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Taboo and sensitive language in inclusive subtitles : gauging tolerance thresholds in a Maltese context
Full text linkMalta’s localization practices largely rely on inclusive subtitles in English or Maltese, a combined translation–accessibility solution that delivers linguistic, cultural, and sensory access in line with a universalist approach. This article reports an in-depth reception study designed to gauge Maltese viewers’ tolerance thresholds for taboo and other categories of sensitive language in inclusive subtitles, with the aim of corroborating or refining local subtitling guidelines. Drawing on clips from US English TV shows streamed on Netflix, respondents compared paired subtitled versions that employed four distinct strategies—attenuation, equivalent impact, omission, and aggravation—across varied genres, contexts, characterizations, and functions of taboo language. The online survey combined immediate reactions with subsequent, more reflective responses; qualitative findings were analyzed alongside demographic variables (age, gender, education, locality). Contrary to expectations derived from earlier work suggesting general acceptance of vulgar expressions, results indicate a clear overall preference for attenuation strategies for expletives irrespective of taboo category or narrative context. Complete omission emerged as the favored approach specifically for blasphemous language. As for sensitive language concerning sexual orientation, race, and mental health, participants initially preferred the less derogatory renditions, though this preference was less pronounced than with other taboo categories. Notably, when respondents were prompted to focus on these sensitive topics and reflect, their responses shifted and became more contemplative, producing subtler and more varied stances. Responses also became more nuanced when participants considered a hypothetical policy on vulgar language in Maltese inclusive subtitles. These findings support targeted adjustments to local guidelines, emphasizing attenuation for expletives and omission for blasphemy, while recommending context-aware policies for other sensitive categories.peer-reviewe
Of comets and cosmology in Antonino Saliba's Nuova Figura di tutte le cose of 1582
No full textAntonino Saliba, a sixteenth century cartographer hailing from
the Maltese island of Gozo, published a map in 1582
espousing his cosmology. Its popularity at the time is
attested via the multiple editions and copies that were
produced in Europe. Numerous sky phenomena, amongst
them comets, are portrayed in the map. This study presents
a detailed analysis of Saliba’s treatment of these
phenomena, following the first comprehensive translation of
the map’s text to English. It elucidates the sources that
Saliba used, clarifying and shedding further light on the
views he held. Where possible, the comets mentioned by
Saliba are identified and explained. Besides showing how
Saliba wholly conformed to the Aristotelian and Ptolemaic
representation of the world, in which respect he was quite
orthodox, it is also shown for the first time that his work is
significantly derived from previous and contemporary sources.peer-reviewe
Genomic characteristics of meningococcal carriage amongst young adults in Malta
No full textBACKGROUND: Invasive meningococcal disease has an incidence of 0.4-3/100,000 in Malta. Meningococcal carriage studies shed light on the epidemiology, transmission, and pathogenesis of invasive meningococcal disease. This research aimed to investigate the prevalence and genomic characteristics of meningococcal carriage in young adults aged 18-24 years attending the only university in Malta.METHODS: Two posterior pharyngeal swabs were taken from 404 university students, and tested for Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) by culture and polymerase chain reaction. Isolates were assigned a serogroup and genogroup, and underwent whole genome sequencing to identify sequence type (ST), clonal complex (CC) and Bexsero antigen sequence type (BAST). Diversity amongst carried isolates was assessed using Simpson’s Index of Diversity (D).RESULTS: Twenty-five students (6.2%; 95% C.I. 4-9%) were carriers for Nm While most meningococcal isolates were non-serogroupable (n=14; 66.7%; 95% C.I. 43-85.4%), the predominant genogroup was B (n=9; 36%; 95% C.I. 18–57.5%), followed by Y (n=6; 24%; 95% C.I. 9.4 – 45.1%). Fourteen different ST distributed among 9 CC, and demonstrating 17 different BAST, were identified amongst the carried meningococcal isolates. There was a high degree of BAST diversity (D=0.98). CC53, CC23 and the hyperinvasive CC41/44 accounted for 4 (19%; 95% C.I. 5.4-41.9%), 4 (19%; 95% C.I. 5.4-41.9%) and 3 (14.3%; 95% C.I. 3-36.3%) of isolates respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate a wide biodiversity in meningococcal carriage, with CC23, CC41/44 and CC53 important. The introduction of glycoconjugate MenACWY vaccines on the national immunisation schedule could reduce meningococcal carriage and potentially IMD in Malta.peer-reviewe
Walk the talk — understanding perceptions of walkability in Paola, Malta, as a key component of the 15-minute city
No full textThe research investigates the socio-spatial dynamics of walkability in the urban context of Paola, Malta.
Grounded in the concept of the 15-Minute City, the study set out to understand how people’s perceptions of
proximity and walkability can inform spatial planning policies. Using Mapping for Change to map survey responses,
data was collected to analyse participant perceptions regarding their walking experiences within Paola’s
town centre. The research objectives were threefold: to identify factors that contribute to walking in dense urban
environments, to explore how pedestrians’ perceptions of the environment can be used to shape spatial planning
policies, and to assess the existing policy landscape concerning walkability. The study reveals that while the
urban fabric of Paola supports active mobility, improvements in infrastructure, such as wider pavements and
increased amenities like trees and benches, are necessary to enhance walkability. Additionally, the research
highlights discrepancies between policy formulation and implementation, particularly in promoting sustainable
mobility. The findings suggest that although national policies emphasize active travel, tangible action is less
forthcoming. The results underscore the importance of engaging communities in planning processes and call for
policies that foster safer, more attractive environments for pedestrians. Through this research, participants’
perceptions provided key indications about what can encourage active mobility and improve urban liveability,
reinforcing the 15-Minute City framework for Malta.peer-reviewe
Entryways to homeownership : family strategies and intergenerational transfers in Malta’s housing system under financialisation
No full textAs housing markets across Europe become increasingly financialised, a question has been raised over whether Southern European housing regimes, traditionally characterised by strong family-based welfare, are being displaced by liberal, financialised models. By focusing on the case of Malta, this paper argues that, rather than being disrupted, familial systems are finding new opportunities in those very same processes. Current literature has emphasised how Southern European families provide support in response to financialisation and as a safety net during periods of crisis, youth unemployment and state retrenchment. However, in the Maltese post-crisis context characterised by sustained economic growth and surging property prices, families adopt not only defensive strategies to ensure access to homeownership, but also offensive ones to promote wealth accumulation. These often leverage the tools of finance, such as accessing reconstruction loans and investment in real estate as a means of asset-building and intergenerational advancement. In doing so, families act not only as buffers against exclusion but as strategic agents capitalising on the very financialised dynamics that are reshaping housing markets. These strategies, whether defensive or offensive, take the form of (i) intergenerational property transfers, (ii) financial support such as gifted cash, intra-family loans, and guarantees, and (iii) co-residence. Crucially, however, these strategies are enabled by earlier state interventions, such as land distribution in the 1970s and 1980s, which created the conditions for property-based wealth accumulation. By adopting a historical-institutionalist lens, this paper underscores the importance of attending to historically contingent processes that shape institutional configurations, layered over comparative typologies.peer-reviewe
Altering the morphology of graphene aerogels through control of the gelation time and drying method
Full text linkGraphene aerogels are being increasingly investigated, however, a robust understanding of the effects of synthesis
parameters on their morphology and performance remains underdeveloped. This work reports on the
successful microstructural control of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogels, prepared via low-temperature
hydrothermal reduction of GO, through changes to their gelation time and drying method. Using ascorbic
acid as the reducing agent, the hydrogels were allowed to set at three gelation times; until the ‘just-gelled’ state
or onset of gelling, for 80 minutes, and for 720 minutes, the latter typically reported in the literature. The
hydrogels were then subjected to either freeze drying, or CO2 supercritical drying, followed by a final pyrolysis
step. The resulting aerogels were characterised by scanning electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy.
The mechanical properties of the rGO aerogels were assessed under compression loading, whereas their ability to
perform in water was assessed by a simple immersion test. The results showed that freeze drying of the just-gelled
hydrogels produced aerogels with large and cellular pores, low compressive moduli, and rather poor water
stability. Longer gelation times produced denser aerogels with smaller pores and improved water stability. Such
results suggest that for the freeze dried aerogels, the gelation time influences the microstructure of the rGO gel –
short gelation times lead to weaker, more pliable hydrogels, less resistant to ice crystal growth upon freeze
drying. Supercritical drying produced aerogels with randomly oriented nanometrically sized pores, high
compressive moduli, and good water stability, irrespective of the gelation time.peer-reviewe
Design and electronic interfacing of FR4 and polyimide PCB-based electromagnetic resonating micro-mirrors
Full text linkThis paper presents the design and fabrication of an electromagnetically actuated PCB-based resonating scanning micro-mirror for LiDAR applications, with optimization targeted towards low-cost fabrication and a high scanning angle. Traditional silicon MEMS-based micro-mirrors, while offering high precision and compatibility with CMOS processing, are limited by fragility at low scanning frequencies and costly fabrication processes. To overcome these challenges, novel alternative polymer-based substrates, namely FR4 and polyimide (PI), were employed to implement PCB-compatible mirror prototypes. Electromagnetic actuation was chosen because it achieves a high scanning angle at low driving voltages and is therefore compatible with modern electronic drive circuitry. The resonant frequency and von Mises stresses were assessed via COMSOL finite element simulations. Various scanning mirror prototypes, each featuring an optical mirror aperture of 10 mm by 10 mm, were fabricated using two different materials: 0.3 mm-thick FR4 and polyimide substrates. Different electromagnetic coil structures, embedded on the mirror plate, were evaluated with the aim of optimizing the scanning performance. The magnetic field was generated using neodymium permanent magnets. The performance attained by each prototype is compared and discussed. The scanning mirrors were designed to have a low resonant frequency in the range of 250 Hz to 550 Hz. The maximum optical scanning angle achieved for the FR4 and polyimide substrates are 31.3° and 52.1°, respectively. The paper also delves into the design of a microcontroller-based electromagnetic actuation and sensing circuitry of the mirror. Custom electronic circuitry comprising a low-power STM32L432KC microcontroller, H-bridge motor drivers for mirror actuation, and INA241-based coil voltage and current sensing was designed for this purpose. The coil voltage and current sensing circuitry enable the eventual real-time sensor less angular position feedback of the micro-mirror.peer-reviewe
Advance care planning in adults with congenital heart diseases : current practices, preferences, and needs of 8,281 adults from 32 countries
No full textBackground: Adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at high risk of premature death, making advance care planning (ACP) crucial for aligning care with individual values and goals. Previous ACP research has focused primarily on the United States and Canada, highlighting the need for a global perspective. We aimed to describe the ACP practices, needs, and preferences of adults with CHD around the globe and to investigate associations with patient-related factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study, part of the APPROACH-IS II project, assessed ACP preferences, needs, and practices by means of patient-reported surveys. Overall, 8281 patients with CHD (median age 32 years; 54% women; 15% mild, 58% moderate, 27% complex CHD) from 53 centres in 32 countries, spanning 6 continents, were included. Results: More than one-half of participants (55%) reported speaking to their physician about how their health might be in the future and 9% had preferences being documented in a plan. According to 66% of patients, the best time to initiate ACP is early in the disease trajectory. Most patients indicated being relatively comfortable talking to their physician about their future health and about death. ACP varied widely across different countries, with the United States and Canada at the top of the class for most variables. Conclusions: When looking at global ACP practices, needs, and preferences, much room for improvement of ACP provision could be noticed. Also, a notable variation in ACP was observed worldwide. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04902768. [excerpt]peer-reviewe
A rare case of an intra-scrotal Amyand’s hernia
No full textBACKGROUND: Amyand’s hernias are rare forms of inguinal hernias in which the appendix is contained within the hernia, being present in a minority of hernias. Clinical diagnosis is difficult, with most cases being found intra-operatively as ultrasound is rarely performed beforehand.CASE REPORT: A 1-month-old premature male infant was referred to our emergency services with a right-sided inguinal mass suspected to be an inguino-scrotal hernia. The mass was clinically non-tender and non-inflamed. An ultrasound exam of the right inguinal mass was performed, revealing a non-inflamed appendix alongside a normal appearing testicle, with a small amount of hydrocele. Surgical intervention was subsequently undertaken to address the hernia.DISCUSSION: Amyand's hernia presents a unique challenge in diagnosis and management. Our patient's case corresponded to Amyand's hernia type 1 and stage 3, as per the Losanoff and Basson classification, where the appendix is non-inflamed and has descended to the scrotum. This pathology is exceedingly rare, with the appendix being found in approximately 1% of inguinal hernias, predominantly in males. The pathogenesis is not fully understood but is attributed to fibrous connections and a patent process vaginalis. The diagnosis is often made intra-operatively due to the variable clinical presentation.CONCLUSION: We present a rare case 1-month-old premature boy, who presented with a right inguinal mass. Ultrasound revealed an intrascrotal type 1, stage 3 Amyands’s hernia.peer-reviewe
Itinerary planning in wireless sensor networks using fuzzy logic and particle swarm optimization
No full textElectronic supplementary material is attached.Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can benefit from mobile agent technology in
several ways, including decreased network traffic and energy-efficient data collection
techniques. Path scheduling for mobile agents (MAs) is currently a crucial component
of WSNs. However, routing all MAs across WSNs must be carefully organized to
reduce resource costs and increase information accuracy. Numerous studies have
developed routing algorithms for installing several MAs in a particular network.
They planned routes, so the mobile agent checks pursued distinct paths to gather
information from the nodes efficiently. This paper presents a novel fuzzy logic-based
particle swarm optimization itinerary planning technique (FLPSO). The FLPSO
employs techniques associated with the fuzzy logic model (FLM) and classifies the
sensor into distinct types depending on the paths specified by the mobile agent
trips. Mobile agents adhere to hybrid planning determined by particle swarm
optimization (PSO) planning and gather data only from authorized groups. The
experimental results illustrate the efficacy and superiority of the proposed method
over current methods, concerning 10% better energy consumption and 15% better
task delay (time).peer-reviewe