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Issue 6
April 2015
A Word from the Editor
M
ay is upon us and our short spring is almost over making way for the hot
summer months! We are halfway through the year and believe it or not, the
academic year will be ending shortly and after the next few hectic months the
vacation season will begin.
It is right to mention at this point that the ‘new’ newsletter will be one year old
next month. I am very grateful to all those that have contributed to this newsletter
so far. Through you, all the readers have gained an insight into the range of research
activities within the Faculty, your acheivments, publications and we have all read
exciting articles about your experiences, locally and abroad. With six newsletters
now published and many more to come, there will still be much more to report.
I hope you enjoy reading and find the contents of this newsletter interesting. If you
have anything you wish to feature, suggest or share, please do get in touch. I look
forward to hearing from you.
Enjoy reading!
Ramona Cuschieri, FHS Newsletter Editor
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Past Events
8
Publishing, Research
and Presentations
17
Announcements
21
Social
Corner
Announcements
Dean’s Awards 2015
C
ongratulations to the following eleven students currently following different
undergraduate programmes at the Faculty of Health Sciences who were
presented with a Dean’s Award in acknowledgement of their success in achieving a
grade of 80% or higher in either of their two middle years of study. These students
are Garroni Elisa, Xuereb Karl and De Gray Gabrielle (Applied Biomedical
Science), Borg Mariette (Communication Therapy), Borg Costanzi Gabrielle,
Bugeja Keith, Borg Danica and Pace Roseanne (Nursing), Vella Francesca
(Physiotherapy), Farrugia Elaine and Rapa Mario (Radiography).
First Aid Boxes
A
s part of our workplace health and safety consultation
process, the first aid boxes at the Faciulty of Health
Sciences have been refilled. Some measures have been taken
so that the first aid boxes are now in better and more
available places. It is important to report any use of the first
aid contents to Ms Ramona Cuschieri Office 76, so that we
can rebuy but also identify and thus reduce the risks of
repeated accidents and injuries. We aso kindly remind you
that it is an offence to abuse first aid facilities and this includes
stealing from them.
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Announcements
New International
Psychiatric Nursing
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Master's
programme
in
Community
In conjunction with the College of Nursing and Health
Professions, University of Southern Indiana (USA), the
Department of Mental Health has signed contracts to run a
full-time, one-year dual master's programme in community
psychiatric nursing. A maximum of 15 students, approx. half
from Europe and half from the USA, will start as the first
cohort in September 2015. Some will already be experienced
practitioners, others just completing their studies. That mix
of backgrounds, ideas, experience and skills will be a melting
Mr. Martin Ward,
Head of Department pot for creativity that very few specialist programmes can
offer. The course is designed to expose students to the
specific skills and personal requirements needed to work successfully within a
community mental health environment in an advanced nurse practitioner role.
Significantly, following successful negotiations with USI, European students
completing this course will be able to apply for advanced practitioner status in the
USA once they have met other national entry requirements.
The course consists of ten separate study units and is delivered as an intensive
programme (i.e. each study unit is taught for a week at a time by the respective
European or American academics, with some sharing of the teaching responsibilities
and the involvement of high profile psychiatric nurses from around the world).
Practicum occurs between the theoretical units. The whole course will be taught in
Malta at the old Valletta Campus.
Cont. pg. 4
Announcements
Clinical placements will be undertaken in different ways for European and American
students, but all will spend time in the Maltese mental health service and be
mentored throughout. The programme lasts for three semesters and students will
complete an extended essay/dissertation of reflective practice either in the USA or
Malta, depending on their respective institution. On successful completion students
will receive two Masters awards, one from each Institution.
New Department of Mental Health
In February this year Mental Health nursing moved out of its long-time home in the
Department of Nursing into its own department, becoming the 12th within the
Faculty of Health Sciences. There were several reasons for this move.
Firstly, Mental Health is not just about nursing and as such it was felt important that
it be represented within UoM by a multi-disciplinary department that could
attempt to meet the academic needs of all professional groups working in the
specialty.
Secondly, the Department of Nursing is one of the largest within the university and
mental health nursing simply did not have a public profile within it – very much
small fish in a large pond. Given the difficulties associated with recruitment to the
full-time BSc Mental Health Nursing, and the stigma surrounding mental health
generally, having a higher profile with a more public face was deemed an essential.
Cont. pg. 5
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Past Events
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In addition, the much smaller mental
health nursing cohorts provides for
different teaching styles and student
contact. The politics of the Department of
Nursing often did not relate to what was
happening within mental health. Lastly, in
response to society’s need for more
support in dealing with its mental health
issues there is a need for courses open to
the general public and this can be
managed better within a dedicated mental
health department.
The hope over the next few years is that the department will concentrate on
developing multi-disciplinary CPD and/or postgraduate programmes in specialist
areas of mental health, such as child and adolescence, substance misuse,
rehabilitation, forensics, early intervention in psychosis and psychiatric emergencies.
None of these currently exist in Malta. Collaboration with other departments, both
within our own Faculty and the wider community, will be essential if this is to
happen. Whilst mental health nursing remains the core work for now the vision is
that one day this will become just one strand within a more representative
department.
We would like to take this opportunity to publically thank all those that have
helped the mental health team on this journey. Your support has made all the
difference. Now, as Niki would say, can we get the admin sorted!!
Mr Martin Ward
Head of Department of Mental Health, FHS
Past Events
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Sustainability in the Food Industry
A seminar on Sustainability in the Food Industry organised
by the Cleaner Technology Centre together with the
Department of Food Studies and Environmental Health was
held on the 15th April 2015 at the University Residence, Lija.
The keynote speaker was Richard Marshall from Bath Spa
University. Mr Marshall who was on an Erasmus + exchange
visit delivered a presentation on Challenges and
Opportunities for efficiency gains in the Food Industry.
Other presentations
Dr Anna McElhatton
dealt with Food Waste,
Head, Department of
Legislation Updates,
Food Studies &
Historical review of food
Environmental Health,
choice and production in
FHS
M a l t a , P ro f e s s i o n a l
responsibility and Sustainability in the Food
industry.
The seminar was well attended by Applied Food
and Nutritional Sciences students, academics
and representatives from the Disease and
Health Promotion Directorate, Environmental
Health Directorate, people from industry and
other interested parties.
Past Events
During the past two months the Department of Food Studies and
Environmental Health hosted:
The 1st teaching activity (23 March to 3
April) of Quantitative Tools for
Sustainable Food and Energy in the food
chain (Q-Safe), programme coordinated by
the Department. During the first day the Dean
of the Faculty, Prof. Xuereb, welcomed the
participants and Mr Koulouris from the
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Mr
Scerri, Production Manager Malta Dairy
Products Ltd delivered a talk.
The BacFoodNet Training School (21 April to
24 April): (Novel) physical intervention technologies
for controlling food stability. The School started with
the openning talks of Dr. Anna McElhatton (Head of
Notices
Dr Vasilis Valdramidis became member of 'The International Committee on Food
Microbiology and Hygiene of the IUMS'
http://www.icfmh.org/about_us_boardmembers.php
Dr Valdramidis also became leader of WG4 of the COST action FA1202 :
A European Network For Mitigating Bacterial Colonisation and Persistence on
Foods and Food Processing Environments
http://www.bacfoodnet.org/EN/Groups/?ID=5
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Publishing, Research and Presentations
Von Otter M., Bergström P., Quattrone A., De Marco E.V., Annesi G., Söderkvist P.,
Bezzina Wettinger S., Drozdzik m., Bialecka M., Nissbrandt H., Klein C., Nilsson m.,
Hammarsten O., Nilsson S., Zetterberg H. (2014)
‘Genetic associations of Nrf2-encoding NFE2L2 variants with Parkinson’s
disease – a multicenter study’, published in BMC Medical Genetics, Vol 15:131
doi:10.1186/s12881-014-0131-4 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2350/15/131
ABSTRACT
The transcription factor Nrf2, encoded by the NFE2L2 gene, is an important regulator
of the cellular protection against oxidative stress. Parkinson’s disease is a
neurodegenerative disease highly associated with oxidative stress. In a previously
published study, we reported associations ofNFE2L2 haplotypes with risk and age at
onset of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease in a Swedish discovery material and a Polish
replication material. Here, we have extended the replication study and performed
meta-analyses including the Polish material and four new independent European
patient-control materials. Furthermore, all SNPs included in the haplotype windows
were investigated individually for associations with Parkinson’s disease in metaanalyses including all six materials.
Totally 1038 patients and 1600 control subjects were studied. Based on
previous NFE2L2 haplotype associations with Parkinson’s disease, five NFE2L2 tag
SNPs were genotyped by allelic discrimination and three functional NFE2L2 promoter
SNPs were genotyped by sequencing. The impact of individual SNPs and haplotypes on
risk and age at onset of Parkinson’s disease were investigated in each material
individually and in meta-analyses of the obtained results.
Meta-analyses of NFE2L2 haplotypes showed association of haplotype GAGCAAAA,
including the fully functional promoter haplotype AGC, with decreased risk (OR = 0.8
per allele, p = 0.012) and delayed onset (+1.1 years per allele, p = 0.048) of Parkinson’s
disease. These results support the previously observed protective effect of this
haplotype in the first study. Further, meta-analyses of the SNPs included in the
haplotypes revealed four NFE2L2 SNPs associated with age at onset of Parkinson’s
disease (rs7557529 G > A, −1.0 years per allele, p = 0.042; rs35652124 A > G,
−1.1 years per allele, p = 0.045; rs2886161 A > G, −1.2 years per allele, p = 0.021;
rs1806649 G > A, +1.2 years per allele, p = 0.029). One of these (rs35652124) is a
functional SNP located in theNFE2L2 promoter. No individual SNP was associated
with risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Our results support the hypothesis that variation in the NFE2L2 gene, encoding a
central protein in the cellular protection against oxidative stress, may contribute to
the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. Functional studies are now needed to explore
these results further.
Dr Stephanie Bezzina Wettinger
Senior. Lecturer, Department of Applied Biomedical Science, FHS
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Publishing, Research and Presentations
Dr Valdramidis co-edited the special issue entitled ‘Bioactive Natural Products:
Facts, Applications, and Challenges’.
Kourkoutas Y., Karatzas K. A.G. , Valdramidis V. P. and Chorianopoulos N. (2015)
published in the BioMed Research International.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/684109
The main objective of this special issue is to provide a
number of documents focused on the facts, applications,
and challenges of bioactive natural products and present
the methodologies in use for their effectiveness evaluation.
Moreover, the challenges that industry faces with respect to
the use of bioactive natural products as antimicrobial agents
in terms of safety and microbial growth prevention are
discussed. A better understanding of the proposed
Dr Vasilis Valdramidis
mechanisms of action for some natural compounds and
Senior. Lecturer,
.
relevant key molecular factors in bacterial biofilm formation
Department of Food
Studies &
and their regulation, such as the chemical signalization
Environmental Health,
machinery involved in bacteria-environment interaction, are
FHS
also referred to.
Furthermore, the application of high hydrostatic pressure treatment as a reliable
no thermal pasteurization method to extend the microbiological shelf life of
various foodstuffs is thoroughly discussed. Finally, the potential of various plantderived compounds to control pathogenic bacteria and especially the diverse
effects exerted by plant compounds on virulence factors that are critical for
pathogenicity is highlighted and assessed.
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Publishing, Research and Presentations
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Gowen A.A., Feng Y., Gaston E.,Valdramidis V. (2015)
‘Recent applications of hyper spectral imaging in microbiology’,
published in Talanta, Vol 37, pp 43-54
ABSTRACT
Hyperspectral chemical imaging (HSI) is a broad term encompassing spatially
resolved spectral data obtained through a variety of modalities (e.g.Raman
scattering, Fourier transform infrared microscopy, fluorescence and near-infrared
chemical imaging). It goes beyond the capabilities of conventional imaging and
spectroscopy by obtaining spatially resolved spectra from objects at spatial
resolutions varying from the level of single cells up to macroscopic objects
(e.g.foods). In tandem with recent developments in instrumentation and sampling
protocols, applications of HSI in microbiology have increased rapidly. This article
gives a brief overview of the fundamentals of HIS and a comprehensive review of
applications of HSI in microbiology over the past 10 years. Technical challenges and
future perspectives for these techniques a real so discussed.
Vasilis Valdramidis
Senior. Lecturer, Department of Food Studies & Environmental Health, FHS
Cassar V., Buttigieg S.C. (2015)
‘Psychological contract breach, organizational justice and emotional
well-being’, published in Emerrald - Personnel Review,Vol 44, lss22, pp196-203
ABSTRACT
Psychological contract breach, which represents instances
when organizations fail to fulfil their side of the employment
bargain, has been associated with salient concepts in
strategic human resources management. The purpose of this
paper is to investigate moderated mediated relationships
involving breach, organizational (procedural and
interactional) justice and emotional well-being.
Prof. Sandra Buttigieg
Head, Department of
Health Services
Managment, FHS
p s y c h o me t r ic a l ly
The study draws upon quantitative data collected by means
of a questionnaire that was administered to 620 full-time
technical and shop-floor employees in an automobile-parts
company in Malta. The questionnaire included
validated scales on breach, justice and well-being.
Breach partially mediated the relationship between justice and well-being while
justice levels did not differentiate this mediating effect except for interactional .
Cont. pg. 11
Publishing, Research and Presentations
justice. Finally, the interaction between procedural and interactional justice failed to
explain the mediating role of breach over and above their single contributions
although interactional justice seemed to make a bigger impact.
This study contributes towards a better understanding of the relationships between
breach, justice and well-being. The major limitation is that because of its crosssectional nature, causality cannot be inferred.
Given that managing the employment relationship impacts on how people feel and
hence perform, understanding how breach, justice and well-being are related, is
strategically important to human resources management.
Prof. Sandra Buttigieg co-edited the book entitled ‘International Best Practices
in Health Care Management’.
Buttigieg S., Von Eiff W., Rathert C. (2015) published by Emerald Group Publishing
Limited.
ABSTRACT
Significant variations in the quality of health care management practices are present
both within and across local, regional, and international health systems. With
increasing globalization of health services, both quality and efficiency of care can
benefit from shared learning on a regional and global basis.
Although systems and quality of health care delivery differ across the world,
empirical research has found that people involved in health care, whether in the role
of patients or health care providers, have similar
wants and needs. Identifying and documenting best
practices within and across countries is more
important than ever.
Best practices in health care management organize
clinical and administrative processes in ways that
achieve leapfrog results as compared to normal
standards in industry, potentially earning brand status.
Advances in Health Care Management Volume 17
helps to shape emerging thinking about best practices
in international health care management. The volume
is divided into two sections: a set of commentaries
from US and European scholars, and research articles
that compare two or more health systems and focus
on specific topics in health care delivery.
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Publishing, Research and Presentations
Ward M. (2015)
‘Funf-jahres-Herausforderung fur europaische Pflegende in der
Psychtrie: Wichtige Entwicklungsschritte (Five-year challenges for
European Psychiatric Nurses: Important development steps)’, published
in German in Psych Pflege Heute Vol 2(15), pp 87-91
ABSTRACT
Psychiatric and mental health nurses (PMHN) have always faced challenges, whether
they be academic, clinical or political. However, as we get half way through the
second decade of the 21st century it seems that those challenges have become
more sophisticated, more complex, and for many nurses working as clinicians, also
more remote from their work. Perhaps this is inevitable because the more we
know and do, the more we want to know and do. But, making sense of all the new
ideas and trying to influence their development is almost impossible for the average
nurse. For Horatio: European Psychiatric Nurses, representing 26 national
organisations and some estimated 350,000 nurses working with the mentally ill in
Europe, the task is no less daunting. The secret has to be to focus attention on the
things you can influence rather than trying to consider everything, and ultimately
doing nothing.
These areas can be divided into three: Professional (including clinical work and
practice development), Academic (including education and research) and Political
(both locally and Europe-wide), though of course these are not discreet sections
because they are all interlinked in some way or another. This paper explores each
of these areas in detail.
Mr Martin Ward
Head of Department of Mental Health, FHS
Xerox Work Centre 5335
Kindly note that a Xerox Work Centre (printer/copier/scanner) has been installed
for the use of all members of staff in Room 49 (Printing and Photocopying Facilities).
Email address' of all members of staff have been inputted in a directory and
Departmental Secretaries will soon give you the Departmental code to enter each
time you use this machine.
Please contact Nigel Mallett: nigel.s.mallett@um.edu.mt or
Nicolai Schembri:nicolai.schembri@um.edu.mt to request an
appointment to install the necessary software on your PC
that will enable you to use this copier as your printer.
Big thanks to Patrick, Nigel and Nicolai for their work in
making this possible.
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Paper comes from Trees…
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Environmental Effects of Paper Waste
Deforestation is the primary effect of our mindless use of paper. Conservation groups have
made an admirable headway in protecting ecologically rich forests and limiting commercial
access. This is great progress for mankind! Just imagine how long a tree will grow to its full
size…. We are only just realizing the wasted use of our trees - trees that give off oxygen
and protect the planet from further Global Warming.
Consequences of Depletion of Natural Resources
Paper pollution is another effect of paper waste and it’s a serious problem. It is estimated
that by 2020, paper mills will be producing 500,000,000 tons of paper and paperboard each
year! We obviously need this product and a reduction of use is not in the horizon. Pulp and
paper is the 3rd largest industrial polluter of air, water and soil. Chlorine-based bleaches are
used during production which results in toxic materials being released into our water, air
and soil. When paper rots, it emits methane gas which is 25 times more toxic than CO2.
10 Easy Ways to Reduce Paper Waste and Pollution
In North America, many paper companies are now modifying their processes to reduce the
formation of dioxins. Dioxin is a toxic by-product of the manufacture of paper and it is a
carcinogen. We are now seeking renewable sources of paper so we don’t have to cut down
our beautiful life-giving trees.
What can you do from your end to reduce paper pollution and waste?
 Recycle all your paper waste.
 Be a conscious consumer and buy “100% post-consumer waste recycled”. Buy recycled
paper materials or materials that came from sustainable managed forests.
 In the office, reuse paper. If you’ve only used one side for example, collect them instead of
throwing them away. You can bind these sheets and make a notebook using the other side.
This small effort reduces paper waste by 50%
 If you already have a scanned copy of a file, don’t print it anymore unless really needed.
 Use email instead of paper when communicating with clients and customers.
 Reduce the use of paper cups and disposable paper plates by keeping reusable items in the
office pantry.
 Encourage your officemates and friends to recycle their paper by putting them in recycling
bins.
 Insist on “Process Chlorine Free” paper materials.
 Buy products with the least paper packaging. Encourage businesses that follow
environment friendly practices.
 Take advantage of the latest technologies like tablets, computers and smart phones to
keep your files and notes.
 As a consumer, the way you use and dispose of paper and other paper products greatly
affect our paper waste. These small efforts on your part will be a valuable
contribution in the resolution of our pollution problems today.
As a consumer, the way you use and dispose of paper and other paper
products greatly affect our paper waste. These small efforts on your part
will be a valuable contribution in the resolution of our pollution problems
today.
Announcements / Notices
New Baby :)
Suspension of Lectures 29 April 2015 - UMASA AGM
UMASA is holding an AGM on Wednesday 29 April 2015.\
Lectures are being suspended on that day from 1200hrs noon to 1400hrs.
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Notices
Call for Applications: Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Teaching/Training
(Deadline: 22 May)
A call for applications has been issued for University of Malta Academic/
Administrative/ Technical staff interested in participating in an Erasmus+ mobility
programme.
The Staff Mobility for Teaching/Training may be carried out by University members
of staff appointed by Council (full-time and visiting staff). In both cases the home
and the host institutions should ensure that the visiting beneficiary’s contribution
is an integral part of an academic programme or the day-to-day work of the host
institution.
Both the Staff Mobility for Teaching/Training must be carried out at a Higher
Education Institution that is a holder of an Erasmus+ University Charter, and with
whom the University of Malta has a signed Bilateral Agreement for the academic
year 2015/16. Click here to download the list of placements for the Erasmus+
mobility programme.
The eligibility period of the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Teaching/Training will be
between 15 September 2015 and the 30 September 2016. Academic/
Administrative/ Technical staff are advised that the duration of their Erasmus+
mobility may vary between a minimum of 2 days up to a maximum duration of 2
months. Academic staff are required to conduct a minimum of 8 teaching hours
per week during their Erasmus+ mobility.
Erasmus+ beneficiaries will need to make travel arrangements for their mobility
period up to one day before and one day after the actual Staff Mobility for
Teaching/Training, in order to be eligible for the subsistence grants.
Interested applicants are advised to refer to the following links for more
information regarding the application and the procedure of the programme:
Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Teaching
www.um.edu.mt/int-eu/erasmusplus/teachingassignments
Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Training
www.um.edu.mt/int-eu/erasmusplus/stafftraining
For further information, kindly contact:
Ms Maria Vella
International & EU Office
Tel: +356 2340 3416 Email: maria.vella@um.edu.mt or erasmus@um.edu.mt
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Notices
The Training Event Programme can be viewed via this link and if you would like to
participate in this event, kindly fill in the online registration form.
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Notices
TheThe Employee Health and Well Being Unit within Mater Dei Hospital will be
organizing a 5Km Road Race on Sunday 10th May 2015 at 8:30 am. This event will
be open to all hospital staff and the general public.
For further details kindly contact Ms Monica Camilleri by e-mail or on 2545 4125
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Notices
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