THINK - Issue 39

OCTOBER 2022 • ISSUE 39

ISSN 2306-0735

I D E A S

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M A LTA

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R E S E A RC H

•

P E O P L E

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U N I V E R S I TY

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editorial

Social Well-Being

H

ave you ever wondered what the role of society is? Why do we, as a species, instinctively form communities or tribes?

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In a broad sense, humans are social animals, and coming

together as a tribe allows us to socialise, share food and information, and perhaps rally behind a common identity or unite against a common danger.

However, where does that leave our own individual identity? Does

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a common, tribal identity overshadow our own individuality? Most communities would not advocate abandoning our individual identity (unless it's a cult). Just because you support a particular football team or political party, or are a particular nationality, doesn’t mean that it is your entire identity. There is more to you as a person than

To view some great videos youtube.com/user/ThinkUni

your political preferences, nationality, or work. And society should celebrate that.

But to get back to society, all of the reasons we mentioned earlier (socialising, shared resources, and security) facilitate our well-being.

Our rapid technological advancement should allow us to create a

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society which helps us to become the best version of ourselves, one which allows us to express our individuality, to learn new things, to safeguard our mental and physical health, and (dare I say) to lead a fulfilling life.

Does this sound like our current society? I will leave you to decide.

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contribute

Prof. Ing. Simon G. Fabri

David Mizzi

Editor-in-Chief

Editor

simon.fabri@um.edu.mt

david.mizzi@um.edu.mt

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1

focus

contents

Social Well-Being

Issue 39 • October 2022 toolkit

A Dance of Particles and Smoke

4 without borders

Venturing Beyond Our Borders

6

Rising from the forgotten valley of history and hovering above the clouds, the being gazes upward, hopeful that we are in time to create a fairer and just society.

design

Etching to Learn

focus articles

8

What Have We Learned from Covid?: 16 Anthropological Investigations

opinion

We Need to Get Our Hands Dirty (Literally)

10

14

10 student

12

Refugee Students

20

Caring for the Caregivers

24

Living Smarter: Project MARVEL and Smart Cities

28

Designing Inclusive Kitchen Tools

32

Digital-Proofing Society to Face Future Crises

36

To Infinity and Beyond: The Journey of Student Researchers

12

Only the Lonely

40

Microplastics: Menace to the Food Chain

13

Eating Disorders in Malta

44

CONTRIBUTORS TOOLKIT Dr Ing. Daniel Micallef Chris Styles WITHOUT BORDERS Prof. Ing. Claire De Marco DESIGN Jean Bonnici Roger Gatt Akiko Miyahara Lian van Schaik OPINION Ruth Spiteri STUDENT Juan Attard Daniele Caruana Matthias Caruana

Dr Sholeem Griffin Dr Jefferson de Oliveira Mallia Luke Said S-Cubed FOCUS Prof. Maria Attard Timothy Alden Prof. Andrew Azzopardi Prof. Jean Paul Baldacchino Jamie Bonnici Nicole Bonnici Dr Kurt Borg Martina Borg Dr Louise Chircop Claire Ciancio Prof. Marilyn Clark Annabel Cuff Dr Michael Galea Prof. Simone Galea

Andrea Gerada Christian Keszthelyi Heather McNamara Dr Wendy Jo Mifsud Prof. Adrian Muscat Dr Gisella Orsini Dr Maurice Said Dr Victoria Sultana Ines Ventura Prof. André Xuereb FEATURES Aman Batra Dr Ing. John C. Betts Dr Robert Camilleri Dr Oriana Mazzitelli James Moffett Antonia Ribeiro Prof. David Saliba Emma Jayne Spiteri

Emma Richard-Trémeau Prof. Josanna Vassallo IDEA Jonathan Firbank START UP Nicky Borg Sebastião Miranda FICTION Christine Galea TEXT ALUMNI Patricia Attard Darmanin Shirley Cini Vanessa MacDonald Denise Mercieca

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2

LAB TO LIFE Prof. Ing. Joseph Buhagiar Helenio Borg Muscat Albert Curmi Prof. Alfred Gatt Dr Arif Rochman TO-DO LIST THINK Team ILLUSTRATIONS Gabriel Izzo Nicole Pace PHOTOGRAPHY James Moffett Sarah Zammit

Signaling Molecules

feature

feature

Cells from the Immune System

Tackling Tumours: How to Tame the Rebels

Firing Up the Past Unearthing Experimental Archaeology

48

Tumourous cells

Tackling Tumours: How to Tame the Rebels

Blood Vessels

51

idea feature

True Happiness

Flying Green: Work in Progress

A Happiness Drug Thought Experiment

57

What’s the Next Step for Greener Aviation?

54

lab to life

MALTI3D - 3D Printing Solutions start up

Optimising 3D Printers

Printing Out the World

63

Is 3D Printed Furniture the Next Big Thing?

60

fiction

Dear Giuliano Esoteric Epochs

66

alumni

Coding Up the Career Ladder Shirley Cini’s Journey to Leading a Programmers’ Team at the MFSA

68

to-do list

Take a break from your work and unwind!

72

THINK I D E A S

•

M A LTA

•

R E S E A RC H

•

P E O P L E

•

U N I V E R S I TY

October 2022 - Issue 39

EDITORIAL

Prof. Ing. Simon G. Fabri EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Mizzi EDITOR DESIGN

Gabriel Izzo DESIGNER Nicole Pace DESIGNER

ISSN 2306-0735 | Copyright © University of Malta, 2022 The right of the University of Malta to be identified as Publisher of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright Act, 2001.

University of Malta, Msida, Malta Tel: (356) 2340 2340 | um.edu.mt All rights reserved. Except for the quotation of short passages for the purpose of research and review, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

The publisher has used its best endeavours to ensure that the URLs for external websites referred to in this magazine are correct and active at the time of going to press. However the publisher has no responsibility for the websites and can make no guarantee that a site will remain live or that the content is or will remain appropriate. Every effort has been made to trace all copyright holders, but if any have been inadvertently overlooked, the publishers will be pleased to include any necessary credits in any subsequent issues.

COPYEDITING

David Mizzi PROOFREADING

Amy Borg PRINTING

Print It, Malta

3

toolkit

A Dance of Particles and Smoke Author:

Chris Styles

A

s we move through the world, we are surrounded

current is illuminated, and then the camera takes two

by an invisible dance: particles of air and matter

consecutive images. By comparing these two images,

silently in motion around us, their choreography dictated

the speed and velocity of the particles can be measured,

by rules of the universe, diffusion, and fluid dynamics. It

similar to how a speed camera works to figure out the

may seem like we are overcomplicating and romanticising

speed and direction (velocity) of a moving vehicle. This

this process in equal measure, but understanding how this

data is then processed using specialised computer

matter moves through our environment is an immensely

software to create a map of the velocity of small clusters

complicated and important process for us to understand.

of particles present in these photographs and figure

From aerodynamics to public health, understanding how

out the general speed and direction of these clouds,

air and matter move through the world does matter to us,

rather than the velocity of each individual particle.

Although you may be aware of some of the general

because it affects the behaviour of flying aircraft and the

uses for PIV in wind tunnels (such as measuring the

spread of airborne pollutants, just to give a few examples!

But how do we make the invisible visible? One method

aerodynamics of plane wings), this methodology has more

that you may be familiar with is using a wind tunnel, and the

far-reaching application in matters that affect our general

fundamentals of how these work are pretty simple. An object

day-to-day existence. For example, at the University

is placed within a closed environment, and smoke or some

of Malta’s new Environmental Design Laboratories,

other detectable gaseous agent is blown around the object.

which are planned to be set up in the new Sustainable

The speed and direction of these smoke particles can then be

Living Centre currently under construction, we hope to

measured as they move around the object, just as you would

use, in collaboration with the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Faculty of Engineering, two recently

measure the speed of any moving body by using the fundamental equation we all learnt at school: Speed =

toolkit

acquired PIV systems to research building ventilation,

But how do researchers gather this information from so

pollution transport, aerial disease transmission, wind

many tiny objects, such as gas molecules moving through an

and heat flow, and air flow over vegetation to investigate

air current? The answer is Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV).

urban greening and its effect on pedestrian comfort.

PIV is a method of visualising the velocity of parcels

4

.

While the whirls of particles and smoke continue to

of gas or liquid molecules. This is done using a laser

fascinate us, by better understanding their waltzes, we

and a specialised high-speed camera. When the laser

might be able to design healthier and more efficient spaces.

is fired, the detectable matter present within the air

And that’s certainly something worth dancing about!

Basic diagram of a Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system

Pulsed Laser Lamp

Light Sheet Optics

Light Sheet

Detectable molecules High-speed Camera

Flow direction

Image 1

Learn more about the work being carried out by the Department of Environmental Design toolkit

Image 2

5

without borders

Venturing Beyond Our Borders Author:

F

David Mizzi

rom the packages you receive to

ExperimeNtal Towing centre for

simulations (the virtual side), tow-

the groceries you buy, chances

the design of eneRgy Efficient sea-

tanks are used for experimentation.

are these came by sea. Every day

faring vessels) in collaboration with

But what is a tow-tank?

hundreds of vessels trawl the ocean,

two other universities and a local

burning fuel and spewing carbon

industry partner. The project is led

narrow canal. On the front side,

dioxide, so it should come as no

by Prof. Ing. Claire De Marco (Project

you have paddles which generate

surprise that the EU is aiming to

Leader), alongside Prof. Ing. Tonio

waves. The waves themselves can

make the maritime industry more

Sant , and Dr Ing. Simon Mizzi, and Dr

be ‘customised’ in order to replicate

sustainable. The trick is to make sea

Mitchell Borg, from the Department

particular scenarios, while on the

vessels more efficient so they use

of Mechanical Engineering,

far end is the 'beach' which absorbs

less fuel.

UM. The planned facilities are

the waves. Hanging above the tank

fundamental for the design of

there is also a moving carriage,

ship or the propeller, but it's a mix

energy-efficient sea-faring vessels.

to which the scaled ship model is

of everything,’ Prof. Ing. Claire De

Building and modifying full-sized

‘It's not just the shape of the

without borders

connected allowing it to move along

Marco explains. ‘You have to optimise

vessels is a costly endeavour, hence

the length of the tank at a chosen

everything to make it more efficient.’

it is important to test new designs

test speed with the tow carriage.

To achieve this, University of Malta

6

Think of a tow-tank as a long and

through simulations and scaled

While building such a tank is no

(UM) is forging ahead with Project

experiments before building the

small feat of engineering, the long-

VENTuRE (a Virtual and physical

full-sized model. Besides computer

term use of such facilities requires

Kelvin Hydrodynamics Laboratory University of Strathclyde, Glasgow

Short specialist courses,

types of events and activities lay the

is where the twinning aspect of

schools, and partner visits allow

groundwork for future long-term

Project VENTuRE comes into play.

academics, researchers, and

collaborations and the sustainability

laboratory technicians to be

of VENTuRE’s aims and objectives.

Twinning projects are aimed

In fact, Claire believes that having

at helping so-called Widening

upskilled. International conferences

Countries (countries with developing

ensure the transfer of ideas and

clear and open communication is

infrastructure, such as Malta)

provide networking possibilities.

critical for the success of a project.

strengthen a defined field of

Student exchanges, mentoring,

‘The project just fell into place.

research. As part of the project’s

joint supervisions, and industrial

We are four partners who already

Twinning Action, two internationally-

secondments give the researchers

collaborated and knew each other

leading research institutions in

the opportunity to broaden their

before the start of the project,

the field, the University of

experiences and take their first steps

and, despite all the Covid-related

Strathclyde and the University

in international research and the

problems we encountered, we were

of Genoa, as well as a local

industry. The partnership will be taken

still successful with our goals!’

industrial partner, NAS (Naval

to another level for possible future

Architecture Services Ltd) allow

collaborations by preparing joint

This project has received funding

for international collaboration

proposals at national and international

from the European Union’s Horizon

between leading research institutions

levels, as well as frameworks for

2020 Research and Innovation

and industry professionals.

further academic programmes. These

programme. Project No. 856887

without borders

the appropriate expertise. This

7

Opening of THE WAY exhibition Photo by Tümer Gençtürk

design

Etching to Learn Author:

S

David Mizzi

ince the end of the 19th century, Japanese art has left its mark on Western art. This marriage of cultures has not

skills,’ Jean Bonnici, Director of Studies at MULS tells

even influenced the West’s approach to colour and space.

THINK. ‘The format of the classes facilitates this type of

IAM Contemporary Art aims to carry on this inter-cultural

learning. By having students from different countries and

legacy, not only by empowering the art scene in Malta and

backgrounds, the students gain a better understanding of

Europe with selected Japanese and East Asian art, but by

foreign cultures while developing the confidence necessary

giving Japanese artists the tools to present their art to an

to speak the language fluently.’

For many young Japanese artists, IAM Contemporary Art

The students follow a program of 20 hours of English classes per week for up to six months. Aside from their

provides the opportunity to break into the European art scene.

language skills, the students focus on their personal

However, while art transcends language, the language barrier

development, with special attention on their art. Miyahara

poses a challenge for these up-and-coming artists. ‘The program

explains how the program is aimed at ‘elevating the

helps students to improve their English, whilst giving them the

student’s career opportunities and, as artists, to be able

opportunity to work on their art in the studio spaces,’ explains

to express themselves in a professional context.’ This

Akiko Miyahara, Managing Director of IAM Contemporary Art.

sentiment is echoed by Bonnici, who adds, ‘Art has many

IAM Contemporary Art, working alongside the Malta

different facets; when you’re talking about art, especially

University Language School (MULS), has developed an artist

your own, you need to have passion and be able to talk

residency program aimed towards Japanese art students

about it. To do so, you need to have the necessary

who wish to learn English during their studies in art college.

language skills.’

This is achieved by providing the artists with accommodation,

design

communicative aspect, specifically listening and speaking

only inspired masters such as Van Gogh and Monet, but has

English-speaking audience.

8

‘The language courses are more focused on the

Applications for the course are open at the time of writing.

as well as a studio space to work on their creative practice

Applicants interested in the course are encouraged to reach out

while studying English in a nurturing environment.

to info@iamcontemporaryart.com for further information.

(Top left) Hiroki Okuma, Two Seasons (2022) Image courtesy of the artist

(Bottom) Toru Ishii, Spin Thread out of Light #BIRD (2022) Image courtesy of the artist

design

(Top right) Takatoku Nishi, Shape of Light -in the box- (2018) Image courtesy of the artist

9

opinion

We Need to Get Our Hands Dirty (Literally) Author:

Ruth Spiteri

A

ttent għax taqa u taqsam rasek!'

by the year, leading sedentary and technology-centred

(Careful, you’ll fall and hit your head!)

lives which fuel medical complications like heart problems,

'Waħdek se tkun? Ara jaħftek xi ħadd!'

(You’re going to be alone? Be careful or someone might kidnap you!)

'Xogħol tal-qamel ikollok jekk ma tmurx l-università.'

(You won’t find a good job unless you go to university.)

Do these phrases sound familiar to you?

A recent global study carried out by US analytics

chronic pain, and treatment-resistant super-bacteria.

Is it any wonder then why we feel so angry and anxious? So alienated from ourselves and the world?

Fortunately, there is a solution to this: we need to get our hands dirty. Literally.

Research conducted by the University of Tehran in 2010 shows that kinesthetic activities like sports and the process

company Gallup and featured on Times of Malta

of overcoming hurdles in those activities make it easier to

ranks us as the 3rd angriest population in Europe

bounce back from psychological discomfort. Sprinkle in a

and also the most anxious population in Europe.

little contact with nature for some de-stressing, and you have

While there are arguably several reasons for this, one way this anxiety might manifest is through our parents. While

the perfect plan for resilience against pain and misfortune.

So go get your hands dirty. Plant some trees, touch

helicopter parenting might stem from good intentions,

the soil, and get elbow-deep in that dirt. Go hiking and

research suggests a correlation between helicopter parenting

swimming. Explore new places. Become more aware of

and children who develop depression and anxiety. It rears

your body through sports and meditation. Embrace nature

up in the drama our parents make if we want to travel, in the

instead of trying to keep it at a distance. Find ways to get

conflict we experience if we don’t want to pursue a traditional

back in touch with that curiosity and sportiveness you

university education, and in our aversion to all things sports.

had as a child before it was repressed and snuffed out.

Our risk aversion and anxiety is also fueled by the

Most importantly: take meaningful and calculated

increasing global hysteria towards any form of dirt and

risks. You won’t be young forever. Ideally, there should

disease. Our lives are becoming increasingly occupied by

be many moments in your life when your feet are

a diverse range of beliefs, routines, and compulsions that

dirty, your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling.

focus on eradicating disease. We keep our environments as clean as possible until they look dull, we sterilise

Further Reading:

our hands until they’re dry, and we rush to the doctor and pop pills at the slightest sign of discomfort.

opinion

We are hesitant to experiment or try something new; we

10

Hosseini, S., & Besharat, M. (2010). Relation of resilience with sport achievement and mental health in a sample

try to play everything safe. As a consequence of this, we’ve

of athletes. Procedia - Social And Behavioral Sciences,

become more alienated from nature and our own bodies

5, 633-638. doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.07.156

The Malta Business Registry – An employer of choice

by Mr. George Spiteri, Head of the MBR's Human Resources and Development Unit

T

he MBR acknowledges that to achieve

which embraces all aspects of the employee's

and maintain the status as an Employer

experience at the workplace, including

of Choice necessitates an enduring effort.

competitive remuneration and benefits package,

Therefore, sustaining exceptional Human

recognition programs, vast opportunities

Resource Management (HRM) is a natural target

for personal and career development, and

of the Agency. Our strategic plan consistently

the promotion of employee well-being and

highlights the significance of people for

work-life balance. The MBR aims to establish

organisational success and focuses on strategies

an engaging atmosphere through conditions

that uphold employee-centricity. The MBR's

which facilitate growth and prosperity with

strive to embrace a distinguished approach to

equal opportunities for all its employees.

people management can be reflected through the achievement of the HR Quality Mark, an award ascribed to the adoption of best policies and practices within the field of HRM.

 mbr.mt

towards giving value to the student community.

The MBR hosts yearly student placements through internship programmes, with a

A key consideration of a reputable employer

purpose of supporting the student throughout

is that people have different needs and

his/her academic trajectory and helping the

aspirations. For this reason, in order to develop

student get accustomed to the respective

a committed workforce and induce a strong

field of study. Finally, on completion the

sense of identification with the organisation, it

course of study at the University, the newly

must be ensured that HR practices are aligned

graduate would also be encouraged and given

to cater for each individual's motivations. In view

the opportunity to apply for available job

of this, the MBR adopts a total rewards policy,

opportunities within our growing business.

HUMS SYMPOSIUM

Forensic Interdisciplinarities Forensic Medicine, Criminology, Archaeology and Detective Fiction

 21 October 2022 |  18:00  Arts Lecture Theatre (ALT) Register by sending an email to  christine.galea@um.edu.mt More info at  um.edu.mt/platforms/hums

Accordingly, our organisation is dedicated

students

Live cell image of immortalised N/TERT-1 keratinocytes.

Image courtesy of the authors

Juan Attard (top) Matthias Caruana (bottom) Images courtesy of the authors

students

M

12

any science students aspire

To Infinity and Beyond: The Journey of Student Researchers Juan Attard and Matthias Caruana Being part of a diverse and

There are a number of skills we are

multidisciplinary research group with

grateful to have gained from pursuing

the early days of their studies. As

multiple national and international

postgraduate work. We learned to

Applied Biomedical Science graduates,

research projects further broadened

schedule experiments as a team and

both of us (Juan Attard and Matthias

our perspective of what research entails

use time management to make it to

Caruana) performed laboratory work

by exposing us to new techniques and

meetings, all while trying to have a social

within a clinical setting involving the

areas of study. Going on Erasmus in

life. We developed public speaking

analysis of various human samples.

London and Plouzané, presenting at

skills from presentations, appreciating

However, it was only during our

conferences in Edinburgh and Utrecht,

and adapting to linguistic nuances that

dissertation work that we started

attending workshops in Paris, and

come with having an international and

to understand what research was

participating in local outreach events

culturally diverse team, and of course,

all about. We were both fortunate

like Science in the City allowed us

we learned to deal with inevitable

enough to have our own exciting

to present and discuss our results

experimental failures and figure out

projects that required a substantial

with a broader audience, helping us

what went wrong in our master plan of

amount of independent work.

with networking and understanding

well-argued hypotheses and meticulously

We designed our own experiments

the impact of our work. To continue

designed experiments. Wherever our

and optimised or troubleshooted

our journey in research, we asked

future takes us, we hope to grow within

them when we got unexpected

our supervisors about the prospect

our field of research and aspire for our

results, all under the supervision

of contributing to a project at the

contributions to have an impact on

of Dr Sholeem Griffin, Dr Jefferson

postgraduate level. This led us to obtain

science, even if it is only infinitesimal.

de Oliveira Mallia, and Prof. Vasilis

a scholarship that supported us to

Valdramidis. Our efforts were

pursue a research master’s programme

Project SANITAS is funded by the Malta

greatly rewarded, as our work

within the SANITAS project for our

Council for Science and Technology

was published and presented

postgraduate studies, focusing on the

and Malta Enterprise through the

at international conferences.

toxicology of novel disinfectants.

COVID-19 R&D Fund.

to become researchers from

student

Microplastics: Menace to the Food Chain Luke Said esearch from 2015 has shown

that are affected by plastics

being formed to do what’s right

that around six million metric

is constantly growing.

for the environment, you can

tons of plastic finds its way into the

While this might not affect us

do your part.

oceans each year from land-based

directly, as most of the microplastics

sources. Unfortunately, this number

ingested by fish are found in the

in the first place by going for

will continue to inevitably increase

gut and do not move to the muscle

reusability. Boycott unsustainable

while strong currents disintegrate

tissues, it is still a worry. Many

products, refuse to buy or consume

the plastic through erosion.

scientists fear the ill effects of marine

products with excess plastic

plastic on our health will increase

packaging, and demand action

fish and shellfish are constantly

as microplastics continue to break

from your local council and

suffering from the ill effects of such

down into nanoplastics.

elected representatives.

As a result, data has shown that

waste. For instance, microplastics

This would make the situation

Prevent waste from being created

Be responsible with your waste,

can block the digestive tracts and

even worse, as it is already inherently

alter the feeding behaviour of

difficult to collect such waste during

marine fauna. They can even have

clean-up operations. Volunteers

a negative impact on the reproductive

spend countless hours removing

systems of certain aquatic species

microplastics and general waste

(such as oysters and plankton), while

from the environment around us.

some would also end up starving

As an example, during the recent

to death as their stomachs would be

Nadur Nadif clean-ups, volunteers

full of plastic and other marine litter.

collected 444 bags of trash from

In addition, the chemicals that make

the Maltese countryside and

up plastics can also interfere with

coastline in just eight months.

A full list of references will be

normal hormone function, and as

While environmental awareness

available on the digital version of

a result, the list of marine organisms

groups are constantly

the article at thinkmagazine.mt

and dispose of it correctly.

students

R

13

14

focus

Social Well-Being

I

mproving society as a whole requires

future crises, how to build smarter cities,

us to understand the various aspects

creating more inclusive communities, and

of our community. For this edition, we

understanding the mental well-being of

explore how we can prepare ourselves for

the more vulnerable members of society.

What Have We Learned from Covid?: Anthropological Investigations Covid has highlighted vulnerabilities and inequalities in our society. What suggestions does research offer policymakers?

16

Refugee Students Refugee students face numerous challenges to adapt to their new school environment.

What good practices can be applied?

20

Caring for the Caregivers Nurses work in a high-paced and stressful environment. One local researcher examines how we can prevent burnout in the nursing profession through spirituality.

24

Living Smarter: Project MARVEL and Smart Cities How can we use AI to create smarter cities?

28

Designing Inclusive Kitchen Tools Examining a local student’s journey to develop an inclusive kitchen tool.

32

Digital-Proofing Society to Face Future Crises An Erasmus Project aims to improve digital literacy to help prepare society for future crises.

36

Only the Lonely How prevalent is loneliness among the local population? And how can we address this?

40

Eating Disorders in Malta 44 focus

Eating Disorders can affect anyone. A local study examines eating disorders in those aged between 10 and 16 years of age.

15

What Have We Learned from Covid?

focus

ANTHROPOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS

16

Author:

Ines Ventura

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated vulnerabilities and inequalities on a financial, social, and mental level. Creating a cohesive COVID-19 response strategy requires research. In a joint effort, EU countries worked together as part of the SoNAR Global Network to develop policy recommendations which could help minimise these inequalities.

worsened, whereas new psychological problems

the main objectives when nations

in the form of moral conflicts produced a great

developed a COVID-19 response

level of anxiety among otherwise healthy

strategy. Poverty and difficult access

individuals,’ said Prof. Baldacchino. ‘The pandemic

to social and health services were

has also required the assessment of loss of trust

already known to be linked to worse health

and increased mistrust in official institutions,

outcomes throughout life. However, the pandemic

for example,’ explains Dr Said, one of the Maltese

and the preventive measures applied to mitigate

researchers involved. ‘The imposed lockdowns,

its spread highlighted health, social, and mental

mobility restrictions, closures, and social

vulnerabilities – vulnerabilities which need to

distancing exacerbated a sense of uncertainty

be understood and addressed.

and powerlessness.’

To understand how COVID-19 affected vulnerable

Two major topics were identified as particularly

populations, the SoNAR international consortium

important in the Maltese context: social isolation

(in which the University of Malta [UM] was involved

and mental health. Social isolation, through

as a partner alongside institutions in France,

lockdowns and quarantines, was one of the most

Germany, Italy, and Slovenia) conducted a large-scale

important mitigation measures applied during the

vulnerability assessment across a number of sites.

pandemic. It confined the general population to

The research in Malta was led by Prof. Jean-Paul

their homes, preventing not only socialisation but

Baldacchino, Associate Professor of Anthropological

also the opportunity for people to retreat to open

Sciences at UM. The local team also included

public spaces. This led to the impoverishment of

Dr Gisella Orsini, head of the Anthropological

well-being and mental health in general, especially

Sciences Department; Dr Victoria Sultana, ​​visiting

in urban areas and in their periphery. Already

lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences; as well as

marginalised groups reported greater feelings

Dr Maurice Said, Mr Gabriel Zammit, and Mr Adrian

of isolation, particularly the elderly living in care

Camilleri as Research Support Officers.

homes. This lack of socialisation also impaired their

‘In many cases, people suffering from certain mental health conditions found that their condition

mental health. Based on these results, researchers proposed several policy recommendations. focus

P

rotecting the vulnerable was one of

17

Prof. Jean-Paul Baldacchino Photo by James Moffett

Dr Gisella Orsini Photo by James Moffett

TARGETED DIGITAL LITERACY PROGRAMMES

including forms of OCD, generalised anxiety disorder, as well

Mandatory social distancing and visit restrictions seriously

with difficult situations who are at-risk or themselves suffer

groups, particularly elderly living in care homes or mental

from mental health difficulties.

health patients living in hostels. Individuals felt lonely,

that people have reported, the overwhelming social

lockdown and being unable to do that.

stigma associated with mental health issues should also be addressed. This stigma represents a barrier for people

residence, many of them didn’t know how to use it without

accessing mental health care, contributing to isolation and

help,’ Said explains. This drawback also narrowed access to

feelings of loneliness which have an overt affect on people’s

online information, limiting their knowledge about health-

ability to manage their own health and well-being.

related initiatives and their access to several online services.

This approach should include revisions to the system for

Researchers proposed the implementation of educational

requesting such help. Given the small size of the island and

programmes providing both the means and the necessary

the interconnectedness of social networks, coupled with the

knowledge to operate new technologies and to navigate the

overwhelming stigma around mental health issues, people

range of often-conflicting information found online. This

are often hesitant to make use of such services. ‘Ensuring

digital literacy initiative should target elderly populations,

complete anonymity for people accessing such services is

particularly in residential care homes, as well as socially

particularly important, even though it is difficult in a small

disadvantaged groups (such as those lacking access to

place like Malta,’ says Dr Orsini. Thus, this recommendation

secondary or tertiary education). The legal status or level of

also calls for a more flexible application of the term

literacy in these socially disadvantaged groups increased the

‘vulnerable’ at the policy level, where it recognises that

likelihood that they were excluded as vulnerable.

such a term is not static in its definition and application.

UPDATING THE MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY

NOISE POLLUTION, CONSTRUCTION, AND ACCESS IN URBAN AREAS

Mental health has been a concern both in the EU and Malta’s public health strategy post-COVID-19. Despite

focus

Besides considering a wider repertoire of conditions

needing to communicate virtually with others during the ‘Despite having shared computers available at the

18

as support services for families and friends of those dealing

compromised the well-being of several socially marginalised

Imposed restrictions on socialisation and outdoor

explicitly acknowledging the need to support the vulnerable,

events during the pandemic increased the average time

many mental health problems often remain undiagnosed,

spent at home. Unemployment as a direct result of the

untreated, and therefore not considered. To answer this need,

pandemic as well as flexible working arrangements have

Maltese researchers proposed that the mental health strategy

also contributed to people spending more time at home.

should be updated to develop a crisis mitigation plan to make

‘Numerous interviewees have noted that the absence of

mental health support available during and following the

green and open spaces to retreat to as well as constant

pandemic, as well as during other potential crises.

noise and dust from nearby construction have made their

Updates should specifically address the vulnerabilities

homes unbearable,’ Said says. Whilst many Maltese are able

that have emerged or been heightened during this time –

to drive to the countryside, parks, or coastline areas, several

Adrian Camilleri Image courtesy of the SoNAR Team

Dr Maurice Said Image courtesy of the SoNAR Team

respondents also noted that they are wholly dependent on public transport. Public transport routes to green spaces are,

Gabriel Zammit Image courtesy of the SoNAR Team

CONNECTION WITH THE SOCIETY ‘How will these policies minimise vulnerabilities in society,

at times, unavailable or, when they are available, are often

and how hard is it to implement them?’ is the follow up

crowded, with people hesitant to use public transportation

question of this project. ‘The proposed policies are aimed to

owing to a fear of contracting COVID-19.

address systemic issues in the current institutional approach

Noise pollution, construction, and the lack of access to open

and already available policies, most prominently in making

areas also aggravated already sensitive social cases. Interviews

services available to a wider section of the population and,

with representatives from food banks and social workers have

where these services are available, making them easier to use,’

further noted that there was an increase in the number of

explains Said. ‘The policy recommendations seek to address

reported cases of mental health issues and domestic violence

the current understanding of vulnerability which is somewhat

directly linked to the pandemic restrictions. With regards to

static, clarifying that vulnerability changes according to time

domestic violence, large families who are dependent on social

and context, so the definitions applied at an institutional level

housing and whose employment may have been impacted by

need to have a bit more flexibility,’ notes Dr Orsini.

the pandemic restrictions suddenly found themselves confined

By default, research should inform public policy makers

to restrictive domestic living situations that further increased

to ensure that applied strategies are in line with population

tensions, anxiety, and the likelihood of abusive situations.

needs. However, two major drawbacks affect policy making.

Whilst the issue of construction noise and disruption in

The first one is the close link between public policy and

urban and peri-urban areas (zones of transition from rural to

the political sphere. Secondly, ministries often operate

urban land uses located between the outer limits of urban

independently, resulting in little to no communication

and regional centres and the rural environment) has been a

between ministries and different institutions, even in cases

persistent problem, results from the SoNAR Project highlight

where policy actions might complement one another.

how a problem prior to the pandemic has contributed to

As a result, ‘We found that many stakeholders working

further vulnerabilities during and following COVID-19. People

with vulnerable populations have complained that there

complained that both their mental and physical well-being has

is oftentimes a duplication of efforts among various state

been adversely impacted by the lack of access to green spaces.

agencies and systemic challenges in providing aid to specific

To further mitigate the negative impacts of construction

vulnerable populations,’ notes Prof. Baldacchino.

in urban areas, Maltese researchers propose additional limits on noise generation, whilst simultaneously encouraging the establishment of new green and open spaces in urban areas.

They also recommend increased transportation routes and population, particularly those that are wholly dependent on

The SoNAR Project has received funding from

public transportation. Such an initiative should also consider

the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research

the coupled provision of more accessible walking and cycling

and Innovation Programme under grant

routes in urban and peri-urban areas.

agreement number 825671. focus

making these services available to a wider section of the

19

Refugee Students Author: Jonathan Firbank

Learning Diversity: A Case Study of Refugee Students in Primary School is an international project created to provide information about the unique needs of refugee students, their obstacles to success, and the interventions and good practices applied to help them. Jonathan Firbank speaks with lead coordinator, Prof. Simone Galea, about the study’s ethics, methods, and findings.

A

ttending a new school is an experience we

the University of Malta. This group was one from the

have all shared. For most of us, it was a

four participating countries with a collaborating primary

challenging time. Perhaps the new space was

school and university. Galea explains how, ‘Greece, Turkey,

overwhelmingly big, complex, or crowded.

Italy, and Malta experience similar challenges in providing

The new classes might have been far more

the quality educational experiences refugee children are

difficult. Teachers may have been sterner or students crueller.

entitled to.’ The project’s primary aim was identifying

Many moved homes in childhood, arriving out-of-step with

what refugee children need in order to have ‘edifying

a rigid syllabus and no friends to share the experience with.

educational experiences’ that let them feel like welcome

These periods in our lives leave a big impression;

experiences were extremely similar. None were instructed

linger throughout adulthood. But what if we had been thrust

in their mother tongue, and all struggled to make friends.

into school to find no one speaking our language? What if we had fled from terrible conditions into this confusing environment and had to navigate it while processing trauma? This is the experience of a refugee student.

focus

Learning Diversity: A Case Study of Refugee Students

20

citizens. The project discovered that refugee students’

nightmares about alienation and confusion in school often

THE LANGUAGE BARRIER Language is the first and greatest obstacle these students face. Around the Mediterranean, refugees are primarily from Arabic-speaking countries. Maltese provides a gentler

in Primary School is an international project seeking to

adaptation process for these children, sharing common

identify the unique challenges faced by refugee students

ancestry and a third of its vocabulary with Arabic. But

and find ways of helping. Prof. Simone Galea is the lead

this is unique amongst Learning Diversity’s participants

coordinator of the group from Malta, which also included

and within Europe. As Prof. Galea points out, language

Dr Kurt Borg and Dr Louise Chircop as researchers from

barriers are compounded by refugee students joining

Another difference creating social challenges was culture.

ever, has proved especially challenging, impeding academic

Refugee children are expected to assimilate. Both they and

success. Many refugee students expressed a desire for

their parents were found to be eager to learn, but this learning

instruction in their own language, something that is easy

process was too often a one-way street. ‘Very often there is

to take for granted but is invaluable for young learners.

little space for these students’ culture, faith, and language to be

Language, of course, isn’t just a tool for getting good

recognised apart from one-off activities such as Multicultural

grades. School’s social environment can be brutal.

Day. For example, some children wished that their new school

Children may ostracise those with perceived differences

would recognise their religious feasts.’ The Mediterranean

or target them for bullying. Sadly, this was found to

basin homes radically diverse cultures. Activities like this would

be universal among refugee students, with language

not just help new arrivals integrate but also educate school

being the key distinction that led to social harm.

communities about neighbouring countries. Most importantly,

‘Friendship is a theme that was present in all our interviews.

All the children said that they had some friends, but almost none of a nationality other than Libyan or Syrian. Only one mentioned a Maltese friend.’ Most refugee children played with relatives after school, finding it hard to make friends

it could curb bullying, which is so often a consequence of children being ill-prepared to tolerate difference.

STUDYING SCHOOL The project sourced its data from interviews with three

outside their culture or community. When one child was asked

distinct groups: primary school staff, refugee students,

what country their friend was from, they replied, ‘He speaks in

and refugee parents. ‘We have a responsibility to ensure

Arabic.’ Galea explains, ‘This could be interpreted in two ways.

that we listen closely to the voices of refugee children and

It could be that these children find it easier to communicate

their families.’ This personal approach formed a ‘collection

with those who speak their language, finding it comforting to

of narratives and experiences, allowing researchers to

be with someone who might better understand and accept

obtain a multi-layered approach to the challenges facing

them. It could also mean that other children do not want to

refugee students, as well as the practices facilitating their

play with them. One child said that they had no friends in

inclusion. Since the data was collected from different

class, only elsewhere. Another said that “The other children

countries, all with specific socio-cultural realities, the

gossip about me...they say I’m not pretty, that I speak too

project has a valuable comparative dimension in identifying

much. But I really don’t.” Their peers run away when spoken

structural barriers hindering inclusion, as well as highlighting

to, not allowing them to speak, play, or choose games.’

good practices from different countries' schools.’ focus

schools late. English, a subject with more importance than

21

This methodology demanded a great deal of care. People who have become migrants are in a precarious position.

for language acquisition. This separation may ‘other’ children

This could be destabilised if they complain about their

and is counter-productive: if children are surrounded by

school. Learning Diversity prioritised anonymity and data

other children who do not know Maltese or English, learning

protection for interviewees, ensuring they had complete

these new languages might prove difficult. It also places a

information about the study and their personal rights

heavy burden on children to change for the sake of their new

(whether in participation or the right to refuse). Additionally,

country, which undermines their ability to feel at home.

refugees have had traumatising experiences, recollections of which could be triggered by careless interviews.

‘The principle of “do no harm” was held to be of utmost

language. ‘Initiatives such as after-school and summer school services could enhance refugee students’ education. Besides

Galea. ‘At the University of Malta, we are committed to the

language acquisition, they are important for socialisation and

highest standard of professionality, particularly with respect

building friendships.’ Services like these have already proved

to codes of practice, University Research Ethics Committee

effective at the Maltese school Learning Diversity worked

procedures, and most importantly, the political and ethical

with. The school also provides financial support for those who

aspects of our encounters with participants.’ Visiting school

need help with the increasing cost of uniforms, stationery,

premises to conduct interviews gave researchers a more

and transport, easing a key concern of many refugee parents.

‘Another good practice we identified is a school

experiences within them. ‘Trips to research partners'

prioritising its place in the community, creating bridges with

countries also enabled us to observe attempts to move

organisations, businesses, and NGOs who assist students

beyond traditional practices of schooling. For example, an

in need.’ Schools tackling prejudice is also important.

Italian school used mixed-age classrooms and an emphasis

The school can assign an inclusivity coordinator, and

on hands-on learning to foster students’ curiosity.’

staff can be trained in ‘culturally responsive teaching’,

Refugee students were found to face complex, multi-faceted

focus

Expanding Malta’s language induction program into something more open would do more than just teach

importance throughout the whole research process,’ says

intimate understanding of these environments and refugees’

22

organises immigrant and refugee children into ‘migrant hubs’

which respects difference. Learning Diversity found that

challenges. These demand complex, multi-faceted solutions.

an anti-racist ethos could be sustained through activities,

‘These range from micro-practices within the classroom

story, play, and syllabus elements with a multicultural

to macro and institutional considerations.’ Malta currently

dimension. ‘Finally, the institutions that come into contact

Opposite page from left to right: Dr Louise Chircop, Prof. Simone Galea, and Dr Kurt Borg

‘The narratives we collected shed light on the urgency of this matter; a day wasted in failing to ensure school is an inclusive space means a day of a refugee child’s life where they feel like they do not belong.’

with refugee children have an important role to play in

must acknowledge the good practices by teachers and

their inclusion. Be it through government funding of

school administrators. They built good relationships with

essential services (e.g. psychological services) or through

refugee children and allocated resources for teaching

support to the school, inter-departmental collaboration is

and outings,’ says Galea. ‘We would like to thank the

imperative to prevent bureaucratic barriers to education.’

Maltese school’s staff for their close collaboration. It

‘The narratives we collected shed light on the

allowed us to holistically understand the challenges and rewards of teaching refugee students. It is crucial for all of us to find ways for refugee children and their

urgency of this matter; a day wasted in failing to ensure

families to thrive. We are grateful to the refugees

school is an inclusive space means a day of a refugee

who shared their stories, experiences, challenges,

child’s life where they feel like they do not belong.’

and needs. They have been so generous with us. Last

Our world has no shortage of crises. Conflict, climate,

but not least, our appreciation goes to our colleagues

famine, and drought will continue making once-safe homes

from Greece, Turkey, and Italy for the friendship that

into dangerous places from which families will seek refuge.

we have developed through our collaboration.’

Projects such as Learning Diversity are essential for locals

Learning Diversity represents educators’ commitment

and refugees alike, allowing us to learn from and integrate

to what Prof. Galea calls ‘pluralistic inclusion’, a

with each other. It’s easy to forget our commonality.

process that educates all of us rather than prescribing

We all share moments – like that terrifying first day at

a strict path towards integration. ‘Our history itself is

school – and feelings like the desire to safeguard our children’s

a multicultural story of cultural transformation that

future. We also have important differences, needs that are

continually develops us in a unique way. We believe

unique and require consideration from educators. ‘We have

in equity of educational outcomes rather than simply

to be careful not to homogenise and essentialise people’s

equal opportunities, having learned that giving the same

identities as refugees,’ explains Galea. ‘What they have in

educational opportunities for people living in different

common is due to the conditions that made them seek refuge.’

conditions with different needs will not work. Our next

Across its four countries, Learning Diversity found positive

challenge is to persuade others of this conviction and

interventions. These can be shared to form multi-faceted

facilitate the sharing of good pedagogies that teachers

approaches to protecting refugee students’ welfare. ‘We

in schools already have. There is much to be done.’ focus

WHAT'S NEXT?

23

focus

Cari ng for th e Caregive rs

24

Author: Christian Keszthelyi

While nursing is one of the most rewarding professions, it is certainly one of the most stressful jobs, too. Working in a high-paced environment where helpless people are in pain and die, the caregivers also battle their own tragedy of burning out. Could enhanced spiritual awareness help prevent burnout? THINK Magazine discusses the topic with Dr Michael Galea, Senior Lecturer of Mental Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Malta.

personal accomplishment or the fulfilment a job offers to

should be. They are heroes; they look after sick

people; emotional exhaustion caused by the burdens of the

and injured people when doctors are tending

job; and depersonalisation, which means how people look at

to a seemingly never-ending lineup of patients,

other people when they are in their working environment.

as life goes on. In the meantime, nurses are

In nursing, these three pillars are of utmost importance.

there to support patients recovering or to support them in

The working conditions and benefits provided to nurses who

their palliative care. The rewards of being there for people in

take care of our family members and us must be sufficient to

such a vulnerable situation are hard to describe. But nurses

ensure that their professional fulfilment is at high levels so that

are also exposed to vicarious trauma – or secondary trauma

they do not get close to emotional exhaustion and do not end

– which means that they inevitably absorb the grief of their

up in the depersonalisation stage. The higher the burnout of a

patients. This fast tracks burnout in this venerable profession.

person, the lower their overall health and well-being.

The definition of burnout spans a varied scale, based on

Qualitative research in the field, which is still limited for

the approach of the person describing it. More often than

the time being, though interest is picking up, has shown that

not, however, burnout is defined as a disparity between input

the physical and moral environment of nurses is conducive

and output in a usually work-related scenario. ‘Burnout is the

to an increase in burnout. Burnout brings a plethora of issues

difference between what one gives and what one receives,

for the individual and society. In the nurses’ cases, they

especially at work,’ Galea says.

become unenthusiastic about their job in the short term,

BURNING THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS Christina Maslach and Michael P. Leiter have come up with

possibly leaving the profession in the long term. An exodus of medical professionals, whether for work abroad or traversing industries, is tragic for the sick. Research has

a widely used tool, the Maslach Burnout Inventory™ or MBI,

also suggested that burnout positively correlates with

for measuring burnout, which has three main components:

illness-related absenteeism and workplace violence. focus

N

urses are often praised for their work, and they

25

Empirical research has shown that spirituality can counter certain stressful events. It does not reduce pain or suffering, but it helps in giving us a perspective to which the same pain and the same suffering I am going through may be more easily borne, more easily addressed, and more easily carried along. Presenting a perspective is very important in psychological terms, which has been supported by findings in cognitive theory, which shows that lots of our problems are spurred by irrational cognitive distortions and irrational thinking. Spirituality helps place the same pain into a different and more manageable perspective in which to be handled.

that strategies to build the personal

but connected to a variety of factors.

burnt out, the less I find fulfilment

strengths of nurses include reflection,

Vicarious trauma is one of them. The

in the work I do. Even if that’s a job

building positive and nurturing

pool of personal traits of the nurse

that one day used to please me.

professional relationships, managing

is another. Working conditions, pay,

My environment may have changed,

positivity, developing emotional

and benefits are yet other important

or I could have changed, and what

insight, and achieving life balance

aspects of burnout,’ Galea says.

once used to give me a lot of

and spirituality.

‘In other words, the more I am

satisfaction is a long-gone history,’ Galea says.

The same applies to teachers, doctors,

extensive than religiosity. It transcends

and other professions. Professionals

the client side, burnout may not be

religious practices and can provide

who educate our children, treat

detrimental (we all meet grumbling

emotional and mental support. It helps

the sick, or handle dangerous and

people every day, and it should not

people with becoming more altruistic

vulnerable situations must always

affect us), in healthcare professionals,

towards their surroundings.

be well-rested, continuously trained

the effects are amplified. ‘In the case of

Galea’s research further supports

so they have appropriate tools and

healthcare professionals, we are talking

these findings and suggests that

knowledge at their disposal, and last

about patients. So when I look at my

spirituality may be an important

but not least, given sufficient funding

patient, do I see just a number? Or a

potential source of resilience for nurses

so they do not have to deal with

human being who needs compassion

who risk burnout in their employment.

existential crises in their free time.

and help? Respect. How will I provide

Subjective well-being clearly

that if I am physically and emotionally

corresponds to burnout in his research.

Beefing up pay is one part of the

drained?’ Galea says.

Well-being correlates positively

equation. Debriefing, which deals

with personal accomplishment and

with emotionally processing

negatively with emotional exhaustion

and discussing traumatic events

and depersonalisation. Spirituality

encountered at the workplace,

the relationship between spirituality

was consistent with personal efficacy,

is another essential exercise that

and well-being (including burnout

well-being, emotional stability, and

should happen to support the mental

prevention) suggests positive

conscientiousness.

health of healthcare professionals.

SPIRITUAL HEALING? Available and on-going research on

outcomes. In fact, it appears that

focus

Nurses must be well-paid and well taken care of – it is non-negotiable.

spirituality is broader and more

While in another scenario on

26

Psychologically, the concept of

But what can we do about this?

‘We need a holistic approach.

The working environment must

spirituality supports the holistic well-

First, we need to understand the nature

be supportive towards healthcare

being of nurses. Research has found

of burnout. ‘It is not an isolated reality

professionals,’ Galea says.

Dr Michael Galea Image courtesy of Hush Studios

‘Empirical research has shown that spirituality can counter certain stressful events. It does not reduce pain or suffering, but it helps in giving us a perspective to which the same pain and the same suffering I am going through may be more easily borne, more easily addressed, and more easily carried along. Presenting a perspective is very important in psychological terms, which has been supported by findings in cognitive theory, which shows that lots of our problems are spurred by irrational cognitive distortions and irrational thinking.

Spirituality helps place the same pain into a different and more manageable perspective in which to be handled,’ says Galea.

Galea’s research, in line with that found elsewhere, indicates that a healthy nursing environment must be all inclusive and not focused exclusively on the medical realm.

Factoring in other related aspects, such as spirituality in this case, but also cultural sensitivity and other factors, provides a better understanding and assistance to the patient, aiming at their focus

holistic well-being.

27

Living Smarter:

Project MARVEL

focus

and Smart Cities

28

Author:

Martina Borg

How one company is trying to use AI and data to create more livable and adaptable cities. graduated engineer, Bonnici was drawn

short term and in the long term. An

city’ might send the

to the project for opportunities to work

example of this would be using data

most cynical among us

with private industry, academia, and

collected from transport monitoring

running for cover. From

researchers, as well as the potential

cameras to address issues in real

George Orwell’s dire

to improve how we experience

time and also to create statistics

our streets and open spaces.

about road use. These statistics

prediction of a world where mass surveillance and control is king, to

University of Malta (UM) professor

can ultimately help us to support

movies like Minority Report depicting

Adrian Muscat goes on to explain how

sustainable mobility or more simply,

predictive analytics and algorithms

our device-centric and interconnected

to use transport resources more

gone wrong, pop culture is awash

realities constantly transmit data to

efficiently without necessarily having

with nightmare worlds where Artificial

the internet — whether we choose

to build more roads or junctions, but

Intelligence (AI) and technology are

to or not. From our own wireless

only by making some modifications

used for less-than-innocuous purposes.

devices to security cameras, there

to the latter,’ Muscat says.

But to the minds behind Project

are very few ways we can avoid

MARVEL, smart cities are a far more

leaving a trace, digitally speaking.

attainable and desirable possibility.

‘There are so many sensors

Bonnici also goes on to explain that addressing societal challenges in sustainability was one of the

around our cities that are collecting

project’s desired outcomes. This would

image of flying cars and steampunk

data. Most of this data isn’t used

include promoting bicycle use and

dystopias, I thought it best to clarify

for any particular reason, and

pedestrianisation on our local roads.

exactly what smart cities are and how

Project MARVEL is asking whether

To that end, the project seeks to make

we can use AI to our advantage.

something good can come out

roads safer, given that this has been

of this data,’ Muscat explains.

identified as the main deterrent for

In an effort to dispel my mental

‘Put simply, smart cities use a variety of electronic methods (including AI) to collect data which informs city planning decisions,’ Nicole Bonnici, a

HOW CAN DATA HELP US? ‘One of the main uses of this project

cycling on the road. ‘If there is a trend of more people cycling on our roads, for instance, it may become a safety

data scientist and engineer working

is the collection and analysis of data

concern, and having access to data in

on the project, explains. As a newly

to make better decisions, both in the

real time can lead to faster solutions.’ focus

T

he idea of a ‘smart

29

Nicole Bonnici Photo by Sarah Zammit

Muscat points out that Project

volumes of data and processing it in

anonymous bicycle detectors as

Smart Cities Environments), which

this way presents further challenges,

demonstrators to assist both car

started in 2021, is a Horizon 2020

both from a financial and a scientific

drivers whilst driving as well as

project involving 17 partners and

and engineering perspective.

transport engineers in planning. The

spanning three municipalities in Europe.

system is also useful to transportation

Trento in Italy is testing monitoring

this process is the annotation of the

and road traffic researchers.

for crime and dangerous situations,

data itself,’ Bonnici explains. ‘The data

Novi Sad in Serbia is looking at crowd

requires people to label and sort it

bicycles are detected on a stretch of

monitoring and security, and Malta is

so that the AI system can effectively

road, car drivers would be notified,

investigating road traffic management.

be ‘trained’ to do the intended job.’

inviting them to take greater care.

In addition, the speed limit for cars can be automatically lowered in

focus

Of course, capturing such vast

Extreme Scale Data Analytics for

‘The idea here is that when

30

Project MARVEL (Multimodal

MARVEL is effectively developing

PRIVACY Of course, this idea of data

‘One of the most costly aspects of

Training usually involves showing the AI system many examples of the data; the system then uses these examples

real time to ensure the safety of

collection and processing will ring

to fit a complex computer model

everyone on the road. Conversely,

a few bells and harken back to our

that maps the input to the output.

if no bicycles are present, the speed

earlier mention of George Orwell’s

limit can be set a little higher to

1984, but Muscat and Bonnici stress

allow for faster car traffic flow.’

that privacy has been at the heart

THE EDGE, THE FOG, AND THE CLOUD

In addition, the MARVEL framework

of the project from the beginning.

can eventually be applied to study the

‘It’s important to point out that

that the project has also encountered

use of micro-scooters on Maltese roads

although the project uses audio and

issues in the levels of data processing

and understand how the increased

visual recordings, the aim of the

required. In essence, data processing

use of these scooters can be better

data is not punitive or to identify

takes place at three different levels in

tackled, both in terms of keeping

contraventions,’ Bonnici explains, adding

this project: the Edge, which refers to

roads safe and predicting whether

that security is central to the framework

data being collected and processed

they will require specific technology

of the data collection and includes video

as close to the source as possible, eg

or infrastructure in the future.

and voice anonymisation software.

in the same location as a security

Furthermore, the team explains

Perhaps one of the things that becomes clear when discussing this project is its interdisciplinary nature and the number of teams that it brings together.

camera; the Fog, which refers to data

need to be compressed to be more

traffic. Greenroads, as well as Muscat,

processed on a nationwide system;

efficient, thus consuming less power.

hopes for the ideas and results of

and the Cloud, which processes

Components of the Fog or Cloud

MARVEL to be used for practical

data from anywhere in the world.

do not need this compression as

decisions and for this to be the first

computational resources and power

of many projects to use data as a

push as much of the computation as

consumed are less of a concern.

means to an end for the greater good.

possible to the Edge to allow for more

This may present a challenge for hot

real-time reactions,’ they explain. In

countries like Malta, where numerous

will help authorities to make more

fact, the project is also working on

solutions readily available on the

data-driven decisions to help people

so-called ‘anomaly detection’. This

market would overheat and fail.

in their daily lives,’ Bonnici says.

would theoretically allow an AI system

‘Given that one of the main aims

‘I personally hope that this project

Despite its numerous challenges,

to monitor a road junction and flag if

of this project was to encourage

it’s safe to say that the current

an accident or some other abnormal

people to consume less fossil fuel

research augurs smarter solutions,

event occurs. The notification would

and opt for sustainable transport

(in all the various meanings of

be passed on to traffic controllers, for

instead of cars, it is quite ironic

the adjective). So perhaps we

example, who could react accordingly

that data collection itself can be so

can take off our tin foil hats and

to allow for minimal disruption to

energy hungry, but MARVEL is also

dispel our fears of bots taking over

other road users in real time.

using this local section to develop AI

society as we know it (at least for

models that are more efficient and

a little while) and look forward to

consume less power,’ Muscat adds.

tailored and timely solutions to our

‘The project also aims to minimise downtime and make efficient use of the infrastructure in place.

Perhaps one of the things that

This is done through changing

becomes clear when discussing this

the layer in which data is being

project is its interdisciplinary nature

Project MARVEL (Multimodal

processed based on the availability

and the number of teams that it

Extreme Scale Data Analytics for

of computational power and the

brings together. The local company

Smart Cities Environments) is a

needs of the user,’ Bonnici adds.

Greenroads was initially invited to

Horizon 2020 project involving

be a part of MARVEL because of

funded by the European Commission

their own R&D into monitoring road

(grant agreement no. 957337)

Focusing on Edge data processing also means that AI components

omnipresent traffic issues.

focus

‘The project is essentially trying to

31

focus

Designing Inclusive Kitchen Tools

32

Author: Timothy Alden

Technical Design and Technology is a new course at the University of Malta, and Andrea Gerada is a recent graduate from its second intake of students. Having previously worked preparing food in a kiosk, Gerada chose to combine his interests in product design and the culinary arts when selecting the subject of his dissertation.

‘Can individuals who suffer from a

got Gerada through the first steps of

medical condition affecting one of

a chicken salad as an example.

designing an ‘Assistive Multifunctional

the upper extremities prepare their

You will need onions, tomatoes,

Kitchen Tool for One-Handed Users’,

own meal in an affordable fashion?’

carrots, chicken, and lettuce,

providing them with a convenient way

Gerada then carried out market

amongst other things. Now imagine

to prepare food at home. To get started

research and a literature review,

yourself chopping, shredding, peeling,

in the long process of designing the

looking at what other products

slicing, and cutting all the ingredients.

tool, Gerada circulated a questionnaire

were on the market to address this

However, there is a twist. Imagine

to see how hand immobility affects

problem. Having gathered all the data

you have to do these tasks with one

meal preparation. Using the online

he needed, Gerada was able to use a

of your hands tied behind your back.’

questionnaire, he was able to identify

Quality Function Deployment (QFD)

In a few words, Gerada demonstrates

a significant decline in home meal

model. This is a model for product

how these simple daily tasks

preparation amongst those who had

development and production and was

suddenly become something far more

been injured, identifying a wider

originally popularised in Japan in the

complicated for those who suffer from

potential market for the product he

1960s. It aids in translating customer

a physical hand condition.

was about to begin designing.

needs and expectations into technical

For most, it may not be healthy or economical to order food every day. There is also the issue of

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Gerada’s creative process began

requirements by putting the customers at the forefront of the design process.

Customer requirements, requests,

independence, as one might not want

with identifying the design problem.

demands, and preferences are itemised

to always have to depend on others to

This is the issue and need which

and ranked in importance in the model.

prepare one’s food. Gerada points out

the product would address. Having

Gerada was thus able to get an idea of

that it is not just one-handed people

identified the challenge to one-handed

what kind of product would genuinely

who might suffer, as there could also

users in the kitchen, Gerada was then

be useful to customers.

be people affected by problems such

able to move on to the next step of

as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis.

the process, asking a design question:

‘During the design thinking process, I made use of design tools, and one focus

I

It was this thought process that

simple, healthy meal. Let’s take

magine you are preparing a

33

(Bread) Stopper

Spikes

r ate Gr ler ine e Pe ndol Ma

Food / Item Adjustable Holder

Grinder

Retractable Base

Groove

Winning Concept I Image courtesy of Andrea Gerada

of the first was the QFD. From the market research and questionnaire, I could transform my data into customer

and market research through various design models, Gerada

requirements, and these could be turned into product

moved on to the concept evaluation stage. The purpose of

design specifications. With more research and thinking,

concept evaluation is to assess each concept according to

I could come up with design parameters. These parameters

a common set of criteria. This is done in order to shortlist

took me to the next design stage.’

the concept that will ultimately be further developed. The

FUNCTION–MEANS TREE Gerada explains that in the next stage of the process, he applied the function–means tree model. This helps break

screening and concept scoring. This strategy prevents designers from investing too much energy on detailed work.’

The next two phases Gerada carried out, namely screening and scoring, are designed to narrow down the concepts by

example, whether one chops by hand or with a machine.

using criteria such as grip or safety. Other criteria which were

If it is hand-powered, then one moves to the next step

flagged as important included the ease of setting up the device

in the creative process.

and the practicality of cleaning, assembling, and disassembling

of steps and stages that should be followed. The function– means tree allows one to break down a large problem into a smaller one and then provides different means or options to solve it. The designer is not constrained at this stage, as such constraints may inhibit the development of an innovative idea.’

As his next step, Gerada used the morphological matrix.

it. Having used these criteria and scored his various designs, Gerada settled on his final concept: Concept I.

EMBODIMENT DESIGN STAGE ‘With the key concept decided upon, the embodiment design stage is where further detail, decisions, and considerations are studied and applied.’ Gerada elaborates that

‘The matrix helps one to identify the various products on

the next challenge was to refine his concept, and ergonomics

the market for different functions. For example, under the

was one of the chief focuses at this point. Ergonomics

activity of peeling, one can look at all the peeling devices

emphasises that designs must fit the needs of the operator,

in one place. Just by looking at all these devices, one can

not the other way around. The goal is to eliminate discomfort

imagine different combinations and thus picture new

and risk of injury. Therefore, Gerada applied ergonomic

design opportunities.’

principles and set about making his design as symmetrical

Gerada explains that from this stage of the process, he developed nine design concepts. Eight concepts were generated

focus

concept evaluation is composed of two stages: concept

down an overarching function into different parts – for

‘For a creative solution to be achieved, there are a number

34

Having produced a number of concepts by running his data

as possible, as this is one of the best practices in the field.

For example, symmetrical design means that the consumer

at an early stage of the conceptual design stage, whereas

benefits from less confusing product marketing, such as not

the ninth concept was developed later on in the process.

having to worry about whether the product is left or right

Prototype render Image courtesy of Andrea Gerada

handed. At the same time, however, the manufacturer also

every component must be made available along with the

benefits, as the process to create the product is simplified,

selected list and bill of materials. The key, therefore, is to

shortened, and thus, cheaper. Even the choice of colours

ensure proper communication with the manufacturer via

was considered in terms of potential impact upon emotions,

detailed schematics.

with Gerada noting a link between colours, appetite, and mental health.

No product is complete, however, without its marketing aspect. Gerada developed his own brand for the product

Another example of ergonomics in practice in Gerada’s

and emphasised the need for this choice to be unique in

design was creating a board underneath a shelf to collect

order to establish communication between the company

anything that dropped when chopping ingredients. The

and the customer. Gerada underlines that his product is

retractable tray could then be used to empty ingredients

one ultimately aimed at providing a public service, and thus

into a pot or a pan.

service was emphasised in the brand identity. Concluding his

One of the chief considerations in designing and then

discussion on the design of the product, Gerada mentions

refining the product was its ability to be assembled and

how the design aims to leave a significant positive impact on

disassembled into various neatly fitting parts and modules.

the consumer’s life, offering it as a contribution to the well-

This would also help with recycling and cost-effectiveness.

being of others.

Gerada explains that he used prototyping software to build

Asking Gerada what the next step for him is, he expresses

3D models of the product throughout the process, helping

interest in a career in product design in manufacturing.

him to visualise, spot, and make changes as necessary.

Having learned key design concepts and put them into

Towards the end of the project, he carried out physical

practice, Gerada will surely find his place in Malta’s diverse

prototyping, building a model of his design using cardboard.

manufacturing sector. When asked what was next for his

He revised his work at the end of the process through a

kitchen concept, Gerada is coy – rather than registering for

Failure Modes Effects Analysis: a systematic tool to determine

the patent, he much prefers to publicise his work through

the different ways in which his product might physically fail.

other mediums. One hopes that his work ethic and skills

It looked at components such as rotating parts and ensuring

will get the notice they deserve.

a sufficient level of friction to prevent the product from sliding on a kitchen counter. Gerada points out how, due to the various materials which kitchen counters are made

Further Reading:

of, it was difficult to anticipate this aspect.

Gerada, A., 2022. Design of an Assistive Multifunctional

the importance of communicating effectively with the

Kitchen Tool for One-Handed Users. Undergraduate

manufacturer. To this end, detailed design drawings of

dissertation. University of Malta. focus

Having designed the product, Gerada emphasises

35

Digital-Proofing Society to Face Future Crises Author: Martina Borg

The importance of digital literacy has been undisputed for some time now, but the recent pandemic brought this into centre stage on a global level. As more of us shifted to the digital world, inequalities and gaps in our overall knowledge and preparedness were made starkly evident. An Erasmus project is trying to tackle these issues head on and attempting to learn from our recent past…

T

ikTok dances, cameras

implications on society have become

can apply in other scenarios, localities,

stuck on cat filters,

an area of interest in recent years.

and communities,’ she says. Mifsud also

speeches delivered on

closed us up as a society and pushed

just how unprepared society was to

unwelcome intrusions

a lot of our lives online, practically

tackle any given crisis, be it a pandemic,

during a video call… does any of that

overnight. It essentially turned

fighting environmental damage, or the

ring a slightly unpleasant bell? Most of

everyone into digital activists, as we

effects of diplomatic breakdowns.

us are more than thrilled to leave these

all had to engage with technology in

typical pandemic occurrences in our

some form or another, whether we

we are essentially saying that we

rear-view mirror, but for the researchers

were skilled at it or not,’ Attard adds.

want to learn from the challenges we

behind the HEIDI project, these

‘This project is essentially helping us

faced in our most recent crisis in order

mishaps and realities have presented

to look at the impact that this shift

to be able to tackle any other crises

an opportunity to learn and create a

has had on our society, and to try to

we might end up facing and become

better future. THINK sat down with

understand how these newly acquired

more resilient as a society,’ she adds.

Dr Wendy Jo Mifsud (lecturer with the

skills can be used in the future.’

Dr Mifsud explains that although

‘When we talk about this project,

Heather McNamara spoke to me about her background in anthropology

Maria Attard (Director of the Institute

Project HEIDI took the COVID-19

and explained that her interest in

for Climate Change and Sustainable

crisis as its springboard, its focus on

the project stemmed from her hope

Development), and Heather McNamara

digital actions in society was a big draw

to achieve a better understanding

(Research Support Officer with the

for her to be a part of the project.

of social and digital inequality.

Faculty for the Built Environment)

‘My research and work centres

‘I had never heard about citizen

around the social implications of

science before becoming part of this

planning, so this project, with its

project, but as time went on, I realised

work on Citizen Science,’ Prof. Attard

focus on building better capacity and

that a lot of us often participate in it

says, explaining that technology and its

capabilities, will deliver lessons that I

without really noticing. I am interested

to learn more about this project.

‘I came to this project through my

focus

explains that the pandemic revealed

a muted microphone,

Faculty for the Built Environment), Prof.

36

‘The COVID-19 pandemic effectively

The HEIDI project started by

in trying to bridge the divides in

from Greece and Cyprus (Web2Learn

communities at a grassroots level, and

and Citizens in Power respectively)

categorising digital actions for analysis

allowing people to access skills that

which help with outreach and

in three main categories. Firstly,

would help them to move up in society.

ensuring that the project gathers as

there were Hackathons, which the

The pandemic revealed that there were

much social input from the wider,

researchers defined as digital marathons

some pockets of society that simply

non-academic community as it can.

where individuals worked on projects

‘Speaking about UM’s events, we

digitally and produced them in a

knowledge, and this project aims to

have had a good response. Obviously,

marathon style. These were being held

promote better digital practices by

as with most projects, we have a

at other institutions rather than UM.

bringing together academics and the

minimum number of participants we

general community,’ McNamara goes on.

need, but we’ve made sure that we’ve

movement”, which is when people band

aimed to go above the quota to find

together to make something out of

people from different backgrounds

necessity. One of the clearest examples

that enrich discussion,’ McNamara

we had over the pandemic was when

title: Digital action at HEIs (Higher

explains, adding that so far, the

people in higher education worldwide

Education Institutions) as a catalyst

Maltese chapter of the research has

banded together to make PPE and

for social change in the COVID-19

collected over 100 participants.

things like sanitizer,’ Attard says.

THE HEIDI PROJECT The HEIDI Project – or its full

crisis – is an Erasmus project spanning

‘About 60% of participants were

‘The second definition is the “maker

The third aspect is citizen science,

two years (up until May 2023). The

academics, but now that we’re in

or put simply: people from the general

project brings together the research

the later stages of the project, we’re

public contributing to scientific research

of three higher education institutions,

discussing with public stakeholders,

through things like their smartphones.

namely University College London

including decision makers from

(UCL), the University of Malta (UM),

government departments who

when people take photos to document

and University of Paris. The project

focus on digital innovation, which

anything like the weather, plants, bird

has also partnered with two NGOs

is great,’ McNamara adds.

presence, and so on,’ Attard says.

‘This can take various forms like

focus

didn’t have the same access to digital

37

Dr Wendy Jo Mifsud Photo courtesy of Dr Wendy Jo Mifsud

‘By addressing these three main categories, this project is trying to look beyond one specific definition of digital action and to analyse the different ways in which people are now using the digital,’ she adds.

McNamara also delved into what the Maltese chapter has effectively focused on in terms of research.

‘We have held a number of round-table discussions as well as some co-creation workshops. Participants have been asked to record their findings and discussions, and these reports will then be published online with the aim of inspiring further research or even to inspire projects to use similar methodologies.’

She went on to explain that the researchers Prof. Maria Attard Photo by Sarah Zammit

were currently in the process of preparing for an intensive co-creative workshop, where two university students had been recruited to work with a local entrepreneur under a mentorship scheme.

‘Together the students will use themes gathered from previous round-tables to come up with ideas for digital actions (or products), and they will then discuss the feasibility and transferability of these projects with their mentor, a local entrepreneur.’

PROJECT AIMS & FUTURE Attard explains that the findings and ideas from this project and workshop will in turn be discussed by a panel of academics, stakeholders, and government heads with the aim of coming up with a set of guidelines that will be publicly available to ensure that more of society can use the digital world more effectively.

‘The hope is that people will be able to use these guides to become better digital activists. In the case of students,

focus

Heather McNamara Photo by James Moffett

38

they will be learning how to use the digital world more effectively to grow their business, for instance,’ she goes on.

Digital activism is an action that seeks to counter social and ecological issues so it can address any potential disaster, sometimes even before it spreads and becomes a full-blown crisis.

technology has served them over the past two years and to analyse the outcomes of their digital actions.

‘Some academics have been discussing things

institutions and the community interact with each other has been highlighted as an action point.

‘Promoting the importance of research and data collection within younger students has been suggested as a method of building better relationships for civic

they took for granted such as holding lectures over

participation,’ McNamara says, adding that demystifying

Zoom and being asked to analyse the issues they

the research processes could essentially help build

had identified in that process,’ Attard says.

trust in communities outside higher education.

‘For the first events, we held five rounds of interviews

‘Essentially, this project represents a unique

with stakeholders within higher education institutions. We

opportunity to gather data from a pool of researchers

spoke to librarians, IT support, students, decision makers, and

and the wider community to obtain a better digital

academics from UM and MCAST. Our aim was to understand

experience for the future,’ she goes on.

how the pandemic affected them,’ McNamara clarifies.

‘One aspect that stood out was that there needs to be

‘We hope that the project results in us finding ways to resolve the barriers identified through digital actions.

better digital literacy for projects and research in digital action

For instance, in the creation of online campaigns that

to produce better results. A way of doing this is to address

can garner better engagement and make people’s

digital equality. If a person does not have the skills or finance

actions online more effective,’ Mifsud adds.

to access digital tools, they are marginalised, and that can

‘In addition, this project is a unique opportunity for

lead to exclusion from the micro and macro communities,’

higher education to carry out outreach programmes into

she says, explaining some of the results of the project so far.

less-advantaged communities to try and understand how

‘By equipping people, we can increase numbers

to serve them better,’ Attard says, explaining that UCL is

of participants in digital events and also build

working with communities from East London, an area that

resilience for future crises,’ she adds, explaining that

is typically more disadvantaged than the western side.

citizen science and general citizen participation can ultimately help to prevent crises.

‘In terms of the environment, for instance, society getting

To most readers of this piece, the importance of higher education will undoubtedly be a given. However, its relevance in wider communities is sometimes a little unclear, with

involved and monitoring the environment and anomalies

researchers gaining a reputation for disconnectedness

can help avert crises. Ways in which citizen science is

from real social issues. As the researchers explain, this

already helping locally include people monitoring things like

project, with its hopeful tone and desire to learn from

jellyfish, stars, invasive plant species, or litter, for instance.’

one of the bleakest points in recent history, aims to be

Already, the round-tables in Malta, Greece, and

a driving force for change. Digital activism is an action

Cyprus have shown that communication is an important

that seeks to counter social and ecological issues so

factor for successful performance of digital action, so

it can address any potential disaster, sometimes even

as a result, investigation into how higher education

before it spreads and becomes a full-blown crisis. focus

Attard explains that the project ultimately serves as a forum for people to think of all the ways that

39

focus

ONLY THE LONELY 40

Original photo courtesy of Valeriiaarnaud/Shuttertock.com

Author: Chris Styles

You may be surprised that the level of social integration and the number of close relationships a person has is one measure of their life expectancy, but with reports suggesting loneliness is on the rise, are we facing a new epidemic? And are there specific social, demographic, or economic factors that are contributing to this rise? In this article, Chris Styles speaks to Jamie Bonnici from the University of Malta, Faculty for Social Wellbeing, about a 2019 study on the prevalence of loneliness among the Maltese population and if these feelings of isolation are more prevalent in certain demographics, a study which has been replicated recently as well.

lonely could have a much greater impact than previously

prefer the company of just a few close friends?

realised – not just for a person’s mental health, with

The labels introverted and extroverted are a

loneliness being linked to anxiety, depression, diminished

commonly used shorthand to describe how

life satisfaction and overall resilience – but also to a person’s

people feel about social situations, but we

physical health, including increased risk of stroke and heart

all need the company of others sometimes. If you describe

disease, high blood pressure, and weaker immune systems.

yourself as having a small appetite, it does not mean you do

Because of this, some researchers are considering loneliness

not need to eat at all. And although you may feel like this

a modern ‘epidemic’.

comparison is not particularly apt, more and more studies

Unfortunately, it seems that loneliness is on the rise,

have demonstrated the importance of social interaction on

and although there is some debate within the research

our physical and mental health.

community as to exactly what extent, feeling lonely is just

If you have ever felt the pang of missing someone you have not seen in a long time, that pain is not imaginary!

an inevitable part of the human condition.

But what about those living on the Maltese Islands, the

Our brains have been wired in such a way that when you

isolated archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean

feel a sense of being alone, it shares a similar neurological

Sea, home to over 525,000 people (115,449 of which are

pathway to physical pain, and when you eventually are

foreigners)? How lonely is this population, and are there

reunited and you give them a hug (or however you express

any specific social, demographic, or economic factors that

yourself), your body also reacts physically, by releasing

contribute to these feelings of isolation? Well, that is a

oxytocin and dopamine into your bloodstream, improving

question that a team of researchers from the Faculty for

your mood and relieving stress. In fact, a person’s social

Social Wellbeing wanted to answer.

connectivity and the number of close-person relationships

Jamie Bonnici was part of the research team (including

they have is one of the key indicators of life expectancy,

Prof. Marilyn Clark and led by Prof. Andrew Azzopardi) that

comparable in importance to the amount of exercise you

orchestrated this study, and in 2019, they conducted a

do or even if you are a smoker or not. Recent research has

systematic survey of the population of Malta to identify

suggested that the long-term health implications of feeling

the extent of these feelings of isolation. focus

D

o you love being part of the crowd, or do you

41

Prof. Andrew Azzopardi Photo by James Moffett

MEASURING LONELINESS – COMPLEX EMOTIONS ‘Loneliness has been described by social science researchers as a symptom of other societal issues; the exact reason why someone might experience these feelings is very complicated to understand, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.’

Jamie Bonnici

‘One obstacle to obtaining a clear picture of loneliness is the variation that exists in terms of the research tools used to assess loneliness. This makes it difficult to accurately compare data across countries and time.’ Bonnici explains, ‘This is the first representative study of this kind to be conducted in Malta.’ The socio-demographic criteria the research team chose were based on existing studies that have been done into loneliness, as well as factors that could possibly result in lower feelings of belonging within a community.

The questionnaire was presented in both Maltese and English throughout March of 2019 and gathered information

For an issue with so many complex and personal

from a random sample of Maltese citizens throughout the

dimensions, the research team thought it was important

island. Featuring respondents aged 11 years and older,

to invite academics and representatives from each of the

the survey was designed so as to ensure that an adequate

departments at the University of Malta to join a working

representation of participants was reached based on gender,

group, an opportunity to discuss the potential sociological

age group, and district.

and psychological associations linked to loneliness on the

Over the survey period, the research team received

island. From these collaborative sessions, the research

responses from 1,009 participants, and of these, 43.5% of

team designed a survey protocol which collected data using

respondents were found to be experiencing some degree of

a bespoke Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing

loneliness (41.3% moderately lonely, 1.7% severely lonely,

procedure. This survey consisted of questions from the

and 0.5% very severely lonely). When the research team

standardised De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, featuring

looked more closely at the data, they were able to identify

statements such as ‘There is always someone I can talk to

groups in the community who appeared to have less social

about my day-to-day problems’ and ‘I often feel rejected’,

capital (the ability to form wide networks of relationships

where participants could either agree, disagree, or feel

within society). These groups included but were not limited to

neutral about these statements. In addition, questions were

the elderly; those who have limited educational attainment;

included to gather information on each of the participants’

the unemployed, retired, or otherwise not in employment;

socio-demographic status as follows:

those who are widowed, separated, divorced, or married; those who live alone; people who perceive their household

 Level of education

 Subjective physical health

 Labour status

 Subjective coping ability

 Household composition

 Subjective well-being

 Mortgage status

 Membership of a voluntary organisation

 Age group

focus

 Perception of household income

42

 Presence of a disability

income to be low; and those who would rate their physical health as ‘bad’ or identify as disabled.

A recent follow-up study, conducted by the faculty in 2022, compares the data obtained from the 2019 study.

The results suggest an increase in loneliness over the past 3 years with 49.2% of respondents feeling moderately lonely (as opposed to 41.3% in 2019), 4.6% feeling severely lonely (1.7% in 2019), and 0.8% feeling very severely lonely (0.5% in 2019).

0.5%

1.7%

0.8%

4.6%

Overall Loneliness Rates 49.2%

2019

49.2%

2022

56.5%

43.5%

of the sample are experiencing some form of loneliness

45.4

54.6%

of the sample are experiencing some form of loneliness

2019

2022

Not lonely

56.5%

45.4%

Moderately lonely

41.3%

49.2%

Severely lonely

1.7%

4.6%

Very severely lonely

0.5%

0.8%

2019 Data taken from (Clark, Bonnici & Azzopardi, 2021). 2022 Data taken from (Azzopardi, Clark, Bonnici & Cuff, 2022).

‘I was surprised to see that loneliness was present in Malta

impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had upon our lives is

on this scale,’ Bonnici comments, ‘I had always seen the

still being unravelled by researchers, with Bonnici and the

people of Malta as very close-knit and neighbourly.’

team at the Faculty for Social Wellbeing recently finalising

BEING LESS LONELY – NO EASY ANSWERS There is no one factor that contributes to a person feeling

the data collection for the second round of loneliness research, which may give an indication of any changes that have occurred during the pandemic. Early findings show

isolated, but rather a collection of circumstances that have

younger age groups (11 to 19 years) having higher rates

led them to feel disconnected. This unfortunately means that

of overall loneliness than older age groups

there is no single answer to how to alleviate this epidemic, ‘It’s

Almost paradoxically, in a world where we can connect

difficult to say whether such impacts can be resolved by simply

with anyone at the push of a button, many of us are lonelier

being more social, since loneliness is a subjective experience:

than ever. But there are a few things that we can all do; we

people can have a large group of friends and still feel lonely,

can all be aware of this issue and look out for each other.

particularly if they do not feel that there is someone they can

Reach out to friends and family. Awareness of the issue is

turn to when they need support,’ Bonnici says. ‘For individuals

the key, and if you or someone you care about is suffering

seeking to combat loneliness, whilst there is no one-size-fits-

but are unsure of what to do, please do get in touch with

all approach, research has demonstrated benefits of engaging

an organisation such as Malta Together. They are here to help.

in volunteering activities, as well as possibly speaking to a

Other professional support services include kellimni.com;

therapist to address any maladaptive thought patterns which

alternatively you can phone the national helpline on 179.

might have developed. Our research has also shown that

You are not alone!

certain factors may be protective against loneliness, such as furthering one’s education.’

Being alone and loneliness are often considered to mean the same thing, but they are not. You can feel lonely even when you are surrounded by people; loneliness is also a subjective feeling and perhaps a self-fulfilling prophecy somewhat. If you feel lonely, then you are lonely, and if you are feeling lonely you may also lack the confidence to go out

Further Reading:

of your comfort zone to acquire new connections, creating a loneliness feedback loop.

However, modern life and the social restrictions put into

Azzopardi, A., Clark, M., Bonnici, J., & Cuff, A. (2022).

Survey On Loneliness.

place during the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic certainly have not helped the situation. Many of us have found

Clark, M., Bonnici, J., & Azzopardi, A. (2021). Loneliness

ourselves changed by the situation. Although at the time of

in Malta: Findings from the first National Prevalence

writing this article, COVID-19 safeguards have drastically

Study. Journal Of Social And Personal Relationships, 38(9),

been relaxed, many people are finding it difficult to maintain

2751-2771. doi: 10.1177/02654075211020120

difficult to deal with, or just struggling to find the time to

A full list of references will be available on the digital

maintain the social connections they once had. The exact

version of the article at thinkmagazine.mt focus

a healthy work-life balance, finding new societal pressures

43

Eating Disorders in Malta Author: David Mizzi

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are usually associated with teenage women.

However, eating disorders can affect anyone, irrespective of gender or age. A local study examines eating disorders in those aged between 10 and 16 years.

U

ntil a few years ago, eating disorders were seen as a first-world problem, something that

and a Research Support Officer with the Faculty for Social

young women brought upon themselves.

Wellbeing at the University of Malta (UM), explains how ‘while

While some conservative pockets of the

female adolescents are the most at-risk group, eating disorders

population still hold on to this view, the vast

can affect men, older women, and children. The average age

majority has recognized that eating disorders are psychological

of onset is between 10 and 19 years. These are crucial years

disturbances and rarely have anything to do with food.

for physical and psychological development, and the presence

Prior to 2012, very few services that tackled eating

disrupt natural growth. More importantly, the way you treat a

that same year (carried out by the National Statistics Office)

12-year-old isn’t necessarily how you would treat a 50-year-

examined a representative sample of 15 to 50-year-olds in

old.’ Darleen Zerafa, Director at Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek and

the general population. The results found that the prevalence

Prof. Anton Grech, Clinical Chairman of the Department of

of eating disorders in Malta was comparable to that in other

Psychiatry in the Ministry of Health and also Chairman of Dar

European countries, with a lifetime prevalence of anorexia

Kenn Għal Saħħtek have worked tirelessly in the area and

at 2.4%, 0.8% for bulimia, and 2.6% for binge eating. This

contributed to this study through their guidance and advice.

for the Treatment of Obesity and Eating Disorders) in 2014.

Shortly after it opened, Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek noticed

focus

of an eating disorder at this developmental stage tends to

disorders existed in Malta. However, a study conducted

study led to the opening of Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek (Centre

44

Annabel Cuff, one of the leading researchers of the study

WHAT ARE EATING DISORDERS? According to the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual

something peculiar about its patients. A substantial number

of Mental Disorders), eating disorders are classified as a

were under 15 years old. The lack of empirical data in this

psychological disturbance. More often than not, eating

age group led the Centre to commission a new study, one

disorders are not about eating. They usually appear because

that examined the prevalence of eating disorders in 10 to

of emotional problems and arise from a desire to control

16-year-olds. This research is the first of its kind in Malta.

food intake that spirals out of control for some innate reason.

Eating disorders are never about food. Food is the outward appearance of the eating disorder. Food is what can be controlled or what is to be feared.’

Anorexia is not just about restricting calories but removing them by any means. No matter how much weight is lost, sufferers remain fearful of weight gain and experience a constant desire to lose more weight.

BULIMIA Bulimia is characterised by frequent and uncontrollable episodes of overeating or binges followed by purging. These binges usually consist of consuming thousands of calories in a single sitting, accompanied by extreme efforts to avoid gaining weight such as

Food is the outward appearance of the eating disorder.

Food is what can be controlled or what is to be feared.’

There are four main eating disorders: anorexia

throwing up, exercise, laxatives, and medication.

BINGE EATING DISORDER Binge eating disorder involves uncontrollable urges

nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and

to eat. However, it is distinct from bulimia as it does

avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

not include purging behaviours. As a result, sufferers

ANOREXIA Due to its high mortality rate, anorexia is seen as the most dangerous of eating disorders. It is characterised

are highly likely to be overweight or obese.

ARFID ARFID is a type of extreme picky eating or food phobia

by an extreme fear of gaining weight, an abnormally

in which the sufferer avoids certain types of food. Often

low body weight, and a distorted perception of weight.

this is due to sensory issues or fear of certain foods; as focus

According to Cuff, ‘Eating disorders are never about food.

45

a result, sometimes whole food groups are excluded.

of the disorders is that sufferers lead blunted, subpar

ARFID is not about body image but rather involves a

lives, and make costly and high-volume use of health

psychological block tied to certain types of food. Usually

services, not to mention suicide attempts.

it develops into the patient only eating a very specific type of food, such as a particular brand of pasta.

Usually there isn’t one, single cause of eating disorders, but a number of factors. These could be

Most studies have focused on adolescent women; however, eating disorders have also been found in other demographics, especially in marginalised communities, men, and LGBTQ+.

For example, anorexia in men is usually about muscle

psychological or emotional reasons, a history of abuse,

mass. The ideal male body is presented as a muscle frame

genetics, as well as family make-up. A consequence

on social media. Achieving this requires hard work, exercise, and dietary control, which can easily spiral into an obsession that starts to take over many aspects of the person's life.

While personality is generally thought to have a relationship to eating disorders, the debate remains as to whether and to what extent: whether personality is causal to eating disorders, predisposes an individual to an eating disorder, or generates complications during the course of the disorder.

EATING DISORDERS IN TODAY’S CHILDREN The study conducted by the UM Faculty in collaboration with Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek took a stratified random sample of 400 children between 10 and 16 years old.

Participants took part in an anonymous telephone survey; it included questions aimed at the children themselves, as well as questions aimed at their guardians.

The most widely used questionnaire for investigating eating disorders is the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT); however, this is aimed at adults. The researchers used an adaptation of EAT which is aimed at children. ChEAT (Children’s Eating Attitudes Test) has been widely tested, boasts good reliability

focus

Annabel Cuff Photo by Sarah Zammit

46

and validity, and has been translated and used in several languages, making it ideal for the local study. The language

used is simple enough for children to understand and is

treatment. For many, these psychological disturbances are

easily translatable. In fact, it was translated into Maltese

an attempt to achieve an ‘ideal’ body image. Oftentimes,

to fit the local context, and the translation was tested to

these ‘ideal’ body images are compounded by media

ensure it was a true reflection of the English original.

representations. Cuff points out that, ‘Being thin or having a “good” figure is seen as socially desirable, and many people

10 to 16 year olds in Malta do not have an eating disorder,

try hard to achieve this, especially in an age where the

there is a substantial minority who do. Of the 5.5% who

number of likes on your social media photos count for self-

are affected, 3.25% are female and 2.25% are male. Within

validation. Not all people who strive to look good will go on

the general population of 10 to 16 year olds in Malta, this

to develop an eating disorder of course; however, body image

translates to 1675 youngsters affected by eating disorders,

and achieving the impossible “ideal figure” remains a factor.’

of whom, potentially, 990 are female and 685 are male.

While more females than males were affected, the male-

Cuff goes on to add, ‘When you are in the grip of an eating disorder, it rules you and controls your compulsions.

female ratio was higher than expected. With ChEAT, scores

It becomes a driver in your life. Especially for people with

above 20 indicate a possible eating disorder; of these, for

anorexia, if the patient has had it for several years, it

the males who scored above or equal to 20, the average

becomes a part of your identity.’ Treating eating disorders

was higher than the equivalent average for females. This

requires a holistic approach. It essentially involves ‘rewiring’

suggests that males within this age group may be more

the way the patient lives their life, the way they view

severely affected than females. Additionally, the study found

food, and in extreme cases, their entire sense of self.

that, for this age group and cohort, there are no significant

By better understanding eating disorders in younger age

associations for age, gender, or socio-economic status.

groups, the study will not only help inform public policy but

Eating disorders cut right across the socio-economic strata.

will also aid in the development of services for Dar Kenn

The study is a nationally representative study and

Għal Saħħtek’s service users. Cuff leaves us with one, final

shows that the split between male and females (in

piece of advice: ‘If somebody suspects that a loved one has

10 to 16 year olds) is essentially 50/50. This suggests

an eating disorder, the best thing is to look for information

that, within this age group, gender does not play

and not be afraid to help and support them. Research shows

a role in the likelihood of an eating disorder.

that having adequate support is usually the most effective

ROAD TO RECOVERY There is a huge stigma associated with eating disorders.

approach for treatment.’ The Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, Prof. Andrew Azzopardi states that ‘these studies serve to enlighten us but also provide evidence-based data

They are often seen as ‘putting on airs’ or a self-imposed

that can be used to enhance our social policy. We are an

condition. This stigma usually means that many patients

effective faculty when we manage, through our scholarship

will hide their condition, which, in turn, could delay their

and community outreach, to help bring about changes.’ focus

The results suggest that although the vast majority of

47

feature

Firing Up the Past Author: James Moffett

A university-led project is fabricating Ancient Roman pottery using local raw materials to understand more about Malta’s past.

P

ottery, as a human-

it would make a good case study,

provide data and a clearer image of

made material, dates

and in archaeology, pottery is more

the past. The artefacts themselves

back to almost 30,000

often than not the only surviving

are studied in a lab, scrutinised under

BP (Before Present) and

element that can offer a glimpse

microscopes, and subjected to x-ray

has been an essential

into the history behind the site

fluorescence, which allows researchers

tool in humanity’s journey ever

itself. ‘It’s what we find the most,’

to understand their composition and

since. It is therefore not surprising

explains Richard-Trémeau. ‘Pots were

characteristics. This also includes

that the characteristics of pottery

used for cooking, for eating, and

seeking out potential raw materials

findings in archaeology are a crucial

for storing food and other goods.

facet in determining the culture

They are with us in everyday life.’

and way of life of past people. This concept is at the heart of CoFIPoMS: a two-year research project hosted

The CoFIPoMS project or – to give

by the Department of Classics and

it its full name – Compiling the Fabric

Archaeology at the University of Malta.

Identity for Pottery from Maltese

feature

THINK met with Emma Richard-

48

SEIZE THE CLAY

Sites, aims to better understand the

Trémeau, the primary researcher on

production of local pottery that took

this venture, to discuss the significance

place over 2,000 years ago. To do this,

and scope of the work. ‘The project

the team is collecting and analysing

is about pottery. Specifically pottery

raw materials from across the Maltese

made in Malta during the Punic-Roman

Islands that could have been used

period; so we’re talking 3rd to 1st

in the fabrication process of pottery

century BC.’ It being an important time

samples discovered in archaeological

period in the history of the Maltese

sites such as the Żejtun villa and the

islands, the team behind the project –

sanctuary at Tas-Silġ. In addition, the

supervised by Head of Department

undertaking of such a project requires

Dr Ing. John Charles Betts –realised

the use of a number of techniques to

Emma Richard-Trémeau Photo by James Moffett

Top: Experimental briquettes made with different possible raw materials from Malta.

Photo by Kellian Coste (Intern - University of Edinburgh) Left: Microphotograph of a pottery sherd from the site of Tas-Silġ which has been ground flat.

Small microfossils which are present in Maltese sediment are visible in white.

Photo courtesy of Emma Richard-Trémeau

in and around Malta that might have

This is why this study includes

accurate data relevant to this research.

provided people at that time with the

experimental archaeology, a field of

Experimental archaeology thus enables

necessary ingredients to create this

study which attempts to approximate

its users to test their hypotheses

kind of pottery. ‘We are investigating

or reproduce aspects of ancient

on past periods in the real world.

the processes of making pottery in

crafts. As Richard-Trémeau explains,

the past from scratch; so getting the

‘Experimental archaeology means

clay from the landscape, to actually

trying to recreate the materials we’ve

firing and distributing the pots.’

seen. So for example, we are going to

One of the more intriguing

work with the raw material we think

aspects of the CoFIPoMS project is

was used in the past. This is essential

the promotion of interdisciplinary

because some of our theories are

research, amongst which are data

based on what we observe in the

analysis, chemistry, engineering, and

pottery, but we cannot observe the

archaeology. As a Research Support

people making the pots directly. So we

Officer on CoFIPoMS, Richard-

need to try to understand the stages

Trémeau has received training on

with different methods.’ The process

aspects of all these disciplines during

begins with making small bricks

the project. ‘The idea is I work with a

of clay and firing them at different

few specialists, and I also do a lot of

temperatures to test whether or

the analysis myself and get trained by

not they explode. This also permits

them, and then I try to make sense

the researchers to understand the

of the data produced.’ The nature of

limitations of the materials used. These

such an interdisciplinary project means

bricks of clay are then studied with the

that some stages of the research are

same methods as the pottery shards.

more demanding than others. ‘It’s been a bit challenging. For example,

experimentation with different raw

at the moment, I’m trying to compare

materials that might yield more

the chemical and geological data.’

feature

There is room for further Dr Ing. John C. Betts Photo by James Moffett

ARCHAEOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, AND ENGINEERING

49

Pottery, cooking vessel common in Punic/Late Punic periods. This one has a possible dedicatory inscription interpreted by researchers to be an abbreviation of 'for the offering'. The raw material used does not fit the characteristics of Blue Clay as seen in other types of pottery. One aim was to assess if these vessels were locally produced.

Photo courtesy of Emma Richard-Trémeau

However, the main aim is to bring

actually making and, most likely,

everything we have planned,’ states

all relevant fields together to make

selling their pottery. We have also

Richard-Trémeau. ‘So, I hope this

sense in archaeological terms. ‘So,

seen distinct uses of material for

will be carried on by someone else.’

the most important thing isn't what

different types of pots. So people

Needless to say, the amount of work

the clay is made from,’ continues

did not seem to use the same clay or

and data generated since the project’s

Richard-Trémeau, ‘but the facts we

treat it the same way when they were

commencement in 2020 is staggering.

acquire on what a potter does.’

making cooking pots or plates. And

‘Most of the analysis of the pottery

that’s why it is important, because it

that was chosen is complete, and

laboratory tests have already started

means that the people working the

now we’re looking at the results.’

offering tantalising clues into this

material knew what they were doing.’

particular period in Maltese history.

The implications are significantly

analysis, the enticing nature of

Indeed, it seems that most of the

much more widespread, as these

research means that the project

pottery studied could be produced

findings could form the basis that will

will expand into other investigative

locally, although we are still assessing

allow further studies into the entire

branches to further illuminate our

to what extent this is true. This is a

facet of Roman pottery in Malta.

gaze into the past. ‘In research,

Results from the findings and

feature

significant find in itself, considering

50

While project timelines are in place,

This being the main stage of the

you sometimes start with two

the site’s location in Marsaxlokk,

untangling the mysteries left by the

questions, and you’ve actually

where one would expect a higher

passage of time is a demanding task,

opened more questions than ones

rate of imported goods being brought

and given the scope of the research,

you’ve answered.’ As the work

from other countries to the fishing

it is not always possible for deadlines

continues, the future looks bright

village. ‘Some people in Malta were

to be adhered to. ‘We won’t finish

with the prospects of the past.

feature

Tackling Tumours:

How to Tame the Rebels Author:

Antónia Ribeiro

To defeat your enemy, you must understand your enemy. We can’t confirm if Sun Tzu would agree with this, but the MPitNET group at the University of Malta (UM) certainly does. THINK dives into their efforts in understanding – and hopefully defeating – pituitary tumours.

As highlighted by Vassallo, current therapies

casually dropped ‘I have cancer.’ With a sunny disposition,

can control symptoms in a significant proportion

quick laughter, and a seemingly healthy appearance, my

of patients but only cure less than 40% of cases.

friend’s news came as a shock to me. I have been living

This necessitates life-long follow up for recurrence.

closely with cancer patients for almost a decade, and I have

To this end, understanding the tumour microenvironment

witnessed the debilitating side effects of treatments. In my head,

will enable scientists to find potential targets for

this friend didn’t fit the profile of a cancer patient, but years of

therapy and improve patients’ quality of life and

scientific research has allowed them to live an almost normal

survival rates.

life, practically unburdened by the debilitating side effects of

The MPitNET project entails two branches of research:

other cancer therapies. For the first time, I saw cancer as a

1. Identification and mapping of the immune cells that

chronic, manageable disease instead of a dark cloud of slowly leaking time, hovering over the patient’s head.

It is towards these life-changing advancements that the MPitNET team, led by principal investigators Prof. David

infiltrate pituitary tumours 2. Characterising the immune gene expression in the tumour microenvironment This type of research can be referred to as ‘basic

Saliba (Associate Professor of Applied Biomedical Science at

science’. The unassuming name hides the gigantic impact

the Faculty of Health Sciences) and Prof. Josanne Vassallo

that it has. Although without direct clinical applications,

(Professor of Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery

‘basic research’ is the foundation of many clinical studies.

and Consultant Endocrinologist at Mater Dei Hospital),

It forms the basis of biology from which clinical research

is working. The group of researchers at UM work with

can grow. In this case, MPitNET is looking for therapeutic

pituitary tumours, which develop in the ‘master’ gland called

targets, which include meaningful components of the

the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Although these

cell machinery that can be modulated to attack and kill

tumours are usually benign (meaning that they don’t invade

tumour cells. As Vassallo explains, the team is looking

other tissues), they can wreak havoc, causing dysregulation

to understand ‘what makes the tumours happen, what

of hormone secretion and even loss of sight if the tumour

happens in the cells surrounding tumours, and use

size increases and presses on the optic nerves.

the information to find targets for therapy.’

feature

I

was enjoying lunch with a recently made friend when they

51

FIGHTING THE REBELS So what exactly is the MPitNET group doing? Let’s start with identifying and mapping the immune cells that

these tumours, they might identify

There are two ways for a cell to start

therapeutic targets to eliminate those

expressing ‘tumorous’ genes (called

pesky tumours.

oncogenes). It can have a mutation

So far, Dr Oriana Mazzitelli (Research

within the gene (the cell’s instruction

Support Officer with the Faculty of

manual is different from the cells that

Cancer is a complicated beast.

Health Sciences) has revealed a new

surround it), or instead, the cell can

A tumour is composed of mutated

population of immune cells present

start expressing a gene that is not

cells that start growing uncontrollably.

in all the tumours analysed with the

generally expressed in normal cells

Simultaneously, our immune system,

capacity of killing tumour cells.

(it is dormant, silent).

the defenders against invaders and

It is the first time that these types

rebels, can detect and attack tumour

of cells were observed in this context.

between cells allows us to understand

cells. But some of the mutated cells

Further studies will be done to validate

what a cancerous cell is doing

manage to evade these defence

these observations and assert the

differently. This will also show us the

mechanisms. As the detectable

clinical relevance of these immune

pathways and functions that we need

tumour cells are killed, the sneaky

cells. Characterising the ratio of the

to target to kill or modulate the cell.

cells continue dividing, indifferent to

population in different tumours may

Besides studying the relationships

the efforts of the immune system.

hint towards the prognosis of the

between pituitary tumours and the

Time comes when the tumour only

disease and may also guide clinicians

immune cells, Ms Emma Jayne Spiteri

contains these evasive cells, and

when choosing the best therapy

set out to study the gene expression of

impervious to our body’s attacks,

for each case of pituitary tumours.

the tumorous cells. She analysed tissue

infiltrate pituitary tumours.

it continues growing, potentially

Excitingly, this novel population of

Seeing the different gene expression

samples and isolated six genes that are

immune cells may be present in other

expressed differently in the tumour’s

types of tumours, shining a new light

surrounding environment, all linked to

treatment that tries to boost the

into the play between the immune

the immune system.

patient’s immune system to identify

system and cancer cells.

invading other tissues.

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer

and fight cancer cells. It tinkers with the signals between the different cells, making sure that the right message

TO READ OR NOT TO READ One of the components driving the

The team found out that different types of pituitary tumours have different expression levels of each one of the six highlighted genes. A gene usually

triumph of cancer cells over the host

instructs the cell to build a protein.

tissue is their genes. Genes are the

If pituitary tumour cells are producing

unfathomably complicated; there

instruction manual of our cells; they

different proteins, then these could

are many players in the field, each

tell the cell what to do and what its

be driving its growth and could be

sending different messages to the

function is. So if a normal cell starts

possible targets for future therapies.

other players. At the same time, the

‘reading’ (usually called expressing)

Furthermore, if different tumours

cancerous cells send their own signals

genes that allow it to replicate

produce different proteins, researchers

and silence some of the immune

indefinitely or evade the immune

may be able to develop therapies

system’s messages. Because every type

system, then that normal cell can

targeting specific tumours, according to

of tumour is different, studying the

become a ‘bad’ tumour cell.

the proteins that they are expressing.

passes through: kill the rebel.

But the immune system is

immune environment of each tumour

One of the theories for cancer genesis

NEXT STEPS

and understanding the signals being

focuses on cells that start expressing

sent is essential to design therapies

genes which alter their function. These

that work for each case.

cells begin replicating uncontrollably,

their work to further understand

MPitNET is studying which immune

The MPitNET team are continuing

skipping the usual control steps that

what is happening in these types of

cells surround or infiltrate pituitary

regulate cell division, growth, and

tumours. They now want to increase

tumours. Besides identifying the type

differentiation. The quick, unregulated

sample sizes, a crucial step to prove

of cells, the team is looking at their

division can, in turn, generate new

that their findings are the rule, not the

location within the tumour and the

mutations that allow the tumour to

exception. Because the techniques

messages they send via proteins called

keep evading the mechanisms set

Mazzitelli is using need to be carried

cytokines. By understanding how

up to destroy it (be it the immune

out on fresh tissue, she can only

the immune system behaves around

system or the therapies developed).

analyse the tumours right after they

are excised from a patient. Considering that pituitary tumours are rare and only around 12 cases per year will require surgery, the number of fresh samples is low indeed. The team shall implement new techniques that allow analysis on frozen tissue stored in the repository. One of the techniques, immunohistochemistry, allows the researchers to determine the location of the immune cells in or around the tumour and will also help confirm the

From left to right: Dr Oriana Mazzitelli, Prof. Josanne Vassallo, Prof. David Saliba and Ms Emma Jayne Spiteri Photo by James Moffett

coded by the genes she identified. the different immune populations that surround the tumour environment will be analysed. By confirming what immune cells are flocking to the tumours and what proteins are being produced inside the cells, the group will be able to determine if

play ...the ers in imm th e u fi

In parallel, the relationship between

y an layers. em rp ar the o e

fathomably compl ic s un i m ing a different me ated e d t n ssa : t s e sy ch s ge he e a to re n ,e th d l e

presence and location of the proteins

currently available cancer therapies can be applied to pituitary tumours.

The knowledge could also help the development of new therapies in future, targeting the immune cells and proteins identified.

Although exciting, Vassallo warns that it might take decades for such therapies to become available to patients. ‘There

Signaling Molecules

Tumourous cells

is a certain impatience when someone reads about a potential new therapy for tumours,’ she explains. It is important to understand that research findings take time to test and validate, not to mention

Cells from the Immune System

actually developing the therapies, carrying out trials, and finally using them to treat patients.

These advancements take time; they require thorough testing and continuous validation.

MPitNET’s work may not result in

Blood Vessels

therapeutic advancements that will be used by my friend, but maybe one day, they can help others dissipate cancer’s dark cloud.

Emanuele Cancer Research Foundation https://ecrfmalta.com/

Adapted from Ghouzlani et al., 2021.

Full citation available on thinkmagazine.mt

This is an artistic interpretation.

feature

This project is being funded by the

53

feature

Flying Green: Work in Progress Author:

Christian Keszthelyi

Hands are itching to flip the switch to sustainable operations in the aviation industry. Gargantuan research efforts and money are being invested into developing green planes, and while the outlook is positive, changes shall only take off in the mid to long term. THINK talks to Dr Robert Camilleri and Aman Batra about industry expectations and their current research.

A

s a senior lecturer within the Institute of Aerospace Technologies at the University

of aviation on the environment is bound to increase,’ Camilleri says. This will boost the carbon emission weight of aviation significantly. It is time we made it greener.

CUTTING EMISSIONS The European Union is also aware of the industry’s nature. As one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, the European Union is allocating significant funding towards the aviation sector to reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030, descending to 1990 levels. But how do we do this?

Let us first understand how we power aircraft. The most common way of flying is kerosene-fuelled jet turbines with

research projects, chiefly focused on greener

a high power-to-weight ratio. As a specific technology,

aviation technologies. Hybrid planes should

turbines are immensely powerful; every turbine has

be a logical solution, but the challenges are gigantic, as

three rows of 72 blades – one blade generates the power

Aman Batra, a research support officer and PhD student

of a formula one car. The performance is massive.

While a greener aviation industry would deliver

‘The beauty of the gas turbine is that it condenses all of that ability to generate power in a fairly small

immense added value towards a net-zero future, the

device [when compared to the plane]. But it generates

global industry’s carbon emission weight is yet tiny: 2-3%,

emissions: CO2 and carbon monoxide – and also several

when vehicles on the roads could cut a 9-15% slice out

feature

as more countries come out of poverty, the impact

of Malta (UM), Dr Robert Camilleri oversees

with the Institute of Aerospace Technologies at UM, says.

54

population has access to air-bound travelling. However,

NOxes: nitrogen oxides and nitrogen dioxide. These

of the global pie, Camilleri tells THINK. But this highly

pollutants contribute to climate change, cause acidic

resilient industry, which performed a quick rebound after

rain, and speed up overall global warming,’ Camilleri

the tragic events of 9/11 and the COVID-19 grounding,

says. Cutting back on these emissions with new

will grow more prominent. ‘Only 10% of the world’s

technology is welcome and needed, but challenging.

Hydrogen is emerging as a possible substitute for

itself needs to be able to burn hydrogen, which burns at a different rate when compared to kerosene. The change will not happen quickly. We need at least 50-70

kerosene. Should we use hydrogen, the underlying

years to build the entire infrastructure to have enough

technology that lifts a plane into the air would remain

renewable energy to kick-start hydrogen production,

roughly the same. As much as hydrogen is a tempting

which sustains aero transport,’ Camilleri says.

alternative, there are serious challenges relating to the production, shipping, and storage of the chemical.

Hydrogen is generated from water electrolysis; an

HYBRIDISING AVIATION This is where the UM’s Iterate Project plugs into the

electrical current is driven through the water to separate

big picture to offer a short-to-mid-term solution that

the H2O molecules into building blocks. For this, we need

would bridge the gap between emissive aviation today

to use seawater instead of freshwater to not push the use

and the net-zero future. Ideally, the transition should

of drinking water out of balance in a world where 2 billion

be similar to the introduction of hybrid cars in the early

people lack access to safely managed drinking water at

2000s, when Toyota first came out with the Prius. ‘Back

home. Once energy starts going through the water, it must

then, people already knew that road transport would

be generated from renewable sources. If it is not, hydrogen

end up moving towards electric vehicles, but we did not

production would leave an immense carbon footprint.

have the technology. Therefore, Toyota started creating

Hydrogen is also very inefficient to store in gas format

hybrid vehicles (vehicles that use more than one means

as it occupies a lot of space. Therefore, it needs to be

of energy, for example combining a diesel engine with

turned into liquid form, which requires it to be cooled

an electric motor) to offer a greener alternative to

and maintained to -252 degrees Celcius, which further

internal combustion engines. Our project is looking at

energy. The trade-off of generating hydrogen and turning

the possibilities of establishing a methodology to create

it into liquid form for better storage and shipping might

the first “Toyota Prius” for aviation,’ Camilleri says.

outweigh the benefits of using it as a fuel to fly planes.

Let us suppose all these challenges were met and we

The project looks into different scenarios of combining existing aero technologies such as gas turbines with an

have a distribution network of green hydrogen setup. ‘The

electric powertrain, hence the idea of a hybrid plane,

final part of the puzzle is that the aircraft itself needs to

to ensure that less fuel is burnt and a smaller carbon

be modified to host the storage tank and the gas turbine

footprint is left by flying. As taking off consumes

feature

HYDROGEN'S PROMISE

55

Until batteries enable completely electric flying, we are looking into establishing hybrid solutions of both fuel and electricity to traverse a highly emissive era of aviation to a close to net-zero future.

Dr Robert Camilleri Photo by James Moffett

most of the energy during a flight, a possibility would

Empirical evidence suggests that the energy density

include using gas turbines for take off, whilst cruising

of batteries improves by 3% every year. This is a far

could utilise electric drives. Today, this approach

cry from the revolution we saw in electronics, which

seems feasible for smaller, regional flights –

followed Moore’s Law that the number of transistors in

not for long-haul flights yet. But an electric drive means

a dense integrated circuit doubles every two years.

batteries. And batteries bring with them steep challenges.

For one thing, batteries have 40 times less energy

‘The importance of batteries is yet to be understood by the wider public. If we talk about green transport or any

density than fuel. Therefore a battery-powered plane

other industry where you want to store energy, you need a

would be heavy. If a plane were to carry batteries,

battery or other types of energy storage components. This

proportionally, a 70-seater jet would need to be

aspect has great potential, therefore increased funding and

shaved to a 20-seater to accommodate the heavy load

research are going into this field. We expect energy density

of batteries. The Iterate Project also looks into the

to increase. Until batteries enable completely electric

feasibility of reducing the number of passengers from a

flying, we are looking into establishing hybrid solutions of

business perspective. What level of aircraft hybridisation

both fuel and electricity to traverse a highly emissive era

would balance the environmental and social corporate

of aviation to a close to net-zero future,’ Batra says.

responsibilities of airlines with the economic demands?

Batteries raise another question: how do we charge them

The authors would also like to acknowledge the project:

quickly? Airlines are incentivised to spend as little time

“Setting up of transdisciplinary research and knowledge

aground as possible. If an aircraft gets stuck on the ground

exchange (TRAKE) complex at the University of Malta

charging, it is not being utilised: hard cash cutting into profits

(ERDF.01.124)” which is being co- financed through

saved on green flying. Charging must be quick and powered

the European Union through the European Regional

by renewable sources for an electric or hybrid plane to be

Development Fund 2014 – 2020. www.eufunds.gov.mt

cost effective. These scenarios create further challenges.

‘First of all, if you are charging the aircraft, you are

Further Reading:

feature

also using the current grid, which must be powered by

56

renewable energy in its entirety to reduce pollutants.

European Commission (2022, August). Aviation and

Second of all, in fast charging, batteries will overheat.

the EU ETS. Climate Action https://ec.europa.eu/

Proper technology has to come to the surface for cooling

clima/eu-action/european-green-deal/delivering-

the batteries to enable quick charging,’ Camilleri adds.

european-green-deal/aviation-and-eu-ets_en

idea True Happiness

Author:

Jonathan Firbank

What kinds of happiness are there, and what kinds of happiness should we prioritise? Jonathan Firbank explores Masahiro Morioka’s ‘happiness drug’ thought experiment in the face of an increasingly medicated world.

of happy relief or indulgence. Personally, I have a strong

The vast majority of us seek moments of gratification,

memory from the first weeks of my studies in Britain.

memories of which punctuate our lives. An evening

A lecturer proudly declared that all his free time was spent

made exceptional from impromptu adventure,

in research or discussion. He ‘didn’t understand’ people who

a sexual partner, a mind-altering substance, or

watched TV, played games, or in fact, did anything gratifying

deep conversation. Hierarchy amongst these moments

that didn’t actively improve them. Conversely, many of

is subjective. A person might feel the same elation at

us live for evenings and weekends, consuming sedative

their favourite sports team winning as the athletes feel

entertainment at home or having explosive nights out to

themselves. Memories of a view, a book, or a joke can last as

balance less gratifying routines.

long as memories of marriage and childbirth. Or we can seek happiness by avoiding these ‘frivolous’ moments, instead seeking interpersonal or professional success. Maybe seeking

THE PHARMA ERA Our new century has seen rapid developments in

security in our self-image or strength, maybe the security

pharmaceutical mental health treatments, which intensifies

of a supportive partner or a roof over our heads. Comfort,

this philosophical difference. What are the consequences

vindication, righteous anger, schadenfreude, and simple relief

of a ‘happiness pill’? Does happiness have worth if it isn’t

are all measures of happiness.

earned? What if prescribed happiness makes us tolerate

Each of us has subtle distinctions between what we

lives that should be better? In sci-fi dystopias like Brave New

consider happiness and how much we value it. There is a

World, the population take sedatives, enabling oppressive

clear philosophical difference between those of us who

regimes. The drugs prophesied in these stories pale in

prioritise ‘earning’ happiness and those who seek moments

strength when compared to Fentanyl, the drug sweeping idea

I

t could be argued that happiness is our only goal.

57

the US after pharmaceutical companies cynically pushed

moment, this is the ‘complete’ happiness of a life ‘active in

it into vulnerable hands. The consequences of distributing

accordance with complete virtue and sufficiently equipped

lethal opioids are clear, but comparatively safe ‘happiness

with external goods.’ The actions that create this life may

pills’, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

create pleasure, but ‘objective happiness’ refers to the

(SSRIs), raise subtler questions. SSRIs such as Prozac/

actions themselves. This brings Morioka to Kant, who

Fluoxetine or Zoloft/Sertraline are used in record-breaking

argued we have a ‘fundamental moral duty to cultivate

amounts year after year. These have proved invaluable

our own perfection.’

to many people when responsibly prescribed, but when

‘perfect happiness’ drug was invented, one that perfected

found them concerning. What if medication becomes too

your mood with no negative side effects. This drug might be

easy a route to ‘happiness’? Would it dull the richness of

administered in the most terrible circumstances a person can

human experience or disincentivise personal growth?

experience and instantly make them as happy as humanly

A MENTAL EXPERIMENT

idea

In response to the proliferation of these drugs and this

58

Morioka presents a thought experiment: imagine a

considered through a philosophical perspective, some have

possible, incapable of physical or emotional pain. If this drug were available, what would it do to us? Being free from concern and guilt would certainly let us do evil things,

criticism of them, Prof. Masahiro Morioka (Professor of

and being free from pain and vigilance would certainly let

Philosophy and Ethics, Waseda University, Japan) wrote

people do evil things to us. The mental image of smiling from

Human Dignity and the Manipulation of the Sense of Happiness.

torture or laughing from grief could not be more disturbing.

In it, Morioka explores the philosophical ethics of medicating

Most pertinently for Morioka, it would take away the dignity

mental health. He begins by making a distinction between

of a full range of human emotions, the dignity of self-

two kinds of happiness. First, the subjective feeling of

determination. We may instead become what Kant described

happiness, ‘an inner mental state defined by pleasure or

as ‘a plaything of the mere inclinations and hence a thing’,

pain’. Examples of this might include the dopamine rush

locked in feelings of pleasure but never able to experience

from laughter or tasting something delicious. Morioka then

Aristotle’s ‘objective’, hard-earned happiness.

describes what he refers to as ‘objective happiness’, relating

The dark consequences of a ‘happiness drug’ have been

to the more abstract concepts of success, improvement, and

a recurring trope for over a century of speculative science

esteem that my lecturer valued. Here he describes Aristotle’s

fiction. By refining it into this simple experiment Morioka asks

‘outer concept’ of happiness. Rather than happiness in a

the same question: where will this lead, and what if it’s bad?

But boiling these questions down into such a stark,

However, presenting his thought experiment in response to SSRIs implies that they are, or will lead to, a form of ‘happiness

brutal idea is misleading. Of course this drug, the purest

drug’. This scepticism is understandable but not necessarily

and strongest form of unearned happiness, could lead to

justified. I have been treated with SSRIs and can state that

great misery. But the purest and strongest form of ‘earned’

SSRIs don’t act as a constant happiness pill like the one in Brave

happiness (pursuing our ‘moral obligation to cultivate

New World. Nor do they act as an on/off happiness switch, like

perfection’) could be equally dangerous. The logical conclusion

horrifically addictive Fentanyl. SSRIs treat disorders. Symptoms

of strict, puritanical ethics is totalitarianism. We are all flawed,

like anxiety, depression, or obsessive compulsion aren’t always

so our definitions of perfection are flawed. When society

temporary. These disorders keep people from leading the

becomes too preoccupied with flawed standards of perfection,

‘complete lives’ that Morioka and my old lecturer value so

it judges those who fall short too harshly. The consequences

highly. Sufferers are left with brief, ‘frivolous’, ‘undignified’

of this are littered throughout history.

moments of pleasure and happiness – or none at all.

When people like my lecturer boast that the long, arduous

SSRIs, when appropriately prescribed and dosed, diminish

dopamine cycle of self-improvement is superior to guilty

these symptoms. This, in turn, allows people to respond to

pleasures, we are culturally motivated to agree. But that

therapy or to change the circumstances damaging them. In this

perspective is subjective and elitist. One person’s ‘cultivation

way, SSRIs contribute to Aristotle’s ‘objective happiness’ more

of perfection’ is another person’s folly – unlike Aristotle and

than to feelings of subjective pleasure. Mental health disorders

Kant, we live in a globalised, pluralistic society, with radical

are an illness and should be treated as such. They are not

differences in our values. And those of us with more gruelling

always a purely rational response to stimuli. Even when they

lives don’t need condemnation for ‘wasting’ free time on easy

are, during times of grief or trauma, SSRIs rarely eradicate that

pleasures. A more nuanced, useful, and fun philosophy is

pain. They just provide a softer landing, far softer than alcohol

Oscar Wilde’s: ‘Everything in moderation, even moderation.’

abuse, for example, which has been the de-facto drug for

MISREPRESENTING SSRIs It’s important to clarify that Morioka’s text isn’t

millennia and harms people’s agency, welfare, and dignity more than SSRIs ever could.

And anyway, what’s wrong with the occasional ‘happiness

judgemental or puritanical. He is careful not to directly

switch’, if used safely? We shouldn’t feel guilty for small

criticise SSRIs or their users and thinks they are an

pleasures, and we should be sceptical of those claiming

appropriate short-term measure for dealing with trauma.

to be free of them. Even Aristotle drank wine. idea

THE OTHER EXTREME

59

start up

Printing Out the World Author:

Sebastião Miranda

ELM Fabrication is a Maltese start-up that uses 3D-printing technology to shake up the furniture industry.

A

ntoni Gaudí is well-known for his architectural

founded during the pandemic by engineers Nicholas

masterpieces, such as the Casa Batlló in

Borg Calleja, David Sciberras, and award-winning

Barcelona. But did you know that Gaudí also

designer Paavo Pietola, is developing the technology

designed furniture? His Calvet Chair, for

necessary for 3D printing furniture using recycled

example, incorporates elements from sculpture

materials (such as recycled biocomposite wood and

and architecture to create a magnificent work of art.

While many would love to have such a masterpiece in

start up fiction

digital artists, customers, and manufacturers.

their own homes, commissioning a carpenter to create

The traditional furniture industry puts a lot of stress on

such furniture would quickly end up costing a fortune!

Earth's finite resources, being highly driven by the timber

While there certainly isn’t a shortage of design talent,

industry and requiring a high influx of raw material. If a

finding a carpenter, sourcing the materials, and covering

piece of furniture breaks, it tends to end up in a landfill

the costs of the labour involved means that unique

or burnt. A linear economy like this, always reliant on

furniture (such as Gaudí’s chair) is something reserved for

the extraction of raw materials from nature, is neither

the affluent. But what if there were a way to reduce these

sustainable nor compatible with our environment. There’s

costs and make distinctive furniture more accessible?

an urge to find a way around the waste of resources and

ELM Fabrication is a Malta-based start-up that

60

plastic), as well as a commercial platform that links

adjust the economy to our planet’s needs. Hence, ELM

intends to revolutionise the furniture industry, using

Fabrication works around this problem by using recycled

3D-printing technology to circumvent the technical

biocomposite wood and plastic, leading to a sustainable,

and resource limitations of handcraft. The start-up,

circular-economy industry. With the use of these materials,

David Sciberras and Nicholas Borg Calleja together with a prototype of their medium-size 3D printer Photo courtesy of ELM Fabrication

when an object reaches the end of its utility, it can be

on tracks, are the most common type of large-scale

ground back into pellets to produce a new product without

industrial 3D printer. They have extremely high precision;

the need for cutting down new trees or accessing raw

however, they are notoriously expensive, ranging between

materials. This is a perfect example of a circular economy.

€160,000 to over €300,000 in price. One of the main reasons for the price is that there are many different

flexibility that hasn’t been available until now, the

individual components that constitute the printer.

possibility of having furniture that can be redesigned

Taking this into account, ELM Fabrication tackled this

and reassembled with no waste. This game changer has

problem by applying vertical integration and building

value from both a sustainable and artistic point of view.

a simple and affordable 3D printer from scratch.

SHARPENING THE TOOLS While 3D printers have existed for over two decades now, they still present considerable challenges.

Borg Calleja explains how ‘the price of an industrial 3D

A 2m x 2m x 6m printer was designed at a fraction of the cost of the printers on the market and is currently waiting for more funding to be produced. In the meantime, a smaller model with dimensions 1m x 1m x 1m has been produced as a proof of concept and used for the production of several

printer is a setback to adapt this technology to the furniture

items such as vases and tables. Resulting from this, ELM

industry. So, we decided to create our own 3D printer.’

Fabrication has received an award from Tech.mt

The high price of large-sized 3D printers is a barrier

for the best startup performance during EIT MED

for businesses in the sector to take the technological

ClimAccelerator (a programme designed to support and fund

leap. Robotic setups, comprising a robotic arm moving

local start-ups focused on cleantech and sustainability).

start up

The ease of reusing these materials allows for

61

The chair next to the 3D printer illustrates the scale of the prototype Photo courtesy of ELM Fabrication

The versatility of 3D printing allows for the production of

it’s populated by artists, manufacturers, and consumers,

produces much less material waste, and even allows certain

it’s ready to work. The idea is that the consumer can

designs that wouldn’t be possible to manufacture otherwise.

navigate through different artists and their designs

With a printer, it is also possible to change the thickness

at the manufacturing site closest to the client and

aperture, it is possible to create almost translucent objects,

directly shipped, in a fast and cost-effective way.

With the printer’s production in Malta and manufacturers

develop a resistant material that is fit to withstand harsh

all over the world, ELM Fabrication could have global reach

conditions such as those in a maritime environment.

and revolutionise the future of the furniture industry. Its

CONNECTING THE PARTS

start up fiction

online. Once a product is chosen, it is produced

of the printed filament. By choosing a nozzle with a small whereas by choosing a thick filament, it is possible to

62

The platform has already been developed, and once

more complex designs. It saves an immense amount of time,

way of production could help make this sector compatible with the world we live in without having to exploit

Many digital artists are looking for an opportunity to bring

resources at a mass scale, all while enabling a counter-

their ideas to life. Without easy access to printing technology,

force against the boring and standard designs typically

many ideas could be lost. ELM is developing a digital platform

commercialised. As Borg Calleja puts it, ‘if Antoni Gaudí

to connect designers with manufacturers, boosting the

lived in our time, he would have hired ELM Fabrication

creative processes of digital artists from all over the world.

to effortlessly create his furniture masterpieces.’

lab to life

MALTI3D 3D Printing Solutions

Layers in a 3D printed boat Photo courtesy of Helenio Borg Muscat

Author: David Mizzi

3D printing offers us the ability to custom print complex shapes. There are specific designs that are only possible through 3D printing. From an engineering standpoint, it is a godsend. This has the potential to revolutionise the manufacturing industry. But if 3D printing is so great, why hasn’t it taken off on an industrial scale yet?

manufacturing method of choice for

inevitably boils

mass-produced plastic goods. However,

down to money.

injection moulding isn’t the only way

While 3D printing

to process plastic into 3D shapes.

has enjoyed

The MALTI3D Project (led by Dr

PELLETS VS FILAMENTS Specifically, we need to examine the material used. 3D printing usually involves some type of plastic, either

relative success in the hobbyist market,

Arif Rochman, Senior Lecturer with

in pellet or filament form. Pellets,

the same cannot be said for industrial

the Faculty of Engineering, University

which are used to make filaments, cost

production. Besides the initial cost

of Malta [UM]; with Prof. Ing. Joseph

around €4 per kg at the lower end.

of the 3D printer, buying the plastic,

Buhagiar, Associate Professor with

However, filaments cost around €30

maintaining the printer, and shipping

the Faculty of Engineering, UM; Prof.

per kg, despite the fact that it takes

costs all quickly add up. Apart from

Alfred Gatt, Associate Professor

approximately 1 kg of pellets to make

that, there is a limited choice of plastics

with the Faculty of Health Sciences,

1 kg of filaments. 'This is because

that can be 3D printed, especially when

UM; and Albert Curmi, Research

converting pellets to filaments involves

using filament-based 3D printers.

Support Officer with the Department

an extra heating cycle: melting the

of Industrial & Manufacturing

plastic pellets and refining them into

processes for manufacturing plastic

Engineering) in collaboration with

filaments. This involves manpower,

parts is injection moulding. Essentially,

project partner Abertax Quality Ltd,

time, and electricity, which drives the

molten plastic is pressurised into a

is looking at alternatives. To better

price up. Not to mention additives

mould to create the desired shape. Its

understand, we first need to take a

such as colourants and bonding

speed and scalability have made it the

look at how 3D printing works.

modifiers,' explains Rochman.

One of the most widely-used

lab to life

W

ell, the answer

63

1

2

1

Detail of plastic pellets used for 3D printing Photo courtesy of Albert Curmi

2

Detail of a 3D printed boat Photo courtesy of Helenio Borg Muscat

3

3D printed lamp Photo courtesy of Albert Curmi

Finding a way to 3D print using pellets meant that the MALTI3D team had to get creative.

3D printers work by depositing plastic layer by layer, starting from the bottom and gradually building on top of the previous layer until the desired shape is formed. While relatively simple in principle, it is imperative that the filaments used have a precise diameter. Imprecisions in the filament can result in inconsistencies and ultimately harm the final product.

While filaments are usually uniform in diameter, pellets as raw material are not. Incidentally, this accounts for the price discrepancy between the two. Pellets can vary in size, in some cases by up to 1mm. While this might not sound like much, this variation can cause issues during the printing process. Finding a way to 3D print using pellets

3

meant that the MALTI3D team had to get creative.

EXTRUDER SCREW The heart of the problem lies with the way the pellets themselves are processed. Curmi explains how, 'the most popular way of processing pellets is by using the so-called platicising or extrusion screw. The screw connects to the plastic pellets, squeezing and heating them to convert into a plastic melt with a honey-like viscous consistency.

It is important that there are no voids or trapped air.

This liquid can then be turned into any desired shape.'

The issue is the size of the extruder screw. Most industrial screws are at least 28cm in length, and the more plastic you have, the bigger and longer the screw needs to be.

lab to life

Compared to the size of the printer, which usually has a

64

build volume smaller than 300mm by 300mm by 300mm,

Diagram showing Filament vs Pellet Extrusion 3D Printing Diagram courtesy of Albert Curmi

the screw would be disproportionate.

Pellet Extruder

Plastics can be divided into 3

filament printing, you have two

Making the screw smaller was the

categories: commodity, engineering,

heating cycles: one to convert pellets

first challenge Curmi faced.

and high-performance plastics. The

to filaments and then another from

MALTI3D team was able to print using

the filament to the final product.

make this work. Traditionally, there is

commodity and engineering plastic

By essentially skipping a heat cycle,

a ratio to calculate the length of the

pellets, achieving the same printing

3D printing from pellets reduces

screw, called the length-to-diameter

results as in filament 3D printing.

the energy consumption, allowing

ratio. If we followed this, the extrusion

High-performance plastics can also

for a greener final product.

screw we needed would be ridiculously

be successfully 3D printed, but they

long for a 3D-printing machine,'

present their own set of challenges.

Technology funded the MALTI3D

Curmi explains. The screw was hence

'We worked with PEEK Polymer,

project through the FUSION: R&I

decreased in size to fit closer to a 3D

which is a high-performance plastic.

Technology Development Programme

printer’s form factor, but in doing so,

This plastic has a good strength-

(R&I-2018-009T) whose main

the extrusion characteristics changed

to-weight ratio, making it a good

goal is to fund the development

significantly. Calibrating and adjusting

replacement of metal parts whilst

of innovative, patentable, and

for these new features was one of

being easier and cheaper to mass

commerciable ideas onto the market.

the main challenges for the team.

produce. It is particularly useful in the

Curmi and the whole MALTI3D

aviation industry, where weight is a

team are optimistic that, in the near

large factor, as well as certain medical

future, the MALTI3D printer can be

implants,' explains Curmi. Eventually,

commercialised and will offer users

the screw, the next challenge was

the team did manage to print using

a new and cheaper 3D printing

the plastic itself. 'Not all plastics

PEEK; however, Curmi admits that

system with full freedom in material

are made equal. They can vary

high-performance plastics were by

selection. This will include polymer

in viscosity, and this needs to

far the most challenging material.

property modification by adding

be taken into consideration. In

Besides managing to reduce

'We had to “break” a few rules to

PLASTICS Having addressed the issue with

The Malta Council for Science and

additives or reinforcing fillers and

some cases, you need to change

printing costs, printing directly from

blending with other materials, as well

the screw design completely, for

pellets offers another advantage:

as in the creation of their own novel

example,' Rochman explains.

environmental sustainability. With

compounds and composites.

lab to life

Filament Extruder

65

fiction

Dear Giuliano

A

lessandro’s fingers itched to trace the words, to caress the parchment that had been pilfered from

DEAR GIULIANO. ‘Giuliano received a letter mere moments before the carriage set off, but he had promptly pocketed it in his breast, promising

been able to read that letter, the history of his

himself to read it on the morrow so that he could continue

family would have been vastly different.

a conversation with his brother…’

Maybe he wouldn’t be here, staring aimlessly at his

DEAR GIULIANO. The calligraphy was immaculate, but Alessandro’s attention was, as always, drawn to the blotched period; the ink bled outwards, not revealing whether it had been smudged by the harried sleeve of a tunic or smeared by a tear.

If he squinted, he could see the slit in the parchment where a

His father’s voice, crackly with age and strangled by the burden of carrying the loss (and the vendetta) from generation to generation, echoed in his mind.

It was Alessandro’s job to remember now.

DEAR GIULIANO. Realising that winning against the Pazzis and the rest of the conspirators was impossible, Lorenzo – the brother of Alessandro’s grandfather – sought shelter in the sacristy. Wood splintered as

knife had gone through: a small mark of violence auguring the

pews were thrown or overturned. A cacophony of footsteps and

dried blood that crusted the back of the letter, testimony of the

screams and hysteria and chaos and carnage and death slammed

parchment’s vain attempt to save its recipient.

against the door of the sacristy, but it held, emboldened by Lorenzo’s

The letter reeked of existence and anguish, a testament to their family’s miserable suspension between injustice and ineptitude.

DEAR GIULIANO. Justice could only be served if the Church relinquished its

obliviousness of his brother being slaughtered right outside.

Blood spilled down Lorenzo’s neck and into his tunic.

He had been wounded.

Giuliano had been stabbed nineteen times. His body lay a few steps away from the altar, another one of Abraham’s beloved sons.

hold on the letter, but the possibility of its contents revealing

God had not intervened this time. Instead, the Pope had spoken in

the impiety and sacrilege bred within the walls of the Duomo

his stead, bidding others to raise the dagger in His name.

de Firenze held it back. The Church would never demolish the

Lorenzo learned of his brother’s demise hours later. He had not

sanctity of the Holy Office by blatantly admitting its hand in the

embraced his brother as he breathed his last, as the warmth left

desecration of that Easter Sunday.

his limbs and the blood from his veins painted the hallowed floor:

It had survived for aeons against rumours, blasphemies, and known truths because no one could ever provide evidence for its transgressions. If it was going to lose its political power, the Church would lose it on its own terms. fiction

Christine Galea

his family generations ago. Had his granduncle

grandfather’s name.

66

Written by

But the letter was proof enough to eradicate those terms.

Their avid guarding of it revealed that much.

red and bright and virile. No, Giuliano’s last embrace was by the cold, marble floor, forever tainted with sin.

When Lorenzo found him, there were only bloody fingerprints where the letter had been.

How could the conspirators have known about it?

Why would they take it if it were not proof of their actions?

The events of that day came to be known as The Pazzi Conspiracy.

Despite the common knowledge that the Pope’s nephew and an archbishop had been among the conspirators, the Church still hid behind its silver tongue,

It whispered in their ears: accusations and grief and responsibility slithering

DEAR GIULIANO. On some days, Alessandro resisted

sliding stumbling in their brain.

the urge to simply reach in and grasp the

Remember Giuliano de Medici.

letter, foolishly believing that he could

DEAR GIULIANO. The parchment was immaculately

save the paper before the flames of hell ravaged it.

On other days, he was convinced

denying that Pope Sixtus had ever

preserved, but Alessandro knew that the

that the fire was a myth; fear was an

sanctioned the murder of the Medici.

edges would crinkle under his fingers,

incredibly powerful deterrent, and

And he hadn’t.

stiff with secrets despite being rendered

the Church wielded it like no other.

He had simply expressed his wish for

soft with age.

(Regardless, he would never risk

the Medici to be removed from their position of power and then offered his support to those able to do it.

How could he have known that their plan would involve murder?

DEAR GIULIANO. The broken seal made Alessandro grit his teeth – audibly, on bad days. Giuliano

Maybe the letter was not proof of the Church’s guilt.

destroying the sole reminder left of his grandfather.)

Maybe it was a letter from a lover.

Most of all, he wondered if the family

Maybe it was a final goodbye from

would have moved on had the letter not

someone who had known, but could

existed. Maybe it was a curse rather than

not reveal his knowledge.

a blessing to believe that vengeance

Maybe it was Lorenzo’s last words to his brother.

Lorenzo had had enough political

could be achieved.

DEAR GIULIANO.

had never opened it, so the Church had

influence to force the Church to display

not only stolen it, but also read through

the letter in the same place that had

of misery, but nobody wants to be

a dead man’s last communication before

ensured the survival of the Medici line:

forgotten. So people leave marks.

‘honouring Giuliano’s memory’ by putting

a testament to the Medici’s power and a

On the world. On each other. On walls.

it on display in the same sacristy that had

daily reminder that despite hearing and

On canvases. Anything to force the

saved Lorenzo’s life.

absolving countless confessions, priests

world to acknowledge their existence,

were not above committing deadly sins.

no matter how short or insignificant

Encased in a glass box, the letter’s proximity taunted every Medici that

Irony was the language of politicians.

stepped foot inside the room.

But in the scenarios that Alessandro

Unless opened with its own unique key – which was kept on the Pope’s person at all times – the box would supposedly

was conjuring, the letter would not contain a shred of irony.

Grief would twist the sentences

To remember is to wear a mantle

it was.

The letter was an acknowledgement.

An acknowledgement of life and death: of the fact that mortal sin was not an obstacle in the road to Power.

incinerate all of its contents with the

until they were simply scratches of

Never was, never will be. The Catholic

sacred flame of the Holy Spirit.

ink, drowning in misery yet devoid

Church was a testament to that.

Alessandro scoffed whenever anyone

of emotions. Angered to the point of

The letter was an unyielding, flaming

repeated that superstition; if the letter

numbness at the world that had taken

sword of justice yearning for the blood

truly burned, it would burn with a

Lorenzo’s brother from him.

of the Pazzi conspirators.

regular flame.

Yet, the unknown always held a grander allure than it actually had. Wasn’t that how Lorenzo De Medici had acquired

(‘Lorenzo would never allow such a

For the blood of human nature.

letter to potentially fall in the enemy’s

For what is it to be human, but to

hands,’ his father would say.)

demand immediate gratification in

Alessandro shook his head. What was

the name of Goodness, yet be willing

his moniker? Nobody knew how he had

the point of dwelling on what the letter

to forge it through the tears and

managed to maintain the Italic League,

could be? The seal had been purposefully

anguish of others?

nor comprehended his profound love for

damaged; there was no way of knowing

art, but the mysteries behind him – and

who had sent it unless the writer had

**** A quincentenary later, the letter

his infallibility in the public eye – only

signed his name inside.

was opened.

served to cement his reputation as the Magnificent One.

DEAR GIULIANO. On the 26th of April, 1478, Lorenzo failed to save his brother. The letter reminded them of that failure.

The bells rang, their jubilant chorus calling the flock to gather for mass and wrenching Alessandro back to the present.

Losing himself in those fantasies

It was a warning: unread, unheeded.

It was justice’s scales tipped irrevocably towards guilt, yet decrypted only by injustice’s hand.

was ridiculous. The letter was not a heart-warming declaration of love.

He knew what it was.

From Francesco de Pazzi.

fiction

DEAR GIULIANO.

67

68

alumni

alumni

Coding Up the Career Ladder Author: Christian Keszthelyi

Coding (as in computer programming) is a rewarding, high-demand skill set that takes commitment from a person to master. With the right motivation, however, anyone can rise to the challenge of reaching a high-ranking programming position. THINK explores how someone goes from classroom coding enthusiasm to running a programmers’ team at one of Malta’s most prestigious authorities.

your thoughts into a working program

spark that ignites the fire of passion

Cini went to

got stuck so much that I continued

for programming. This is essential

secondary school

pursuing the subject at university,’ Cini

to ensure that someone becomes

in the late 2000s,

tells THINK. She holds a Bachelor of

an expert in this field,’ Cini says.

information

Science (Honours) degree in Computer

MIND THE GAP

and communications technology as

Science and Artificial Intelligence from

a subject was already an emerging

the University of Malta and today leads

field. Teachers started encouraging

a team of developers at the Malta

says that the best lecturers are those

students to pursue science, technology,

Financial Services Authority (MFSA) as

who are part-time coders and part-time

engineering, and mathematics (STEM)

a software development manager. She

educators; they have the hands-on

as subjects for in-depth study. That

has come a long way since her first,

experience that helps bridge the gap

was the time when tech started

experimental code, such as displaying

between academia and the workplace.

getting good PR as the online world

‘Hello World!!’ on a black screen.

The gap she mentions has been widely

was maturing globally; the Smart

Enthusiasm is essential, but merely

What makes a good lecturer? Cini

discussed in modern business. The

City concept in Kalkara was revealed

attending classes and courses on

most recent corporate sentiment

locally in 2007 (coincidentally, the first

programming will not take a student

concerns a significant skills shortage in

iPhone hit the market that same year).

far. Commitment towards this field

the labour market, making it difficult

Tech buzz was in the air. ‘I chose

of science is imperative, as classes

for companies to hire well-equipped

computer science as one of my optional

teach students how to program, but

talent. The whys and hows of upskilling

subjects at school, as I had already

excellence is hard to reach without

are hot topics in the corporate world.

been a bit tech savvy. I found myself

investing due time into continuous

Closer collaboration between education

genuinely enjoying the concept of

learning. Still, a good lecturer can do

and business can help. Cini advocates

being able to build a program from

loads to kick-start a student’s learning

more synergy in the form of traineeship

scratch. The sentiment of translating

curve. ‘Lecturers can create the

and internship collaboration between

alumni

W

hen Shirley

69

Shirley Cini Photo by Sarah Zammit

academic institutions and the business

them retain expertise in any field.

between the developer and the

landscape. ‘Student placements

When technical skill development is

business. We receive feedback, factor it

ensure that there is a knowledge

the focus, Cini believes that investing

into our product-in-development, and

exchange between academia and

time in mastering coding languages

continue to the next phase,’ Cini says.

the labour market,’ she says.

is essential. ‘You have to keep on

Recruitment is difficult, as skilled

alumni

FROM CODER TO MANAGER

talent is scarce. ‘When it comes to

courses to ensure that we are up to

choosing a career, there are numerous

date with the latest coding languages

undergone significant modernisation

considerations, from wages to job

while we focus on managing the

and transformation since she joined,

stability and other benefits. Apart

workload as well,’ she says.

has been a welcoming environment

from these considerations, it is

70

learning new languages. We attend

Furthermore, digitalisation creates

The MFSA, which Cini says has

for her. The authority supported her

important for me to work in a fast-

possibilities and a lot of challenges in

professional development as she

paced environment that keeps me

development. ‘The most challenging

joined the watchdog without having

on my toes – offering me challenges

part of digitalisation is understanding

prior financial services experience or

that strengthen both my technical

the business needs. We have to bridge

knowledge. ‘As a team, we identified

abilities as well as provide me

the gap between the technical people

several gaps in the business processes

with the opportunity to progress

and the business users,’ she says.

and revamped the systems in place. We

further in my career,’ she adds.

Essentially, the most critical task is to

also worked on improving the security

As digitalisation and artificial

understand what practical solutions

posture of the MFSA’s information

intelligence continue to pervade

businesses need and translate that

systems. It was a tough journey,

every industry and business process,

demand into the technicality of coding,

requiring a great deal of teamwork in a

the skills shortage is amplified.

all while ensuring that, when the final

purely technical environment,’ she says.

Upskilling and life-long learning are

digital product is produced, it fulfils the

not catchphrases but required building

requirements of its respective function.

career progression. The diligent

blocks in a person’s mindset to help

‘It is a continuous conversation

developer dashed up the career ladder

Her work paved the way for her

Ensuring equal opportunities of outcome in any field requires a collective effort from educators, parents, and the business landscape.

and broke the glass ceiling; she is now

the team accomplish goals instead of

Almost a decade ago, your author

a manager responsible for a team of

working solely on the technical aspects

attended a background discussion of

software developers. ‘The process

of a project,’ she says. But analytical,

experts working for the Hungarian

of becoming a leader is a rewarding

strategic, and people skills did not

sister company of a US-based

journey. It involves continuous learning

overtake technical skills; instead, they

investment management and financial

and self-development,’ she says.

were built on this firm foundation.

services giant. C-level executives (chief

‘We have to understand our team

executive officers and chief operating

at the beginning of her career,

members when assigning them tasks.

officers, for example) unanimously cried

Cini would focus on developing

We need to understand what they love

for more women programmers, as they

her technical skills and on staying

in programming and what they are

said women’s code is cleaner, more

abreast of the latest technologies.

technically capable of doing,’ she says.

logical, and shorter. ‘I tend to agree

The recent years, both on the

with that comment; women are more

would never have imagined that she

academic and business fronts, have

organised. Even in decision-making –

would lead a team of developers.

seen an emerging promotion of

women take a decision much before

However, her prompt and quality

including more girls in STEM subjects

men, who tend to overthink,’ Cini says.

work stood out, and she rose through

at school as early as possible, to break

the ranks. With time and experience,

down the stereotype of science,

the career ladder comes at a time

she shifted from a technical role to

technology, engineering, and maths

when most developers are still men,

a managerial one. It was a natural

being boys-only arenas. This is even

according to figures by Statista, a

progression; it came with the flow.

more prevalent in the programming

German think tank. Ensuring equal

With that, her tasks have also

world, which is predominantly male.

opportunities of outcome in any

changed. ‘Now, my role is more

However, Cini met no discrimination

field requires a collective effort

focused on analysis and planning. I

during her studies or in her workplace.

from educators, parents, and the

And while coding is chiefly a boys’

business landscape. It is time we

At the beginning of her career, she

am responsible for quantifying work effort and planning sprints to help

club, many say it should not be so.

Cini’s merit-based progress up

practise what we preach.

alumni

As a student and a programmer

71

to-do list podcast

book

You're Wrong About Mike and Sarah are journalists obsessed with the past. Every week they reconsider an event, person, or phenomenon that’s been miscast in the public imagination.

movie

Blindess (2008) Notes of a Dirty Old Man

by Charles Bukowski A collection of underground newspaper columns written by the laureate of American lowlife, Charles Bukowski – fun fact, the FBI kept a file on Bukowski because of this book!

An epidemic known as the ‘white sickness’ blinds everyone. Victims are quarantined in an abandoned mental hospital. A woman whose sight is unaffected by the plague follows her infected husband into quarantine. Based on the book by Portuguese author, José Saramago.

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youtube channel Curator's Corner Edutainment brought to you by the British Museum! Curators of the Museum tell you all about themselves, their research, and what it’s like to work with some of the world’s oldest and most significant objects.

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music

72

How to Change Your Mind A series that explores what psychedelics can teach people about consciousness, dying, addiction, depression, and transcendence.

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Violet Orlandi

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Covers of all your favourite rock and alternative anthems!

If you want to hear a familiar song with a unique twist, Violet Orlandi has you covered!

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