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Small islands and the large temporal questions : Eriksen’s contribution to studies of island temporalities
Get PDFAlready in his 2001 book Øyeblikkets tyranni (Tyranny of the moment), Thomas Hylland Eriksen’s lifelong engagement with critical ethnographic and theoretical discussions on time and temporalities was cemented. In this paper, I explore the meaning and perception of ‘wait/waiting’ in the context of small island territories (SITs), with special focus on the Faroe Islands in the Northeastern Atlantic. The navigation between chronometric time and traditional temporalities, which influences the multilayered cultural practices of waiting, is examined as an expression of shifting island temporalities. When is waiting experienced as slow or fast, as a short-term or continuous activity? Drawing on anthropological studies from the Faroe Islands, this paper connects island temporalities to geo-physical characteristics of SITs. Inspired by Eriksen’s work on time and globalization, as well as by international small island culture studies, I am also digging into the art of waiting as a decelerating resistance against (‘new’) clock time in small and remote islands. Waiting is not ‘dead time’ or ‘empty time’. As Eriksen (2018) stressed, waiting can be suffering, as in the case of refugees waiting for their permit to stay in the country of arrival; but it can also be associated with hope and agency. [excerpt]peer-reviewe
Overcoming uncertainties associated with local thermal response functions in vertical ground heat exchangers
Get PDFThe short-term performance of ground heat exchangers (GHEs) is crucial for
the optimal design of ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs), enhancing their contribution
to sustainable energy solutions. Local short-time thermal response functions, or shorttime g-functions (STGFs) derived from thermal response tests (TRTs), are of great interest
for predicting the heat exchange due to their fast and simple applicability. The aim of
this work is to perform a sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of thermal parameter
variability and TRT operating conditions on the accuracy of the average fluid temperature
(Tf
) predictions obtained through a local STGF. First, the uncertainties associated with the
borehole thermal resistance (Rb), transmitted from the soil volumetric heat capacity (CS) or
some models dependent on GHE characteristics, such as the Zeng model, were found to
have a low impact in Tf resulting in long-term deviations of ±0.2 K. Second, several TRTs
were carried out on the same borehole, changing input parameters such as the volumetric
flow rate and heat injection rate, in order to obtain their corresponding STGF. Validation
results showed that each Tf profile consistently aligned well with experimental data when
applying intermittent heat rate pulses (being the most unfavorable scenario), implying
deviations of ±0.2 K, despite the variabilities in soil conductivity (λS), soil volumetric heat
capacity (CS), and borehole thermal resistance (Rb).peer-reviewe
Book review : Multidimensional threats and regional responses to Caribbean security
No full textIn this book, Professor Wendy C. Grenade focuses on a critical gap in security studies by examining how small island developing states (SIDS) in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) confront intersecting security challenges. The book’s central premise – the need for a SIDS-specific security framework that moves beyond Western-centric approaches – is necessary and the work therefore offers valuable insights into Caribbean security cooperation. [excerpt]peer-reviewe
Insight into the structural integrity assessment of the European DEMO fusion reactor divertor (part I : general discussion)
Get PDFThis paper gives a description of the conceptual design of the DEMO divertor highlighting its two main functions
and the main loading conditions acting on it during operation. The paper stresses the importance of Design by
analysis (DBA) and structural integrity assessments at the conceptual design phase. It explains why currently the
predominant DBA approach taken by the DEMO divertor group within the EUROfusion consortium is the elastic
approach rather than the elastoplastic approach. Background to the DBA elastic approach describing linearization
of stresses through the wall thickness and to stress categorisation that allows different stress allowables to be
used for a more efficient design is given. Throughout the paper, the RCC MRx code structural integrity P Type
and S Type checks as applied to the DEMO divertor components are summarised and difficulties in applying the
elastic design rules to the divertor model are highlighted. These difficulties range from issues of code interpretation
as applied to the DEMO divertor geometry to limited availability of material properties for Eurofer97
steel (a low activation steel) which is the main material selected for the divertor. In a follow up paper (Part II:
Application Examples), some of these difficulties are demonstrated by considering two stress classification lines
in the model of the current DEMO divertor model.
In this paper, the phenomenon of elastic follow up is explained and DEMO divertor load cases when this has to
be taken into consideration are discussed. A short explanation on Neuber’s rule, which is used to calculate estimates
of plastic strain and to differentiate between primary and secondary stresses for Type S checks is also
given. At the end of the paper, the conclusions summarise the interpretation and issues encountered in the
application of the RCC-MRx rules for a typical nuclear fusion reactor component such as the DEMO divertor
design.peer-reviewe
Strategies supporting transitions from kindergarten to primary school : school leaders’ perspectives
Get PDFTransitioning from kindergarten to primary school is a critical phase in children’s educational journey. Despite
attracting much attention internationally, local research about transitions and their impact has been negligible.
Such research is vital to facilitate and ensure a seamless transition as children and families are expected to adapt
from non-compulsory to compulsory education settings. In this study, Heads of School were invited to respond
to anonymous, self-administered, online questionnaires to identify strategies and procedures adopted at their
schools which support the transition from kindergarten to Year 1. Seventy (70) Heads from Maltese Church, State
and Private school settings responded. The shared insights into transition strategies and praxis, suggest that
major stakeholders are involved in existing practices. However, in keeping with Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological
systems theory, more culturally responsive strategies should be considered by schools together with opportunities
which empower children and families, enabling them to share their perspectives, expectations and concerns about
transitions.peer-reviewe
Product price model based on random exponential pattern of consumer population behaviour
Get PDFPURPOSE: The main purpose of the article is to find the dynamic stability of the market
equilibrium point under the specific assumptions of the consumer’s surplus. The provided
analysis takes advantage of the supply and demand for a hypothetical good using statistical
methods.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research is based on the mathematical model with
statistical distributions of selected microeconomic random variables. The equations refer to
the consumer’s willingness to buy a good (a deterministic equation), the purchase
probability (a stochastic equation) and the price of the good as a function of the marginal
cost and the fraction of consumers who buy the good (a deterministic equation). The three
above equations are interdependent. The price equilibrium point is found using numerical
approximations of the final equation.FINDINGS: The model estimates the equilibrium price for a hypothetical good. In this paper it
is assumed that the consumer may buy a product even if his or her surplus is negative.
Moreover, a dynamic component, i.e. the derivative of the price over time has been added.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The dynamic stability of the equilibrium point has been
mathematically proven. The paper also contains the application of the model and the
equilibrium price to the case of the Polish mortgage market in the fourth quarter of 2022.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The proposed rule is general and can be applied to other goods and
markets.peer-reviewe
Student awareness of university social responsibility initiatives : a pilot study at a Polish university
Get PDFPURPOSE: Understanding students' awareness and perceptions of University Social
Responsibility (USR) is crucial, as it can influence their engagement with sustainable
development initiatives and shape the university's overall impact on society. The aim of this
study was to analyse the awareness of the USR concept among student at a selected Polish
university. Additionally, various aspects of USR and USR practices implemented at the
investigated university were assessed.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study aimed to answer three main research questions
regarding students' knowledge of USR terms, their perception of the university's USR efforts,
and their recognition of good USR practices. The survey involved 60 non-randomly selected
students, with the questionnaire validated through a pilot study. USR practices implemented
at the investigated university were chosen due to their range, longevity and repeatability.FINDINGS: While most respondents were unfamiliar with Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) concept, they demonstrated an understanding of its derivative, University Social
Responsibility (USR). They assessed the university’s compliance with USR requirements in
specific aspects rather positively, although the high uncertainty level was stated. The best
recognized USR practices were mainly focused on community building.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The knowledge about students‘ familiarity with USR concepts can
support proper implementation of USR strategy, especially in the educational field. The
relatively low recognition level of chosen USR good practices demonstrated by students
show the strong need for better promotion of university activities among stakeholders.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This research contributes to the broader understanding of how USR is
perceived by students and highlights areas for improvement in USR communication and
implementation.peer-reviewe
Protocol for an umbrella review of systematic reviews evaluating the efficacy of digital health solutions in supporting adult cancer survivorship care
Get PDFIntroduction: The growing number of people living with, through and beyond cancer
poses a new challenge for sustainable survivorship care solutions. One emerging
means of supporting survivorship care is through digital health solutions. Such
solutions can be used to monitor health, improve access to healthcare and support
healthcare efficiencies. Digital health solutions include mobile health, health
information technology, telehealth, apps, wearable devices, chatbots and other
technologically assisted provision of services. The breadth and scope of digital health
solutions necessitate a synthesis of evidence on their use in supportive care in cancer.
This umbrella review will identify, synthesise, and compare systematic reviews which
have evaluated the efficacy or effectiveness of digital solutions for adult cancer
survivorship care with a particular focus on surveillance and management of physical
effects, psychosocial effects, new cancer/ recurring cancers and supporting health
promotion and disease prevention.Methods and Analysis: An umbrella review of published systematic reviews will be
undertaken to explore the types of digital health solutions used, their efficacy or
effectiveness as a form of supportive care, and the barriers and enablers associated
with their implementation. The umbrella review will be reported according to the
Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews (PRIOR) checklist. A search will
be conducted across key databases. Records will be assessed by two review authors
for eligibility against predefined criteria and will undergo two stage title, abstract and full
text screening. All systematic reviews that meet the inclusion criteria will be assessed
for quality using the AMSTAR 2 checklist with quality assessment and data extraction
by two reviewers. The degree of publication overlap of primary studies across the
included reviews will also be calculated and a mapping of the evidence will also be
presented.Ethics and Dissemination: As this research proposes using systematic reviews that are
already published, ethical approval is not required. Results from this umbrella review
will be published in a peer-reviewed journal where any significant deviations from the
protocol will be justified.peer-reviewe
Flora Melitensis : a natural history gem from the village of Żabbar, Malta
No full textIn 2013, a neglected herbarium entitled Flora Melitensis was rediscovered at the St. Margaret College
(Primary B) in Żabbar, Malta. Housed in a custom-built cabinet and dating to 1951–1952, the
collection originally comprised around 150 plant specimens prepared by teachers and students as
part of an innovative natural history curriculum. Upon discovery, the herbarium was in a state of
severe deterioration caused by pest infestations, decayed protective materials, and specimen loss. A
ten-month restoration project was undertaken to preserve its scientific and historical value. This
process included cleaning, freeze-drying, fumigation, specimen and label conservation, and the
replacement of missing plants with newly collected or cultivated material. Of the original specimens,
72 were extant and could be saved, while 32 were recollected from the wild, and eight were
recollected from cultivated specimens purposely grown for the collection. Historical investigation
confirmed the herbarium’s origins within one of Malta’s earliest initiatives to integrate
environmental education in state schools. The restored Flora Melitensis, now forming part of the
collection at the National Museum of Natural History in Malta, now serves as both a botanical archive
and a cultural artefact, preserving a unique intersection of Maltese floristics, pedagogy, and heritage.peer-reviewe
Ultrasound vs. x-ray : a new way for clinicians to track scoliosis progression?
Get PDFThis retrospective study, utilising prospectively collected data, investigates the use of spine
ultrasound as an alternative method for assessing scoliosis, with the aim of reducing radiation
exposure. We included 92 patients aged 10 to 16 years with suspected idiopathic scoliosis.
Exclusion criteria were weight over 150 kg, metal implants, pre-existing conditions, secondary
deformities, and cognitive impairments. Each patient underwent clinical assessment and full spine
radiographs, followed by spine ultrasound using the Scolioscan® system. Unprocessed B-mode
ultrasound images were analysed using automatic measurements. The correlation between
Ultrasound Coronal Angle (UCA) and Radiographic Cobb Angle (RCA) was evaluated at initial
and follow-up visits. Strong correlations were found between UCA and RCA, with correlation
coefficients ranging from 0.786 to 0.903 (p<0.001). The regression formula showed good
predictive accuracy for curve progression on follow-up radiographs. The best results were
observed in females and in primary thoracic curves (r = 0.936, p<0.001). Although only four
patients exhibited true progression (≥5° increase in Cobb angle), changes in scoliotic angles were
effectively detected using ultrasound. This study confirms the feasibility of unprocessed spine
ultrasound for scoliosis monitoring in clinical settings. Automatic measurements without 3D
reconstruction make ultrasound a practical tool for tracking progression. The regression model
shows potential for predicting curve progression, although further validation is needed. These
findings suggest spine ultrasound could reduce the need for radiographs, benefiting patients by
minimising radiation exposure while providing reliable monitoring of scoliosis progression and
treatment outcomes.peer-reviewe