Mediterranean regional policy

The object of this paper is to outline a possible strategy of trans-national institutional development at the regional level for the Mediterranean, but it offers us no more than a framework within which the major questions might possibly be discussed by the various specialists in their respective areas of competence (and in the variety of their interactions). The first part sketches out the thoughts at the back of the institutional proposals sketched out in the second part. The first point to be stressed is the recognition of the desirable complementariness of global and regional policies and institutions, both with regard to the Law of The Sea in particular, and to the New Economic Order in general.peer-reviewe

Kommenti fuq dizzjunarju Malti

L-awtur jitkellem dwar dizzjunarji Maltin li saru matul iż-żminijiet minn awturi differenti. Isemmi wkoll id-dizzjunarju “Il-Miklem Malti” li ħadem fuqu hu.N/

Expressions and embeddings of deliberative democracy in mutual benefit digital goods

Since democracy is so desirable and digital technologies are so flexible and widespread it is worth asking what sort of digital technologies can, through use, enhance democratic practice. This question is addressed in three stages. First, the notion of Mutual Benefit Digital Goods (MBDGs) is developed as a tool for discerning the digital goods that hold a potential for nurturing democratic virtues. MBDGs are those digital goods that allow a user to make such goods one’s own and to put something of oneself into them. This can be achieved either directly, by working at creating a derivative of a digital good, or by engaging a community of production for digital goods. The second stage is the identification of a theory of democracy that is adequate for discussing democracy in relation to cyberspace. Deliberative democracy, particularly as presented by Dryzek, is put forward as the most appropriate conception of democracy to be used. This conception makes it possible to overcome the difficulties posed by the notions of citizens and borders as presented in other conceptions of democracy. In relation to cyberspace, such notions are particularly problematic. In the last stage, MBDGs and deliberative democracy are brought together by means of the theory of technological mediation and Feenberg's theory of technological subversion. The theory of mediation holds that the use of technologies modulates our moral landscape. Because of mediation, subversion of digital technologies is always self-expressive to some extent. Therefore it exhibits the same grounding characteristics as deliberative democracy: mutual respect, reciprocity, provisionality and equality. Since MBDGs are most open to subversion, they are also the digital technologies with the most potential for fostering democracy. This claim is corroborated by looking at iconic MBDGs (Free/ Libre/ Open Source Software and Wikipedia) and revealing how the virtues necessary for deliberation are manifest in some of the activities surrounding these digital goods. The ideas presented, if accepted, have practical implications for institutions desirous of enhancing democratic practice. Such institutions ought to evaluate their choices on digital technologies also on grounds of democratic potential, reduce obstacles to alternative appropriation of digital goods through regulation, and foster MBDGs

Etimoloġija: nisel il-kelma "ħal"

F’dan l-artiklu l-awtur jagħti tagħrif etimoloġiku tal-kelma “Ħal,” kelma li nużawha mal-ismijiet tal-irħula Maltin.N/

Extemporaneous preparations from the past

Compounding involves the preparation, packaging and labelling of a drug specifically for a particular patient according to a medical prescription. Until the mid-1900s, the compounding of such 'ondemand' pharmaceutical preparations, also known as extemporaneous preparations, was the basis of pharmacy. In Italy, in 1580, descriptive catalogues and standards for quality and uniformity of pharmacy formulas for pharmaceutical preparations were compiled. These became known as the 'pharmacopoeia' . In the 1930s and 1940s, about 60% of all drugs were compounded. However, in the 1960s, manual preparation declined. 2 The objectives of the study were to demonstrate different methods of preparations of various drug formulations irrespective of the active ingredients used and to compile a List of extemporaneous preparations that were compounded between the years 1955 to 1965.peer-reviewe

Compliance with protocols in dental conditions

The aims of this study were to assess compliance with the developed treatment protocols through the dissemination of case studies. Out of 203 questionnaires distributed, 125 (62%) were collected. Community pharmacists were asked to complete case studies within a fortnight to indicate their line of action in three conditions presented. Average percentage compliance with the protocols was 73%.peer-reviewe

Standard operating procedures in pharmaceutical quality systems

Objective: To develop explanatory texts for a pharmacy curriculum and reference textbook and to develop model standard operating procedures (SOP s) on key quality and operational pharmaceutical activities. Method: Explanatory texts were written and model SOP s were developed. Emphasis on clarity, conciseness and user-friendliness was made when selecting the writing style and format of the documents. Key Findings: Three explanatory texts entitled ‘Master Standard Operating Procedure’, ‘Preparing a Standard Operating Procedure’ and ‘Good Manufacturing Practice’ were compiled and sixteen model SOPs were developed. Conclusion: Effective SOPs are required to achieve compliance with regulatory requirements and good practice guidelines. Explanatory texts and model SOP s are provided to assist in the development of a pharmaceutical quality management system. The texts developed are an effective training tool on the development of good quality SOPs and the model SOPs are an example of the good quality procedures being recommended.peer-reviewe

Quality risk management implementation for a medicinal products wholesale dealer

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to compile a model of a Quality Management System (QMS ) for distribution of medicines, identify the risks in distribution to the quality of medicinal products from a Maltese wholesale dealer’s perspective and evaluate these risks using Quality Risk Management (QRM) methodology. The ultimate objective was to indicate whether risks are being well managed and to propose appropriate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). METHOD: A set of model Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which describe the current wholesale dealer’s operations was compiled. These SOPs were written in simple English to facilitate comprehensiveness by the employees. The various steps in the distribution of medicinal products by a wholesaler and the risks in each step were identified and a flowchart was compiled. A QRM assessment was carried out, taking into consideration current risk management activities described in SOPs. No further action was recommended for risks which were deemed as acceptable, however appropriate CAPA was recommended for risks deemed as being unacceptable. KEY FINDINGS: Out of 70 identified risks during QRM evaluation, 65 risks were deemed acceptable, while 5 were deemed not acceptable. Areas exhibiting unacceptable risks were ‘Returns of medicinal products’ (1 risk) and ‘Temperature monitoring and control during shipment from supplier’ (4 risks). CONCLUSION: CAPA was proposed to change the profile of unacceptable risks. A model QRM SOP was compiled to be used by Maltese wholesale dealers in setting up a QRM system and to help in fulfilling regulatory obligations.peer-reviewe

Storing medicines while reducing electricity consumption

Temperature storage requirements for medicinal products stored at room temperature were compiled. The rate of heat loss in a local pharmacy was investigated. Necessary measures required to achieve temperature controlled storage conditions in the most efficient manner were proposed. Energy efficiency together with carbon emission reductions were calculated.peer-reviewe

Proposing guidelines for responsible person eligibility in Malta

OBJECTIVES: To assess the current training and further education available to prospective Responsible Persons (RPs), to gather feedback from current RPs and industry stakeholders’ experiences and to recommend guidelines on what training and experience prospective RPs should undergo to become eligible for the role. METHOD: A focus group was organised with key stakeholders from the industry including representatives from the Medicines Authority, University of Malta and the Central Procurement and Supplies Unit (CPSU). Feedback on individual experiences was gathered. KEY FINDINGS: The most common recommendation from the focus group was the emphasis on the importance of having practical experience relative to the size and complexity of the operation. CONCLUSION: Guidelines to be proposed for a framework on accepting RPs should consider experience supported by knowledge on obligations and duties to be fulfilled by the RP.peer-reviewe