Partial differential equations driven by rough paths

We study a class of linear first and second order partial differential equations driven by weak geometric $p$-rough paths, and prove the existence of a unique solution for these equations. This solution depends continuously on the driving rough path. This allows a robust approach to stochastic partial differential equations. In particular, we may replace Brownian motion by more general Gaussian and Markovian noise. Support theorems and large deviation statements all became easy corollaries of the corresponding statements of the driving process. In the case of first order equations with Gaussian noise, we discuss the existence of a density with respect to the Lebesgue measure for the solution

The nutritional habits of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Malta : have they changed since the 1980s?

The main aim of this study was to define the contemporary dietary habits of both patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nondiabetics in Malta and to compare the results with the findings of a similar study performed in 1983 by Katona et al. The study was a cross sectional study of representative subsets of the Maltese population. A questionnaire was used to collect the data and record baseline characteristics, information about diet and exercise levels. Results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the diets of the T2DM and nondiabetic cohorts. Compared to the 1983 data, the Maltese are eating more carbohydrates, less fat and fibre. Diabetics appear not to be changing their lifestyle habits once they are given their diagnosis. The results suggest that continuous education is needed on all aspects of a healthy lifestyle including dietary advice and should include both diabetics and non-diabetics.peer-reviewe

Why do men join the men's rights movement in Malta?

This article explores the reasons why men join the Men’s Rights Movement (MRM) in Malta, the southernmost and smallest member state of the European Union. In particular, reference is made to the Association for Men’s Rights (AMR). For this purpose, a qualitative research method has been adopted, whereby activists within AMR were interviewed to discuss their experiences and the reasons why they joined the organisation. The Weberian concept of verstehen is therefore the main methodological inspiration of this study.peer-reviewe

Strategic human resource effectiveness, internal marketing and performance in the public sector

Internal marketing (IM) focuses on acquiring and retaining customer-oriented employees and is seen as particularly relevant to service organisations. Critics of internal marketing claim that the term is simply a synonym for good human resources management. The concepts of Internal Marketing and Strategic Human Resource Effectiveness (SHRE) are considered and suitable measures are identified Data is collected from the Australian public sector and a regression analysis is used to investigate the hypothesised relationships. The study provides empirical evidence of a demarcation between IM and SHRE; that SHRE is an important antecedent to IM and that SHRE has both a direct and indirect effect on performance, Management implications are considered and directions for future research offered.peer-reviewe

Hepatitis B immunisation : a survey of surgeons and theatre nurses

Acute viral hepatitis remains a serious condition. Its long-term sequelae include cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Health workers constitute a high-risk group for contracting hepatitis B. A group of clinicians associated with invasive procedures and nurses working in operating theatres were invited to answer a confidential questionnaire concerning hepatitis B immunisation and the use of protective measures. A self-administered confidential questionnaire was sent to 152 clinicians and 97 theatre nurses, of whom 82 and 74 respectively responded, giving an overall response rate of 63 %. Whilst 91% of respondents considered their speciality as being of high risk for hepatitis B only 63% of them were fully immunised and of these only 51% had had their immunity tested. Out of those who checked their antibody status 19% did so following a needle stick injury. 60% of our respondents had had a needle stick injury over the past year. Even so barrier precaution techniques were used infrequently with only 17% always or at least frequently using double gloving and 10% wearing a visor during operations. Some respondents also commented on the poor availability of resources such as impermeable gowns or blunt needles which are established precautions against contamination from hepatitis B.peer-reviewe

Orientationally textured thin films of WOx deposited by pulsed laser deposition

Pulsed laser deposition from a compound target in an oxygen atmosphere has been used to produce sub-stoichiometric WOx films of 30 nm thickness on Si(100) and SrTiO3(100) substrates. The growth temperature was 500 °C and the pressure of the O2 background was 2.5 × 10−2 mbar. The films have been assessed using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray reflectivity (XRR), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. The chemical shift of the tungsten 4f states showed that the tungsten was close to fully oxidized. XRR measurements and scanning electron micrographs showed the films on SrTiO3(100) to be much smoother than those on Si(100) which were granular. XRD in the Bragg–Brentano geometry combined with texture analysis showed that the films were textured with the [001], [010], [100] directions normal to the surface. The films on SrTiO3(100) were found to be biaxially textured with the film directions aligning with those in the substrate. The nature of the texture was sensitive to the laser fluence used. Higher fluence promoted [001] texture whereas lower fluence promoted [010] and [100]. Intermediate fluences produced smooth, highly ordered films with biaxial texture. Investigations using the laser repetition rate indicate that the mechanism for the difference is the overall deposition rate, which is affected by fluence. On Si(100) the films were rougher and exhibited only uniaxial texture

The link between market orientation and performance in the Australian public sector

Marketing academics and practitioners assume a direct link between market orientation and performance and argue that this applies to both business and non-business organisations. While this aspect has been studied in the business sector, this paper discusses the concepts of market orientation and performance and investigates this relationship in the Australian public sector. The conceptualization of market orientation used is that by Jaworski and Kohli (1993) on which basis MARKOR was developed. This instrument together with an instrument to measure the perceptions of performance of senior managers in the Australian public sector are used to investigate the hypothesized link. The findings confirm a positive relationship between market orientation and performance. The size and type of public sector organisation involved are also found to affect the levels of market orientation together with its components and performance. From the findings, implication are drawn and directions for future research discussed.peer-reviewe

Market orientation and performance in the public sector : the role of organizational commitment

Increased calls for transparency and accountability in government organizations underscores the need for a market orientation even in the public sector. The degree of market orientation and its effect on performance and on organizational commitment in government departments in three Australian states is considered. Results provide empirical support for a direct relationship between market orientation and performance and evidence of the mediating role of organizational commitment. Implications are drawn and directions for future research are discussed.peer-reviewe

Effects of some environmental challenges and centralization on the entrepreneurial orientation and performance of public sector entities

The relevance of entrepreneurship in the public sector is considered. In investigating relationships a review of the literature is undertaken and a model is proposed to examine the effects of certain environmental variables and centralisation on entrepreneurship and ultimately, performance. The proposed model is based on work conducted by Covin and Slevin [1991], reconsidered within a public sector context. Research is conducted among Australian public sector entities. A structural equation model is used to examine the hypothesised linkages. Implications of the findings are discussed, limitations are noted and directions for future research are outlined.peer-reviewe