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Urban pollution - environmental challenges in healthy modern cities
No full textMany state-of-the-art air quality sensor nodes feature a very high-power consumption. This limits them to being either mains powered or having a very short battery longevity. Moreover, a detailed study on their power consumption is not yet presented. Despite their high manufacturing cost, their accuracy and sensing functionality are often limited too. This chapter presents the design of an innovative low-power and low-cost air quality monitoring wireless sensor node with extensive measurement capabilities. The design adapts the LoRa transmission protocol by configuring and optimising the bandwidth and the spreading factor values. An optimal balance between data rate, range, and power was achieved. In addition to providing a thorough literature and market survey on available solutions, the work carried out on a scalable low-cost big data capture and analysis system is also discussed. The proposed sensor node can accurately measure carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure. The device features an average energy consumption of 327 μAh and a 40-month autonomy with a 10,500 mAh battery. The low-cost factor enables the provision of a large-scale system. Multiple nodes, distributed across a university campus, provide extensive location-based data and LoRa metadata, which enable comprehensive data analysis.peer-reviewe
A cost-effective solution for home automation
Get PDFPURPOSE: Both photovoltaics and home automation solutions are growing in popularity year
on year. A modern smart home solution combined with photovoltaics is not only
environmentally friendly, but also economical. Home automation allows maximum savings
and the most efficient use of photovoltaics. It guarantees convenience and comfort in
everyday use. It also fits in with the now popular ‘less waste’ or ‘zero waste’ trend, which
strives for the efficient use of raw materials.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The concept of home automation has gained considerable
traction in recent times, with a plethora of solutions offered by various companies.FINDINGS: However, the cost associated with these solutions is often a deterrent. The devices
and solutions proposed by companies for home automation systems are typically based on
IEEE 802.11g WiFi communication, which is dependent on the strength of the wireless
signal and is characterised by high latency. Conversely, utilising communication based on
the I2C protocol to control home appliances has the potential to significantly reduce the cost
of building the system.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: As a result of conducting the research, it is possible to identify and
present some recommendation for reduces the cost of building the system home
automatisation.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: For the purposes of this article, a multifaceted, synthetic and critical
analysis of data available in the source literature was carried out.peer-reviewe
Digital biomarkers : 3PM approach revolutionizing chronic disease management — EPMA 2024 position
Get PDFNon-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) have become a major global health concern. They constitute the leading cause of disabilities, increased morbidity, mortality, and socio-economic disasters worldwide.
Medical condition-specific digital biomarker (DB) panels have emerged as valuable tools to manage NCDs. DBs refer to the measurable and quantifiable physiological, behavioral, and environmental parameters collected for an individual through innovative digital health technologies, including wearables, smart devices, and medical sensors. By leveraging digital technologies, healthcare providers can gather real-time data and insights, enabling them to deliver more proactive and tailored interventions to individuals at risk and patients diagnosed with NCDs.
Continuous monitoring of relevant health parameters through wearable devices or smartphone applications allows patients and clinicians to track the progression of NCDs in real time. With the introduction of digital biomarker monitoring (DBM), a new quality of primary and secondary healthcare is being offered with promising opportunities for health risk assessment and protection against health-to-disease transitions in vulnerable sub-populations. DBM enables healthcare providers to take the most cost-effective targeted preventive measures, to detect disease developments early, and to introduce personalized interventions. Consequently, they benefit the quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals, healthcare economy, and society at large.
DBM is instrumental for the paradigm shift from reactive medical services to 3PM approach promoted by the European Association for Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine (EPMA) involving 3PM experts from 55 countries worldwide. This position manuscript consolidates multi-professional expertise in the area, demonstrating clinically relevant examples and providing the roadmap for implementing 3PM concepts facilitated through DBs.peer-reviewe
RTT advanced practice and how it can change the future of radiotherapy
Get PDFThe radiation therapy (RT) landscape is continuously evolving, necessitating adaptation in roles and responsibilities
of radiation therapists (RTTs). Advanced Practice Radiation Therapists (APRTs) have taken on a
proactive role in expanding services and assuming responsibilities within multi-professional teams.
A European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) brought geographically diverse and experienced
RTTs together, to discuss how advanced practice (AP) in the RTT profession should be future-proofed and create
a global platform for collaboration. Challenges in achieving consensus and standardisation of APRT was identified
across jurisdictions, emphasising the importance of international collaboration.
Whilst highlighting the pivotal role of APRTs in driving innovation, improving patient care, and navigating the
complexities of modern RT practice, this position paper presents outcomes and recommendations from the
workshop. Discussions highlighted the need for standardised role definitions, education frameworks, regulatory
support, and career development pathways to enable the advancement of APRT effectively. Increasing networks
and collaboration is recommended to ensure APRTs can shape the future of RT.peer-reviewe
Plasma defect-engineering of bulk oxygen-deficient zirconia
Get PDFOxygen-deficient zirconia (ZrO2-x) has recently emerged as a promising material for light absorption and photocatalytic applications. However, the economic and environmentally friendly manufacture of bulk ZrO2-x remains challenging and has limited widespread adoption. In this study, we present a novel low-pressure (300 Pa)
plasma treatment (H2 gas at 500 ◦C for 5 h) capable of producing fully-dense bulk ZrO2-x without significant
structural modifications. EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) and XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy)
characterisation of the plasma treated zirconia indicate the formation of Zr3+ ions and F2+ (V⋅⋅ O) centres. The
increase of oxygen vacancies is also supported by the greater exothermic heat flow and relative mass gain
observed through TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) analyses.
Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) reveals a substantial enhancement in light absorption, with an average
increase of 66.2 % and >65 % absolute absorption across the entire spectrum (200–3000 nm). XPS and DRS
measurements suggest significant reduction in both direct (from 4.84 to 2.61 eV) and indirect (from 3.19 to 1.45
eV) bandgap transition. By effectively enhancing the light absorption capability, reducing bandgap transitions,
and maintaining the structural integrity of zirconia, low-pressure plasma treatments offer a promising and
scalable approach for the environmentally friendly production of next-generation ZrO2-x materials.peer-reviewe
Sustainable municipal management model : the smart concept
Get PDFPURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to explore and evaluate the smart municipality model
as a framework for sustainable municipal management. It aims to identify the key
components and advantages of this model, particularly in improving local governance and
the quality of life in rural areas. The focus is on the integration of advanced technologies
such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and how these
technologies can enhance resource management, public engagement, and environmental
sustainability.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This study employs a mixed-method approach that
combines a comprehensive literature review, case study analysis, and in-depth interviews
with municipal representatives. The research examines examples from Poland and other
international contexts to understand how smart technologies are being utilized in municipal
management. Through this methodology, the article seeks to evaluate both the benefits and
challenges associated with implementing smart solutions in municipalities.FINDINGS: The study finds that the adoption of smart municipality initiatives can significantly
enhance the sustainability of rural communities. Key benefits include more efficient resource
management, reduction of environmental footprints, and increased community participation
in local decision-making processes. Technologies such as IoT enabled smart waste
management, air quality monitoring systems, and smart street lighting have proven effective
in reducing resource consumption and improving public services. However, the research
also highlights substantial barriers, including high implementation costs, public resistance to
new technologies, and digital exclusion issues, particularly in less digitally literate
populations.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The practical implications of this research are significant for local
government officials, urban planners, and policy makers. The findings underscore the
importance of fostering public-private partnerships to secure the funding needed for smart
initiatives. Additionally, the article emphasizes the need for targeted educational programs
to increase digital literacy and raise awareness about the benefits of smart technologies.
Municipalities must also focus on ensuring equitable access to digital solutions for all
residents to avoid deepening social inequalities.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This article makes a valuable contribution to the field of smart municipal
governance by offering practical insights into the application of smart technologies in rural
areas. It provides a detailed analysis of both the opportunities and challenges of implementing smart solutions and underscores the importance of public engagement,
education, and infrastructure investment for successful adoption.peer-reviewe
The Department of Human Communication Sciences and Disorders
Get PDFThe Department of Human Communication Sciences
and Disorders first opened its doors in 1991. Known as
the Communication Therapy Division at the time, it
launched the first local four-year undergraduate degree
programme in Communication Therapy through the
University of Malta’s Institute of Health Care. This
programme led to eligibility for registration as a speech
language pathologist (SLP). Professor Helen Grech was
then the coordinator of the programme and head of
the same department. Together with the late Professor
John Rizzo Naudi and Ms Helene (Jackie) Clydesdale,
Professor Grech was instrumental in sowing the seeds
and nurturing the programmes which were eventually
offered by the department. With many years of hard work
and dedication, Professor Grech skilfully developed and
enriched the department, making her vision a reality.peer-reviewe
Cross-national characteristics and differences in type 2 diabetes : Malta versus Luxembourg
Get PDFIntroduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant global
health concern, requiring a thorough understanding of its population-
level features and impact. This study aims to compare the
characteristics of T2DM in Malta and Luxembourg, two European
nations with distinctive healthcare systems and societal attributes.Methods: Data from national health surveys conducted in Malta and
Luxembourg, encompassing various factors such as socio-demographics,
medical history, biochemical metrics, and anthropometric
measurements, were analysed to investigate the features of T2DM.
Comparative analyses were conducted utilizing chi-square tests, independent
t-tests, and multivariable binary regression.peer-reviewe
Intake of sugar sweetened beverages among children and adolescents in 185 countries between 1990 and 2018 : population based study
Get PDFObjective: To quantify global intakes of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) and trends over time among children and adolescents. Design: Population based study. Setting: Global Dietary Database. Population: Children and adolescents aged 3-19 years in 185 countries between 1990 and 2018, jointly stratified at subnational level by age, sex, parental education, and rural or urban residence. Results: In 2018, mean global SSB intake was 3.6 (standardized serving=248 g (8 oz)) servings/week (1.3 (95% uncertainly interval 1.0 to 1.9) in south Asia to 9.1 (8.3 to 10.1) in Latin America and the Caribbean). SSB intakes were higher in older versus younger children and adolescents, those resident in urban versus rural areas, and those of parents with higher versus lower education. Between 1990 and 2018, mean global SSB intakes increased by 0.68 servings/week (22.9%), with the largest increases in sub-Saharan Africa (2.17 servings/week; 106%). Of 185 countries included in the analysis, 56 (30.3%) had a mean SSB intake of ≥7 servings/week, representing 238 million children and adolescents, or 10.4% of the global population of young people. Conclusion: This study found that intakes of SSBs among children and adolescents aged 3-19 years in 185 countries increased by 23% from 1990 to 2018, parallel to the rise in prevalence of obesity among this population globally. SSB intakes showed large heterogeneity among children and adolescents worldwide and by age, parental level of education, and urbanicity. This research should help to inform policies to reduce SSB intake among young people, particularly those with larger intakes across all education levels in urban and rural areas in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the growing problem of SSBs for public health in sub-Saharan Africa.peer-reviewe
“Artistic research needs ethics like a rip in the canvas.” Is free artistic research compatible with academic research ethics?
Get PDFIn this Doctoral School Annual Lecture delivered as part of the University of Malta’s Research Expo, 2024, Prof. Robin Nelson explores a tension between an oft-desired “artistic freedom” in creative practice and the inevitable constraints entailed by “academic” arts research in today’s incorporated HE institutions. An established champion of “Practice Research/Artistic Research”, Prof. Nelson’s additional experience as a university research director will afford insights into several perspectives. With reference to some contentious examples, he explores the room for manoeuvre between, on the one hand, practitioner-researchers wishing to be free to do as they wish and, on the other, the hardline, bureaucratic disposition of some Research Ethics Committees, to enforce rules and protocols in an Enlightenment, scientific-rational tradition. Though the emphasis is on Arts Practice Research, the debate has resonances wherever a “blue skies” disposition towards research meets requirements for Research Design and Research Outcomes. Ultimately, he proposes a compromise with a plea for adjustments on all sides, informed by a Levinasian approach to ethics wherein each encounter must be sensitively addressed.peer-reviewe