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Unlocking food labels : exploring front-of-pack labelling to promote healthier choices in Malta
Get PDFFront-of-pack labelling (FOPL) facilitates informed nutritional choices and helps reduce
non-communicable disease risk. This study investigated FOPL awareness, comprehension and
attitudes among Maltese adults. An anonymous online survey was distributed through social
media to collect demographic data and assess familiarity with FOPL, Nutri-Score, and Guideline
Daily Amounts (GDA). Statistical analyses examined associations between demographics and FOPL
engagement. Results from 600 respondents revealed that 62.17% did not read FOPL during
grocery shopping. Females and those with higher education were more likely to review nutrition
information and be familiar with GDA. While 85.83% recognised the importance of FOPL, fewer
than half found it easy to understand. Participants generally demonstrated good understanding of
the Nutri-Score system and were primarily concerned with calorie and fat content when reading
GDA labels. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health efforts to improve FOPL
literacy, supporting more informed dietary decisions and better health outcomes.peer-reviewe
Targeting the beast along my illness trajectory : a qualitative study of females with triple-negative breast cancer
Get PDFBreast cancer subtypes differ in prevalence, aggressiveness, and availability of targeted therapies. However, research often
examines the lived experiences of individuals with breast cancer collectively. One subtype, Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
(TNBC) is an aggressive form of cancer that lacks targeted therapy and has higher recurrence and mortality rates. This
study aims to explore the lived experiences of individuals diagnosed with TNBC, from diagnosis through active treatment.
Audio-recorded interviews were conducted with 11 women who had completed treatment for TNBC. Ages ranged between
26 and 63 years. Data collected were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four group experiential themes
were extracted: “Living in shellshock,” “Fighting the aggressive beast,” “Pulling out the beast,” and “Facing the unknown.”
Participants described substantial emotional distress stemming from the aggressive progression of TNBC and its earlier
onset. The rarity of TNBC further intensified perceptions of reduced survival odds. This study underscores the importance
of comprehensive care for TNBC patients, incorporating ongoing engagement with TNBC survivors, access to mental health
services, and inclusive screening that includes younger women.peer-reviewe
Students’ socio-emotional skills and academic outcomes after the PROMEHS program : a longitudinal study in two European countries
Get PDFPrevious research shows that better socio-emotional skills are associated with students’ behavioral adjustment and positive learning outcomes; however, the protective role of socio-emotional skills regarding academic learning during global crises has not been studied sufficiently. This research aims to evaluate longitudinal changes in students’ socio-emotional skills and learning outcomes during the implementation of a universal prevention program Promoting Mental Health at Schools (PROMEHS). The research coincided with lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore allowing an assessment of the protective role of socio-emotional learning even in the face of adverse circumstances. In total, 3166 students (aged 7–17 years) from Latvia and Portugal participated in the research, and a survey of their respective teachers was used to collect data. The SSIS-SEL teacher form and a three-item learning outcomes measure addressing academic motivation, engagement, and performance were applied in the study. It was found that growth in socio-emotional skills has a positive effect on academic outcomes, while a decline in socio-emotional learning has a detrimental effect on academic outcomes. This applies to both experimental and control groups, both genders, all educational levels, and both countries. Additionally, the increase in socio-emotional skills predicted better academic outcomes in upper secondary schools than in primary and lower secondary schools.peer-reviewe
Strengthening Romania’s health workforce : leading by example
Get PDFRomania has set out a bold vision to sustainably
improve its health workforce (HWF) aiming to address
some of the persistent challenges it has faced for decades
including uneven distribution between urban and
rural areas, out-migration and shortages of several
medical specialties. Despite being the fifth highest
producer of medical graduates in the WHO European
Region, Romania’s density of medical doctors, nurses
and other health professionals is below regional averages
and although a notable decrease has been
observed in recent years, migration of health workers
continues. Furthermore, their geographic maldistribution
and inadequate access to quality primary
care services in underserved areas led to overutilization
of hospital services.peer-reviewe
Driving public policy through data : the servizz.gov success story
Get PDFServizz.gov, a public administration agency under the Office of the Prime Minister, is responsible for various functions facilitating government access. These functions include data-driven actions and decisions that guide public policy implementation by providing exceptional customer care and streamlined services aimed at addressing societal issues, fulfilling public needs, and promoting community goals. Such decisions must depend on empirical evidence, statistical data, and thorough analysis rather than merely subjective opinions or assumptions. This article examines how the Agency effectively utilises data in these initiatives. It employs a mixed methodology to evaluate quantitative statistical analysis derived from the digital systems managed by the organisation and explores the qualitative aspects of users’ experiences with these services. The article presents recent statistical data and discusses how the Agency is leveraging this data and the measures being implemented to enhance service delivery through data analytics.peer-reviewe
Development of advanced materials for restoration of modern period heritage buildings
Get PDFThe development of sustainable construction materials is crucial for restoration and retrofitting modern period heritage including industrial heritage buildings (IHB) while minimising environmental impact. This research focuses on Ultra- High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) incorporating sustainable binders made of low-clinker cements, natural pozzolans, and other supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), as well as amorphous alloy fibres to enhance durability and PROGRAMME & ABSTRACTS Wednesday 28 May 2025 University of Malta Research Expo 2025 139 mechanical performance. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are embedded within the UHPC matrix to improve thermal performance and energy efficiency, reducing operational carbon footprints. Additionally, Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) with Alkali-Resistant (AR) glass meshes are employed as a robust and durable solution for retrofitting, addressing the specific structural challenges of modern period heritage preservation. A significant aspect of this study is the recycling of artificially aged UHPC, repurposing it as both binder and aggregate. This approach aligns with circular construction principles, reducing waste and supporting resource efficiency. The recycled UHPC’s mechanical and durability characteristics are evaluated to ensure its suitability in applications. The novel materials developed in this research aim to address the specific needs of IHB, including enhanced durability, compatibility with existing structures, thermal efficiency, authenticity, and reduced environmental impact. By integrating UHPC and TRM, and the proposed approach offers a tailored solution that combines advanced material performance with sustainable retrofitting practices, preserving structural integrity, cultural significance, and historical authenticity. The research is conducted at the Faculty for the Built Environment, within the framework of the HORIZON Europe Research Project SINCERE – The second life of modern period architecture: Resilient and adaptive renovation towards net-zero carbon heritage buildings.peer-reviewe
Multiomics in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Get PDFBackground and aims: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is among the leading causes of death worldwide, and technological advances have made it possible to expand the repertoire of biomarkers used in diagnostics and treatment of ASCVD. These include different omics (genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics). We introduce the various layers of omic data and how they can be used in diagnostics and treatment of ASCVD. Further, we discuss future possibilities of combining multiomic data with machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to develop algorithms for facilitating precision medicine. Methods: we reviewed the current literature on omic data in ASCVD and its integration with ML/AI. Results: Genomics has been used to generate polygenic risk scores (PRS), which have shown promising results in risk prediction of ASCVD. Key epigenetic changes implicated in atherosclerosis include deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation. Transcriptomics has been used to identify transcripts, including micro ribonucleic acid (miRNAs), implicated in atherosclerosis progression. Proteomic risk scores have shown independent predictive information and outperformed clinical risk models, and within the metabolomics field, lipidomics has emerged as a promising predictive tool. The combination of multiomic data analysis with ML and AI methods has already demonstrated potential in the development of clinical models. Conclusions: A major effort is necessary to bring omic data and technologies to the clinical field. Further support will be offered by the generation of clinically applicable/approved AI/ML algorithms able to translate large datasets into valuable information for accurate precision medicine approaches.peer-reviewe
AI in education : challenges and opportunities
Get PDFArtificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education, offering both opportunities
and challenges. This commentary explores AI’s role in personalised learning, the
evolving function of teachers, ethical concerns, and the risks of over-reliance. While
AI enhances adaptive learning, it struggles with personalisation and pedagogical
depth. Teachers remain essential, advocating for AI as a collaborative tool rather
than a replacement. Ethical concerns include data privacy, bias, and academic
integrity. To address these challenges, educators must promote critical AI literacy and
responsible integration, ensuring AI serves as a transformative tool that enhances,
rather than replaces, human teaching and learning experiences.peer-reviewe
Atti ta’ memorja f’ "Kulħadd ħalla isem warajh"
No full textF’dan l-artiklu nistħarreġ ir-rappreżentazzjonijiet tal-memorja b’rabta mal-identità fil-ġabra ta’ novelli Kulħadd Ħalla Isem Warajh ta’ Clare Azzopardi. Nanalizza x’jissuġġerixxu dawn l-istejjer fuq in-natura tal-memorja, ma’ liema memorja jiddjalogaw, u x’tip ta’ memorja jsawru. Nargumenta li b’tekniki differenti bħall-intertestwalità u n-narrazzjoni inaffidabbli dawn in-novelli jitbiegħdu min-nostalġija li tidealizza l-imgħoddi u jersqu lejn memorja iżjed dinamika u produttiva li tħares lejn il-passat b’sens kritiku u toħolqu mill-ġdid bi gradi differenti ta’ stħajjil. Fit-totalità tagħha din il-ġabra tindirizza dak li, fil-konfront tal-identità u l-memorja personali, jitwarrab jew jibqa’ eskluż mill-istorja dokumentata u dak li hu msikket u mrażżan fil-memorja kollettiva u kulturali. Dan tagħmlu billi tqis perspettivi differenti u tleħħen l-istejjer ta’ nisa komuni, u b’hekk isservi ta’ kontramemorja li tifdi l-istejjer li kulturalment ma ngħatawx spazju għax tisfida n-narrattiva eġemonika u l-amnesija kultant imposta.In this article I study the representations of memory in relation to identity in the collection of short stories Kulħadd Ħalla Isem Warajh by Clare Azzopardi. I analyse what these stories suggest about the nature of memory, which memories they converse with, and what types of memory they construct. I argue that, through different techniques such as intertextuality and unreliable narration, these short stories do not express nostalgia for an idealised past. Instead, they favour a more dynamic and productive form of memory which critically evaluates the past and recreates it using different degrees of fiction. As a whole, this anthology is concerned with identity and personal memory, and addresses the narratives dismissed or excluded from history and those silenced or repressed in collective and cultural memory. This is carried out by negotiating different perspectives and voicing the stories of everyday women, thus serving as a countermemory which challenges the amnesia imposed by hegemonic narratives and redeems the stories which were culturally omitted.peer-reviewe
Analysis on workforce availability, education and training needs for the quality and safety of medical applications involving ionising radiation in the EU : status and recommendations. Final Report
No full textThe European Union Radiation, Education, Staffing & Training (EU-REST) study aimed to collect and analyse workforce availability, education, and training needs to ensure quality and safety aspects of medical applications involving ionising radiation and to develop staffing and education/training guidelines as well as conclusions and recommendations for key professional groups involved in ensuring radiation safety and quality of medical radiation applications in the European Union. The study covered the following professional groups: Radiologists, Nuclear Medicine Physicians, Radiation Oncologists, Medical Physicists, Radiographers, and Radiation Therapists (RTT) for countries where this is a separate professional group independent from the category of Radiographers). The survey carried out to collect data revealed considerable variability in staffing and education aspects across the EU, as well as a widespread lack of relevant data. The draft guidelines and the resulting draft conclusions and recommendations were submitted to peer review and stakeholder consultation for general assessment and identification of potential barriers to implementation. The study’s recommendations include that Member States create and maintain national workforce registries for each professional group and that mandated continuing professional development (CPD) also includes techniques and knowledge relevant to each professional group, beyond radiation protection issues.peer-reviewe