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Healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections : a cross-sectional study in a rehabilitation facility
Get PDFBackground Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are prevalent yet preventable healthcare-associated infections. Effective prevention requires healthcare professionals (HCPs) to possess adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and adherence to best practices. Objective To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of HCPs regarding the prevention and management of CAUTI in a Maltese rehabilitation facility. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a self-administered online questionnaire from January to March 2023, using total population sampling of doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants (N = 315). Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS. Results Of the 315 HCPs invited, 215 responded (68.3%). KAP levels towards CAUTI prevention were moderate to adequate. The attitude scores of doctors and nurses varied significantly based on nationality (P = 0.011), professional designation (P = 0.010), and educational level (P<0.001). Positive correlations were identified between CAUTI knowledge and practices among doctors' and nurses' (P=0.002, r = 0.309). For nursing assistants, significant differences were observed across knowledge (P<0.001), attitude (P<0.001), and practice scores (P<0.001), based on age, educational level, job experience, and timing of their last infection prevention and control training. Positive correlations were observed between knowledge and attitudes (P<0.001, r = 0.471), knowledge and practice (P<0.001, r = 0.383), and attitudes and practice (P<0.001, r = 0.403) for nursing assistants. Conclusions HCP knowledge and attitudes directly influence CAUTI prevention practices. Continuous education and targeted training programmes are critical to improving practices and reducing CAUTI-related patient harm.peer-reviewe
Bridging the digital divide : the role of proxy users in online purchasing and social sustainability
Get PDFPURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to investigate whether and, if so, how dependent or
digitally excluded people use purchases and services available via the Internet.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A survey was conducted using the CAVI technique on a
sample of 1,000 adult Polish citizens. The relationship between variables was examined
using the χ2 test. The strength of the relationship was examined using the Freemans theta
coefficient and V-Cramer. Data analysis was supplemented with descriptive statistics.FINDINGS: The research confirmed that dependent or digitally excluded people make
purchases on the Internet with the help of shopping intermediaries. „proxy” users are most
often women aged 25 to 34 and men aged 35 to 44. Those most likely to use proxies for
online shopping are seniors aged 61-70 from their immediate family circle.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings of this research will facilitate the enhancement of the
ergonomics and security of the online shopping process, with the objective of adapting it to
the requirements and needs of digitally dependent individuals.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The research will contribute to improving the effectiveness of the fight
against digital exclusion and the implementation of the concept of a sustainable digital
economy.This research was financed in the framework of the pro-quality program
of Lublin University of Technology „Grants for grants” (Grant nr: 4/GnG/2023). The article
is also the result of Agnieszka Laskowska’s scientific internship that took place at the Vilnius
Tech University on 25.11.2024–24.12.2024.peer-reviewe
Empowering responsible digital citizens : insights from Maltese personal, social and career development (PSCD) teachers on the impact of technology on students’ wellbeing and curriculum relevance
Get PDFThis study explores the perspectives of Personal, Social, and
Career Development (PSCD) teachers on the impact of technology on secondary school students’ wellbeing and the
adequacy of the PSCD curriculum in addressing Digital
Citizenship Education (DCE). While technology offers adolescents significant benefits, such as social connectivity and
access to information, it also presents risks, particularly for
vulnerable groups. Using a qualitative approach, data were
gathered through semi-structured interviews with PSCD educators to address three research questions: How do PSCD
teachers perceive technology’s impact on students’ well-being? How effectively does the PSCD curriculum address
digital citizenship topics? What challenges do PSCD educators face when teaching DCE? Findings reveal that educators are increasingly challenged by students’ reliance on
digital content, which can undermine critical thinking and
increase vulnerability to misinformation. Although the PSCD
curriculum addresses digital citizenship, the rapid pace of
technological change and the emerging influence of online
personalities complicate educators’ efforts to promote
responsible digital engagement. Recommendations include
ongoing professional training and the development of tailored educational resources to support PSCD educators in
effectively navigating these complexities.peer-reviewe
A project to define standards for radiology staffing, education and training across the European Union
Get PDFThe European Union Radiation, Education, Staffing & Training (EU-REST) study was a European Commission-funded, 24-month project that analysed workforce availability, education and training needs to ensure quality and safety aspects of medical applications involving ionising radiation in the EU and developed staffing and education/training guidelines for key professional groups involved in ensuring radiation safety and quality of medical radiation applications in the EU Member States. This article outlines the origin, development, goals and overall structure of the project. Critical relevance statement: This article provides a concise overview of the EU-REST project, which analysed the workforce availability of health professionals involved in the use of ionising radiation for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and the corresponding education and training in radiation protection. Key Points: The aims, professional groups, components, and findings of The European Union Radiation, Education, Staffing & Training (EU-REST) study are described. The limited amount of data and literature on staffing recommendations constituted an important finding of the project. One of the study’s recommendations is for each EU Member State to maintain a central registry of professionals involved in ionising radiation as well as on related equipment.peer-reviewe
Successful treatment outcome of nasopharyngeal papillary adenocarcinoma following surgery : a case report
Get PDFNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common head and neck malignancy, endemic in East Asia and South East Asia. The rate of incidence varied in different countries based on the relative exposure of the population to different risk factors. The majority of NPC cases are squamous cell carcinoma subtypes. Primary nasopharyngeal papillary adenocarcinoma (NPAC) is an extremely rare subtype of NPC with characteristic adenocarcinoma cell structure. We present a case of NPAC treated by an endoscopic transnasal nasopharyngectomy with a successful outcome.peer-reviewe
From margins to momentum : ten years of small states and large questions
Get PDFThis article introduces a special section in SST journal: a symposium marking the
ten-year anniversary of Veenendaal and Corbett’s (2015) seminal piece, “Why small states offer
important answers to large questions”, revisiting their provocation and extending its reach
across new disciplines. Featuring 24 interdisciplinary contributions, the symposium explores
how small states contribute meaningfully to major debates in political science, international
relations, public administration, law, health, education, and beyond, challenging theoretical
orthodoxies, enriching comparative insights, and offering scalable models of innovation and
resilience. The contributions are organised around four themes: Revisiting the canon: power,
agency, and theory-building; Rethinking statehood, sovereignty, and the international legal
order; Resilience, innovative governance, and institutional learning; and Representation,
rights, and social transformation. They illustrate how smallness is both constraint and catalyst.This introduction maps the intellectual trajectory sparked by the original article, synthesises
the contributions, and reflects on the continuing importance of small state scholarship. In doing
so, it highlights how far the agenda has come, reflects on the formation of an epistemic
community around small state scholarship, outlines the enduring relevance of studying small
states on their own terms, and emphasises the ongoing pressing need to centre small states in
academic and policy debates across the globe.peer-reviewe
Training, evaluation and motivation in a basketball organization : a case study approach
Get PDFPURPOSE: The study aims to identify the activities of sports organization in the area of
motivation, evaluation and development of players and coaching staff.METHODOLOGY: The case study method, was chosen as the research method. The case study
method has been supplemented with a research technique in the form of an overtly structured
interview and direct, partial observation limited in time. An interview questionnaire was
used as a research tool.FINDINGS: The case study of a top-tier Polish basketball club highlights how structured
training, ongoing performance evaluation, and a balanced motivation system (financial and
non-financial) play a pivotal role in managing human capital within sports organizations.
The organization combines daily technical training with individualized feedback and regular
evaluations. Motivation is driven by both financial incentives (e.g., bonuses for team
achievements) and non-financial factors (e.g., team spirit, recognition, fan engagement). A
significant insight is that understanding and aligning players' personal goals with team
objectives enhances commitment and performance. The study also points to a potential area
for improvement: digitization of the evaluation system to enhance accessibility and analysis.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study highlights that effective human capital management in
sports organizations relies on a structured approach to training, continuous performance
evaluation, and a balanced system of financial and non-financial motivation. Implementing
digital tools for performance tracking could further enhance decision-making and streamline
evaluation processes.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper provides a unique contribution by focusing on the human
capital management practices in a professional sports setting, using an in-depth case study
approach. It fills a gap in the literature where most HR studies focus on traditional business
contexts. The integration of motivational psychology, coaching practices, and real-world
managerial insights into a coherent framework offers valuable interdisciplinary knowledge
for both academics and practitioners in sports and HR management.Co-financed by the Ministry of Science under the “Regional Excellence
Initiative” Program.peer-reviewe
Prophylactic antibiotics and hospitalisations following transrectal prostate biopsy : a local retrospective cohort study
Get PDFBACKGROUND: Prostate biopsy is an important tool in prostate cancer diagnosis. However, transrectal prostate biopsy is associated with a number of complications, including infectious complications. This local cohort study aims to assess the incidence of such complications and 30-day readmission rates, and any predisposing factors for said complications including patient co-morbidities, type of prophylactic antibiotics used and biopsy approach.METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out for men over 18 years of age who underwent transrectal prostate biopsy from January 2021 to December 2021.RESULTS: A total of 373 patients were included. 184 (49.4%) underwent systematic biopsy, 115 (30.8%) underwent combined and 59 (15.8%) underwent targeted biopsy. The commonest antibiotic prophylaxis regime is ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and gentamicin. 30-day readmission count was 19 (5.1%). The commonest complication requiring readmission was lower UTI (n=14 (73%)), 70% of these has Escherichia coli cultured in the urine.CONCLUSION: This study replicated the findings that infectious complications are the most common cause of readmission after transrectal biopsy and that E.coli is the most common causative organism for infectious complications post biopsy. This study does not replicate the findings from similar studies which showed that the number of cores yielded correlates with the risk of infection post biopsy, nor does it confirm that increased age, DM or a high BMI increases the risk of developing post biopsy infection.peer-reviewe
Book review : Reframing the buffer state in contemporary international relations : Nepal’s relations with India and China
No full textThe challenges for a small state manoeuvring its way amidst the realpolitik of
international relations amplify exponentially if geography is cruel to it. Buffer states, smaller
states sandwiched between two more powerful contesting states, are perhaps the most
vulnerable to the cruelties of their geographical disposition. Chand’s book – Reframing the
buffer state in contemporary international relations: Nepal’s relations with India and China –
is a timely contribution that addresses the limited theoretical attention to buffer states, and
which seeks to develop a comprehensive conceptual framework for understanding them.peer-reviewe
The cult of St Publius in the Componimento storico of Padre Pelagio Mifsud Gauci Piscopo
Get PDFThis study presents what Padre Pelagio Mifsud Gauci Piscopo (1708–1781) wrote about the origins of the cult of St Publius both in Rome and in Malta, followed by a list of the miracles performed through the Saint’s intercession during the period mentioned by Padre Pelagio in his writings about the saint. In so doing, we will try to show how Padre Pelagio’s writings on St Publius are an affirmation of those characteristics which, according to him, identify Malta as a distinct nation, with its own history, beliefs, traditions and language. In other words, Padre Pelagio’s writings on this Saint are related to ulterior motives, namely, the search for the roots of a national identity that includes, among others, the element of Christianity, bestowed by St Paul the Apostle, and transmitted from one generation to another in spite of the long Arabic domination.peer-reviewe