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Medicines accessibility through a reimbursement model in a national health service
Get PDFIntroduction: Access to medicines is a cornerstone of public health. However, small markets often face significant challenges in ensuring consistent and equitable access. To address these challenges, a variety of tools and models have been developed and implemented.Aims: This study aims to develop a reimbursement model applicable to countries with a small market and to propose and validate a reimbursement policy.peer-reviewe
Wellbeing and policy : evidence for action
No full textHousing conditions such as quality, tenure, affordability, stability, and neighbourhood characteristics are often considered in global composite indices and dashboards on wellbeing - on the presumption that they are linked to wellbeing. Indeed, housing provides the context for several of the factors that determine subjective wellbeing, including family-life, social interaction, work and lifestyle choices, as well as internal and external environmental quality. Focusing on research identifying a causal relationship, this chapter reviews empirical evidence on the relationship between housing/neighbourhoods, interventions thereon, and wellbeing. The evidence suggests that housing tenure as well as improved housing and neighbourhood quality are positively linked to wellbeing, while financial burden may have a negative impact. The effect of housing interventions on wellbeing is generally positive, but the results are not unequivocal. The manner in which such interventions are implemented, particularly the extent of stakeholder involvement, seems to influence outcomes. The wellbeing effects of interventions are also context dependent. Interventions can interact with income, age, and other demographic conditions to generate diverse results. The channels by which housing impacts wellbeing add another layer of complexity, which merits further research. Incorporating wellbeing impact assessments within interventions designed to infer causality can yield useful evidence for the development of future interventions in this domain.peer-reviewe
Managing fisheries and ecosystems : current good practices and the EcoScope project experience
Get PDFEcosystem Based Management (EBM) is a comprehensive way of managing
fisheries and marine resources. As such, it needs a large and complex suite of
concepts and tools to address a variety of problems ranging from climate
change, through various forms of water pollution, to trophic interactions and
social-economic sustainability. Industry, scientists, managers, and policy makers
involved in the fisheries sector are the main actors in EBM. EBM objectives based
on policy needs, legal requirements, and ecosystem considerations may target
specific fish stocks, or encompass several ecosystem components aiming for
balanced fisheries, but they need to address the trade-offs between maximizing
economic gains versus sustainable fisheries and healthy ecosystems. Fishing at
Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY), setting ecosystem reference points, discards
ban, avoiding bycatch of protected species, habitat protection, accounting for
the effects of climate change, achieving good environmental status, setting
effective marine protected areas, and considering ecosystem effects from
marine spatial planning, are all examples of EBM objectives. The EcoScope
project aimed to address ecosystem degradation, anthropogenic impacts, and
unsustainable fisheries by developing an efficient, holistic, ecosystem-based
approach to sustainable fisheries management that can easily be used by
policy makers and advisory bodies. The EcoScope consortium reflects an
interdisciplinary advisory team of biologists, modelers, economists, and social
scientists. It performed comprehensive reviews of data, data gaps, and various
tools (models, indicators, management evaluation procedures). An online
platform, toolbox, academy, and a mobile application are end products
delivered and maintained by EcoScope to facilitate knowledge sharing,
communication, and education. The EcoScope project has built modules ready to be used in the implementation of EBM, but a more direct approach by the
responsible organizations, such as ICES, FAO, GFCM and the EC, is needed to set
explicit and formal research and managerial frameworks for implementing and
coordinating the EBM activities.peer-reviewe
Empowering pharmacists in ethical pharmaceutical entrepreneurship through the development of a training programme
Get PDFIntroduction: Research shows that training in the area of pharmaceutical entrepreneurship is required for the successful advancement of
pharmaceutical careers and innovative pharmaceutical processes, however there is a noticeable gap in entrepreneurship
training in pharmacists’ learning and a lack of consensus for entrepreneurship in pharmacy practice and education. Such
training would help pharmacists cultivate knowledge and confidence to see beyond perceived limits and envisage themselves
in unconventional roles and innovative aspirations.Aim: To develop and validate a training programme for the advancement of ethical pharmaceutical entrepreneurship.peer-reviewe
The impact of remote working on workers in Malta : a review of local research
Get PDFRemote working has grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with evidence suggesting it
is likely to remain a common practice. This review aimed to synthesise research on the impact of remote
working on workers in Malta. A literature review of local studies identified 15 relevant publications,
highlighting the diverse effects of remote work. Health and well-being outcomes were mixed, with
musculoskeletal disorders emerging as a significant challenge, often linked to reduced physical activity and
possibly poor workstation setups. While stress levels frequently improved, mental health challenges such as
anxiety and depression were identified. Improved sleep patterns were noted, but social isolation and blurred
work-life boundaries negatively affected motivation and mental health. Productivity generally increased, with
workers valuing reduced distractions, commuting times, and greater flexibility. However, frequent and
demanding digital communication emerged as a stressor. Most employees preferred hybrid work
arrangements, balancing remote and on-site work. Remote working also supported employee retention,
benefiting Malta’s labour market.peer-reviewe
Insights on the antimicrobial mechanisms of action of high power ultrasound
Get PDFHigh Power Ultrasound (HPU) is an emerging food preservation technology based on the principle of cavitation.
This cavitational energy produces thermal, mechanical, and chemical effects capable of inactivating microorganisms. This comprehensive study investigated the mechanism of HPU-mediated inactivation by screening
single-gene knockout mutants of and . Additionally, an assessment of the
extent of thermal contribution to microbial inactivation was performed by simulating the temperature change
dynamics during HPU treatment. Furthermore, the effects of food matrix and pH on cellular reduction during
HPU exposure were investigated. The mutant screening revealed that deletion of genes such as Δ, Δ, Δ, Δ, Δ, Δ, and Δ resulted in reduced HPU resistance compared to the parental strain
. K12. In parallel, deletion of Δ, Δ, , Δ, Δ3 and Δ increased the sensitivity of . EGDe to HPU exposure. Our findings reveal that thermal effects during HPU treatment under
dynamic temperature conditions significantly contribute to microbial inactivation. HPU treatment using pine apple juice demonstrated that the properties of the food matrix can have a substantial effect on inactivation, with
higher inactivation levels observed in pineapple juice compared to broth medium. Overall, the findings reveal
novel insights into the molecular mechanism of HPU treatment, highlighting genes that may confer resistance to
ultrasonic stress while also considering factors such as thermal contribution, food matrix, and pH levels. Insights
from this study will be relevant for developing food safety interventions for HPU or hurdle approaches that
incorporate HPU treatment.peer-reviewe
Inclusive education in Malta : exploring primary teachers’ perceptions on including students with autism in Maltese mainstream classrooms
Get PDFMainstream schools are experiencing a surge in the enrollment of students with diverse needs. This increase places additional demands and responsibilities on teachers, who are required to respond to these needs and ensure these students’ successful inclusion in all aspects of school life. This article draws on findings
from a larger explanatory sequential mixed-methods study to critically examine how Maltese primary school teachers perceive inclusive education, with a particular focus on including students with autism in mainstream classrooms.
The broader study involved one hundred ninety-eight Maltese primary teachers, who completed semi-structured questionnaires, followed by in-depth interviews with ten volunteer participants. While most participants expressed generally favourable perceptions towards inclusion, the implementation of inclusive practices remains
inconsistent. Reservations regarding inclusion became more pronounced when involving students with low-functioning autism. Many teachers reported feeling inadequately supported, unprepared, and overwhelmed when teaching these students, underscoring the need to reconceptualise inclusion not merely as a question of physical placement but as a commitment to inclusive practice.
The study concludes that while positive perceptions are vital, support from Senior Leadership Teams, adequate resources, a reconsideration of current practices, and flexible curricula are fundamental to turning genuine inclusive education into a lived reality for all students, including those with autism.peer-reviewe
Enhancing administrative standards of practice in the radiology department
Get PDFThis study examines effective standards of practice
in administering a radiology department, focusing on
the integration of evidence-based decision-making
processes. Conducted at Mater Dei Hospital in
Malta, this research addresses the lack of localised,
peer-reviewed studies that inform administrative
protocols in the Medical Imaging Department (MID).
By employing a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA),
the study systematically reviews recent literature to
identify best practices, challenges, and innovations
relevant to radiology administration. The findings
highlight critical areas needing improvement, including
patient care standards, safety culture, infection
control, reporting standardisation, and management of
imaging protocols. The research outlines barriers to
implementing evidence-based changes, such as resource
limitations and resistance from stakeholders, while also
emphasising facilitators, such as support from leadership
and structured training programmes. This study offers
original contributions by adapting international evidence
to the Maltese healthcare context, proposing specific
recommendations for quality management systems,
standardised administrative procedures, and enhanced
professional training. It underscores the importance of
integrating evidence-based practices into local radiology
administration to improve service delivery, enhance
patient safety, and boost operational efficiency.peer-reviewe
Corporate entrepreneurship and the ownership structure of large enterprises in Poland
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between corporate
entrepreneurship and the capital structure of large enterprises operating in Poland.
Specifically, the research examines how different forms of capital ownership (domestic,
foreign, and mixed) influence the development of entrepreneurial orientation, leadership,
strategic resource management, and entrepreneurial culture.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A quantitative, longitudinal approach was employed. Data
were collected from 100 large Polish enterprises in two waves (2019 and 2022) using CATI
and CAWI techniques. Exploratory Factor Analysis was applied to confirm the structure of
corporate entrepreneurship dimensions, followed by non-parametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis
and Dunn’s post hoc) to examine differences across capital structures.FINDINGS: The findings reveal significant differences in the levels of selected corporate
entrepreneurship dimensions based on capital origin. Firms with foreign or mixed capital
scored significantly higher in entrepreneurial orientation, strategic resource management,
and top management support than those with solely domestic capital. No significant
variation was observed in entrepreneurial leadership, suggesting convergence in managerial
practices across ownership types.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: These insights provide valuable direction for corporate executives
and policymakers. Domestically owned firms can benefit from adopting entrepreneurial
practices commonly seen in foreign-invested enterprises, such as innovation support systems,
strategic flexibility, and employee engagement initiatives. Public policy could also support
entrepreneurship by incentivizing knowledge transfer and international collaboration.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study contributes to the corporate entrepreneurship literature by
identifying capital structure as a significant but underexplored determinant of
entrepreneurial behavior in large firms. It emphasizes the role of foreign investment in
enhancing innovation, adaptability, and strategic governance within organizations. The
findings offer a foundation for comparative, cross-national, and sectoral research.peer-reviewe
Polish armed forces in national strategic documents and defence expenditure perspectives
Get PDFPURPOSE: The objective of the article is an analysis of the evolution of Poland's strategic
thinking – all Poland’s national security strategies after 1990 to the present day, in terms of
concepts and tasks of the Polish Army and connections between the state's defence
expenditures and the number of professional army.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article analyses the trends in shaping the position of
financing the military power of state expressed in defence expenditure and changes number
of the Polish Armed Forces - professional soldiers by analyzing appropriately selected
methods of mathematical analysis and selected indicators. Logistic regression and elasticity
indices of the Polish army's numerical strength were used to study the connections between
variables.FINDINGS: The research showed that Poland's defence spending is dependent on the longterm goals of the state’s vision, while the expenditure of the Ministry of National Defence on
the Polish Armed Forces is linked to external factors such as economic crises and internal
factors resulting from various technical modernisation and professionalisation programmes
of the Polish Army.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The article indicates the influence of many internal and external
factors on the level of professionalization of the Polish Army, with a clear tendency towards
stabilization since 2007. This situation could be used to increase the development of a
professional army and this trend of stabilization should be used as an advantage in planning
the increase of armed forces.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The analysis indicates possible long-term actions that could lead to the
strengthening of the army through increased defence spending and, depending on this
appropriate level, an increase in the number of professional soldiers in the entire Polish
Armed Forces.peer-reviewe