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Impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown period on diet and health-related behaviours of Maltese adults
Get PDFSupplementary Material is attached.Empirical evidence has highlighted the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
pandemic, specifically examining ‘lockdown periods’ enforced by Governments
globally. These studies have shown that lockdowns had a disproportionate impact on
subgroups of the population, which may have exacerbated health inequalities. The
primary aim was to explore the impact of the first partial lockdown period (March–
June 2020) on health-related behaviours in Maltese adults. A retrospective crosssectional
survey study design was employed and disseminated between September
and October 2020 online. The study was approved by the University of Malta’s
Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee. A total of 358 respondents
were included in the final analysis in a predominantly female sample (n = 295,
82.9%). Median body mass indices for males and females were 27.4 and 25.5 kg/m2,
respectively. Approximately one third, 139 (38.8%), of respondents, claimed that they
had gained weight and similarly, 140 (39.1%) reported trying to lose weight. Over
a third (n = 145, 40.5%) reported increased food prices, with 53.1% also reporting
moderate or high changes in food shopping behaviours (n = 190). Moderate or high
changes in diet were reported by 161 (44.9%) respondents, including increased
consumption of confectionery/snacks (n = 132, 62.5%). No changes in alcohol
consumption were reported by the majority (n = 231, 64.5%). Nearly half (163, 45.5%)
reported less physical activity carried out. These findings show some of the negative
impacts the first partial lockdown had on health behaviours, the food environment
and body weight in Maltese adults and have important implications for any future
pandemics.peer-reviewe
How does a change in the development intensity index affect land value?
Get PDFPURPOSE: This study aims to determine the market value of land when the development
intensity changes due to planning regulations. This issue is particularly relevant in situations
where direct comparative analysis is limited due to an incomplete or restricted real estate
market.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study employs a literature review, case study, and
valuation methods, including: (1) analysis of planning conditions before and after regulation
changes; (2) collection of comparable land transaction prices; (3) market analysis of land
use and development intensity; (4) comparative approach for the after changes scenario; (5)
Tiemann’s formula for the before changes scenario; (6) validation with market data.FINDINGS: A change in planning regulations that reduces the permissible development
intensity also reduces land value. In the analysed case, the property’s value dropped by
almost 40%. The study confirms that higher development intensity corresponds to higher
land values and demonstrates that the adopted methodology yields results consistent with
observable market prices.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The proposed valuation method is applicable in markets with limited
transaction data, enabling more accurate estimation of land value under changing planning
conditions. It supports property valuers, municipal authorities, developers, and policymakers
in assessing the financial implications of zoning changes and making informed investment or
compensation decisions.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The paper presents a method for valuing land in restricted markets by
combining comparative approaches with Tiemann’s intensity adjustment. This method
addresses its underuse and provides a replicable solution for similar contexts.peer-reviewe
Orders for sustainability reports : a new phenomenon in manufacturing companies in the metal and automotive industries
Get PDFPURPOSE: One of the current challenges for most companies operating in Poland, for
instance in metal and automotive industries, is to adapt to the principles of sustainable
development. Creating a harmonious combination of economic growth with social and
environmental aspects forces companies to increase – among others – the efficiency and
effectiveness of production processes, optimise the use of resources and rationalise the
operating costs of the company. These and other conditions, which also align with Industry
4.0 and 5.0, make it necessary for companies to monitor, assess and report the effects of their
activities, while at the same time point towards a high degree of sustainability. In practical
terms, this may mean a more frequent occurrence of greenwashing, leading to the emergence
of the so-called “Orders for Sustainability Reports” – a new concept, defined by the authors
of the article. In the light of the considerations stated above, this article aims to interpret and
identify the phenomenon of “ Orders for Sustainability Reports” based on the example of
selected economic operators of the metal and automotive industry in Poland.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: To achieve the objective of this study, a survey was
designed and conducted among 46 mid- and senior managers involved in implementing
sustainable development strategies, reporting on sustainable development and CSR
(Corporate Social Responsibility) in selected industries. The companies they represented due
to their technology and/or processes may be classified as Industry 4.0 and 5.0. The research
employed the direct interview method and in-depth interview.FINDINGS: The results of the research show that companies adapt their business strategies to
the objectives and requirements of sustainable development. They are strongly focused on a
positive presentation of their results, which in turn play a key role in establishing a
competitive market advantage. It is therefore plausible to establish the existence of a
phenomenon called a “Orders for Sustainability Reports” which, however, is appropriate
among companies and may stem from the ignorance and the lack of inexperience of
companies in reporting sustainable development.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The research results provide a valuable source of information for
management staff of companies required to produce ESG reports. Given that the requirement
to prepare these reports is a relatively new task for Polish companies, any information on
this topic is crucial.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study is an attempt to fill a gap in the literature on understanding
and identifying the creation of reports for specific needs, in this case for sustainable
development. It points to the risk of superficial intentions on the part of companies in the
industry in question in their pursuit of sustainable development. The conclusions drawn from
the study inspired the authors of the article to attempt, as part of further research, to capture
the significance of the observed phenomenon for the business environment. In summary,
‘Orders for sustainability reports’ is a new concept in the literature that has not been used in
it before.peer-reviewe
Refocusing on the foundations : strategy for child and adolescent health in Europe and Central Asia 2026-2030 – a healthy start for a healthy life
Get PDFThe World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNIICEF) Europe and Central Asia have jointly led the development process of a new strategy for children and adolescents in Europe – a healthy start for a healthy life – to guide evidence-based, future-oriented action across the Region. It was developed through a multi-step process, including a regional assessment, commissioned evidence reviews, and a multi-stakeholder survey. Consultations with Member States, technical experts, and adolescents ensured a participatory approach. The strategy identifies five areas for action: investing in child and adolescent health, ensuring access to high-quality care, protecting against commercial and digital harms, fostering multisectoral collaboration, and strengthening accountability through improved data and monitoring. The strategy provides clear roles for countries and partners and is designed to support equitable, evidence-based implementation across the WHO European Region. It introduces an innovative framework that addresses both persistent gaps and emerging threats. Its dual-level structure, with defined roles for both Member States and WHO/UNICEF, reflects a more collaborative and accountable model of implementation. The emphasis on adolescent participation, regulatory action, and multisectoral investment signals a shift toward more inclusive and systemic approaches to child and adolescent health and well-being. To succeed, the strategy will require strong political will, sustained investment, and active engagement from health professionals, communities, and children and adolescents themselves.peer-reviewe
The renewable energy paradox : second-generation economic challenges in the global energy transition
Get PDFPURPOSE: This paper analyzes the "second-generation challenges" of the global energy
transition, moving beyond the initial success of cost reduction. It investigates the
interconnected problems of market value erosion due to price cannibalization, the widening
investment gap in developing economies, the evolution of policy towards active market
shaping, and the critical need for electricity market redesign to ensure stability in high-renewable systems.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This paper, based on a systematic review and comparative
analysis of data from leading international agencies, analyzes the complex interplay between
market value erosion, investment risk in developing economies, and the evolution of policy
instruments.FINDINGS: The results indicate that: (1) price cannibalization, resulting from the merit-order
effect, poses a fundamental threat to the profitability of renewable energy (RE) projects,
necessitating a shift from the LCOE metric to a more holistic value-adjusted indicator
(VALCOE); (2) the global capital divide is primarily driven by a differentiated weighted
average cost of capital (WACC), and the effectiveness of de-risking instruments is highly
dependent on regional context; (3) policy instruments, such as auctions with Contracts for
Difference (CfDs) and non-price criteria (NPCs), are transforming the role of the state from
a passive subsidizer to an active market architect; and (4) systems with high penetration of
variable renew-able energy (VRE) require a fundamental market redesign toward a service-based model that explicitly remunerates flexibility and firm capacity.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The global energy transition has entered a new, more complex phase.
While rec-ord-breaking deployments and declining levelized costs of energy (LCOE) signal
the successful conclusion of the first phase of the transition, a new set of "second-generation
challenges" has emerged.peer-reviewe
An analysis of the relation between perceived shop stewards’ effectiveness and trade union members’ attitudes in Malta
Get PDFThis study explores the perceived effectiveness of shop stewards and the extent to which these perceptions influence trade union members’ attitudes and involvement. Employing a cross-sectional approach, the study analyses responses from an online survey completed by 170 trade union members in Malta. It reveals significant demographic influences on members’ perceptions of shop stewards’ effectiveness. Key findings include a lower perceived effectiveness among females, younger, more qualified, and higher-status members, and those employed in smaller companies. Crucially, positive perceptions of shop stewards are strongly correlated with increased confidence in and overall satisfaction with the union, and greater satisfaction with the union's representation of the members’ personal interests. These perceptions are significantly related to members’ willingness to engage in union activities, such as attending meetings, participating in industrial action, renewing membership, and encouraging others to join the union. This study highlights the vital role of shop stewards in shaping union dynamics and offers insights for strategies aimed at enhancing union effectiveness and member engagement. [excerpt]peer-reviewe
ED 90 – the ripple effect of IPSAS 46 measurement
Get PDFThis article is a technical review of ED 90 (Exposure Draft) issued by the International
Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) in 2024 in view of the applicability
of IPSAS 46, the new standard on measurement in public sector financial reporting
applicable from 1 January 2025. After summarising the requirements of IPSAS 46,
the review analyses the ED as to the anticipated effects of these requirements on
existing IPSAS. Particular attention is given to the areas that appear problematic,
from the questions put forward by the IPSASB itself to the respondents of the ED,
and when alternative views are presented on particular issues. Current operational
value is coveted as an important measurement basis that fills a gap in the previous
valuation methods applicable across the standards. Even though falling under the
current value model, it is different from fair value, with the aim of the IPSASB being
to target the specific requirements of the financial measurement of public sector
assets that lack an active market. However, there are still uncertainties surrounding
the applicability of current operational value for standards like IPSAS 31 Intangible
assets and IPSAS 43 Leases. These uncertainties reflect the underlying problem of
referring to techniques (such as discounted cash flow techniques) that are popularly
used in private sector accounting. The review concludes that the historic cost model
remains the more relevant model to be used in public sector accounting. The current
value model necessitates the use of estimates which would be questioned in the
public sector context. Whatever approach is taken, such estimates are subjective and
should not be included as transactions in the accounting system. Only in this way
can accountability, transparency and equity be maintained from financial reporting
by public sector entities.Este artigo constitui uma análise técnica do ED 90 [Exposure Draft/Projeto de Norma]
emitido pelo International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) em
2024, como resultado da aplicação da IPSAS 46, a nova norma sobre a mensuração
no relato financeiro do setor público, aplicável a partir de 1 de janeiro de 2025.
Após resumir os requisitos das IPSAS 46, esta análise examina o ED quanto aos
efeitos previstos destes requisitos nas outras IPSAS existentes. É dada especial
atenção às áreas que se afiguram problemáticas, a partir das questões colocadas
pelo próprio IPSASB aos potenciais respondentes ao ED, e quanto à apresentação
de pontos de vista alternativos sobre questões específicas. O valor operacional
corrente é perspetivado como uma importante base de mensuração que preenche
uma lacuna verificada nos anteriores critérios de avaliação aplicáveis à generalidade
das normas. Embora se enquadre no modelo de valor corrente, é diferente do justo
valor, procurando o IPSASB visar os requisitos específicos da mensuração financeira
dos ativos do setor público para os quais não existe um mercado ativo. Contudo,
subsistem incertezas quanto à aplicabilidade do valor operacional corrente a normas
como a IPSAS 31 Ativos Intangíveis e a IPSAS 43 Locações. Estas incertezas refletem
o problema subjacente ao recurso a técnicas (por exemplo, técnicas de fluxos de
caixa descontados) tradicionalmente utilizadas na contabilidade do setor privado.
Esta análise conclui que o modelo do custo histórico continua a ser o modelo mais
relevante a ser utilizado na contabilidade do setor público. O modelo do valor
corrente exige a utilização de estimativas que serão questionáveis no contexto do
setor público. Seja qual for a abordagem adotada, tais estimativas são subjetivas
e não devem ser incluídas como transações no sistema contabilístico. Só assim é
possível manter a prestação de contas responsável (accountability), a transparência
e a equidade nos relatórios financeiros das entidades do setor público.peer-reviewe
ESR essentials : thyroid imaging — practice recommendations by the European Society of Head and Neck Radiology
Get PDFThyroid nodules are frequently encountered at imaging, yet most are benign and do not require intervention. The clinical challenge lies in distinguishing nodules that warrant further investigation from those that do not, to avoid unnecessary biopsies, anxiety, and overtreatment. Ultrasound (US) is the primary imaging modality for thyroid nodule evaluation, supported by structured risk stratification systems such as ACR TI-RADS and EU-TIRADS, which incorporate specific sonographic features and size thresholds to guide clinical decision-making. Nodules without high-risk features can be safely monitored or ignored, especially in asymptomatic patients. Conversely, suspicious characteristics (e.g. irregular margins, microcalcifications, or marked hypoechogenicity) should prompt further assessment, including fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Diffuse thyroid disorders, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, are best assessed using US and thyroid function tests. In thyroid cancer, a multidisciplinary team approach involving radiologists, endocrinologists, pathologists, and nuclear medicine specialists is essential for optimal patient care. To implement these recommendations, radiologists should adopt standardised US reporting systems, apply evidence-based criteria for further workup, and collaborate closely with referring clinicians. This approach ensures accurate diagnosis, reduces unnecessary procedures, and aligns radiological practice with current guidelines to support high-value, patient-centred care.peer-reviewe
Evidence of inter-regional connectivity for Risso’s dolphins in the Western Ionian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea
Get PDFThis brief report is the first comparative study of a photo-identification catalogue of the
Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) in the Western Ionian Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea).
The positive match of two photo-identified individuals observed in two neighbouring areas
in different and non-consecutive years represents the first record of Risso’s dolphin resightings
across two Ionian sub-regions. This suggests potential inter-regional connectivity
for the species, as reported in other sub-regions of the Mediterranean basin. Further, this
supports the hypothesis that Risso’s dolphins use a large home range with seasonally
different critical habitats, as suggested in previous studies carried out in the Western
Ionian Sea.peer-reviewe
Balancing innovation and risk in offshore modular energy solutions
Get PDFOffshore modular energy infrastructures present an important opportunity to accelerate the energy transition. However, the integration of hybrid renewable technologies within floating platforms introduces technical, environmental, legal, financial, and socio-political risks. This paper develops and applies an extended Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) framework incorporating a recoverability index to prioritize and assess 82 identi;ied risks organized in 12 categories. The results show that 36% of these risks are of very high priority based on risk priority number - RPN scores, with failure in underwater cable installation, grid connectivity disruption, and marine ecosystem degradation ranked among the most severe (RPN ≥ 378). A majority of the assessed risks (69.5%) are moderate to high recoverability, indicating that resilience measures can be effective when integrated early in system design. Technical risks dominate the risk landscape (36 risks), followed by ecological (17), legal (14), and financial risks (9). The proposed framework supports structured risk prioritization for engineering design, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance. By aligning with the goals of the European Green Deal, the EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7, 13, and 14), this approach supports both scienti;ic and practical governance of modular energy solutions. The findings offer a replicable methodology for assessing and mitigating risks in offshore energy systems and contribute to the design of resilient, sustainable, but also policy-aligned modular infrastructures.peer-reviewe