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Foreword [Mediterranean Journal of Migration]
No full textWelcome to the second volume of the Mediterranean Journal for Migration. As migration scholars, we analyse, problematise, and critique the discourses, narratives, and imaginaries surrounding migration, as produced by states and other actors, and in this instance, we focus on research related to migration and the Mediterranean.peer-reviewe
Some reflections on the debate on PAS and euthanasia, and on the pedagogical implications it ought to have on the teaching of ethics and religion
Full text linkThis article is a meta-article; not taking a side in a debate – the debate
concerning the law on euthanasia or actually Physician Assisted Suicide
PAS, (which is what the law fundamentally legalizes), kick-started by the
government in May 2025i – but reflecting on the debate itself. It claims that
in various respects the debate was undertheorised. In this regard, it points
out how two concepts, which figured highly in the debate, autonomy and
dignity, were generally used by participants to the debate. It also notes two
prominent lines of argument that evidence undertheorising.
The second part of the paper takes into account some educational
implications of the debate. In light of the reflections presented in the first
part, it considers what interested groups in subjects like Ethics and
Religious Studies should learn from the public discussion.peer-reviewe
Tribocorrosion response of PVD molybdenum nitride (MoN) coated Ti-6Al-4V
Full text linkTi-6Al-4V is a widely used biomedical alloy, valued for its biocompatibility, high corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. However, its poor tribological performance limits its use in frictional contacts. This limitation can be addressed by enhancing surface properties through coatings that impart enhanced degradation resistance. Molybdenum nitride (MoN) based coatings are promising candidates for bio-tribological use due to their ability to attain high hardness (~37 GPa), stemming from strong primary bonding. Moreover, even if small amounts of molybdenum ions are released, they are unlikely to elicit adverse biological effects due to the ability of the body to regulate molybdenum level through homeostatic processes. This study investigates the tribocorrosion performance of two MoN PVD coatings, deposited on Ti-6Al-4V substrates at different nitrogen partial pressures via unbalanced reactive magnetron sputtering. Electrochemical behaviour and tribocorrosion response were evaluated in Ringer’s solution under elastic contact conditions. A reciprocating sliding configuration against an alumina ball counterface was used and tribocorrosion tests were conducted under both open circuit potential and anodic potential conditions. The MoN coated Ti-6Al-4V variants exhibited a markedly reduced tribocorrosion material loss compared to the untreated alloy under both electrochemical conditions. The coatings exhibited resistance to blister formation and caused minimal damage to the counterface alumina ball during tribocorrosion testingpeer-reviewe
The problem of evil
Full text linkStrictly speaking, there is no such thing as ‘the problem of evil.’ There are
responses to evil experienced as something awful that is thrown in one’s
face, and these divide into the phenomenologically distinct categories of blame
and lament; and there are also arguments from evil, framed in individual ways,
not all of which have the same end in view. There is no one ‘evil.’ When the
Psalmist recoils in the face of wickedness (Ps. 10), or when William Cowper
cries out in pain in his “Lines Written During a Period of Insanity,” or when
Paul Celan speaks of the “Schwarze Milch der Frühe” in “Todesfuge,” each is
answering to a separate thing: the persecution of the poor by the unrighteous,
a dramatic breakdown of mental health, and the murder of Jews in the Shoah. ‘Evil’ is a notoriously slippery word: it can denote moral evil (sin as it is known
in Judaism and Christianity) or mental and physical evil (suffering); and some
philosophers would wish to add to these one or more of metaphysical evil
(original imperfection), intellectual evil (error, ignorance and even mistakes)
and aesthetic evil (ugliness). [excerpt]peer-reviewe
The state of the late Quaternary megafauna extinction debate : a systematic review and analysis
Full text linkSupplementary material is available. See attachments.With its origins in the late 18th and early 19th century, the question of what drove the late Quaternary megafauna extinctions remains one of science’s most enduring and hotly contested debates. Once strictly the domain of archaeologists and paleontologists, the topic has attracted growing interest from other disciplines in recent decades, particularly ecologists and conservation biologists, who view these extinctions as a lens through which to inform contemporary conservation and ecosystem management strategies. Alongside this expansion, the field has seen increasing use of advanced analytical and statistical methods. Yet despite these developments, scientific opinion remains deeply divided over the cause(s) of these extinctions. Each year dozens of papers on the topic are published and along with these review articles that cover the debate or certain aspects of it. However, these reviews tend to reflect the viewpoints of their authors. Recognizing this limitation, the present study aimed to offer a more objective, data-driven overview of the field by conducting a systematic review and analysis of the literature. Specifically, we sought to: (1) trace the development of the megafauna extinction debate to understand how it has evolved over time; (2) identify key thematic and conceptual foci within the literature; and (3) use this synthesis of historical trends and interdisciplinary variation to propose a forward-looking research agenda that encourages greater engagement, discussion, integration, and collaboration across fields. Our analysis reveals strong disciplinary divides, uneven temporal and spatial research coverage, and persistent uncertainty over extinction causes. Despite recent major methodological advances, the field remains fragmented, underscoring the need for a research agenda that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, expands field and legacy studies, as well as species-specific approaches, and integrates cutting-edge scientific and statistical techniques.peer-reviewe
“Għidli ma’ min tagħmilha...” : daqqa t’għajn lejn il-kollokazzjoni
No full textDan l-istudju jagħti ħarsa lejn il-kollokazzjoni, il-fenomenu ta’ kif il-kliem ifittex kliem ieħor b’ċerta regolarità, jekk mhux ukoll b’mod esklussiv. Wara li jintwera kif il-livell lessikali tal-lingwa beda jingħata l-importanza li tistħoqqlu minn Firth u oħrajn li mxew fuq il-passi tiegħu, jitfissru l-karatteristiċi ewlenin tal-kollokazzjoni. Tingħata attenzjoni partikolari liż-żewġ approċċi ewlenin f’dan il-qasam, dak frażjoloġiku u dak lessikali, li jibbaża aktar fuq il-frekwenza. B’referenza għal dan tal-aħħar, jiġi spjegat kif l-għanqud lessikali jista’ jintuża biex jiġi strutturat il-lessiku ta’ oqsma tad-diskors partikolari u kif jista’ jservi ta’ muftieħ biex jissolvew każijiet ta’ polisemija u omonimija. Dan kollu jiġi inkwadrat fil-qafas tal-lingwistika tal-korpora li tixħet dawl uniku fuq il-lingwa bid-data li tipprovdi u bil-metodoloġija li tħaddem.This study provides an overview of collocation, the phenomenon of how words co-occur with other words with a certain regularity, if not exclusively. It outlines how the lexical level of language was recognised and given its due importance by Firth and his followers, and highlights the main characteristics of collocation. Special attention is given to the two main approaches in this field, namely the phraseological and the lexical, which is more frequency-based. With reference to the latter, it is shown how lexical clusters can be used to structure the lexicon in particular fields of discourse, and how it can be key in solving cases of polysemy and homonymy. All this is framed within the context of corpus linguistics, which sheds unique light on language through the data it provides and the methodology it employs.peer-reviewe
Insurance law and corporate governance
No full textThe Solvency II Directive established a risk-based regulatory framework for insurance and reinsurance undertakings within the European Union (EU) to enhance policyholder protection, financial stability, and regulatory harmonisation. However, its stringent requirements impose significant administrative and financial burdens on smaller insurers. To address this challenge, the revised Solvency II framework introduced the category of “small and non-complex insurance undertakings” (SNCUs) to ensure a proportionate regulatory approach. SNCUs benefit from simplified Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR) calculations, tailored governance structures, and reduced reporting obligations while maintaining essential prudential safeguards. The classification of SNCUs relies on quantitative and qualitative criteria, ensuring a nuanced distinction between insurers based on their size, business model, and risk profile. This paper examines the governance and regulatory implications for SNCUs, assessing the balance between regulatory efficiency and financial stability. Additionally, it discusses ongoing challenges, such as potential risks arising from simplified capital requirements, governance flexibility, and reduced transparency in reporting. As the framework continues to evolve, secondary legislation and supervisory guidance will be crucial in refining the proportionality measures to ensure they remain effective without undermining regulatory objectives.peer-reviewe
Book review : Race, class and nationalism in the 21st-century Caribbean
No full textThis volume offers an in-depth examination of the political and social dynamics shaping
contemporary Caribbean societies. It compiles the insights of multiple contributors who
analyse how historical legacies of colonialism, racial stratification, and economic systems
intersect with contemporary global development. The text is a significant addition to Caribbean
studies, tackling issues at the core of identity, power, and economic change in the region.peer-reviewe
Voices in transition. Exploring the personal narratives of newly-arrived learners in Malta
Full text linkIn an era characterized by profound global transformations and migratory flux, the voices of newly arrived secondary school students offer invaluable insights into the complexities of human experience amidst movement, escape, and expatriation. This paper, through a data-driven approach, presents the personal narratives of 47 secondary school students who have recently migrated to Malta from different countries and who are in transition as they do not yet attend mainstream classes. Through a qualitative exploration of their fears, hopes, and aspirations for the future, as well as their reflections on family, friendships, and language acquisition, we aim to illuminate the lived realities of these young migrants. Drawing upon narrative inquiry and participatory research methodologies, we engage directly with the voices of the students, through which they share their innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Their narratives not only serve as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity but also underscore the importance of empathy and understanding in fostering inclusive societies. Furthermore, we argue for the value of writing as a powerful tool for self-expression and communication, enabling students to assert agency over their own narratives, thereby providing readers with a deeper understanding of their lived experiences. Through an analysis of these personal narratives, this paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of migration dynamics, highlighting the multifaceted nature of identity formation and cultural adaptation in a transnational context. Ultimately, it calls for greater recognition of the voices and experiences of young migrants in shaping policies and practices that promote social cohesion and inclusivity in host communities.peer-reviewe
The lived experiences of newly qualified midwives in supporting women during labor and birth : a hermeneutic phenomenological study in Malta
Full text linkIntroduction:
The well-being of midwives impacts the quality of care provided during labor and birth, influencing maternal and neonatal outcomes. It is crucial that newly qualified midwives (NQMs) feel confident in managing labor and childbirth, to foster positive experiences for both mother and child. This study aims to explore and understand the lived experiences of NQMs caring for women during labor and birth.
Methods:
A Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of ten NQMs within two years post-qualification, working in the Central Delivery Suite (CDS) of Malta's main public hospital. Purposive sampling identified participants, and data were collected through one-time, semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted in private settings with the first author (JG) between December 2021 and January 2022. The interviews followed a self-designed schedule in English (JG, RPP) and were audio-recorded. Reflective journaling was maintained throughout. Analysis was guided by van Manen’s six-step method, with hermeneutic philosophy and Willian Bridges' transition model informing the interpretation.
Results:
Two main themes emerged: 1) ‘Baptism of fire’ and 2) ‘Containing the fire’. ‘Baptism of fire’ encapsulates the initial challenges NQMs faced, including feelings of being overwhelmed and unprepared. ‘Containing the fire’ highlights how NQMs developed strategies to adapt, growing more confident and effective in their roles. These experiences were shaped by their training exposure to CDS and the level of support from colleagues during their transition.
Conclusions:
The findings highlight the need for supportive environments, extended CDS placements and structured guidance through preceptorship. Enhancing NQMs' transition to practice has implications for midwifery education, policy, and practice.peer-reviewe