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Shaping circular transitions in the built environment : from barriers to enablers. Springer tracts in civil engineering
No full textThis chapter explores the complexities of aligning national policies with the European Union’s objectives in transitioning to a circular economy within the construction sector. While EU directives establish general frameworks, national governments encounter challenges in adapting these directives into coherent and context-specific regulations. The chapter identifies key obstacles to effective policy implementation, including fragmentation, institutional overlap, and inconsistent terminology. Additionally, it examines how governance structures, planning traditions, and institutional cultures influence policy coherence. The analysis is based on survey results collected in 2023. Although subsequent policy and regulatory changes have occurred in the past two years, the data remain relevant, as they capture the main trends and challenges that continue to shape national approaches to circular construction. By analyzing case studies and examples from various member states, the chapter emphasizes the necessity for enhanced multilevel coordination, harmonized regulatory frameworks, and knowledge-sharing platforms. Bolstering policy coherence is crucial to ensure that national initiatives make meaningful contributions to the EU’s circular economy goals and the broader sustainability agenda.peer-reviewe
Sixty years of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Malta
No full textThe establishment of diplomatic relations between Malta and the Holy
See in 1965 marked a decisive moment in the history of Church-State
relations on the island. Malta had long maintained a deeply Catholic
identity, formally recognised also through the constitutional privileging
of Catholicism; yet independence in 1964 made it necessary to clarify
the respective boundaries of ecclesiastical authority and civil sovereignty.
Among the most contested questions was marriage: for the Catholic
Church, both a juridical reality and a sacrament, and for the State, the
foundational unit of civil society.
In the centuries preceding independence, matrimonial life in Malta
was regulated almost entirely by Catholic canon law, with civil legislation
intervening only in a few matters. This long-standing arrangement was
overturned by the Marriage Act of 1975,
which inaugurated a new phase
in Maltese history by transferring the regulation of marriage into the civil
sphere and excluding the jurisdiction of ecclesiastical tribunals. [excerpt]peer-reviewe
Characterization study of the 19th-century Indo-Saracenic-bulbous dome at the Madras High Court, Tamilnadu
No full textThe mortars of the Indo-Saracenic-styled Madras High Court Domes, constructed in 1888–1892 in Madras, Tamil Nadu, were analyzed to investigate their composition, durability, and production technologies. Multiple analytical techniques were employed, including XRD, FT-IR, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TG-DTA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), supported by acid loss and color indexing tests. The binder-to-aggregate ratios of bed-raw mortar (1:2.99), bedding mortar (1:2.94), and external plaster (1:2.74) through acid-digestion analysis. XRD confirmed the dominant calcite peaks (d-spacing 0.303 nm) with secondary silicate and aluminate phases, while FT-IR spectra exhibited carbonate absorption bands at 1420 cm–1 and 875 cm–1, along with organic signatures corresponding to polysaccharides and amide groups. TG-DTA revealed a major weight loss of 40–45% between 600–780 °C, consistent with CaCO3 decomposition. SEM images showed crystalline hydrated phases of C–S–H and portlandite, whereas EDX analysis indicated oxygen-rich matrices with Ca contents ranging from 18–25 w/% and Si contents of 10–12 w/%. Acid-loss tests recorded dissolution rates of 7–9%, highlighting the binder’s durability. Color indices quantified three distinct pigment layers: hematite-rich red, lead-based yellow, and carbonaceous black. Together, these results demonstrate the use of homogenous mixes and advanced lime-based technologies with organic additives, underscoring the material sophistication of 19th-Century construction practices. This comprehensive, quantitatively supported investigation provides critical insights into historic mortar technologies and serves as a scientific basis for conservation strategies of Indo-Saracenic heritage monuments.peer-reviewe
Sixty years of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Malta
Full text linkThe Faculty of Theology had been “unceremoniously ousted” from the University of Malta in 1978 on the basis of the Education Act (Act XXI) passed by the Maltese House of Representatives. This led to a ten-year period during which the Faculty functioned as an autonomous academic institution. The Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education had granted it the authority to confer canonical degrees to those who followed its programmes in philosophy, theology and religious studies at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Those were indeed difficult and challenging times not only for the Faculty of Theology, but also for the Church in Malta. Yet, despite the difficult circumstances, the Faculty flourished, its student numbers increased exponentially, and it sought to propose new initiatives both to the local Church and to the universal Church. [excerpt]peer-reviewe
Ethics in official statistics : foundations and practices to foster public trust
Full text linkThis document explores the critical role of ethics in modern statistical organizations, providing
a comprehensive framework for navigating ethical dilemmas in various stages of the production
process. It emphasizes the growing importance of ethical standards in the age of big data, artificial
intelligence, and data-driven decision-making, where the stakes are high and the potential for
misuse is significant.The key topics covered in the document include:• Ethical principles in statistical practice: The document outlines core ethical principles, such
as integrity, transparency, confidentiality and accountability, and their relation to law, quality,
professional ethics guidance, and how they should guide statistical work and help develop a
mindset about ethical statistical practice. This highlights that there is a distinction between
what we can do with data (what is legal) and what we should do with data (what is ethical) - just
because something is allowed by law does not mean it constitutes ethical statistical practice.• Ethical considerations: The document examines ethical considerations throughout the
production process using the framework of GSBPM and support infrastructure in the statistical
organizations using GAMSO. As statistical organizations increasingly incorporate diverse data
sources, the document stresses the critical importance of privacy, confidentiality and security as
core ethical concerns, with particular focus on regulations like GDPR and ethical considerations
for data anonymization. It also highlights ethical considerations related to communication,
providing key principles of ethical communication to stakeholders and the public, including
examples of communicating ethical values to the public. Given that the field of statistics evolves
with technological advancements, the document discusses emerging ethical challenges in
areas such as machine learning, AI, cloud and quantum computing.• Ethics management and organizational culture: The document outlines key elements
and tools of an effective ethics management system, highlighting the importance of training,
communication. It delves into ethics governance, which encompasses the principles, policies
and practices that guide an organization’s decision-making process. A strong ethical policy is
built on a solid values statement, a comprehensive code of ethics, and a clear code of conduct.• Ethical dilemmas: As statistical organizations engage with new data sources and adopt new
roles in data ecosystems, they may face complex situations where values and ethical principles
must be carefully balanced. Addressing these dilemmas is crucial for maintaining trust, fairness,
and integrity in day-to-day processes and the production of official statistics. The document
presents real-world cases from various NSOs along with practical frameworks and decisionmaking
tools applied to these situations to ensure that their work aligns with both professional
standards and societal values.By providing actionable insights and concrete examples, the Ethics in Official Statistics serves as
a vital resource for statisticians, data scientists, researchers and organizational leaders who seek
to uphold ethical standards while navigating the complexities of modern data use. It aims to
foster a culture of ethical responsibility within statistical organizations and ensure that their work
contributes positively to society.peer-reviewe
A case of severe pulmonary stenosis in a 40-year-old female undergoing planned Caesarean section with epidural anaesthesia
No full textBACKGROUND: Pulmonary stenosis (PS) is a congenital heart defect that can present in a variety of clinical settings, depending on the severity. To ensure both maternal and fetal well-being, the management of PS in pregnant patients requires careful multidisciplinary coordination and consideration of both normal changes in maternal physiology and abnormal changes related to comorbidities.CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 40-year-old female with a history of severe congenital pulmonary stenosis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, who underwent an elective caesarean section with tubal ligation under regional anaesthesia. She was diagnosed with PS in early childhood but was later lost to cardiology follow up. During antenatal assessment, trans-thoracic echocardiography revealed severe pulmonary stenosis with a gradient of 100mmHg, with severe right ventricular dilation. The patient maintained good exercise tolerance and had no symptoms suggestive of heart failure.INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The caesarean section was conducted under lumbar epidural anaesthesia with careful monitoring of her cardiovascular status, including radial artery invasive blood pressure monitoring and CVP through a central venous catheter. Mild sedation was provided with boluses of midazolam. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with stable blood pressure and mild improvement in the pulmonary gradient.CONCLUSION: Epidural anaesthesia is a safe option for patients with severe PS undergoing Caesarean section provided that the block is achieved slowly to avoid rapid changes in blood pressure.peer-reviewe
Adjust setting time and early-age strength of ferrite-rich calcium sulfoaluminate cement through different chemical admixtures
Full text linkTo regulate the setting behavior and early-age strength of ferrite-rich calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement, this study employed amino trimethylene phosphonic acid (ATMP) in combination with citric acid (CA) or sodium gluconate (SG). The effects of these retarders on CSA were investigated through assessments of physical and mechanical properties, microscopic characterization, and hydration kinetics. The results show that ATMP improves paste fluidity and significantly prolongs the setting time by extending the hydration induction period. The compressive strength of CSA increased progressively with curing age. XRD analysis revealed that the addition of retarders promoted ettringite formation, thereby contributing to strength development. The highest 28-day compressive strength (48.9 MPa) was achieved when ATMP and SG were used together at a total dosage of 0.3 %. Calorimetry further indicated that increasing the ATMP content delayed the main exothermic peak, with the most pronounced delay observed for the ATMP–SG combination.peer-reviewe
The impact and burden of spinal fractures in a small island state : pre-, acute, and post-COVID-19 trends from Malta
Full text linkBackground: Spinal fractures represent a significant cause of morbidity, requiring both acute and long-term care.
Data on their epidemiology in small state settings are limited. This study aimed to describe the population
burden, clinical characteristics, and healthcare impact of spinal fractures in Malta over a five-year period.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the Hospital Activity Analysis (HAA) database of Mater
Dei Hospital, Malta, between 2019 and 2024. Data included demographics, fracture type (ICD-10), length of stay
(LOS), admission and discharge source, mechanism of injury, need for intensive care unit (ITU) admission, spinal
cord injury, and co-morbidities. Fracture types were grouped as cervical, thoracic, lumbar single-level, or multilevel
fractures. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-tests, and logistic regression were applied, with p<0.05
considered significant.Results: A total of 640 spinal fractures were recorded (56% males, 44% females). Lumbar single-level fractures
were most common (38%), followed by multi-level fractures (30%). Falls were the predominant mechanism
(53%). While 90% were admitted directly from home, only 70% were discharged home, with 16% requiring
transfer to rehabilitation. The longest LOS was for cervical single-level fractures (15.7 days, p=0.019). ITU
admission was uncommon (4%), predominantly in multi-level fractures, which also had the highest spinal cord
injury prevalence (36%). Co-morbidities were frequent (71%), particularly cardiovascular disease (49%). Logistic
regression showed multimorbidity was positively associated with single-level fractures (OR 1.66, 95% CI:
1.04–2.67, p=0.035).Conclusions: Spinal fractures in Malta impose a substantial burden, extending beyond acute care into rehabilitation.
Falls were the leading cause, and multimorbidity significantly influenced fracture patterns. These findings
underscore the need for integrated fall-prevention strategies, chronic disease management, and strengthened
rehabilitation services in small-state healthcare systems.peer-reviewe
Attainment of global diabetes targets in 2021 : a pooled analysis of individual-level data from national surveys in 100 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries
Full text linkBackground: WHO launched the Global Diabetes Compact in 2021 to improve worldwide diabetes outcomes by scaling
up access to comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality care. This initiative established population diabetes metrics
and targets for countries to attain by 2030, namely, 80% of all people with diabetes are diagnosed; and, among people
with diagnosed diabetes, 80% have good glycaemic control (HbA₁c <8·0%), 80% have good blood pressure control
(<140/90 mm Hg), and 60% of people older than 40 years use statins. We aimed to estimate attainment of global
diabetes targets worldwide and across country and individual characteristics in 2021.Methods: We analysed pooled, individual participant data from nationally representative household health surveys
done in 100 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries between 2010 and 2023. The sample included
non-pregnant adults aged 30–69 years. Diabetes was defined as use of glucose-lowering medications or biochemical
evidence of diabetes (fasting plasma glucose ≥7·0 mmol/L or HbA₁c ≥6·5% [48 mmol/mol]). The primary outcomes
were the proportion of people attaining each diabetes metric. We analysed data using hierarchical Bayesian logistic
regression models with the survey year set to 2021. We estimated the age-standardised proportion attaining each
metric across the pooled dataset, by country-level characteristics such as World Bank income group, by country, and
by individual-level characteristics including age, sex, educational attainment, and BMI.Findings: In 2021, across the pooled dataset, the age-standardised proportion of people with diabetes who had been
diagnosed was 63·2% (95% CI 61·8–64·6). Among those diagnosed, 63·2% (62·1–64·4) achieved glycaemic control
(HbA1c <8·0%), 70·8% (69·8–71·9) achieved blood pressure control (<140/90 mm Hg), and 31·8% (30·4–33·2) were
using statins. Of the 100 included countries, eight met the target for diabetes diagnosis, seven met the target for
glycaemic control, 15 met the target for blood pressure control, and eight met the target for statin use. By country
income group, the age-standardised proportion of people with diabetes who had been diagnosed ranged from 35·3%
(33·5–37·1) in low-income countries to 69·9% (68·3–71·5) in high-income countries. Among those with diagnosed
diabetes, glycaemic control ranged from 56·0% (54·2–57·8) in lower-middle-income countries to 73·7% (72·7–74·6)
in high-income countries; blood pressure control ranged from 58·3% (57·3–59·4) in lower-middle-income countries
to 82·4% (81·4–83·4) in high-income countries; and statin use ranged from 9·7% (8·0–11·4) in low-income countries
to 58·7% (57·4–59·9) in high-income countries. Across individual-level characteristics, patterns of inequities were
observed in the attainment of each metric.peer-reviewe
Shaping gender-power dynamics in academia : the role of organisational practices and policies
Full text linkThis paper examines how organisational practices and policies influence gender-power
dynamics within academia. Using qualitative autobiographical comparative inquiry, it explores the lived
experiences of mainly female academics from diverse backgrounds. The findings are based on the data
collected within the COST Action CA20137 VOICES network, using E-survey techniques consisting of
both quantitative and qualitative research questions. The data collected from 36 participants was
analysed using an intersectional approach, addressing how institutional hierarchies sustain inequities.
The findings highlight persistent patriarchal norms that prioritise masculine perspectives and
systematically undervalue women’s contributions. Participants described experiences of
marginalisation, harassment, and unequal career opportunities, which are often compounded by
intersecting factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, and socio-economic status. In the
analysis conducted, precarious working conditions – one of the defining features of neoliberal academic
systems – emerged as a major factor driving and exacerbating these inequalities, creating instability
and heightened vulnerability, particularly for women and other marginalised groups. Research
participants also highlighted disparities in workload distribution, with junior academics, particularly
women, bearing disproportionate administrative and teaching responsibilities while senior, tenured
academics retain privileges. Participants critiqued the lack of transparency and solidarity within
institutions, noting how hierarchical systems reinforce inequities and discourage collective resistance.
By combining personal narratives with structural analysis, this research offers a deeper understanding
of how organisational practices sustain gendered power dynamics in academia. Consequently, it aims
to contribute to a more just and inclusive academic environment.peer-reviewe