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Small islands, significant solutions : educational resilience in the Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic
Get PDFDespite limited resources, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have frequently
shown exceptional resilience when confronting global challenges. Nevertheless, SIDS
perspectives are often overshadowed in broader educational discussions. The Maldives
presents a notable example of how a small island country adapted its educational system during
COVID-19. This paper examines the Maldives’ rapid approaches to maintaining educational
continuity during school closures, emphasising digital readiness, community participation, and
government programmes. The case study highlights the power of communal strength, personal
relationships, and social connections in overcoming difficulties. It shows how unity, combined
with informal networks, can establish a support structure that helps communities recover from
crisis. The Maldives’ experience provides insights for larger countries, showing that resilience
stems from strategic planning and joint efforts, rather than size. Educational research can
benefit from studying SIDS in comparative education contexts, and established platforms can
help distribute SIDS research to broader audiences.peer-reviewe
The impact of stock prices of polluting energy sources on renewable energy stock index prices
Get PDFResearch background: The link between the price of polluting energy supplies and the renewable energy stock index may be intricate and subtle. Investors need to conduct thorough inquiries and analyses to completely understand the correlation between these industries. Purpose: This study aims to explore the intricate dynamics between renewable energy stocks and conventional fossil fuel-based resources. Research methodology: Our analysis encompasses daily data spanning from June 9, 2012, to March 31, 2023, extracted from the WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation Index (NEX), Crude Oil (WTI OIL), Coal (COAL), and Natural Gas (NGAS). Key statistical tests include the Johansen co-integration test, the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) test, and the Granger causality test. Results: The study shows a long-term co-integration relationship between renewable energy stocks and polluting energy sources. Oil prices positively impact the renewable stock index, while coal prices negatively affect it. Natural gas prices also positively correlate with the index, and short-term relationships exist with oil prices. Novelty: The study provides valuable insights for investors, state authorities, and policymakers on optimising ESG portfolio diversification and sustainable development policies in energy, environment, and climate. It helps stakeholders understand investor behaviour, market trends, and policy impacts, enabling effective long-term investment strategies.peer-reviewe
Benchmarking sustainable performance in shareholder wealth creation : a data envelopment analysis approach
Get PDFThe evaluation of companies' sustainability performance in generating shareholder wealth is increasingly reliant on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings. This study introduces a novel approach by applying data envelopment analysis (DEA) as an alternative to conventional linear regression methods. A conceptual framework has been developed to integrate E-, S-, and G-scores into DEA models, enabling a more nuanced interpretation of whether a company’s ESG efforts contribute to or undermine wealth creation. This approach also assesses the relative effectiveness of a company’s ESG initiatives compared to its peers, taking into account key wealth creation variables. An empirical analysis was conducted on a sample of 80 listed South African companies, calculating the technical efficiency of each company. The findings indicate that linear regression analysis falls short in benchmarking individual companies' ESG efforts in relation to shareholder wealth creation. In contrast, DEA effectively addresses this challenge by offering a robust benchmarking tool. The practical implications of this study are significant, as the concepts of 'fruitless' and 'fruitful' ESG efforts introduced here provide companies with a transferable framework for comparing their sustainability performance against peers. The empirical application underscores the value of DEA in distinguishing between productive and counterproductive ESG strategies, thereby enhancing the precision of sustainability assessments in the context of shareholder wealth.peer-reviewe
The PASS method : ecologically valid scaling for intergroup relations research
Get PDFIntergroup relations research remains characterised by a lack of ecological
validity, particularly when different groups are studied. In this paper, we present
the PASS Method for ecologically valid scaling, illustrating its efficacy via a
study on Arab-Maltese relations in Malta (EU). The PASS Method proceeds
as follows: (1) A relevant Project (e.g., intercultural integration) is identified;
(2) Argumentation on the project, by relevant groups, is analysed; (3) Scaling is
pursued via expert ranking of items generated from the groups' arguments on
the project, resulting in a self-positioning scale and an other-positioning scale
relative to the same project; and (4) A Survey is distributed among the groups,
asking participants for their own views (self-positioning) and for their views on
what the other group thinks (other-positioning) on the project. We illustrate
the PASS method by presenting scales built on the basis of Maltese and Arab
arguments on the project of integration. Following item generation and scale
validity and reliability tests, comparisons of Maltese and Arab distributions
for the respective scales and single items are presented. We conclude by making
critical recommendations for intergroup relations research and the application
of PASS in community settings.peer-reviewe
Multilinguality and LLOD : a survey across linguistic description levels
Get PDFLimited accessibility to language resources and technologies represents a challenge for the analysis, preservation, and documentation of natural languages other than English. Linguistic Linked (Open) Data (LLOD) holds the promise to ease the creation, linking, and reuse of multilingual linguistic data across distributed and heterogeneous resources. However, individual language resources and technologies accommodate or target different linguistic description levels, e.g., morphology, syntax, phonology, and pragmatics. In this comprehensive survey, the state-of-the-art of multilinguality and LLOD is being represented with a particular focus on linguistic description levels, identifying open challenges and gaps as well as proposing an ideal ecosystem for multilingual LLOD across description levels. This survey seeks to contribute an introductory text for newcomers to the field of multilingual LLOD, uncover gaps and challenges to be tackled by the LLOD community in reference to linguistic description levels, and present a solid basis for a future best practice of multilingual LLOD across description levels.peer-reviewe
Tenth International symposium - monitoring of Mediterranean coastal areas : problems and measurement techniques
No full textThe epibiotic assemblages on three wrecks in Maltese waters were studied by
taking photoquadrats on the metal hull of each wreck, and on nearby natural hard
substrata for comparison. The taxon richness and cover area of the colonising
organisms was quantified, and organisms were classified into functional groups based
on structural features. Bare patches of hull surface were present on all wrecks and the
epibiota occurred in a mosaic of assemblages. Taxon richness was higher on the hulls
than on natural substrata. It is suggested that the wrecks have a disclimax community
supported by disturbances, such as uneven sloughing of the corroding metal, resulting
is a mosaic of patches at different stages of succession. The natural hard substrata
showed a high proportion of tall arborescent forms compared to hulls, supporting the
hypothesis of the impeded development of a climatic climax community on the wrecks.
NMDS ordination showed that the three wrecks were distinguishable from each other
based on the relative cover of the different functional groups.peer-reviewe
Living with ‘uninvited guests’ of necessity? The dilemma of African migrants sandwiched between public attitudes and economic realities in Malta
Get PDFThis current study establishes how host-state economic realities (economic boom and labour shortages) and refugee security interact with the broader dynamics of irregular migration. It explores the circumstances in which migrant communities experience stereotypes, public attitudes, and racial discrimination in the context of contemporary Maltese immigration. Drawing on focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, informal conversations, sample survey and extant migration literature, the study interrogates the resilience of African refugees and asylum seekers and the political will of the Maltese authorities to protect them. It offers policy recommendations to foster social cohesion, human dignity, and equal concern which are necessary for achieving effective migrant integration.peer-reviewe
Residual stress release and corresponding microstructural changes in high-energy impact-modified GH4169 after aging at 425 °C and 650 °C
Get PDFThe nickel-based superalloy is a critical material in aero-engines, where enhanced durability and resistance to stress relaxation are essential. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a high-energy composite modification technique, applied through dual surface friction methods, to induce residual stress and examines the stability of this stress under medium-temperature aging conditions. GH4169 was selected and a foundational study was conducted to quantify residual stress relaxation under medium-temperature aging treatment. The surface strengthening method used was a high-energy composite modification known for its significant post-treatment effects. The specific temperatures for medium-temperature aging treatment were 425 °C and 650 °C. The test results of the residual stress field confirmed the phenomenon of residual stress relaxation under the influence of temperature. Correspondingly, the different degrees of stress relaxation caused by varying aging treatment conditions are closely related to the microstructural changes within the material. Areas with a higher number of annealing twins exhibited a more pronounced degree of residual stress relaxation. By elucidating the link between stress relaxation and microstructural changes, this research offers a theoretical foundation for optimizing surface-strengthening processes and setting optimal operational temperatures for advanced structural materials.peer-reviewe
The role of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in keloids and hypertrophic scars : a systematic review
Get PDFKeloids and hypertrophic scars are pathological scars that result from a prolonged and aberrant response to wound healing, resulting in raised and thickened skin lesions. Traditional treatments include occlusive dressings, compression therapy, intralesional steroids, and surgical excision with refashioning. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment method that employs mechanotransduction to stimulate a biological cascade resulting in tissue regeneration. This review aims to explore the literature for published evidence on the role of ESWT in the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars. A literature search following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted on PUBMED, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, for studies demonstrating the use of ESWT in keloids and hypertrophic scars. From this, 79 articles were identified, 12 of which met the eligibility criteria and were thus analyzed and included in the study. As monotherapy for keloids, ESWT showed comparable improvements in functional and aesthetic outcomes compared to traditional intralesional steroid therapy. Keloids treated with combination therapy of ESWT with intralesional steroids had better outcomes than those treated with intralesional steroids alone. Improvements in hypertrophic scar cosmesis, discomfort, and function with the use of ESWT were reported. Histologic improvements such as decreased collagen content, reduction of fibrotic markers, and fibrogenic cytokines were also described. ESWT is a promising treatment modality for pathological scars, offering comparable outcomes to traditional therapies with added benefits such as non-invasiveness. Further research is warranted to establish optimal protocols and its role in pathological scar management.peer-reviewe
Seasonal and spatial discrimination of sandy beaches using energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy analysis : a comparative study of Maltese bays
Get PDFThe general increase in awareness of environmental pollutants and typical sources reflects the application of sustainability and development goals. Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis has been used to analyse sand samples collected from five different beaches located on the east and north-eastern coasts of Malta and Gozo during two summers and two winters. Samples were collected along linear transects perpendicular to the shoreline at three different depths. Chemometrics were used to discriminate between four latent variables, including season, location, depth, and distance from shoreline. The highest concentrations were attributed to Fe2O3, Al2O3, SrO, and SnO2. Principal Components Analysis and Factor Analysis classified distributions of Fe2O3, CoO, As2O3, MnO, SrO, SeO2, and CaCO3 under Principal Component 1. However, since no loading value dominance was observed, such distributions most likely represent a combination of lithogenic and anthropogenic natures. Discrimination using Stepwise Linear Canonical Discriminant Analysis (SLC-DA) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) using Leave-One-Out-Cross-Validation with Variance Importance Plots proved highly effective in classifying data by location, followed by seasonal variability. It follows that concentrations are not affected by depth and distance from shoreline variability, proving that accumulation and anthropogenic effects from land are not concentrated in specific zones but are spatially spread out along the bays and do not increase with depth.peer-reviewe