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.

Daylighting: Architecture and Lighting Design

Abstract: Acknowledgements How to use this book 1. Criteria of good daylighting 2. What light does 3. The daylight climate 4. Daylight and the form of buildings 5. Energy and control 6. Standards, design guidance and development control 7. Daylight factors 8. Daylight illuminance 9. Collecting daylight: windows, light pipes and other devices 10. Daylight coefficients and numerical models 11. Notes and References Worksheets Algorithms and equations Index

Evaluating the Dynamic Employment Effects of Training Programs in East Germany Using Conditional Difference-in-Differences

Abstract: This paper evaluates the effects of Public Sponsored Training in East Germany in the context of reiterated treatments. Selection bias based on observed characteristics is corrected for by applying kernel matching based on the propensity score. We control for further selection and the presence of Ashenfelter's Dip before the program with conditional difference-in-differences estimators. Training as a first treatment shows insignificant effects on the transition rates. The effect of program sequences and the incremental effect of a second program on the reemployment probability are insignificant. However, the incremental effect on the probability to remain employed is slightly positive.

A case–control study of the health and well-being benefits of allotment gardening

Abstract: Background - Allotments in the UK are popular and waiting lists long. There is, however, little evidence on the health benefits of allotment gardening. The aims of this study were to determine the impacts of a session of allotment gardening on self-esteem and mood and to compare the mental well-being of allotment gardeners with non-gardeners. Methods - Self-esteem, mood and general health were measured in 136 allotment gardeners pre- and post- an allotment session, and 133 non-gardener controls. Allotment gardeners also detailed the time spent on their allotment in the current session and previous 7 days, and their length of tenure. Results - Paired t-tests revealed a significant improvement in self-esteem (P 0.05). One-way ANCOVA revealed that allotment gardeners had a significantly better self-esteem, total mood disturbance and general health (P < 0.001), experiencing less depression and fatigue and more vigour (P < 0.0083). Conclusions - Allotment gardening can play a key role in promoting mental well-being and could be used as a preventive health measure

Anisaldehyde and Veratraldehyde Acting as Redox Cycling Agents for H2O2 Production by Pleurotus eryngii

Abstract: The existence of a redox cycle leading to the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the white rot fungus Pleurotus eryngii has been confirmed by incubations of 10-day-old mycelium with veratryl (3,4-dimethoxybenzyl) and anisyl (4-methoxybenzyl) compounds (alcohols, aldehydes, and acids). Veratraldehyde and anisaldehyde were reduced by aryl-alcohol dehydrogenase to their corresponding alcohols, which were oxidized by aryl-alcohol oxidase, producing H2O2. Veratric and anisic acids were incorporated into the cycle after their reduction, which was catalyzed by aryl-aldehyde dehydrogenase. With the use of different initial concentrations of either veratryl alcohol, veratraldehyde, or veratric acid (0.5 to 4.0 mM), around 94% of veratraldehyde and 3% of veratryl alcohol (compared with initial concentrations) and trace amounts of veratric acid were found when equilibrium between reductive and oxidative activities had been reached, regardless of the initial compound used. At concentrations higher than 1 mM, veratric acid was not transformed, and at 1.0 mM, it produced a negative effect on the activities of aryl-alcohol oxidase and both dehydrogenases. H2O2 levels were proportional to the initial concentrations of veratryl compounds (around 0.5%), and an equilibrium between aryl-alcohol oxidase and an unknown H2O2-reducing system kept these levels steady. On the other hand, the concomitant production of the three above-mentioned enzymes during the active growth phase of the fungus was demonstrated. Finally, the possibility that anisaldehyde is the metabolite produced by P. eryngii for the maintenance of this redox cycle is discussed.

A European Skills Framework?--But What Are Skills? Anglo-Saxon versus German Concepts.

Abstract: With the proposed introduction of a common framework for comparing qualifications within the European Union as a result of the Lisbon Agreement of 2000, the question of commonly agreed transnationa...