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Sixty years of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Malta
Full text linkThis study examines the intricate historical and diplomatic development of the relationship between the Holy See and Malta from the early nineteenth century to the late twentieth century. Covering periods of colonial dominance, constitutional change, and post-independence diplomacy, this work explores how ecclesiastical and civil authorities negotiated their respective jurisdictions amid changing political landscapes. Rooted in Malta’s long-standing Catholic identity and influenced by the island’s strategic significance within the British Empire, the Holy See-Malta relationship provides a unique case study of how Church-State relations adapt to legal, cultural, and geopolitical shifts. The analysis is arranged both chronologically and thematically. It starts with the attempt of legal reform to adapt ecclesiastical jurisdiction and its exercise of justice to the demands and necessities of a transformed society under colonial rule (1800–1964), highlighting how the Proclamations V of 1828 and I of 1838 aimed to rearticulate ecclesiastical authority in the context of the limited jurisdiction tolerated by the colonial administration. It then explores three major political-religious conflicts of the twentieth century: the first involving Lord Strickland and the Maltese episcopate (1927–1932), the second centred on Dom Mintoff’s proposed integration with the United Kingdom (1955–1958), and the third, post-independence, concerning church schools (1981–1985). These crises revealed profound divisions between ecclesiastical and civil notions of Maltese identity and governance.peer-reviewe
A systematic quantitative analysis on bipolar channel selection for EOG-based gaze displacement estimation
Full text linkThe conventional electrode configuration that is generally used for electrooculography (EOG)-based gaze
estimation comprises two bipolar channels, which are computed from the EOG signals recorded from two
horizontally-aligned electrodes next to the outer canthi and two vertically-aligned electrodes attached superiorly and inferiorly to one of the eyes, respectively. While other unconventional electrode configurations have
also been sometimes used in the literature, there are limited works on how these compare to the conventional
configuration. Hence, the main contribution of this work is to analyse the flexibility in the electrode placement
for EOG-based gaze estimation. Specifically, the gaze displacement estimation (GDE) performance obtained
using different single-bipolar-channel and two-bipolar-channel configurations was analysed, and, in the case
of the latter, the GDE performance was statistically compared to that obtained using the conventional
configuration. In contrast to other comparative works reported in the literature, this work carries out an
exhaustive analysis by systematically analysing all the different configurations that may be computed from a
setup with 16 electrodes attached at equiangular positions around the eyes. Furthermore, the eye movements
were carried out systematically in isotropic directions, and the EOG dataset used in this work is also being
made publicly available. The results obtained demonstrate that the conventional horizontal and vertical bipolar
EOG channels are not the only configuration that could be used for EOG-based GDE, but there are various
other configurations with two bipolar channels that yield a performance that is statistically equivalent or even
better than that of the conventional configuration.peer-reviewe
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on characteristics, extent, and trends in child maltreatment in 34 Euro-CAN COST Action countries : a scoping review of the literature
No full textBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic intensified known risk factors for child maltreatment (CM).
Yet, globally inconsistent trends were reported. Little is known about CM trends across Europe,
given varying surveillance systems.Objective: This scoping review systematically examined evidence on CM trends during the
pandemic in 34 European countries in the COST Action Euro-CAN network.
Participants and Setting. CM (physical, sexual, psychological abuse, neglect, and online harms) across various settings
(population, healthcare, social care including NGOs, child protection services, judicial/police).Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, OPENGREY, and
Google Scholar (January 2020–November 2024). Eligible studies included primary research and
systematic or narrative reviews. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data.
Findings were synthesized narratively by CM type, sector, country, and study design, and reported
following the PRISMA-ScR.Results: Of 4658 records screened, 87 records were included (72 primary research, 15 reviews).
Most studies used quantitative methods (n = 64, 89 %) and reported healthcare and populationbased
data. Physical abuse was the most frequently reported type (n = 42, 58 %). Results were
mixed, showing increase, decrease, or no change in CM. The most consistent signal was an increase in physical abuse identified in French hospital datasets. Qualitative studies highlighted concerns about children's safety during school closures and changes in referral patterns.Conclusion: This is the first comprehensive review of CM trends in Europe during the pandemic, covering the longest timeframe. Fragmented evidence reflects heterogeneous definitions, reliance on institutional data and underrepresentation of vulnerable groups. Findings stress for harmonised definitions and resilient surveillance systems.peer-reviewe
New approaches to defending global civil society
No full textIn recent decades, many donors have argued that there is an international legal right to foreign
funding, but this has not been effective in halting the assault on civil society organisations (CSOs).
This approach now faces stronger headwinds because of the shift away from a liberal world order
as norm competition deepens between democratic and illiberal or nondemocratic regimes. At the
same time, many western democratic states have tightened funding rules for their civil society to
defend themselves against destabilisation efforts by Russia and other powers. As Javier Sajuria
notes in this report, other countries accuse western governments of double standards and the
foreign funding of civil society has become further politicised. [excerpt]peer-reviewe
Implementing PROMEHS to foster social and emotional learning, resilience, and mental health : evidence from Croatian schools
No full textBackground/Objectives: In light of the concerning research data on students’ mental health, it is essential to provide high-quality programs that support children and young people in strengthening their psychological well-being. To address this need, the three-year Erasmus+ KA3 international project PROMEHS: Promoting Mental Health at Schools was developed. The project involved universities and education policy representatives from seven European countries, Italy (project leader), Greece, Croatia, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, and Romania. Its core activities included the development of the PROMEHS curriculum, grounded in three key components: social and emotional learning, resilience, and the prevention of behavioral problems, alongside a rigorous evaluation of its implementation. The main research aim was to test the effect of PROMEHS on students’ and teachers’ mental health. Methods: In Croatia, the curriculum was introduced following the training of teachers (N = 76). It was implemented in kindergartens, and primary and secondary schools (N = 32), involving a total of 790 children. Using a quasi-experimental design, data were collected at two measurement points in both experimental and control groups by teachers, parents, and students. Results: The findings revealed significant improvements in children’s social and emotional competencies and resilience, accompanied by reductions in behavioural difficulties. These effects were most evident in teachers’ assessments, compared to parents’ ratings and student self-reports. Furthermore, teachers reported a significantly higher level of psychological well-being following implementation. Conclusions: Bearing in mind some study limitations, it can be concluded that this study provides evidence of the positive effects of PROMEHS in Croatian educational settings. Building on these outcomes and PROMEHS as an evidence-based program, a micro-qualification education was created to ensure the sustainability and systematic integration of the PROMEHS curriculum into Croatian kindergartens and schools.peer-reviewe
Mechanical properties of mono-fibre and intraply hybrid sisal–flax fibre-reinforced composites : a comparative study
Full text linkThe growing demand for sustainable alternatives to synthetic composites has increased the interest in natural-fibre-reinforced composites (NFRCs), due to their reduced environmental impact. This study presents a comparative investigation of the mechanical properties of mono-fibre and intraply sisal/flax hybrid composites as cost-effective bio-based solutions. Flax offers high tensile performance but is constrained by higher cost and geographical availability. Sisal, on the other hand, is widely available at lower cost, but exhibits a coarser morphology and reduced processing versatility. Mechanical testing demonstrated that intraply hybrids achieved well-balanced performance, with reduced flax content still delivering competitive tensile strength and stiffness when compared to the higher performing mono-fibre flax composites. However, sisal-rich and hybrid laminates outperformed monofibre flax composites in transverse and shear behaviour, with the 67% sisal/33% flax hybrid composite exhibiting the highest transverse properties and the 33% sisal/67% flax hybrid achieving the highest shear properties. Rule-of-mixtures models predicted longitudinal tensile behaviour effectively, while Halpin–Tsai models successfully estimated shear but not transverse and compressive properties. Compressive strength showed limited variation across configurations. Failure analysis identified intra-yarn fracture in flax, limited resin infiltration in sisal, and compressive failure modes such as brooming and microbuckling. Overall, intraply sisal/flax hybrid mats provide a structurally efficient, sustainable, and economically viable alternative to mono-fibre natural composites.peer-reviewe
Unit sizing and feasibility analysis of green hydrogen storage utilizing excess energy for energy islands
Full text linkThis study examines whether green hydrogen production using combined wind and solar energy on Marmara Island can meet the island’s electricity demand and fuel the fuel
needs of a hydrogen-powered ferry. A hybrid system consisting of a 10 MW wind farm,
a 3 MW solar PV system, and a PEM electrolyzer sized to meet the island’s hydrogen
demand was modeled for the island, located in the southwestern Sea of Marmara. The
hydrogen production potential, energy flows, and techno-economic performance were
evaluated using HOMER-Pro 3.18.4 version. According to the simulation results, the
hybrid system generates approximately 62.6 GWh of electricity annually, achieving an
82.8% renewable energy share. A significant portion of the produced energy is transferred
to the electrolyzer, producing approximately 729 tons of green hydrogen annually. The
economic analysis demonstrates that the system is financially viable, with a net present
cost of USD 61.53 million and a levelized energy cost of USD 0.175/kWh. Additionally, the
design has the potential to reduce approximately 2637 tons of CO2 emissions over a 25-year
period. The results demonstrate that integrating renewable energy sources with hydrogen
production can provide a cost-effective and low-carbon solution for isolated communities
such as islands, strengthening energy independence and supporting sustainable transportation options. It has been demonstrated that hydrogen produced by PEM electrolyzers
powered by excess energy from the hybrid system could provide a reliable fuel source for
hydrogen-fueled ferries operating between Marmara Island and the mainland. Overall,
the findings indicate that pairing renewable energy generation with hydrogen production
offers a realistic pathway for islands seeking cleaner transportation options and greater
energy independence.peer-reviewe
Potential involvement of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the protective effects of rhinacanthus nasutus against diabetic nephropathy-induced oxidative stress
Full text linkOxidative stress is a primary driver of diabetic nephropathy (DN), highlighting the urgent
need for potent natural antioxidants. This study explored the reno-protective potential
and associated mechanisms of Rhinacanthus nasutus aqueous extract (AE). Phytochemical
profiling via Q Exactive HF Orbitrap LC–MS/MS and serum pharmacochemistry analysis
identified 38 constituents, among which 25 bioavailable constituents (e.g., caffeic acid
and naringenin) might be the key bioactive ones. In the L6 myotubes in vitro assays, AE
(75 µg/mL) was observed to upregulate the PI3K/AKT and GLUT4 signaling cytokines,
coinciding with enhanced glucose uptake, as confirmed by Western blot with insulin as
a positive control. Furthermore, in STZ-induced DN rats, AE could reduce MDA levels
(0.58 vs. 1.44 nmol/mgprot) and restore T-SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px levels (170.57, 51.93,
63.68 vs. 114.93, 40.84, 50.99 mgprot). The protective effects were accompanied by the
modulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis. These findings suggest that AE exerts dual
efficacy involving glucose uptake regulation and oxidative stress inhibition. Consequently,
Rhinacanthus nasutus represents a promising natural antioxidant resource with potential for
the management of DN.peer-reviewe
Audit on risk stratification and follow-up of pulmonary embolism as per 2019 ESC guidelines
No full textBACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism is a common and potentially life-threatening disease. The aim of this audit is to determine whether the necessary investigations for risk stratification were taken, including troponin and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide to assess for heart strain and whether appropriate follow-up was provided with echocardiography and outpatients appointment as per 2019 ESC guidelines on pulmonary embolism.METHOD: Retrospective review of computed tomography pulmonary angiographies (CTPA) performed from 1st July 2022 to 31st December 2022 at Mater Dei Hospital and Gozo General Hospital. Documentation on investigations carried out and appropriate follow-up were collected from Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and iSOFT Clinical Manager.RESULTS: A total of 1682 CTPAs were carried out over the investigated period, out of which 12.8% (n=216) had a PE. Only 34.7% had troponin levels checked and 25.5% had NT-pro-BNP levels checked. Right heart strain was reported on CTPA in 13.9% of patients with a PE. In these patients, testing of cardiac biomarkers was higher with 70.0% of them having at least one cardiac biomarker tested. 30.1% of patients with PE had an echocardiogram done, most of which (73.8%) were as outpatients. More patients (56.7%) had an echo done when right heart strain was documented. Only 42.6% of patients had appropriate outpatients follow-up within 6 months of discharge.CONCLUSION: A structured management plan in the form of local guidelines is necessary which will aid the emergency physician and also the internal medical clinician to treat and follow-up appropriately.peer-reviewe
TEVAR for blunt thoracic aortic injury : case report
No full textBlunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs) stand as a prominent cause of mortality in trauma scenarios due to high-energy blunt trauma, such as in motor vehicle accidents. Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) has emerged as the preferred treatment modality for BTAIs owing to its minimally invasive approach and superior outcomes compared to open surgery. Here, we present the case of a 31-year-old woman involved in a severe motor vehicle accident, resulting in acute thoracic aortic injury managed with TEVAR in Mater Dei hospital.
Upon admission, the patient demonstrated signs of hemodynamic instability, prompting urgent CT imaging which revealed aortic injury alongside other traumatic injuries. Emergency TEVAR was successfully executed under general anesthesia, followed by revascularization for a concurrent popliteal artery injury. Subsequent imaging confirmed proper stent positioning and resolution of the aortic injury. The patient experienced a satisfactory recovery with a hospital stay lasting 25 days.
Diagnosing BTAIs poses challenges due to their nonspecific clinical manifestations, necessitating reliance on imaging modalities, primarily computed tomographic angiography (CTA). TEVAR offers distinct advantages over open surgery, including reduced invasiveness, shorter operative times, and decreased postoperative complications. However, long-term surveillance remains crucial due to potential complications. TEVAR persists as the primary treatment modality for eligible BTAIs, ensuring favorable patient outcomes and enhanced recovery.peer-reviewe