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.

Comparison of the effects of a selective muscarinic receptor antagonist and hyoscine (scopolamine) on motion sickness, skin conductance and heart rate

Abstract: Aims Hyoscine (scopolamine), which is effective in the prophylaxis of motion sickness, shows similar binding affinities to all of the five known muscarinic receptor sub-types. The effectiveness of hyoscine was compared with zamifenacin (UK-76654), which binds selectively to the muscarinic M3 and m5 receptors. Methods Eighteen subjects received hyoscine hydrobromide 0.6 mg, zamifenacin 20 mg, or placebo (double-blind cross-over design). Sessions were 1 week apart and the drug (oral) was given 90 min prior to a motion sickness test. Motion sickness was elicited by cross-coupled stimulation on a turntable. The rotational velocity was incremented by 2° s−1 every 30 s, and a sequence (seq) of eight head movements of 45° was completed every 30 s. Motion tolerance was assessed as the number of sequences of head movement required to achieve moderate nausea. Pulse rate was recorded before and at 1 and 2 h after drug administration. Skin conductance activity in the frequency band 0.005–0.48 Hz, an index of sweat gland activity, was measured using Ag/AgCl electrodes on the palmar surfaces of fingers and across the forehead. Results Both zamifenacin and hyoscine produced an increase in tolerance to the motion challenge (P<0.01) with no significant difference between the two drugs (5.0±1.6 vs 5.7±1.6 seqs. respectively, mean±s.e.mean). Compared with placebo or zamifenacin, pulse rate fell following hyoscine administration (9 beats min−1, P<0.01). Skin conductance was reduced following hyoscine compared with zamifenacin or placebo (P<0.001). Conclusions These results suggest that compounds with selective M3 and/or m5 antagonism possess activity against motion sickness. Antagonism at these receptors may be the basis of the anti-motion sickness action of hyoscine.

Conviviality and everyday life: the appeal of new areas of London for visitors.

Abstract: Literature on tourism development in converted cities or new districts of polycentric cities emphasises planned processes to create attractions, often resulting in standardised tourism zones. The demands and experience of tourists themselves have been neglected. Qualitative research with overseas visitors to new tourism areas suggests that character and sense of place that visitors enjoy derives from a combination of unlike elements, 'lashed up' to create a distinctive place, in which everyday life plays an important role. Rather than familiar stories of conflict between 'hosts' and 'guests', the emphasis in some areas is on conviviality among different groups of city users. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The 'Murdochization' of news? The case of star TV in India

Abstract: Global media magnate Rupert Murdoch has been a key player in the exponential growth of the Indian television market, attracted by the large and increasingly affluent urban middle classes. The succe...