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Following Randolph Blake’s furrow further
Full text linkIn 1992, Randolph Blake, in collaboration with Robert Cormack and Eric Hiris, reported a strong deviation in perceived direction for a target moving over an oblique, static grating. Here we follow up on this effect, subsequently called the furrow illusion, to determine its origin. We find, unlike Cormack et al., that it is influenced by the luminance of the target and that it does not survive smooth pursuit of a moving fixation that stabilizes the target on the retina. We also introduce an inverted version of the furrow stimulus with the static grating visible only within the moving target rather than only around it. This “peep-hole” furrow stimulus shows a similar deviation in its direction and is quite similar to the well-known double-drift stimulus (Lisi & Cavanagh, 2015). Like the double-drift but unlike the furrow stimulus, its illusory direction persists when tracking a fixation that moves in tandem with the target. The main source for the illusion in both cases appears to be the terminators where the grating's bars meet the target contour. These terminators move laterally along the target's contour as the target moves vertically and the combination of these two directions creates the illusory oblique motion. However, the loss of the illusion for the tracked furrow stimulus suggests either a contribution from negative afterimages within the target or from induced motion in this case.peer-reviewe
Everyday norms have become more permissive over time and vary across cultures
Full text linkEvery social situation that people encounter in their daily lives comes with a set of unwritten rules about what behavior is considered appropriate or inappropriate. These everyday norms can vary across societies: some societies may have more permissive norms in general or for certain behaviors, or for certain behaviors in specific situations. In a preregistered survey of 25,422 participants across 90 societies, we map societal differences in 150 everyday norms and show that they can be explained by how societies prioritize individualizing moral foundations such as care and liberty versus binding moral foundations such as purity. Specifically, societies with more individualistic morality tend to have more permissive norms in general (greater liberty) and especially for behaviors deemed vulgar (less purity), but they exhibit less permissive norms for behaviors perceived to have negative consequences in specific situations (greater care). By comparing our data with available data collected twenty years ago, we find a global pattern of change toward more permissive norms overall but less permissive norms for the most vulgar and inconsiderate behaviors. This study explains how social norms vary across behaviors, situations, societies, and time.peer-reviewe
In the name of humanity
No full textThis article addresses primacy and synodality, two main
concepts in Christian ecclesiology. It questions whether the Orthodox
Church of Ukraine is a case of ethnophyletism and includes a discussion on
fascism, communism and ecumenism. It concludes with a plea for
reconciliation as the way forward for humanity.peer-reviewe
Guidelines and recommendations for radiographer staffing from the EU-REST project
Full text linkThis article outlines the radiographer workforce and staffing recommendations developed by the European Commission-funded EU-REST (European Union Radiation, Education, Staffing and Training) project. Focusing on radiographers in medical imaging, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy, the project identified gaps in workforce planning across EU member states. Evidence-based guidelines to harmonise radiographer staffing levels and improve safety and quality in medical settings are proposed. A structured, workload-based approach for radiographer staffing using the World Health Organization’s Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) method, offering a comprehensive framework to optimise workforce planning, is outlined. The study emphasises the critical role of radiographers, who are increasingly involved in advanced and extended roles, driven by technological advancements, demographic changes, and evolving healthcare demands. However, challenges in defining workforce requirements persist due to the lack of standardised methodologies, leading to fragmented staffing guidelines. National registries to track workforce data and the recognition of emerging roles for radiographers, such as clinical research radiographers, academics, and advanced practitioners, are also recommended. By addressing these emerging needs and incorporating them into workforce planning, the study aims to enhance professional development and improve patient outcomes across EU member states. General recommendations for all professional groups include the maintenance of a central registry for each professional group and for relevant equipment by each EU Member State.peer-reviewe
From uncertainty to confidence : peer-led research and the formation of medical academic identity
Full text linkBackground: Undergraduate research is vital for developing critical thinking and
academic identity in medical students, yet traditional models often fail to overcome institutional
and personal barriers. Peer-led approaches may offer more accessible, supportive
environments that promote deeper engagement and leadership in research. Methods: This
study evaluated medical students’ experiences in a peer-led research initiative from 2022 to
2024. Students were then invited to complete a qualitative questionnaire reflecting on their
perceptions towards research, development in research skills, confidence, and academic
identity. Results: Code saturation was achieved after 9 responses (N = 15). Participants
reported intrinsic interest, peer encouragement, and opportunities to publish as motivating
factors. The peer-led model made research feel more approachable, fostering technical
growth and academic confidence. Peer mentorship and a gradual learning structure were especially
valued. While challenges such as workload and team dynamics emerged, students
reported growth in resilience and self-reflection. Conclusions: Peer-led research initiatives
can effectively support academic identity formation by integrating motivation, support,
and skill development. Despite obstacles, students gained competence and confidence.peer-reviewe
Pharmacist-led transition of care for heart failure patients
Full text linkBackground: Heart failure is associated with a high hospital readmission rate, making it appropriate to test the effectiveness of pharmacist services as part of quality-of-care improvement strategies. This study aimed to implement a pharmacist-led transition-of-care service for heart failure patients and to determine its impact on hospital readmission rate. Methods: The research was conducted over 7 months at Mater Dei Hospital in Malta. Patients with heart failure who were discharged from hospital without pharmacist intervention acted as the control group (N=52). The intervention group (N=27) consisted of heart failure patients who followed a pharmacist-led transition-of-care discharge pathway. Recruitment process involved prospective convenience sampling using predefined eligibility criteria. The primary outcome was the 30-day all-cause unplanned readmission rate. Secondary outcomes included the all-cause unplanned readmission rate during the observation period from days 31–60 post-discharge, the number and type of pharmacist interventions, and number of occasions when discharge was delayed for any pathway intervention to be completed. Results: Fifty-two patients in the control group and 27 patients in the intervention group completed the study. The control and intervention groups differed significantly with respect to reduced ejection fraction, treatment adherence, and use of beta-blockers and aldosterone antagonists (p<0.05). There was a 12.3% absolute reduction in the primary outcome, namely the 30-day unplanned readmission rate, when comparing the intervention group with the control group. This reduction was not sustained at the total 60-day unplanned readmission rate, where no difference between groups was observed. Conclusion: The developed transition-of-care pathway contributed to a reduced readmission rate during the immediate post-discharge period; however, this effect was not sustained at 60 days post-discharge. Further consolidated pharmacist interventions, potentially relying on an enhanced role for community pharmacists, are necessary to impact long-term readmission rates.peer-reviewe
Intimate partner violence and perinatal mental health disorders
Full text linkPURPOSE OF STUDY: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intimate partner abuse amongst pregnant women attending the Perinatal Mental Health Clinic in Malta and were diagnosed with an antenatal or postnatal depression and/or anxiety disorder. Moreover, the socio-demographic variables associated with intimate partner abuse were also investigated.METHODOLOGY: In this study, a survey research design using self-reported questionnaires was used after getting the necessary approvals. The questionnaire used, was an adapted version of the World Health Organisation (WHO) “Violence Against Women Structured Interview”, which was modified and translated into Maltese by Debono in 2015, using the WHO translation protocol.RESULTS: In total, 100 mothers were eligible to participate. A total of 40 out of the 85 participating women (47.05%) reported one or more acts of psychological, verbal, physical or sexual abuse by their intimate partner during pregnancy. Out of the 40 abused women, 13 women (22.50%) reported one type of abuse, while 33 women (77.50%) reported more than one type of abuse. Verbal abuse (42.00%) and psychological abuse (39.00%) were the most common types of reported abuse during pregnancy, followed by physical (13.00%) and sexual abuse (12.00%). Using cross tabulations, the Pearson’s Chi-square test examined the association between intimate partner abuse and several socio-demographic variables.CONCLUSION: Intimate partner abuse during pregnancy is a worldwide problem. This study confirms that mothers suffering from an antenatal or postpartum depression and/or anxiety disorder are at a higher risk of experiencing intimate partner abuse during pregnancy.SIGNIFICANCE: Little is known about the prevalence of partner violence in pregnant women suffering from a mental health disorder. This study will aim to find out the prevalence of partner violence in such population. Moreover the socio demographic variable will give us more knowledge about risk factors related for experiencing partner abuse during pregnancy.peer-reviewe
The impact of REITs (Real Estate Investment Trust) on the development of residential construction
Full text linkPURPOSE: This article analyses functioning of REITs and their impact on the development of
residential construction.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research employs an analytical approach predicated on
macroeconomic showing, among other things, the impact of construction on economic
development.FINDINGS: The development of REITs in many countries shows that they not only have an
impact on obtaining higher rates of return for investors, but by facilitating the financing of
development projects, they also have a significant impact on economic development.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study’s findings can provide policymakers, in countries such as
Poland, with benefits associated with the introduction of such regulations conducive to the
development of this type of institution.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article contributes to the understanding of functioning of REIT type
institutions emphasizing the importance of introducing appropriate regulations necessary for
their development.peer-reviewe
Book review : Janet Jagan : freedom fighter of Guyana
No full textJanet Jagan: Freedom fighter of Guyana is a commissioned biography, the research for
which began in 2019. It deals with the life of Janet Jagan, (née Rosenberg), a nursing student
from Chicago, USA who married Dr. Cheddi Jagan, a Northwestern University dentistry
graduate in 1943 and migrated to British Guiana (later Guyana) in that year. They both became
involved in the political life of Guyana. Whilst Janet is the central figure of the book, the author
recognises that it is virtually impossible to exclude her husband, Cheddi, from the biography.
The Introduction lays the groundwork for the author’s appreciation of this biography.peer-reviewe
Assessing dietary intake in female adult dancers : a cross-sectional study
Full text linkOptimal dietary intake supports training and
performance and minimises risk of developing
disordered eating habits for dancers. Nevertheless,
dietary intake data is limited globally. This study aims
to assess dietary intake, exercise energy expenditure
(EEE) and physical activity level of female, adult dancers.
Professional and recreational dancers were conveniently
recruited from all dance schools in Gozo, a small
Mediterranean island. Dietary intake during weekdays
and the weekends was assessed through a 4-day food and
beverage diary. Data on EEE was collected using a lifestyle
questionnaire adapted from the ‘International Physical
Activity Questionnaire – Short Form’. One-sample
t-tests compared participants’ intakes to recommended
dietary allowances (RDA), while paired-samples t-tests
assessed differences in intakes between weekdays and
weekends. A total of 14 dancers, 11 recreational and 3
professional, were recruited. The mean energy intake was
1306±348kcal/day with 34.7±5.7% derived from fat. The
mean carbohydrate and protein intakes were 2.4±0.8g/
kg and 1.1±0.3g/kg body weight respectively. The mean
total EEE was 2034±190kcal/day. Daily mean energy,
carbohydrate and protein intakes were lower than the RDA, while mean fat intake was higher. There was no
significant evidence of dietary intake variations between
weekdays and the weekend (p=0.309 carbohydrates,
p=0.596 fat, p=0.956 protein). Recreational dancers were
likely to consume sufficient dietary intake. Professionals
consumed suboptimal energy, carbohydrate and protein
intakes. Dietary fat recommendations were met by half
of the participants and exceeded by the rest. This study is
the first to assess the dietary intake of dancers in Malta,
highlighting the need for further research with a larger
cohort of local dancers recruiting diverse age groups and
training intensities.peer-reviewe