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 & Politics. The organization has 2944 authors who have published 8426 publications receiving 200236 citations. The organization is also known as: Westminster University & Royal Polytechnic Institution.

Immobilization of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) urease on DEAE-cellulose paper strips for urea estimation.

Abstract: Pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajan ) urease was immobilized on 1 cmx1 cm DEAE-cellulose paper strips. The optimum immobilization (51% activity) was observed at 4 degrees C, with a protein concentration of 1.0 mg/strip. The apparent optimum pH shifted from 7.3 to 6.8. Immobilized urease showed an optimal stability temperature of 67 degrees C, compared with 47 degrees C for the soluble urease. Time-dependent kinetics of the thermal inactivation of the immobilized urease were examined and found to be monophasic as compared with the soluble enzyme, which was biphasic. The Michaelis constant ( K (m)) for the DEAE-cellulose-immobilized urease was found to be 4.75 mM, 1.5 times higher than the soluble enzyme. Immobilized strips stored at 4 degrees C showed an increased half-life ( t (1/2)=150 days). There was practically no leaching of the enzyme from the immobilized strips over a period of 2 weeks. These strips were used for estimating the urea content of blood samples; the results obtained matched well with those obtained in a clinical laboratory through an Autoanalyzer(R) (Zydus Co., Rome, Italy). The easy availability of pigeonpea urease, the ease of its immobilization on DEAE-cellulose strips and the significantly lower cost of urease described in the present study makes it a suitable product for future applications in diagnostics.

Cannabidiol Is a novel modulator of bacterial membrane vesicles

Abstract: Membrane vesicles (MVs) released from bacteria participate in cell communication and host-pathogen interactions. Roles for MVs in antibiotic resistance are gaining increased attention and in this study we investigated if known anti-bacterial effects of cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid from Cannabis sativa, could be in part attributed to effects on bacterial MV profile and MV release. We found that CBD is a strong inhibitor of MV release from Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli VCS257), while inhibitory effect on MV release from Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus subsp. aureus Rosenbach) was negligible. When used in combination with selected antibiotics, CBD significantly increased the bactericidal action of several antibiotics in the Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, CBD increased antibiotic effects of kanamycin in the Gram-positive bacteria, without affecting MV release. CBD furthermore changed protein profiles of MVs released from E. coli after 1 h CBD treatment. Our findings indicate that CBD may pose as a putative adjuvant agent for tailored co-application with selected antibiotics, depending on bacterial species, to increase antibiotic activity, including via MV inhibition, and help reduce antibiotic resistance.

Sexual harassment in the workplace: a feminist analysis of recent developments in the UK

Abstract: This article discusses the law on sexual harassment from a feminist perspective. It summarizes some of the theoretical explanations of sexual harassment focusing in particular on feminist theorists. It looks at the development of the case law and the way in which concepts of unresonableness and unwelcomeness can be used to import stereotypical ideas about women that undermine their claim to be sexually harassed. It is argued that feminist ideas have an important role to play in ensuring that the law is responsive to women. It also argues that sexual harassment has a strong gender dimension and should not be seen simply as a form of bullying.

Are we spending too much to grow? The case of Structural Funds

Abstract: We evaluate whether the impact of EU Structural and Cohesion Funds (EUF) on Member States’ regional economic growth depends on the intensity of treatment, measured by the normalized amount of funds distributed in each region. We use an original dataset that covers all the main sources of EUF and extend the regression discontinuity design to the case of continuous treatment. The results suggest an average positive effect on regional growth. The estimated conditional intensity-growth function is concave and presents a maximum value. Therefore, the exceeding funds could have been allocated to other lagging regions without reducing the effect on growth.

Low emission zones: the likely effects on the freight transport sector

Abstract: London's air quality has improved over recent decades, but is still the worst in the UK. Road transport emissions play an important part in this pollution. A low emission zone (LEZ) would help to accelerate the introduction of cleaner vehicles, and reduce the number of older, more polluting vehicles operating in London. Survey results indicate that there is some support among goods vehicle operators for a LEZ in London, depending on the precise scheme definition. Operators would generally try to comply with LEZ regulations, with most companies either using technical approaches to ensure that their London vehicle fleet complied with the required emission standard, or redeploying vehicles with the appropriate emission standard from other locations.