24762 research outputs found
Sort by
Designing marine conservation trust funds : lessons learned from the Seychelles’ conservation and climate adaptation trust
Get PDFMarine conservation trust funds have emerged as key vehicles for channelling blended finance into ocean protection, particularly in Small Island Developing States. This paper examines the legislative design and evolution of the Seychelles' Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT), the first marine conservation trust fund established through a debt-for-nature swap. SeyCCAT plays a pivotal role in channelling proceeds from blended finance instruments to locally-based ocean conservation and climate adaptation programmes and projects. Drawing from SeyCCAT’s operational experience between 2016- 2022, it analyses how the fund's legislative framework adapted to address challenges in governance, financial sustainability, and operational flexibility. The SeyCCAT case offers valuable lessons for similar initiatives, particularly regarding the need for adaptive governance structures and clear legislative frameworks that enable both stability and operational agility in managing conservation finance. [excerpt]peer-reviewe
Privacy-aware monitoring for assisted living : ethical, legal, and technological aspects of audio-and video-based AAL solutions
No full textThis chapter addresses the state of research in human activity recognition (HAR) for active assisted living (AAL) applications. We provide a comprehensive review of the ongoing research efforts and identify future trends in this area, especially regarding the activities of daily living (ADL) and behavior recognition. The focus of this work is on privacy-preserving methods and technologies that use audio and video modalities for HAR, as well as combining them with various sensors and wearables in a multimodal setup.COST Action GoodBrother—Network on Privacy-Aware Audio- and Video-Based Applications for Active and Assisted Living (CA19121)peer-reviewe
Bridging land and sea : geophysical insights into coastal karstic groundwater dynamics, freshwater plumes and saltwater intrusions in the urban regions of Antalya (Türkiye)
Get PDFStudy Region: This study investigates the on- and offshore fresh to saline groundwater distribution
as well as the submarine groundwater discharge within a coastal karstic aquifer system in Antalya
(Türkiye).Study Focus: Groundwater acts as a critical link between on- and offshore environments, connecting
freshwater systems to the saline oceans. With an increasing population along coastlines,
understanding coastal groundwater interactions is essential. In this study we utilize on- and
offshore hydrogeophysical techniques to image variations in subsurface porewater salinities.
Offshore continuous resistivity profiling and hydroacoustic measurements are complemented by
land based electromagnetic measurements.New hydrological insights for the region: Our findings show how groundwater discharges into the
sea through coastal and submarine freshwater springs while simultaneously facing the risk of
saltwater intrusions nearby. Diffuse groundwater flow dominates along the main beach area of
Antalya, while channelized flow occurs primarily along the cliff coastline where submarine
springs occur. The springs create distinct salinity anomalies in the water column and remove the
sediment cover from the carbonate aquifer, exposing hard rock on the seafloor and creating
different habitats. The multi-method geophysical approach provides a detailed picture of
freshwater-saltwater interactions and highlights regions of varying groundwater discharge into
the sea. Our findings contribute valuable insights for water management strategies in Antalya,
with implications for safeguarding freshwater resources and mitigating the risk of saltwater
intrusions.peer-reviewe
Alphonso Lingis and the question of the animal
Get PDFThis paper analyzes Alphonso Lingis’ contributions to the ongoing philosophical debate on the “question of the animal.” It situates Lingis’ philosophy of the animal within what Matthew Calarco calls the “indistinction” approach, a framework that transcends traditional binary distinctions between humans and animals. It also explores how Lingis’ philosophy challenges anthropocentrism by proposing a novel ontology of life that emphasizes the shared ontological ground between humans and animals, promoting an understanding of life as characterized by excess, kinship, and interconnectedness. It then goes on to link this to his ethical stance which is grounded in the phenomenology of the animal encounter. This paper ultimately advocates for the relevance and force of a Lingisian philosophy of the animal, underscoring its potential to reshape contemporary discussions on animal ontology, ethics, and environmental issues.peer-reviewe
Quality 4.0 in the context of industry 4.0 : theoretical aspects and research results
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of this article is to present the essence and significance of Quality 4.0 in
the context of Industry 4.0, based on both a review of theoretical and empirical studies
published in the literature and the authors’ own research.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research concept includes a review of selected,
significant studies that indicate the current state and directions of research, along with their
justification in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The authors' own research
was conducted in Polish companies with a strong focus on quality and management systems
indicating the need for the integration within the framework of Industry 4.0. The research
was carried out using the diagnostic survey method, with an original online questionnaire as
the primary tool. Both quantitative and qualitative (interviews) methods were employed.FINDINGS: The understanding of Quality 4.0 and Industry 4.0 by representatives of quality-oriented companies was highlighted, and the relationships between Quality 4.0 and Industry
4.0 solutions were presented.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results obtained from one hundred companies were subjected to
statistical analysis, showing the status and directions of development of the concepts of
Quality 4.0, TQM 4.0, and Quality Management 4.0, as well as their place and significance
in organizations operating in the conditions of the Industry 4.0. They indicate areas
requiring adaptation to the changing solutions of the Industry 4.0 and areas requiring
improvement in terms of employee skills, knowledge, IT solutions, and real-time decision-making.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Contribution of research to shaping the definition of Quality 4.0,
identification of areas in which Industry 4.0 creates opportunities for improving Quality 4.0
management (linking Quality 4.0 with processes), identification of the role of knowledge in
Quality 4.0 improvement processes.peer-reviewe
A social housing story - beyond walls : from post-war beginnings to modern communities
No full textThis essay traces the complex and evolving trajectory of social housing in Malta, from WWII to contemporary times. Drawing on primary (archival material and housing policy documents) and secondary sources, the essay examines how political, economic, social, and cultural forces shaped the conception, design, and delivery of social housing across time. It argues that from post-war emergency housing efforts, Malta's social housing model was transformed into to a universalist state-driven model of provision in the 1970s–80s, followed by a shift to a more residualist, market-reliant model from the 1990s onwards, highlighting in process key turning points such as post-war slum clearance projects, the rise of housing estates, the role of homeownership schemes, and more recent efforts to blend public, private, and third-sector solutions within a mixed-model approach.peer-reviewe
Technology-enabled learning for green and sustainable entrepreneurship education
Get PDFBackground and objectives: Global crises such as climate change, pandemics, and resource depletion present unprecedented challenges that require coordinated and innovative responses. This study advocates for a bottom-up strategy by proposing and developing tools that empower individuals and organizations to embrace green and sustainable entrepreneurship, fostering localized solutions with global impact. In this context, the research explored the integration of technology-enabled entrepreneurship education (EE) into engineering curricula, with a focus on sustainable and green entrepreneurship. Leveraging insights from European projects, the research developed a cloud-based entrepreneurship educational system featuring three e-learning platforms. Particularly, one e-learning platform was specifically designed to support green and sustainable entrepreneurship education.Methods: the study involved literature reviews, stakeholder surveys, interviews with green entrepreneurs, and iterative platform design.Results: Key outcomes of the research include a methodology for designing pedagogical strategies and learning content for green and sustainable EE. Additionally, digital tools such as the green business innovation canvas, TRIZ-inspired matrices, and AI-driven recommendation systems were created to equip learners with the skills to develop sustainable business models.Originality: The study’s novelty lies in its integration of advanced digital tools with original pedagogical strategies, providing a scalable framework for incorporating sustainability into entrepreneurship education. These findings have practical implications for educators and policymakers working to promote eco-friendly business practices. Future research should investigate the scalability of these tools across diverse educational contexts and evaluate their long-term impact on fostering sustainable entrepreneurial mindsets.peer-reviewe
Materiality thresholds in Maltese external auditing : an analysis
Get PDFThe objectives of this study are to (i) ascertain the major quantitative and qualitative factors influencing
the determination of materiality thresholds in the private sector external audits performed by large and medium-sized Maltese audit firms, (ii) assess the effectiveness of ISA 320 in the determination of such materiality
thresholds, as well as the impact of introducing more prescriptive guidelines within the Standard, and (iii) assess
the current level of professional judgement and its effectiveness in determining materiality thresholds, as well as
ascertain the typical challenges involved in exercising such judgement. A predominantly qualitative mixed-methods approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with twelve audit partners from large
and medium-sized Maltese audit firms. The findings indicated that the major quantitative factors influencing
overall materiality were 5–10% of profit before tax and 1–3% of total revenue. The major quantitative factor
influencing performance materiality and the clearly trivial threshold was 75% and 5% of overall materiality,
respectively. Additionally, the major qualitative factors influencing materiality thresholds were fraud and litigation
risk, quality of client internal controls, auditor critical thinking skills, client complexity, the client’s sector and a
change in auditor. Furthermore, the findings indicated that ISA 320 provided sufficient guidance for determining
materiality thresholds. Moreover, the most cited benefit of introducing more prescriptive guidelines within the
Standard was greater consistency among auditors, while the most cited drawback was the limitation on professional
judgement. The findings also revealed that professional judgement was crucial and generally effective in
determining materiality thresholds. However, auditors typically faced a few challenges when exercising such
judgement, of which time pressure and the setting of appropriate thresholds are particularly significant.peer-reviewe
Co-design and mixed-methods evaluation of a digital diabetes education intervention for nursing homes : study protocol
Get PDFDiabetes is common among nursing home residents, with approximately one in four affected, a figure expected to rise. Despite the complexity of care
required, educational support for nursing home staff remains limited. This study will aim
to co-design and evaluate a digital intervention to improve staff knowledge, confidence,
and practices in diabetes care. Methods: The study will follow a logic model across three
workstreams. Workstream 1 (WS1) will inform the model inputs through three phases: (1) a
scoping review will be conducted to summarise existing diabetes education initiatives in
nursing home settings; (2) approximately 20 semi-structured interviews will be carried out
with nursing home staff to explore perceived barriers and supports in delivering diabetes
care; and (3) a modified Delphi process involving 50–70 diverse stakeholders will be used
to establish educational priorities. Workstream 2 (WS2) will involve co-designing a digital
diabetes education intervention, informed by WS1 findings. Co-design participants will
include nursing home staff, diabetes professionals, and people living with diabetes or their
carers. Workstream 3 (WS3) will consist of a mixed-methods evaluation of the intervention.
Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires will assess staff knowledge, confidence, and
attitudes. The usability of the intervention will also be measured. Following implementation, focus groups with approximately 32 staff members will be conducted to explore user
experiences and perceived impact on resident care. Discussion: This study will address
an important gap in staff education and support, aiming to improve diabetes care within
nursing home settings through a digitally delivered, co-designed intervention.peer-reviewe
Markedly lower rates of age-related macular degeneration in Malta compared to European countries : results from the Malta eye study, indicating possible divergent genetic ancestry?
Get PDFPurpose: To estimate the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) in a nationally representative sample of older
adults from Malta, evaluate associations with established risk factors, and compare rates with those reported in other European
populations, where substantial variation has been observed.
Patients and Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1794 participants aged 50–80 years from
Malta (1% of the represented population), recruited as part of The Malta Eye Study. Standardized ophthalmic examinations were performed,
including retinal imaging graded for ARMD according to Age-Related Eye Disease Study criteria and optical coherence tomography scans.
Data on demographics, medical history, behavioural risk factors, and ocular characteristics were collected via structured questionnaires.
Associations were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. DNA samples were also collected for future genetic analyses.
Results: The overall prevalence of ARMD was 6.5% (95% CI 5.4–7.8%), with early ARMD accounting for 5.6% (95% CI 4.6–6.7%) and
late ARMD for 0.4% (95% CI 0.2–0.8%). Multivariate analysis showed that ARMD prevalence increased significantly with age (OR
per year 1.08; 95% CI 1.05–1.11, p<0.001) and in the male sex (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.01–2.44, p=0.043). The other traditional ARMD risk
factors did not show significant associations in this cohort. Compared to other European populations, ARMD prevalence was notably lower.
Conclusion: This study reports a relatively low prevalence of ARMD compared to other European settings, with age and male sex
emerging as the only significant risk factors. The absence of association with other traditional risk factors may reflect underlying
genetic differences or distinct gene–environment interactions. As DNA samples were collected, further investigation incorporating
genetic data is warranted to better understand ARMD susceptibility in this population.peer-reviewe