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Biomechanical and clinical outcomes of a novel hallux valgus sock : a clinical study ΙΙ
No full textBackground: Hallux Valgus (HV) is a common forefoot deformity, which is associated with pain, changed biomechanics, and functional limitations. The conservative management options are poorly defined in practice, but there may be opportunities for novel, low-cost treatment options.Objective: The aim was to investigate the effect of a novel HV sock on plantar pressure distribution in people with HV compared to controls and as a stand-alone intervention.Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled, pre–post experimental design was used and was undertaken with 100 participants (50 control and 50 experimental). The intervention group wore the HV sock on a daily basis for 6-months, and the control group received their usual podiatry care. Baseline, 3-month, and 6-month plantar pressure distribution measured in both groups were assessed using a pressure mapping system that included regions; hallux, 1st MTPJ, 2-3rd , and 4-5th MTPJs. Statistical analysis was conducted using a mixed model ANOVA, to investigate any differences between groups over time.Results: The experimental group had statistically significant reductions in plantar pressure for all regions (P < 0.001) at 6-months while the control group increased previously established pressures in the forefoot. For example, hallux pressures decreased from 243.13 ± 75 to 185.50 ± 58 gr/cm² (left foot) and 259.80 ± 87 to 189.44 ± 69 gr/cm² (right foot) while the control group increased considerably for all PAL measures.Conclusions: The novel HV sock reduced pathological loading patterns in the forefoot and re-distributed plantar pressure; representing a new conservative intervention for patients with mild to moderate HV. Large scale, long-term studies need to be completed, to determine the practical effectiveness.peer-reviewe
HEARTS activity handbook : activities to foster culturally-sensitive and community-based mental health promotion in higher education
No full textThe HEARTS Activity Handbook: Activities to Foster Culturally-Sensitive and Community-Based Mental Health Promotion in Higher Education has been developed by the partner institutions and organizations of the HEARTS project. It presents five complete learning paths, each containing practical, adaptable activities designed to promote mental health in university settings. The handbook includes detailed workshop descriptions and step-by-step activity guidelines, enabling higher education professionals to implement them effectively with their own groups. Grounded in inclusive, culturally sensitive and community-based approaches, it offers tailored methodologies for students, staff and mixed groups, supporting well-being, reducing stigma, and fostering healthy, participatory learning environments.peer-reviewe
Imaginaries of community-based initiatives : charting paths towards sustainable tourism in rural Bonaire
No full textThis paper explores the potential for community-based tourism (CBT) on Bonaire, a special municipality of the Netherlands in the Dutch Caribbean. It examines how Bonaire's unique constitutional status and historical context, among others, enable or constrain CBT development. Changes in Bonaire’s status as a sub-national island jurisdiction (SNIJ) in 2010 led to increased governance and legal alignment with the Netherlands, resulting in mixed impacts on CBT initiatives. Fieldwork, including 18 semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders, suggests that while infrastructural investments and access to Dutch resources provide opportunities, economic disparities, brain drain, and social tensions hinder progress. The current tourism model places pressure on picturesque but delicate coastlines and coral reefs, bypassing rural inland areas like Rincon from a share of economic benefits. The findings highlight the value of preserving cultural heritage, addressing infrastructural challenges, and promoting equitable market access for local business. Inclusive policies and community-driven approaches are needed to foster a sustainable CBT sector that aligns with Bonaire’s cultural and ecological heritage and meets residents’ aspirations. By addressing such challenges, Bonaire can leverage its unique status to cultivate a thriving, equitable tourism model that benefits the entire community and achieves environmental and cultural sustainability.peer-reviewe
Food sharing apps in the hospitality industry : strategies to mitigate risks and enhance benefits for increased adoption
No full textThis study seeks to develop a broad-based understanding of the non-adoption of food sharing apps (FSAs) by hospitality businesses. This study answers three research questions: First, what are the perceived risks of FSAs that prevent their adoption by hospitality organizations; second, what are the perceived benefits of FSAs that are likely to encourage their adoption by hospitality organizations; and third, what strategies can be adopted by FSAs to mitigate the perceived risks and enhance the perceived benefits of adoption of FSAs by hospitality businesses. A multistage qualitative study involving three stages of data collection was undertaken. The findings revealed that perceived risks included business issues, management issues, regulatory concerns, business conditions, and issues with app companies. Perceived benefits included enhanced reputation, business gains, customer benefits, and doing good. Strategies to mitigate perceived risks and enhance perceived benefits emphasized closer communication and collaboration between FSAs and businesses.peer-reviewe
Patients ; perception of Radiographers’ communication skills during planar X-ray imaging : a single centre study
No full textPURPOSE: To explore patients’ perception of radiographers’ communication skills during planar X-ray imaging examinations at a general hospital in Malta.METHODS: A random sample of patients attending for planar x-ray examinations at a medical imaging department at a general hospital in Malta filled out a self-designed questionnaire consisting of demographic data, and scored a series of statements on a Likert scale of 1–4, with 1 being ‘very unsatisfied’, 2 being ‘unsatisfied’, 3 being ‘satisfied’, and 4 being ‘very satisfied’. Data was collected and analysed to identify trends and understand patients’ perception of radiographers’ communication skills. The Friedman test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to analyse the gathered data.RESULTS: Mean scores were either 3 (satisfied) or 4 (very satisfied). There were no significant (p>0.05) discrepancies when comparing the different demographics. Females provided significantly (p<0.05) higher mean rating scores than males. Patients’ scores varied the most in the statement ‘radiographers informed me of what they had to do next’.CONCLUSION: This is the first study of its kind performed locally evaluating patients’ perceptions of radiographers’ communication skills. The mechanism in place locally for training radiographers in patient communication appears to be effective, as patients are given instructions clearly and without undue discomfort. To make it simpler for patients once they have completed the X-ray and put their minds at ease during their entire stay at the hospital, a clearer pathway should be implemented. Having radiographers with good communication skills improves the patients’ experience when attending for imaging services.LIMITATIONS: The limitations of this study include a small sample size, potential response bias introduced by participants filling the questionnaire, and a number of radiographers being non-nativespeakers, which could contribute to communication challenges.peer-reviewe
Collective bargaining and minimum wage regimes in the European Union : the transposition of the EU directive on adequate minimum wages in the EU27
No full textThe chapter addresses the minimum wage regime in Malta, the collective bargaining regime in Malta, and the transposition of the European Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages in Malta.peer-reviewe
Relating measured PUE to the cooling strategy and operating conditions through a review of a number of Maltese data centres
No full textTo deal with the heat generated by the information technology equipment hosted in data centres, dedicated cooling systems allowing the information technology systems to operate at their optimum thermal conditions continuously, are typically used. Being constantly in operation these cooling technologies have a large impact on the overall energy performance of these data centres. Based on this premise, the work presented in this research aims at gauging and comparing the real-life performance of three types of data centre cooling strategies found in just as many commercial data centres in Malta. Temperature and humidity logging was carried out to analyse the data centres operating conditions in conjunction with an analysis of the energy performance of the data centres themselves. A well know energy performance metric, the Power Usage Effectiveness, was used to enable the comparison of the energy performance of these data centres with one another. The results obtained revealed that whereas the use of computer room air conditioning is common in modern data centres, significant differences in energy performance can result from the specific application of such cooling systems, mostly related to the use or otherwise of physically segregated cold and hot aisle, the use of direct expansion cooling or air cooled chillers, and the use of direct or variable speed systems. Furthermore, the importance of air flow management in ensuring a uniform temperature throughout was observed through detailed temperature monitoring of one of the aisles in one of the data centres investigated.peer-reviewe
Numerical modelling of erosional landforms driven by offshore groundwater flow on siliciclastic continental margins : a conceptual approach
No full textOffshore freshened groundwater (OFG) has long been hypothesised to be a
key factor shaping continental margins worldwide. Field observations from
siliciclastic margins suggest strong causal links between sub-seafloor OFG flow
and seafloor depressions, canyons and landslide scars. These links have been
hard to validate due to a paucity of appropriate field data and difficulty in
simulating the subsurface flow and geomorphic processes in the laboratory.
Here we present a numerical study that simulates the geomorphic action of
sub-seafloor OFG seepage in an idealised 3D continental margin. Analysis
of the coupling conditions highlights the multiplicative nature of the primary
driving mechanisms (seepage-induced erosion and slope instability), suggesting
a continuous transition between flow- and stress-controlled landforms. We
find that OFG can create landforms in siliciclastic margins when buried flow
pathways exist. Shelf-break depth determines landform type and timing. Shelf-breaks
deeper than the sea-level lowstand lead to shallow circular depressions
in the mid-shelf region, while those shallower than the lowstand yield V-shaped
and theatre-headed valleys in the outer shelf to upper slope. Landforms emerge
during falling sea-levels, starting as pockmark trains along the edges of the
buried channels. Sensitivity studies show that: (1) channel width and depth affect
only landform size, not type, and (2) OFG-related landforms are mainly erosion-driven
and can evolve into slope failures in coarse-grained sediments with
low cohesive strength. Our model aligns with field observations of pockmarks,
canyons, and landslides in various continental margin settings.peer-reviewe
A management model in an agile organization based on the example of a company Spotify
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of the article is to present an agile management model using Spotify as an
example and to develop an original management model for an agile organization. An attempt
was made to identify key mechanisms that allow organizations to maintain flexibility and
innovation in conditions of dynamic development.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research was based on a case study method, analyzing
the implementation of an agile management model at Spotify. Qualitative analysis was
conducted, including internal documentation, interviews with employees, and observation of
organizational processes and management culture.FINDINGS: It was found that implementing a decentralized organizational structure based on
autonomous project teams has a positive impact on operational efficiency, innovation and
employee engagement. The developed model proves useful in medium and large
organizations operating in a dynamic market environment.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The presented results can be a basis for companies implementing
agile management models, especially in the context of building modular organizational
structures and developing a culture of trust and responsibility. The proposed model
facilitates scaling operations without losing operational agility.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality of the study lies in the presentation of an original
management model in an agile organization, inspired by Spotify's practices, which can be
adapted to the needs of various industries and sizes of companies. The article provides
practical tips for leaders and managers implementing an agile approach to management.peer-reviewe
Equity crowdfunding : an open innovation tool to attain corporate sustainability
Get PDFThis study enhances the understanding of equity crowdfunding as an open innovation tool that allows firms to embrace corporate sustainability. Building on grounded theory, we investigate how equity crowdfunding campaigns facilitate stakeholder engagement and trigger sustainability-oriented innovation. In the form of an abductive study, our qualitative inquiry adopts an interpretive stance to collect and analyse data from 17 Italian start-ups and SMEs that successfully completed an equity crowdfunding campaign. We relied on semi-structured interviews administered to managers and investors, in addition to secondary sources of information. As a result, we identify the key mechanisms by which equity crowdfunding enables companies to collect valuable feedback, resources, and market insights. According to the relational view of stakeholder engagement, two-way communication allows knowledge creation and learning, which leads to the development of sustainability-oriented innovations. A conceptual framework is provided to showcase the activity, aim, and impact of stakeholder engagement. Thus, our findings highlight the dual role of investors as financial supporters and strategic partners in driving corporate sustainability. Borrowing stakeholder theory’s dogmas, we contribute to the literature by clarifying the function of equity crowdfunding in triggering stakeholder engagement while pursuing value co-creation. From a practical standpoint, we advise companies, intermediaries, and policymakers through equity crowdfunding’s non-financial benefits exploitation to achieve corporate sustainability.peer-reviewe