University of Westminster

About: University of Westminster is a education organization based out in London, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2944 authors who have published 8426 publications receiving 200236 citations. The organization is also known as: Westminster University & Royal Polytechnic Institution.

Third-mission policy goals and incentives from performance-based funding: Are they aligned?

Abstract: In competitive knowledge-based economies, policymakers recognize the importance of universities’ engagement in third mission activities. This article investigates how a specific policy approach to encourage third mission engagement—the use of performance-based funding to reward universities’ success in this domain—aligns with the broader goals of third mission policy. Considering the case of the UK, the first country to have implemented a system of this kind, we analyse how the system has come into being and how it has evolved, and we discuss whether its implementation is likely to encourage universities to behave in ways that are aligned with the goals of third mission policy, as outlined in government documents. We argue that the system encourages universities to focus on a narrow range of income-producing third mission activities, and this is not well aligned with the policy goal to support a complex innovation ecosystem comprising universities with different third mission objectives and strategies. The article concludes by proposing possible avenues for achieving greater alignment between incentives and policy goals.

Duration and orientation of mechanical loads determine fibroblast cyto‐mechanical activation: Monitored by protease release

Abstract: Regulation of mechanical force on and by connective tissues is increasingly regarded as a critical factor in understanding their function. The aim of this study was to identify quantifiable characteristics of external loading to which fibroblasts were sensitive. Specific patterns of uniaxial tensile loading were applied to fibroblast populated collagen lattices through a computer controlled driver: tensioning-Culture Force Monitor. Ramp loads of 120 dynes were applied over 10 minutes and 11 hours, and the effect of high and low strain pattern changes, with orientation relative to the applied load were investigated by using two lattice configurations, high and low aspect ratios, with loads applied across the long and short axis. Both, ramp loading and lattice orientation were tested in comparison to statically loaded gels. Changes in protease production were measured to indicate which loading patterns produced cell stimulation. Greatest cell responses were with the slowest rate of ramp loading and unloading (11 dynes/hour) with the 11 hour ramp causing a 5-fold increase in MMP-9 release. Similarly, the greatest stimulation was produced in high strain, aligned High Aspect Ratio lattices with a 2.6-fold increase in MMP-9 release. In conclusion, duration over which cells are loaded rather than the rate and alignment of that loading are both critical factors in cyto-mechanical activation.

Translation and Validation of the Malay Subjective Happiness Scale

Abstract: The Subjective Happiness Scale (Lyubomirsky and Lepper, Social Indicators Research, 46, 137–155, 1999) is a brief measure for assessing subjective happiness. The reliability and validity of the Malay version of the Subjective Happiness Scale was investigated in a community sample of 290 Chinese and 227 Malays in Malaysia. Results showed that the Malay Subjective Happiness Scale has excellent internal consistency, a unitary structure, and stability over a 30-day period and across ethnic groups. Moreover, the Malay version of the scale exhibited good convergent validity with single-item happiness scales. The availability of the Malay Subjective Happiness Scale is expected to facilitate the examination of happiness in Malay-speaking populations.