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Organizational agility in risk management in a changing business environment : a case study
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of this article is to examine how organizational agility affects risk
management efficiency in dynamic business environments. The study focuses on demonstrating
the practical application of agile approaches in a public institution, using the example of the
Norwegian organization NAV.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article employs the case study method, based on an
analysis of secondary data related to a project implemented by NAV. The analysis focuses on
the quality of activities related to team autonomy, iterative work, and risk management.FINDINGS: It was found that the implementation of agile practices enabled the organization to
effectively monitor and manage risks in real time. Particularly important were the strong
decentralization of decision-making and the rapid flow of information within project teams.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results indicate that organizational agility can be an effective tool
for risk management, even in public institutions. The article provides recommendations for
implementing agile practices to enhance organizational resilience.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This work contributes to the literature by presenting an empirical
perspective on agility and risk management in the public sector. It also serves as a valuable
source of knowledge for management practitioners seeking ways to adapt to changing market
conditions.peer-reviewe
Circular economy design and management in the built environment : a critical review of the state of the art
No full textThe building sector contributes around 39% of global carbon dioxide emissions and consumes nearly 40% of all the energy produced. Over the whole life cycle, the building sector yields over 35% of the EU’s total waste generation. These facts substantiate the necessity to implement circular economy in the built environments, in order to mitigate global warming and climate change emergency. This chapter highlights the state-of-the-art knowledge and research gap with respect to the stakeholders’ influences, inter-relationships, and obstacles for circular economy implementation on building stocks. In this chapter, a robust critical literature review of key documentations such as research articles, industry standards, policy reports, strategic roadmaps, case studies, and white papers has been rigorously conducted together with expert interviews. The state-of-the-art review addresses multi scales of CE practices adopted within the built environments. This chapter spells out current challenges and obstacles often encountered by various stakeholders. Case studies related to circular economy implementation have been drawn in order to promote such the CE practices across value chains in different regions and counties; and to overcome the barriers for circular economy implementation.peer-reviewe
Cerebrospinal fluid ascites after ventriculoperitoneal shunting : a comprehensive systematic review emphasizing patient demographic attributes
Get PDFIntroduction
An unusual complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting is the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid
(CSF) in the peritoneal cavity, resulting in abdominal distention known as CSF ascites. While its impact on
the affected individuals' quality of life is significant, knowledge about its demographics and prevalence
remains limited. This systematic review aims to systematically assess CSF ascites, prevalence, demographic
patterns and contribute to a better understanding of the condition.Methods
A systematic literature review was conducted in six major databases following the PRISMA 2020 checklist.
Articles were included following rigorous screening and pre-defined inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria.
A standardised data extraction table was used, and descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted using
the Jeffreys's Amazing Statistics Program (JASP). The Joanna-Briggs' Institute (JBI) tool was used to assess
the quality of reporting.Results
79 articles were included, 64 articles documented CSF ascites in children (representing 83 cases), with the
remainder describing CSF ascites in adults. An overall high quality and transparent reporting by the
included articles was noted. In the children, the median age at VP shunt placement was 12 months. Age at
shunt placement didn't differ by gender. The most common conditions were optic pathway tumours. Ascites
onset after shunt placement took a median of 10 months (IQR: 40.5 months) and wasn't correlated with age
at shunt placement. 92.72% achieved ascites resolution with treatment, with 59.04% receiving conversion to a
ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt as treatment. n adult patients, the median age at VP shunt placement was 39.00
years, with no significant gender differences in age distribution. The primary condition was mostly normal
pressure hydrocephalus (40.00%, N = 15). Ascites onset after shunt placement took a median of 9 months
and did not differ by gender. Age at shunt placement and duration between placement and ascites onset were
not correlated. Ascites resolved in 84.62% of patients with the most common treatment being VP to VA
shunt conversion.Discussion and conclusion
CSF ascites, a rare complication of VP shunting across age groups, have diverse causes. This systematic
review clarifies its demographics, showing no clear gender or age-related trends in occurrence. The link
between primary conditions and demographics echoes disease patterns. Mortality solely from CSF ascites is
rare, and treatment success is high. Converting VP to VA shunts stands out as the preferred solution. While
data discrepancies limit demographic analysis, this study significantly advances CSF ascites understanding,
warranting more research and clinical attention.peer-reviewe
No birth sex ratio changes in the United States in 1977 following Elvis Presley’s death
Get PDFINTRODUCTION: In humans, males are born slightly in excess of females such that male divided by total births (M/T) approximates 0.515. Many factors influence M/T, including acutely stressful events. This study was carried out to ascertain whether the death of Elvis Presley (1977) caused any perturbations in M/T in the following months in the United States.METHODS: Anonymous data (male and female births) was obtained from publicly available online datasets as white and non-white births.RESULTS: There were 3,235,291 (1658996 male and 1,576,295 female) births in 1977 with M/T=0.5128 (95% CI: 0.5122-0.5133). A seasonal pattern is evident in M/T for the United States for 1977. There were no obvious perturbations of this baseline after Presley’s death including by race.DISCUSSION: Monthly cycles in M/T have been observed including in the United States. Acute stress has been shown to reduce M/T after the death of important and loved personages but this did not occur following the demise of Presley, possibly due to his slow career decline prior to his death.peer-reviewe
Exploring ϕCDM model dynamics
Get PDFIn this paper, we introduce the ϕCDM model, and we compare to the concordance model. We provide their epoch evolution, we perform a dynamical analysis to each model, and a comparative analysis between the two models. We revitalise these two models, since we study them in systems with higher number of variables. Furthermore, the ϕCDM model is more complete than the one that we found in the literature, since we take into account all the so far discovered epochs, radiation, matter, and dark energy epochs. In contrast in the literature there is no study including the radiation epoch for this model. We find that both models can describe the generally accepted scenario of cosmic evolution, and current observations. Both models, describe qualitative and quantitative current observations about the epoch behaviour of the species of the universe. We find the ϕCDM model has the following exotic transition from a dominant radiation energy density ratio epoch and a low dominant matter energy density ratio and high dominant radiation energy density ratio epoch, towards a dominant scalar potential energy density ratio epoch, in the matter-potential-scalar plane.peer-reviewe
The religiosity of adolescents and young adults in Malta : tracing trajectories
Get PDFIn a country where almost the totality of the native population is baptized and raised in the Catholic Church, recent surveys have shown several inconsistencies, especially among the young who claim that they do not believe. This study is a follow-up of another one that showed marked differences between the younger generation and older ones regarding the importance of religion in their life. Other surveys gave a similar picture. This study seeks to acquire a deeper understanding of the religiosity of these adolescents and young adults, this time with the use of two validated instruments. The first, the Meaning and Purpose Scales (MAPS), was meant to capture the essence of religion as a meaning-making mode. For the second, since the majority of the participants came from an organized religion, it was worth investigating the reasons why these adolescents were abandoning their religion and where they were going. This was attempted through the administration of the Adolescent Deconversion Scale (ADS). In addition, to detect deconversion-related changes, the participants were asked to undertake the Retrospective Analysis of Religiosity, a graphical method representing their religious development over the years by the plotting of a “religiosity line”. Following a number of contrasts between the test variables and others from the demographic information, a more defined and detailed picture of the religiosity of this segment of the population emerged. The absolute majority of the participants continue to profess their religion, and faith continues to be a major source of meaning in their life. In addition, there is a strong correlation between their personal sense of security and religion and the family, particularly for two-parent families. This study exposed a particular critical point in their religious journey, marking the beginning of a decline in their religion. This also coincides with the major developmental changes that take place during puberty. For the rest, perseverance in the faith journey was very strongly related to having participated for a number of years in a faith group. The family of origin and, later, belonging to a faith group seem to be decisive factors in the transmission and preservation of religiosity. As for those who left religion, the main reasons differed, including existential quests, peer influence, or simply indifference. Most, however, do not seem to have migrated to another religion or sect, and there are signs that many of them might have retained their own personal spirituality privately. Finally, it could be argued that, for some, their religious journey might not be over yet.peer-reviewe
Canvas of words, rhythm of speech : the transformative role of visual art and music in Maltese language learning for adults
Get PDFCurrently, many individuals from diverse backgrounds are drawn to Malta due to its favourable environment for business, investment, and employment. This influx has increased interest among expatriates in learning Maltese as a second language (ML2) to enrich their working and living experiences in Malta. However, the complexities of Maltese grammar, especially for learners unfamiliar with Semitic languages, pose significant challenges. Research on effective pedagogical strategies for teaching ML2 remains limited, as the field is relatively new. This study investigates the potential of incorporating music and art as catalysts for enhancing adult learners' acquisition of ML2. Using qualitative methodology and convenience sampling, 84 adult ML2 learners participated in this research. The findings underscore the positive impact of integrating visual art and music into language learning. However, the participants noted that current ML2 curricula lack these elements. The study advocates for embedding art and music within traditional and online ML2 courses to improve engagement and retention.peer-reviewe
Pension economics paradigms and pension system reforms in Uruguay : compliance analysis
Get PDFPURPOSE: The study examines Uruguay’s pension system reforms in the context of pension
economics theories, particularly the overlapping generations model (OLG), the life-cycle
theory, and welfare economics. The research evaluates the alignment of Uruguayan reforms
with these theoretical frameworks and their impact on fiscal sustainability, benefit adequacy,
and income redistribution.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study adopts a qualitative research approach, utilizing
a comparative analysis of pension system reforms. The research relies on legislative
documents, scientific literature, and statistical data from institutions such as the OECD, the
World Bank, and the IMF. The study assesses the impact of pension reforms through
theoretical models and empirical evidence.FINDINGS: The 1996 reform, which introduced a mixed system, and the 2023 reform, which
raised the retirement age, were intended to enhance fiscal stability and pension system
sustainability. However, while the reforms align with pension economics principles, their
effectiveness remains limited. The study finds that the capital-funded pension pillar (AFAP)
failed to achieve the expected efficiency due to high administrative costs and low investment
returns, raising the retirement age improved fiscal stability, but it also exacerbated social
inequalities, particularly for low-income workers and additional redistributive mechanisms
and flexible retirement options are needed to enhance pension adequacy and system fairness.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings highlight the challenges of implementing pension
system reforms in response to demographic shifts. The study suggests that policy adjustments
should focus on reducing administrative costs, increasing transparency, and promoting
voluntary pension savings. Additionally, a minimum guaranteed pension and adjustments to
pension contribution structures could help improve benefit adequacy and social equity.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study contributes to pension economics literature by providing an indepth evaluation of Uruguay’s pension reforms from a theoretical and empirical perspective.
The analysis offers policy recommendations relevant to countries facing similar
demographic and fiscal challenges.peer-reviewe
Journal of the Geological Society
Get PDFRecords from the Miocene il-Blata section in Malta offer insights into the depositional environments of the Central Mediterranean following an Early Miocene restriction of the Mesopotamian Seaway (c. 20 Ma). Inorganic and organic stable carbon isotope values suggest relatively steady depositional environments, whereas authigenic iron dolomite abundances exhibiting substantial (Formula presented.) 18O and (Formula presented.) 13C variations at a sequence scale indicate dynamic sedimentation conditions leading to differential diagenesis. Petrographically, the dolomitic levels exhibit matrix-selective dolomitization, occasional silicification and phosphatization, and textural indicators pointing to subsurface microbial influences. These features collectively point to complex shallow burial diagenesis. In addition, the presence of framboidal pyrite and gypsum infilling foraminiferal chambers, along with the absence of large planktonic foraminifera, suggests the development of palaeoenvironmental stress imposed by a density-stratified water column affecting the pore waters. Towards the top of the studied succession, a shift from organic to siliceous deposits reflects water column perturbations possibly linked to changes in oceanic circulation associated with a temporary re-opening of the Mesopotamian Seaway. This study not only underscores the hydrochemical controls exerted by North African terrigenous fluxes over the Mediterranean, but also highlights the intricate interplay between shifting depositional environments and shallow burial diagenetic processes in shaping the geochemical and textural fabrics of authigenic mineral assemblages.peer-reviewe
Protests in the second year of COVID-19 – the case of Malta
Get PDFThis study analyses protests in Malta during 2021 (N = 94) and compares them to those in 2020 (N = 74). Malta’s protest dynamics are analysed within the theoretical frameworks of political opportunity structures and small-state studies, while also drawing on scholarship on protest and social movements during the covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, the environment was the most prominent issue, followed by Daphne Caruana Galizia and covid-scepticism, respectively. During 2021 there was a spike in protests (mostly sceptical) dealing directly with the Pandemic and its policy ramifications. The most prominent organizers of protest events were Repubblika and their affiliates, especially in relation to Daphne Caruana Galizia, and Moviment Graffitti, primarily on the environment. The demonstration was the most popular type of protest repertoire, but other repertoires were also used. Valletta was the most popular venue for protest events.Partly funded by the Research Seed Fund (University of Malta)peer-reviewe