Article Non-invasive Vital Signs Monitoring in the Adult Population in Clinical Settings – Current State of the Art and Beyond Nicole Grech, Jean Calleja Agius, Stephen Sciberras, Neil Micallef, Kenneth Camilleri, Owen Falzon Pages: 2 - 12 Read Abstract | View full article |
PDF Abstract: Purpose: The aim is to delineate the current state of the art in non-contact red-green-blue (RGB) camera-based heart rate and rhythm monitoring in adult populations in the clinical setting. In addition, the challenges that still exist for more widespread use of this technology are outlined, as well as potential ways to overcome them.
Methods: A search using Boolean operators was carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, CINAHL and Cochrane databases using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies within hospital settings that extract heart rate data from videos of adult patients were identified and their successes and limitations were analysed from a clinical perspective.
Results: Fifteen studies were identified that fit the inclusion criteria. Many of these studies took place in emergency department settings, with the postoperative care unit being another environment that was investigated. Although good correlation between gold standard measurements and camera-based values were obtained overall, there are still challenges related to patient movement, changes in illumination and standardisation of techniques. This may be the reason that the use of this technology is not yet commonplace.
Conclusion: Although a lot of valuable work has been performed highlighting the advantages and feasibility of using camera-based photoplethysmography to extract heart rate data in clinical scenarios, challenges still need to be overcome before these systems can become more mainstream in clinical practise. Therefore more research needs to be conducted in the field of non-invasive vital signs monitoring in the clinical setting.
Doi: 10.7423/XJENZA.2024.2.01
Article Conducting an online STEAM-themed treasure hunt event during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ciara Lynch, Maria Vittoria Gargiulo, Caterina Mogno, Oluwafikayo A. Oyewale, Mark Ivan C. Roblas, Edward Duca Pages: 13 - 22 Read Abstract | View full article |
PDF Abstract: The in-person Malta-based STEAM Summer School intensive science communication course was transformed into the STEAM Digital School due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Still retaining real world features, the course managed to incorporate individuals from three different continents to learn and work together simultaneously. Upon completion of the course, the students organised an online event during worldwide Stay-at-Home restrictions to stimulate excitement among youths about scientific topics; in this case, communication within nature. The organisers chose to develop an online treasure hunt for teenagers, a novel format for online learning. The game involved solving puzzles with a science theme through an online platform. Through this medium, the participants were exposed to scientific ideas such as quantum waves, and how a microwave works, in order to increase their possible interest in the area. The organisers aimed to encourage the participants to develop an interest in science and research within society, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was evaluated to understand the impact on the participants and organisers, and the results indicated the event was generally enjoyed by the participants, though some puzzle difficulties were perhaps too high for those in the targeted age bracket of 16-19 year olds. Further suggestions for the improvement of the online intensive course and this event format are discussed within the report. We found the event format to be an overall success, with all participants indicating an increased interest in science as a result.
Doi: 10.7423/XJENZA.2024.2.02
Article Biological constraints and on-farm limitations affecting meat rabbit productivity in Malta Francesco Luca Alexander, George Attard Pages: 23 - 39 Read Abstract | View full article |
PDF Abstract: Literature on the production characteristics and constraints of intensive commercial rabbit meat production in Malta is scarce. This paper presents the current situation of the sector as it emerged through questionnaires addressed to the various stakeholders and professionals working within the sector. Agriculture holdings in Malta are limited in size, thereby restricting farm design, which very often requires improvised adjustments and compromises based on the available footprint. Furthermore, Malta’s geographical position is a consistent constraint whenever imports are required; hence, all manufacturing and production industries, rabbit production included, have a significant disadvantage over their European counterparts as there are added expenses associated with transport costs. Other constraints are that the sector is not organised to harmonise production. Furthermore, producers are in need to upgrade their skill sets with regards to the basic principles of husbandry and stockmanship.
Doi: 10.7423/XJENZA.2024.2.03
Article VARCITIES Pilot Characterisation: Research Findings of the Environmental Conditions and Health-related Risks in Gzira. Kurt Calleja, Edward Duca, Daniela Quacinella, David Suda, Mark-Anthony Caruana , Fabian Borg, Scheiber Sarah, Daniel Micallef, Simona Seligova, Emma Clarke Pages: 40 - 61 Read Abstract | View full article |
PDF Abstract: Gżira is a small, highly densely populated town in the Maltese Islands measuring just 0.6km2 in surface area, that is facing many ecological and environmental challenges. The Horizon 2020 project, VARCITIES, aims to co-create Visionary Solutions (VS) with the Gżira community and various stakeholders to address these problems. A characterisation study was carried out as the first step in the processes needed to develop these solutions. This report shows data gathered by the Research Innovation Unit of the Gżira Local Council and University of Malta, with VSs being suggested involving micro-greening and citizen engagement activities to address the lack of green public spaces and health related risks currently perceptible in its geographical location, climate, and infrastructure. Following a series of ethnographic field observations, air quality measurements, academic research and consultations with expert stakeholders three visionary solutions were carefully co-created in order to devise the main Nature-based Solutions (NBS) to be implemented in the pilot city. This article discusses the present situation in Gżira and identifies the challenges of the context, and describes the ways in which VARCITIES attempts to address such problems and how NBS can be of benefit to the Gżira locality and users of space. The main challenges identified about the pilot sites are linked to deprivation of green infrastructure, high levels of air and noise pollution, the Urban Heat Island effect and improper disposal of waste. VSs were proposed for these challenges in the form of infrastructural implementation and sociocultural events. These include; the micro-greening of a bus stop area and pop-up activities in Rue d’Argens, a citizen science activity involving residents in conducting air pollution measurements to increase awareness and a green outdoor learning space at St. Clare Gżira Primary School.
Doi: 10.7423/XJENZA.2024.2.04
Article Vaucheria (Heterokontophyta, Vaucheriaceae) from the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean). Jonathan Henwood, Lanfranco Edwin, Roy Merritt Pages: 62 - 67 Read Abstract | View full article |
PDF Abstract: The Vaucheria species list of the Maltese Islands is reviewed based on literature and collected material. Since many ollections were sterile, culture was necessary for identification. Eleven species of Vaucheria have been found from saline and freshwater habitats, including several additions to previous lists, namely Vaucheria cruciata, Vaucheria dillwynii, Vaucheria longicaulis, Vaucheria pseudogeminata and Vaucheria synandra. In addition, Vaucheria mulleola was recorded again. Several other past records remain unidentified.
Doi: 10.7423/XJENZA.2024.2.05
Article 0.075% Capsaicin cream and wind up in chronic lumbar radicular neuropathic pain - a phenotype-stratified, case series. Emanuel Schembri, Ethel Carboni Jardim , Victoria Massalha, Carmel Abela Pages: 68 - 75 Read Abstract | View full article |
PDF Abstract: Personalized treatment for low back pain disorders is a high research priority and stratified medicine using sensory profiling can potentially improve the outcomes. Wind up, or temporal summation is the progressive increase in action potential firing rate of spinal cord neurons to repetitive stimulation of C-fibre afferents at a constant intensity. Wind up can occur in neuropathic pain, and it is augmented by the presence of central sensitization, which can lead to Aδ-fiber induced wind up rather than solely being activated by C-fibre stimuli. Topical capsaicin activates the transient receptor vanilloid-1, which is expressed in C-fibres and some Aδ-fibers of the peripheral nervous system, leading to a reduction in skin evoked pain. Despite the supporting evidence for the 8% capsaicin patch, there is evidence that specific patient subgroups treated with 0.04% capsaicin formulation obtained better analgesia compared to the higher dose. However, that research did not evaluate sensory profiles nor predictive biomarkers.
Due to the shared neurophysiological mechanisms underlying wind up and capsaicin, we hypothesized that the application of a low dose capsaicin cream (0.075%), in conjunction with physiotherapy, could provide analgesia in a phenotype-stratified case series (n=9) diagnosed with chronic lumbar radicular neuropathic pain (median 5 years), and exhibiting wind up. The combination of physiotherapy and topical capsaicin cream yielded clinically significant analgesia (Hedges’ g = 2.96). Hence the hypothesis of using a simple bedside test for wind up as a prognostic biomarker for positive outcomes from capsaicin cream in patients with chronic lumbar radiculopathies, should be investigated in a randomized controlled trial.
Doi: 10.7423/XJENZA.2024.2.06
Article Challenges and opportunities of young farmers in Malta. Jeanette Borg, Everaldo Attard, Liberato Camilleri Pages: 76 - 87 Read Abstract | View full article |
PDF Abstract: Agriculture in Malta has seen substantial development over time and serves a number of functions. Malta has fewer young farmers and a smaller labor force than the rest of Europe. This study intends to analyze current trends and features of young farmers in Malta in order to understand their condition and discover strategies to help and promote new recruits into the business. The data came from 202 respondents who made up a representative sample. According to statistical research, there are significant correlations between factors like gender, age, working hours per week, primary sectors, European Union (EU) financing, and organizational membership and job status, or whether young farmers are registered on a full- or part-time basis, or are unregistered. Additional information exposes the educational and training background, trading customs, and other aspects of young farmers. This study provides information on the challenges and opportunities that are experienced by the young farmers, independent of the opinion and thoughts of the older generations.
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