24762 research outputs found
Sort by
Financial performance analysis and indicator-based improvement strategies in a selected company
No full textPURPOSE: The main objective of the contribution is to carry out a financial analysis of
performance in a selected company and evaluate the results obtained, then propose possible
solutions that would help the company to improve in measuring performance indicators.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: To get closer to the selected company, an analysis of profits
and sales over several years, i.e., their development, has been developed. Specific
measurement proposals have also been developed based on various indicators, according to
which it is possible to summarize the given knowledge and transfer it to a graphic form.FINDINGS: The values of the first-stage liquidity indicator have reached the safe zone.
Furthermore, modern approaches to measuring performance were evaluated. From the point
of view of the economic added value EVA, the results are in positive numbers except for
2019, and they have an increasing tendency. These investments were profitable and effective.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The research provides practical guidance and specific
recommendations that can directly contribute to improving the financial health and overall
performance of the analysed company. The emphasis on measurable indicators and the
proposal of implementable solutions increases its practical value for management practice.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: For a company to successfully prosper, it is important to know its
performance and further improve it. Performance is therefore an important factor that can
affect the success and progress of the company. Each company usually invests its money in a
certain item but with the aim of returning this financial item to the business cycle.This work was supported by the Slovak Research and Development
Agency under the contract No. APVV-19-0305. This research was funded by VEGA
1/0633/24 and KEGA 011ŽU-4/2025.peer-reviewe
The use of imaging in endometriosis
Get PDFEndometriosis is a complex and often painful condition characterised by the presence of endometrial tissue
outside the uterus. This may lead to inflammation, scarring and symptoms such as pelvic pain and infertility.
It may manifest itself as superficial or deep disease as well as ovarian disease with the presence of
endometriomas.This study came to fruition in order to emphasise the importance of imaging with respect to the diagnosis of
endometriosis. Whereas previously a surgical approach was the gold standard, imaging has now become the
benchmark for diagnosis. The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of imaging in endometriosis by
reviewing literature on various databases such as PubMed and combining the most salient and relevant
points. The goal is to underscore the previous points even further.This literature review revealed that techniques such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
computed tomography (CT) are utilised to visualise endometrial lesions, cysts and associated pelvic anatomy
variations. Ultrasound, in particular transvaginal, is often the first-line imaging tool primarily because of its
accessibility and non-invasiveness. MRI however is considered the gold standard for evaluating deep
infiltrating endometriosis and is able to provide a detailed image of soft tissue structures. It is therefore the
mainstay investigation prior to management planning and surgical intervention.In conclusion, the use of imaging does not simply aid with management planning however, is able to assist in
monitoring disease progression and response to treatment.peer-reviewe
‘We’re all born naked and the rest is drag’ : constructing and performing a drag queen self in Malta
Get PDFThis study seeks to visualise the art of drag through a sociological lens in an attempt to explore and understand the journey individuals undertake to construct and perform a drag queen self, particularly in Malta, where the existing drag scene is a niche community within an already small-scale local context. Although the process of constructing and performing a drag queen self has received little attention in empirical research, this study basis its framework on sociological contributions related to gender construction and gender performance. In existing literature, scholarly works attribute drag performances to a simultaneous ability to reproduce and contest the gender order in heteronormative societies. To investigate the experiences of drag queens and their efforts in constructing and preforming a drag persona, this research captured the ventures of three Maltese drag queens through in- and out-of-drag interviews. The exploratory data was analysed in a thematic approach to generate a narrative record of the research findings. The latter illustrates how drag facilitates individuals to express inherent fondness for performing and engaging in female attire in a confident manner to reveal their ‘inner drag queen’ on stage. In such settings, drag queens highly value social interactions with audiences who expect hyperbolical exhibitions of gender. In doing so, drag queens simultaneously subvert the heteronormative gender order and reproduce exaggerated and illusionary depictions of heteronormative gender norms. Such ability confirms RuPaul Charles’ (2018) catchphrase which suggests that our perceived reality is an illusion, hence “we’re all born naked and the rest is drag”.peer-reviewe
Understanding the impact of value management in the environmental public service sector
Get PDFThis study explores the application of Value Management (VM) and Value Engineering (VE) within Malta’s public service sector, focusing on environmental projects. Traditional cost-centric procurement approaches are proving insufficient in an era of heightened economic volatility, technological disruption, and increasing demands for public accountability. This research advocates for a structured, value-based decision-making framework that balances cost with quality, efficiency, and long-term sustainability considerations. A mixed-method, quasiexperimental designwas employed, using Ambjent Malta as a case study. The methodology involved pre-intervention data collection, stakeholder information sessions, and post-intervention evaluation. Three environmental projects were analysed through stakeholder engagement workshops, incorporating VM tools such as function analysis and value criteria evaluation. The results demonstrate thatVMcan effectively address cost overruns, promote stakeholder collaboration, and improve project alignment with client and environmental objectives. Significant increases in stakeholder awareness and understanding of VM principles were observed, alongside a reported shift from cost minimisation to value optimisation in project planning. This research contributes to the limited knowledge of VM in the Maltese context. It underscores the potential of value-based methodologies to enhance public sector project outcomes and long-term efficiency.peer-reviewe
Proceedings of the 20th international joint conference on computer vision, imaging and computer graphics theory and applications - GRAPP
No full textThis paper introduces Forge, an extension of Anvil, aimed at enhancing evaluation processes in computer graphics pipelines. Forge addresses critical challenges in rendering systems, such as ensuring consistent configurations, minimising human error, and increasing reproducibility of experimental results. By decoupling evaluation logic from rendering engines, Forge facilitates seamless comparisons across different systems without manual configuration. The framework’s architecture supports decentralised evaluations, enabling operations across diverse environments and platforms. This flexibility allows for both local and remote evaluations, making Forge adaptable for a broad range of research applications, from small-scale experiments to comprehensive distributed rendering evaluations. Through case studies, this paper demonstrates Forge’s effectiveness in verifying rendering techniques, comparing performance, and aiding development of new algorithms, thereby providing a robust solution for accurate and reliable comparative studies in the field of computer graphics.peer-reviewe
Age-related neurodegenerative diseases : a stem cell’s perspective
Get PDFNeurodegenerative diseases encompass a number of very heterogeneous disorders, primarily characterized by neuronal loss and a concomitant decline in neurological function. Examples of this type of clinical condition are Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Age has been identified as a major risk in the etiology of these disorders, which explains their increased incidence in developed countries. Unfortunately, despite continued and intensive efforts, no cure has yet been found for any of these diseases; reliable markers that allow for an early diagnosis of the disease and the identification of key molecular events leading to disease onset and progression are lacking. Altered adult neurogenesis appears to precede the appearance of severe symptoms. Given the scarcity of human samples and the considerable differences with model species, increasingly complex human stem-cell-based models are being developed. These are shedding light on the molecular alterations that contribute to disease development, facilitating the identification of new clinical targets and providing a screening platform for the testing of candidate drugs. Moreover, the secretome and other promising features of these cell types are being explored, to use them as replacement cells of high plasticity or as co-adjuvant therapy in combinatorial treatments.peer-reviewe
Crime families in the Maltese Islands : a spatial perspective
Get PDFThis study explores the potential role of spatial factors as crime promoters to intergenerational continuity of offending in the Maltese Islands . The intergenerational dataset created for the Formosa Pace 2014 study, covering incarcerations between 1950 and 2010 is used to explore such phenomena. The focus here is on the residential location of individuals belonging to the intergenerational cohort using street level analysis to explore potential risks linked to spatial proximity. A spatial analysis is employed to examine the crime families’ residential zones vis-a-vis the offender and poverty hotspots identified in the Formosa 2007 study. This explores further the relationship between the location of crime families and the socio-demographic factors in communities that could serve as “activity fields” for crime continuity. Crime runs and concentrates in a relatively small number of Maltese families across 2 to 5 generations, wherein family members act as crime role models. Crime continuity is accommodated by a number of crime promoters that present themselves in the activity field. These include geographical proximity, residing in intersecting poverty and offender hotspots as well as exposure to crime role models within the family and the community. Thus, a series of crime promoters act as direct or indirect transmission risks to crime continuity wherein communities such as Valletta, Bormla and Santa Lucija allow for transgenerational transmission.peer-reviewe
Relevance of pre-analytical factors in multiomics : toward a standardized blood processing protocol
Get PDFTo implement multiomic studies successfully, there is a need to overcome challenges in steps ranging from study design to data integration. As blood is the preferred matrix for sampling in such studies, we review how pre-analytical factors affect genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics and propose a harmonized blood processing protocol. Plasma is preferred, as clotting of serum may cause contamination from lysed cells. Transcriptomics is highly sensitive to platelet contamination, making platelet-poor plasma ideal. Processing delays and room-temperature storage compromise the stability of several analytes classes. To ensure comparability, the Standard PREanalytical Code (SPREC) should document all phases of sample handling. We recommend collecting blood in K2EDTA tubes and separating plasma via two centrifugations (1600×g and 16,000×g, 10 min at 4 °C). Samples should be checked for hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia and then stored at −80 °C [SPREC: PL2.PED.A1.C.J.A.D]. Following this standardized protocol or documenting deviations from it can improve multiomic reproducibility.peer-reviewe
Sustainable built environments : a study unit on the leadership and management course, Pontifical Gregorian University
Get PDFThis article offers an overview of a study unit entitled sustainable built environments, offered as part of a licentiate program in leadership and management at the pontifical gregorian university. It focuses on the academic structure of the course, including a detailed breakdown of lectures and associated reading lists, and an evaluation based on student feedback. The inclusion of a unique interaction with pope francis adds an insightful dimension to the study unit. It blends the theoretical and practical aspects of sustainability with spiritual and community-focused values. Pope francis’s statement about living in a community underscores the theological and ethical underpinnings of sustainable practices, offering students a broader perspective on leadership and community living. The adaptive re-use of ecclesiastical immovable property introduces a practical application of sustainability principles, tying the course content to real-world challenges faced by the church. This article bridges the academic, spiritual, and practical aspects of sustainable development, making it a compelling invitation to engage with the subject.peer-reviewe
The impact of trade liberalization between the European Union and Mercosur on the EU sugar sector
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of this article is to examine the potential impact of this quota on the EU
sugar market. To characterize the supply-demand and price situation, the study used the
variability index and coefficient of variation, while price relationships were analyzed using
Pearson’s r correlation and linear regression with the OLS method.METHODOLOGY: The study covers the period 2018–2024. In the case of supply–demand
relations, the analysis was conducted using the marketing year (season) specific to the sugar
market (October/September). The analysis of supply–demand and price relations was carried
out using a volatility index. This approach enables a comparative identification of dominant
tendencies and the indication of key differentiations.RESULTS: The criteria of self-sufficiency and export propensity were also applied. The study
showed that although both the EU and Mercosur generated production surpluses, the sugar
sector exhibited different trends during the period under review. The EU sector experienced
a decline in production, while Mercosur saw dynamic growth in production and exports.PRACTICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In trade liberalization agreements, sugar is often classified as a
sensitive product, highlighting its significance. The EU–Mercosur agreement provides for a
small duty-free import quota for sugar from Mercosur, which raises concerns among EU
sugar producers.ORIGINALITY: The relatively small import quota for Mercosur is unlikely to affect the supply-demand and price situation in the EU; however, given the EU sector’s self-sufficiency, even
small quantities of imports can have a significant impact (as illustrated by the case of
Ukraine).The article processing charge (APC) was funded by the National Support Centre
for Agriculture (KOWR) under contract No. CEN.BDG.WP.6515.2.2025.EJ.57.peer-reviewe