nanoparticles, Alireza Fadavi Boostani, S Tahamtan, Zhengyi Jiang, Dongbin Wei, Siamak Yazdani, R Azari Khosroshahi, R Taherzadeh Mousavian, Jianzhong Xu, X M. Zhang, Dianyao Gong

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Due to a high propensity of nano-particles to agglomerate, making aluminium matrix composites with a uniform dispersion of the nano-particles using liquid routes is an exceptionally difficult task. In this study, an innovative approach was utilised to prevent agglomeration of nano-particle by encapsulating SiC nano-particles using graphene sheets during ball milling. Subsequently, the milled mixture was incorporated into A356 molten alloy using non-contact ultrasonic vibration method. Two different shapes for graphene sheets were characterised using HRTEM, including onion-like shells encapsulating SiC particles and disk-shaped graphene nanosheets. This resulted in 45% and 84% improvement in yield strength and tensile ductility, respectively. …


A Multi-Bead Overlapping Model For Robotic Wire And Arc Additive Manufacturing (Waam), Donghong Ding, Zengxi Pan, Dominic Cuiuri, Huijun Li Jan 2015

A Multi-Bead Overlapping Model For Robotic Wire And Arc Additive Manufacturing (Waam), Donghong Ding, Zengxi Pan, Dominic Cuiuri, Huijun Li

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a promising alternative to traditional subtractive manufacturing for fabricating large aerospace components that feature high buy-to-fly ratio. Since the WAAM process builds up a part with complex geometry through the deposition of weld beads on a layer-by-layer basis, it is important to model the geometry of a single weld bead as well as the multi-bead overlapping process in order to achieve high surface quality and dimensional accuracy of the fabricated parts. This study firstly builds models for a single weld bead through various curve fitting methods. The experimental results show that both parabola …


Excellent Melt Lubrication Of Alkali Metal Polyphosphate Glass For High Temperature Applications, A Kiet Tieu, Shanhong Wan, Ning Kong, Qiang Zhu, Hongtao Zhu Jan 2015

Excellent Melt Lubrication Of Alkali Metal Polyphosphate Glass For High Temperature Applications, A Kiet Tieu, Shanhong Wan, Ning Kong, Qiang Zhu, Hongtao Zhu

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

A new class of high temperature lubricant of inorganic alkali metal polyphosphate was developed for hot metal forming, which involved a fundamental knowledge of melt lubrication. At elevated temperature a 55% reduction in friction and a 50% decrease in wear were achieved by the presence of the molten polyphosphate lubrication, as well as the excellent anti-oxidation capability at the rubbing steel/steel interface, which closely correlated with the tribo-induced hierarchical structure at the rubbing interface. This inorganic polyphosphate lubricant can be called a smart polymeric material, which will be an eco-friendly alternative for high temperature applications. This journal is


Urinary Continence Care In Australian Nursing Homes, Ping Yu, Victoria Traynor, David Hailey Jan 2015

Urinary Continence Care In Australian Nursing Homes, Ping Yu, Victoria Traynor, David Hailey

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Objective Exploring urinary continence (UC) assessment and management practices in Australian nursing homes. Design Mixed method using a questionnaire and interviews. Setting Five nursing homes in Australian metropolitan cities. Subjects Participants 121 staff: mostly female (91%) with a range of roles including personal care assistants (PCAs) (63%), enrolled nurses (ENs) (11%), registered nurses (RNs) (20%) and managers (4%). Main outcomes measure(s) Compliance with and perceptions about UC assessment and management. Results 77% (n=71) of care staff (PCAs, ENs and RNs) were compliant with the UC management protocol of checking for wetness every 2 to 2.5 hours. Toileting time and frequency …


The Evaluation Of A 2d Diode Array In "Magic Phantom" For Use In High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Pretreatment Quality Assurance, Anthony A. Espinoza, Marco Petasecca, Iolanda Fuduli, Andrew Howie, Joseph A. Bucci, Stephanie Corde, Michael Jackson, Michael L. F Lerch, Anatoly B. Rosenfeld Jan 2015

The Evaluation Of A 2d Diode Array In "Magic Phantom" For Use In High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Pretreatment Quality Assurance, Anthony A. Espinoza, Marco Petasecca, Iolanda Fuduli, Andrew Howie, Joseph A. Bucci, Stephanie Corde, Michael Jackson, Michael L. F Lerch, Anatoly B. Rosenfeld

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Purpose: High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a treatment method that is used increasingly worldwide. The development of a sound quality assurance program for the verification of treatment deliveries can be challenging due to the high source activity utilized and the need for precise measurements of dwell positions and times. This paper describes the application of a novel phantom, based on a 2D 11 x 11 diode array detection system, named "magic phantom" (MPh), to accurately measure plan dwell positions and times, compare them directly to the treatment plan, determine errors in treatment delivery, and calculate absorbed dose. Methods: The …


Validating The Rejection Of Trace Organic Chemicals By Reverse Osmosis Membranes Using A Pilot-Scale System, Takahiro Fujioka, Stuart Khan, James Mcdonald, Long D. Nghiem Jan 2015

Validating The Rejection Of Trace Organic Chemicals By Reverse Osmosis Membranes Using A Pilot-Scale System, Takahiro Fujioka, Stuart Khan, James Mcdonald, Long D. Nghiem

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

A protocol to validate the rejection of organic chemicals of potential health risk by low pressure reverse osmosis (LPRO) membranes was developed for decision making support regarding the monitoring level required for potable water reuse. Ten organic chemicals were selected for evaluation, based on their recorded usage, the scarcity of rejection data, and difficulty in analytical determination at concentrations relevant to their potential impact on human-health. An analytical method was developed for these organic chemicals. The target rejections of 90 and 99% for neutral and charged chemicals respectively were successfully achieved under the standard operating condition with only two exceptions …


Nonlinear Bilateral Teleoperation Using Extended Active Observer For Force Estimation And Disturbance Suppression, Linping Chan, Fazel Naghdy, David Stirling, Matthew Field Jan 2015

Nonlinear Bilateral Teleoperation Using Extended Active Observer For Force Estimation And Disturbance Suppression, Linping Chan, Fazel Naghdy, David Stirling, Matthew Field

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

A novel nonlinear teleoperation algorithm for simultaneous inertial parameters and force estimation at the master and slave sides of the teleoperation system is proposed. The scheme, called Extended Active Observer (EAOB), is an extension of the existing active observer. It provides effective force tracking at the master side with accurate position tracking at the slave side in the presence of inertial parameter variation and measurement noise. The proposed method only requires the measurement of robot position, and as a result significantly reduces the difficulty and cost of implementing bilateral teleoperation systems. The approach is described and its stability is analytically …


On Asymptotic Behaviour And W 2, P Regularity Of Potentials In Optimal Transportation, Jiakun Liu, Neil Trudinger, Xu-Jia Wang Jan 2015

On Asymptotic Behaviour And W 2, P Regularity Of Potentials In Optimal Transportation, Jiakun Liu, Neil Trudinger, Xu-Jia Wang

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

© 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. In this paper we study local properties of cost and potential functions in optimal transportation. We prove that in a proper normalization process, the cost function is uniformly smooth and converges locally smoothly to a quadratic cost x · y, while the potential function converges to a quadratic function. As applications we obtain the interior W2, p estimates and sharp C1, α estimates for the potentials, which satisfy a Monge–Ampère type equation. The W2, p estimate was previously proved by Caffarelli for the quadratic transport cost and the associated standard Monge–Ampère equation.


Quantum Ratchet In Two-Dimensional Semiconductors With Rashba Spin-Orbit Interaction, Yee Sin Ang, Zhongshui Ma, Chao Zhang Jan 2015

Quantum Ratchet In Two-Dimensional Semiconductors With Rashba Spin-Orbit Interaction, Yee Sin Ang, Zhongshui Ma, Chao Zhang

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Ratchet is a device that produces direct current of particles when driven by an unbiased force. We demonstrate a simple scattering quantum ratchet based on an asymmetrical quantum tunneling effect in two-dimensional electron gas with Rashba spin-orbit interaction (R2DEG). We consider the tunneling of electrons across a square potential barrier sandwiched by interface scattering potentials of unequal strengths on its either sides. It is found that while the intra-spin tunneling probabilities remain unchanged, the inter-spin-subband tunneling probabilities of electrons crossing the barrier in one direction is unequal to that of the opposite direction. Hence, when the system is driven by …


Terahertz Spectroscopy Of 2,4-Dinitrotoluene Over A Wide Temperature Range (7−245 K), Lucia Lepodise, Josip Horvat, R A. Lewis Jan 2015

Terahertz Spectroscopy Of 2,4-Dinitrotoluene Over A Wide Temperature Range (7−245 K), Lucia Lepodise, Josip Horvat, R A. Lewis

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Previous THz spectroscopy of the TNT explosive precursor, 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), has been restricted to room temperature (apart from one set of data at 11 K). Here, for the first time, we investigate the spectrum as the temperature is systematically varied, from 7 to 245 K. Many new features appear in the spectrum on cooling below room temperature. As well as the five absorption lines observed previously, we observe five additional lines. In addition, a new room-temperature line at 8.52 THz (281 cm−1) is observed. Six of the lines red-shift with temperature and four of them blue-shift. The blue shift is …


Convexity Estimates For Surfaces Moving By Curvature Functions, Ben Andrews, Mat Langford, James A. Mccoy Jan 2015

Convexity Estimates For Surfaces Moving By Curvature Functions, Ben Andrews, Mat Langford, James A. Mccoy

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

We consider the evolution of compact surfaces by fully nonlinear, parabolic curvature ows for which the normal speed is given by a smooth, degree one homogeneous function of the principal curvatures of the evolving surface. Under no further restrictions on the speed function, we prove that initial surfaces on which the speed is positive become weakly convex at a singularity of the flow. This generalises the corresponding result [26] of Huisken and Sinestrari for the mean curvature ow to the largest possible class of degree one homogeneous surface flows.


3d Printed Terahertz Diffraction Gratings And Lenses, A D. Squires, E Constable, R A. Lewis Jan 2015

3d Printed Terahertz Diffraction Gratings And Lenses, A D. Squires, E Constable, R A. Lewis

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

3D printing opens up an inexpensive, rapid, and versatile path to the fabrication of optical elements suited to the terahertz regime. The transmission of the plastics used in 3D printers, while generally decreasing with frequency, is usable over the range 0.1-2 THz. We have designed, fabricated, and tested regular and blazed gratings and aspherical lenses for operation at terahertz frequencies. We find that the measured performance matches our theoretical predictions.


Recent Advances In Railroad Infrastructure And Track Performance - Australian Experience, Buddhima Indraratna, Sanjay Nimbalkar Jan 2015

Recent Advances In Railroad Infrastructure And Track Performance - Australian Experience, Buddhima Indraratna, Sanjay Nimbalkar

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

As trains become longer, heavier and quicker, ballast shows signs of distress and degradation, leading to deterioration of the track geometry. Appropriate stabilisation techniques using artificial inclusions such as polymeric geosynthetics and energy-absorbing shock mats are needed to improve track stability and longevity. Large-scale laboratory tests at University of Wollongong revealed that the geogrids with an optimum aperture governed the effectiveness of the reinforcement mechanism. The use of shock mats was influenced by their placement position and the type of subgrade (e.g. estuarine soil, rock etc.). In these studies, different types of geosynthetics and shock mats were placed beneath the …


Implications Of Ballast Degradation Under Cyclic Loading, Sanjay Nimbalkar, Buddhima Indraratna Jan 2015

Implications Of Ballast Degradation Under Cyclic Loading, Sanjay Nimbalkar, Buddhima Indraratna

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

In spite of recent advances in track geotechnology, the understanding of the mechanisms of ballast degradation is vital for improved design to withstand high speed cyclic loading. The research conducted at Centre for Geomechanics and Railway Engineering (CGRE) at University of Wollongong (UOW) has shown that ballast degradation is influenced by various factors including the amplitude, frequency, number of load cycles, particle size distribution, confining pressure, angularity and fracture strength of individual grains. A series of cyclic drained triaxial tests were conducted using a largescale cylindrical apparatus designed and built at UOW for frequencies ranging from 10-40 Hz. A low …


Absolute Phase Recovery Of Three Fringe Patterns With Selected Spatial Frequencies, Yi Ding, Jiangtao Xi, Yanguang Yu, Fuqin Deng Jan 2015

Absolute Phase Recovery Of Three Fringe Patterns With Selected Spatial Frequencies, Yi Ding, Jiangtao Xi, Yanguang Yu, Fuqin Deng

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

A new temporal approach is presented for the recovery of the absolute phase maps from their wrapped versions based on the use of fringe patterns of three different spatial frequencies. In contrast to the two-frequency method recently published, the method proposed is characterized by better anti-error capability as measured by phase error tolerance bound. A general rule for the selection of the three frequencies is presented, and its relationship to the phase error tolerance bound is derived. Theoretical analysis and experimental results are also presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed three frequency technique.


Improving The Laboratory Learning Experience: A Process To Train And Manage Teaching Assistants, Sasha Nikolic, Peter J. Vial, Montserrat Ros, David Stirling, Christian H. Ritz Jan 2015

Improving The Laboratory Learning Experience: A Process To Train And Manage Teaching Assistants, Sasha Nikolic, Peter J. Vial, Montserrat Ros, David Stirling, Christian H. Ritz

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This paper describes in detail a successful training program developed for sessional (part-time or nonpermanent) laboratory demonstrators employed in the Electrical Engineering Department of an Australian university. Such demonstrators play an important role in teaching practical concepts and skills in engineering. The success of the program relies on a centralized approach coordinated by a carefully selected Laboratory Manager responsible for the recruitment, allocation, training, and development of sessional teachers, and for assessing student satisfaction with them. The paper examines the overall impact of the program on these teachers': 1) introducing laboratory material; 2) preparation; 3) communication; 4) interest in student …


Chemical Cleaning Effects On Properties And Separation Efficiency Of An Ro Membrane, Kha L. Tu, Allan R. Chivas, Long D. Nghiem Jan 2015

Chemical Cleaning Effects On Properties And Separation Efficiency Of An Ro Membrane, Kha L. Tu, Allan R. Chivas, Long D. Nghiem

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This study aims to investigate the impacts of chemical cleaning on the performance of a reverse osmosis membrane. Chemicals used for simulating membrane cleaning include a surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS), a chelating agent (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA), and two proprietary cleaning formulations namely MC3 and MC11. The impact of sequential exposure to multiple membrane cleaning solutions was also examined. Water permeability and the rejection of boron and sodium were investigated under various water fluxes, temperatures and feedwater pH. Changes in the membrane performance were systematically explained based on the changes in the charge density, hydrophobicity and chemical structure of the …


A Sacrificial-Layer Approach To Fabricate Polysulfone Support For Forward Osmosis Thin-Film Composite Membranes With Reduced Internal Concentration Polarisation, Peipei Xiao, Long D. Nghiem, Yong Yin, Xue-Mei Li, Mengxi Zhang, Gang Chen, Jianfeng Song, Tao He Jan 2015

A Sacrificial-Layer Approach To Fabricate Polysulfone Support For Forward Osmosis Thin-Film Composite Membranes With Reduced Internal Concentration Polarisation, Peipei Xiao, Long D. Nghiem, Yong Yin, Xue-Mei Li, Mengxi Zhang, Gang Chen, Jianfeng Song, Tao He

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This study demonstrates a sacrificial-layer approach by co-casting, which is the simultaneous casting of two layers, to prepare a polysulfone support (denoted as PSfco) layer with open bottom surface morphology for fabricating thin-film composite forward osmosis (FO) membranes. In the co-casting process, polyetherimide (PEI), used as the sacrificial layer, was co-cast beneath the PSf layer. After the PEI layer was peeled off, PSfco was yielded with an open-bottom structure. Results showed that under the same operating condition, the FO membrane prepared by co-casting (denoted as PSfco-TFC) demonstrated a 10% higher water flux using 0.5 M NaCl draw solution and 30% …


Water Extraction From Mixed Liquor Of An Aerobic Bioreactor By Forward Osmosis: Membrane Fouling And Biomass Characteristics Assessment, Wenhai Luo, Faisal I. Hai, William E. Price, Long D. Nghiem Jan 2015

Water Extraction From Mixed Liquor Of An Aerobic Bioreactor By Forward Osmosis: Membrane Fouling And Biomass Characteristics Assessment, Wenhai Luo, Faisal I. Hai, William E. Price, Long D. Nghiem

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This study investigated membrane fouling and biomass characteristics during water extraction from mixed liquor of an aerobic bioreactor by a submerged forward osmosis (FO) system. As the sludge concentration in the reactor increased from 0 to 20 g/L, fouling of the FO membrane increased but was much less severe than that of a reference microfiltration membrane. The results also indicate that aeration can be used to effectively control membrane fouling. By increasing the draw solute concentration, as expected, the initial water flux was increased. However, there appears to be a critical water flux above which severe membrane fouling was encountered. …


Density Maximization For Improving Graph Matching With Its Applications, Chao Wang, Lei Wang, Lingqiao Liu Jan 2015

Density Maximization For Improving Graph Matching With Its Applications, Chao Wang, Lei Wang, Lingqiao Liu

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Graph matching has been widely used in both image processing and computer vision domain due to its powerful performance for structural pattern representation. However, it poses three challenges to image sparse feature matching: 1) the combinatorial nature limits the size of the possible matches; 2) it is sensitive to outliers because its objective function prefers more matches; and 3) it works poorly when handling many-to-many object correspondences, due to its assumption of one single cluster of true matches. In this paper, we address these challenges with a unified framework called density maximization (DM), which maximizes the values of a proposed …


The Nuclear Dimension Of Graph C*-Algebras, Efren Ruiz, Aidan Sims, Mark Tomforde Jan 2015

The Nuclear Dimension Of Graph C*-Algebras, Efren Ruiz, Aidan Sims, Mark Tomforde

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Consider a graph C⁎C⁎-algebra C⁎(E)C⁎(E) with a purely infinite ideal I (possibly all of C⁎(E)C⁎(E)) such that I has only finitely many ideals and C⁎(E)/IC⁎(E)/I is approximately finite dimensional. We prove that the nuclear dimension of C⁎(E)C⁎(E) is 1. If I has infinitely many ideals, then the nuclear dimension of C⁎(E)C⁎(E) is either 1 or 2.