Cavitating Venturi sump

By ducting spent fluid into a cavitating Venturi sump formed in a main stream of propellant, hazardous working fluid of fluidic systems on board spacecraft or rockets is vented harmlessly

Integrated monopropellant thruster

Application of vortex amplifier principles to throttling of monopropellant thrusters is described. Integration of flow control, catalyst bed, and thruster nozzle is accomplished by design of thruster. Diagrams of thrusters are provided to show details of construction and operation

Interconnections for fluidic circuits

Circuit elements are grouped on functional basis in rectangular two-dimensional planar arrays or modules. Another interconnection method brings all connections out to module edge. For smaller fluidic circuits, manifold and interconnections are fabricated as single blocks. Advantages of methods are given

The stethoscope

Stetho·scope. Function: noun : an instrument used to detect and study sounds produced in the body that are conveyed to the ears of the listener through rubber tubing connected with a usually cupshaped piece placed upon the area to be examined.peer-reviewe

An evaluation of the perceptions of products derived from gene technology among undergraduates at the University of Malta

A pilot study on the perceptions of genetically engineered-derived produce was carried out among undergraduates in their final year of study at the University of Malta. 68% of the students interviewed accepted the idea of genetically modifying plants (GM) but the idea of creating GM animals was not acceptable to the same cohort with approval falling to 30.2% of the group. Gender was found to be important in influencing choices made by students. Females were less accepting of GM organisms and they were significantly less likely to buy GM produce, such as GM derived milk (p<0.001), tomatoes (p<0.05), and beef (p<0.01) than males. Subject background was also found to influence student opinions. Students with a strong background in biology were less likely to have faith in statements concerning GM products made by the farming community (p<0.05). However, the same students were more willing to accept statements about GM products by government organisations (p<0.01) and environmental groups (p<0.05) than those who had minimal or no biology in their background. The study is interesting, as it shows that at a fundamental level, complex factors are influencing the individual's choices on biotech derived products.peer-reviewe

Confidentiality and treatment of young adults : proposals for amendments : the Gillick Proposition

The law does not determine between legal competency and actual competency of minors in medical issues. The objective of this paper is to put forward proposals to amend the legislation to redefine legal competency on the base that understanding should have more bearing than age. The English landmark case of Gillick is used to analyse the Maltese situation. The Maltese legislation was examined and it resulted that there is no legal definition of what competency is. Various legislations use different ages to define competency. The Genito-Urinary (GU) Clinic was even given permission to assess a minor’s competency itself and if it is determined by the medical professional that the minor is competent then such minor will be treated without the need for parental consent. To substantiate the claim, in 2009 the researcher carried out empirical research using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Questionnaires were given to children aged between 6 and 18. Structured and semistructured interviews were used to interview legal and medical professionals involved in the field. By triangulating the results the conclusion reached is that that minors do seek treatment without parental consent and that there are medical professionals who already treat minors without parental consent. There is the need for legal reforms to substantiate the reality of actual competency of minors.peer-reviewe

Fluidic pressure regulators

Three basic areas for possible application of fluidic control to rocket engine subsystems were identified and six subsystem configurations were analyzed for study. Results provide indication of tradeoffs involved between conventional and fluidic regulators and should be of interest to control and applications engineers who need to make similar analyses

Advances in magnetic resonance imaging of the myocardial area at risk and salvage

No abstract available

Child abuse in Malta : a review

Child abuse constitutes one of the most difficult areas of paediatric practice in Malta and, sadly, non accidental injury (NAI) is not only relatively common but is also increasing in incidence. The multi-factorial and socially complex aetiology of child abuse makes its eradication at source very difficult indeed. Nevertheless, the significant negative impact of this diagnosis on the affected child, both in the immediacy as well as in the long term, dictates damage-limitation through early identification and appropriate management. To this end, local awareness of the magnitude of the problem has galvanized the relevant authorities who have now established efficient tracking and processing protocols for cases of NAI, covering medical, social, legal and police aspects.peer-reviewe

Ferromagnetic-fluid logic devices

Logic element switches flows of low pressure process control fluid in fluidics assemblies. Device operates both electrically and fluidically and is controlled by passing permanent magnet or electromagnet over elements, thus providing proximity switching functions