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Issue 2
August 2014
http://www.um.edu.mt/healthsciences
C
ongratulations to all on your achievements, promotions etc.
Here‘s wishing you all a great Summer!
Angela Xuereb
Dean
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Past Events
7
Publishing, Research
and Presentations
12
Announcements
14
Safety at the
office
2
A word from the Editor
It‘s Ramona again. I‘m the new Newsletter Editor so
you must be new…or you never read the previous
one! Well thanks for reading in any case and for those
who have read this one before, THANKS for coming
back! Your feedback about the revamped newsletter
was nicely favourable. I‘m really happy that you like it!
It‘s hard to believe that one more Academic year is
behind us. June and July were hectic months for the
administration. Perhaps an understated achievement
over the last four weeks with all the deadlines,
timetables and resits to be finalised in a limited time due to the Collective
Agreement negotiations directives.
Now we are currently working on the new applicants for the next academic year.
We‘ll be looking forward to the new Intake as always! Main goal for both academics
and administration will be to assist them and help them adapt and socialize within
their new environment and provide the best education within the field of study.
On behalf of my fellow administrative colleagues we would like to congratulate
Professor Angela Xuereb on her election as the Dean of the Faculty. We look
forward to continue working and support the Faculty of Health Sciences under your
leadership!
I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter! Let me know what you think, if you have
any suggestions for the next or future edition, I would love to hear that.
Well I have to go catch a plane
now…I would like to take this
opportunity to wish you all Happy
Holidays!
newsletter.healthsci@um.edu.mt
+35623401204
Past Events
Faculty of Health Sciences BBQ
The traditional Faculty‘s Annual BBQ was again a great success. This year the event
was held on Friday 11th July at the Palazzo De Piro in Mdina overlooking beautiful
views in one of the beautiful ballrooms of this palace combined with excellent food
and service.
It was a wonderful evening where everyone had the chance to catch up and to
enjoy delicious food along with a glass of wine. Thanks to all who attented, it was
lovely!
Thanks Ms Doris Briffa (Dean‘s Office) for all the organizing and great time.
Summer working days…Welcome
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Past Events
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TRAINING SCHOOL FOR APHASIA RESEARCHERS
Dr Ritienne Grima from the department of Communication
Therapy, organised the first Training School for ESRs and JRs
with an interest in aphasia under the COST Action IS1208.
The Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists (CATs) is a relatively
new COST action (ISCH COST Action IS1208) which aims to
establish and support an international network of
multidisciplinary investigators with an interest in aphasia
rehabilitation research. COST is committed to support and
Dr Ritienne Grima involve Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) and Junior
Department
o f Researchers (JRs) by means of different strategies, such as
Communication Therapy, Short Term Scientific Missions and Training Schools.
FHS
Aphasia is an acquired language disorder which may result from a stroke. It may
affect comprehension and/or expression of spoken and/or written language. This
significantly impacts on communication with family, friends and the wider
community. Altered social interaction isolates persons with aphasia and impacts on
their emotional wellbeing, contributing to poorer functional recovery.
This training was held at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, in Ħ‘Attard, Malta, between
the 21st and the 23rd of May 2014, and took the form of a three-day intensive and
interactive workshop, focusing on Aphasia Research Methodology: From Idea to
Dissemination.
Fourteen ESRs/JRs from COST countries actively participated in this Training
School and six trainers/speakers contributed to the training. We anticipate that
more opportunities for Training Schools for aphasia researchers will be available in
the near future.
Past Events
Intensive Program for Masters Students
The third Works in Progress Intensive Program for Masters Students was hosted
by the Nursing Division within the Faculty of Health Sciences between the 19th
and the 30th of May, 2014. Works in Progress is an EU funded intensive program
lasting for 12 days designed to assist Masters Students in developing their research
proposal.
Masters students from Trinity College Dublin Ireland, Oslo and Akerhus University
College of Applied Sciences, Norway, Instituto Politecnico de Leiria, Portugal,
College of Nursing Jesenice Slovenia, and the University of Malta gathered at the
Valletta campus with lecturers from each institution, as well as a lecturer from VIA
University College, Denmark, to learn together about the research and share
experiences and ideas about their master‘s proposals. Students represented the
many fields in health and social care – from Occupational therapy, Social Care,
Education advocacy to Anesthesia and Oncology Nursing.
A total of 22 students participated, together with 14 lecturers from the different
Universities. The programme included lectures with a focus on research
methodology, workshops for
those intending to use
qualitative, quantitative of
mixed methods research
designs and individual one-toone tutorials where students
could discuss their ideas in
greater detail with the
lecturer of their choice.
WH Pierce prize
Dr Vasilis Valdramidis was awarded the 2014 WH Pierce prize at the summer to
conference of the Society for Applied Microbiology (SfAM) on the 2nd of July 2014.
This prestigious prize is awarded each year at the
annual Summer Conference the young microbiologist
(under 40!) who has made a substantial contribution
to the science of applied microbiology. The award was
instituted in 1984 by the directors of Oxoid to
commemorate the life and works of the late W H (Bill)
Pierce, former Chief Bacteriologist of Oxo Ltd and a
long-time member of the Society.
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Past Events
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Food Studies and Environmental implications
A well-attended seminar was recently
organized by the Cleaner Technology
Centre and the Department of Food
Studies & Environmental Health of the
Faculty Of health Sciences.
The
seminar‘s theme was ―Food Studies and
Environmental implications‖.
The
keynote speaker was Prof Luis Cunha
from the University Of Porto (Portugal).
Prof Cunha is a leading authority of
Food Science. His very interesting
presentation entitled ―Consumer
acceptance of new food technologies‖
Provided an opportunity for a lively
discussion with the seminar‘s
participants. The seminar included also
presentations by Dr Anna Mcelhatton
entitled ―Food, us, our health, the
environment What are we to do?‖ Mark
Cassar from the MCAA on the ―Can
Food Labeling legislation curb food
waste? Forthcoming EU food
information to consumer regulation‖
offering an insite on proposed EU
legislation affecting the Food processing
Industry. This was followed by video
presentations by Mr. Victor Anastasi from
Malta Dairy Products (MDP) showing
the processes used in the Preparation of
ricotta, mozarella and cheeselets
(gbejniet).
A video showing MDP‘s efforts to
minimize it impact on the environment
by reclaiming milk solids from whey was
also shown. After the coffee break Dr
Claire Copperstone‘s (Faculty of Health
Sciences) presentation ―Dietary
assessment and a feasibility study to
improve diet in Maltese school children‘
expounded some results of ongoing
research being carried out. The last
presentation was by Ms Margaret
Camilleri Fenech from the Institute of
Climate Change & Sustainable
Development on ―Food Miles‖
highlighting some interesting facts about
the environmental impact resulting from
the transport of food products over long
distances.
The seminar was closed by Mr. Anton
Pizzuto Director of CTC who thanked
the speakers and participants and also
announced that future seminars are in
the pipeline to be organized in
collaboration with the
Department of Food studies and
Environmental Health. In conclusion the
participants were offered a light snack
(including yogurt kindly provided by
MDP) hence facilitating networking
among the participants.
Publishing, Research and Presentations
The Bologna Process and Physiotherapy Education across Europe
Dr John Xerri de Caro, assistant lecturer in the
Department of Physiotherapy, FHS was awarded a Ph.D
from Sheffield Hallam University after having
succesfully defended his thesis entitled ‗The Bologna
Process and Physiotherapy Education across Europe‘
ABSTRACT
This study sought to understand the influences of the
Bologna Process on physiotherapy education by looking at
the extent of the adoption of the objectives of the
Bologna Process and interpreting the impact on
Dr John Xerri de Caro PhD, organisational governance. The aim was to draw out the
Department of Physiotherapy, influence that the Bologna Process may have had on
FHS
physiotherapy in higher education across Europe. It was
decided that the appropriate research methodology to address this aim would be
Case Study Methodology and a Type 1 single-case holistic design was employed.
The case is defined as the influence of the Bologna Process on physiotherapy in
higher education.
Two independent groups were purposefully chosen to investigate the case as they
met the criteria for information-oriented and context-dependent participants: the
Heads of Departments of physiotherapy schools across Europe and the Country
Coordinators of the European Network of Physiotherapy in Higher Education
(Enphe). A multiple method approach, using both quantitative and qualitative data
collection methods, was adopted. A survey method was employed to gather data
from both groups and the findings were analysed using SPSS and reported as
descriptive statistics. A semi-structured interview method was employed to collect
narrative data from twelve participants who were purposefully selected from the
Enphe group. The interview transcripts were reviewed analytically and reported in a
narrative manner by following the Framework Approach.
The participation rate to the survey method involving Heads of Departments from
26 countries was 45.3% (91/201); and that involving the Enphe country coordinators
was 82.1% (23/28).
The Bologna Process was identified to have had an influence on the organisational
governance of physiotherapy in higher education across Europe. Three key findings
that emerged from this study show that these influences were on the degree
structure and duration of programmes (including ECTS); Mobility and Quality. Issues
of harmonisation & diversity were identified in relation to understanding the social
factors that have determined and shaped any influences of the Bologna Process on
physiotherapy in higher education. The implications of the findings from this study
are that they lay down a foundation for further study into the conceptual and
strategic organisational designs for future physiotherapy education.
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Publishing, Research and Presentations
Prof. Sandra gave the following presentations at the 74th Annual Meeting of the
Academy of Management held in August 2014, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
International Research: Methodological Challenges, Pitfalls and
Praticalities
ABSTRACT
The shrinking distances between geographical regions,
through advances in technology, science, communication,
transport and infrastructure, has transformed the world
into a global village. This globalization and
internationalization has led to an increase in mobility,
migration and diversity in societies as people move to live,
study, work and therefore access services outside their
country of origin. In particular, internationalization has
affected the health sector, in which comparisons between
diverse health systems; international best practices;
Prof. Sandra Buttigieg
international benchmarking; cross-border healthcare and
Head, Department of
cross-cultural issues have become popular subjects in
Health Services
health literature. There is no doubt that international,
Managment, FHS
collaborative, cross-national, and cross-cultural research
offers a wealth of opportunities for innovation to scholars, who can look beyond
the comfort zone of domestic studies. In international research, scholars need to
properly address methodological challenges to avoid the risk of inferential errors.
Moreover, international researchers in health care need to overcome pitfalls that
may arise from political, economical, social, technological, environmental and legal
differences. In this PDW, we make an attempt to explore these issues in more detail
and offer possible solutions to address them. We begin by debating the purpose of
international research in health care management in the 21st century,
acknowledging that globalization increases cross- national interdependence in ways
that healthcare management research needs to examine. This will be followed by
the identification of key methodological challenges, keys to success, pitfalls and
practicalities. Finally, we will discuss ethical issues that may arise from conducting
international research in health care.
Fostering International Teaching and Research Collaborations
ABSTRACT
This session is designed as a forum for sharing experiences and best practices of
international collaborations in teaching and research as well as a venue to share
prospective projects with a mind to acquiring collaborators from other nations.
International collaboration has a storied history. The Silk Road nations developed
collaborations several centuries BCE. The Greek, Roman, Persian, and Egyptian
empires all fostered the sharing of learning.
Cont. pg. 9
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Publishing, Research and Presentations
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Some ancient centers, such as Timbuktu, have survived into our time. Some nations
have rich traditions of international collaboration and have many strong centers of
research. Other countries might have one institution that is the center of
international collaboration or in some cases might have several competing centers
that dissipate the resources available for such endeavors. By bringing together
scholars from nations that have been underrepresented in cross-country
partnerships with those from well-funded and experienced institutions that our
discipline of management will be enhanced. It is our hope that colleagues who have
developed strong teaching exchanges and experiences will explain them to others
here. Certainly, the current social technologies support virtual team meetings of
students from all over the world. How international collaborations reflect and
differ from domestic ones will be also a topic. The relevancy of the literature on
research and teaching collaborations generally for international partnering will be
importantly addressed. Though the session will be focused on collaborations among
academicians and their students, it is hoped that ideas for having international
collaborations involving NGOs, government institutions, and businesses will be also
suggested.
Gatt, D., Grech, H. and Dodd, B. (2014)
„Early expressive vocabulary skills: a multi-method approach to
measurement‟, published in the journal First Language (2014) Vol 34(2)
ABSTRACT
Investigations of early vocabulary
production often employ a single method
to measure children‘s word use. This
study examined expressive vocabulary
development in children aged 1;0 to 2;6
years through a combination of picture
naming, caregiver report and language
Prof. Helen Grech, Head and Dr Daniela Gatt, sampling. The participants were
Lecturer, Department of Communication predominantly exposed to Maltese at
Therapy, FHS
home, with gathered evidence providing
novel documentation of early vocabulary development in this specific languagelearning context. Expressive vocabulary reported by caregivers was compared to
word use elicited through picture naming and sampled naturalistically during play.
Analyses revealed commonalities between pairs of measures that pointed towards
their validity. Resulting differences underscored the influences that data collection
methods exerted on the measures they generated. Taken together, these findings
highlight the relevance of multiple methods for ensuring validity and objectivity in
the investigation of expressive vocabulary development.
Publishing, Research and Presentations
10
D.M. Sango, D. Abela, A. McElhatton and V.P.Valdramidis
„Assisted Ultrasound Applications for the Production of Safe Foods‟,
published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology (2014) Vol 3, pp194.
ABSTRACT
Ultrasound requires high power and longer treatment times to inactivate
microorganisms when compared to ultrasound combined with other technologies.
Previous reports have shown that the effectiveness of ultrasound as a
decontamination technology can be increased by combining it with another
treatment such as pressure, heat and antimicrobial solutions.
Assisted ultrasound, the combination of ultrasound with another technology, is
more energy efficient, and it has less impact on the food properties. In this review
paper, the power ultrasound antimicrobial mechanisms of action, the antimicrobial
effects of ultrasound in combination with other physical processes and
antimicrobial solutions are comprehensively discussed. Furthermore, the present
interest on using these technologies as alternative processing and decontamination
methods is presented.
Research outputs on the application of ultrasound combined with physical
processes are showcased including applications of thermosonication,
manosonication, anothermosonication and osmosonication. Antimicrobial efficacy,
energy requirements and optimal operation conditions of the different assisted
ultrasound technologies are critically discussed, and their impact on the food
industry for future applications is presented. Overall, this review paper highlights
the importance and recent developments of assisted ultrasound for enhancing food
safety.
Dr Anna McElhatton
Head, Department of
Food
Studies
&
Environmental Health,
FHS
Dr Vasilis Valdramidis
Senior. Lecturer,
.
Department of Food
Studies & Environmental
Health, FHS
Mr David Millan Sango
Project Officer,
.
Department of Food
Studies & Environmental
Health, FHS
Publishing, Research and Presentations
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Formosa C. Caruana D. Chockalingam N.
„Determinants of job Satisfaction in Different Podiatric Clinical
Settings‟ published in the Revista Internacional de Ciencias Podologicas
(2014) Vol 8(2) pp91 - 98
ABSTRACT
The podiatry profession has evolved over the past few
decades and new specializations have been introduced in this
field bringing with them new services and different work
settings. The aim of this study is to explore the level of job
satisfaction amongst Podiatrists working in two different
clinical settings within the NHS. It also seeks to determine
the factors influencing job satisfaction among public health
Formosa professionals working in two different settings.
Dr Cynthia
Head, Department
Podiatry, FHS
of
A comparative non experimental design was employed.
Twenty three Maltese State Registered Podiatrists working
on a full time basis within the NHS were recruited. Twelve podiatrists were
recruited from a hospital setting and 11 podiatrists were recruited from a Primary
Care Setting. All consenting participants were asked to fill in the short form of the
Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. This questionnaire is composed of 20
statements and is used to explore levels of job satisfaction.
No statistical difference was found when comparing levels of job satisfaction
between the study group [P=0.609]. The participants however reported a low mean
satisfaction score for their work compensation and chances of advancements in
their work place.
This study has concluded that Podiatrists working within different settings in the
NHS overall experience satisfactory levels of job satisfaction. However, it was also
reported that participants felt that they were not well compensated for their work
and that they are limited to advancement in their workplace – two factors which are
known to be related to turnover rates and work retention. Results of this study
need to be considered by the professional bodies and health care authorities for
change in health and educational policies to be brought about. This paper will
conclude by offering recommendations which offer proper action steps to be visited
when looking to increase job satisfaction among health care professionals.
Announcements
Dr Vasilis Valdramidis - appointed on Editorial Board of Food
Research International (FRI)
Vasilis Valdramidis - Dept of Food Studies and Environmental Health, FHS was invited
to join the Editorial Board of Food Research International (FRI). FRI is one of the
Journals with the highest impact factors in Food Science, i.e., 3.378. Initially this
appointment is for a period of 3 years.
Promotions!!
At the Council meetings of 11 April, 30 May and 11 July 2014:
Professor Sandra Buttigieg, Head of Department, Health Services Managment, FHS,
was promoted to Associate Professor by Council at its meeting on the 11 July 2014
Dr Michelle Camilleri - Department of Nursing, FHS was promoted to Senior
Lecturer (as from 11 April 2014)
Dr Josef Trapani - Department of Nursing, FHS was promoted to Lecturer (as from
30 May 2014)
Dr Josianne Scerri- Department of Nursing, FHS was promoted to Senior Lecturer
(as from 30 May 2014)
Dr Stephen Lungaro-Mifsud - Department of Physiotherapy, FHS was promoted to
senior Lecturer (as from 6 July 2014)
Dr Cynthia Formosa - Department of Podiatry, FHS was promoted to senior
Lecturer (as from 9 October 2014)
We congratulate you all on your achievement!
Re-Appointment of Head of Departments up to 30 September 2015
Professor Angela Xuereb - Department of Applied Biomedical Science
Professor Helen Grech - Department of Communication Therapy
Dr Anna McElhatton - Department of Food Studies and Environmental Health
Professor Alexandra Buttigieg - Department of Health Services Management
Professor Carmel J Caruana - Department of Medical Physics
Dr Rita Brog Xuereb - Department of Midwifery
Dr Roberta Sammut - Department of Nursing
Mr Rene Mifsud - Department of Occupational Therapy
Dr Mark Sacco - Department of Physiotherapy
Dr Cynthia Formosa - Department of Podiatry
Dr Paul Bezzina - Department of Radiography
Congratulations!
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Announcements
We would like to congratulate Prof. Sandra Buttigieg about her co-authored paper
which was awarded as the Outstanding Paper of 2013 by the Emerald‘s Journal of
Health Organization and Management for her paper:
Dr Buttigieg, S.C., and West, M. (2013)
„Senior management leadership, social support, job design and stressorto-strain relationships in hospital practice‟, published in the Journal of
Health Organization and Management, Vol27(2), pp171-292
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the quality of senior
management leadership on social support and job design, whose main effects on
strains, and moderating effects on work stressors-to-strains relationships were
assessed.
A survey involving distribution of questionnaires was carried out on a random
sample of health care employees in acute hospital practice in the UK. The sample
comprised 65,142 respondents. The work stressors tested were quantitative
overload and hostile environment, whereas strains were measured through job
satisfaction and turnover intentions. Structural equation modelling and moderated
regression analyses were used in the analysis.
Quality of senior management leadership explained 75 per cent and 94 per cent of
the variance of social support and job design respectively, whereas work stressors
explained 51 per cent of the variance of strains. Social support and job design
predicted job satisfaction and turnover intentions, as well as moderated significantly
the relationships between quantitative workload/hostility and job satisfaction/
turnover intentions.
The findings are useful to management and to health employees working in acute/
specialist hospitals. Further research could be done in other counties to take into
account cultural differences and variations in health systems. The limitations included
self-reported data and percept-percept bias due to same source data collection.
Project approved under the FP7-SME-2013-2 Research for the
Benefit of SME Associations
The following EU project (of 3 years duration ):
„Development of a new sustainable, long term solution, complying with IPM
standards and the future EU Directive of sustainable use of pesticides, for the pear
postharvest sector‘ has been recently approved for funding: under the FP7-SME2013-2 Research for the Benefit of SME Associations.
UoM is partner of this consortium and the PIs are : Dr. Ruben Gatt (Metamaterials
Unit, Faculty of Science) and Dr. Vasilis Valdramidis (Dept. of Food Studies and
Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences).
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Safety at the Office
For many, office work is not viewed as “high risk”, but the truth is that a typical office
work environment has its hazards. Consider these helpful tips to create a healthy and safe
workplace:
Tripping Hazards
In the office, safety hazards such as electrical cables, open desk or filing cabinet drawers and
slippery surfaces can cause both minor and major injuries to employees. Other causes for
office injury include walking while reading, standing on office chairs, or carrying boxes and
other heavy objects without lifting property. It is very important to pay attention to possible
safety hazards and to prevent injury by closing drawers, securing all electrical wiring and
lifting and carrying large or cumbersome items properly.
Workspace Safety
Practicing good posture during the day reduces the impact of stress on back and neck muscles, which
reduces the potential for injury. Chairs need to provide lumbar support while floor wedges, wrist
supports help employees maintain correct posture while limiting the impact of repetitive motion
injuries caused by repetitive office motions such as typing, answering the phone or moving a computer
mouse back and forth.
Keep it clean
Sharing office space, equipment and supplies with co-workers means viruses and bacteria are everpresent. Keep your hands clean by washing frequently with soap and water—especially after using the
washroom, sneezing or coming into contact with someone who is ill. Hand sanitizer will do in a pinch. If
you usually eat at your desk you‘ll want to wipe it down frequently, especially when you find out that a
typical desk carries 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet
Office Storage
Storing heavy objects on high shelves can cause injury to employees during object removal or even
when employees are walking by. Instead, store objects on lower shelves that are easily accessible.
Additional office storage safety hazards include excessive amounts of paper and other flammable items
stored outside of containers or filing cabinets, disorganized storage areas or the storage of items near
heating sources, such as computer printers or heating and cooling units. Storage areas need to be
maintained clean to help prevent injury and allow employees to quickly find supplies and materials
needed to complete daily tasks.
Fire Prevention
Office fires occur for several reasons. Overloading electrical sockets, using old or
stripped electrical wires and cables, or forgetting to shut off electrical devices, each day
may cause a fire.
It is very important to familiarise youreself with fire-exits and
assembly points and never use the lift in case of emergency!
Office Air Quality
The air quality of an office can affect the health employees. Improperly ventilated air increases the
chances for viruses and bacteria to spread. An easy way to improve the air quality in your office is to
request yearly cleanings of air vents, and heating and cooling systems.
Report hazards. If you constantly see near misses caused by equipment, people skipping steps or other
obvious hazards (e.g. slippery floors, exposed cords or poor lighting) don‘t wait for an accident to
happen. Instead, report the problem to your Head/Health and Safety Officer right away so the issue can
be fixed.
For more information on Health and Safety guidelines at University of Malta click here
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Announcements
New Recruits
We are growing again! See who has been added to our ranks
since the last newsletter!
Mr Jose Guilherme Couto
Mr Jose Guilherme Couto has been appointed as Resident
Academic Assistant Lecturer with the Department of Radiography, FHS. Mr
Guilherme Couto can be contacted on e-mail: jose.g.couto@um.edu.mt;
Tel:23401846; Office No. 15.
Mr Aaron Busuttil, Lab Officer
Ms Aaron Busuttil has been appointed as a Lab Officer with the Department of
Studies and Environmental Health. Mr Busuttil can be contacted on e-mail:
aaron.busuttil@um.edu.mt
New Babies :)
Dr Joseph Borg, Lecturer, Department of Applied Biomedical Sciences, FHS,
is now second time father of a new baby boy, Matthew. Congratulations!
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Humour page!
Its never too late... finally we have our own memes too!! :D
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