24762 research outputs found
Sort by
Reflective processes in social work practice education : a catalyst for democratic engagement
Get PDFThis presentation explores the pivotal role of reflection – a core concept in social work education – as a means of fostering democratic engagement. The process of critically examining one's own assumptions, biases, patterns of thought and experiences, is essential for social workers to understand their role within broader social and political contexts. By engaging in reflection on their clinical practice, social work students can become more aware of the power dynamics at play in their field placements and develop a deeper understanding of the systemic issues that impact their communities.peer-reviewe
Measuring the population attributable fraction and the potential impact fraction of dementia risk factors in Malta : a population based secondary data analysis
Get PDFBackground: The 2024 Lancet Commission report estimated that up to 45% of global dementia cases could be
prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors. However, these estimates are based on international data and may
not reflect national differences in risk factor prevalence or intervention feasibility. This study uses a population-based
secondary data analysis to estimate both the population attributable fraction (PAF) and the potential impact fraction
(PIF) for 14 dementia risk factors specific to the Maltese population.Design and methods: Secondary data were used to estimate the prevalence of each risk factor from Maltese peer-reviewed
studies or reputable international datasets where national data were unavailable. Unweighted PAFs were
calculated using Levin’s formula and adjusted for overlap between risk factors. PIFs were derived by applying evidence-based
relative risk reductions from published intervention studies for each weighted PAF, representing more realistic
outcomes of targeted interventions.Results: The weighted PAF for Malta was 40.47%, indicating the theoretical maximum proportion of preventable
dementia cases if all risk factors were eliminated. The total PIF was 33.82%, reflecting the estimated reduction in
dementia incidence if feasible interventions were implemented. The risk factors contributing most to preventable cases
were high LDL cholesterol (6.15%), loneliness (4.29%), and untreated vision loss (4.25%).Conclusions: Up to one-third of dementia cases in Malta could be reduced through population-level strategies
targeting modifiable risk factors. These PIF estimates provide realistic, evidence-informed guidance for national dementia
prevention planning and prioritisation.peer-reviewe
Modeling and analysis of staged constellation deployment from a single-unit system
Get PDFA novel satellite architecture and deployment method is proposed to reduce the logistical cost and complexity of launching and dispersing satellite constellations. The architecture consists of a primary satellite that separates into multiple smaller units, which are subsequently dispersed using differential drag. An algorithm is developed to determine the required disengagement velocities and optimal timing for separation maneuvers. Two case studies with orbital simulations demonstrate the feasibility of this approach for constellation deployment and phasing. The results indicate that while mission-specific factors influence deployment dynamics, informed selection of the disengagement velocities is crucial for minimizing phase times and mitigating potential delays. The findings confirm the feasibility of the proposed architecture and dispersal method, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional deployment strategies for future satellite constellations.peer-reviewe
Enhancing fatigue resistance in WAAM AZ80 magnesium and wrought Al6082 through shot peening : a comparative study
Get PDFShot peening is a well-established surface treatment that enhances mechanical performance by inducing plastic deformation,
grain refinement and compressive residual stresses. This study evaluates the effects of shot peening on wire arc additively
manufactured (WAAM) AZ80 magnesium alloy, benchmarked against wrought Al6082 aluminium—a widely used aerospace material. WAAM AZ80 was assessed in two states: a baseline variant (P1) with significant retained process-induced
defects, and an improved version (P2) produced via refined processing parameters. Microstructure, hardness, surface roughness, residual stress and fatigue behaviour were systematically analysed. Shot peening induced notable grain refinement in
both materials without causing phase transformations. Surface hardness increased by 18% in Al6082, and by 37% and 45%
in WAAM AZ80 (P1 and P2, respectively), mainly due to work hardening and grain boundary strengthening. Increased
surface roughness was observed across all conditions. Al6082 exhibited peak compressive residual stresses of ~280 MPa
at depths >100 µm, whilst WAAM AZ80 reached ~ 110 MPa at ~ 75 µm. Fatigue life improved by 44% in Al6082, and by
100–350% depending on the orientation of residual defects caused by the AM process in the WAAM AZ80 (P1) specimens.
Shot peening proved effective in mitigating the influence of surface and near-surface defects. Densified WAAM AZ80 (P2)
samples also exhibited significantly improved fatigue performance after shot peening, reaching the test run-out of 106
cycles
without failure. The improvements in WAAM AZ80 are largely attributed to reduced surface-connected porosity and delayed
crack initiation. Whilst Al6082 retains superior fatigue properties, shot-peened WAAM AZ80 shows strong potential as a
lightweight alternative for weight-sensitive aerospace applications involving cyclic loading.peer-reviewe
Minimum wage policy in Poland and the EU : a comparative legal and socio-economic analysis
Get PDFPURPOSE: The subject of minimum wage has gained renewed attention within the European
Union, particularly following the adoption of Directive (EU) 2022/2041 on adequate
minimum wages in the European Union. This paper examines the legal, economic, and
social implications of minimum wage policies in Poland and selected EU countries. It
explores the role of minimum wages as an essential instrument of socio-economic policy,
focusing on their impact on labor markets, income distribution, and economic stability.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research combines comparative legal and economic
analysis with empirical description using Eurostat data on national minimum wages. It
includes a textual analysis of Directive (EU) 2022/2041, assessing its provisions and
normative framework, and complements it with descriptive statistics on wage levels,
purchasing power standards (PPS), median-wage ratios, and shares of minimum wage
earners to evaluate socio-economic implications across countries.FINDINGS: The analysis shows substantial differences in statutory minimum wages across
EU countries. When adjusted for purchasing power, disparities narrow but remain notable.
Minimum wages represent 43% to 66% of median gross earnings, highlighting uneven wage
adequacy. Between 2015 and 2025, the highest average annual growth rates were recorded
in Romania (+13.0%), Lithuania (+12.3%), Bulgaria (+11.0%), and Poland (+10.2%). The
Directive emphasizes adequacy, transparency, and collective bargaining as legal principles
supporting upward wage convergence while preserving national autonomy.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings assist policymakers in designing wage frameworks
that promote social cohesion, reduce income inequality, and support sustainable economic
growth.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: By combining a legal reading of Directive (EU) 2022/2041 with
Eurostat-based descriptive evidence, this paper provides a multidimensional assessment of
minimum wage policy in EU, highlighting its relevance for socio-economic policy and labor
market regulation.peer-reviewe
Online anatomy education in a Nigerian university : overview of the challenges encountered by the basic medical trainees during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Get PDFBACKGROUND: At the onset of the Corona virus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, online learning system was adopted to prevent disruption of academic activities during the ongoing academic year. This study assessed the challenges encountered during online anatomy learning by the undergraduate trainee of our institution during the pandemic.METHODS: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 85 students of the nursing science, physiotherapy and human anatomy programmes. The challenges included five thematic areas related to change in learning environment, personal learning, finance, health and technology.RESULTS: The study participants included 64.71% under 20 years and 35.29% above 20 years; 43.53% males and 56.47% females; 52.9% Nursing science, 31.8% physiotherapy and 15.3% human anatomy students. Among the study participants, 63% reported environmental change-related challenges, 57% reported personal learning-related challenges, 53% reported financial-related challenges, 36% reported health-related challenges and 40% reported technology-related challenges.CONCLUSION: Among the plethora of challenges encountered by the trainees during the online anatomy learning, the most prevalent included change in learning environment, personal-learning and financial-related while the challenges associated with students’ health and technology were the least prevalent.peer-reviewe
Climate change, global warming and the upper respiratory airways : a review
Get PDFThe progressive rise in air pollution has been linked to increased respiratory morbidity and mortality. Recent decades have seen increased demands for medical treatment accompanied by an increased risk of hospitalization and rise in premature deaths. Climate change contributes to air pollution by affecting the dispersal of primary pollutants, principally particulate matter PM2.5 and by increasing the formation of secondary pollutants, mainly surface ozone close to ground level. Climate change is inherently associated with an increase in the prevalence of rhinitis, and its associated deterioration in quality of life.peer-reviewe
Data-driven clustering of plantar thermal patterns in healthy individuals : an insole-based approach to foot health monitoring
No full textMonitoring plantar foot temperatures is essential for assessing foot health, particularly in individuals with diabetes at increased risk of complications. Traditional thermographic imaging measures foot temperatures in unshod individuals lying down, which may not reflect thermal characteristics of feet in shod, active, real-world conditions. These controlled settings limit understanding of dynamic foot temperatures during daily activities. Recent advancements in wearable technology, such as insole-based sensors, overcome these limitations by enabling continuous temperature monitoring. This study leverages a data-driven clustering approach, independent of pre-selected foot regions or models like the angiosome concept, to explore normative thermal patterns in shod feet with insole-based sensors. Data were collected from 27 healthy participants using insoles embedded with 21 temperature sensors. The data were analysed using clustering algorithms, including k-means, fuzzy c-means, OPTICS, and hierarchical clustering. The clustering algorithms showed a high degree of similarity, with variations primarily influenced by clustering granularity. Six primary thermal patterns were identified, with the “butterfly pattern” (elevated medial arch temperatures) predominant, representing 51.5% of the dataset, aligning with findings in thermographic studies. Other patterns, like the “medial arch + metatarsal area” pattern, were also observed, highlighting diverse yet consistent thermal distributions. This study shows that while normative thermal patterns observed in thermographic imaging are reflected in insole data, the temperature distribution within the shoe may better represent foot behaviour during everyday activities, particularly when enclosed in a shoe. Unlike thermal imaging, the proposed in-shoe system offers the potential to capture dynamic thermal variations during ambulatory activities, enabling richer insights into foot health in real-world conditions.peer-reviewe
Public emergency law under the Maltese Constitution
Get PDFThis article examines the provisions of the Constitution of Malta regarding public emergency law, focusing on the conditions and procedures for declaring and maintaining a state of emergency. It outlines the powers granted to the government during emergencies under the Emergency Powers Act and discusses the role of the Armed Forces, highlighting the limits of military authority in both public emergency and martial law. The article also touches on Malta’s neutrality policy and its implications for foreign military involvement during emergencies, ensuring that emergency powers are exercised in accordance with democratic principles and international human rights standards.peer-reviewe
Pharmacist-led point-of-care services
Get PDFIntroduction: • The role of pharmacists has evolved to include
patient-focused activities, administrative duties,
and public health responsibilities.
• Point-of-care testing (POCT) is a diagnostic test
performed outside a lab, providing quick and
accurate results for managing chronic diseases
and acute infections.Aims: • Identify POCTs available and offered within the community
pharmacy setting.
• Examine opportunities presented by POCT.
• Study implementation of different POCTs considering
guidelines, devices used, standardization, need, and
pharmacoeconomics aspects.Background: Point-of-care testing (POCT) provides rapid diagnostic results outside traditional laboratory settings, offering access to diagnosis and monitoring of biological parameters. The elaboration of POCT in community pharmacies supports the provision of pharmaceutical care service increasing opportunities for diagnosis, patient monitoring, and personalised patient management. POCT reduces waiting time and the need for patient referral to centralised laboratory services. Pharmacist-led POCT within a collaborative multidisciplinary practice enhances detection and management of non-communicable diseases. Challenges with POCT services include calibration, standardisation, and financial sustainability, all of which must be addressed to ensure robust service. The aim of this study was to ident ify available POCT services in community pharmacies.peer-reviewe