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Circular economy design and management in the built environment : a critical review of the state of the art
No full textCircular economy (CE) approaches highlight the potential of construction materials to achieve circularity and sustainability in resource-efficient construction systems and industries. Implementing CE at the material level involves factors such as efficiency, durability, waste reduction through recirculation, and replacement, while encompassing criteria that define circularity in building materials. Understanding the inherent characteristics and behaviours of these materials is crucial for maximising their circularity potential. This chapter analyses key properties of traditional construction materials, such as concrete and steel, alongside novel sustainable materials like bamboo, timber, and biomaterials. It identifies and proposes methods to promote circularity at the material level. Additionally, the chapter explores the application of CE principles to both traditional and innovative construction materials. Furthermore, the chapter discusses indicators designed to assess circularity at the material level, serving as valuable tools for informing decision-making and implementation practices in the construction sector. Various types of indicators are presented, categorised as strategic, generic performance, performance, and water consumption indicators. Strategies aligned with waste hierarchy principles are outlined, emphasising the reduction of construction and demolition waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, conserving energy, and optimising costs and water resources.peer-reviewe
Circular economy design and management in the built environment : a critical review of the state of the art
No full textLarge infrastructure projects are significant for societal and economic development, involving different types of infrastructure and many stakeholders. This chapter outlines the stages of the project life cycle, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement at all stages for successful project outcomes. The stages include initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure, each with defined objectives, outcomes, and decision-making activities. Due to the complexity of infrastructure projects, effective stakeholder relationship management is essential. The chapter emphasizes the need for continuous communication, strategic engagement, and proactive risk management to align project objectives with stakeholder interests. Case studies and literature reviews show how stakeholder participation improves project performance, sustainability, and societal impact. The findings highlight the importance of integrating stakeholder perspectives to achieve effective project management and meet performance indicators, ultimately leading to successful project implementation and long-term societal benefits. In order to characterize the role of stakeholders, mutual relations and obstacles to the implementation of the circular economy outside the European Union, the case of Albania, which will soon become a potential member state of the European Union, is analyzed. The problems with the involvement of interested parties in the implementation of the infrastructure project and the benefits and obstacles are similar for both the member state of the European Union and the countries that are just about to become one.peer-reviewe
Impact of radial electrode coverage on the performance of liquid-deployed PMUTs : a dynamic and kinematic study
Full text linkThis paper highlights the optimisation of a key design parameter essential to the development of PMUTs, which are part of the transmitting components of microsensors. These microsensors are designed for use in the Structural Health Monitoring of reinforced concrete structures. Enhancing the effectiveness of the transmitting component allows for greater spacing between microsensors, which in turn reduces the number of devices needed to implement a full structural health monitoring system. PMUTs designed for integration into the pore solution of reinforced concrete structures need to operate effectively with liquid coupling fluids to ensure optimal sonic energy transfer into the structure. This paper outlines the techniques employed to optimize the central electrode’s percentage radial cover of the piezoelectric layer, in circular PMUTs resonating at around 100 kHz. This optimisation was achieved using Finite Element Modelling, laser vibrometry, and hydrophone experimental techniques. The results demonstrated that a radial electrode cover between 65 and 70% significantly enhances the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of a PMUT’s diaphragm when subjected to the excitation of a sine wave electrical signal. The paper also includes advanced time domain finite element analysis, through which the authors aimed to illustrate the diaphragm’s movements at various levels of radial electrode coverage.peer-reviewe
Arabic in context : essays on language, dialects, and culture in honour of Martin R. Zammit
Full text linkIt is difficult to honour properly someone who is self-effacing,
intelligent, practical, and always ready to help. We are referring
to Martin Zammit, whose contributions to the field of Semitic
Studies need no introduction. However, it is worthwhile to write
something about Martin’s background (both personal and academic), in order to better appreciate his contributions to the
fields of Arabic, Arabic dialectology, Syriac, and, not least, comparative Semitic lexicography.peer-reviewe
CrimeMalta Observatory annual crime review : year 2024
No full textThe Maltese Islands' crime rate has once again declined, with reported crimes falling by 1% in 2024 over the year before. With a population of 563,443 and a total of 16,662 crimes, the trend continued to decline. With a decline from 45 crimes per 1,000 individuals in 2004 to 30 in 2024, the statistics show that the islands are very safe in terms of crimes per 1,000 persons. Notably, the actual 16,662 reported crimes were much lower than anticipated, despite population increase over the years suggesting a predicted crime rate of 25,820 (based on 2004 statistics) or 21,592 (based on 2014 data). When compared to the EU average, Malta is placed amongst the safer countries, placed in the lower league for theft and sexual violence whilst in the higher half for homicide, signifying that whilst in most crimes Malta is safer, there is still work to be carried out. This drive is highlighted by the post-crime action, whereas per previous years, homicides in 2024 were solved within a few days, continuing the 100% clearance rate for cases reported from 2018 to 2024. The homicide rate in 2024 stood at 0.7 per 100,000 persons, lower than the 1.7 recorded in 2004, 2012, and 2022, though slightly up from 0.4 in 2023. Violent crimes also saw a decline to 344 cases in 2024. While theft has increased in certain categories, particularly entertainment-related thefts and pickpocketing, which rose from 405 cases in 2023 to 650 in 2024, this highlights the ongoing need for public awareness and vigilance. Reports of domestic violence continued their yearly increase since 2007, reaching 2,225 cases, with psychological harm accounting for 78% of these. Additionally, grievous bodily harm due to physical force saw a rise. Despite some category-specific increases, significant declines were recorded in computer misuse, damages, and fraud. Armed robberies and vehicle thefts were the lowest ever recorded. Reports of residential theft remained low at 513 cases, the second lowest ever, following 2023’s record low of 479 cases. Arson also remains among the lowest levels recorded in the past 20 years. Geographically, the RISC model identified Mdina as having a crime rate more than five times the national average( due to its small size compared to the number of visitors), while San Ġiljan, Mosta, Floriana, and Valletta fell within the 2x to 5x category. However, most localities now fall within or below the national rate, with 17 localities in the slightly higher (1x to 2x) category. Gozo saw a notable 23% decrease in crime reports, with the lowest theft figures recorded in the past 20 years. As crime trends evolve, the data underscores the importance of continued vigilance and public awareness to sustain these positive developments.peer-reviewe
Freedom Monument, Malta : the Golgotha metaphor and the intriguing concept design sketch
Full text linkFreedom Monument marks Jum il-Ħelsien, the last day when Malta served as a military base for a foreign nation. It was, for Malta's then-Prime Minister Dom Mintoff, a profoundly significant and moving event. As stated by the sculptor Anton Agius, the realised design was Mintoff's creation rather than his. Its location is L-Għolja tal-Ħelsien, which freely translated means Freedom Hill, a man-made hillock located along the Birgu waterfront, just in front of the Parish Church. This church has strong associations with the main previous occupying power, the Military Hospitaller Order of St John. This article addresses the author's proposal that Golgotha is a suitable metaphor through which to read Freedom Hill, and 2. asks whether an atypical concept sketch among the many submitted by Agius could possibly be Mintoff's own design. With respect to the former, it is argued that Freedom Monument is Mintoff's iconic statement about the history of Malta in visual form and, given that his perception that Malta's road to total freedom from foreign rule was strenuous, Golgotha is a fitting metaphor. With respect to the latter question, although there is a change in medium and style, this concept design sketch does recall an earlier one. It is a fine monumental interpretation of the event quite remote from Mintoff's idea of four figures on an artificial mound. Stylistically, the sketch is a mature artistic expression; it is unlikely to have been drawn by Mintoff and more likely to have been created by Agius.peer-reviewe
Thinking styles underlying the cognitive judgements of exam anxiety amongst university students of engineering
Full text linkThis research study explored the systematic thinking modes underlying test anxiety in 706 engineering students through an experiment centred on the cognitive algebra paradigm. The participants had to read 36 experimental scenarios that narrated an imaginary academic assessment situation one by one and then judge the level of anxiety they experienced in response to the scenario read. The results indicated that the level of evaluative anxiety varies depending on gender, and there are three distinct patterns of emotional and cognitive processing to deal with academic assessment situations according to the anxiety intensity. However, there are no differences in the cognitive function of information integration to judge situations that produce evaluative anxiety. These results imply that there is a possible connection between the anxiety level and the cognitive mechanisms to judge test situations. This finding indicates that cognitive algebra is an effective method to identify the cognitive processing style that underlies test anxiety.peer-reviewe
Assistive technology provision at mainstream schools—Experiences of Serbian resource centers
Full text linkBackground: Over the last 15 years, inclusive education has been formally established in Serbia as a mandatory approach for all students, ensuring equal rights and access to education without discrimination on any grounds. In addition to mainstream schools, Serbia also has special schools for students with developmental challenges and disabilities. Although some special schools in Serbia have been functioning as resource centers (RCs) for a long time now, 13 RCs have only recently been officially established, aiming to support inclusive education through assistive technology (AT) among other things. Objective: The research reported in this study was conducted within a project that aims to address challenges in implementing and improving inclusive education in the Republic of Serbia, focusing on the existing capacities and difficulties in how RCs provide AT services to mainstream schools to offer a set of recommendations to inform the development of RCs in the country. Method: A SWOT analysis involving 80 respondents was conducted. Fifty-three respondents completed a questionnaire online, while further 27 respondents participated in five focus groups. Groups involved experts working in the RCs, suppliers and manufacturers of AT, parents of persons with disabilities, and expert associates from mainstream schools. The data was analyzed using a SWOT framework. Results: The respondents reported that human capacities (e.g., motivation and experience) were the main strength. Weaknesses included lack of specific and modern knowledge about working with children with different conditions, as well as specific knowledge about the AT itself. Intersectoral cooperation was pointed out as the main opportunity, while obstacles were recognized in almost all work segments (lack of finances, lack of staff, lack of adequate legal regulations and communication and cooperation). Conclusion: Based on the results achieved, potential solutions for overcoming the existing obstacles in resource centers were proposed.peer-reviewe
A case for studying small states defence... again
Full text linkJust over twenty years after joining NATO and the EU, the Baltic states are once
again in a situation where they need to strengthen their military security. Developments both
close to the Baltic region and further afield are increasing the importance of small states’
conventional defence capabilities. This requires serious efforts and prudent choices on the part
of the small states. Whether and how the small states in the Baltic Sea region meet this challenge
will contribute to a better understanding of modern small states and how they adapt to the major
security changes in today’s world.peer-reviewe
Epitranscriptomics in atherosclerosis : unraveling RNA modifications, editing and splicing and their implications in vascular disease
Full text linkAtherosclerosis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, driven by complex molecular
mechanisms involving gene regulation and post-transcriptional processes. Emerging evidence highlights the
critical role of epitranscriptomics, the study of chemical modifications occurring on RNA molecules, in atherosclerosis
development. Epitranscriptomics provides a new layer of regulation in vascular health, influencing
cellular functions in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages, thereby shedding light on the
pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and presenting new opportunities for novel therapeutic targets. This review
provides a comprehensive overview of the epitranscriptomic landscape, focusing on key RNA modifications such
as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), pseudouridine (Ψ), RNA editing mechanisms including
A-to-I and C-to-U editing and RNA isoforms. The functional implications of these modifications in RNA stability,
alternative splicing, and microRNA biology are discussed, with a focus on their roles in inflammatory signaling,
lipid metabolism, and vascular cell adaptation within atherosclerotic plaques. We also highlight how these
modifications influence the generation of RNA isoforms, potentially altering cellular phenotypes and contributing
to disease progression. Despite the promise of epitranscriptomics, significant challenges remain, including
the technical limitations in detecting RNA modifications in complex tissues and the need for deeper mechanistic
insights into their causal roles in atherosclerotic pathogenesis. Integrating epitranscriptomics with other omics
approaches, such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, holds the potential to provide a more holistic
understanding of the disease.peer-reviewe