Enhanced Computational Imaging for Microendoscopy

Microendoscope imaging systems suffer from high levels of aberrations, a narrow Field of View and short Depth of Field. We present a technique for enhanced imaging through a microendoscope using a novel computational imaging approach

A Proof of the S-m-n theorem in Coq

This report describes the implementation of a mechanisation of the theory of computation in the Coq proof assistant which leads to a proof of the Smn theorem. This mechanisation is based on a model of computation similar to the partial recursive function model and includes the definition of a computable function, proofs of the computability of a number of functions and the definition of an effective coding from the set of partial recursive functions to natural numbers. This work forms part of a comparative study of the HOL and Coq proof assistants

Hospice Malta

Hospice Malta is a voluntary organisation inspired by Christian values. It exists to provide and promote the highest standards of palliative care for persons with cancer, motor neurone disease and other terminal disease. It also aims to help and support their families. Palliative care in Malta is offered free of charge by Hospice Malta in the community, day therapy unit and through hospital support. There is also an in-patient palliative care unit in Boffa Hospital where patients are admitted for symptom control or during the terminal phase.peer-reviewe

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Syndrome : the medical imaging perspective

Introduction: Sports persons, physicians, orthopods and radiologists have become increasingly aware of the extra stress that is imposed on the hip joints with excessive activity particularly when superadded weight bearing and asymmetrical variations from the normal hip joint anatomy are present leading to Femoroacetabular Impingement. Subject: Presentation of the abnormalities within the ball and socket areas of the hip joint and the resultant types of impingements, the predominant cam, the predominant pincer or mixed types femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are discussed and illustrated. The different kind of sportspersons that are prone to FAI and the risk factors involved are discussed. Method: The main methods of investigation: The radiological techniques and radiological signs of the disease entity utilizing plain radiography and computerised transverse scanning techniques are elaborated and graphically depicted. Within the ball part of the hip joint, measurements for femoral head asphericity, that is, the Alpha (?) angle and the offset distance between the femoral head and neck are presented. With regard to pincer type FAI affecting the socket part of the hip joint, the acetabular version angle and the depth (or shallowness) of the acetabulum with their methods of quantification are discussed. Conclusion: Femoroacetabular Impingement is a syndrome which is currently more appreciated within the sports medicine field and various approaches to assessment have been devised regarding how to diagnose and quantify congenital anomalies and developmental abnormalities within both the ball and the socket regions of the hip joint.peer-reviewe

Three published books of sermons delivered in Malta between 1694 and 1754

The identification of texts of sermons delivered in Malta during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries would make possible a study of the oratorical styles, themes treated, and languages used in their delivery. This, in turn, would enable a better understanding of the impact that such an important albeit ignored means of verbal communication had on its contemporary audience. In the present short study three unrecorded published books containing sermons are described and briefly discussed.peer-reviewe

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A 45 year old businessman presents at your clinic with a 2 year history of recurrent abdominal pain, associated with frequent bouts of diarrhoea. The pain is relieved by defaecation, but there is often a feeling of incomplete evacuation. Between these episodes he is often constipated, with infrequent bowel motions characterised by hard stools. During stressful situations, symptoms get worse and are associated with abdominal bloating and increased flatulence. He researched his problem on the internet and thinks he might have Irritable Bowel Syndrome.peer-reviewe

Occupational differences in healthcare : a categorization in terms of personality dispositions

This personality study on organizational psychology examines different attitudes demonstrated by different occupational work groups towards situational characteristics and namely those within the context of Performance Management (PM), a management tool charting agreed objectives in a work plan, monitoring progress of, and providing feedback to each individual employee in the achievement of these objectives, which may be linked to a reward. Contrary to the traditional school which advocates that situational characteristics cause predictable behaviour across individuals, the main focus is therefore the dispositional approach, although this perspective does not negate situational effects. The attitudes towards the eventual roll out of a Performance Management Plan (PMP) in St. Luke's Hospital are investigated. The organization under investigation was seen to provide suitable ground for conducting the study because of the heterogeneity of work groups involving professional and other ancillary workers. The categorization of attitudes employed a number of personality disposition indices, including Locus of control (LOC), Goal orientation (GO) and Self efficacy (SE). The bipolar nature of these constructs enabled most of the answers to the items used in the questionnaire to be coded along a scale. Quantitatively, the occupation variable emerged as one of the most important variable out of all the biographical variables under study, when correlated with the personality variables. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses indicate a qualified clustering of the professions in terms of personality traits, compared with the ancillary group. The LOC variable emerged as the most consistent of all the constructs under study both cross-sectionally amongst the various occupations under study and also vertically within the same occupation. This paper argues that this personality variable may relate to previous literature exploring the strategies and struggles over boundaries between a profession and other groups where power is contested.peer-reviewe

Apprehending narcotic smugglers in Malta

This is an account of the experience of the radiological department in identifying heroin smugglers coming from the African continent in transit through Malta. The method of preparation and ways of concealment of drugs in the alimentary tract are described and their radiological appearances illustrated. Conventional and alternative methods of investigation are discussed.peer-reviewe

A treasure lost : the Portocarrero collection of scientific instruments and interest in the sciences in hospitaller Malta

One of the little-known treasures acquired by the Order of St John during the eighteenth century and brought over to Malta consisted of a collection of scientific and mathematical instruments. This impressive collection, which was added to during the succeeding years, eventually vanished without a trace. Further evidence of scientific pursuits in areas such as aerostatics, astronomy, climatic observations and natural history confirm a growing local interest in the various sciences, itself reflecting contemporary developments in Europe.peer-reviewe

Scanning medical images for screen presentation

The purpose of this article is to remove the myths and black art surrounding electronic imaging and prove beyond doubt that any mind competent in the workings of the human body is capable of producing good on-screen images from adequate equipment. Note that in this day and age of SI units imaging still uses inches to describe diagonal screen size and pixels per inch to describe resolution.peer-reviewe