Fostering Creativity through Design and Technology Education

The challenges faced by contemporary societies, together with the on-going change characterizing these societies, reveal the need for citizens who are able to think differently and adapt what is already known to new, unknown situations (Cropley, A., 2011).  This ensures that change is pro-actively managed.  Education plays an important role in supporting active citizenship (Apple, 2013), where a methodology that promotes creativity ensures the effectiveness of pluralism in democratic societies. Teachers, however, are faced with dilemmas, having to compromise between the requirements for creativity and the demands of education systems (Atkinson, 2000; Runco, 2014a).  Design and Technology Education has a potential role in addressing these dilemmas, due to the authenticity afforded and the potential of design practice to foster the metacognition required for creativity (Christiaans & Venselaar, 2005a).  This paper presents the research conducted to build a toolkit for secondary school Design and Technology Educators, intended to capitalize on this potential. It was developed following an exploration process aimed at identifying a pedagogy that facilitates the fostering of creative mindsets through the subject.  This process consisted of interviews with Design and Technology teachers to understand creativity in the local classroom, in addition to a literature review. The toolkit was then evaluated through interviews with other Design and Technology teachers.  The underlying philosophy of the toolkit is based on the 4P framework (Rhodes, 1961) – Person, Process, Product, and Press – to address creativity holistically, with the creative Person as its long-term goal. This is embodied through the design process at the core of the toolkit, facilitated using the spiral curriculum (Bruner, 1977) and specific design tools. The evaluation of the toolkit shows that it can support high-level thinking required for creativity, confirming the role of Design and Technology Education in preparing present and future generations for the society they design and live in

Barriers to implement a smoke free hospital : What action should be taken?

Objective: Tobacco is leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Hospitals have a key role to play in the effective control of tobacco. The aim of this survey was to identify the barriers in implementing a smoke free hospital. Methods: The tool used was a modified Fagerstrom questionnaire. These questionnaires were distributed to all employees at the main state hospital. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS software using frequency tables, univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The response rate was 55.1%. The findings showed that 27.1% of male staff and 24.8% of female staff are active smokers. 22.2% of smokers refrain from smoking in hospital. The highest percentage of smokers was in the youngest age group (18-25 years). The highest prevalence of smoking was found in nurses (23.6%), followed by doctors (10.4%). A positive finding was that 25.7% of current non-smokers were ex- smokers with the greatest incentive to quit being for health reasons. Most members of staff were aware of the adverse effects of smoking and a number had symptoms suggestive of smoking-related pathology. Conclusion: Hospital staff mirror the general population with respect to smoking prevalence, habits and co morbidities. This indicates that further initiatives are required to decrease the number of health professionals who smoke, as these should ideally be role models for patients, and hence be able to effectively support patients in quitting smoking.peer-reviewe

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Mediterranean region over 18 months: bridging the health outcomes and sustainable development goals

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, including across the Mediterranean basin. This region presents diversity in economy, culture, and societal affairs. We attempted to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the population and on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our aim being to aid in the development of COVID-19 national plans. Methods: Epidemiological data was obtained from ‘Our World in Data’ databases (January 2020 – July 2021). Case, mortality, and vaccination incidence comparisons were made across neighbouring countries. The SDG index, universal health coverage (UHC) and health workforce targets were collected for each country. Correlations between SDG targets and COVID-19 outcomes were analysed. Results: Similarities in morbidity and mortality outcomes were present across neighbouring countries, with a bidirectional relationship between cumulative fully vaccinated population and infectivity fatality rates. Positive relationships were present between SDG indexes, UHC and health workforces and COVID-19 cases, deaths, and vaccinations. Conclusion: At prima face, high-income countries seem to have sustained worse morbidity and mortality outcomes, despite having had better UHC and a greater health workforce in the pre-COVID-19 era however, one must also consider that factors such as health-seeking behaviour and underdiagnosis may have influenced this. Cross-border infectivity was, however, evident. Pan-Mediterranean action must therefore be taken to ensure COVID-19 transmissibility and mortality are reduced across borders, while ensuring an equitable health outcome across populations. Keywords: COVID-19; Mediterranean; Morbidity; Mortality; Vaccination; Sustainable Development Goals; Outcome Assessment

A preliminary investigation into the acquisition of fingerprints on food

The potential for enhancement and recovery of latent fingerprints on a variety of foodstuffs has been investigated. In general, black magnetic powder and black powder suspensions appear to be the most successful enhancement techniques with a high number of ridge detail-developed prints over a selected time scale. Banana, apple and tomato surfaces showed enhancement of latent prints but potato and egg surfaces proved to be less successful

A survey to assess smoking awareness and attitudes of staff at a local hospital

Rising smoking-related morbidity and mortality would be expected to lead to increased awareness among hospital staff regarding the harmful effects of cigarettes. The aim is to assess the smoking habits of individuals working within a hospital setting who are directly or indirectly exposed to patients with smoking-related illnesses. The survey addresses health issues and attitudes towards smoking. The timing is opportune in that Mater Dei Hospital Malta is to be declared a totally smoke-free hospital.peer-reviewe

National analyses on survival in Maltese adult patients on renal replacement therapy started during 2009–2012

Chronic kidney disease patients on maintenance dialysis (CKD 5D) experience major morbidity and mortality. No data on survival in Maltese dialysis patients exist; therefore, the aim of this study was to rigorously examine survival statistics in a complete cohort of Maltese CKD 5D patients. The study population was comprised of all incident chronic patients (N=328) starting dialysis at the renal unit, Mater Dei hospital, Msida, Malta, for 4 consecutive years (2009–2012). Each yearly cohort was analysed in detail up to 31st December 2017, providing up to 8 years follow-up. Demographics (male 65%; female 35%), aetiology of renal failure (diabetic kidney disease: n=191; 58.2%), comorbidities, transplant status, and death were documented. Data collection and follow up were completed and statistical analysis was performed on the aggregated cohorts with SPSS version 23 with censoring up to 31st December 2017. The cumulative adjusted 5-year overall survival in Maltese CKD 5D patients was 0.36 and 0.25 at 8 years. No statistical difference was observed according to the year of starting dialysis. Cox regression analysis showed that age and transplant status influenced survival. The unadjusted hazard of death increased by 3% for every 1-year increase in age and was increased by 7% if the patient did not receive a transplant, and overall 22% (n=72) of the entire cohort eventually received transplants. This study reports an approximate 65% mortality at 5 years in Maltese haemodialysis patients, a poor prognosis that, despite optimal medical management, is consistent with worldwide reports.peer-reviewe

Hexa-μ-chlorido-hexa­chlorido(η6-hexa­methyl­benzene)trialuminium(III)lanthanum(III) benzene solvate

In the title compound, [Al3LaCl12(C12H18)]·C6H6, all mol­ecules are located on a mirror plane. Three chloridoaluminate groups and a hexa­methyl­benzene mol­ecule are bound to the central lanthanum(III) ion, forming a distorted penta­gonal bipyramid with the η6-coordinated arene located at the apical position. The hexa­methyl­benzene ligand disordered between two orientations in a 1:1 ratio is also involved in parallel-slipped π–π stacking inter­molecular inter­actions with a benzene solvent mol­ecule [centroid–centroid distance 3.612 (4) Å]

Allele frequencies of Human Platelet Antigen 1 and Human Platelet Antigen 5 in the Maltese

Background: The human platelet antigen systems consist of antigenic polymorphisms that arise from single base pair substitutions leading to amino acid changes in platelet glycoproteins. These polymorphisms cause a variety of clinically significant conditions where platelet typing is essential for accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the allele frequencies of Human Platelet Antigen-1 (HPA-1) and Human Platelet Antigen-5 (HPA-5) in the Maltese population and to compare these frequencies to those in other populations.Methods: This study was conducted on a total of 508 population DNA samples. Polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify segments of DNA spanning the single nucleotide polymorphism of interest for both the HPA-1 and HPA-5 systems. A restriction enzyme digest was then used to differentiate between the genotypes. The data was analysed by gender and nationality.Results and Conclusion: From this study it was determined that, for these two polymorphisms, the Maltese population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and that the local allele frequencies are similar to frequencies of geographically close populations. The frequencies of these two HPA systems are: HPA-1a/1a; 71.6%, HPA-1a/1b; 25.5%, HPA-1b/1b; 2.9%, HPA-5a/5a; 77.4%, HPA-5a/5b; 22.0% and HPA-5b/5b; 0.6%.peer-reviewe

Atypical neuroleptic malignant syndrome with type 2 respiratory failure treated with non-invasive ventilation

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is characterized by hyperthermia, severe rigidity, and autonomic instability that is life-threatening if not treated promptly by intensive supportive care. However, there have been numerous reports of “atypical NMS” where the diagnostic criteria of NMS are only partially satisfied. We present a case of an elderly male who presented with atypical NMS secondary to antidopaminergic drug administration which precipitated acute respiratory failure. Our patient exhibited features of severe rigidity and autonomic instability, without hyperthermia. He developed tachypneic hypoventilation with type 2 hypercapneic respiratory failure which was treated with non-invasive ventilation (NIV). The patient recovered after three days with resolution of rigidity and was transferred to a normal medical ward on oxygen via a facemask, where he gradually improved. This study highlights that non-invasive ventilation may have a role in treating respiratory failure in mild to moderate cases of atypical NMS, avoiding the need for intubation.peer-reviewe

Kyphoscoliosis complicating asthma with fixed airway obstruction

Introduction: Kyphoscoliosis is present in up to 2% of the juvenile population and can have deleterious effects on respiratory mechanics, leading to chronic respiratory failure later on in adult life.Case presentation: Hereby we describe a 53-year-old patient with severe uncontrolled asthma who presented with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. During her medical workup, she was noted to have several comorbidities leading to her respiratory failure. The patient had radiological evidence of bronchiectasis with recurrent episodes of infection, and a severe deformity of the spine due to Kyphoscoliosis. Probably the kyphotic component of this deformity had worsened due to a long history of oral steroid use leading to severe osteoporosis and consequent vertebral compression fractures reaching a Cobb angle of 73 degrees. This was probably caused by the patient’s non-compliance with inhaler therapy and an excessive reliance on oral steroid use. Her respiratory failure was treated with domiciliary noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and 24-hour oxygen therapy and her symptoms improved.Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach across different specialities is necessary when managing such a patient with kyphoscoliosis, bronchiectasis, asthma with airflow limitation with respiratory failure.peer-reviewe