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Team work as a source of synergy : quantitative approach
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of the article is to point out to a constant need and ability the
organisations operating in an innovative economy have to ensure the quality of teamwork. In
other words, a type of joint action, on the basis of which synergy emerges.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Hence, the study measures dependence of factors
significant for the efficiency in team working and analyses them from added value
perspective, which is expressed as a qualitative measure of synergy - satisfaction of joint
action (satisfaction*). In order to have all that possible, both the summary of qualitative
research and analysis of quantitative data of the preliminary survey must be taken into
consideration. The two aspects first needed to be surfaced and determined. Thus, for the
research part the grounded theory and surveys were used, while the analytical part involved
the development of two models i.e. confirmatory factor analysis and a multiple regression
one. In turn they allowed to select and describe the values of the quality parameters of team
work. The focus was then on identifying key terms and determining significant relationships
for synergy in team work.FINDINGS: The case study-based project, made it possible to see the strength of cooperation
and its effects, supported by the quality of relations and the activity of potential in action in
the studies teams. Subsequently, it prompted a more holistic approach to joint action
requiring from its parties commitment, all to boost teamwork, and accountability for quality
and reinforcement of social potential in an organisation. This only confirms the legitimacy of
systemic thinking philosophy in the context of skills growth, and obtaining beneficial effects
of joint learning, development and sustainable work.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: A good management of organisation is an intricate and yet
reachable concept and once found is like a patent for an innovator. However, no great
approach is possible without system thinking that triggers the right solution, methods of
operation, building the organisation's value based on its potential. This is especially
important in the context of learning organisations.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality of the article lies in applying synergy—understood as
“satisfaction with joint action”—as a qualitative measure of the added value generated by
teamwork, as well as in integrating qualitative and quantitative methods (grounded theory,
CFA, regression). The article identifies key factors and relationships that influence synergy,
highlights its significance in innovative organizations, and emphasizes the role of systems
thinking in building social potential and enhancing the quality of collaboration. Through its
case study, it provides practical evidence of the value of synergy for team effectiveness and
the development of learning organizations.The paper has been prepared on the basis of a fundamental research
project - Synergy and Social Capital of Modern Organisations. The project was financed by
the National Science Centre with funds allocated on the basis of decision-DCE 2011/01 /
BHS4 / 04810.peer-reviewe
Enhancing patient safety : a review on the effectiveness of initiatives to reduce errors from look-alike and sound-alike medication
Get PDFIntroduction: Look-alike and sound-alike (LASA) medication errors, arising from orthographic and phonetic similarities between drug names, increase the risk of errors in prescribing, dispensing, or administration of medicines and remain a persistent threat to patient safety. As healthcare systems continue to expand formularies, adopt generic preparations, and diversify supply chains, the risk of LASA-related incidents grows. A structured literature search was conducted to examine whether labelling interventions effectively reduce LASA medication errors in hospital and in simulation-based settings, and thus inform practice. Method: A Critically Appraised Topic was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception up to May 2025. Quantitative studies were included if they evaluated labelling interventions for LASA medications in inpatient or simulation environments and reported measurable outcomes. Following title and abstract screening, full text review, and backwards and forward citation tracking. Included studies were appraised and categorised using guiding principles from the Centre for Evidence-Based Management. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The interventions identified included tall man lettering, boldface, colour coding, red lettering, contrast, larger lowercase, and symbol use. Most studies were conducted in simulation or laboratory settings, with limited representation from real world clinical environments. Labelling interventions, particularly tall man lettering and boldface, consistently improved drug name recognition accuracy and reduced selection errors under controlled conditions. Some studies reported notable reductions in error rates when these enhancements were applied in high-risk settings such as intensive care units. However, evidence from large-scale clinical implementation was mixed, with some studies reporting no statistically significant improvement in actual prescribing error rates. Many studies assessed proxy indicators such as throughput time or patient satisfaction rather than direct measures of safety or clinical effectiveness. Variability in study design, intervention types, and outcome metrics limited the comparability of findings. Discussion: The discrepancies from the studies highlight a gap between experimental success and clinical applicability. While labelling strategies show promise, they are not standalone solutions and should be embedded within broader medication safety frameworks. Their impact is likely to be maximised when supported by staff training, clinical decision support systems, pharmacist involvement, and systems-level policies. While current evidence is primarily drawn from simulated settings, the reviewed interventions appear to enhance the visual differentiation of LASA drug names and reduce the likelihood of selection errors, contributing to the reduction of preventable medication-related harm. Conclusions and Recommendations: These findings provide cautious support for incorporating labelling interventions into wider clinical risk management strategies in practice. Further research in hospital environments is warranted to confirm effectiveness and guide standardised, real-world implementation aimed at strengthening patient safety.peer-reviewe
The impact of digital imaging tools and artificial intelligence on self-reported outcomes of dentists
Get PDFBackground: The integration of digital imaging tools in dentistry has transformed clinical
workflows, diagnostic accuracy, and patient outcomes. However, less attention has been
given to how these tools influence dentists’ self-reported outcomes, including clinical confidence, efficiency, perceived treatment quality, communication, and professional satisfaction.
This article aimed at assessing AI-powered digital tools in dentistry and their self-reported
impact on dental practitioners’ activity and treatment outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive survey was distributed to 126 dental professionals of different genders, ages, years of
experience, and types of dental practice to assess their experiences and attitudes towards
AI applications in diagnostics and treatment planning, as well as how patients and dentists
perceive the benefits and challenges associated with digital dentistry. Results: Digital photographs and CBCT were regarded as essential tools to have in clinical practice, in contrast
with intraoral scanners. However, barriers like high initial costs, specialty differences, and
lack of formal training may influence the results. Conclusion: These findings suggest that
when used appropriately, AI digital tools can significantly elevate the quality of clinical
practice and professional fulfillment and underscore the importance of tailored training
programs and supportive infrastructures to facilitate the effective integration of digital
technologies in dental practice.peer-reviewe
Designing and piloting a questionnaire to uncover conscious and unconscious motivations of psychotherapists
Get PDFPsychotherapists, psychologists and counsellors play a vital role in mental health care, offering treatment
to individuals grappling with psychological difficulties. Research suggests that these professionals, who
engage primarily in the work of psychotherapy, share a great deal in common and have been deemed by
various researchers to constitute “the fifth profession”. The conscious motivations underlying choosing and
sustaining a career in these professions have been widely studied. These often include a desire to help
others, intellectual curiosity, or interest in psychological theories, while unconscious motivations may stem
from unresolved personal conflicts or a need for validation. Understanding these factors is crucial, as they
influence therapeutic relationships, the effectiveness of interventions, and therapists' own well-being.
Existing questionnaires have so far been limited to other specific professions, or tend to focus on
motivations driving career choice in general. A questionnaire for assessing motivations to become
psychotherapists could therefore offer valuable insights into the personal, professional, and unconscious
drivers influencing career choice. A previous study using the Repertory Grid Technique (RGT), which
gives access to tacit knowledge and unconscious motivations, found that besides altruistic motives to pursue
the profession psychotherapists may also be driven by “darker” motivators. These include a need for power,
financial gain and self-affirmation. The results of this study also point to the existence of traits which could
potentially interfere with the outcome of psychotherapy, such as unethical attitudes and behaviours, an
inflated sense of self, and difficulties with empathy. The findings of this study were drawn on to compile a
quantitative research tool in accordance with established scale development and questionnaire design
techniques. In an initial phase this tool was piloted qualitatively and the results of this pilot study are
presented in this paper. Future directions of this study include the administration of the scale to a
representative sample of Maltese psychotherapists in order to confirm factor structure and to assess the
reliability and validity of the final scale. This would constitute the second phase of the study. The results
of this study have implications for the selection, training, supervision and continuing professional
development of psychotherapists. The finalised instrument could be used as a screening tool when
prospective psychotherapists are being selected for entry into professional programmes. It could also prove
useful in informing the personal psychotherapy and supervision of existing psychotherapists. The
questionnaire could also prompt reflection and self-awareness which remain fundamental as motivations
evolve throughout a psychotherapist's career.peer-reviewe
Conceding or defending sovereignty? Lessons from small states
Get PDFThis article explores how small states function as important case studies to explain
when sovereignty is conceded and when it is defended. It showcases how the unique
vulnerabilities and constraints of small states push them to maximise available resources, and
how sovereignty sometimes serves as a resource that can be partially surrendered in pursuit of
economic prosperity. At the same time, it utilises the examples of the Baltic States, particularly
Estonia, to demonstrate that when threats to sovereignty imperil cultural identity, small states
break from the conventions of alliance free-riding, and expend considerable resources for
security, even if they may fail to ensure self-sufficiency.peer-reviewe
Data quality control of the Malta Seismic Network (2015-2024)
Get PDFMalta lies in a seismically active region of the Central Mediterranean, where local and distant
earthquakes pose a hazard to the local community. To address this, the Malta Seismic Network (MSN)
was established, growing from three to eight stations over the past decade. This study reviews the
performance and data quality of the MSN, assessing availability, noise levels, timing accuracy, and
sensor orientation. Results show generally reliable operation, though a few individual stations faced
challenges such as power shortages, equipment failures, and timing inconsistencies. The network has
proven crucial during seismic crises and of benefit for geophysical investigations. Future developments
aim to expand the station coverage and strengthen international collaborations, ensuring the MSN
continues to advance earthquake monitoring and geophysical research in Malta and beyond.peer-reviewe
Mushroom : an emerging source for next generation meat analogues
Get PDFBackground: In recent years, plant-based and alternative protein sources have garnered attention. Since they may resemble the texture, flavour, and nutritional profile of typical meat products, mushroom-based meat substitutes have received attention. However, scaling up production, cost-effectiveness, and nutritional requirements similar to animal-based meat products remain hurdles. Thus, understanding these dynamics is crucial to the global development and adoption of next-generation mushroom-based meat substitutes. Scope and approach: This review examined and synthesised the current mushroom-based meat analogue research, concentrating on their physicochemical, nutritional, and qualitative properties. Also, evaluated worldwide market viability, consumer acceptance, and development and adoption difficulties and potential for next-generation mushroom-based meat substitutes. Key findings and conclusions: Due to their fleshiness, mushrooms can replace beef in sausages, nuggets, and patties. Rising vegetarianism and health concerns require meat substitutes. Due to their easy cultivation, excellent nutritional value, low fat and calorie content, and steady growth, mushrooms can meet this demand. However, there are still numerous chances and challenges to improve sensory features (texture, taste, and flavour), optimise processing, assess consumer satisfaction, and use different medicinal mushrooms as meat replacements. Thus, they are essential to the creation of nutritious, sustainable meat-based foods.peer-reviewe
Investigating teachers’ changing perceptions towards MOOCs through the technology acceptance model
Get PDFWhile MOOCs have gained prominence in higher education, their role in fostering pedagogical and technological readiness among teachers remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by leveraging the Technology Acceptance Model to investigate how MOOCs influence teachers’ digitally inclined attitudes and therefore professional growth. By employing a mixed-methods approach, the research explores how perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use influence participants’ behavioural intentions, the emergence and use of MOOCs in teacher education and learning practices from MOOCs. A total of (n = 144) primarily teachers, in their pre-service and in-service stage, completed the “Teaching Thinking” MOOC. Data collection involved pre- and post-course surveys, as well as open-ended questionnaires for a subset of participants. Quantitative findings revealed initial ambivalence toward MOOCs, with moderate Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use scores, tempered by concerns over time management and platform usability. Post-course analysis showed significant improvements in participants’ perceptions, highlighting increased acceptance and acknowledgment of MOOCs’ flexibility and access to diverse resources. Qualitative insights underscored key factors driving these shifts, including instructor support, peer interactions, and self-directed learning environment. Results suggest that MOOCs foster critical skills such as time management, problem-solving, and professional engagement while contributing to participants’ self-efficacy and readiness to integrate technology into teaching practices. Challenges identified include technical barriers, lack of personalised feedback, and initial reluctance to adopt online learning. This study underscores MOOCs’ transformative potential in teacher education, emphasising the importance of tailored course design, supportive learning environments, and strategic policy initiatives to enhance engagement and outcomes.peer-reviewe
Automation of structural health monitoring of concrete bridges in Malta using computer vision
Get PDFMaintaining the structural integrity of concrete bridges is essential for smooth transportation, and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) plays a significant role in it. However, traditional SHM processing is time-consuming, subjective and expensive, presenting limitations on the accuracy of damage assessment. Conducting bridge surveys with the traditional SHM approach typically requires the closure of the structure and routing vehicle traffic through alternative roads, potentially leading to traffic congestion. Thus, the role of automated SHM of concrete bridges is essential to mitigate these limitations and nuisances. Our work evaluates the automation of concrete bridge inspection through the application of computer vision techniques on data captured using climbing robots and unmanned aerial vehicles. This
approach seeks to facilitate ongoing monitoring, prompt damage identification, and aid preventive maintenance
functionalities. The automated SHM approach enables a proactive strategy for bridge maintenance, hence minimising
inspection time, bridge closure and maintenance costs. The findings emphasise the solution’s capability to highlight
defects in the form of crack identification and quantification. Additionally, the technology facilitates adherence to
European infrastructure safety rules and fosters sustainable engineering practices by prolonging the service life of
bridges. The computer vision techniques address the specific difficulties in the maintenance of concrete bridges in
Malta, thereby enhancing structural integrity and establishing a baseline for implementing other innovative
infrastructure solutions.
The project DiHICS received funding from Xjenza Malta and the Ministry for Science and Technology of the People's
Republic of China (MOST), through the SINO-MALTA Fund 2023 Call (Science and Technology Cooperation).peer-reviewe
Perception, motivation, and career alignment : a study on trainees’ attitudes toward vocational training centers in Tana River County, Kenya
No full textPURPOSE: This study investigates the factors influencing the acquisition of vocational skills
among trainees in vocational training centres within Tana River County, Kenya. It aims to
assess how vocational education can address youth unemployment and enhance
employability, particularly in marginalized regions.APPROACH/METHODOLOGY/DESIGN: A descriptive research design was employed across nine
vocational training institutions located in Galole, Bura, and Tana Delta sub-counties. A total
of 207 trainees were selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data
were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and
inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests.FINDINGS: While 69% of trainees acknowledged the adequacy of the skills acquired, 72.5%
expressed dissatisfaction with their courses. Despite this, overall ratings remained positive.
Motivation and alignment of training with career aspirations significantly influenced
satisfaction levels. Major causes of dissatisfaction included insufficient resources, low
societal recognition of vocational careers, and misalignment between training content and
personal goals. All tested satisfaction variables showed statistical significance (p < 0.0001).PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study highlights the need for better facilities, improved resource
allocation, and context-specific training that aligns with individual student goals. These
measures can enhance the effectiveness and appeal of vocational education in economically
disadvantaged regions.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This research provides critical insights into the challenges and
opportunities within vocational training in marginalized areas. It contributes valuable
evidence to inform policy and practice aimed at making vocational education a viable
pathway for youth empowerment and employment Union.Co-financed by the Minister of Science under the “Regional Excellence
Initiative”.peer-reviewe