https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33597 2026-04-15T10:14:28Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2353 Title: In memory of Prof. Giuseppe Amato (1944-2004) Authors: Crescimanno, Giuseppe Abstract: Held by Prof. Giuseppe Crescimanno on November 25th 2014 at the Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences University of Palermo, Italy. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2352 Title: Measuring β-cell function in vivo to understand the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes Authors: Farrugia, Luca P.; Vella, Adrian Abstract: Diabetes arises when insulin secretion is inadequate for the prevailing metabolic conditions. As such appropriate measurement of β-cell function is necessary for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of prediabetes and diabetes. Unfortunately this is not a straightforward process and requires utilization of mathematical modelling to best appreciate its complexities. This is because insulin concentrations in the plasma represent a balance between the processes of secretion, hepatic extraction and clearance. In isolation such simple measures reveal very little about β-cell function. Moreover, since insulin lowers glucose accounting for the effect of the former on the latter it is a key part of understanding insulin action. The development of the minimal model has allowed simultaneous measurement of the dynamic relationship between insulin secretion and insulin action and produces a quantitative number – the Disposition Index – which quantifies β-cell function. At present this remains the best functional measure of islet health, however, it may not capture other phenotypes such as β-cell senescence or the effect of incretin hormones on β-cell function. Future ongoing development and interaction with other technologies, such as functional imaging, should enhance the contribution of this functional testing to the prevention, treatment and understanding of type 2 diabetes. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2351 Title: Science in the house 2014 with members of parliament Authors: Magri, David C. Abstract: Scientists and researchers met on Thursday 25th September with Members of Parliament in the Committee Room at the Presidential Palace in Valletta for Science in the House. A poster exhibition consisting of 13 posters representative of various research disciplines studied at the University of Malta. The event was inaugurated under the auspices of the Office of the Speaker at the House of Representatives, The Grand Master’s Palace, Valletta. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2350 Title: Viscosity of liquid GaxNi100-x alloys Authors: Yakymovych, A. Abstract: Structure of liquid Sb-Sn alloys were studied by means of viscosity measurements and X-ray diffraction. Structural factors and pair correlation functions were analyzed and interpreted using the random atomic distribution model. The features of temperature dependence of the viscosity coefficient were analyzed taking into account X-ray diffraction patterns. The results allow us to conclude that Sb atoms substitute for Sn atoms, forming a typical atomic solution, which reveals chemical and topological short-range order. Moreover, certain atoms form Sb- and Sn-based SbnSnm associates and self-associates. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z