https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143886 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:25:15 GMT 2026-09-18T19:25:15Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149101 Title: Quantitative analysis and characterization of the fungal and bacterial ecosystem of soft cheese Abstract: This work and its abstract are both under embargo until the restriction is lifted. Description: Ph.D.(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149101 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149100 Title: Design, development and optimisation of pulsed electric fields (PEF) processes for microbial inactivation in liquid food products : microbial cellular and molecular mechanisms during PEF mediated treatments Abstract: This work and its abstract are both under embargo until the restriction is lifted. Description: Ph.D.(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149100 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147478 Title: Auditory and visual processing skills in Maltese children Abstract: Auditory processing (AP) and visual processing (VP) abilities are important for language development, learning, and classroom participation; however, evidence from Malta remains limited. This study investigated AP and VP performance in 8-year-old Maltese children according to gender, primary language, and neurodevelopmental profile. Participants included 83 children: 71 neurotypical (NT) and 12 neurodiverse (ND). AP skills were assessed using a computer-based battery administered via TestFlight, while VP skills were measured using the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test–Fourth Edition (MVPT-4). Language processing was evaluated through a Sentence Imitation Test derived from the Language Assessment for Maltese Children (LAMC). A researcher-developed questionnaire collected demographic and language background data. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics within an exploratory quantitative framework. Neurodevelopmental status emerged as the strongest determinant of performance, with ND children demonstrating consistently weaker AP and VP outcomes than NT peers. Gender and primary language showed minimal influence. Sentence imitation performance differed according to neurodevelopmental profile but not gender. Findings highlight interactions between perceptual, cognitive, and linguistic processes. Clinically, results support including AP and VP measures in assessment protocols, while educational implications include reducing perceptual load and implementing structured multisensory teaching approaches. This study contributes novel local evidence on perceptual processing in Maltese children within a bilingual context. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147478 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147120 Title: The process of informed consent and decision-making in invasive aesthetic procedures Abstract: Background: Informed consent is a key component of ethical, patient-centred healthcare delivery, ensuring individuals are thoroughly informed about the risks, benefits and alternatives of procedures. Given the increasing number of aesthetic procedures being carried out and the limited research on individuals’ understanding of the risks, benefits and alternatives of informed consent in aesthetic procedures, this research study sought to explore the process of informed consent and the decision-making process of individuals undergoing invasive aesthetic procedures. To address this aim, this research study was guided by three objectives; To explore and examine the informed consent process in invasive aesthetic procedures, to explore the decision-making process in invasive aesthetic procedures and to examine how demographic factors influence patients’ understanding of informed consent in aesthetic procedures. Methodology: A parallel convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. Data was collected using a self-developed structured questionnaire, which underwent face and content validation (n=270) and semi-structured interviews (n=8), from individuals who underwent invasive aesthetic procedures. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was analysed thematically. Data was converged to identify congruencies and discrepancies. Findings: Participants perceived themselves as being less informed about risks and potential complications compared to the benefits of the procedure. However, individuals were overall satisfied with the consent process, suggesting that insufficient risk information did not influence their final decision to undergo the procedure. Furthermore, participants mentioned dissatisfaction with their self-image and low self-esteem as the main factors influencing their decision to undergo an aesthetic procedure, often outweighing concerns about potential risks or complications. Conclusion: The findings suggest that informed consent in invasive aesthetic procedures serves as a useful but not decisive component of decision-making, as choices were also strongly influenced by personal motivations. This highlights the need to improve ethical, patient-centred consent practices that better address risk understanding and underlying patient motivations. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147120 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z