W, Z + Jets production with CMS detector

We present a study of jet production in association with W and Z bosons in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV using the full 2010 data set collected by CMS corresponding to an integrated luminosity of (35.9 +/- 1.4) inverse picobarn. We report the measurement of ratios s(V + >= n jets)/s(V) and s(V + >= n jets)/s(V + >= (n - 1) jets), where V represents either a W or a Z, s stands for the cross section and n stands for the number of jets.Comment: Poster session and talk at XXXI PHYSICS IN COLLISION, Vancouver, BC Canada, August 28 - September 1, 2011. 3 pages, 4 pdf figure

Study of W and jets associated production with CMS

We present a study of jets production in association with W bosons in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7TeV using the full 2010 dataset collected by CMS corresponding to an integrated luminosity of (35.9±1.4) pb−1

Case number 10 : Dandy-Walker syndrome

Ms. SA is an 8-year-old known case of Dandy-Walker syndrome managed through supraventricular and infraventricular peritoneal shunts. Having acquired normal developmental milestones till seven years of age, she currently has cognitive impairment, gait abnormality and speech defects following shunt complications.peer-reviewe

A Response to the Criticism against ISDS by EFILA

Peer reviewedPostprin

The impact of COVID-19 on Malta and it’s economy and sustainable strategies

This article is also available on the SSRN Library posted on the 7th July 2020.The preparedness for outbreaks of pandemics such as the COVID-19 is a major concern for health authorities and leaders as extensive studies in the past have been reported and well documented. However, engaging with the response to an outbreak demands many decisions with enormous implications on a population and its regions. A review of past response mechanisms sheds light on different scenarios to provide an understanding of the challenges that will emerge, depicting trends, changes to GDP and the impact on the economy and employment. With this article, we aim to identify and bring to light the challenges faced by Malta during the pandemic we are currently facing – COVID. This will help risk managers and leaders understand the devastating social and economic impact of such disruptions and act proactively to avoid repetition and embarrassments of being unprepared. Moreover, we aim to provide an understanding of the expected cascading economic domino effects, which may result from the workforce unavailability, during a pandemic and the mistakes in the estimation, if any, that could have been avoided. A desk research study technique was adopted whereby data was collected from existing sources, including government websites, online statistics, published reports, trends and internal data to the local Maltese markets. The COVID-19 phenomena led to new measures being taken worldwide as professionals, leaders, academics and businesses took unprecedented steps to change their business as usual strategies. This in turn brought about various questions and discussions on how islands like Malta controlled their situation.peer-reviewe

Modelling hCDKL5 heterologous expression in bacteria

hCDKL5 refers to the human cyclin-dependent kinase like 5 that is primarily expressed in the brain. Mutations in its coding sequence are often causative of hCDKL5 deficiency disorder, a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder currently lacking a cure. The large-scale recombinant production of hCDKL5 is desirable to boost the translation of preclinical therapeutic approaches into the clinic. However, this is hampered by the intrinsically disordered nature of almost two-thirds of the hCDKL5 sequence, making this region more susceptible to proteolytic attack, and the observed toxicity when the enzyme is accumulated in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic host cells. The bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125 (PhTAC125) is the only prokaryotic host in which the full-length production of hCDKL5 has been demonstrated. To date, a system-level understanding of the metabolic burden imposed by hCDKL5 production is missing, although it would be crucial for upscaling of the production process. Here, we combined experimental data on protein production and nutrients assimilation with metabolic modelling to infer the global consequences of hCDKL5 production in PhTAC125 and to identify potential overproduction targets. Our analyses showed a remarkable accuracy of the model in simulating the recombinant strain phenotype and also identified priority targets for optimised protein production

Building sustainably : a pilot study on the project manager’s contribution in delivering sustainable construction projects - a Maltese and international perspective

Despite ample technological advancements, the building industry is still seen as an unsustainable activity. To counteract this, building development is now being requested to be more sustainable. Due to the increasing complexity of sustainable projects’ criteria, the project manager’s role, tasked with the overall management of a building’s different development phases, is changing, becoming increasingly crucial for the attainment of pre-established sustainability goals. Based on this premise, the research presented in this paper is a pilot study set to preliminarily establish and identify a set of project management processes and supporting practices from existing literature, and gauge their significance and possible added value provided. This was done via a purposely designed questionnaire distributed locally, in Malta, and globally amongst established project managers. Notwithstanding the preliminary nature of the study some interesting results were obtained. Among the main outcomes of the study, it is observed how all respondents are very aware about sustainability issues and that their decision-making role places them in an optimum position to bring forward a sustainability agenda for a particular project. In terms of intervention, pre-construction (43%) and construction (28%) were considered to be the main stages were a project manager usually gives the highest input. However, various challenges were also highlighted by the respondents, including clients’ refusal to commit increased capital (34%), the requirement for further training (33%), and the lack of incentives aimed towards increasing the sustainability of projects (22%).peer-reviewe

Leveraging value adding factors through the construction development cycle : factors changing the property value landscape

Purpose: The economic value of residential homes is determined by an array of factors. Property value has taken on a new dimension as sustainability gains popularity in the real estate development industry. The housing market has been significantly impacted by the global COVID-19 outbreak and an increase in demand for domestic residences with access to outside spaces is a result of lockdowns and limitations. Homes that offer outdoor activities, natural ventilation, and a connection to nature are now prioritised by homebuyers. Thus, the economic worth of homes with gardens, patios, and spacious balconies has increased because of this change in preference. The aim of this research was to identify distinct key value-adding factors that could be implemented across the numerous stages of a construction project by individuals, at varied levels of expertise, within a construction development environment. This study examines important variables that affect local residential property value economically and sheds light on the importance for construction and renovation projects. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study explores highly desired property typologies and homeownership culture, as well as how these factors affect changes in renting behaviour. The strategy taken in this study is qualitative and employs interpretivism theory and inductive reasoning. Semi-structured interviews based on attitudinal research were used in the research as part of an ethnographic strategy with a sample of participants. Selection criteria included experience in the sector for a number of years, comprehension of the value of real estate, skill in financial and ecological property value-adding aspects, and localised social knowledge. Indicators used to predict site desirability included net population movement and the introduction of new companies. Thematic coding was executed with NVIVO™, allowing a methodical language-centered analytic strategy to make sense of the range of data retrieved. Findings: Results show that the proximity to essential facilities, easy access to transit, ideal urban planning, and the likelihood of future development are the main elements that have had an impact on economic worth. Furthermore, outcomes demonstrate that purchasers' willingness to pay more for greener properties is still restricted, despite the growing interest in sustainable building practices, as economic considerations are taking precedence over environmental concerns. Practical Implications: Associations such as IVS, RICS, and TEGOVA and Malta’s transparency in demonstrating reliability and effectiveness of data sources for comparable evidence are key factors for leveraging value-added factors through the construction development cycle. Originality/Value: The primary asset for a significant number of households is their portfolio of real estate properties. This has considerable importance as families can effectively enhance their overall domestic household income by strategically augmenting the perceived value of their real estate holdings.peer-reviewe