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.

Enzymatic synthesis of oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The aim of this research is to develop a model to describe oligosaccharide synthesis and simultaneously lactose hydrolysis. Model A (engineering approach) and model B (biochemical approach) were used to describe the data obtained in batch experiments with (J-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans at various initial lactose concentrations (0.19-0.59 mol/kg). A procedure was developed to fit the model parameters and to select the most suitable model. The procedure can also be used for other kinetically controlled reactions. Each experiment was considered as an independent estimation of the model parameters, and consequently, model parameters were fitted to each experiment separately. Estimation of the parameters per experiment preserved the time dependence of the measurements and yielded independent sets of parameters. The next step was to study by ordinary regression methods whether parameters were constant under the altering conditions examined. Throughout all experiments, the parameters of model B did not show a trend upon the initial lactose concentration when inhibition was included. Therefore model B, a galactosyl-enzyme complex based model, was chosen to describe the oligosaccharide synthesis, and one parameter set was determined for various initial lactose concentrations. This chapter has been published as: Boon MA, Janssen AEM, van der Padt A. 1999. Modelling and parameter estimation of the enzymatic synthesis of oligosaccharides by |3-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans. Biotechnol Bioeng 64:558-567.

Hybridising human judgment, AHP, simulation and a fuzzy expert system for strategy formulation under uncertainty

Abstract: A hybrid approach that combines human judgment, analytic hierarch process (AHP), simulation and a fuzzy expert system for formulating marketing strategies and related Internet strategies is proposed and evaluated in the paper. Within this approach, AHP is utilised to perform pairwise comparisons and assist the decision-maker to determine the relative importance of relevant factors affecting strategic decision-making. Monte Carlo simulation is employed to estimate the scores for the strategic factors or variables on the basis of human judgmental inputs and the triangular probability distribution. The fuzzy expert system is applied to fuzzify the aggregated inputs using trapezoidal membership functions, undertake approximate reasoning and generate strategic recommendations with certain degree of confidence. These techniques and technologies are hybridised by using an intercommunication job-sharing method with human judgment incorporated. Empirical evaluation findings from six managers indicate that the hybrid approach is efficient and effective in supporting and improving both the process and the outcomes of strategy formulation.

Exploring men's and women's experiences of depression and engagement with health professionals: more similarities than differences? A qualitative interview study

Abstract: It is argued that the ways in which women express emotional distress mean that they are more likely to be diagnosed with depression, while men's relative lack of articulacy means their depression is hidden. This may have consequences for communicating with health professionals. The purpose of this analysis was to explore how men and women with depression articulate their emotional distress, and examine whether there are gender differences or similarities in the strategies that respondents found useful when engaging with health professionals. In-depth qualitative interviews with 22 women and 16 men in the UK who identified themselves as having had depression, recruited through general practitioners, psychiatrists and support groups. We found gender similarities and gender differences in our sample. Both men and women found it difficult to recognise and articulate mental health problems and this had consequences for their ability to communicate with health professionals. Key gender differences noted were that men tended to value skills which helped them to talk while women valued listening skills in health professionals, and that men emphasised the importance of getting practical results from talking therapies in their narratives, as opposed to other forms of therapy which they conceptualised as 'just talking'. We also found diversity among women and among men; some respondents valued a close personal relationship with health professionals, while others felt that this personal relationship was a barrier to communication and preferred 'talking to a stranger'. Our findings suggest that there is not a straightforward relationship between gender and engagement with health professionals for people with depression. Health professionals need to be sensitive to patients who have difficulties in expressing emotional distress and critical of gender stereotypes which suggest that women invariably find it easy to express emotional distress and men invariably find it difficult. In addition it is important to recognise that, for a minority of patients, a personal relationship with health professionals can act as a barrier to the disclosure of emotional distress.

The Use of Armed Force in Occupied Territory

Abstract: This book explores the international law framework governing the use of armed force in occupied territory through a rigorous analysis of the interplay between jus ad bellum, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law. Through an examination of state practice and opinio juris, treaty provisions and relevant international and domestic case law, this book offers the first comprehensive study on this topic. This book will be relevant to scholars, practitioners, legal advisors, and students across a range of sub-disciplines of international law, as well as in peace and conflict studies, international relations, and political science. This study will influence the way in which States use armed force in occupied territory, offering guidance and support in litigations before domestic and international courts and tribunals.

Concurrent resistance and aerobic exercise stimulates both myofibrillar and mitochondrial protein synthesis in sedentary middle-aged men.

Abstract: We determined myofibrillar and mitochondrial protein fractional synthesis rates (FSR), intramuscular signaling protein phosphorylation, and mRNA expression responses after isolated bouts of resista...