https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33810 2026-04-11T14:18:58Z 2026-04-11T14:18:58Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33881 2018-09-19T01:37:01Z 2018-09-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Malta becomes the new hub for the inverse problems community Abstract: Formally, an inverse problem is a mathematical framework that is used to obtain information about a physical object (cause) or theory (model) from observed measurements (effect). The solution to this problem is useful because it generally provides information about physical parameters that we cannot directly observe, and has been an important factor in the development of mathematics and science in the past 30 years. The approaches developed for inverse problems generally include numerical approximations, stability analysis, proofs of uniqueness and/or existence of the solution. Inverse problems arise in many areas of mathematical physics and the realm of their applications is vast: medical imaging techniques, geophysical explorations, computer vision, astronomy, nondestructive testing, noninvasive evaluation, etc. Most of research is interdisciplinary and the community is constantly expanding.

2018-09-01T00:00:00Z Di Giovanni, Giuseppe https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33878 2018-09-19T01:37:22Z 2018-09-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Cannabis medicine offers hope for severe paediatric epilepsies Authors: Di Giovanni, Giuseppe Abstract: Science does not need to take a position on legalizing the recreational use of cannabis, this is more a political issue or a personal choice. Cannabis, as the other drugs of abuse, produces several detrimental effects on brain function but differently from alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, heroin and ecstasy (just to cite the most commune ab- used ones) these are mostly present with acute intoxication and disappear after termination of drug intake. Consequently, there is no scientific reason for which we have some legal drugs of abuse such as alcohol and tobacco sold by governments and others labelled as il- legal and banned by society. This is, of course, a flawed situation but one that illustrates a major paradox in international laws on drugs. Despite being illegal, cannabis is (ab)used by about 87.6 million European adults (23.7% of adults) (EMCDDA, 2017). Cannabis is also the most commonly used illicit drug among the Maltese adult population aged 18–65 years. According to the 2013 general population study, around 4.3% of those aged 18–65 years reported having used cannabis during their lifetime (EMCDDA, 2017).

2018-09-01T00:00:00Z Sen, Shimul Sujit Deidda, Gabriele https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33872 2019-10-09T08:33:41Z 2018-09-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Bridging the gap between yoga and science : a mini review Authors: Sen, Shimul Sujit; Deidda, Gabriele Abstract: Yoga is an ancient tradition arising from the evolving cultures of ancient India originating from a variety of sources like ancient texts, oral transmissions through lineages, iconography and songs. It has a complex history of spiritual exploration, philosophical reflection and creative expression. Yoga has evolved over time to suit the needs of the current populace and at present humanity at large views things, especially the mystical arts through the lens of the sceptical scientist. Despite countless benefits of yoga and meditation in the overall health of a person and his mind that have been documented over time, they have mostly been anecdotal and few studies using a rigorous scientific method have been performed. Most recently through the advent of cutting-edge scientific tools (i.e., electroencephalogram, EEG), the gap between the subjective and objective have been bridged. Nevertheless, the path to scientific inquiry supporting yoga is a work in progress. In this minireview, we will make a short historical resume of the scientific studies carried out to investigate the effect of yoga in the physiology of the body and the brain, and its possible use to ameliorate pathological condition.

2018-09-01T00:00:00Z Debono, Manwel https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33871 2018-09-19T01:37:02Z 2018-09-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An analysis of trade union membership in Malta Authors: Debono, Manwel Abstract: Despite their crucial social role, trade unions in Europe are suffering from challenges relating to a widespread trend of declining membership levels. Public information on trade union membership levels in Malta is mainly obtained from reports compiled annually by the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations through administrative records provided by the trade unions. This study, the first of its kind in Malta, offers an alternative and more detailed examination of membership levels through a survey carried out among a representative national sample of 781 employees. This study reveals a lower trade union membership level than what is officially reported. In line with foreign research, this study also indicates that the likelihood of being a trade union member increases among older employees, those who are in full-time or indefinite contracts, and those employed in the public sector. On the other hand, contrary to European trends, employees holding tertiary qualifications and higher level occupations are more likely to be unionised in Malta. Besides, male and female employees are equally likely to be unionised. This study concludes that, in order to prevent further decline in trade union density and membership, Maltese trade unions need to reorganise themselves, refocus their strategies and become more effective in attracting and retaining non-traditional members.

2018-09-01T00:00:00Z